I received this book "All That Really Matters" from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. This is my second book by this author, the first being "The Promise of Rayne" which I loved. When I first started reading this book, "All That Really Matters", I said to myself, oh no, it's about makeup and jewelry and influencers, which I really have no interest in. This book was so much more. It takes the influencer and shows them that life is much much more than material things. I loved all the characters and the words just flowed so smoothly. I couldn't wait to read this each day. The story was truly amazing and heartwarming. This is a must read book that I have already told friends about. Also, loved the cover which is something that makes me pick up a book to read.

Can I first say how much I love this cover? It is stunning in its simplicity yet grabs your attention. I am a sucker for a good cover and this is one of the best.

Not to mention this is an amazing story. I was intrigued with Molly McKenzie from the beginning. This is my first read from this author and it was a good one. Molly is an influencer for beauty brands so she has that air about her that many successful young influencers have. Not that I am belittling them in anyway. As a stepping stone to something more Molly applies to mentor girls at The Bridge, a place for aged-out foster kids. While Silas Whittaker, the director of program, has a dream to to accommodate more youth into his program and help them mature into responsible adults.

I enjoyed both Molly and Silas very much. When they finally finally turned control of their lives over to God I knew he was going to make great things happen. Molly begins to see the difference she makes in the lives of the girls and in doing that she finds her purpose in life and it isn't searching for fortune and fame.

As I said this such a wonderful story and I am so glad that I read it. I came away feeling good about the whole thing. It is very clever and well written. In my opinion it is a must read for 2021.

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese is a powerful look at today's culture and the reality of the hurts that get hidden in social media posts. Ms Deese treats this topic with care. The emotions behind this novel are deep and readers will feel the main character's deep pain. But those emotions do not get in the way of the author's fun and engaging writing. Instead, the character's realizations become aha moments for the reader, pointing back through the fun writing as a deep emotional cord that had been there all along. The writing in this book is masterful. This book is layered in the emotions and tragedies explored but also in the true hope that can be found. I highly recommend this novel to readers of many types of books. While it may look like just women's fiction, I truly believe this book's message is vital in today's culture and would resonate with readers of many backgrounds if given a chance. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

What really matters in life? Sometimes it's hard to recognize. Although I have no desire to become one, social media influencers are very intriguing to me. Nicole Deese delivers an amazingly heartfelt and authentic story, and it caught me off guard. I was expecting superficial, and maybe that's how Molly's service journey started, but her genuine and vivid persona, grit, and perfected online presence was a magnet for everyone who came in contact with her and absolutely perfect for this book.

Molly is the type of character that you can't help but adore and idolize and want to be like. Although she appears to be very successful, I love that there's room for her to grow and learn more about herself. I love how she engages with the youth program and discovers it's more than a stepping stone for her next career move. And can we talk about Silas? What a perfect contrast! That stoic man is compassionate, dukely, and charismatic.

I just loved everything about this book. The whole cast of characters felt alive and multi-dimensional. They were real and flawed, yet extremely likable and I couldn't get enough. I loved the Pacific Northwest setting, which lent an interesting vibe that set my heart ablaze once a romance sparked.

Deese does a phenomenal job of bringing the reader into the story. The strings of hope, forgiveness, and love were written amazingly well, creating a beautiful tapestry that I just wanted to frame and keep in my forever.

Content: mild romance (kissing, vague mention of intimacy); mild+ religion; mild+ talk of past situations (drugs, death, attacks, etc)

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

This is the first of Deese's books I have read, but definitely not the last! In All That Really Matters, Molly is a popular influencer making a living on instagram doing all the things that influencers do... promoting products, makeup tutorials, YouTube videos, ads, etc. I thought Deese gave a pretty accurate portrayal of the instagram culture, I really liked that she didn't make Molly seem air-headed or shallow. She made a point to show that you can love fashion, products, and makeup and still love God. When Molly's manager (also boyfriend) suggests she get involved in a charity to "increase her influence" aka bump up her numbers, her brother connects her with Silas. Silas runs a home for young adults who have aged out of the foster system, but are not quite ready to start out on their own. Kind of a halfway house for the "in-between" stage of life.

