Oh gosh!! What a beautifully deep, touching, heart tugging and inspiring story about two struggling souls with a heart of gold, that have a yearning to do something that makes a difference in people’s life, and God joins their paths to learn from one another and make an even bigger difference in other’s people’s life!
Pastor Miles McKenzie, Molly’s twin brother from “All That Really Matters”, thinks his mission as an outreach pastor, his itchy feet and love of traveling to spread the word of God to vulnerable people in other countries, means he’s not called for marriage. He can’t help but being attracted to his sister’s best friend, Val, but she lives thousands of miles away in Alaska. When he returns from one of his short-term missions in Mexico, he never expects to have intriguing Val and her dynamic son as his tenants in the small apartment upstairs. Their arrival seems providential while he’s still trying to understand the nature of his true calling by God, while Pastor Curtis -his Boss- changes his position at Salt and Light Church, into an outreach position for Riverside Family Resource Center. A facility that has been neglected since Pastor Otto passed away a few years ago. This new ministry is totally unexpected and he thinks it’s not what he’s called to be, and wants to apply for another position through his dad’s connections -a mission pastor planting churches- abroad.
Val Locklier has finally stepped out of her comfort zone. She has accepted Molly’s offer of the marketing position at her new business “Basics First” oriented to help teens that age out of the foster system, and finally had the courage to leave the security of her parent’s nearness and support and travel to Spokane, Washington, to start a new life. But things take a wild change in her job options, and she is suddenly faced with the challenge of applying for a mentorship with a very prestigious professional in the field of film making, her deepest dream. Can this be what God, the recently discovered God her friends preach, intends her to do?
Val and Miles, as circumstances bring them together, start a beautiful friendship that is quickly growing into something deeper. Will their dreams drive them apart? Will they learn that God has wonderful plans for them, and mostly, through them?
As I started saying, WOW! This story really touched deep places in my heart. It’s so tender hearted, relatable, thought provoking in a totally inspiring way that makes you, not only cheer for the characters in their journey of self-discovery and learning God’s will for them, but also makes you want to learn from their life experience and put to practice the message of trusting God in using you for the greater good of many people, even if it means positively impacting one life, which it never reduces to that, but has a multiplying effect of mercy and good will. To realize that ALL THAT IT TAKES is for you to make a difference in one person’s life to start a chain of goodness that never stops!
I fell so in love with the characters: they are so real and close, so kind in spite of their flaws, that they feel like friends with whom you immediately bond and relate, and you don’t want to part when the book is over. Val, protective, ever-cautious and battling some insecurities, which are very understandable because of the rejection she has faced due to her hip injury, and after being rejected by her boyfriend when she told him she was pregnant. These things impact her greatly, but do not define her. She is brave and strong in many ways, while her fears may restrain her in others, and she big challenges to overcome that will help her become a bolder self and open herself more to others, to share her gifts as a nurturer, her love gentle and caring. She wants to provide in the best way for her son. She sacrifices. Miles is a generous, outspoken, easy-going, active, charming, compassionate man with a heart of gold, and big dreams. I so loved his tender and selfless heart. Yet, he has a journey to heal some hidden wounds, to discover pride has no place in his calling to serve others. And to discover who these others are, the people in other countries? Or the ones closer to him?
The strong message about intentional relationship building, about reaching out to others in need when God puts you in the right place and moment, really struck my heart, as it did the characters. The secondary characters, like adorable Tucker, Val’s parents, Molly and Silas, Carlee, Trisha, Nurse Charlotte, Grandma Miller and ever Pastor Curtis, there’s so much to love and learn through them too!
There are so many quotes I loved in the book, but this review is already too long. Here’s a short one: “I’d much rather my life be defined by a thousand little moments of faithfulness than by one big moment of fame”.
The plot never drags, and even if it’s not a suspenseful book or anything like that, I was captivated from page one until the last. I shed tears, I laughed out loud, I swooned, I prayed. I’m so sad this book is finished, and I can’t wait for Ms. Deese’s next story to come, hopefully soon!
I vividly recommend this life changing story! And to spread the word about itI it can change not only your life but many others too! And although it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend you to read Molly and Silas’s story first, where you can get the first glimpse at Val and Miles.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher via NetGalley, but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Nicole Deese is one of the sneakiest authors I know. She draws you in with the promise of a delightful contemporary story, fleshing out characters full of life and heart.

