Nicole Deese is one of my favorite authors and All That It Takes reminded me why. From the opening page she gripped me in the tale of Val and Miles. She made me care about their lives, about their futures, and how they could possibly come together and intertwine the two.
And as always with a Nicole Deese book, you get an added theme, a bigger picture, of what it's like to care for God's people and why one person's efforts matter.
This was a moving book and had a satisfying conclusion that left me cheering for happy ever afters and examining whether or not I'm apart of being the change.

*I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

I have been eagerly awaiting this book ever since I finished reading All That Really Matters last year. I wasn't sure how this book could be better that the previous one, but it is. After first meeting them both in the previous book, I loved getting to know Val and Miles better this go around. This is a book that dives deep into several difficuly issues, but handles each with such grace. For readers who have been where Val and Miles have been, this books shows that there is a way through and out of pain and struggle and into the loving arms of Christ and his church.

I cannot recommend this book and this series enough.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Nicole Deese has a beautiful way with words and using fiction to touch the deepest parts of our being. She has done it again in this new book, All That It Takes. In a time when many of us feel that people are living self-focused lives and not caring for others, this book is an encouragement to hope and take opportunities to invest in the lives of others.

Val is a character who decides to take a chance and make a huge change in her life, moving between states to start a new career. Through this move she is challenged even more to step out of her comfort zone and enter a film contest. This contest pushes her to face the fears she has allowed to determine her choices in life.

Miles is a guy who has his mind set on where and what he should be doing, not allowing much grace for a change in plans. This lack of grace affects his outlook on everything that is happening around him, and not in a positive way.

When these two meet, in a very funny scene, and a friendship blooms, God uses each one to encourage the other in mighty ways. They are also both used to encourage others around them.

I love the premise of this book.... All that it takes is just one person to make a difference in the life of another. Who is your "just one"? You really don't want to miss reading this book!!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Each book produced by Nicole Deese brings what I've been referring to (in my own mind and once on Instagram) as "real deal feels." She does this in a way that clearly isn't sensationalized just for dramatic effect. There is meaning and purpose behind the emotion, leading to amazing redemptive story arcs for her characters. All That It Takes is no different. Buckle up. It's a wild but incredible ride.

Val has moved far from the only home and support system she has ever known to work for her best friend. When that opportunity falls apart, she's left scrambling for what to do next when an amazing opportunity for a film mentorship is within her grasp. But she needs a gripping story to tell. She finds a great story to share but to really sell it, she has to be willing to share her own story. At the same time, Miles needs to find new purpose in his ministry when he feels like he's been ripped from his passion and tossed onto a sinking ship.

Together and apart, Val and Miles each face intense learning and growth opportunities. Learning that all it takes is one person to make an incredible impact in someone else's life. I absolutely adored this story. There really is just something so gripping about the way Nicole Deese tells a story and she doesn't shy away from tough topics just to have a feel good story. Oh, don't get me wrong, you get the feel good but you also get the substance too. I highly recommend this book (and while you're at it, go ahead and read All That Really Matters too, which features the story of Miles's sister Molly since that one got me even more in the feels!).

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

“Every story is original not because of the plot . . . but because each storyteller behind the pen or camera or canvas has an original perspective.”

With absolutely fantastic writing, Nicole Deese grabs the hearts of her readers and doesn’t let go from beginning until the very end. Such a powerful story and inspiring message, “All That It Takes” is a must read contemporary Christian romance with so many layers and heart, I am still completely enraptured by it. There are so many messages that are of great importance in this story, that it is impossible to put it all into a review. I can say this book has all the feels. There is trepidation, laughter, and hardship. There are moments with such depth that the tears flow. Also, there are such heart tugging moments, it feels like a hug from Jesus speaking to the heart of this Christian. I feel like this is a very healing journey not only for the characters, but also for the reader. I also believe there is a much needed message about leaving judgement behind in the ministry to the broken-hearted and lost; seeing them through the eyes of Christ.

“If you couldn’t see people, really see them—through their brokenness, their hardships, their unexpected circumstances, then you had no place serving in ministry.”

This story brought conviction as well as healing, which was done in such a balanced way that I walked away feeling like Jesus had whispered directly into my heart. The message that all that it takes is listening to His voice and being the heart of Jesus to others was beautifully spoken. Another important message was pausing and listening to that still quiet voice and not being afraid of letting Him direct our paths.

“That still small voice will speak when you’re ready to listen. Your job is to slow down long enough to hear it.”

