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M. Leighton
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The Beautiful Now Kindle Edition

by M. Leighton (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 202 ratings
From New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author M. Leighton comes an epic tale of a love so deep that it defies all the odds, breaks all the rules, and promises never to die.

Dane James worked my stepfather’s fields. He was the boy next door.

Strong.
Hardworking.
Forbidden.

From the moment we met, we were star-crossed lovers—always wanting, never having. We loved each other for most of our lives, but right from the beginning destiny had other plans. She knew we would fall in love. She knew we would fall apart. Over and over again, like the curse of a recurring nightmare. Or the hope of a familiar dream.

Our past was tumultuous. Our future was bleak. But the one thing we always had was the beautiful now.

Until that was taken from us, too.
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  1. Print length
    463 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    September 24, 2017
  5. File size
    1.8 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is the best book that I have read in 2017 yet!!" -- Heidi, My Girlfriend's Couch

"Once again I am blown away by all things Leighton. Beautiful story, amazing plot, crafted writing...this book was everything. Reading it you see it play out in your mind as a movie and I didn't want to ever see those end credits roll. I just needed it to keep going. And I am hoping and praying we may get more. Please let there be more. 5 Beautiful Stars!" - Mandy, I Read Indie

"The Beautiful Now is exactly that - Beautiful. It's love story of epic proportions." -- Courtney, Read-Love Blog

"I truly wish I could give this one more five stars, I would definitely give 10 if I could. This is one of those books, you just know from the beginning is going to pull at your heartstrings and it really does. I've read of ton of books this year and this one just moved to the top of my favorites list." -- Catherine, Cat's Guilty Pleasure "What I loved was that their story transcends the span of 22 years and shows that love can last forever even when all the odds are stacked against you. That there is always a way even when we think all hope is lost. That even when we do what we think is best and hurt the ones we love that their is forgiveness to be found and second chances are a blessing not to be taken lightly. And when faced with the harsh realities of life, love can still prevail over all." -- Jennifer, Book Starlets "I started reading - and I kept on reading. I couldn't stop. It was all so heartbreakingly sad and beautiful and sweet and frustrating and I just could not stop." -- Bianca, BJ's Book Blog "It stands out amongst most of the second chance romances I've read, though. I'm not sure I can put my finger on exactly why it stands out so much, but I do know it felt completely unique in its structure and delivery. The characters were interesting and unique, their relationship transcendent." -- Sarah, A Literary Perusal

"...this book was every damn thing." -- Rosemarie, GR reviewer

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B075XH9178
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ M. Leighton Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 24, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.8 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 463 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1976544897
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Best Sellers Rank: #1,530,412 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 202 ratings

About the author

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M. Leighton

M. Leighton

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a rarely ever comfortable speaking about herself in the third person, but here goes. Michelle is a former nurse who has always harbored a passion for the written word, a weakness for alpha males, and a profound love of all things romantic. Never in her wildest dreams did this Yankee-turned-Southerner imagine her life as it is today. She has the best job in the world, a husband who treats her like a princess, and a dog that's so smart she may one day write a novel, too. You can often find Michelle hidden away in her cave, crafting a new story, or out in the sunshine enjoying some quiet time with her man. Movies, wine, and good food are frequently thrown into the mix, and exercise on days that start with Q. She loves laughter, chocolate, the color red, and you can find out more about her at www.mleightonbooks.com. Sign up for her newsletter here: http://smarturl.it/MLeightonNews She promises not to spam your inbox:)

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
202 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers describe this book as an emotional roller coaster ride that pulls at heartstrings, with one review noting its epic story about life and love. Customers praise the author's beautiful writing style and find the characters interesting. Customers appreciate the book's strength, with one describing it as "everlasting."

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Heartfelt storyStory qualityBeautyCharacter developmentStrength
13 customers mention "Heartfelt story"13 positive0 negative

Customers describe this book as an emotional roller coaster that pulls at heart strings and makes readers cry, with one customer noting it's about hope and love.

