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McKenzie Family Romance #1
All That Really Matters
2022 Christy and Carol Award WinnerMolly McKenzie's bright personality and on-trend fashion and beauty advice have made her a major social media influencer. When her manager-turned-boyfriend tells her of an upcoming audition to host a makeover show for America's underprivileged youth, all her dreams finally seem to be coming true. There's just one she has little experience interacting with people in need. To gain an edge on her competitors, she plans to volunteer for the summer at a transitional program for aged-out foster kids, but the program's director, Silas Whittaker, doesn't find her as charming as her followers do. Despite his ridiculous rules and terms, Molly dives into mentoring, surprising herself with the genuine connections and concern she quickly develops for the girls--and Silas. But just as everything seems perfectly aligned for her professional future, it starts to crumble under the pressure. And as her once-narrow focus opens to the deep needs of those she's come to know, she must face the ones she's neglected inside herself for so long."In Deese's charming fish-out-of-water tale, a social media influencer finds humility and purpose while trying to find fame. . . . Deese combines to great effect her bracing take on those affected by foster care and Molly's personal evolution. Fans of Rachel Hauck should take a look."--Publishers Weekly
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2021
362 people are currently reading
6737 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Deese
19 books2,213 followersNicole Deese is a Christy and Carol Award-winning, bestselling author of hope-filled, humorous, and heartfelt contemporary romance novels. When she's not sorting out character arcs and story plots of her own, she can usually be found listening to an audiobook and multitasking at least four different chores at once. She’s a hoarder of sparkling water, a lover of long walks and even longer talks with friends, and a seeker of fun and adventure at all times.
She lives in small-town, Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two freakishly tall teenage sons, and one princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
To learn more, visit www.nicoledeese.com.
She lives in small-town, Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two freakishly tall teenage sons, and one princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
To learn more, visit www.nicoledeese.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 791 reviews
April 6, 2021
Nicole Deese has written her best novel yet in my humble opinion. I couldn't put it down. Why? I loved everything about it! Being in the jewelry fashion industry for 30 years and loving missions, this book was right up my alley. The heroine was authentic and adorable. She is the kind of gal you'd want as your bestie. And the hero, well he may be my new book boyfriend. In fact, he is my new book boyfriend. My emotions were all over the place. This book has lots of fun humor and it also had some sweet heartwarming scenes that made me tear up. And, of course romance. Ahh! Sweet romance.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
March 7, 2022
A good story, and well-written...but not exactly guy-friendly. Too much focus on makeup, beauty, and the female protagonist's chest.
April 21, 2021
A slow pace contemporary christian romance, All That Really Matters conveys a heart warming message. A social media influencer, Molly is presented with an opportunity to further develop her brand. After aligning herself with an altruistic organization, Molly quickly builds deep friendships and bonds. Not only does she find joy in making an impact in the lives of others, but her dreams begin to evolve as well.
Sweet and likeable characters. This story had a steady pace, and did not include a heightened climax. Personally All That Really Matters illustrates a very significant meaning.
Many thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sweet and likeable characters. This story had a steady pace, and did not include a heightened climax. Personally All That Really Matters illustrates a very significant meaning.
Many thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2021
This book is a must read!! Thanks to the amazing, diverse characters (secondary ones included), all the feels of romance, and personal growth of the characters I read this in one sitting.
This book has it all. You'll get romance and lots of swoons from the hero Silas Whittaker, who is absolutely perfect. Not without flaws obviously, but everything you cheer for in a hero.
Then the heroine goes through an awesome growth. Molly McKenzie has had a pretty easy life but when conflict hits, we (and she) find out what she's made of.
And I adored the cast of secondary characters. They provided comic relief, spiritual challenges, and added depth to the story. And three cheers for diversity again! I loved that there were different ethnicities represented.
All in all, it's Nicole Deese at her finest, giving us a book that touches our heart and begs us to be the change in a world desperate for neighborly love.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review was not required nor influenced.
This book has it all. You'll get romance and lots of swoons from the hero Silas Whittaker, who is absolutely perfect. Not without flaws obviously, but everything you cheer for in a hero.
Then the heroine goes through an awesome growth. Molly McKenzie has had a pretty easy life but when conflict hits, we (and she) find out what she's made of.
And I adored the cast of secondary characters. They provided comic relief, spiritual challenges, and added depth to the story. And three cheers for diversity again! I loved that there were different ethnicities represented.
All in all, it's Nicole Deese at her finest, giving us a book that touches our heart and begs us to be the change in a world desperate for neighborly love.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review was not required nor influenced.
April 8, 2021
I'll be real honest with you here. I wasn't too sure of this book at first.
It starts out with a young woman, a beauty influencer she is stuck on herself, in my opinion a fake person. She does beauty vlogs,promotes beauty products,sells her face while selling beauty products and building her followers on all the social media sites. Now that is not me and I don't like fake friendly people who are in it for the sales and follows.
But then..........
While trying to boost the number of followers she has she has to do something to make herself look good and not in a physical way but in a way to impress people through community service and showing herself in a more approachable and realistic way.
This woman gets hit hard and I mean hard with a realistic dose of life.
It's no longer about kitten heels and self tanners but she does discover what really is important.
And believe me it's not a pretty face and massive amounts of followers.
Suddenly her volunteering with these teens has given her new meaning in life. I believe it was just as beneficial to her bringing out the best in these teens as it is to them.
This book is so realistic it's like a real wake up call to go above and beyond what we see in ourselves, like ripping off the blindfold and we are finally able to see what is really important. Absolutely Amazing and I highly recommend this book!
Pub Date 06 Apr 2021
It starts out with a young woman, a beauty influencer she is stuck on herself, in my opinion a fake person. She does beauty vlogs,promotes beauty products,sells her face while selling beauty products and building her followers on all the social media sites. Now that is not me and I don't like fake friendly people who are in it for the sales and follows.
But then..........
While trying to boost the number of followers she has she has to do something to make herself look good and not in a physical way but in a way to impress people through community service and showing herself in a more approachable and realistic way.
This woman gets hit hard and I mean hard with a realistic dose of life.
It's no longer about kitten heels and self tanners but she does discover what really is important.
And believe me it's not a pretty face and massive amounts of followers.
Suddenly her volunteering with these teens has given her new meaning in life. I believe it was just as beneficial to her bringing out the best in these teens as it is to them.
This book is so realistic it's like a real wake up call to go above and beyond what we see in ourselves, like ripping off the blindfold and we are finally able to see what is really important. Absolutely Amazing and I highly recommend this book!
Pub Date 06 Apr 2021
November 5, 2021
A fantastic story! More than just a love story; it had grit, grace, and a great cause. The life lessons that Molly learned over the course of the book were relatable and beautiful to read about. I loved it. I love Silas. New favourite author here!
October 5, 2024
Such a tremendous story! Totally satisfying, no OTT characters, forgiveness, reconciliation etc. Ideal for any young adult or teen as it is quite trendy and relevant for that age group indeed. I was so pleased to read the Christian content and spiritual themes as the main character realized what did matter most as the title goes :) Certainly worth recommending as my 21 year old daughter wanted me to enjoy this book as much as she had; being a favourite of hers. Some characters are typical with their selfish and weasel type ways of course but it showed what seems like all is lost per say, God is working behind the scenes as He truly is the one who cares and works out all things for own good.
I will gladly read more by this inspired and talented author for she passes my so called "one chance" that I give these days.
