This is a charming story that feels fresh, relevant, and unique in the Christian fiction market! I love the way it shines a spotlight on an often-forgotten group - young adults aging out of the foster care system. Molly’s transformation from self-centered social media influencer to someone willing to sacrifice for the people she loves is compelling. Silas, although not without his own flaws, is definitely a swoon-worthy hero. He and Molly get off to a rocky start, but as their relationship develops, they inspire growth and change in each other.

The story tackles some serious topics and heart issues, but the lighthearted moments and witty banter sprinkled in provide just the right balance. The secondary characters, especially Glo and the girls Molly mentors, give such depth and richness to the story. I hope there will be another book so we can read more about Molly's brother Miles and her best friend Val - I get the feeling there's more to their story! I highly recommend this book, especially for fans of Rachel Hauck, 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 loved this story. In All That Really Matters, we meet Molly McKenzie who's an influencer specializing in makeup products. She gets the opportunity to audition for a show that may extend her reach but she has to prove her relatability first. She and her boyfriend-turned-manager decide she needs to volunteer at transitional home.

When Molly first started volunteering, she's completely in it for how she can use it to advanced her career. But within a few short weeks, she realizes that spending time with the staff and occupants at The Bridge are changing her goals.

But Molly isn't the only person who changes. Her presence at The Bridge is having positive effects on other persons.

The romance between Molly and Silas developed slowly. It was a sweet transition that saw both characters becoming a better version of themselves.

There is a theme of the redemptive quality of God's love throughout this story. It was subtle in the beginning because a lot of the chapters were from Molly's perspective and she was not all about God. But as she developed and matured, she became more open to the work of the Holy Spirit and the faith element became stronger.

This is a great read that would be a perfect fit for persons who love transformation or coming of age stories.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publishers through NetGalley and Just Read Tours; a positive review was not required.

This is an excellent book. This is only the second book I have read by Nicole and they both have been wonderful.

She made me love Molly so much I wanted her Instagram account to be real so I could follow her and get her fashion tips. Does someone like her exist? Nicole did such an outstanding job of writing Molly’s character, her quick and likeable wit will easily draw a reader in.

Silas is a strong male character who is everything Molly isn’t, which is what makes them perfect for each other.

I appreciated the faith that was part of the story and the characters lives.

I thought I had the ending worked out in my head but I was way off. I love when an author surprises me and Nicole certainly did that.


A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.

All That Really Matters is a heartstring-tugging triumph. Nicole Deese’s latest brilliant offering takes readers into the life of a true millennial. Molly works as a social media influencer, reviewing, endorsing, teaching and blogging about fashion and beauty products.

When she’s advised to do some volunteer work to make her more attractive to Hollywood, she jumps at the chance. But Molly never guesses she’ll have her work truly cut out for her.

Seth Whittaker has overcome a lot from his past. Now, he serves some of the most disadvantaged and isolated youth in America. He doesn’t understand Molly at all, and isn’t keen to add her to his volunteers.

However, the pair are flung together and slowly, Molly’s heart begins to change, even as Seth’s begins to soften. But their respective pasts aren’t quite ready to let them go. For Molly, her ex decides to ruin her career, while Seth’s older brother resurfaces, forcing Seth to make a difficult decision.

Deese’s book is a triumph that champions the human heart when pitted against societal demands and shows that with God, all things are possible.

Lovely book, highly recommended.

I'll be real honest with you here. I wasn't too sure of this book at first.
It starts out with a young woman, a beauty influencer she is stuck on herself, in my opinion a fake person. She does beauty vlogs,promotes beauty products,sells her face while selling beauty products and building her followers on all the social media sites. Now that is not me and I don't like fake friendly people who are in it for the sales and follows.
But then..........
While trying to boost the number of followers she has she has to do something to make herself look good and not in a physical way but in a way to impress people through community service and showing herself in a more approachable and realistic way.
This woman gets hit hard and I mean hard with a realistic dose of life.
It's no longer about kitten heels and self tanners but she does discover what really is important.
And believe me it's not a pretty face and massive amounts of followers.
Suddenly her volunteering with these teens has given her new meaning in life. I believe it was just as beneficial to her bringing out the best in these teens as it is to them.
This book is so realistic it's like a real wake up call to go above and beyond what we see in ourselves, like ripping off the blindfold and we are finally able to see what is really important. Absolutely Amazing and I highly recommend this book!

