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.

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese

I read my first Nicole Deese book last fall and the story completely grabbed me, pulled my heart strings and made me feel all the feels.

I was so excited to receive a gifted copy of Nicole’s upcoming release All That Really Matters because I was expecting it to be all the same vibes. Not only is the cover STUNNING, it’s a really unique story that left me want more more more (in a good way).

Molly McKenzie is a fashion and beauty influencer who is always reaching for her next goal. In pursuit of an opportunity to be the host of a makeover show, Molly seeks an opportunity to volunteer at a transitional program for aged-out foster kids. Soon, Molly is so deeply invested in her mentoring she questions the value of her influencing career as she struggles in the face of the harsh realities and heartbreaking stories of her mentees. But the mentees are not the only new inspiring people Molly’s craving more of in her life... the strict program director, Silas, has completely turned her head and is inspiring her to reach for more of what really matters.

This story is so endearing, inspiring and touching. Not only is Silas a complete dream boat (siiiiigh) but the kids involved in the program will also completely win your heart over. Molly’s story is relatable as so often we also forget to focus on what matters most.

I absolutely LOVED this story and cried happy tears through the final pages.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Plan to get your hands on a copy! All That Really Matters is out 4/6/21!!

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 beautiful love story illustrates how God loves us without exception. His redeeming love sets us apart from our everyday techniques to hide away who we really are. I love how Nicole Dress takes modern issues of image, social media, and even blended backgrounds to show that we all have God's love before we ever even know to ask for it.
Watching Molly go through what she thought was happiness, into heartbreak, and through grace, into a true happiness made my heart soar. How many times have we all thought that we had everything we wanted to just realize that it wasn't right for us at all? Just me?....okay then, but I have definitely been there!
As a "ward of the courts" my whole life, I connected to this book deeper than I ever meant to. I have 2 teenage girls that I have watched go through the spirals of emotions outlined through the character stories. One that even came out of the system and faced most of the trials and tribulations that Molly and some of the other girls faced.
There is redemption, grace, love, mercy, acceptance of self and others, and beauty found in self through the pages of this book. It shows that no matter where you are, what your relationships look like right now with those around you, God has, is and will continue living you where you are as he calls you where you want to be.

“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.

A huge thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. Oh man, this book was just brilliant! This book tells the story of Molly Mckenzie a social media influencer who is convinced by her boyfriend Ethan to work with the underprivileged as she prepares for a makeover show. At first, her intentions are to hit 1 million followers (read the book when it comes out to check this fact) but as she works alongside Silas *cue sighs* and the youth of the Bridge Youth Home she goes through a transformation process. The plot and the characters are well developed making it the perfect summer or winter read.

Oh my goodness, what an amazing book! Such a deep commentary on today's attraction to social media and celebrity status and pretty things. It seems so appealing and worth attaining, and yet there are so many more substantial purposes in life. So many people more worth our time and talent and treasures. SomeONE more worth our hearts.

Watching Molly's transformation from social media darling to a mentor of young adults in transition from foster care, was an amazing journey to follow. Reading the foster kids' stories, which are likely close to many in real life, was heartbreaking.

5 stars! This may be my favorite book so far in 2021! I really hope we get a sequel with Miles!

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

Very good story. Super relevant to the over glamorized world we live in. Plus, I'm a sucker for a happy ending!

An absolutely incredible, deeply emotional story from Nicole Deese! All That Really Matters is a wonderfully inspiring, impeccably written story of self discovery and finding what the most important things in life truly are. I fell in love with the characters, the setting, and my mad appreciation for Deese’s writing only increased. This is a story readers won’t be able to put down.

Deese just writes so very well, and has an ability for explaining things profoundly yet simply. I knew less than halfway through the story that I was in love with Silas, and I adored Molly’s character growth. It was obvious from the beginning that she was a good person, but watching her channel her good into truly meaningful things was incredibly inspiring. I also greatly appreciated the time Deese dedicated to the residents of the manor; they each made a unique and distinct impression on me and it was a joy to watch their struggles and triumphs as they challenged the odds.

All That Really Matters is incredibly timely and relevant, not just in the age of social media, but in a time when we all need to help others and be conscious of more than ourselves. Deese has an astounding talent, and I can’t wait to see the continuing story of some beloved characters. Readers absolutely don’t want to miss this story! 5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wow. This was only my second time reading one of Nicole Deese's novels, and I'm quickly becoming a huge fan. Nicole has a talent for drawing the reader in from the very first page and weaving a story that is impossible to put down.

All That Really Matters introduces us to Molly McKenzie, an up-and-coming social media influencer. Until now, her life has centred around likes, comments, and the best angles. Self-centredness seems to be the only way to get ahead in her world. But, all of that is about to change. Enter the ridiculously handsome, but much-too-serious, Silas Whitaker, director of a transitional home for those who have aged-out of foster care. Molly was only looking for something that looked good on her resume, but she just might find something worth a whole lot more. Maybe there really is more to her than just a pretty face. Maybe she and Silas are more alike than either of them realizes.

I loved Molly and Silas' story. I really enjoyed seeing Molly's character mature by leaps and bounds. And Silas. Ahhhh...Silas. He's the kind of hero that every romance novel should have: flawed enough to be human, but with a love for God and a heart to help those around him. I really appreciated that Silas wasn't afraid to admit when he was wrong and worked hard to forgive the ones who had hurt him. And Molly and Silas together? They really do bring out the best in each other and I loved watching their relationship develop.

All That Really Matters is definitely a one-of-a-kind novel. It's the kind that keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes you stay up way too late at night to finish it. There's a healthy dose of romance, plenty of character growth, a few situations that will have you shaking your head, and some that might even make you shed a tear or laugh out loud. This is one book I'll definitely be reading again and again.