I will gladly read more by this inspired and talented author for she passes my so called "one chance" that I give these days.
July 23, 2021
LOVE! I expected this book to be charming & humorous, and it was. What I did not expect was the depth of emotion Molly, Wren & Silas's stories would churn up as the characters pulled me into their world. I appreciated the theme of how God enables us to most truly be who we are & does not expect carbon copies, the emphasis on the power of fostering, adopting & mentoring, and the example of how social media can be used for good. Worthwhile, satisfying, moving--this is a story to savor!
If you have an audiobook subscription, use a credit on this book! If you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription, borrow it now!
Thanks so much to author Nicole Deese for the audiobook giveaway.
If you have an audiobook subscription, use a credit on this book! If you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription, borrow it now!
Thanks so much to author Nicole Deese for the audiobook giveaway.
June 20, 2022
Another new favorite author alert! This was the first Nicole Deese book I have read and it won’t be the last! WOW, 5 STARS – a new favorite of 2022 and of all time. I absolutely loved the story, characters, journey and lessons learned here.
Molly McKenzie is a huge social media influencer in the online beauty and fashion world. Her manager-turned-boyfriend tells her about an upcoming audition to host a makeover show for America’s underprivileged youth. To gain an edge on her competition, she plans to volunteer for the summer at a transitional program for aged-out foster kids, but the program’s director, Silas Whittaker, doesn’t seem to find her as charming as her followers do. Silas decides to allow her to be a mentor in their program and Molly begins a journey of self-reflection and heart transformation to learning all about what really matters in life.
I absolutely loved this story. It really shows us how we can get so wrapped up in the online social media platforms, losing sight of reality and what really matters.
Molly experienced some of the best character growth I have ever seen in a story. Silas was amazing. I loved how open he was and understanding. I also loved how the conflicts in this romance is not like typical romance tropes – with each other. It has the conflicts of real life situations and the characters working together and grace upon grace being given to others.
The faith in this story is sprinkled throughout with mentions of God, prayer and learning to trust Him and His plan in the situations the characters were going through.
The details at The Bridge with all of the teenagers was incredibly eye opening to those in need and how many are left behind.
This book has so much beauty, grace, humor, heart and love – a perfect contemporary romance with characters you completely root for! Go Molly and Silas! (AND VAL + ALL THE KIDS!) What a PERFECT ending! I was cheering you all on the entire time.
Molly McKenzie is a huge social media influencer in the online beauty and fashion world. Her manager-turned-boyfriend tells her about an upcoming audition to host a makeover show for America’s underprivileged youth. To gain an edge on her competition, she plans to volunteer for the summer at a transitional program for aged-out foster kids, but the program’s director, Silas Whittaker, doesn’t seem to find her as charming as her followers do. Silas decides to allow her to be a mentor in their program and Molly begins a journey of self-reflection and heart transformation to learning all about what really matters in life.
I absolutely loved this story. It really shows us how we can get so wrapped up in the online social media platforms, losing sight of reality and what really matters.
Molly experienced some of the best character growth I have ever seen in a story. Silas was amazing. I loved how open he was and understanding. I also loved how the conflicts in this romance is not like typical romance tropes – with each other. It has the conflicts of real life situations and the characters working together and grace upon grace being given to others.
The faith in this story is sprinkled throughout with mentions of God, prayer and learning to trust Him and His plan in the situations the characters were going through.
The details at The Bridge with all of the teenagers was incredibly eye opening to those in need and how many are left behind.
This book has so much beauty, grace, humor, heart and love – a perfect contemporary romance with characters you completely root for! Go Molly and Silas! (AND VAL + ALL THE KIDS!) What a PERFECT ending! I was cheering you all on the entire time.
April 3, 2021
All That Really Matters is the third novel by Nicole Deese that I've read and is absolutely my favorite so far. I felt so deeply while reading this novel. That depth of emotion coupled with the stellar first-person narration, and the excellent characterization and development had me head over heels for this story. I did think that I might not have a lot in common with our main character Molly - she's into all things beauty, and I wear spit up on my shirt most days and have to think pretty hard about when I last washed my hair. I tend to have very little in common outwardly with most beauty influences. Well, my bad for judging the book by its character because it wasn’t long before I adored Molly. And don't even get me started on the Duke of Fir Crest Manor, I mean, Silas. Oh, he is just a dream of a male lead. It’s a lovely case of opposites attracting, with quiet, reserved Silas clashing with vivacious and outgoing Molly. The amount of grace that the characters show each other is beautiful and so authentic: “Love lives in the hard places with us because that’s what sets it apart. That’s what makes it love.”
And y’all, this is not a small book. It’s not quite a chunky read, but we are talking about solid book that comes in at 406 pages. I flew threw my Kindle galley copy like it was an easy, breezy 200-pages. However, that is not saying anything about the depth of the story and the weightier themes that the story embraces. There are some lifelike issues here, but it’s also one of the most uplifting stories I’ve had the pleasure to read in a long time. Talk about an organic faith element. I never felt it was too didactic or overly explained; it all flows so well throughout the course of the story in such a heart-tugging way. The secondary characters are vibrant and fully realized throughout the story, whether it’s the staff and residents of The Bridge, Molly’s brother, or her bestie, Val. The plot is engaging and flows with an impressive ease. Deese also gave perfect little hints about the upcoming story featuring Molly’s brother, Miles, and Val – I am so excited to read that come spring 2022.
If I had been reading the print copy, I would have hugged this book. And book hugs are saved for the reads that make my heart say “oh!” in the best way possible. All That Really Matters is one of my favorite reads of 2021. What a beautiful book inside and out!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; this review is my honest opinion.
And y’all, this is not a small book. It’s not quite a chunky read, but we are talking about solid book that comes in at 406 pages. I flew threw my Kindle galley copy like it was an easy, breezy 200-pages. However, that is not saying anything about the depth of the story and the weightier themes that the story embraces. There are some lifelike issues here, but it’s also one of the most uplifting stories I’ve had the pleasure to read in a long time. Talk about an organic faith element. I never felt it was too didactic or overly explained; it all flows so well throughout the course of the story in such a heart-tugging way. The secondary characters are vibrant and fully realized throughout the story, whether it’s the staff and residents of The Bridge, Molly’s brother, or her bestie, Val. The plot is engaging and flows with an impressive ease. Deese also gave perfect little hints about the upcoming story featuring Molly’s brother, Miles, and Val – I am so excited to read that come spring 2022.
If I had been reading the print copy, I would have hugged this book. And book hugs are saved for the reads that make my heart say “oh!” in the best way possible. All That Really Matters is one of my favorite reads of 2021. What a beautiful book inside and out!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; this review is my honest opinion.
March 25, 2021
All the feels. My emotions were wide ranging. Laughter. Frustration. Sadness. Joy.
Molly is focused on building her business as a fashion industry influencer. While she cares about other people, such as her twin Miles, her primary focus is on social media and building her brand. The spotlight on social media is such a relevant topic. Even if its not an income maker for most of us, it's certainly a time investment for many. Are there fabulous things about social media? Absolutely. Can we get too focused on it? Perhaps.
Molly's employer/sponsor encourages her to invest in a humanitarian project with the sole purpose of looking more attractive for a television opportunity. As you can guess, Molly fell in love with helping and being present for those in need. Life altering.
I'm struggling to put my thoughts in words. Bottom line...if you enjoy engaging contemporary romance with flawed characters, read this. It's another treasure by the talented Nicole Deese.