"...The Beautiful Now is a tear jerker and a heart breaker. I went from the very highest of highs to the lowest of lows and back again...." Read more

"...But she also mended it and made my heart sing...." Read more

"...Dane and Brinkley the author has given us a story that shows love, hope, trust and giving of oneself to another...." Read more

"This story was as heartbreaking as it was heart healing. Brinkley is the type of female character I love...." Read more

12 customers mention "Story quality"12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of the book, with one customer describing it as an epic tale of life and love, while another notes its twists and turns throughout the narrative.

"This was undoubtedly a beautiful story, it had all the elements to make up a heart-wrenching sob-fest...." Read more

"...The Beautiful Now is exactly that - Beautiful. It's love story of epic proportions...." Read more

"...What I loved was that their story transcends the span of 22 years and shows that love can last forever even when all the odds are stacked against you..." Read more

"...has given us a story that shows love, hope, trust and giving of oneself to another...." Read more

9 customers mention "Beauty"9 positive0 negative

Customers praise the author's beautiful romances and writing style.

"...The Beautiful Now is exactly that - Beautiful. It's love story of epic proportions...." Read more

"...myself how could someone be so callous and so cruel, to these beautiful young adults...." Read more

"...Thank God for you and the talent He gave you. You write absolutely beautiful romances. Can't wait for your next release...." Read more

"...This story made me cry, laugh, Hope and see the most beautiful love story." Read more

5 customers mention "Character development"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters interesting in the book.

"...The characters were interesting and unique, their relationship transcendent...." Read more

"...This author brings so much depth and emotions to her characters that I could not help but be drawn into the story...." Read more

"...You'll fall in love with the characters, you'll even hate some of them. I felt like I was in the story watching it play out. “..." Read more

"...This author pulls at your heart strings. You love her characters, they pull you in and for me, her male characters just make me melt...." Read more

3 customers mention "Strength"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's strength, with one describing it as everlasting.

"...Brinkley was amazing, she was so strong and amazing. The way that she was with Celina was so wonderful...." Read more

"...Brinkley is the type of female character I love. She's fierce, strong, independent, and she loves without regret! Dane is fantastic also!..." Read more

"Solid as the rock!!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Court0517
    5.0 out of 5 stars ALL THE BEAUTIFUL NOW STARS 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
    Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    ALL THE STARS!!!!

    Damnit, Michelle. You pulled at this momma's heart strings, big time. How I made it through this book without ruining my kindle from the tears falling, is beyond me. This book is just so much of everything, I have no idea where to start or what to say.

    The Beautiful Now is exactly that - Beautiful. It's love story of epic proportions. It's not just about the love between a man and a woman, but a mom and dad and their child. It's about the love we have for another that runs so deep, we'd do anything so that the other person is living a happy life, even it means we have to give up our lives for them. Damnit, I am crying writing this review. This is what book did to me. All the feels.

    Michelle's previous book, The Empty Jar, she made my heart ached; with this book, my heart took another beating of epic proportions. And it hurt for some many different aspects in this book. But she also mended it and made my heart sing. I laughed at the silly nuisances between Brinkley and Celina; I cried over the heartache that these two had to endure; I felt hope and love between them all.

    I love that Michelle tells this story from Brinkley's POV in both the past and present. It helps show the undying love between Dane and Brinkley; how something that deep can never be severed - no matter the time, no matter the reason. It's soul crushing. Even though they knew everything was against and they could never be, they still chose to try. But fighting the inevitable, hurt them more in the long run.

    Dane - wow, that man is something is else. I love that he never cared what anyone else thought. He lived his life the way he wanted and chose not to let anyone's opinion sway him. His strength bled into Brinkley. He was her rock.

    As a mother, this book really hit home for me. I pray I never go through anything that Brinkley did with her daughter. But that unconditional love is something as a parent you just can't explain, it is just there from the beginning and only grows stronger with each beat of their little heart. The closeness that Brinkley and Celina share as mother and daughter is raw and honest and it's one I have with my own daughter - I would give anything for her. She's my sunshine, my reason.

    This was another emotional read from Michelle. She doesn't hold back on taking you to the heart and soul of a story. She gives you everything that reaches deep within you. I highly recommend this book to everyone. But know that going in, your soul will get blasted and come back feeling refreshed.

