All That Really Matters – Nicole Deese - 5 Stars Loved the book!

This is my first book by this author and I’ll be looking out for more of her books. I couldn’t put this book down. It was relevant to things as they are now and the romance between the main two characters and the texting between the two made me laugh out loud. The author switches back and forth between Molly and Silas. This book is a must read for those who enjoy Christian Fiction. I loved the book!

I received this book free in the kindle format from NetGalley. My opinion of this book and my words are my own, freely given. Not required.
#AllThatReallyMatters #NicoleDeese #NetGalley #ChristianFiction

Description as found on NetGalley:
Molly McKenzie's bright personality and on-trend fashion and beauty advice have earned her impressive social media following, as well as a shiny monthly paycheck. 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 catch: she has little experience interacting with people in need.

To gain an edge on her competitors, she applies to volunteer at a transitional program for aged-out foster kids during summer, only the program's director, Silas Whittaker, doesn't find her as charming as her followers do. But since forfeiting a goal has never been her style, Molly's only option is to accept the terms Silas lays out and submit to his rules--even the most ridiculous ones pertaining to social media.

Soon as the residents of the home become more than a means to pad her career resume, and Silas becomes more than an obstacle on her path to fame, her once-narrow focus expands to include the deep needs of those she's serving... and perhaps the ones she's neglected inside herself as well. It took years to build her platform, but only one summer to discover what really matters most.

The transformation of hearts during this book is so well worth the read! I did like Molly, even when she was pretty materialistic and had ulterior motives, so it was easy to keep reading. But my advice is that even if you don’t like her, keep reading! The transitional house she volunteers at was fascinating and wonderful. I have no idea what the author has planned for the future, but I’d love to read more about transitional house the characters that reside there, and I absolutely want to read more about Miles and Val! I highly recommend this book for contemporary book lovers!

I received a copy of this book, all opinions are my own

All That Really Matters
Great read! A remarkable story that could be true, and one that kept my attention all the way thru.

I loved this story so much! It was just the medicine I needed when I had a cold last week, since it was lighthearted at first, with a beautiful deeper message. Two thumbs up!

I loved the issues of teens who've aged out of the foster care system. This is a real issue today and I'm so glad Nicole tackled this tough topic. I loved the contrast between the hero and heroine!

When I pick up a book by author Nicole Deese, I know that I am in for an emotional, deeply rooted story with smiles, romance and tears. Her writing is packed with layers and I love it. Oh! And I also love this cover. LOVE it.

This story is so good. Just wait until that emotional investment kicks in because when it does, BAM. I liked Molly from the first moments I met her. Silas took a minute longer but not by much. Getting to know both these characters bit by bit was fantastic. They felt so real, so raw. It felt like I was there with them. One thing I really loved was that once it was Molly and Silas, it was Molly and Silas. They were a team and it was them against the world. They didn't have a falling out, a walking away or a tuning out. They were there, together for the haul. That felt so good.

And, speaking of a team. Wow, the ending of this book felt like a rally. All people unite and forge ahead together for the good of all. It was full of all the warm, fuzzy, inspiring feelings.

These characters, all of them, pack emotional hurts and scars. They battle inner demons and face moral issues. It is gritty and it is beautiful. I loved every page of this book. 5/5 stars

Content: mild violence, kissing, Christian elements

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The cover alone was enough to grab my attention and hook me. Thank goodness I devoured what was inside the cover! An excellent book by Nicole Deese. Prepare to be captivated, blessed and encouraged. This book is a great example of not judging a book by its cover, even though that is exactly what I did when I picked it. Molly is so much more than the successful, rich, pretty girl she seems to be. She has layers and depth and needs the right person to help her press into them. Silas is the swoony hero with a big heart who helps her peel back the layers and live in the freedom of her true self. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Deese will delight all readers and has earned her place on my must-read book list. I received a copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

A delightful read with lots of charm, heart, and swoon-worthy romance.

