💄🛍️ "All That Really Matters" (2021) 🛍️💄 - Book Review

 

MY REVIEW 

 

Paperback: 416 pages 

Publisher:  Bethany House Publishers (April 6, 2021) 

Language: English

ISBN 10: 076423496X

ISBN-13: 978-0764234965

⬅ Click Photo for Purchase Information

 

“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.”

 

Thank you in advance to the publisher, Bethany House, for providing a complimentary review copy through the author’s launch team. A positive review was not requested or required, and all words are my own.

This was not my first introduction to Nicole Deese’s writing, and it certainly won’t be my last.

 

I had the privilege of being on the launch team for Before I Called You Mine as well as the launch team for the novella Heartwood, part of The Kissing Tree stories.

 

Because I Called You Mine was emotional and dealt with an interesting topic – adoption whereas Heartwood was heart-warming. When it came to All That Really Matters, emotional and heart-warming are not quite adequate to describe this book. This is, of the three I read, the best Deese book out of them!  

 

Normally I am able to write a review within a few days of reading a book, this was so emotionally powerful that it took me over a week to get the review done. I wanted the review to have the same impact as the book had on me.

 

First off, that gorgeous PINK cover! That is what drew me in. The title which suggests something deeper in life set against a cover that screams beauty is far more important. But, yet it also seems to say there is a whole package of goodness between the covers.

 A cover and whimsical title are only part of the story – the characters are the heart and soul of it. Molly comes off as attention-seeking, and for good reason. Her childhood wasn’t the worst, but it wasn’t the best either. Silas comes off as serious and someone who isn’t playing around – like Molly, stemming from his background and childhood. The “kids” who aren’t really kids, they’ve just sadly aged out of the foster system, are perfectly imperfect needing balance and guidance to steer them into responsible and self-sustaining adults.

 

The plot is far too realistic. Deese wasn’t shy about tackling something I think few want to talk about. While emphasis is placed on children in the system, what about those who’ve aged out? Those with few resources to get their own transportation, housing, employment – life’s much needed necessities. While I don’t know much about the system, I can say that something like what is done in this book is very much needed. I often wondered what happened to kids like that.

 

This is a rather long read told in first person alternating Molly and Silas’ POV. The story itself is about 400 pages (begins on page 7, ends 406). The short chapters, along with vivid and descriptive writing drew me right in. I read 37 pages in 20 minutes; and ended up reading 113 pages in the first sitting.

 

Right off, I slightly identified with Molly as I was an AVON representative from March 1995-October 1997. I even achieved President’s Club twice in a row! Her role as an influencer was very interesting.

 

Since my introduction to social media, I have often thought what a great gig that would be – get paid to highlight products. FYI: I love my Coach sunnies too! While I don’t get paid, I am a reviewer for books and products and some have been brand-name items. So, I can say that I sort of get that aspect of the story.

 

That is one of the reasons I was drawn to this book. From the cover reveal to launch team, this has been an epic journey. And, in reading it, I couldn’t take notes fast enough.

 

Anyway …

 

As some books of this nature, this might have some triggers or content issues for people; namely the mention or reference to addiction, alcohol abuse, and overdose.

 

Right off, the first page (pg. 7) has a quote that is very relevant – “when you feel good in your own skin, it’s easy to help someone else feel good in theirs”. That is a powerful statement that picks the story up and carries it throughout to the end.

 

While the reader thinks Molly’s world is fun and easy – there are pitfalls of social media. Most of us in real life should know that as well – the endorphin boost with likes and comments. I get that too, especially when someone I admire re-posts, comments, or shares my work (photos or blog).

 

This puts Molly on the radar for bigger things. Who wouldn’t want that? But, there is a catch – getting more followers and a human interest cause. After all, nothing grows your influence like being connected to a worthy cause. It’ll show she’s more empathetic, has a heart, compassion, generous, and selfless.

 

Easy enough. But, is it?

 

Through her brother, Molly finds Silas’ organization. But, while she’s made an impression on Glo, the house manager – Silas is not impressed. She wants to bring grit to the kids, what they need is grace. And, Silas’ is anti social media, especially when he caught Molly doing a video in the house.

 

But, things don’t go in Molly’s favor – at first.

 

The cause isn’t the only road bump – there is also something going on behind the scenes with the agency Molly is signed with. This will come back in a big way.

 

Molly refuses to give up and re-presents herself to Silas with a different idea, though it is very close to who she is and what she does. But, she takes a different spin on it. Silas decides to give her a chance after all. And, there is a cute little “Duke” thing going on that Molly uses for his text messages.

 

While Molly isn’t a runaway hit, some of her ideas are useful to the kids at The Bridge. But, while she’s really supposed to be helping all of them, she becomes close to one of the girls. It will be this closeness that causes an interesting drama later on in the story.

 

As stated – Molly does become more and more involved in helping Silas’ organization, and she starts yearning for more.

 

Though this proves problematic with her “brand” which she soon realizes might be in jeopardy. This is where I began hating another character – Ethan.

 

There is an incident that Molly realizes Ethan doesn’t know her value as a woman. And, I cheered for Molly’s maturity in that moment. There is an interesting point about using one’s influence for maximum impact for a greater good and being a good role model as well.

 

As Molly begins her “transformation”, Silas is grappling with his own issue surrounding forgiveness when it comes to his brother.

 

It is at the halfway point where the title comes together. I was almost in tears reading page 205. And, it is clear what matters the most to Molly, who isn’t sure of who she is anymore. It is clear where she belongs though.

 

The bible quote – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends” (John 15: 12-13) seems to really sum up the entirety of this book and Molly’s journey.

 

Towards the end of the book I couldn’t stop reading it. I had to keep going and Deese definitely kept up a few mystery plot-points: a theft, a secret, and drama.

 

As I was reading chapter 28 at bedtime, I couldn’t go to bed until I saw this through. I ended up reading to the end of the book. But, I must add that I wasn’t too surprised at what happened and who was at the heart of it.

 

It was amazing how Molly supported one of the girls after a shocking incident and I was and wasn’t shocked that she would do what she did, though it definitely made sense.

 

The end is rather dramatic as everything comes to a climax – Molly’s issue with her old life, Silas and his brother, and the kids. It took me a while to decompress from all the emotions: anger, sadness, happiness, and joy, just to name a few.

 

I absolutely LOVED Molly’s slow transition. It was definitely natural as it doesn’t happen all at once.

 

There was an incident that I wanted to see cleared up at the end, and I really hope the resolution is in the next book. I also loved seeing Silas in a different light after a while. His transformation is almost barely noticeable until the huge drama hits.

 

One piece of advice that alternately made me laugh but agree with – “don’t engage the crazies”. I’m sure we’ve all seen our share on the social media platforms.

 

This isn’t a series per se, but at the end of the book, readers will note that Deese’s next book does involve Molly’s twin brother Miles along with another character from this book. I will very much be looking forward to that when it is released.

 

As this is distributed by Bethany House, a Christian and faith-themed publisher, there are references to God, themes of redemption and forgiveness, along with scripture. There are bible quotes as well. All of this plays a substantial role in the story.

All That Really Matters is heart-breaking, tearful, relevant, and at times sad. But, it is also endearing, gripping, emotional, and funny. All done with an honesty that gives the reader hope at the end, and hopefully inspires them to see what really matters in their own lives.

 

Fans of the author and genre are certain to love this story as much as I did.

 

 

RATING:

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)

 

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

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 husband and three children. Find her online at www.nicoledeese.com.

 

 

You can also find her on the following social media accounts:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicoledeeseauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoledeeseauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicoledeese

 

 

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