*I received a complimentary copy of All That Really Matters through the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

This book took me by surprise. I’ve been so steeped in historical fiction this year that I wasn’t really eager to read a contemporary romance, especially one about a beauty and fashion influencer. However, I could not put this book down once I started reading it! I stayed up past midnight on a work night just to finish, which is huge for this girl who loves to sleep.

I loved how author Nicole Deese allowed readers to grow alongside her main character, Molly McKenzie. Despite being a glamorous social media influencer, Molly’s insecurities and personal struggles were relatable and honest. She was an endearing and genuine character who I rooted for and celebrated with. I think women of all ages could appreciate her loneliness and longing for friendships. The added dimension of romance was just the icing on the cake of this heartwarming story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Baker Publishing for this ARC. I give All That Really Matters five sparkly, pink stars!!

Every time I read a book by Nicole Deese, I think it is her best book yet. She just keeps getting better and better and this book is no exception. I loved it! I was addicted to it and could not put it down. The characters are very relatable and I could see myself being friends with them. I loved the journey that Molly took. She started out self absorbed(but still lovable) and by the end of the book she learned how much more blessed it is to help others. It was funny, charming, amazing, etc. I cannot say enough kind words about it. Read this book. You will not be disappointed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Love the emphasis on teens aging out of the foster care program! By highlighting these teens and their struggles through fiction, people will gain awareness of the situation and hopefully strive to help solve the problem. Also, through Molly's eyes readers will have a bird's eyes view of the inside industry of the influencer concept on social media. This is a very realistic novel for today's world. Highly recommended!

Oh man. What a book this is! I have been a huge fan of this author for a few years now. But this is amazing. I’ll be honest and say I was leery of the man character’s occupation. A social media influencer? About beauty? Not really my thing. But this was a beautiful book and made me stop and think often. I highlighted a lot! Maybe one of my favorite quotes in a long time is from this book.

“Love lives in the hard places with us because that’s what sets it apart. That’s what makes it love.”
There were others as well, some with a C.S. Lewis feel.

Seriously. Read this book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in order to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise.

Wow! This book took me an an emotional roller coaster with all the feels! First of all, I thought this book was exceptionally well written and loved it! I am a big fan of books that keep me so invested that I feel the emotions that the characters are experiencing! That totally happened with this book in several places! Eyes welling with tears, pride for someone overcoming a struggle, total devastation over injustice, and my most favorite, the warm fuzzies from the best hero! ALL THE FEELS!
In all honesty I struggled with the heroine at the beginning of this book. Struggled is putting it mildly. She bugged the snot out of me! She was self centered, out of touch with reality and needed to be knocked down a peg or two in my opinion. My reading besties told me, just wait, don’t give up, she will have a change of heart... and oh my goodness I’m so glad I listened!
When an author has the capability of taking a character that you truly do not enjoy, changing them, redeeming them, and making you root for them, that is an exceptional gift! This story will tug at your heart, entertain you, and leave you with a happy sigh! I so enjoyed this reading experience and would highly recommend this book!

"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.

When I picked up All That Really Matters I wasn't expecting such a wonderfully complex, Christian faith affirming, contemporary novel. Molly Mackenzie is a professional influencer. She is funny and authentic to her brand and works at cultivating her viewers. When her manager tells her she needs to support a good cause to increase her following she seeks a referral from her pastor brother. Silas Whittaker runs The Bridge Youth Home. It is a home for young adults who have aged out of the foster care system. It gives them a place to live while continuing school or trade training and also teaches them life skills to help them become independent adults. While Molly's original intentions aren't pure she quickly takes on the cause and becomes a mentor and tries to help Silas with his off the page goal. Of course there are obstacles, career choices and a manipulative boyfriend getting in the way. Molly must follow her heart and core values to get what she really wants.

Told from alternating POVs of Molly and Silas. Molly to me is the real star. She is the one that has to experience pain and change during the story. I like her positive energy. When she makes mistakes she owns them and makes her best efforts to learn and grow from them. Silas gets his own moments too with a back story relating to his brother. I also liked learning about influencing as a career but found it predictable that her career would be trivialized. I appreciated the author highlighting the needs of those coming out of the foster care system.

The content is totally clean but there is mention of drug use and violence. This is my first book by Nicole Deese and I will gladly read others by her. Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for a honest review.

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 are 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.

This book!!!!!! First off, I loved that it shined a light on what happens to kids that age out of the system and the great need there is for homes and places for them to learn how to be an adult and have people on their side.. Some dear friends of mine just started working at a home just like this book so it was really neat to get a small glimpse of what they do day to day! Second, the end of this book had me questioning whether my chills were from a fever or the goosebumps of the amazing last few chapters! Thankfully it was the latter. Highly, highly recommend this book!!!!!

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese is fun, deep, and enjoyable to read. The book seems to have the classic formula of an out-of-touch-with-the-plight-of-regular-humans rich girl who finds herself forced to mingle with those who have significantly less than she. Enter the dream guy who clearly is baffled by the perceived shallowness and you can imagine where things go from there. Yet, somehow Deese manages to put a fresh voice to the formula and endears the reader to her heroine, Molly McKenzie.

The best part of this story was that the author takes a person that is stereotyped as shallow and self-centered and shows there is a lot going on beneath the surface. There is so much story to be told, and Deese does so in ways that keep readers interested and wanting to learn what happens to Molly McKenzie. This book manages to captivate and reveal a great deal about the human condition.

Readers will find all sorts of swoon-worthy moments and won't know whether the next page will bring laughter, disgust, or tears. This story really hits all of the points that one wants to see in a transformational romantic piece. Settle in and enjoy the ride as Molly McKenzie takes Silas Whittaker by storm.