The Wonder of Now (Sanctuary Sound #3)

Like the previous Sanctuary Sound novels, I had a hard time putting this one down. Started at about 1 am, finished at 8:30 am, with 2 hours of sleep near the middle. An abundance of throwaway references (Battlestar Galactica, Clemson football, Hallmark Channel movies, and unfortunately, Fabio) and unfamiliar words (love the kindle dictionary function). But enough about trivial stuff. This is the story of Peyton Prescott, the worst BFF ever, who stole Claire\’s boyfriend Todd, and Todd took off when Peyton was diagnosed with breast cancer. During her battle, her brother Logan convinced her to bare her soul in a memoir framed by his photographs of her journey. She embarks on a European tour to promote the book, headed by Mitch Mathis, who has just started his book PR business. Mitch battles his demons, losing his father to cancer in his early teen years and stepping up to help his mother and much younger sister, and being victimized by a workplace romance that turned sour. Despite their mutual attraction, both Peyton and Mitch battle their demons as well as the demons of the other. A confrontation with Todd finally brings Peyton a clear understanding of her betrayal of Claire, and this understanding shatters Peyton. Surprisingly, Claire plays a pivotal role in defending Peyton and finally bringing Peyton and Mitch together. Ms. Beck has a way of bringing her characters to life, and creates sharp, realistic dialogue that ranges from humorous, to emotionally charged, to loving. Mitch changes along the way, becoming more forceful in dealing with his mother and sister, and learning to absorb some of Peyton\’s view about enjoying life. Ms. Beck managed to change my view of Peyton from an entitled, self-absorbed woman to a sympathetic, empathetic character. Bravo!

THE WONDER OF NOW is an emotional, uplifting read. Jamie Beck gives readers a heartfelt story about breast cancer survivor of one year, Peyton Prescott, and her journey to once again engage in a normal life, to become a more selfless person and to not be defined by her cancer. Her journey is fraught with challenges giving her pause and complicating many of the decisions she needs to be making. The author does not sugarcoat the depth of Peyton\’s trials, tribulations, successes and failures. Ms Beck presents an honest, authentic, caring, easy to connect with portrait of what it could be like for others who are on the same journey as Peyton. Being a cancer survivor, too, I appreciated the author\’s approach. Throughout the story, the readers will encounter a few surprises which increase the intensity of the plot and one book lovers will find intriguing. These surprises are one of the aspects of Jamie Beck\’s writing I sincerely prize! If I were able to award an unlimited star rating to THE WONDER OF NOW, I would! Its worthiness is proven from the opening chapter through the epilogue. Ms Beck deserves a resounding ovation for this masterpiece!

Peyton Prescott has written a memoir about her battle with breast cancer, illustrated with photos from her brother Logan. Now she has to embark on a book tour of Europe with her hunky publicist Mitch Mathis. Mitch is trying to get his new business going as well as dealing with family issues. But there\’s an instant attraction when the two meet at the airport to leave for Italy. I read the first two books in the series where Peyton is the villain, so maybe that prejudiced me some, but I could never warm up to her in some ways. Her fears and battle with cancer are stark and admirable in how she deals with them, but there was also a lot of the spoiled rich girl in her complaints about the book tour and her insistence on adding in other spots to visit. Her tantrums at book readings annoyed me, even if it was Todd. Mitch is a sweetheart and carried the book for me. It was nice to see him finally stand up to his mother and sister a bit finally. I\’m not a fan of the insta-love that happened here and I thought the ending was a cliche. Ms. Beck always writes a good book; this just wasn\’t my favorite of hers.

If you followed the Sanctuary Sound series until now then you are familiar with who Peyton is. If not get caught up and feel the full impact of The Wonder of Now. This book and its feels. Pass the tissue and hold on tight. Peyton is everything and so much more in this one. She is a survivor and yet you still get this feeling with her that there is more to her. I love how she shines in this one. You get the good, the bad and the ugly. When Mitch enters the picture you can\’t help but hope that he is what is missing with Peyton. I love Mitch. He is a hard worker and yet loves his family so. He is a fixer and peacemaker. Throughout The Wonder of Now, you see a wonderful transformation in both Mitch and Peyton. They have this slow-building relationship that you can\’t help but love. I have to say this is my favorite book in the series. I laughed some and got misty-eyed while reading this one. I couldn\’t put it down.

A very poignant, but graphic insight view of à wealthy young woman who battles with thé dreaded disease of Breast Cancer and not only writes her mémoir\’s with the help of her beloved brother\’s photographic skills with the illustrations included in the book. But went on an European tour with her publicist to promote and boost sales, half of which going to the Cancer charity. Her bravery to do this is somewhat the ultimate sacrifice anyone can do to help other sufferers and their familiers and carers who care for them. And along the way finds love with her publicist who accompanies her on her tour. Peyton, who also coped with the guilt of betraying her best friend by dating her boyfriend and then he left her when she discovered her cancer. Fortunately her friend Claire found love with Peyton\’s brother, Logan. Which left Peyton to strive to be forgiven for her betrayal. A truly beautiful story and one that anyone battling with this terrible disease can gain some strengh and courage to overcome such adversity. At first, reading this book, I didn\’t think I could read this story to the end, but I percevered and I\’m so glad I did, because it was story to help and inform cancer différées everywhere. Well done.

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member