This was a very sweet and wholesome book that made me cry at the end. Honestly, this is what the world needs during these hard times; you won’t hear higher praise from my lips (finger?) at this time. I could really escape within these pages and follow a heartwarming story that doesn’t shy away from discussing the hard topics.

I have been watching Schitt’s Creek recently and I imagined the protagonist to speak/look like Alexis, which was a great visual throughout. Honestly though, Molly was a great character and her development was believable and (yes, I will repeat myself) quite wholesome. The romance came naturally throughout the story and didn’t feel forced at all.

If the blurb inspires you then I highly recommend to pick this book up. Sometimes, a blurb doesn’t reflect enough of the story, or it says too much, but this blurb was the perfect balance. If you like this blurb, you’ll like this book: it’s that simple.

So I just realized that this book actually came out today so it’s really the perfect time to snag your own copy. I’d like to thank Bethany House Publishers for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Share your spark with the world, Molly. Stop trying to hide what God created to be seen."

All That Really Matters is a beautifully written, deeply emotional, inspiring read that is unputdownable! This one of Nicole Deese's best. Her novels continue to keep me in the top fan category!! The romance is wholesome yet delicious! I also loved the characters, the humor, the journey of self-discovery, and finding one's purpose. Along the way, faith in God, the haven of family, and deep friendships with people one can fully trust come to be essential.

Youtube beauty influencer sensation Molly McKenzie decides to be a Summer volunteer at a center for aging out youth to further her brand and career possibilities. Unfortunately, Silas Wittiker, the Fir Crest Manor director, is unimpressed by Molly's charm and declares her not a good fit for their program. Undeterred, Molly determines that she is uniquely gifted to relate and impart much to the young people, including encouraging them to market the grit they already possess and develop self-confidence to succeed in life. As Molly begins her work at the manor, the so-called foundations in her life begin to deteriorate, yet she feels like she is becoming part of something that she was created to do and maybe, just maybe, could be part of God's plan?

A powerful story, this one tackles the vital topic of aging out foster kids. At a time when the majority of 18-year-old young people still require so much help to launch into the world, these kids are often sent out of their foster homes the day they turn 18 without any resources. A soft place for these kids to learn and grow in before taking on adult roles in society is an urgent need in the West. I appreciate that Nicole writes about real-life issues in her novels in a sensitive and compassionate way.

This latest from Nicole Deese was so immensely enjoyable that I wholeheartedly give it 5/5 stars. I recommend it to all who love relevant contemporary romantic fiction with a solid Christian message. It is a privilege to review and promote this remarkable story. My thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for an ARC for this honest review.

It comes as no surprise (to me) that Deese has outdone herself with this book. I really liked--nay, loved--this story. The character development was rich and poignant, the plot steady, and the underlying themes are relevant to the everyday world in which we live.

I was skeptical going into it, because at first glance there were basically 180 degrees of separation between me and the book's heroine, from her lash-boosting mascara to her kitten heels. But, boy was I captivated by her. Girl's got grit--and that's something I felt I could latch on to, despite the disparity between her fashion sense and my complete lack thereof.

And Silas... well, let's just say I didn't mind reading about him one bit. He struck me as the kind of guy who legit appreciates people for who they are, even in the midst of the battles they're fighting, and that's always a refreshing character to spend time with.

Molly Mckenzie, better known as Make Up Matters to tons of fans, gets a humbling experience working as a mentor to young adults in their transitioning stage into adulthood. Will she learn that there’s more to life than helping others with make up?
All That Really Matters is a great contemporary book that shows readers that there is more to life than trying to exceed at what you’re good at.

All That Really Matters cements Nicole Deese's role as one of the best Contemporary Christian romance authors writing today. From the first paragraphs, Molly, a YouTube beauty influencer, draws you in with her sharp, witty voice and her fierce determination.

Silas, aka the Duke of Fir Crest Manor, recognizes the pitfalls of the superficial lifestyle Molly's chosen but never denigrates her talent or her choices. It's his growing esteem for Molly that allows her to re-examine her life.

There's so much to mull over in Molly's choices, the good and the bad, and how (and why) we interact with others online and real life.

