Showing posts with label All That Really Matters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label All That Really Matters. Show all posts

Friday, May 20, 2022

Review of All That It Takes by Nicole Deese

 


About the Book ~

When the ever-cautious Val Locklier moves cross-country with her son for a secure job, everything she'd planned unravels within the first week. After Val reluctantly agrees to rent an apartment from her best friend's brother, an unexpected chance at an elite filmmakers' mentorship ignites fresh hope for a dream career. But as Val's community begins to expand, so do her insecurities, especially those heightened by her growing attraction to a certain friendly landlord. 

Pastor Miles McKenzie returns home from a short-term mission trip to discover that not only does he have an intriguing new tenant living upstairs, he's also been reassigned to a local ministry on life support. Disillusioned and restless, he distracts himself by throwing his energy into a host of new projects--not the least of which is pursuing Val--without stopping to consider the future. 

As Val struggles to stop hiding behind the camera and Miles wrestles with shattered expectations, they'll find that authentic love and sacrifice must go hand in hand.

For more information about Nicole Deese and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

From cover to cover, All That It Takes by Nicole Deese is a gorgeous story!

All That It Takes was the beautiful completion of a story that was merely hinted at in the author’s previous novel — and oh, was Miles and Val’s romance worth every second of the wait! Additionally, I really enjoyed getting to see previous characters in a way that didn’t overshadow Miles and Val’s journey. I loved the documentary angle, but the main setting of All That It Takes gripped my heart from the moment that Miles and Val stepped foot into the dilapidated and depleted facility. The voices, emotion, and realistic portrayal of single motherhood had me crying more than once as I cuddled my own newborn. There was a beautiful simplicity to All That It Takes, and it added a dash of everyday magic that I absolutely adored!

I loved how Val navigated her story within the stories of others via her documentary! I loved the way this showed how our stories are each unique despite any similarities and hold value, while also showing how sometimes all that it takes (wink, wink) to change someone’s story is for someone else to be vulnerable with theirs. I also really loved how the author didn't shy away from portraying someone in leadership who messed up and then had to face the natural consequences for that — including how that affected other people, like Miles. This deftly transitioned to Miles’ own issues, reaching a level of reality that packed a spiritual wallop!

Five Stars ~ All That It Takes by Nicole Deese is a beautiful yet equally powerful romance! All That It Takes can be read as a standalone, but there are some characters from the author's previous book, All That Really Matters, who appear in All That It Takes.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Monday, April 26, 2021

Review of All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese

 

About the Book ~

Molly McKenzie's bright personality and on-trend fashion and beauty advice have made her a major social media influencer. 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 plans to volunteer for the summer at a transitional program for aged-out foster kids, but the program's director, Silas Whittaker, doesn't find her as charming as her followers do. Despite his ridiculous rules and terms, Molly dives into mentoring, surprising herself with the genuine connections and concern she quickly develops for the girls--and Silas. But just as everything seems perfectly aligned for her professional future, it starts to crumble under the pressure. And as her once-narrow focus opens to the deep needs of those she's come to know, she must face the ones she's neglected inside herself for so long.

For more information about Nicole Deese and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

All that really matters is whether or not All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese is on your immediate TBR. Why? Because if it's not, it NEEDS to be!

All That Really Matters included so many of my favorite things to find in a story! Romance, humor, a little bickering, first person narrative, second chances, God, and miracles. However, one of the most gripping characters featured in All That Really Matters is the beast we call social media! The ugly and fake life of social media was displayed in its train wreck glory, yet the beautiful and life-changing ways social media can transform an individual was still the star of the story. Also, the absolute need for balance and boundaries was shown in a way that wasn't preachy or aggressive, instead portrayed in a relatable story that so many of us are living.

Molly and Silas were absolutely wonderful -- as a couple AND as individual characters! I loved the way their relationship progressed from bickering to admiration to love. However, I especially loved the way their stories -- both personally and romantically -- portrayed such a beautiful message of hope, joy, and second chances. Theirs was and will always be a romance that sings of the heart of God!

Five Stars ~ All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese is a lovely romance filled with second chances and miracles! All That Really Matters is a standalone, and I'm looking forward to reading the author's next standalone, featuring characters introduced in All That Really Matters!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!