Then there’s the love story between Miles and Val, which really brought out the importance of having someone who truly sees you. It was a very thought out and well-developed romance. I loved both characters! Val’s son, Tucker, added a sweetness and humor to this novel that it really needed. Tucker was such a character, he still brings a smile to my face. Even the side characters were amazing.

If you loved “All That Really Matters” the first book in the series, I think you will adore this one possibly even more. It speaks to the heart of Christians on so many levels, and to me this is truly what Christian fiction is all about. Love, forgiveness, acceptance, and listening to the heart of our Savior. Though this could be read as a standalone, it’s fun to see how the stories are woven together. If you love contemporary Christian with depth and a heartfelt message, then I think you will enjoy the storytelling in this one.

“Let all that you do be done in love.—1 Corinthians 16:14”

I was given an ARC through NetGalley by the publisher. All opinions are my own and have been given honestly.

I can't even tell you how excited I was to read Val's story. Since meeting "Video Val" in All That Really Matters, I was intrigued and was not disappointed one bit by this charming, sweet tale.

Deese has a gift of diving right into the heart of her characters and not only endearing them quickly to me, but to give me a glimpse into some of the most beautiful and tender stories. These characters moved me and made me want to be a better person by making a difference and seeing the same plot through different eyes.

Immersing myself in this book was like wrapping a warm, heavy, comfortable blanket around myself on a cold spring day and I didn't want to emerge. Beautifully written, full of hope, forgiveness, and love, this book earns a solid spot on the bookshelf of my heart.

Content: talk of unwed pregnancy; mild romance; moderate+ Christian themes

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

Wow! I love, love, love how Nicole Deese does not shy away from tough subjects or gritty characters or realistic struggles. My favorite part of her novels, however, is the way she weaves the deep spiritual truths into the stories. There were multiple spiritual challenges for myself in this book that made me stop and reflect. We first met Val and Miles in All That Really Matters; and although you don’t have to read that book first, it is nice to read a bit about Molly and Silas in this second installment. I liked Val and Miles a lot and I liked their growth and development in this story. Their romance is sweet and makes you cheer for them. I found the book hard to put down and I became very invested in the story. I really loved this book and I highly recommend it!

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

I absolutely loved All That It Takes!

Nicole Deese, has once again delivered a sweet, heartwarming love story that made me cry happy tears! Reading a Deese novel is like a warm hug… Her stories are just that good; the characters are like beloved friends!

I thoroughly enjoy Deese’s writing style which is witty, down to earth, and full of heart. With two well-crafted main characters surrounded by an outstanding cast of secondary characters, Deese captivated me as she brought Val and Miles’ story and romance to life.

The novel is well-paced and flows smoothly. I found the romance to be sweet and tender; a beautiful story in its entirety. Deese utilizes varying points of view from both Val and Miles, allowing a deeper insight into their personal thoughts and feelings, making them relatable and lovable!

As Val and Miles’ relationship develops, the story takes an emotional turn that highlights both the hardship and hope found in ministry work, stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, single parenting and maintaining a deep faith. Deese also touches on other subjects like unplanned pregnancies, abandonment, hopelessness and seeking God’s will. She brings all these things to fruition for her main characters through conversation and the introduction of a delightful cast of supporting characters who really help this story to shine.

I enjoyed that Deese doesn’t stray away from the harder moments in life but rather delivers them through her characters’ vulnerability and inner struggles while still maintaining a story line that isn’t heavy or sad. It’s quite the opposite in fact - full of heartwarming moments, wit, charm and love-in-action, encouraging readers in their own faith journey.

In short, All That It Takes is a truly inspirational novel.

This story reads as a standalone but features characters introduced in All That Really Matters (one of my top ten 2021 recommendations!). Read together, these two books are fantastic!

I simply can’t say enough about this new release! It is a definite recommendation from me, a must-read and a top ten choice for 2022!

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her book launch team. All thoughts below are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.

Val moves from Alaska with her 10 year old son, Tucker to work with her boss, Molly.

Miles, Molly's twin brother, is a pastor who has been grounded from his passion of overseas mission projects.

Val ends up moving in to Miles' second floor apartment and from there the fun begins.

There were so many fun characters in this book:
-it was so good to "see" Silas and Molly again
-Lady Gwen was Val's mentor and she was so much fun, somebody you would want to hang out with
-Carlee is the young lady who is mentored by Val and her spirit was amazing
-Rev was Miles' mentor and each time he met with him, he asked him, "What is not wrong in your life" and he would have to answer for 5 minutes.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

"Pregnant? Alone? Call us. There's hope for you.

Even though you can't see the future... God can."

