All That It Takes By Nicole Deese | A Contemporary Romance Novel
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her book launch team. All thoughts below are my own and I was not required to post a positive review. Also, this blog post includes affiliate links. You may view my affiliate disclaimer here.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Witty, Charming and Full of Heart! A Truly Inspirational Novel… All That It Takes is a beautiful love-in-action story. A must read!
Sometimes stepping outside of your comfort zone can be your greatest risk… or your greatest reward. Talented author, Nicole Deese, has again delivered a heart-felt novel that made me cry happy tears! With two well-crafted main characters surrounded by an outstanding cast of heartwarming secondary characters, Deese captivated me as she brought Val and Miles’ story and romance to life through their personal struggles and internal conflict. I dearly loved the depth and heart behind this story and I hope you will, too.
Scroll down for my full review…
When the ever-cautious Val Locklier moves cross-country with her son for a secure job, everything she'd planned unravels within the first week. After Val reluctantly agrees to rent an apartment from her best friend's brother, an unexpected chance at an elite filmmakers' mentorship ignites fresh hope for a dream career. But as Val's community begins to expand, so do her insecurities, especially those heightened by her growing attraction to a certain friendly landlord.
Pastor Miles McKenzie returns home from a short-term mission trip to discover that not only does he have an intriguing new tenant living upstairs, he's also been reassigned to a local ministry on life support. Disillusioned and restless, he distracts himself by throwing his energy into a host of new projects--not the least of which is pursuing Val--without stopping to consider the future.
As Val struggles to stop hiding behind the camera and Miles wrestles with shattered expectations, they'll find that authentic love and sacrifice must go hand in hand.
"An exceptional inspirational love story."--Booklist
My Review: ★★★★★/5
I absolutely loved All That It Takes!
Nicole Deese, has once again delivered a sweet, heartwarming love story that made me cry happy tears! Reading a Deese novel is like a warm hug… Her stories are just that good; the characters are like beloved friends!
I thoroughly enjoy Deese’s writing style which is witty, down to earth, and full of heart. With two well-crafted main characters surrounded by an outstanding cast of secondary characters, Deese captivated me as she brought Val and Miles’ story and romance to life.
The novel is well-paced and flows smoothly. I found the romance to be sweet and tender; a beautiful story in its entirety. Deese utilizes varying points of view from both Val and Miles, allowing a deeper insight into their personal thoughts and feelings, making them relatable and lovable!
As Val and Miles’ relationship develops, the story takes an emotional turn that highlights both the hardship and hope found in ministry work, stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, single parenting and maintaining a deep faith. Deese also touches on other subjects like unplanned pregnancies, abandonment, hopelessness and seeking God’s will. She brings all these things to fruition for her main characters through conversation and the introduction of a delightful cast of supporting characters who really help this story to shine.
Related Post: Read my review of Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese
I enjoyed that Deese doesn’t stray away from the harder moments in life but rather delivers them through her characters’ vulnerability and inner struggles while still maintaining a story line that isn’t heavy or sad. It’s quite the opposite in fact - full of heartwarming moments, wit, charm and love-in-action, encouraging readers in their own faith journey.
In short, All That It Takes is a truly inspirational novel.
This story reads as a standalone but features characters introduced in All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese (one of my top ten 2021 recommendations!). Read together, these two books are fantastic!
I simply can’t say enough about this new release! It is a definite recommendation from me, a must-read and a top ten choice for 2022!
About the Author:
Photo Credit: © Rayla Kay Photography | Image Courtesy of Baker Publishing Group
Nicole Deese's (www.nicoledeese.com) eight humorous, heartfelt, and hope-filled novels include the 2017 Carol Award-winning A Season to Love. Her 2018 release, A New Shade of Summer, was a finalist in the RITA Awards, Carol Awards, and INSPY Awards. Both of these books are from her bestselling Love in Lenox series. 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.
