All That It Takes is a charming story - the perfect blend of lighthearted moments, sweet romance, spiritual truths, and characters who tug at your heartstrings. This book picks up where All That Really Matters left off, although it can be read as a standalone. Val and Miles, who we met in the last book, are both facing major changes in the trajectory of their lives.

Vals story is one of facing her fears and stepping outside her comfort zone. Her realization that God can use her story to change lives in dramatic ways is a powerful example of vulnerability and authentic faith. Miles faces his own crisis of faith in a way, as his plans for his life are knocked off course for reasons outside of his control. His eyes are opened to new ways of doing ministry, in a way that is moving and thought-provoking. And of course, Tucker brings plenty of fun and laughter to the story!

While I would put this book in the contemporary romance genre, it is so much more - it is full of real, relatable characters who experience both the grit and grace of life. I highly recommend this series, especially to fans of authors like Becky Wade and Courtney Walsh!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

All That It Takes, by Nicole Deese, is a stunning sequel to All That Really Matters. Authentically vulnerable and abounding with heart and purpose, this novel offers a reading experience that is profoundly moving. Page after page, this book gently welcomes the reader into a deeply relevant story that is emotionally thoughtful and truly meaningful. Its absorbing plot and relatable characters make this book as engaging as it is memorable.

Incorporating bold honesty with plenty of wit and wisdom, Ms. Deese has crafted a storyline that explores many valuable themes, including friendship, love, parenthood, purpose, insecurity, compassion, and faith. The plot of this novel is fresh and engrossing, offering the reader plenty of sweet romance and dramatic tension. Furthermore, the first-person point of view of the main characters is vibrant and compelling. Their emotional, personal, and spiritual development throughout the book is touching and believable. Likewise, the secondary characters are quite captivating and add a special depth to the story.

All That It Takes, is a distinctive book that uplifts and inspires. Beyond its ability to entertain, it also bestows genuine hope and encouragement. This novel is a sincere pleasure to read, and I eagerly recommend it.

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

This story was ah-mazing! Nicole writes beautiful stories and this one just may be my favorite! She creates real and flawed characters that you can't help but love. The story was simply incredible and I couldn't put it down. I think my favorite part of the whole book was chapter 30, that chapter simply floored me with what it brought to the story. I LOVED this book! It gets all the stars!

I received this book from the publisher but also purchased my own Audible copy. All thoughts are my own.

After becoming disabled as a child, and an unwed mother as a teen, Val, embarrassed and scared, has lived years in self-imposed prison in a dead-end town. She would be hiding away still if it weren't for the job offer her friend used to entice Val to move.

Now that she has traveled hundreds of miles and turned her life upside down, both the place she was going to live, along with the new job have fallen through. Has all of this been a mistake? Is this a sign that she should enter a prestigious competition that would use her passion, photography? The prize would include amazing job opportunities. But how could she compete since she has no formal training?

Miles has been an outreach pastor for years, globe hopping and living his dream. But now the pastor of his home church has caused such a budget strain that his job has been eliminated. He has been reassigned to a dying outreach; Miles knows his days are numbered there. He is having lots of trouble not to feel resentful.

When Miles and Val's paths cross, more complications arise. If they get involved, will that open themselves up to more heartache? Will Tucker, Val's son, be the one most hurt if this relationship does not work? Just as things are opening up for both of them, an alternative choice comes along that could spell happiness for one of them, and heartache for the other.

This story is amazing. You will love the characters and think you know the ending, but you will be wrong! This clean Christian fiction will spin a tale you will not want to put down. Those who like dramatic stories with lots of twists and turns will enjoy this five-star book--make sure you read it!

Bethany House Publishing provided Tickmenot with a book copy to review. Opinions are my own.

All That It Takes is the next chapter featuring multiple characters we were introduced to in All That Really Matters, another book that captured my heart. Her books are insightful, witty, fun to read, and beautifully wrapped up in a reflection of Christ.

Val and Miles are secondary characters from the first book that get their own story in All That It Takes. Learning to take leaps of faith (perhaps even when ill-advised...) and move forward after past struggles, I loved that these characters didn't have it all together. How many of us can say we do, either?

Deese writes books that stick with you long after the last page and I couldn't be more excited about seeing what's to come after All That It Takes. There are so many possibilities for the other characters and relationships intertwining with each other that I hope Deese plans on more after this one. It's like a multi-layered cake--it only gets better with each flavor!

I was an early reader, thanks to the publisher. All opinions are my own.