All That Really Matters: a story of finding one's purpose, faith and what really matters

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese is the first book in the McKenzie Romance series. Molly McKenzie has a bright personality as she gives trendy fashion and beauty advice on social media which has earned her an impressive following. When her manager-turned-boyfriend says she has an audition to appear as host on a makeover show that nominates underprivileged youth, her dream of a bigger following with greater fame is about to come true. However, she has very little experience interacting with underprivileged youth. To gain the experience, she partners with a local organization and begins volunteering with The Bridge, a young program, for the summer. Silas Whittaker is the program’s director who challenges her at every turn. It isn’t long before she begins to truly care for the kids and Silas. Molly wrestles with what she thought mattered, the lies she tells herself and realizes there is more to life than fame and followers. 

All That Really Matters is a slow and yet engaging story as Molly searches for herself in the world of fame and yet finds it among the underprivileged youth she is trying to inspire. Silas is a man who has worked hard to provide a stable home for those who have aged out of the foster care system and still need the skills to help them be productive adults and out of trouble. Every character was real and relatable. The last quarter of the story was filled with emotions, drama and the tears poured down my face as Molly faces the truth she has long pushed aside. Faith and God were handled with truth and reality as there aren’t always the answers we want or the outcomes we hope for and yet the strength to keep trying. I can’t wait to read more in this series. I highly, highly recommend All That Really Matters! 

All That Really Matters is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook