Review: All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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 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 Review

Influencers aren't my favorite of characters, and in the beginning I struggled to connect with Molly. I trusted this author to develop her character though, and so glad I stayed engaged to witness her transformation. I loved how she slowly shed the self-absorbed lifestyle and mindset as her awareness expands during her service at the transitional home, The Bridge. She not only helps them, she receives so much through the relationships she develops and invests in. We are shown her deeper strengths that rise from dormancy and stretch as she steps out of her comfort zone, a new understanding blossoming. Silas has an interesting history and he's easy to admire, especially when he begins to lighten up with Molly's growing presence at The Bridge. There is a wonderful cast of secondary characters that shine  and provide opportunities in the story to show the reader small details about Molly and Silas ans they interact together. The difficult moments and lessons showed how those times are the ones that help us grow the most. Excited to read Miles and Val's book next!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the next book in the McKenzie Family Romance series . . .