But then…

Just as you’re all settled in and comfy in your fictional world of enjoyment, she hits you right in the feels.

Hard.

And once your heart has been cracked open she pours a healing and restoring salve on your broken places, using only her words which, I believe, come straight from her heart.

This book hit me especially hard because it’s so very similar to my own real life story. I’ve lived this journey, and I emerged more aware and in awe of how blessed I am and how much God’s had a hand in my story since before I even began.

So, yes. Nicole is very sneaky. And you’ll be so much more ‘you’ after reading one of her books. But this one is going on my all time favorites list forever.

I received an advance copy from the publisher. All views and opinions are unsolicited and my very own.

This book surprised me in good ways. It was refreshing to have a protagonist with a disability, and experience with her ableism coming from well-intentioned people. I enjoyed this story, that wasn't just a romance but also a realistic-feeling look at transition, working through your past and the challenges that come with starting over. While a few moments felt a little neat & tidy, the whole of this book was a win for me.

Oh, my achy heart! This book struck a deep chord with me for its rich, emotional themes.

Abortion was a main point of emphasis. I loved how beautiful and redemptive this story was in that aspect. The heartache was real. The stress and overwhelmingness of the consideration of an abortion was exquisitely expressed in the character of Carlee. The healing from such a consideration was completely beautiful and amazing in several other characters, including a primary one. From beginning to end, this story was stunning and lovely, which was an extension of the amazing and beautiful cover.

Speaking of the cover, I loved it! The tiles of varying blue hues with little hints at different story attributes were the perfect collage to adorn this book. It totally fit the story beneath it.

The angle about mission work being abroad or domestic was wonderful. I think sometimes we can forget that people close to us need God just as much as those in foreign countries. Sometimes the mission is at home, y’all.

This story carries such positive, heartfelt messages that I’m sure they will impact hearts the world over.

For those currently considering having an abortion: Jesus sees you. He loves you. And He loves that baby growing inside of you. Jesus extends this invitation to you: “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

I got so misty-eyed and wept through portions of this book. That is one thing almost guaranteed for me in Mrs. Deese’s books. Such rich, deep emotions! Every chapter builds so beautifully until the final pages. The relationships and themes worked well together to create such an intricate, emotional story. I loved it!

Content: tobacco, expletive, replacement profanity, teen sex and teen pregnancy (implied and spoken about), teen at a tavern (mentioned), crude sexual terms, abortion theme

All That It Takes, by Nicole Deese, is a stunning sequel to All That Really Matters. Authentically vulnerable and abounding with heart and purpose, this novel offers a reading experience that is profoundly moving. Page after page, this book gently welcomes the reader into a deeply relevant story that is emotionally thoughtful and truly meaningful. Its absorbing plot and relatable characters make this book as engaging as it is memorable.

Incorporating bold honesty with plenty of wit and wisdom, Ms. Deese has crafted a storyline that explores many valuable themes, including friendship, love, parenthood, purpose, insecurity, compassion, and faith. The plot of this novel is fresh and engrossing, offering the reader plenty of sweet romance and dramatic tension. Furthermore, the first-person point of view of the main characters is vibrant and compelling. Their emotional, personal, and spiritual development throughout the book is touching and believable. Likewise, the secondary characters are quite captivating and add a special depth to the story.

All That It Takes, is a distinctive book that uplifts and inspires. Beyond its ability to entertain, it also bestows genuine hope and encouragement. This novel is a sincere pleasure to read, and I eagerly recommend it.

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

I really enjoyed this book! I included the first book, All That Really Matters, in my list of favorite reads from 2021, so I was really glad that I liked this book just as much as the first! Although I maybe liked this one slightly better only because I related to Val a little more.