    Thank you Michelle for writing another epic story about life and love. My heart goes through the ringer with your books, but I am forever grateful to experience everything I do with your books. I felt this book deep in my bones. <3

    "We didn't have a future. We couldn't possibly. We both knew it. But we had the now. The beautiful now. And that was better than nothing."
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Jennifer ~ Book Starlets
    5.0 out of 5 stars Read this Beautiful book NOW!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    What can I say, book after book Michelle just knocks them out of the park! Her books are full of emotional roller coaster rides that you never want to get off. The Beautiful Now is a tear jerker and a heart breaker. I went from the very highest of highs to the lowest of lows and back again. It's not just this story either, its the way she delivers it, how you don't see things coming till they slam into you. With the way she's written this book, you get just enough in areas to leave you frustrated and wanting more.

    Dane and Brinkley's story will break you down with the manipulative and conniving adults that they both encounter and endure. It will infuriate you and evoke very passionate feelings of hatred for them all. I sat asking myself how could someone be so callous and so cruel, to these beautiful young adults. How could a parent not see their child for the blessing that they are. How could Brinkley be such an amazing person after everything that she had endured.

    What I loved was that their story transcends the span of 22 years and shows that love can last forever even when all the odds are stacked against you. That there is always a way even when we think all hope is lost. That even when we do what we think is best and hurt the ones we love that their is forgiveness to be found and second chances are a blessing not to be taken lightly. And when faced with the harsh realities of life, love can still prevail over all.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Sarah Arndt
    4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, unique second-chance romance.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This was undoubtedly a beautiful story, it had all the elements to make up a heart-wrenching sob-fest. I loved a lot of this story, it was unexpected both in the setup and the story-telling. Once I got into the story I was entranced, it did take me a while to become fully invested in Brinkley and Dane’s story, though.

    The Beautiful Now is a second (or maybe third or fourth) chance romance. It stands out amongst most of the second chance romances I’ve read though. I’m not sure I can put my finger on exactly why it stands out so much, but I do know it felt completely unique in its structure and delivery. The characters were interesting and unique, their relationship transcendent.

    What made this book work so well was how Ms. Leighton juxtaposed the desperate love of their past with the jaded reticence of their present. I appreciated that we got entire passages from the past peppered throughout the story, rather than getting a glimpse here or a flashback there. Getting to experience the entirety of their time together at a specific age made those experiences more real and the feelings they wrought more effective and lingering.

    My hands down favorite element of this book was the reason Brinkley returned to a home and a town she hated. It was also the catalyst that caused her to flee in the first place. It is what gave this book a flavor all its own, and likely what made it outshine so many other second chance romances I’ve read.

    I did have a hard time getting into this book at the beginning. The first quarter, or so, was a little slow for my liking but as I read I realized those slow scenes - all of that little, seemingly inconsequential ‘stuff’ I didn’t connect with – was vital to setting up how Brinkley ended up in the last place anyone would ever ask to be in.