I'm not sure which I loved more: that this book managed to repeatedly give me butterflies or that this book had me crying like a baby. This book is so unapologetically real, yet uplifting, that Ms. Deese deserves a big gold star for creating such a masterpiece. At one point while reading this, I set the book down, did a few air pumps with my fist, and squealed with joy. I really wish I was joking!

I can't remember the last time I loved every single character in a book so much I wished I could just move in with them. I wasn't sure how to feel about Molly at first. I knew I didn't dislike her, but I also wasn't entirely sure if I loved her. I guess I was really just worried for her. However, it didn't take very long for her true heart to show and for me to start falling in love with her tenacity. And don't get me started on Silas. I have a few single friends who I would LOVE to set up with a Silas-type! (if you know of any, let me know)

If you're looking for something to make you feel better about life, you NEED to read this book. It's a big ol' hug for the soul.

I couldn't imagine how an inanimate object like a book could take me through a myriad of emotions. I squealed like a little girl, my heart felt intense pain at some point, I was so happy, so sad...

This book is a treasure. I love the characters except Ethan. There were so relatable, real and inspiring. Their struggles weren't fiction, they were real. Their faith and growth was the most inspiring and admirable part of this book.
The story melted and encouraged my heart at the same time.

I thought Nicole Deese's last book, Before I Called You Mine was breathtaking until I read this one.
My heart is full with the story, faith so beautifully illustrated in wonderful acts of love with amazing characters.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

In a day and age when people are defining popularity by the number of followers, likes, or comments on social media posts, All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese challenges that belief.

As a social media influencer, Molly is all about the numbers, but to achieve her next goal, she’s got to increase those numbers even more. And to do that as well as impress some Hollywood types, she decides to volunteer. What she doesn’t expect is the connection she feels to the kids who have aged out of foster care.

Deese blew my expectations for this book out of the water. While I don’t have a lot in common with Molly, I connected with her in her search for acceptance. And her growth throughout this book is tremendous. But it’s not just Molly who grows, it’s Silas and many of the kids at the home.

When Molly steps away from the camera and lives life, it’s sometimes messy and disappointing, it sometimes brings her to despair and tears, but it’s also full of acceptance and love and relationships. Status is fleeting but people are what matter.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

"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."

The above quote is what this book is about. It's about transformation, and not in the physical sense but more in an emotional and spiritual sense.

This book is real, raw and honest; as are the characters. Tackling some hard topics-- such as aging out of the foster care system, self-worth, forgiveness, acceptance, and friendship-- Ms. Deese shows the reality along with showing God's character and His blessings.

This story tugged at my heart strings, made me giggle, and cheer for not only Molly and Silas but others.

From time to time we all wonder if we're doing something that matters or will make a difference and this book shows the difference from making a difference based on society's opinion vs. God's opinion.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

HOLY MOLY!!! I absolutely LOVED this book!! It was a super sweet love story - but it was strengthened by self growth and realization, enough humor to tickle your funny bone, strong faith in God, modern day pit falls and it drew attention to a forgotten segment of society. There were so many moments where I wore an actual big goofy grin as I read this book - and in some places, I couldn't seem to read fast enough - and now I'm finished with it but sad that it's over lol. Can we please have a sequel? There's SOOOO much story left to tell. Thank you Nicole Deese for a GREAT book that I could share with my teenage daughter and not have to worry about what she would be exposed. I greatly appreciate a terrific drama that doesn't dip into vulgarity and sexuality just to be "of the world". Thank you for following Your God. Great book sister - you have a brand new fan!!! Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. 5 stars!!!!

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

Nicole Deese offers readers a really beautiful story about finding your real self and real purpose in life - and maybe a chance at true love if you're willing to take it.