What begins as a ploy to increase Molly's viewers quickly turns to something much more substantial and "real." We follow Molly's journey as she deals with some heavy and life affirming choices. Many faith-based novels I've read can be overly cheesy and far removed from reality - that was absolutely NOT the case in All That Really Matters. The characters were relevant, their circumstances were realistic, and their faith felt organic. I loved the relationships and friendships formed in this book, and I was pleased to find that the ending set up the next novel in the series (at least I hope it did!)

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Bethany House for the free book.
I loved Deese's book last year, so I was super excited to get to read this one early. I loved this one just as much. She writes such deep stories that highlight the attributes of Christ in her different characters. I just loved Molly. She had so much going on in her life - from selfishly looking out for her own good to being impacted by her new project. And Silas is swoon worthy. He had such a good foundation in Christ, yet still learned throughout the book. There were so many lessons in this book, and I bet you'll need a tissue or two while reading.
I'm also a huge fan of how she highlighted what it's like for foster kids that age out of the system. This is a topic that needs more light shined on it.
She crafts hard stories so well, and I can't wait to explore her backlist and see what she comes up with next.

“When we’re willing to risk being real with others . . .” I stopped the sentence there, prompting the room to finish. “We teach others how to be real with us,” they said in unison.”

In an age of social media perfectionism, “All That Really Matters” shines brighter with it’s realistic portrayal of the person behind the screen. Filled with beauty in a depth that far surpasses the exterior, Deese shines light on a much needed ministry in a way that is filled with compassion and love. My heart is full after reading this book. I’m honestly not sure I can do justice with my words, other than saying Deese really knows how to get to the heart of the matter. The characters are lovable, the romance is swoony, and the depth is divinely appointed ministry to the heart.

“You’re gifted,” he said. “It’s easy to understand what your Mimi saw in you all those years ago. What she said about God having uniquely shaped gifts for each one of His uniquely shaped people. She’s right.”

I believe this is thee must read book of 2021. I hope your heart is as changed as mine is. Not only did the author give a heart hug to all of us who have struggled with relationships, but she also deals with a ministry that’s been close to my heart. She gives hope filled ways of how to help with aged out of foster kids in our communities. May God bring much glory to this ministry through books like this.

‘“A heart makeover,” he said. “Yeah,” I said. “It was the only way I knew to describe it.” “It was the perfect way to describe it.”’

Absolutely, stunningly beautiful and heartfelt...and that cover is gorgeous, too!

“...in the end, the condition of our heart is all that really matters.”

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and are given honestly.

All That Really Matters grabbed me from the first paragraph. The first page itself is what authors long to be able to write.

This book is such a touching story and includes a large, thorough character arc.

I hadn’t read anything by Nicole Deese before.I chose it because I loved the cover, and the story lived up to the beautiful cover. I will be reading more of Nicole Deese’s books.

Somewhere along the way I somehow missed the memo that this is a faith based novel! While I am not religious at all myself, I don't have an issue reading about characters that are. That being said, the God talk was just a little too much fore me to read. Thank you for my copy!

This book reminded me of the unique calling on my life, that I need to find in Jesus and follow. The story brought to life the importance of integrity and follow thru on all issues, maintaining this at great personal cost. Choosing to follow God is not an easy path, but very rewarding.

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 an inspiration. 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 was pleasantly surprised by this book - it had more depth than I was expecting. I enjoyed the Christian elements woven throughout along with the development of the relationship, but most importantly, the character development is what sells this book.

Who manages to combine a beauty blogger with a former foster care kid who has scars and a tough history and have it become a compelling story? Nicole Deese evidently. Not only did she write about polar opposites, she made the story believable. The transition from shallow to deep was powerful!

All Molly McKenzie wants to do is to continue to grow her social media platform. If helping in a group home for kids transitioning from foster care to adulthood can make that happen, she is all for it. But she quickly realizes that there is more happening at The Bridge Youth Home than she anticipated.