The characters in this story are so likable. They're relatable, flawed and well rounded; they just felt so real! Even the secondary and minor characters take on a life of their own and come across as very genuine. Miles is just so kind and I love his relationship with Tucker, Val is easy to relate to with her personality and insecurities, and Tucker (Val's son) is so fun and lovable. And the way Val and Miles re-meet really had me laughing. I won't ruin it but it's pretty hilarious and involves a lightsaber.

Miles and Val both struggle when their life plans get disrupted and they're left trying to figure out what to do next. They're forced to stop and reevaluate who they are and what direction they want to go in. With the help of some wise and some unexpected characters throughout the story we see them on their journey to overcoming their struggles.

There are some hard topics and lessons that are dealt with throughout the book that I thought were handled well. It's a good reminder that even when things are hard or a circumstance seems hopeless that God can redeem the situation.

I found the faith component to be very well done. It's SO rare to read a Christian book that doesn't come across as preachy. Especially with Miles being a pastor you would expect some preachiness, but it doesn't come across that way at all. Miles isn't perfect and still has struggles and issues relating to church and church politics.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and really can't think of anything I didn't like about it! The characters, the scene/setting, the romance, faith aspect, the struggles, etc. were so honest, raw, and real that it made the story feel like a movie in your mind. I'm looking forward to whatever comes next from this author!

I loved this story and the depth it had to it! The characters were wonderful and I could relate to both of their journeys. 5 Stars!!!

Val Locklier is a single mom who moves cross-country to take a job with her best friend, Molly. However, less than a week into this new adventure, Val's plans fall apart, and she finds herself and her son renting an apartment from Molly's twin brother, Miles. She also takes on an unpaid internship as part of a film contest.

When Miles returns from a trip to Mexico, the last thing he's expecting is to find that his sister has rented his apartment to new tenants while he was away. Restless and disillusioned, Miles is dealing with some unexpected changes of his own.

This was our first time reading a book written by Nicole Deese and it was exciting to find another author to enjoy. Even though this was the second book in a series, it was still easy to follow as a stand alone.

While one of the topics of this story revolves around innocence lost resulting in unplanned pregnancy, the book was filled with hope and the amazing truth of how our Lord takes the ashes of our life and turns them into beauty. This book is a wonderful example of putting feet to our faith and how our personal trials bring healing into the lives of others. If you know someone dealing with the struggle of an unplanned pregnancy who feels like nothing could ever be right again, you should hand them this book. It could save the life of that mother and her unborn child. We promise this story will bring tears of joy into your own personal circumstances.

We will definitely be reading additional titles by Nicole Deese!

All That it Takes by Nicole Deese is a glorious book. Flat out lovely. This is the second book in a series. although, you don’t need to read book one to enjoy or understand this one. That said, All That Really Matters is highly recommended.

The story still features social media influencer, Molly, but this story focuses on her twin brother, Pastor Miles. He comes home from a rough mission trip to find his sister’s best friend and young son have moved into the apartment above his own. Initially less than thrilled, Miles quickly bonds with Val and her young son.

I loved watching previously timid Val step into her own strength and gifting through this story. And Miles, for all his years of ministry, got a little bit lost before being thoroughly found. This is one of those books that lingers for days after you’ve reached the end. The characters endear themselves very quickly, and the clever twists and turns kept the pages turning long after I should’ve been asleep. This one is highly recommended.

Read an excerpt or buy a copy of All That it Takes

Visit Nicole Deese’s website

Find more great books by Nicole Deese

Miles and Val's story and journey was one that was eye opening and heart tugging. Both of these characters were sincere people, wanting to do what was right, help others, make the most of their lives, and to move on from past disappointments and mistakes.

Val is a woman with a profound limp, suffered from a careless act when she was ten, and she has been living with the consequences and feelings since then. She is also a single mother raising her little boy the best she can. She has made a big life change. She has moved away from her parents to start anew on her own. A new job and a new state, but nothing goes quite right, and then Val is offered something that could possibly be so much better.