All that it takes by Nicole Deese is another stellar, truly Christian read. Nicole is not afraid of embracing Biblical truth in her stories, and thus she is one of my favorite Christian fiction authors.

All that it takes is the sweetest romance between Miles and Val involving her mischievous but charming young son Tucker. Their romance develops from a cautious introduction leading to a friendship that slowly warms and eventually flames into a committed love.

An emotional read that closely examines the characters' innermost vulnerabilities. The fears that keep them from fully trusting the Lord. It is a story of God's faithfulness in seemly impossible circumstances.

It's about those who stand in the gap for others to be there, listen, and love in ways that many people sneer at and threaten. This novel applauds those who support women who find themselves in unplanned pregnancies and help them make Godly choices for their unborn children's futures. "All that it takes is one."

AND it's about so much more. You have got to pick one up and give it a read! I happily recommend Nicole's new book to all those who love heartfelt Christian romances. My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC for this, my honest review.

Author Nicole Deese has once again written a story filled with emotion and love in so many forms. No matter if I've experienced exactly what these characters have experienced or not, I still feel those emotions and then connect to them. That is a really good feeling as a reader.

Val and Miles know sacrifice but in different ways. They know about hard things and they both have insecurities. Their relationship goes from acquaintances to friendship to romance in a natural feeling way. It was easy to believe and easy to settle in with. Val and Miles are both so easy to like. I enjoyed the side characters, especially Val's son. He was a fun addition, bringing light and joy to all the scenes he was in. The message of reaching out and helping even just one person, to change their trajectory from lonely, sad and even desperate, to one of love, acceptance and peace is a good reminder today (and every day). We all can be a little more aware of others and a little kinder to them.

I love the cover of this book- it feels just like the story I just read. Plus, blue is my favorite color. 💙

This book is Christian Fiction and as Miles is a pastor, there is a heavy base of God and Christian themes.

Content: kissing

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

This is such a beautiful story! It touched my heart and changed my heart. Only the best books can really change your heart. Nicole Deese has done that with All That It Takes!

Ministry is most effective when it is done outside the walls of a church. Thank you Nicole for this reminder! It is a timely message for me at this point in my life. I highly recommend All That It Takes.

I received a free copy of this book from Baker Book House. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

All That It Takes is a beautiful tale of love, forgiveness, and following God's plans--even when it's hard. We got a glimpse of Val (Molly's assistant) and Miles (Molly's brother) in All That Really Matters, and I've been looking forward to reading their story for months now. And let me tell you, All That It Takes just might be my favourite in this series!

Val Locklier never dreamed that the job she had moved across the country for would fall apart before she even got a chance to start. Now she'll have to find a way to make a living for her and her son, Tucker, far from everything they've ever known. Thankfully her friend, Molly, was able to set them up with housing. That is, until she accidentally welcomes her new landlord home with a light saber. Whoops--and yes, that scene is just as hilarious and awkward as you're probably imagining. Pastor Miles McKenzie has just returned from a short-term mission trip where he had to deliver some difficult news, and he just wants a good long sleep. Instead, he finds an unexpected tenant before learning that he's been reassigned from the job he loves and is now in charge of reviving a struggling ministry that everyone seems to have forgotten. Neither Val or Miles ever could have imagined the journey they were about to embark on or the plans God had for them and the people He was about to bring into their lives.

I loved every moment of this story. The author does a fantastic job of drawing readers into the story and making us feel the emotions and struggles the characters are going through. The storyline is deep and will stick with you long after you've finished reading, with plenty of humorous moments sprinkled throughout the book. Val and Miles both have to learn trust that God has a better plan than they ever could have imagined, and that He can use our past mistakes for good. I loved seeing them uncover God's plan and learn how to fully use their talents for His glory. I also really enjoyed the side characters: Tucker, Carlee, Rev, and Lady Gwen.

All That It Takes is the perfect faith-filled contemporary romance, and easily gets 5/5 stars from me. You won't regret reading this one!

*As a launch team member, I received a complimentary copy of All That it Takes through the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

Once I began reading this book, I kept it with me all the time so that I could read this wonderful story every chance that I had. I think that was mostly because I liked these two main characters from the very start. I liked how easily they became friends and the chemistry between them. Also a great 10 year-old boy added this own flair to this combination. As much as I enjoyed all her characters, I also thoroughly enjoyed Deese’s writing. The humor she added was just right. Mostly I appreciated the depth and insight the author added to the story as her characters were faced with lessons they weren’t expecting. Funny, how life can be like that sometimes. I highly recommend this book because within this engrossing story are some wonderful messages about living a purposeful life. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

"Every story is original not because of the plot... but because each storyteller behind the pen or camera or canvas has an original perspective."

