Synopsis:~

Molly McKenzie’s bright personality and on-trend fashion and beauty advice have earned her an impressive social media following, as well as a shiny monthly paycheck. 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 applies to volunteer at a transitional program for aged-out foster kids during summer, only the program’s director, Silas Whittaker, doesn’t find her as charming as her followers do. But since forfeiting a goal has never been her style, Molly’s only option is to accept the terms Silas lays out and submit to his rules–even the most ridiculous ones pertaining to social media.  

Soon as the residents of the home become more than a means to pad her career resume, and Silas becomes more than an obstacle on her path to fame, her once-narrow focus expands to include the deep needs of those she’s serving… and perhaps the ones she’s neglected inside herself as well. It took years to build her platform, but only one summer to discover what really matters most.

Necee’s take:~

“When we’re willing to risk being real with others . . .” I stopped the sentence there, prompting the room to finish. “We teach others how to be real with us,” they said in unison.”

In an age of social media perfectionism, All That Really Matters shines brighter with it’s realistic portrayal of the person behind the screen. Filled with beauty with a depth that far surpasses the exterior, Deese shines light on a much needed ministry in a way that is filled with compassion and love. My heart is full after reading this book. I’m honestly not sure I can do justice with my words, other than saying Deese really knows how to get to the heart of the matter. The characters are lovable, the romance is swoony, and the depth is divinely appointed ministry to the heart.

“You’re gifted,” he said. “It’s easy to understand what your Mimi saw in you all those years ago. What she said about God having uniquely shaped gifts for each one of His uniquely shaped people. She’s right.”

I believe this is the must-read book of 2021. I hope your heart is as changed as mine is. Not only did the author give a heart hug to all of us who have struggled with relationships, but she also deals with a ministry that’s been close to my heart. She gives hope filled ways of how to help with aged out of foster kids in our communities. May God bring much glory to this ministry through books like this.

“A heart makeover,” he said. “Yeah,” I said. “It was the only way I knew to describe it.” “It was the perfect way to describe it.”’

Absolutely, stunningly beautiful and heartfelt…and that cover is gorgeous, too!

“…in the end, the condition of our heart is all that really matters.”

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and are 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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