Happy Wednesday!
I thought the best way to help you over the hump would be to recommend a great read. I had the pleasure of reading an ARC copy of Nicole Deese’s All That Really Matters last month.
I’m so glad I did. Her writing is amazing and the way she pulls you into a story is awe inspiring. This is definitely one you don’t want to miss out on.
Have you already read it? Added it to your TBR pile?
About the Book
Molly McKenzie’s bright personality and on-trend fashion and beauty advice have earned her an impressive social media following, as well as a big paycheck each month. When her manager-turned-boyfriend says she has an audition to appear as a host on a makeover show that nominates underprivileged youth, her dream of further fame seems to be coming true. There’s just one catch: she has little experience interacting with people in need.
When her manager-boyfriend convinces her to partner with a local organization, she begins volunteering with a summer youth program. The program’s director, Silas Whittaker, challenges her at every turn, but she swiftly grows more attached to the kids–and him–every day.
As Molly experiences an acceptance unlike anything she’s known, she wrestles with the lies she’s been believing about herself for years. She thought she knew what mattered most in life, but maybe she’s had it wrong this whole time, and there’s more to being truly seen than what she’s built her entire life on.
My Thoughts
I don’t even know where to start! Should it be the amazing, diverse characters (secondary ones included), all the feels from the hero (definitely book boyfriend worthy), or the heart change Molly goes through?
This book has it all. For those who have to have romance, you’ll get it. Silas Whittaker is perfect. Not without flaws obviously, but everything you cheer for in a hero. He had a dark past to overcome and he chose to help others make a better future. Hero-worthy accolades. Add to the fact he’s humble, handsome, and I was cheering for him the entire time.
There’s also personal growth. Molly McKenzie has had a pretty easy life but throw a little conflict here and there and you see her change for the better. Her growth kept me reading and turning the pages.
The secondary characters provide comic relief, spirtual challenges, and were overall just an amazing cast that added depth to the story. And can I toot the diversity horn again! I loved that there were different ethnicities represented in the crew.
Lastly, this book gave me all the emotions. Characters that made me shout at my Kindle, or lol. I went through all the emotions and definitely want to return to this little corner of the world and experience it all over again.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review was not required nor influenced.
About the Author
Nicole Deese’s eight humorous, heartfelt, and hope-filled novels include the 2017 Carol Award Winning A Season to Love. Her 2018 release, A New Shade of Summer, was a finalist in the RITA Awards, Carol Awards, and Inspy Awards. Both these books are from her best-selling Love in Lenox Series. Her newest contemporary romance, Before I Called You Mine, from Bethany House Publishers has recently received a starred review from Booklist.
When Nicole’s not sorting out characters and plots of her own, she can usually be found reading near a window overlooking the inspiring beauty of the Pacific Northwest (most often while sipping on a sparkling water). She lives in small-town, Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two towering-over-her teen sons, and her princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
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Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Find out more on her website at http://tonishiloh.com.
Such a great book. I finished last night. I didn’t want it to end.
Same! I want to read it again but am trying to let some time pass before I do so it’s all the more sweeter.
I haven’t read it yet; however, I really liked Before I Called You Mine.
That one had me in tears! So beautiful.
This book is on my wishlist!
I hope you get it soon!
Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure!
This sounds wonderful. Thank you for the highlight.
You’re welcome, Mary!
Thank you so much for sharing. May God bless you.
Blessings to you too, Debra!
sounds wonderful.
It really is.
Sounds like a wonderfully rich set of characters. Good stuff!
Yes! “Rich set of characters” is a great way to describe them.
I LOVED this book for exactly all the reasons you pointed out!
After I read “Before You Were Mine” last year, I was captured by Nicole’s writing! So of course, this new book is already on my must-read list. :-)
Oooops, that’s “Before I Called You Mine”!