Nicole Deese never fails to deliver a powerfully moving, spiritually challenging, emotionally riveting story that grips your heart and soul. When I thought she had outdone herself with All That Really Matters (her previous book), she has proven me wrong by astounding me, yet again, with the depth of her characters and storyline. Those who are fans already met Miles and Val in the previous book and their story intertwines with Molly and Silas', which is a delicious bonus for those who can't get enough of that cute couple. Miles and Val are quite distinct from Molly and Silas and I've got to say that they've quickly become one of my favorite fictional couples. Brokenness, bitterness, restlessness, and need for purpose all collide when Miles and Val meet as landlord and tenant; this beautiful journey of passion to meet others' needs, overcoming lifelong insecurities, surrendering all and being still for a greater purpose and goal, and lending hope to others by being the hands and feet of Jesus will transform the way you see ministry and the world.

I loved Val's mother-bear instincts, creative and clever mind, and fun personality underneath her fearful and anxious exterior. Miles is an incredible hero. He's honest, tender, insightful, and passionate but bitter and broken from misperceptions and self-righteousness while ministering to the lost and downtrodden. Their first person voices are fresh and raw; while complete opposites in every way possible, Val and Miles complement each other perfectly. Their dialogue is so unassumingly, unexpectedly, fabulously witty and lovely that I found myself re-reading many of their conversations to soak in that delight. This book is clearly in my top 20 reads for 2022.

I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

This is a story that will have you laughing, crying and thinking about how you can do better in your life. Val and Miles are fantastic together. These two work well together even when they do not know it. Tucker is a wonderful young man. This story will have you hoping that you can make a difference. This is the second book in this series and I think one should read them in order so that you know how Molly fits in to this story. This will get you thinking about how you have lived your own life. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

This is such a beautiful story! Clean read, tender romance, and a happy ending are my favorites. What I found the most interesting is how much I could identify with the struggle that Miles faces choosing between careers. I just hope my own solution fits so perfectly. I truly enjoy Deese’s words and always look forward to her next book. My favorite is always the last one I read! She is definitely an author to read if you enjoy contemporary romance, with realistic characters and settings.

Nicole Deese has a way of writing stories that are completely gripping but swoony and funny all at the same time! She perfect balanced humor with depth and sprinkles in God’s truths all throughout it!

Miles and Val’s story was beautiful and kept me captivated from the first page to the last. I loved everything that Tucker and Carlee brought to the story, too. I adored Val and loved getting to know her character more deeply. And I still love Miles, he is a fantastic male lead!

All in all, I will forever read anything Deese writes! If you haven’t read anything by her, this is your sign to start! Make sure you check this book out releasing April 5!

Thank you so much to the author, NetGalley, and Bethany House for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Content warning: mentions of suicidal thoughts and abortion

An inspiring story from Nicole Deese! All That It Takes will appeal to fans of contemporary romance, and tackles tough subjects that readers can relate to. The story was a bit slow, but the writing is solid. I enjoyed seeing Molly and Silas again (two of my favorite characters!) and getting to know Val and Miles better. Readers who enjoy works by authors such as Courtney Walsh and Becky Wade should definitely add Deese’s books to their TBR; I know I’m looking forward to Deese’s next story. 3.5/5 stars

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

Beautiful story of connections, finding purpose in life and transformation.

This is an emotional story of how God uses us and our life stories to minister and impact others for good. And the question of what ‘ministry really is’ and how we define that can change the way we live our lives.

Miles is the pastor brother of Molly from ‘ All that really matters’. He struggles with determining his good plans vs God’s plans. Miles is sweet, flawed yet perfect for Val.
Val is Molly’s assistant who as just moved to town. She is a single mom with a disability but has great courage and talent. Her life story becomes the catalyst for many things that happen in the book.

Val and Miles both had servant hearts. And I loved that Miles was in the ministry. I have several relatives in the ministry and its great to see things from their point of view and how they often struggle.
I loved the text banter between Val and Miles.

There are many other wonderful characters were essential to this story too:
Tucker and his lack of being able to keep a secret.
Rev with his sage wisdom and his question “ So what’s not wrong with your life?”
Val’s best friend, Molly. Carlee, who really sets the story in motion and Lady Gwen and her insight and support.

There are so many thing to love about this book. The quotes I loved were :

“All that is takes is one person being willing to step out love for the betterment of another…”

“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.”

“ And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire and after the fire…..a still small voice.” 1 Kings

Nicole Deese has become a must read author for me. I recommend this book highly!
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.