My gratitude to publisher Bethany House for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Molly is focused on building her business as a fashion industry influencer. While she cares about other people, such as her twin Miles, her primary focus is on social media and building her brand. The spotlight on social media is such a relevant topic. Even if its not an income maker for most of us, it's certainly a time investment for many. Are there fabulous things about social media? Absolutely. Can we get too focused on it? Perhaps.
Molly's employer/sponsor encourages her to invest in a humanitarian project with the sole purpose of looking more attractive for a television opportunity. As you can guess, Molly fell in love with helping and being present for those in need. Life altering.
I'm struggling to put my thoughts in words. Bottom line...if you enjoy engaging contemporary romance with flawed characters, read this. It's another treasure by the talented Nicole Deese.
My gratitude to publisher Bethany House for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
August 19, 2021
*Warnings*
#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.
Stars: 4.5
Synopsis: Breakthrough is about to come for popular social media influencer Molly McKenzie and all that she needs to make it big is—a charity case? So says her talent manager/adoring boyfriend, which means Molly is set on getting a volunteer position with The Bridge, a transitional home for kids aging out of the foster system. One thing: they won’t hire her. Correction, Zorro-lookalike/home director Silas Whitaker won’t hire her.
Favorite Quotes: “There’s nothing you can sacrifice that is worthy of what God gives us freely.”
“You don’t honor God with your life by changing your personality and tossing out everything that unique about who you are. You honor Him by giving those very gifts back to Him.”
I’ve been noticing a trend in contemporary Christian fiction lately—kindhearted and lovable heroines...who aren’t Christians. Maybe it’s breaking away from the stereotypical bad girl, or it’s entirely unintentional, or it could even be a jab at Christians. I don’t know—all I can say is that, whatever the case, Nicole Deese pulled it off.
After reading Before I Called You Mine, I wanted to read more by Deese. BICYM wasn’t my favorite book by far and, to be honest, I didn’t really connect with the characters or the story or any of it, really. But, Deese proved to be an amazing writer, so I knew I could enjoy her writing in a different story.
Even still, my expectations for All That Really Matters weren’t all that high.
That could be why it exceeded them. Or, ATRM could simply be an exemplary novel.
I’m leaning toward the latter.
First of all, I really liked Molly. She wasn’t my favorite heroine ever, no, but her character was unique and energetic and...I don’t know. She just wasn’t the type of girl to cause problems and get into petty arguments and be annoying. I liked that. She had a strong personality, ambition, and a purpose in the story.
This would be the moment where you look at me with your eyebrows raised and say “Well, of course she had a purpose, Grace. She was the heroine of the story, for crying out loud.” And then I would go on to say that just because she was the heroine didn’t necessary mean her character automatically had a purpose—let alone a good one.
Most heroines nowadays are simply there—to whine about their circumstances, to get into trouble, to make snarky comments. Never to actually do anything worth doing or have a definable arc.
But not Molly. Nope, Molly did something with her life, did something for other people, made people’s lives better, had a lovely arc, and made me come to appreciate and respect her. Which I rarely do, so that’s a major accomplishment in and of itself.
Anyway, let’s move on to the rest of the story, shall we?
I’ve already mentioned that Deese is a great writer. I love her style—it flows well, while still being personable and unique. Of course, the quality is top notch, and there’s a clarity to her writing but not a bluntness—something I really like. As far as contemporary authors go, Nicole Deese is one of my favorites (of which there are few, so that means something).
Because of that, I breezed through this story. Coming off of an unsatisfactory read, All That Really Matters started out as a breath of fresh air...then it morphed into a story I was sucked into and enjoyed in almost every way.
What’s funny to me is that I actually felt more drawn to and connected with Molly than I did Silas. Which is really weird. He was a good character, don’t get me wrong, but he just wasn’t as vibrant as Molly and the supporting cast.
Speaking of the supporting cast...I wanted more of the kids!!! Wren was so precious, and I LOVED watching Molly interact with the girls at The Bridge, and with Glo and Clara! And...yeah. Basically all of the secondary characters were amazing! I can’t wait to read more about Val and Miles in the next book, too!
All in all, the cast of All That Really Matters was amazing. I do wish I’d had more interactions with everyone, simply because I loved them so much.
On that note, I read another review that stated the book focused mainly on reforming Molly rather than her romance with Silas or, in some aspects, her relationships with everyone else. Which was good in its own right, but I agree with that reviewer when they said they really wanted more between Silas and Molly. I didn’t realize it until now, but their moments together were kind of limited, and I, the obsessive romantic, wanted a little more…oomph in their relationship. Savvy?
But, then, Molly did have a really good character arc, so at least the sacrifice was worth it, eh?
Speaking of, though, I really did like seeing Molly’s transformation. It was amazingly well-done, and even though I felt like I didn’t get the reassurance that Molly gave her life to Christ, there was this beautiful message woven in about honoring God and living for Him that was lovely. Still wish I had some closure, though. I just can’t stand it when you don’t have the certainty that the character’s saved. Like, c’mon, authors, I really don’t want these guys going to hell, you know? Good works without true faith and commitment never saved a man...or a beauty influencer, for that matter.
But then, this is coming from the girl who is so obsessive about book characters that she does indeed dream about marrying some of them. (Seriously, y’all, don’t tell me I’m not the only one who wouldn’t mind taking Elizabeth Bennet’s place… Mr. Darcy and I would be perfect for each other, don’t you think? After all, I do read extensively.)
*reads back over her review* I think...that may just sum things up. I’m sure I had more thoughts when I first read it...several months back...but I’m so backlogged on books and reviews right now that I’ve not been able to jot down my reviews as soon as I finish reading. (Hence why I’ve started a reading journal...with bulleted lists!)
Long story short (this was actually one of the shorter ones...under 2k words this time), I loved breaking up the monotony with All That Really Matters and being able to read without looking for an excuse to stop reading. (Which is terrible, I know, but that goes to show the kind of literature I’ve been stuck with lately.) Molly was a pretty good character, as far as heroines go, and the story itself was spectacular! (Plus, it might have helped that I’d just watched Discarded Things before starting on ATRM, and so had the home-for-troubled-teens vibe down.)
Nicole Deese is definitely going on my top contemporary authors list!
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.
Stars: 4.5
Synopsis: Breakthrough is about to come for popular social media influencer Molly McKenzie and all that she needs to make it big is—a charity case? So says her talent manager/adoring boyfriend, which means Molly is set on getting a volunteer position with The Bridge, a transitional home for kids aging out of the foster system. One thing: they won’t hire her. Correction, Zorro-lookalike/home director Silas Whitaker won’t hire her.
Favorite Quotes: “There’s nothing you can sacrifice that is worthy of what God gives us freely.”
“You don’t honor God with your life by changing your personality and tossing out everything that unique about who you are. You honor Him by giving those very gifts back to Him.”
I’ve been noticing a trend in contemporary Christian fiction lately—kindhearted and lovable heroines...who aren’t Christians. Maybe it’s breaking away from the stereotypical bad girl, or it’s entirely unintentional, or it could even be a jab at Christians. I don’t know—all I can say is that, whatever the case, Nicole Deese pulled it off.
After reading Before I Called You Mine, I wanted to read more by Deese. BICYM wasn’t my favorite book by far and, to be honest, I didn’t really connect with the characters or the story or any of it, really. But, Deese proved to be an amazing writer, so I knew I could enjoy her writing in a different story.
