All That Really Matters - by Nicole Deese

Wow! This book. That moment when we look into the mirror and don’t like what we see because the reflection is so self-centered…What does it take to change our motives and desires? Nicole Deese pens a beautifully compelling story of self-discovery in the midst of spiritual life lessons. This multi-narrator audiobook captures these characters and brings to life the dark surroundings that affect their worlds. The emotion displayed throughout this storyline consistently shone through. I highly recommend this format for this story. This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language.

This week was utter perfection. Although I would classify this book as a romance, it is really so much more. At the beginning of the book Molly is great and like so many people I follow on Instagram. Watching her not only find meaning for her life, but love along the way made my heart swell with love for her. Not only did I love Molly and Silas but I loved all the teens and Val and her son. Every single moment with every single person in this book had meaning and purpose that made the ending that much better! There are so many options in life that are good, but very few are best. Sure life can be happy and filled of amazing memories living the good life, in fact so many people have no idea there is something better. But just as Molly learned when you push for the best your life becomes so much more meaningful and full of purpose ans a joy that cannot be stolen. I cannot even wait for the next book In the series. What I wouldn’t do to read that one early…eeeekkkkk

Book Review--"All That Really Matters" by Nicole Deese A book with such a beautiful looking and feeling cover just has to have a beautiful story inside it right? Well, it does. The inside of this book is just as wonderful as the outside. Nothing about this book disappoints. The story Nicole Deese tells in "All That Really Matters" will touch your heart is a special way, as it clearly shows how God works behind the scenes to bring about miracles in people's lives. This contemporary romance is very relatable to our current times and the realistic characters make the reader connect to them instantly. The story, even though fiction, could very well be a true story, I think. The main character, Molly McKenzie, has a lot going for her online socially and financially, she has built a poplar brand and magnificent online career herself by using her wit and talents, and she is now reaping the rewards of her efforts. Yet, she still feels there is more she needs to accomplish in the real world around her not just in her online makeup world, but she's not quite sure she wants to make the changes required to see that happen. For when she decides to step out of her online comfort zone to try something new in the real world, just for the sake of it perhaps helping her career image, she is hit by the feeling of rejection, something she is not used to experiencing in her online everyday social media career world. "His swift and candid assessment of me had stung far worse than the vilest of comments left by an online troll. But try as I might, I still hadn't found a delete option for real life rejection. And I'd been searching for one for twenty-seven years." (Molly: pg.64) Yet, to Molly's credit she doesn't give up, for she remembers the words of the grand-mother she treasured who always said: "God has uniquely shaped gifts for every one of His uniquely shaped people." (page 225) So as Molly continues to try new things the story leads the reader on her journey which is filled with valleys of disappointments, shocking realities, heartbreaks and sorrows, but it is a journey led by God nonetheless,and with her faith and determination Molly hopes she will eventually reach a real life mountaintop experience of victory for herself and those lives around her she is reaching out to touch along the way. I really loved reading this story that shows the many different ways God works in people's lives to bring about His plans and purposes. I think it is a very inspiring story that you will enjoy reading also. I received a copy of this book free from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.

This book was so so good that I didn’t want it to end. It was a perfect example to me of how God can take something that you have an ulterior motive for doing and use it to change your heart and focus on life. Molly was self absorbed in beauty and financial gain but God used her to reach foster kids that were in a transitional program and through mentoring them God was mentoring her. Finding her purpose and self worth is a beautiful journey. He is the Potter and He can mold us and make us into the person that He can use for His glory. You will walk away with characters that touch you deeply and leave you wanting to help. Ms Deese is accomplished at writing contemporary fiction that touches not just your heart but your soul. It sucks you in from the first and doesn’t release you until you have devoured each and every word. I highly recommend putting this in your must read immediately pile. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

“I want to be more than a pretty face with an addictive personality. I want to be seen as the real deal. Someone who uses their influence to pay it forward. For good.” A wonderful quote from this wonderfully touching story. Molly meets Silas and some other challenging characters, and her life starts to take on a whole new meaning. I loved this story for how real and raw it was. There are many times we all wonder if we are making a good difference in other’s lives. Is what we do actually helping or hindering others. Nicole Deese has put so much of her heart into this book. We feel the pain and struggles of each of the characters. We also feel the joy they receive. What an amazingly written tale that reflects true events in our society even to this day. The struggles of aging out of foster care and the issues these young people deal with. This story is a story of past hurts, self-worth, friendships, acceptance, forgiveness, loss, and love. It’s a story that will tug at your heart, showing the blessings God can give. I highly recommend you pick this book up and read it. It just might change your way of looking at things. I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is an amazing book! From the beautiful cover to the inspiring story inside, All That Really Matters will take your breath away and forever stay in your heart and mind. There are so many emotions in the 400-plus pages. Sadness and tears. Joy and laughter. Despair and fear. Hope and faith. A search for meaning that turns Christian teachings into a fountain of deep belief. I love that Molly, in serving others, finds a contentment that she didn't think was possible. Silas's deep commitment to God and his fellow man is truly inspirational, and he is easily one of the best male characters ever! Deese's focus on foster-care and the need for mentorship of older teens leave a powerful message, and her take on social media certainly offers food for thought. Nicole Deese has crafted an absolutely stunning book, and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend All That Really Matters to all who enjoy contemporary Christian romance. I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