To top it off, there's a delicious romance made all the more enjoyable because of the passion, loyalty, and generous hearts of both Molly and Silas.

Nothing in this book drew me out of the carefully crafted world Nicole Deese created, and that, to me, is the mark of a very good book.

“But love shouldn’t be forced to live in our disappointments and loss.”

“It’s not forced to live there— it chooses to.” I framed her face in my hands. “Love lives in the hard places with us because that’s what sets it apart. That’s what makes it love.” Nicole Deese

Wow. It took me longer to read this book than usual. I had to have lots of kleenex breaks and cry sessions.

I loved this book. As a foster parent, my heart connects with the characters, their struggles and victories.

I love following Molly's journey as she learns how to give of herself, and finds joy in the process.

I implore you to read this book! A small insight into the works of teens in foster care. I hope that doing so encourages you to get involved, even just to take meals to a foster family. We all need support as we love and guide these kids from hard places.

Thank you Nicole for writing this book. It is absolutely wonderful!

Make sure to have a lot of Kleenex handy when you get to the end of this book. I could not put this book down especially when I got to the last 100 pages. I wasn’t sure what an influencer for social media really was until I got into this story. I learned from this story that we each have different sides that we show to different people. This also shows that people can change who they are and that it is a long drawn out process. It shows that this process is worth it in the long run. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

She thought she knew what mattered most in life, but maybe she's had it wrong this whole time.

Nicole Deese writes in the contemporary fiction genre that can typically lean toward fluff but manages to add in depth and realness that a reader can relate to.

Thank you to Bethany House for my advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Wow! Nicole Deese has written her best novel yet, I’m sure! And this is a book that will stay with me for a long time, and I’m sure I’ll be rereading it before long. It also made me cry sweet and happy tears! It touched my heart’s core deeply! It was a beautiful and touching story about just what the title says “all that really matters” in life, full of faith inspiring messages delivered in such a fresh and endearing way: through very relatable and utterly loveable characters.
Molly MacKenzie is a beauty and fashion influencer, and a very popular one at that. Her followers at “Make Up Matters with Molly keep growing, and her Boss now boyfriend Ethan wants her to reach one million followers so she can win an audition for a Hollywood TV Show. Also, since it’s a show that highlights America’s underprivileged youths, that means she must have some experience with a worthy cause and show her selfless and compassionate side. So she reaches out to her twin brother, a Pastor with an intense ministry, who follows her parents steps, who have been ministering and opening Churches abroad for many years now. Molly has never felt understood by her parents, and she feels as if she doesnt fit into her family’s lifestyle. But while her parents have shown no interest in her career, Miles has been a rock by her side. So through Miles, Molly decides to volunteer at The Bridge, a non profit organization that helps young people between 18-21 who have aged out of the foster care system, and equip them with skills and mentor them as they transition to mature, contributing members of society in the outside world. From start, Molly falls in love with The Bridge and its residents, especially the handsome director, but Silas Whittaker doesn’t see Molly fit for something more profound than her social media seemingly fake life. After being rejected, Molly determined to prove Silas that she can contribute with her skills to helping this youth group navigate through a not easy life. If someone has struggled with determination to succeed, it’s her. After letting Molly prove herself in front of the residents and her sparkly, genuine and bright personality attracts their attention like a magnet, he decides to give her a chance. So Molly dives into mentoring, never expecting that the one who would end up mentored and learning so much from them about life, real life with real human connections, would be her! Her sheltered and carefully guarded heart, longing to fit in, opens up to the needs of these lonely girls with a difficult or problematic past, and she starts an adventure that may very well end up ruining her career. Is she up for the big sacrifice. Will she choose in the end “what really matters” most? Also, proper high integrity standard and rule following Silas will also have his changed and challenged by this sweet, sparkly and vulnerable girl, that dives into helping others without looking back, who loves passionately without even knowing it, and that is melting down the walls of his heart with a velocity he aims to ignore, but can’t... Will he let down his guard and let Molly into his battered heart or will he think it an obstacle to his devotion to his selfless cause?
This is one of the best contemporary romances I’ve read until now, and I think that is, not only because of the deep and life changing plot, but because of the characters. They are so relatable and brought to life in such a realistic way, that I felt as if I was making this journey myself. That’s why I cried so much, because I fell their struggles, failures, and victories, as if they were mine. I loved all the characters, the main ones and the secondary (loved Glo, Jake, Clara, Wren and residents). And I have to say I’m seriously hoping for a Val and Myles story soon. But I will dwelve on the main characters. Molly has always strived for acceptance, the one her parents have denied her, and the social media seems to give her that through her admirers, until she discovers that life is about real connections and deep love. But not only that, but that love is sacrificing for the other, love is giving, love is making others happy. How had she missed this? And love is forgiveness, and gapping bridges too. Her sparkly and optimistic personality was so endearing, I immediately fell in love with her, and made her struggles mine. She was so funny and genuine, she made me laugh out loud more than once. The lessons she learns about what is important in life, friendship and selfless love, versus appearance, are priceless. Silas is my favorite hero right now. I’m totally in love with him. He too has demons of his own to fight. Having being a foster kid himself, having been betrayed and disappointed by his only blood brother, his journey to forgiveness and love was a sight to behold. The way Molly changes his perfect and prejudiced ways, I just loved that. The way she challenges him to want to be a better man... I especially related to Silas because I have a similar family problem, and I learned so much through his journey, it was truly heartwrenching for me! Molly and Silas was truly a wonderful match. Could be an “opposites attract” match, but in the end, they had a lot in common: a kind and compassionate heart, and great determination to pursue what they want. The faith inspired message about trusting God with things that we can’t control, about learning to forgive based on His Unconditional Love and Forgiveness truly inspired me. As I said, this novel will stay long with me. And I’m praying it inspires and impacts people as it has done with me.
Can’t recommend it enough! And a very relatable theme for us: being real in a society that thrives in appearance and fake reality. And being the best of you is doing what is best for others too...
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher but wasn’t required to write a positive review. This is my voluntary and totally unbiased honest opinion.