Even still, my expectations for All That Really Matters weren’t all that high.
That could be why it exceeded them. Or, ATRM could simply be an exemplary novel.
I’m leaning toward the latter.
First of all, I really liked Molly. She wasn’t my favorite heroine ever, no, but her character was unique and energetic and...I don’t know. She just wasn’t the type of girl to cause problems and get into petty arguments and be annoying. I liked that. She had a strong personality, ambition, and a purpose in the story.
This would be the moment where you look at me with your eyebrows raised and say “Well, of course she had a purpose, Grace. She was the heroine of the story, for crying out loud.” And then I would go on to say that just because she was the heroine didn’t necessary mean her character automatically had a purpose—let alone a good one.
Most heroines nowadays are simply there—to whine about their circumstances, to get into trouble, to make snarky comments. Never to actually do anything worth doing or have a definable arc.
But not Molly. Nope, Molly did something with her life, did something for other people, made people’s lives better, had a lovely arc, and made me come to appreciate and respect her. Which I rarely do, so that’s a major accomplishment in and of itself.
Anyway, let’s move on to the rest of the story, shall we?
I’ve already mentioned that Deese is a great writer. I love her style—it flows well, while still being personable and unique. Of course, the quality is top notch, and there’s a clarity to her writing but not a bluntness—something I really like. As far as contemporary authors go, Nicole Deese is one of my favorites (of which there are few, so that means something).
Because of that, I breezed through this story. Coming off of an unsatisfactory read, All That Really Matters started out as a breath of fresh air...then it morphed into a story I was sucked into and enjoyed in almost every way.
What’s funny to me is that I actually felt more drawn to and connected with Molly than I did Silas. Which is really weird. He was a good character, don’t get me wrong, but he just wasn’t as vibrant as Molly and the supporting cast.
Speaking of the supporting cast...I wanted more of the kids!!! Wren was so precious, and I LOVED watching Molly interact with the girls at The Bridge, and with Glo and Clara! And...yeah. Basically all of the secondary characters were amazing! I can’t wait to read more about Val and Miles in the next book, too!
All in all, the cast of All That Really Matters was amazing. I do wish I’d had more interactions with everyone, simply because I loved them so much.
On that note, I read another review that stated the book focused mainly on reforming Molly rather than her romance with Silas or, in some aspects, her relationships with everyone else. Which was good in its own right, but I agree with that reviewer when they said they really wanted more between Silas and Molly. I didn’t realize it until now, but their moments together were kind of limited, and I, the obsessive romantic, wanted a little more…oomph in their relationship. Savvy?
But, then, Molly did have a really good character arc, so at least the sacrifice was worth it, eh?
Speaking of, though, I really did like seeing Molly’s transformation. It was amazingly well-done, and even though I felt like I didn’t get the reassurance that Molly gave her life to Christ, there was this beautiful message woven in about honoring God and living for Him that was lovely. Still wish I had some closure, though. I just can’t stand it when you don’t have the certainty that the character’s saved. Like, c’mon, authors, I really don’t want these guys going to hell, you know? Good works without true faith and commitment never saved a man...or a beauty influencer, for that matter.
But then, this is coming from the girl who is so obsessive about book characters that she does indeed dream about marrying some of them. (Seriously, y’all, don’t tell me I’m not the only one who wouldn’t mind taking Elizabeth Bennet’s place… Mr. Darcy and I would be perfect for each other, don’t you think? After all, I do read extensively.)
*reads back over her review* I think...that may just sum things up. I’m sure I had more thoughts when I first read it...several months back...but I’m so backlogged on books and reviews right now that I’ve not been able to jot down my reviews as soon as I finish reading. (Hence why I’ve started a reading journal...with bulleted lists!)
Long story short (this was actually one of the shorter ones...under 2k words this time), I loved breaking up the monotony with All That Really Matters and being able to read without looking for an excuse to stop reading. (Which is terrible, I know, but that goes to show the kind of literature I’ve been stuck with lately.) Molly was a pretty good character, as far as heroines go, and the story itself was spectacular! (Plus, it might have helped that I’d just watched Discarded Things before starting on ATRM, and so had the home-for-troubled-teens vibe down.)
Nicole Deese is definitely going on my top contemporary authors list!
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 28, 2024
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book since it had a focus on social media, which isn’t really my thing. However, I really enjoyed this book about the main character Molly (sassy!) and her personal growth. I especially loved how the author included many side characters and their stories.
I liked the author’s writing style and the subtle message of faith throughout the book. 🙏 I can’t wait to start to the second book in the series.
If you are looking for good story about personal growth and faith, I recommend this one.
I liked the author’s writing style and the subtle message of faith throughout the book. 🙏 I can’t wait to start to the second book in the series.
If you are looking for good story about personal growth and faith, I recommend this one.
March 10, 2021
All That Really Matters has to be one of the best books I’ve read in ages. It was exactly what I needed, totally addictive - I literally couldn’t put it down - and just so good!!! I really must go back and ensure I have read all of Nicole Deere’s books because she is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
All That Really Matters is an uplifting story that had be smiling right from the start. It is a book with so much heart. It is a wonderful romance and the relationship that builds between the two main character is genuine and caring and full of trust and patience, which is so lovely. Be still be beating heart. I loved, loved, loved this book.
Molly Mackenzie is an Influencer. She has built a very successful career and successful business for herself. When her manager suggests taking on a good cause to help boost her followers she asks her brother to pass her the name of something suitable. She doesn’t expect what she finds at the The Bridge Youth Home. The first surprise is Silas - young, good looking, very formal and unimpressed with her interview. She doesn’t expect to get turned away. Molly is also surprised by how her quick glimpse of The Bridge intrigues her. When her determination finally impresses Silas, Molly is surprised by how quickly she comes to care for the program and the special young people it helps.
This is such a genuinely lovely story. Firstly, I loved Molly. She is utterly authentic. She is vibrant and enthusiastic. It’s no wonder that the team and residents come to love her and it is easy to love her as a reader. Then there is Silas. Dear reserved, formal, careful Silas. He too is incredibly caring and patience. What he does for the people in his life is amazing and it is no wonder Molly becomes intrigued by him and then falls for him.
I adored all of the side characters. Okay, there is one I don’t like, but we are not meant to like him. None of residents at The Bridge, the mentors, Molly’s friend and brother feel like side characters. They are all a very important part of the story and bring so much to it. They are all well developed, so it felt like their story equally. There are a couple that I am really hoping feature in their own book. That would mean we get to return to this fantastic setting and wonderful cast of characters.
I just wish I could read this book for the first time again. I’ll content myself with rereading it and waiting for what Deese gifts us readers next. I can’t wait.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
All That Really Matters is an uplifting story that had be smiling right from the start. It is a book with so much heart. It is a wonderful romance and the relationship that builds between the two main character is genuine and caring and full of trust and patience, which is so lovely. Be still be beating heart. I loved, loved, loved this book.
Molly Mackenzie is an Influencer. She has built a very successful career and successful business for herself. When her manager suggests taking on a good cause to help boost her followers she asks her brother to pass her the name of something suitable. She doesn’t expect what she finds at the The Bridge Youth Home. The first surprise is Silas - young, good looking, very formal and unimpressed with her interview. She doesn’t expect to get turned away. Molly is also surprised by how her quick glimpse of The Bridge intrigues her. When her determination finally impresses Silas, Molly is surprised by how quickly she comes to care for the program and the special young people it helps.
