Synopsis:~

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.

Necee’s take:~

“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.

Nicole Deese is a Carol Award winner and a RITA and INSPY Award finalist. 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. Find her online at www.nicoledeese.com.

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