What. A. Rollercoaster! And guys, I mean that in the best possible way. Wow. This book is so much better than I could have ever imagined and I already knew it was going to be a stunner! Yes, in cliched fashion, I laughed, I cried, I squealed in delight when I read "The End" and closed the book.

Molly, a social media influencer for fashion and beauty, is focused on growing her brand, getting more followers, and really getting her name out there. She feels distanced from her parents and twin brother who've all gone into full time ministry, but this is the career she feels is the best fit for her. Her grandmother believed in her and she's out to fulfill her dreams. To help those dreams come true, she sets out to find a humanitarian cause to make her look well rounded in an effort to land her a spot on an up and coming TV show. Little does she know that when she finds a potential cause to back, her world comes colliding with Silas Whittaker and his motley crew of residents at Fir Crest Manor, a crew of former foster children needing a jumping point into adulthood and independence. What was meant as a way to further her career ends up shaking up her whole life.

Nicole Deese tugged on my heartstrings something fierce in Before I Called You Mine with the topic of adoption. Well, she took that and went to a whole 'nother level with All That Really Matters, tackling the topic of working with teens who have aged out of the foster care system. Silas's heart and passion for serving this population was off the charts. Then to watch the transformation in Molly was astounding. Like Silas, I am very skeptical about those who call themselves "influencers" for a living. Molly's character reads as very shallow and a touch full of herself in the beginning of this book with her fancy clothes and looks. But man, what a journey she goes on as her heart falls more and more for the mission of The Bridge and for the residents of the program. Silas also goes through his own journey of transformation as he works through past hurts. Each impacts the other in such positive ways. What a story of second chances, forgiveness, and the grace of God.

Seriously, read this book now. I highly enjoy many books, but I don't often think, "Wow, that's a life changing book." All That Really Matters feels lifechanging. It touched parts of my own heart in ways I didn't expect. It is so much more than just a sweet love story between two people (though that is definitely there in abundance!). If you have ever held any sort of interest in fostering, adoption, or working to better the lives of foster children, this book will reawaken those feelings for sure.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review.

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. ~ Nicole Deese

With over five hundred thousand Instagram followers and a steadily growing career in the beauty industry, Molly McKenzie is reaching heights she never thought possible. Getting everything she’s ever wanted — the nice house, handsome boyfriend, expensive car, A-list sponsors, large paychecks, and people’s praise — Molly feels like her life couldn’t get any better. That is… until she receives the opportunity of a lifetime! A top Hollywood producer is looking to cast HER in an upcoming reality show that will help underprivileged kids; however, according to her manager/boyfriend, to secure the job, she needs to find a cause, gaining experience and doubling her number of followers. What starts as a summer volunteering at a youth center to boost her career soon turns into something greater than Molly had anticipated. Will these new relationships excell her to greater fame, or will the experience lead her onto a new path altogether?