This is such a genuinely lovely story. Firstly, I loved Molly. She is utterly authentic. She is vibrant and enthusiastic. It’s no wonder that the team and residents come to love her and it is easy to love her as a reader. Then there is Silas. Dear reserved, formal, careful Silas. He too is incredibly caring and patience. What he does for the people in his life is amazing and it is no wonder Molly becomes intrigued by him and then falls for him.
I adored all of the side characters. Okay, there is one I don’t like, but we are not meant to like him. None of residents at The Bridge, the mentors, Molly’s friend and brother feel like side characters. They are all a very important part of the story and bring so much to it. They are all well developed, so it felt like their story equally. There are a couple that I am really hoping feature in their own book. That would mean we get to return to this fantastic setting and wonderful cast of characters.
I just wish I could read this book for the first time again. I’ll content myself with rereading it and waiting for what Deese gifts us readers next. I can’t wait.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
March 15, 2021
Nicole Deese is incapable of penning a bad book. That's all there is to it. She is one of my favorite authors and this book just solidifies that spot. While this book is lighter on the romance than some of her others, I still fell in love with the hero (and yay for a Hispanic hero!!!!). The message within the pages is so poignant and the development of the character of the heroine (from a bit self-absorbed to seeing how she could use her position for others) from cover-to-cover is a journey you want to be along for the ride on. A book you'll be thinking about after you turn the last page.
April 6, 2021
How do I even begin to write a review for this book? Reading it made my heart smile. I wept through portions of it and nearly prayed for characters at points. I have long enjoyed Nicole Deese's work, but this was so stunningly profound. God's hand at work is all over this book.
'I'm not sure I can say what feeling close to God feels like exactly.....'
I will readily admit that the character of Mollie was not my favorite at first. She seemed a little self absorbed. But sometimes you have to delve below the surface to what lies beneath. She learned some very important lessons in this book and her growth astounded me.
'I suppose that's something we all want in life, no matter how old we get, to find that special place where we fit.'
And Silas....well, Silas was just off the page amazing. His love for these kids and for God deeply touched me. I want to be like him. But still, even with his integrity, he could still learn from the Lord.
Ah...how I wanted to be standing there during this book at times! These kids, their mentors, their lives. Deese has written a winner here in every way. This one is destined for the keeper shelf and to be read again and again. I am actually getting teary eyed writing this review. Not to be missed, folks. Powerful and heart moving. Highly recommended.
My thanks to Bethany House Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is expressly my own.
'I'm not sure I can say what feeling close to God feels like exactly.....'
I will readily admit that the character of Mollie was not my favorite at first. She seemed a little self absorbed. But sometimes you have to delve below the surface to what lies beneath. She learned some very important lessons in this book and her growth astounded me.
'I suppose that's something we all want in life, no matter how old we get, to find that special place where we fit.'
And Silas....well, Silas was just off the page amazing. His love for these kids and for God deeply touched me. I want to be like him. But still, even with his integrity, he could still learn from the Lord.
Ah...how I wanted to be standing there during this book at times! These kids, their mentors, their lives. Deese has written a winner here in every way. This one is destined for the keeper shelf and to be read again and again. I am actually getting teary eyed writing this review. Not to be missed, folks. Powerful and heart moving. Highly recommended.
My thanks to Bethany House Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is expressly my own.
May 1, 2023
Giving this book 5 stars is probably the easiest rating I've ever given. I was SO surprised at how much I loved every element of this story. If I had a formula or a checklist for a book to have to check off everything to make it a 5 star book, this one would've hit them all!
I loved how much Molly came into her own through this story. While she was "winning" at life, life was really slipping by her. The natural way in which she came to know herself in the real way God made her was beautiful. The story separated the chaff from her life and refined her.
And Silas. Good ol' reliable Silas. The steady guy you want in any situation. His passion to help transitioning teens from foster care into living on their own is palpable. He will do everything he can to help these young adults who have no life skills. Then he comes face to face with Molly who is a force to be reckoned with.
Honestly, I can't put into words how incredible the flow of the story was. Nothing felt rushed or forced. There were at least 1-2 phrases on every single page of this book that stood out to me and I wanted to highlight because it was delightful, beautiful, touched my heart, or made me laugh. I usually find a handful smattered throughout a book. Not this time.
Side notes that put a smile on my face, but really aren't relevant to the review. Molly's grandma is called Mimi (basically me) and I hope I can speak into my grandchild's life like she did with Molly. And Val's son Tucker - and my puppy Tucker. HA! Things that stick out to me.
Anyhow, back to my review.
The author was incredibly relevant in today's world with Molly being a well known influencer on social media. All of the fashion and beauty nuances weren't lost on me and she hit it out of the park with her knowledge of the industry.
The faith element is subtle, while at the same time, not. Miles is a pastor. Their parents are missionaries. The Bridge is faith based. Molly... she is trying to figure it all out. People living it out around her were the most amazing example to her. Molly proved, not only to herself, but to those around her that she truly has something to offer and has as much, if not more, grit that she knew!
Truly, this review does NOT do this story justice. This is a contemporary story that should NOT be missed. I'm not even going to call it a romance novel, although this one has a heart melting one in it, but it's so much deeper and richer than just "that". Go. Get. It!
*I received this book as part of a bookstagram tour, but wasn't asked to read it. This is my personal opinion.
I loved how much Molly came into her own through this story. While she was "winning" at life, life was really slipping by her. The natural way in which she came to know herself in the real way God made her was beautiful. The story separated the chaff from her life and refined her.
And Silas. Good ol' reliable Silas. The steady guy you want in any situation. His passion to help transitioning teens from foster care into living on their own is palpable. He will do everything he can to help these young adults who have no life skills. Then he comes face to face with Molly who is a force to be reckoned with.
Honestly, I can't put into words how incredible the flow of the story was. Nothing felt rushed or forced. There were at least 1-2 phrases on every single page of this book that stood out to me and I wanted to highlight because it was delightful, beautiful, touched my heart, or made me laugh. I usually find a handful smattered throughout a book. Not this time.
Side notes that put a smile on my face, but really aren't relevant to the review. Molly's grandma is called Mimi (basically me) and I hope I can speak into my grandchild's life like she did with Molly. And Val's son Tucker - and my puppy Tucker. HA! Things that stick out to me.
Anyhow, back to my review.
The author was incredibly relevant in today's world with Molly being a well known influencer on social media. All of the fashion and beauty nuances weren't lost on me and she hit it out of the park with her knowledge of the industry.
The faith element is subtle, while at the same time, not. Miles is a pastor. Their parents are missionaries. The Bridge is faith based. Molly... she is trying to figure it all out. People living it out around her were the most amazing example to her. Molly proved, not only to herself, but to those around her that she truly has something to offer and has as much, if not more, grit that she knew!
Truly, this review does NOT do this story justice. This is a contemporary story that should NOT be missed. I'm not even going to call it a romance novel, although this one has a heart melting one in it, but it's so much deeper and richer than just "that". Go. Get. It!
*I received this book as part of a bookstagram tour, but wasn't asked to read it. This is my personal opinion.
