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| GIVEAWAY RANDOM RETRO READ! |
ALL THAT REALLY MATTERS
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 pay check 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 --ever 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:
published in 2021
Did I deliberately snub this poor book last year when it released? Well, snub might be a little harsh...more like pointedly ignored. :-) Why, you ask? Because I have absolutely zero interest in the social media influencer hype and the value placed on superficial things, the...yes, I'm going to say it...idolatry that takes place online. So, did I want to read about influencer Molly? Not so much.
BUT...
then I read 'All That It Takes' (sequel) recently and was blown away so I did a bit of backtracking and read some reviews for 'All That Really Matters' and lots of them started with "I didn't think I'd like this heroine but...." And then, this title shows up as a 2022 Carol Award finalists and I'm like, "All right, already. I get the message. I need to read the book!!" So I did. And...
Gobsmacked.
Not so much a redemption story as an awakening story and watching Molly come alive through the light of Christ and service, finally realizing what really matters...gobsmackingly wonderful! Phenomenal character growth saturated in faith.
And Silas. Gobsmacked again. Swoony book boyfriend material.
And there's even more to love about this book: Diverse characters. Authenticity in setting and plot. Flashes of humour. Intricate layers in both story and characterization. It's all just...well...I'm really...wait for it...
Gobsmacked!
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice
If you would like a chance to win a copy of All That Really Matters, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 20 2022 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck
If you would like a chance to win a copy of All That Really Matters, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 20 2022 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck
I have read this, so don't enter me. I absolutely loved this book, so many layers, and books around foster care get me each time.
ReplyDeleteA brilliant story for sure. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Cindy!
DeleteI also loved this book. Glad you were gobsmacked my book twin.
ReplyDeleteYay, a better late than never twin dance is in order. lol
DeleteWell golly, I won't have suspected it to be that good either. Just goes to show you can't judge a book by its cover. LOL With a rave review like this from you, it's definitely going on my TBR list. Now I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win a copy!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
So, funny thing about that cover. My eyesight being what it is, it looked like a quilt backdrop when I first glimpsed it online last year so that had me excited and when I realized that the 'quilt' was actually a make up pallete...well, I was somewhat disgruntled. lol So, it really does go to show that you can't judge a book by its cover. Bwahahaha. Good luck, Kay!
DeleteI felt the same way when I read the subject matter about social media influencing but knowing Nicole Deese's writing I knew I could trust what she'd do with this topic. Wasn't it so very good?!
ReplyDeleteSo I guess we have to know when to snub and when to give a book a chance, lol. But I have to admit I'm still snubbing all the books about human trafficking that are currently a big thing right now. I just can't handle that topic.
I think we go through seasons as well. And sometimes, especially in suspense, I find we're inundated with the same theme and that can push us into overload if it's not a fave one to begin with. I was done with amnesia stories but I've just finished one that amazed me so....I guess selective least favourite tropes will become a thing for me. :-) You were braver than me, Tracey, trusting the author first before the social media influencing content. I've learned my lesson....late...but still...:-).
DeleteI've read a lot of amnesia stories too, but I still like one now and then. I'm nosy, which one amazed you recently?
DeleteThis one wasn't a suspense -- Loving Lovina by Patricia Johns -- an Amish romance. Brings a whole new twist to the amnesia trope. You can see my review next week. :-)
DeleteI had heard good things about this book too and, though (like you) I had zero interest in an online influencer, I was convinced enough that it would be a good story that I put it onto my TBR. I’m so glad to hear that it ought to live up to my expectations!
ReplyDeleteYou will be astonished! :-) Good luck, Elly!
DeleteNicole Deese is a new author to me but I think I would've assumed the same thing you did after reading what the story is about. Social media is a harsh task master and it takes strong people to not let that influence take them in especially our young people. I'll read this book cause after your review I'd like to see what the outcome is in this story. rrwalter34ATGMAILdotcom
ReplyDeleteIt's brilliantly done. Can't believe I waited a whole year to read it. Good luck, Becky!
DeleteAll That Really Matters sounds like a must read.
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138atgmaildotcom
I sure think so now. Good luck, Caryl!
DeleteI wasn't interested in this book when I first begin seeing it, but after reading your review, Kav, I think I would be silly not to throw my name in the hat. I want to be gobsmacked too! :)
ReplyDeleteckbarker at gmail dot com
You will be amazed, Cheryl! Good luck!
DeleteAmazing story! Loved it! Just wanted to share! Grin!
ReplyDeleteDo not add me to the list! Just wanted to give a shout out for this author and the book.
DeleteThanks for the shout out, Nora. Nicole Deese is an awesome storyteller.
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