    The Beautiful Now was a wonderful commentary on societal perceptions and expectations, as well as parental pressure and understanding. I appreciated how M. Leighton was able to delicately comment on how easily a society can skew a parent’s perception of what is the right thing for their own child. And how she then turned that type of right and wrong into something so much larger than I could have ever expected.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • MLM 66
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful... emotional and so much more!! 5*+
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    WOW what a beautiful inspirational story, I have to say though I couldn’t help feeling a little anxious going into this because I’m very aware of what M. Leighton is capable of, especially with the standalone stories so I tried to prepare myself... it didn’t really work I was still caught off guard.
    There is so much to learn from this story. Dane and Brinkley’s love for each other never wavered, circumstances and certain people may have forced them apart, fifteen years may have passed but as we witness Brinkley coming home with her daughter Celina, knowing what she might be coming back too...you couldn’t help feeling a little concerned.
    We’ve just had our first hint that something is wrong with Celina add to that... we know this is Dane’s daughter, we also know Dane doesn’t know, already you’re mind is working overdrive then if that isn’t enough Brinkley gets a frosty welcome from her mother... some things never change the only positive thing to be thankful for is Alton the stepfather is no more.
    Being home stirs up a lot of memories for Brinkley, she has know idea that Dane never moved away... Dane has know idea that Brinkley is back let alone with their daughter.
    It’s only a matter of time before their paths cross again and when they do it’s brief and a little tense which is to be expected but you have to feel full of hope.
    Dane and Brinkley are soon sneeking off to the rock just like they did when they were younger. As they catch-up with each other we soon learn a few things, one of them being a shock revelation about Alton and Dane now being in a position he never could of dreamed of but while Dane is telling all Brinkley is not.
    This story is so touching in parts for obvious reasons not only because of Dane and Brinkley but Celina too, you are on the edge waiting and wondering when and how will Dane find out that Celina is his daughter, you have the fall out of that to come and on top of that Celina’s health is in question add to that Brinkley’s mother needs heart surgery which comes as a shock but more surprising is the lack of the frosty attitude... it seems to have disappeared.
    The situation with Celina is very worrying, it’s touch and go and it becomes unbearable, emotions are running high as we hope for positive outcome.
    There are still plenty of tears at the end but they are happy tears... beautiful family....beautiful epilogue!
    Nothing is rushed The Beautiful Now is written with such care and attention but I wouldn’t expect anything less from this brilliant author.!
    Thank you..
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  • Andrea
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5 beautiful stars!!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    M. Leighton has done it again, A MUST READ!!!
    As usual I’m left with a huge book hangover after an emotional roller coaster ride that I didn’t want to end.
    I am never disappointed whenever I read an M. Leighton book, in fact I don't even need to read the synopsis - I just 1-click, and this was no exception. I absolutely loved it and ADORE Dane and Brinkley!!!

    The Beautiful Now had me hooked from the very first page and I couldn't put it down. I have shouted, screamed, sobbed and sighed my way through Michelle's latest masterpiece and I finished with tears in my eyes,a warm fuzzy feeling hugging my heart and not knowing what to do next. This book definitely gave me 'all the feels and more'.

    There is so much I could say about this book but really, all you need to know about is it's a truly beautiful, heartwarming epic tale of love transcending through time and proving that true love will always find a way.

    The Beautiful Now will hurt your heart but it will also lift it and I can’t recommend it highly enough!
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  • Marian Chawner
    5.0 out of 5 stars What an absolutely beautifully written, emotional heart rendering novel
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 26, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    What an absolutely beautifully written, emotional heart rendering novel. Michelle has such a delightful way of describing human emotions. All her novels are thought Provoking. This particular one makes you both happy sad, with twists turns and totally unable to second guess any outcome. Dane and Brinkley's story is absolutely stunning. Such strength. Such denial. Mistrust, and love of each other and Celine. Brinkley's momma I could throttle on occasion, but Alton is totally despicable. So many fickle characters, and yet so many loving ones. I feel the story speaks for itself, and needs to be allowed to do so. I leave the story with a very load agh, but I also needed a good supply of tissues. This is definitely about patience. Good will always win against evil. The things you want most will come to you in the end, but no path is smooth. As you reap so shall ye sow. A fantastic journey that is an absolute must to start, by reading this excellent 5 star plus novel.
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  • aysha
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another heartfelt amazing journey
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 28, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This book and the two previous books by leighton pocketfull of sand and the empty jar have shown a profound switch in writing styles. I cant explain without sounding patronising but you really connect with the characters you can feel the emotions as your own and it hits deep. Not on a superficial hunky guy that gets the girl and its all happy ever after but really true love commitment passion and pain. You invest in the characters and only wish that in real life that their is hope to find such deep abiding love.... that spans over years and tragedies and heartache. Brinkley and dane just capture your heart and the circumstances that forces them apart just makes you cry. I like the humour and picks up the mood when it can feel overwhelming. Beautiful beautiful read.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Happy tears
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 26, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Oh my gosh. Laughter, happy tears, sad tears, loyalty, battle against societies dictates covered in a soul deep love. Loved this book.
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