This book is about learning to distinguish what is real connection and what is fake. Molly realizes that she took for granted one person in particular. Finding her way back to that friend took some time. At the beginning of the book, Molly had a team to promote her brand. By the end of the book, Molly had a team to support her heart.
Yes, there is a romance element to this one, but that part of the story is paced well and does not take it over. This is not a typical love story. And I loved how the relationship is portrayed.

In a world that applauds appearances, this book also makes one consider what beauty truly is. Is there anything wrong with trying to be at our best? Not always. But sometimes the truly lovely moments happen during times of sacrifice. Molly learns this lesson well.

What I personally appreciated about this book was the reminder that what I do with what I have been given matters. At one point, Molly wonders if what she does can really make a difference. To be convinced that what she had to offer could matter took some time. All of us are wired a certain way. God can use our abilities and our bents if we are willing to submit all that we have to Him. This book caused me to pray about my own platform. What can I do with what I have to love God and love others more? That is a question worth pondering.

I did receive a paperback copy of this book as a part of the author's launch team. I also received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley, so I could get started on reading it earlier. I wanted to read and review this book. A positive review was not expected. But I loved this one, and I will be sharing about it for a long time. All opinions are my own!

4.5

This book was genuinely amazing. To be honest at first I wasn't sure I was going to be able to connect with Molly because makeup and fashion are two things I'm not into at all. But I persevered and it didn't take long to get truly invested in the real story.

I really appreciate and love that Deese is using her platform for important subjects such as the topic of teenagers aging out of the foster care system. This is a very real issue that needs more attention. I hope this book will spark some interest in helping these young people.

There was so much character growth in this book. Not just Silas and Molly but many of the side characters too. I especially loved it because it was all very realistic and authentic.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

First off, I was very pleasantly surprised to discover that a) "All That Really Matters" is set in eastern Washington, and b) Nicole Deese lives in the Pacific Northwest! What fun!

Secondly - wow. I'd never read Deese's books before, so wasn't sure what to expect. Suffice to say ... I loved this read and will absolutely be picking up more. She writes eloquently, deeply, grippingly (I'm glad to know that's actually a word, as I'm not getting the Red Squiggly Line of Not-a-Word Death as I write this, lol).

"All That Really Matters" takes a deep dive into the world of social media, influencers, and all-around "celebrity." I took a social-media management online course a couple years ago, contemplating pursuing it--and frankly, this read helped me close the door on that and feel good about it. :) I peeked inside the influencer world with that course; this book opened the door further and showed the good, the bad, and frankly, the ugly about it. It takes a special person (and even more of God alongside said person) to navigate that world and maintain a semblance of sanity! As Deese writes: "Our present reality isn't enough; it was never meant to be. The danger ... is not in promoting the stuff you enjoy, it's in believing that something so temporary can bring you actual joy. Peace. Acceptance. Fulfillment" (eARC loc. 3437).

Molly's journey throughout influencer-land and life at Fir Crest Manor drew me in more and more as the book went on--it got even better the more I read. I was particularly moved about 3/4 of the way through, when Molly asked Silas, "Like why would eye creams and hair diffusers matter to God? Why does any of it matter at all?" Silas told her that "It matters because you matter to Him. Molly, your enjoyment of makeup and fashion and every shade of sparkle was not some accident. You don't honor God with your life by changing your personality and tossing out everything that is unique about who you are. You honor Him by offering those very gifts back to Him." (eARC loc. 5583) Boom. Mic drop, Silas; mic drop. Those words are what still remain with me, even after finishing the book earlier today. I love it when the things I "know" in my head, I suddenly "know" in a new way, from an unexpected source. Very grateful for this read and those words.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book blew me away! Nicole wrote another winner. I loved the uniqueness of the characters - no cookie cutter plot here. Molly as a beauty influencer and Silas as a director of a residential home for foster kids really taught me about two careers I knew little about. They were both real people with real challenges and you could emphasize with both of them. I loved the scene where they meet each other as it set a great background for the book and their relationship.This book made my read-again list. Highly recommend to anyone wanting something different in a romcom.

