Review: All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese

 

About:

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.

My Thoughts:

I adored this book. This was quite a layered story to unwrap and I enjoyed every moment of it. It also touched my heart in ways I was not expecting.

Molly is a guru in makeup and fashion. She is a twin and loves her brother very much but they see life very differently. He is a pastor and she is a social media personality. Their relationship is poignant and close and I liked how they stuck with each other. I wish Molly's parents were a little more in her life, but I have met people like them before so they were cast in a realistic light.

Silas comes from a completely different background, but he was adopted into a strong and compassionate family that helped develop him into the man he is today. Silas's mission in life, his ministry, was a unique and very needed one. I do not know if there is such homes where I live, but it is a great idea.

When Silas and Molly met I knew their relationship was going to be really fun to watch. I was not disappointed. Silas and all of his proper ways compared to the ever exuberant and dreams big Molly- had me on the edge of my seat for them to get together. The fireworks from the beginning, to the friendship that led to a slow burn romance. Their banter when they were unsure of one another and when they began to fall in love was very witty and the nickname Molly had for Silas was spectacular.

When the story gets to the point, of all that really matters, the aha moment for Molly and Silas was priceless. I consider this a very relevant book for today in all of the social media madness that exists. I highly recommend this story.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Nicole Deese's (www.nicoledeese.com) 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 of these books are from her bestselling Love in Lenox series. When she's not working on her next contemporary romance, she can usually be found reading one by a window overlooking the inspiring beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She lives in small-town Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two rambunctious sons, and princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.