Miles is an outreach pastor, who has had his wings clipped and his ministry defunded. He is not happy, nor does he understand all that is going on. Forming his own assumptions and looking for a way out to further his own dreams, he is looking for an escape. But as Miles learns, sometimes not all is what it seems and God can use us anywhere, if we are but open to His call.

I really liked Val and Miles. They were two mature characters just trying to find their way in the world. Like I said earlier, they are sincere and genuine people, not out for their own gain, just trying to survive in a world that seems to want to take away from them. Their journey together was beautiful to watch and has enough life lessons for all of us to take heed of in our own lives.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

All That It Takes is a charming story - the perfect blend of lighthearted moments, sweet romance, spiritual truths, and characters who tug at your heartstrings. This book picks up where All That Really Matters left off, although it can be read as a standalone. Val and Miles, who we met in the last book, are both facing major changes in the trajectory of their lives.

Val’s story is one of facing her fears and stepping outside her comfort zone. Her realization that God can use her story to change lives in dramatic ways is a powerful example of vulnerability and authentic faith. Miles faces his own crisis of faith in a way, as his plans for his life are knocked off course for reasons outside of his control. His eyes are opened to new ways of doing ministry, in a way that is moving and thought-provoking. And of course, Val's son Tucker brings plenty of fun and laughter to the story!

While I would put this book in the contemporary romance genre, it is so much more - it is full of real, relatable characters who experience both the grit and grace of life. I highly recommend this series, especially to fans of authors like Becky Wade and Courtney Walsh!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I first found Nicole Deese last year and have been looking forward to more titles from her! I was truly invested in the stories of these characters and some of this twisted with my own. It has me thinking deeply of my own purpose and how I can make a difference in the lives of others. I appreciate books with wholehearted, clean characters. Definitely recommend.

All That It Takes, by Nicole Deese, is a relatable, realistic, but inspirational Christian romance book that you won’t want to miss! This story is easy to read and filled with hope and applicable life lessons from a Biblical standpoint. The characters are authentic and the plot is moving.

All That It Takes is a story that offers an important reminder about seeking God‘s counsel in all that we do and boldly stepping out in faith. This story is impactful, full of faith, and also a sweet romance we all aspire to. It was an absolute pleasure to read and I eagerly look forward to more from this author.

All That It Takes is the boy-meets-girl romance you’d expect, but it’s also a love letter to women who have overcome the fear, isolation, and myriad challenges presented by an unplanned pregnancy and, in particular, those who have loved those women through the experience, bringing hope where it’s most desperately needed.

All That It Takes moves Molly and Silas to the periphery, letting Miles and Val (and Tucker) take center stage. But it’s also a natural follow-up to All That Really Matters that is thematically deeper and maybe even more moving.

Nicole Deese makes writing look easy, and her craft improves with every novel. Readers are treated to a sweet romance with an attractive hero, but it’s the depth of character that moves the reader’s heart. The writing is honest, taking no cheap shortcuts, and obviously is the fruit of the author’s willingness to dig deep spiritually, allowing God to have a hand in her creativity.

All That It Takes deserves to be shared far and wide, where it can touch the hearts of those for whom God intended this story.

Another amazing book by Nicole Deese! I thought that All That Matters was a story filled with amazing grace, hope and love. Then Nicole said wait up let me give you All That It Takes! This story shows you another story of a couple of ppl who are struggling to figure out what God has planned for them and learning to stop and listen and waiting and doing All that it takes to keep making the best life for yourself even when you are not sure what the outcome might be. It’s having faith and trust in God and the support of the ones around you. You never can go wrong with a book by Nicole Deese. Your spirit is always lifted as your read her stories. 🥰

I wish I’d enjoyed this book more than I did. For personal reasons, I just don’t tend to enjoy books with plots that rely heavily on pregnancies and this one had much more focus than I had anticipated. I also had trouble connecting with the characters for quite a bit of this novel. I realized about halfway in that there was a book that came earlier than this one in which the characters were introduced, and I would venture a guess that the prior book really helps you connect to the story better. I felt like I was missing something the whole time.