April 5, 2021
From the gorgeous cover to the last page I was utterly enthralled with the story of Molly McKenzie. Molly is classy and perky but is hiding behind a mask of her self-importance. She wants to be accepted and to please others. It was informative to see Molly as an influencer for beauty brands and trends. Looking for a stepping-stone to a dream hosting spot, Molly applies to mentor girls at The Bridge, a place of refuge for aged-out foster kids. The director is Silas Whittaker whose dream is to accommodate more youth into his program and help them mature into responsible adults.
Molly and Silas are perfect everyday heroes. Although Molly sees Silas as “a perfectionist with something to prove.” They both come to release control of their lives to God and take their place in His plan and discover what Grace is all about. As Molly begins to make a difference in these girls lives, she learns about herself and realizes that it is much more fulfilling to be a mentor than to be constantly striving for fame and success. Without changing her personality, God changed her focus, priorities and goals. And as a bonus, showed her that miracles still happen.
This story is clever, polished and authentic with wonderful characters and a timely message. “God has uniquely shaped gifts for each one of his uniquely shaped people.”
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Molly and Silas are perfect everyday heroes. Although Molly sees Silas as “a perfectionist with something to prove.” They both come to release control of their lives to God and take their place in His plan and discover what Grace is all about. As Molly begins to make a difference in these girls lives, she learns about herself and realizes that it is much more fulfilling to be a mentor than to be constantly striving for fame and success. Without changing her personality, God changed her focus, priorities and goals. And as a bonus, showed her that miracles still happen.
This story is clever, polished and authentic with wonderful characters and a timely message. “God has uniquely shaped gifts for each one of his uniquely shaped people.”
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
January 16, 2022
This book is such a gem. I absolutely loved this book. I wasn't really sure what to expect going into it, but I can tell you I am very pleasantly surprised. It was heartfelt, emotional, uplifting, romantic, funny... I could go on and on. I loved that Deese was not afraid to talk about hard subjects and she wrote them in a way that doesn't leave you feeling heavy. She definitely leaves an impact, but I didn't feel depressed like I thought I might once it started to get more gritty.
She sandwiches a lot of these more difficult moments in witty humor and dialogue between the characters, which I adored.
In addition to her masterful dialogue, Deese knows how to write characters, too. Molly was such a fun character to read about - her unique career and interests make her stand out from other heroines, and her sunshine-y personality just adds to her charm. The personal journey we get to witness from her is inspiring, as she learns and grows working with the kids. And Silas… he’s definitely got to be up there with favorite fictional guys. He’s kind, steady, and dependable. I appreciate that the climax of the book wasn’t dependent on making Silas and Molly break apart and then come back together. Even though I loved the romance between them, I appreciate that the focus was on the actual plot and not the romance.
I cannot wait for book 2!
She sandwiches a lot of these more difficult moments in witty humor and dialogue between the characters, which I adored.
In addition to her masterful dialogue, Deese knows how to write characters, too. Molly was such a fun character to read about - her unique career and interests make her stand out from other heroines, and her sunshine-y personality just adds to her charm. The personal journey we get to witness from her is inspiring, as she learns and grows working with the kids. And Silas… he’s definitely got to be up there with favorite fictional guys. He’s kind, steady, and dependable. I appreciate that the climax of the book wasn’t dependent on making Silas and Molly break apart and then come back together. Even though I loved the romance between them, I appreciate that the focus was on the actual plot and not the romance.
I cannot wait for book 2!
May 3, 2021
This book appealed to me for several reasons-
- The foster mama part of me loved the storyline of helping these kids. I appreciated that their storylines and struggles felt real and not able to be easily fixed.
- as an author with a very small platform I often wonder what my message is and do the best I can to be “real”.
- It has a sweet romance, and I adore a sweet love story.
Pick it up! You won’t be sorry.
- The foster mama part of me loved the storyline of helping these kids. I appreciated that their storylines and struggles felt real and not able to be easily fixed.
- as an author with a very small platform I often wonder what my message is and do the best I can to be “real”.
- It has a sweet romance, and I adore a sweet love story.
Pick it up! You won’t be sorry.
August 26, 2023
Story Enjoyment Rating: 9/10 Christian Faith Rating: 3/3
All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese is a Christian contemporary romance following Molly, who has a large social media channel dedicated to makeup and reviews. She gets the opportunity to audition for a TV programme but to do so, she has to volunteer with underprivileged young people over the summer. She applies to work at a centre that helps foster children to move on and be independent. However, the manager, Silas, is not very impressed with her at first.
I loved this book. I thought it had humour and depth of emotion. There were lots of things going on with several different characters. I loved that the main characters took a real emotional and spiritual journey through the story, and the drama in the book wasn’t based on any unnatural misunderstandings.
It’s quite a long book for a romance, but I didn’t feel like it dragged at any point. It starts as a kind of Little Miss Sunshine vs. Mr. Grumpy type of story. Molly is fun and upbeat, and Silas is a rule-maker. It was great to see them change and support each other as they both had issues to face.
At the beginning of the book, Molly has drifted away from God, and her faith journey is a significant part of the plot.
I will definitely pick up the next book in the future.
All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese is a Christian contemporary romance following Molly, who has a large social media channel dedicated to makeup and reviews. She gets the opportunity to audition for a TV programme but to do so, she has to volunteer with underprivileged young people over the summer. She applies to work at a centre that helps foster children to move on and be independent. However, the manager, Silas, is not very impressed with her at first.
I loved this book. I thought it had humour and depth of emotion. There were lots of things going on with several different characters. I loved that the main characters took a real emotional and spiritual journey through the story, and the drama in the book wasn’t based on any unnatural misunderstandings.
It’s quite a long book for a romance, but I didn’t feel like it dragged at any point. It starts as a kind of Little Miss Sunshine vs. Mr. Grumpy type of story. Molly is fun and upbeat, and Silas is a rule-maker. It was great to see them change and support each other as they both had issues to face.
At the beginning of the book, Molly has drifted away from God, and her faith journey is a significant part of the plot.
I will definitely pick up the next book in the future.
January 22, 2022
Another amazing, emotional journey by Nicole Deese. Full review coming soon.
October 2, 2023
All That Really Matters was a book that surprised me. At first I wasn't a fan of of the characters or "influencer" storyline, but as I continued reading I grew to enjoy it. I liked how Molly changed throughout the book and the ending was very good.
The story, while overall fun, did have some depth and hearfelt moments (which I liked). The romance was fine and I feel Silas was a good match for her.
All in all, All That Really Matters was a good read and I think fans of contemporary romance will enjoy it. I'm looking forward to the next book!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
The story, while overall fun, did have some depth and hearfelt moments (which I liked). The romance was fine and I feel Silas was a good match for her.
All in all, All That Really Matters was a good read and I think fans of contemporary romance will enjoy it. I'm looking forward to the next book!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
March 7, 2021
Goodness gracious! I loved this book! The characters here are so relevant today, as the main characters are a social media influencer and a director of a home for aged out foster kids.
Silas or 'Super Silas" couldn't have been more of a perfectionist and a by-the-rules guy. And Molly with her impressive online presence could not have been more about her image. Molly becomes a volunteer (out of necessity) with the kids but soon comes to love and care for them. And as Molly and Silas work together, God works in Molly's life to show her 'all that really matters'.
This book is written in first person with dual perspectives. I so loved hearing both voices.
I loved the humor, particularly the texts Silas and Molly sent each other.
And there is plenty of emotion in this book, serious issues and faith issues.
This is a book I will read again. I recommend it highly!
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.