"Share your spark with the world, Molly. Stop trying to hide what God created to be seen." ~ Nicole Deese

Silas Whittaker knows what it’s like to feel abandoned, hopeless, poor, and alone. Adopted at twelve years old, he has a heart to help teens who have aged out of foster care, equipping them with the right skills to propel them into a brighter future off the streets. Having faced a lot of trauma and heartache, Silas has poured his life into The Bridge and will protect those within the program like a fierce mother bear. The day Molly McKenzie walks into Fir Crest Manor, Silas’s back prickles at the threat she could cause; nevertheless, despite his reservations and against his better judgment, he gives her a chance to prove him wrong. Will this be the biggest mistake Silas has ever made, or could Molly be the Black Widow The Bridge needs to get their feet off the ground?

“Somehow, every time I’m with him, he helps me see things more clearly.”
“Turns out, she helps him see things more clearly, too.” ~ Nicole Deese

I’m not going to lie; I totally judged All That Really Matters by its cover and description. Having never read a novel by Nicole Deese, I had no idea what to expect. I knew she was a Christian, but I didn’t know how her faith would extend into her work. As I began reading, I was sure this would be some cheesy story that would have all the usual cliches associated with contemporary novels… Boy, was I wrong!

"God continued to prove His timing was right on schedule. Even when that schedule wasn’t made by me." ~ Nicole Deese

All That Really Matters is a novel about finding your purpose beyond your selfish desires. It’s about seeing God’s miracles when all that feels left is despair. It’s about receiving love when you thought you were unloveable. It’s about being forgiven when you believed all was ruined. And, it’s about building a life that glorifies and worships the Creator of the Universe!

She choked on a sob and placed her hand to her mouth. “I’m not sure if I can say what feeling close to God feels like exactly, but I imagine it feels a lot like this.” ~ Nicole Deese

As I read the final words of this beautiful story, closing my Kindle for the final time, I knew that this was a novel that would stay in my heart for days, weeks, months, even years to come! Though I have not gone through half the things the characters in this book experienced, every emotion, act of service, kindness, and grace written within the pages touched my heart, creating a new desire within me. All That Really Matters was God-inspired; there’s no other way to describe it! It’s rare to find a book that will make you laugh, cry, reflect, swoon, pray, and engage with fictional beings in such a spiritual way; so, when that book does come around, you can be sure that I will be holding onto it for the rest of my life!

Though it is impossible to fully explain my deep love for this book in a short review, I encourage you to read it for yourself and experience what I’m talking about! All That Really Matters is available NOW!

“Love lives in the hard places with us because that’s what sets it apart. That’s what makes it love.” ~ Nicole Deese

P.S. Silas Whittaker is my new Duke of Hastings… Sorry not sorry, Simon (hehe)

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*

Oh, what a story this is that tugs at your heart-strings, tickles your funny bone, and makes you feel a wide range of emotions as some characters realize the reality of their situation, the choices they have made and their need to change the path they were on. I enjoyed this cast of colorful, vibrant characters that jumped off the page and into your heart.

I was blow away by how this author masterfully shows a depth in her characters predicaments through relationships with family, co-workers, and ministry volunteers. The author brilliantly weaves a story that allows readers to walk with Molly as her career is about to explode and how she deals with the request from her manager to reach out and find a non-profit group to support, so her numbers on social media will grow. Little does the reader nor Molly anticipate what happens in her heart and soul when she meets the kids in this group and becomes their mentor for the summer. It amazes everyone. I enjoyed these surprises with Molly. Many of them I did not see coming.

I liked this authors exploration into the arena of blogging and social media, how that plays out in Molly’s life, and how she realizes her followers are not just numbers but real people. What would she be willing to do to increase her numbers to reach a goal? Can she be authentic? Molly’s twin brother Miles suggests she contact The Bridge ministry. It is a home for kids aging out of the foster care system. Molly is amazed at what she finds there.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is a novel that gives you a peek into the social media world around us and what people are willing to do to reach their goals. It is also a story about listening to that still small voice inside that nudges your heart to move out of your comfort zone and look at life, faith, to seek the courage needed to do hard things. This is definitely one that would work well for your next book club pick and/or just read for fun.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

This book is a must read!! Thanks to the amazing, diverse characters (secondary ones included), all the feels of romance, and personal growth of the characters I read this in one sitting.