I still did enjoy the redemption story, and it had a really well-done focus on faith. I can see others loving this book more than I did, especially if they read the first book in this companion series. I’d like to read more from this author, as I did definitely feel the emotion and really enjoy reading a romance with mature characters that actually know how to talk about their feelings and problems.

All That It Takes by Nicole Deese is a beautiful, funny, inspirational novel. This book has everything! After reading the first book, I was so excited to pick up this second novel and read about Val. This book did not disappoint! As much as I loved the first book, Val's story was even better, and that really surprised me. Ms Deese writes dialogue that makes the book so entertaining, and you will not be able to put it down. And yet, this book is so much more than just entertaining. This book clearly expresses the importance of each person in making a difference in others' lives. I highly recommend this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

All That It Takes is the next chapter featuring multiple characters we were introduced to in All That Really Matters, another of Deese's books that captured my heart. Her books are insightful, witty, fun to read, and beautifully wrapped up in a reflection of Christ.

Val and Miles are secondary characters from the first book that get their own story in All That It Takes. Learning to take leaps of faith (perhaps even when ill-advised...) and move forward after past struggles, I loved that these characters didn't have it all together. How many of us can say we do, either?

Deese writes books that stick with you long after the last page and I couldn't be more excited about seeing what's to come after All That It Takes. There are so many possibilities for the other characters and relationships intertwining with each other that I hope Deese plans on more after this one. It's like a multi-layered cake--it only gets better with each flavor!

Don't miss this one. I would also suggest that it is helpful to read All That Matters first so that you know who is who and why it matters. Quotes like these keep me coming back for more of Deese's work: “Unsure of how to mute the noise in my head and the doubts in my heart. But maybe that was the thing about finding stillness in God – it required nothing and everything, all the same.”

If you're looking for a heartfelt, fun read that you will remember and rave about, All That it Takes is for you.

I was an early reader, thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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I love Nicole's books and how they weave in faith. This book did not disappoint. I loved reading about Val's journey as a single mother. Miles was a great male lead and a solid book boyfriend.

The conflict felt very realistic and real. I also loved the development of the community center and how it played into the story.

"Sometimes all that it takes is one person being willing to step out in love for the betterment of another to change the trajectory of an entire life.”
𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚘𝚗𝚎.

(Swipe to read the book blurb and some of my favorite highlights)

There she goes again!!@nicoledeeseauthor
I am at a complete loss of words about how much this story captured and captivated me

You guys! truly the most amazing thing about books is when I feel seen, touched, and reminded of spiritual truth & scripture that is gifted to humans through God's love

The depth, love, and beauty this book possesses is a delight for every reader's heart, I can vouch for that !!

💗The romance, character growth, plotline, side characters as crucial as the main, so many aspects of life we overlook & underestimated actions...which would be a light to turn the way we see many things and just reading this book made me want to change /pray for change and be better

▶The vulnerability and journey of Miles and Val along with their story will touch & speak into your hearts!!
Imagine reading all this wonderfulness along with lightness that makes you laugh, smile, and grin...A Winning Combo!!

The book may seem to go slow sometimes, but trust keep going, you'll lovee it!!

Tropes :
▶Single mom romance
▶Bestfriend's brother
▶Falling in love with a Pastor
▶Slowburn
▶Contemporary fiction
▶Women group support 💖💖

It was so fun meeting Tucker ( Val's son) & Characters from Book -1, Molly's story 😄💛

I don't want them to end!!
The ending was a bliss💗💖

If you haven't yet read any books by this author...
This is it!!
Your another divine moment with the book assuring that you NEED TO RUN AND GET YOUR COPY!!!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Trigger warning: Teen Pregnancy, abortion

*Thanks to the publisher for providing an e-arc via NetGalley, I wasn't required to give a positive review
All views expressed are my own