Silas or 'Super Silas" couldn't have been more of a perfectionist and a by-the-rules guy. And Molly with her impressive online presence could not have been more about her image. Molly becomes a volunteer (out of necessity) with the kids but soon comes to love and care for them. And as Molly and Silas work together, God works in Molly's life to show her 'all that really matters'.
This book is written in first person with dual perspectives. I so loved hearing both voices.
I loved the humor, particularly the texts Silas and Molly sent each other.
And there is plenty of emotion in this book, serious issues and faith issues.
This is a book I will read again. I recommend it highly!
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.
December 20, 2021
Readers who enjoy contemporary fiction with character growth will love this book.
Molly is vibrant and takes on everything she does with zeal and passion, even though her motives might be a bit skewed. During her involvement with the young adults, she is faced with a few challenges on what is important and experience a few life changing revelations.
Silas, even though he was solid and grounded in his faith, had his own demons to face to truly live a life of forgiveness.
It was fun to see how Molly helped Silas to not take everything so seriously, and how Silas challenged Molly on her view on life and yes, what really matters!
I’m looking forward to the next book which will be about Miles, Molly’s twin and her PA/friend.
*I listened to this on Scribd. The narrator delivered an entertaining story.*
Molly is vibrant and takes on everything she does with zeal and passion, even though her motives might be a bit skewed. During her involvement with the young adults, she is faced with a few challenges on what is important and experience a few life changing revelations.
Silas, even though he was solid and grounded in his faith, had his own demons to face to truly live a life of forgiveness.
It was fun to see how Molly helped Silas to not take everything so seriously, and how Silas challenged Molly on her view on life and yes, what really matters!
I’m looking forward to the next book which will be about Miles, Molly’s twin and her PA/friend.
*I listened to this on Scribd. The narrator delivered an entertaining story.*
August 15, 2023
A sweet story. I enjoy Nicole Deese’s writing style and her talent with characters. The foster home angle was especially deft—Before I Called You Mine was the first of Deese’s novels I had read, and here as there her heart for adoption and children in need was evident. The gradual deepening of Molly’s character throughout the course of the story was excellent, especially how her focus shifted from herself to others’ needs, and her “breaking point” scene was particularly strong. Silas was a good foil to her assumptions—and she to his—as their personalities clashed and complemented by turns, although it wasn’t always easy for me to instantly identify which point of view I was in. Her contact name for him in their texting conversations was a nice touch. Silas’s care for the teens under him was endearing, and I loved how the tensions and interactions between him and his brothers added new dimensions to his serious demeanor. I’ve always been interested in beauty and fashion, so having a heroine with that as her passion was enjoyable for me—so much more than just a fluffy personality. It was interesting to see the nuts-and-bolts work of being a big-name influencer.
I’m not much of a romance fan generally, so I enjoyed the other elements of the story more, although the ending seemed a bit convenient. A few elements were a little edgy for me, particularly an indecent fashion trend that Molly, to her credit, had to make hard choices about. Because of that and the mention of immorality between other characters, I don’t recommend this for younger readers. (Also not a fan of sexy being used repeatedly, but I digress.) For all the character growth, there was very little about Christ or His Word—just a vague deepening of faith without much solid basis or much effect on how and when Silas fell in love. I would have liked to see him waiting on God until he and Molly were in agreement on spiritual things. It would also have been nice to see him in the hero/rescuer role a bit more, given how often Molly took that position.
Overall, a sweet story with some interesting story elements, recommended for fans of inspirational contemporary romance who aren’t bothered by the above caveats. I enjoy Nicole Deese’s writing and look forward to my next try.
Content warnings: romance (moderate); mentions of indecent clothing, immorality, and alcohol
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I’m not much of a romance fan generally, so I enjoyed the other elements of the story more, although the ending seemed a bit convenient. A few elements were a little edgy for me, particularly an indecent fashion trend that Molly, to her credit, had to make hard choices about. Because of that and the mention of immorality between other characters, I don’t recommend this for younger readers. (Also not a fan of sexy being used repeatedly, but I digress.) For all the character growth, there was very little about Christ or His Word—just a vague deepening of faith without much solid basis or much effect on how and when Silas fell in love. I would have liked to see him waiting on God until he and Molly were in agreement on spiritual things. It would also have been nice to see him in the hero/rescuer role a bit more, given how often Molly took that position.
Overall, a sweet story with some interesting story elements, recommended for fans of inspirational contemporary romance who aren’t bothered by the above caveats. I enjoy Nicole Deese’s writing and look forward to my next try.
Content warnings: romance (moderate); mentions of indecent clothing, immorality, and alcohol
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April 12, 2021
"Rarely did I sit in the tension between my plans and God's, between my wants an His, my way and His. Instead, I'd become an expert at throwing all my best efforts at problems bigger than myself and finding detours of escape without ever stopping to ask for guidance."
Wow. It's another winner from Nicole Deese that will make you laugh out loud, cry big fat tears, cheer on the characters with all your heart, and feel such contentment after the last page is read. I learn something new every time I read the author's books; with this adventure I learned about the life of a social media influencer and the plight of those who age out of the foster care system. This book has it all - very real, down-to-earth, and raw emotions; a well-paced plot; beautifully broken and unforgettable characters; funny and clever conversations and thoughts; and profound spiritual encouragements regarding true identity and purpose, forgiveness, reconciliation, and extending grace even when it hurts. If you enjoy contemporary romance, you will absolutely love this must-read book of 2021.
Told in first person narrative, the book takes us deep into the heart, mind, and soul of Molly and Silas who seem completely opposites at first. Molly, dubbed as "a pretty face with addictive personality" on social media, does come off as shallow but sweet and fun in the beginning as a up-and-coming beauty and fashion influencer. Silas is stoic, protective, loyal, disciplined, and completely focused on making his group home for at-risk young adults succeed. Silas' past is heart-breaking and he carries a lot of baggage that he doesn't know how to let go. Molly's past is less colorful but still tugs at the heart-strings. As Silas and Molly's visions for the home and its residents intertwine, they find out that they are more alike than they first realized. Their friendship is incredibly sweet, tender, and so much fun. As they become more than friends, it's wonderful to see that they bring out the best in each other - Molly helps Silas dream bigger, smile more, and enjoy each gift while Silas helps Molly find purpose for her creativity and soft-hearted willingness to love others.
I know Nicole Deese doesn't usually write books in series but how I wish she'd continue the story with Molly's twin brother Miles!
I received the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.
Wow. It's another winner from Nicole Deese that will make you laugh out loud, cry big fat tears, cheer on the characters with all your heart, and feel such contentment after the last page is read. I learn something new every time I read the author's books; with this adventure I learned about the life of a social media influencer and the plight of those who age out of the foster care system. This book has it all - very real, down-to-earth, and raw emotions; a well-paced plot; beautifully broken and unforgettable characters; funny and clever conversations and thoughts; and profound spiritual encouragements regarding true identity and purpose, forgiveness, reconciliation, and extending grace even when it hurts. If you enjoy contemporary romance, you will absolutely love this must-read book of 2021.
Told in first person narrative, the book takes us deep into the heart, mind, and soul of Molly and Silas who seem completely opposites at first. Molly, dubbed as "a pretty face with addictive personality" on social media, does come off as shallow but sweet and fun in the beginning as a up-and-coming beauty and fashion influencer. Silas is stoic, protective, loyal, disciplined, and completely focused on making his group home for at-risk young adults succeed. Silas' past is heart-breaking and he carries a lot of baggage that he doesn't know how to let go. Molly's past is less colorful but still tugs at the heart-strings. As Silas and Molly's visions for the home and its residents intertwine, they find out that they are more alike than they first realized. Their friendship is incredibly sweet, tender, and so much fun. As they become more than friends, it's wonderful to see that they bring out the best in each other - Molly helps Silas dream bigger, smile more, and enjoy each gift while Silas helps Molly find purpose for her creativity and soft-hearted willingness to love others.