All That Really Matters" by Nicole Deese
The first thing I need to say is Nicole Dress knocked "All That Really Matter" out of the park! This book is funny, romantic and about growing from the inside and out.

Synopsis - Molly McDonald's bright personality and one trend fashion and beauty advice have made her a social media influencer. When her manager - boyfriend lets her know about a upcoming audition to host a makeover show for underprivileged youth. To get a foot up, she volunteered for a summer at a translational program for aged out foster kids. To do she needs to get past Silas's Whittaker program director.

My thoughts - The book is a page-turner and sweet. Its about not putting your needs before others. During the book, Molly learned a lot about what is truly important. I love the developing relationship with Silas. The is humorous parts that had me rolling in laughter and places where I would cry.

Rating - I will rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars

Recommendations - I will recommend this book though Facebook, Amazon, Bookbud, Goodreads, and on my personal blog.

Disclaimer - I received this complimentary copy from the author and publisher for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.

All That Really Matters is a heartwarming story of self-discovery and, as the title states, finding what really matters. Molly McKenzie was at the top of her game as a fashion vlogger with over 600,000 subscribers, a manager, and a very comfortable lifestyle. But when she was told to reach one million subscribers in just three months, and to find a human-interest cause that would help her brand, Molly’s life began to change along with her priorities.

I loved the way this story was written. I’m all about finding the path God wants for us and making the choice to walk it, even if it takes us from the comfortable path we were already walking. At first, Molly’s choice to volunteer at The Bridge, a transitional home for youths who had aged out of foster care, was purely selfish. But when she met the kids living there, something stirred inside of her, and she found herself at The Bridge more often than she needed to be.

And then, of course, there was Silas Whittaker, director of the youth home. A man of faith and integrity who had no use for a woman who spent her days dressing up and talking on social media outlets about how to make yourself look better. But then, God always has a way of getting His way.

The characters in this story were perfect including sweet Gloria—or Glo, as she was lovingly called—the receptionist, cook, and so much more. The youth all had their own personalities and problems and dealt with them in their own way. But you could tell they all respected the place they lived and those who worked with them. Anyone who showed disrespect or broke any of the rules were dealt with, but not harshly.

I also loved how Nicole Deese used the kids and their sessions at The Bridge to help Molly find her truth. It wasn’t just a one-way street, and Molly was changed by the end of the book in the best way possible. Oh, and maybe a bit of romance was thrown in for good measure, a sweet romance that didn’t seem forced but rather a gradual transition.

I could go on and on about this story, but I don’t want to give everything away. What I will say is read it. You won’t be disappointed.

I received a copy of All That Really Matters thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House

"Love lives in the hard places with us because that's what sets it apart. That's what makes it love."

Despite this beautiful cover, I almost didn't request to read All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese because I worried the story would end up feeling a little cliché. But I'm happy to report I was WRONG. 😁 Molly ended up being so much more than the typical influencer personality. Her emotional complexity drew me in along with her humor. And that first meeting with Silas (AKA the Duke of Fir Crest Manor 😉) played out so well! I loved that Molly didn't act spoiled or entitled but also didn't sell herself short. Her character--and the entire storyline--was well-done.

This novel deals with hard topics, ones that I honestly don't often think about. Topics like the separation of siblings in foster care/adoption and the transitional period from teen to adult for those same kids. Every element of the story felt real and raw. I did find my attention dwindling in the middle, but that could've just been me. Once the pace picked up, I was hooked on finding out how every problem would be sorted out.

The first-person POVs used were an engaging change from the typical third-person too.

If you've got a love for contemporary romance (or even contemporary fiction), I'd say you're going to have fun digging into this one! It releases April 6th!

*Thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House for the chance to read and review. All opinions are my own.*

#AllThatReallyMatters #BHPFiction #netgalley #NicoleDeese #contemporaryromance #Christianfiction #contemporaryfiction #coverlove

This is the first book I've read by Nicole Deese but it certainly won't by the last! I just couldn't put it down. The story that she has told is simply beautiful and I couldn't get enough.