V. Joy Palmer: April 2021

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!

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Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Review of My Dear Miss Dupre by Grace Hitchcock

About the Book ~

Thirty suitors, six months of courting . . .would it be enough time for her to fall in love?

Willow Dupré never thought she would have to marry, but with her father's unexpected retirement from running the prosperous Dupré sugar refinery, she is forced into a different future. The shareholders are unwilling to allow a female to take over the company without a man at her side, so her parents devise a plan--find Willow a spokesman king in order for her to become queen of the business empire.

Willow is presented with thirty potential suitors from the families of New York society's elite group called the Four Hundred. She has six months to court the group and is told to to eliminate men each month to narrow her beaus until she chooses one to marry, ending the competition with a wedding. Willow reluctantly agrees, knowing she must do what is best for the business. She doesn't expect to find anything other than a proxy . . . until she meets a gentleman who captures her attention, and she must discover for herself if his motives are pure.

For more information about Grace Hitchcock and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

I was thoroughly charmed, enamored, and swept away by you, My Dear Miss Dupre!

Right off the bat, I want to establish that I have never been a fan of the TV shows The Bachelor and/or The Bachelorette. No...just...no. However, this concept has spun some fantastic, absolutely golden fiction, and My Dear Miss Dupre by Grace Hitchcock is a superb example of that!

The setting of My Dear Miss Dupre was glamourous and romantic, like something you'd imagine seeing on Downton Abbey. The pacing of the story moved quickly, and I was surprised and delighted at the different ways the author incorporated dramatic twists and intense subplots. Furthermore, I loved getting the perspectives of multiple men, all of whom were extremely well-developed. And this clever tactic proved to be just enough misdirection to muddle who Willow would choose to marry in the end. Don't worry -- no spoilers on the hero's identity! However, I will say that my favorite hero was chosen, and I adored his character development!

Willow was an exceptional heroine! Her heart was so relatable as she struggled to trust God as all her dreams spiraled out of control around her. She aptly portrayed so many struggles that plague women in today's culture, including the debate between being a successful career woman versus the romance and marriage-minded woman. Willow's story dismantled the narrative that you can only be one or the other, instead refocusing on the truth of who God created you to be, your unique gifts, and those God-given desires of your heart.

Five Stars ~ My Dear Miss Dupre by Grace Hitchcock is thoroughly charming! My Dear Miss Dupre is the first novel of the author's American Royalty Series, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book!