Social media influencer Molly is in the running for a gig that would be the opportunity of a lifetime. Looking to elevate her chances, Molly convinces her pastor brother to help her get a volunteer position at a home for aged-out foster kids. Silas, the program director, is not a fan of social media and has reservations about Molly volunteering but eventually relents. As the book unfolds, Molly and Silas (as well as the residents at Fir Crest Manor) all have to reconcile their past hurts and evaluate all that really matters. Nicole Deese’s characters were perfectly woven into the story and had a lot of depth. I loved how this book included foster care, adoption, and trauma, and is also a book full of hope and redemption. Overall, All That Really Matters is a great inspirational romance that I highly recommend. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

This is a perfect book to get lost in, I absolutely loved All That Matters by Nicole Deese! I discovered this author a few months ago and have been working on her backlist of highly addictive stories ever since! Molly McKenzie, a mega personality social media influencer, and Silas who started The Bridge as a home for 18+-year-olds who age out of the foster care system meet when she wants to volunteer. They are complete opposites in every way. Loved every minute of this journey of self-discovery, sweet romance, funny banter, and surprising depth. Loved the purpose of The Bridge, and how after many twists and turns the story takes, Molly discovers what is really important. "The youth in our program don't need more grit. They need more grace to be seen, heard, known. To be real." "I hadn't intentionally withheld information from him, but Silas wasn't the type who would willingly stand under a waterfall of details, either." "About The only thing you have control over is your attitude and your heart." I highly recommend All That Really Matters. I thank the publisher and net galley for reading an early copy. I then bought one as a gift. All opinions are my own.

Wow! Nicole Deese has written her best novel yet, I think. And this is a book that will stay with me for a long time, and I’m sure I’ll be rereading it before long. It also made me cry sweet and happy tears! It touched my heart’s core deeply! It was a beautiful and touching story about just what the title says “all that really matters” in life, full of faith inspiring messages delivered in such a fresh and endearing way: through very relatable and utterly loveable characters. This is one of the best contemporary romances I’ve read until now, and I think it’s, not only because of the deep and life changing plot, but because of the characters. They are so relatable and brought to life in such a realistic way, that I felt as if I was making this journey myself. That’s why I cried so much, because I felt their struggles, failures, and victories, as if they were mine. Molly has always strived for acceptance, the one her parents have denied her, and the social media seemed to give her that through her admirers, until she discovers that life is about real connections and love. But not only that, but that love is sacrificing for the other, love is giving, love is making others happy. How had she missed this? And love is forgiveness, and gapping bridges too. Her sparkly and optimistic personality was so endearing, I immediately fell in love with her, and made her struggles mine. She was so funny and genuine, she made me laugh out loud more than once. The lessons she learns about what is important in life, friendship and selfless love, versus appearance, are priceless. Silas is my favorite hero right now. I’m totally in love with him. He too has demons of his own to fight. Having being a foster kid himself, having been betrayed and disappointed by his only blood brother, his journey to forgiveness and love was a sight to behold. The way Molly changes his perfect and prejudiced ways, I just loved that. The way she challenges him to want to be a better man. This was truly a wonderful match. Could be opposites attract, but in the end, they had a lot in common: a kind and compassionate heart, and great determination to pursue what they want. The faith inspired message about trusting God with things that we can’t control, about learning to forgive based on His Unconditional Love and Forgive truly inspired me. As I said, this novel will stay long with me. And I’m praying it inspires and impacts people as it has done with me. Can’t recommend it enough!

Having only previously read one of Nicole Deese's books, there was not a long track record of what I could expect from her newest book. But as Before I Called You Mine pleasantly surprised me, All That Really Matters did as well. It is a wonderful story of emotional and spiritual growth in the main character, Molly. She is a sassy, out-going, say-it-like-it-is kind of gal whose career is all about outward appearances--make-up, clothes, and hair. And then she is challenged to spend time with foster children who are aging out of the system. Oh, the changes readers see. What a delight, encouraging and inspirational. And then there is Silas! If I were young and a character in a book, I would want to be his girlfriend! Deese has written a beautiful story with compelling unforgettable characters...a story of hope and healing in the midst of heartbreak. Readers who enjoy contemporary romance will not want to miss All That Really Matters. I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

I have read one novella and one other book by Nicole Deese. They were both really good and the book also dealt with a similar topic as “All That Really Matters” deals with. It dealt with adoption whereas this book deals with the foster care system. I really loved that book which was one reason I wanted to read this one. The cover and title of this novel also drew me to it. This story revolves around two main characters, Molly McKenzie and Silas Whittaker. The interaction between these two characters make the story come alive. You will definitely find something about one or both of these characters that you can relate to. Beyond the main characters in this book, I found myself annoyed with Molly’s boyfriend/manager. He was just too much about business and I found myself hoping she would realize that she needed to ditch him. As for other secondary characters, there were several that I thought could use a novel that tells their story. As you can tell, there is much to enjoy about this book. This author just does such a great job of drawing you into the plot and keeping you there until the very end. Then she leaves you wanting more in the best way and luckily two of the secondary characters will become main characters in her book that is coming out in Spring 2022. Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.

"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.