In total honesty, I really disliked Molly McKenzie at the beginning of this book. She was shallow, vain, and self-absorbed with making her name great in the world. While I admired her stubborn nature and semi-sweet personality, I was prepared to write her off as ridiculous if she didn't make some major changes as the story went on. The story began with Molly, under the direction of her boyfriend and manager, applying for the host position of a makeover show for underprivileged youth. She's got almost all the qualifications but lacks experience with actual people. Determined to tackle this challenge, Molly turns to her twin brother, Miles, a pastor in the Spokane Community. He suggests she seek out a mentor position at The Bridge, a halfway house for foster kids who've aged out of the system. Certain her winning personality and charm will shoo her right in, Molly fills out the forms and heads off to her interview. But things don't go as she planned when she meets the director of the home, Silas Whittaker, who isn't impressed with her career or her more than half a million followers. Molly doesn't take his "no" as an answer and determines to find a way to make Silas take her on, whatever it takes. Silas has no use for a "social media influencer" who seems to only be looking for a good deed to do. But Molly proves herself smarter than he first thought with her class plans and compassionate understanding. While he's not ready to let her do more than teach, Silas can't help but grudgingly respect her intense drive to change his mind. This summer mentorship will change Molly's life in more ways that she ever dreamed, especially when her professional life becomes a tangled mess after a disastrous photo shoot that brings her relationship with boyfriend/manager to a crashing end. Reeling from the fall-out, Molly throws herself into her classes at The Bridge. And when an opportunity comes to help expand the home to help other kids, Molly volunteers to head up the fundraiser. Using her contacts and sponsors, she's close to securing the necessary funds and bringing Silas' dreams into reality. And her friendship with Silas has been growing into something more than either of them considered possible before now. However, all those plans and dreams may not come true when tragedy strikes and Molly's carefully constructed world falls down around her ears. Can she pick up the pieces and find a new purpose or will she let others define who and what she is? If she has the courage to reach out, she just might find that her crumbled world is not as hopeless as she first believed. As I said before, I didn't like Molly at the beginning of this story, but I did by the end of the last page. Ms. Deese wove together a story that pulled me in and had me truly invested in what happened to Molly. I won't spoil it for others by revealing what happens but will say this book is certainly worth your time. I loved the way the story ebbed and flowed through the dual POVs of Molly and Silas. I was able to really see the thoughts and reasons of each of them and how that connected with the other characters in the story. Silas is truly a good man with patience and a love for others that drives his every action. He was a perfect match for Molly with his more staid manner as compared to her bubbly effervescence. I loved that Molly called him "The Duke of Fir Crest", and responded to his formal manner with equal formality. She was able to draw him out and teach him to loosen up a bit when the moment called for it. The lessons of compassion, mercy, grace, love and kindness that overflowed throughout this story were so well done. Each character, even the most minor, was shown these and the change it sparked was incredible to see. This is the kind of book you need to ponder for a while and perhaps reread before you really can unpack all that can be learned in the pages. I will certainly be highly recommending this book to others and am adding it to my "to-buy" list for sure. Looking forward to more from Ms. Deese very soon!

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Oh my…

Don’t you just love it when you can’t put a book down even when everyday life tries to get in the way?

Don’t you just love it when you connect with incredible characters so well that they feel like true friends?

Don’t you just love it when a book gives you all the feels, and you read the last page ever so s-l-o-w-l-y because you don’t want the story to end?

Yeah, me too.

All That Really Matters is a stunning story that touches on so many emotions. Molly is easy to connect with even though she is my opposite in many ways. Her struggles, faults, and transition felt authentic and inspiring. This is a sweet story of romance, growth, and commitment.

Gorgeous cover. Purposeful title. Inspiring story. Talented storyteller. This belongs on the keeper shelf.

Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ.

I have been overworked and, as much as I love reading, was not ready to engage in a new story. When my friend shared this book with me, I struggled to push myself to read the first few pages. But the moment Molly set foot on Fir Crest Manor, I could not put this book down. The author has penned honest characters that tugged at my heart strings and brought me respite from my own struggles.

Molly is a young woman with a mission to improve her influencer brand and increase her following. She has a sleek boyfriend/talent manager and a plan to help a noble cause so that she could land a TV career. Along the way, she is challenged to see herself and those around her in deeper ways.

This clean, contemporary romance is full of second chances, redemption, acceptance, faith, and a swoon worthy love story. Take a few moments from your troubles and let this story speak to your heart.

All That Really Matters
by Nicole Deese
Back of the Book: “Molly McKenzie's bright personality and on-trend fashion and beauty advice have earned he an impressive social media following, as well as a shiny monthly paycheck. 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 catch: she has little experience interacting with people in need.
To gain an edge on her competitors, she applies to volunteer at a transitional program for aged-out foster kids during summer, only the program's director, Silas Whittaker, doesn't find her as charming as her followers do. But since forfeiting a goal has never been her style, Molly's only option is to accept the terms Silas lays out and submit to his rules--even the most ridiculous ones pertaining to social media.
Soon as the residents of the home become more than a means to pad her career resume, and Silas becomes more than an obstacle on her path to fame, her once-narrow focus expands to include the deep needs of those she's serving... and perhaps the ones she's neglected inside herself as well. It took years to build her platform, but only one summer to discover what really matters most.”
Impressions: This was a great story and romance with modern struggles. I really liked reading this book.
Rated: Drugs, alcohol and sex are referenced
Liked: This was an inspiring contemporary romance. In a world revolving around social media and “influencers” this book hit the head on the nail in addressing the world behind the screens. I just read the book, Mad for Ads by Erica Fyvie about how ads, marketing and media work. The ideas behind the manipulation of media combined with the popularity of “influencers” in today’s culture made me appreciate this books message.
Disliked: As much as I enjoyed reading this book, I couldn’t help but ask these questions once I was done reading. Molly experienced God related changes without referencing specifically to Him changing Molly’s life. That being said, she matured but how? Her experiences changed her perspective but what gave her so much wisdom along the way? Was it from her past that she was recalling? There was no mention of reading her Bible or getting spiritually fed beyond the small group with the girls that might have led to her change.
Quotes: “Nothing real or authentic ever came from the personal kingdoms we built online…”
“What we wear speaks for us, whether we want it to or not.”
“It’s difficult to see real needs and not want to rush the process to appease our own desire for restoration.”
“I knew from experience that serving others was a sure-fire way to shift an off-kilter focus to a new perspective.”
“But more often than not, the best rescue plan we can offer someone we care about, is our support for each step they take forward.”
“…you can do everything right and still be rejected in the end. We don’t get to control how someone else chooses to respond…About the only thing you have control over is your attitude and your heart.”
“There is nothing you can sacrifice that’s worthy of what God gives us freely.”-I think it is ironic that I still try to rationalize with God and force myself to do things that God never asked me to do. All he wants is a willing heart, not a perfect life.
“’It matters because you matter to Him (God). Molly, your enjoyment of makeup and fashion and ever 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.’”
“Sometimes we need to write our story more than we need someone else to read it.” – Journaling is so therapeutic for me. Getting my words out of my mind and onto paper helps me to make sense of everything I’m feeling and take action in my life. It helps me evaluate my feelings and work through life situations better.
“’Love lives in the hard places with us because that’s what sets it apart. That’s what makes it love.’”
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Nicole Deese does it again! All That Really Matter is a poignant and emotional, with a powerful message about who and what we place our hope in. I think readers will relate to the issues examined in this inspirational romance, because it's so easy to embrace the lie that our social media status determines our worth. Nicole does a superb job of plumbing the depths of what it means to be loved unconditionally. Molly is a delightful heroine who embarks on a transformative journey to find out what really matters. Silas is a super swoon-worthy hero with some tremendous baggage of his own. No spoilers here, of course, but the author deftly weaves a satisfying, compelling read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions shared here are my own.

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese is a stand-alone novel. This is Nicole's eighth novel. Her novels are filled with humor, realism, and hope. She lives in Idaho with her family.

Molly is a quirky, glass half-full gal, who loves beauty and fashion. She has built a huge social media platform by posting advice videos on all things fashion related. She has worked hard to get where she is and has interesting family dynamics. Molly has grit and determination, but she is also pretty used to getting her way. When she does not immediately get what she wants, it challenges her to dig deeper and really think about how to accomplish her goal, making you admire her determination.