This book has it all. You'll get romance and lots of swoons from the hero Silas Whittaker, who is absolutely perfect. Not without flaws obviously, but everything you cheer for in a hero.

Then the heroine goes through an awesome growth. Molly McKenzie has had a pretty easy life but when conflict hits, we (and she) find out what she's made of.

And I adored the cast of secondary characters. They provided comic relief, spiritual challenges, and added depth to the story. And three cheers for diversity again! I loved that there were different ethnicities represented.

All in all, it's Nicole Deese at her finest, giving us a book that touches our heart and begs us to be the change in a world desperate for neighborly love.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review was not required nor influenced.

This novel took me on an emotional journey! I really liked Molly’s character: she’s sassy, brilliant, personal, kind, and independent, but she’s not perfect and her growth in the story is so wonderful. I loved the spiritual development most of all as Molly evaluates her priorities and shifts her perspectives. There is a powerful moment in which Molly frees herself from her past and drastically changes her appearance (that’s as specific as I can be without giving anything away!) that really made her character realistic to me and allowed me to connect with her. The impact of social media in this book also made me reflect a bit on what I choose to spend my time browsing online. I also really liked Silas, even with his stoic demeanor, and was touched by his true desire to help the foster kids. I learned a lot about the foster system and appreciated how the author approached this topic with sensitivity and transparency. The romance is clean and believable. The author’s writing is deep and yet easy to read at the same time, and the novel drew me in and made it hard to put it down. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more by this author! I recommend this novel to those who want a contemporary book with a powerful message that will stay with you long after you finish the story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

My Review Excerpt:
Heartfelt, heartwarming, witty, cute and fun! This profound, poignant, inspirational new novel from popular author, Nicole Deese, is deeply emotional in all the right ways.

When you read a story that makes you sob those over-the-moon-happy tears, you know it’s a good one. Nicole Deese had me laughing, crying and sighing with her newest novel, All That Really Matters. This story touched my heart and overwhelmed me in the most tender way, leaving a beautiful impression on my soul. From her lovable characters to sharing a glimpse into the the desperate needs teenagers face after aging out of foster care, the heart and soul of this novel is simply incredible.

My Review:
From the moment I finished the novel, Before I Called You Mine, written by Nicole Deese, I have been eagerly awaiting her next fiction release. Today, I’m delighted and honored to share, as a part of her launch team, that I had the opportunity to read an early copy of her latest book, All That Really Matters.

To say I loved this book is an understatement.

Nicole Deese has a way of creating such dynamic characters in her stories that readers simply can’t help falling in love with them. In addition, the narration to the story is so compelling, readers feel as they are right there in the moment with the characters, feeling the big emotions and experiencing them as if it were real life.

Molly and Silas are two ordinary, yet captivating characters who Nicole presents in the most extraordinary ways. Their wit, their charm, their love, their wildly different personalities and deeply relatable struggles kept me enamored and addicted to this story. I loved witnessing the personal growth each character experienced.

Nicole disperses romance, struggles, wit and humor evenly throughout the story to create a novel that readers feel, not just read.

All That Really Matters dives into the very real need that is present in communities all over the country for mentorship and housing for teenagers who’ve aged out of the foster care system and often have no one in their corner. Deese brings the heart of that matters to the surface while demonstrating ways to become involved and help. I found this tender, sweet and so relevant to the world we live in today.

Though Nicole’s story is fiction, she clearly displays the hope we have in a God who works miracles. I’ve witnessed it myself in my own life and our adoption story, so perhaps that’s why Molly and Silas’ story was so deeply personal to me and why I loved it so much (and why I cried through the last four chapters!).

All That Really Matters touched my heart, renewed my joy, overwhelmed and inspired me in all the right ways.

I simply can’t say enough about this novel, without giving too much of the story away so, I’ll end by sharing that you simply MUST read this book for yourself!

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and publisher in as part of the author’s launch team. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.