I know Nicole Deese doesn't usually write books in series but how I wish she'd continue the story with Molly's twin brother Miles!
I received the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.
April 6, 2021
Oh, my what a story this is that tugs at your heart-strings, tickles your funny bone, and makes you feel a wide range of emotions as some characters realize the reality of their situation, the choices they have made and their need to change the path they were on. I enjoyed this cast of colorful, vibrant characters that jumped off the page and into your heart.
I was blow away by how this author masterfully shows a depth in her characters predicaments through relationships with family, co-workers, and ministry volunteers. The author brilliantly weaves a story that allows readers to walk with Molly as her career is about to explode and how she deals with the request from her manager to reach out and find a non-profit group to support, so her numbers on social media will grow. Little does the reader nor Molly anticipate what happens in her heart and soul when she meets the kids in this group and becomes their mentor for the summer. It amazes everyone. I enjoyed these surprises with Molly. Many of them I did not see coming.
I liked this authors exploration into the arena of blogging and social media, how that plays out in Molly’s life, and how she realizes her followers are not just numbers but real people. What would she be willing to do to increase her numbers to reach a goal? Can she be authentic? Molly’s twin brother Miles suggests she contact The Bridge ministry. It is a home for kids aging out of the foster care system. Molly is amazed at what she finds there.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is a novel that gives you a peek into the social media world around us and what people are willing to do to reach their goals. It is also a story about listening to that still small voice inside that nudges your heart to move out of your comfort zone and look at life, faith, to seek the courage needed to do hard things. This is definitely one that would work well for your next book club pick and/or just read for fun.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
I was blow away by how this author masterfully shows a depth in her characters predicaments through relationships with family, co-workers, and ministry volunteers. The author brilliantly weaves a story that allows readers to walk with Molly as her career is about to explode and how she deals with the request from her manager to reach out and find a non-profit group to support, so her numbers on social media will grow. Little does the reader nor Molly anticipate what happens in her heart and soul when she meets the kids in this group and becomes their mentor for the summer. It amazes everyone. I enjoyed these surprises with Molly. Many of them I did not see coming.
I liked this authors exploration into the arena of blogging and social media, how that plays out in Molly’s life, and how she realizes her followers are not just numbers but real people. What would she be willing to do to increase her numbers to reach a goal? Can she be authentic? Molly’s twin brother Miles suggests she contact The Bridge ministry. It is a home for kids aging out of the foster care system. Molly is amazed at what she finds there.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is a novel that gives you a peek into the social media world around us and what people are willing to do to reach their goals. It is also a story about listening to that still small voice inside that nudges your heart to move out of your comfort zone and look at life, faith, to seek the courage needed to do hard things. This is definitely one that would work well for your next book club pick and/or just read for fun.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
June 14, 2021
My achy, breaky heart! This story was different than I had imagined, but it was just as good. I’m not a fan of the cover, but what’s hidden beneath it was lovely and deep.
Molly’s journey was surprising and twisty and intriguing. My heart broke that she’d compromised certain morals, but it was good to see her standing up for herself and attempting to reclaim her solid footing with good morals. Obviously, the compromised things couldn’t be regained, but one could start fresh from where she was and find a better path to travel on.
Another great journey was the emotional one Silas was on. He might seem like he had things all pulled together, but dig a little deeper, and you find out he’s a hurting little soul that needs just as much support and assistance as the teens he helps through his charity. I loved that he had already healed some yet still had so far to go. That was completely relatable to me.
The teens – especially Wren – were amazing. Their personalities popped to life, and their troubles kept the leads hopping. Wren wriggled into my heart pretty much right away. I’m so glad that she had a good mentor to take her under their wing, because she clearly needed it. I so wanted the very best for her!
Okay, so, y’all, I have to admit, this book was only going to get four stars through 75% of it. But that final 25% was stunningly beautiful. I wept. I admired the way the author started this story as a surfacey trip through makeovers and makeup and clothing but shifted it into something rich and deep and faith-filled. I’m not even sure “faith-filled” defines it well enough. Perhaps “faith-overflowing” is a better term. There are still some things that made me uncomfortable (talk of skimpy undergarments, a crude gesture, etc.), but the faith that infused this story was amazing. That thread’s being written so exquisitely is what earned that fifth star.
Content: skimpy undergarments, alcohol, swearing by “holy heavens,” drugs and substance abuse, lost virginity mentioned, bar, crude gesture
Molly’s journey was surprising and twisty and intriguing. My heart broke that she’d compromised certain morals, but it was good to see her standing up for herself and attempting to reclaim her solid footing with good morals. Obviously, the compromised things couldn’t be regained, but one could start fresh from where she was and find a better path to travel on.
Another great journey was the emotional one Silas was on. He might seem like he had things all pulled together, but dig a little deeper, and you find out he’s a hurting little soul that needs just as much support and assistance as the teens he helps through his charity. I loved that he had already healed some yet still had so far to go. That was completely relatable to me.
The teens – especially Wren – were amazing. Their personalities popped to life, and their troubles kept the leads hopping. Wren wriggled into my heart pretty much right away. I’m so glad that she had a good mentor to take her under their wing, because she clearly needed it. I so wanted the very best for her!
Okay, so, y’all, I have to admit, this book was only going to get four stars through 75% of it. But that final 25% was stunningly beautiful. I wept. I admired the way the author started this story as a surfacey trip through makeovers and makeup and clothing but shifted it into something rich and deep and faith-filled. I’m not even sure “faith-filled” defines it well enough. Perhaps “faith-overflowing” is a better term. There are still some things that made me uncomfortable (talk of skimpy undergarments, a crude gesture, etc.), but the faith that infused this story was amazing. That thread’s being written so exquisitely is what earned that fifth star.
Content: skimpy undergarments, alcohol, swearing by “holy heavens,” drugs and substance abuse, lost virginity mentioned, bar, crude gesture
April 26, 2021
It's such a pleasure to read a book where an author completely and thoroughly arrests my attention and my heart through every element of the book. From the stunning cover (kudos to the design team!) to the main characters to the love story, to the deeper threads of truth, to the side characters and beyond. Molly captured me with her authenticity (even as a clueless privileged YouTube "celebrity") and turning the pages and seeing her grow into her truest self was a joy. Silas was an absolute delight. And don't get me started on Glo or the kids or the way the story came together so beautifully. I simply cannot say enough about how much I loved this book. It's in the very top of my favorite reads this year, easily.
Bottom line: To borrow from the title for my review—when it comes to this book, all that really matters is that you get it and read it.
My thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy of the book. I'll be purchasing a paper copy as soon as it's out for my teenage daughters to read. I know they will love it for the story, and I'll love passing it along for its message. My review is freely and honestly given.
Bottom line: To borrow from the title for my review—when it comes to this book, all that really matters is that you get it and read it.
My thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy of the book. I'll be purchasing a paper copy as soon as it's out for my teenage daughters to read. I know they will love it for the story, and I'll love passing it along for its message. My review is freely and honestly given.
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