Molly's boyfriend/manager Ethan is a character that you take an immediate dislike to. From the beginning of the book, you get the sense that he is more about Molly's career than he is about Molly. That is all that is worth saying about him.

Silas is your stoic, strong, take-charge, swoon-worthy character, that you can't help but like immediately. His mission to keep teenagers and young adults off the streets, that have aged out of foster care, immediately touches your heart. The care with which he conducts himself and the standard he sets for the youth are note-worthy. While you want to dislike him when he initially meets Molly, you simply cannot. You can see where he is coming from and admire him for doing what he feels is best.

All That Really Matters has quite a few supporting characters. I normally prefer books that have only a few characters, but the characters are woven so intricately into the story you do not notice there are so many of them. While Molly and Silas are the main characters, this book would not be what it is without Miles, Glo, Val, Tucker, Ethan, Wren, and that whole gang, plus a few more.

The story line is incredible. From character development to the dialogue, it all flows effortlessly. There were some surprises, lots of humor, tender moments, and some moments that gave me goosebumps. The time devoted to each character and the depth of emotions that you feel as you read the book gives you such a sense of realism that you are invested in the story.

I have a heart for children in foster care, and the amount of time spent on the youth in this story was fantastic. The story and the message behind it are relevant and timely, not just with social media, but with supporting and encouraging others on this journey.

Molly and The Duke of Fir Crest Manor (Silas) both grew a lot during the story. It was fascinating to see them resolve problems that had been holding them back from their full potential, and growing into who they were meant to be.

There are so many layers to All That Really Matters! There is no way to adequately put into words all that I thought about this novel. I had a hard time putting it down, I just wanted to devour it. I highly recommend it to anyone as this is a book that you don't want to miss!

I am grateful to Net Galley and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read this novel. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

From a sparkly, but rather shallow and self-centered social media influencer to a person who cares deeply for teens who've had a difficult life, Molly McKenzie was such an incredible heroine.
This book is astounding.
I'll admit, when I began reading, I had some preconceived notions about what was probably going to take place in this book. Molly seemed like a fairly predictable type of gal. And I unfairly judged her.
But then, I began to read....and I couldn't stop! (yes...this book is basically what I've accomplished today!!)
Molly takes on a volunteer position at The Bridge, primarily to help build her social media followings...but it quickly becomes so much more than that.
I especially enjoyed reading about The Bridge, it's program, and it's residents. There are so many hurting young people in our country, and I only wish I could participate in and help at a location such as this one.
And the hurting teens are not the only ones who grow through a situation like this. Molly grew into a completely different person because she was willing to reach out and help other people.
Nicole Deese really has outdone herself this time. This is definitely my favorite story of hers. And I think it will probably be a favorite read of the year.
Full of so many good things, and lots of romance....I highly recommend this book!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

“There’s nothing you can sacrifice that’s worthy of what God gives us freely.”

At times witty and fun, at other times deep and thought-provoking, All That Really Matters is sure to tug at the reader’s heartstrings and cause much introspection. Nicole Deese is a master at creating captivating story lines and settings and populating them with colorful, realistic, and engaging characters. This tale is full of fantastic characters that felt real and made me want to get to know them and associate with them. Molly is spunky with a sense of fun, and, at first, seems to be a bit frivolous and superficial. Silas is a wonderful hero--full of compassion and integrity, and dedicated to his mission of helping teens that are aging out of the foster care system. I loved seeing their relationship transform and mature as they each change for the better.

Powerful themes of grace, forgiveness, compassion, hope, and trust in God give added depth and dimension to this stunning, absorbing story. I was hooked from the first page and just kept getting more and more involved in it. I’ve read most of Deese’s books and enjoyed them all, but I think this is my new favorite. If you haven’t read any, do yourself a favor and try this one. You’ll be glad you did. This one is bound for my keeper shelf.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.