All That It Takes - by Nicole Deese

Book Review: All That It Takes by Nicole Deese Two people who believe they have their lives planned out, are suddenly thrust together to find that God may have other plans for them. Miles McKenzie is a Pastor who is sure of his spiritual path, until that path is suddenly removed from him, and he is faced with new challenges that he must face. Val Locklier has always taken the secure approach to life, focusing on her limitations and her young son's future, however, once she is pushed out of her comfort zone, she finds a whole new outlook on life. As Proverbs 16:9 says: We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. So, this heartwarming romantic story of Val and Miles unfolds to show how God can bring us out of our comfort zones into a world where we can bring His goodness into the lives of others as well as ourselves. If you have read Nicole Deese's All That Really Matters novel, you will love this sequel to it. If you haven't, you should read them both. Each can be read as stand-alone novels but reading both will bring a much richer meaning and joy into your life, for not only are these books filled with romance, but they are also adventurous, surprising, heartwarming stories of how God works in people's lives to bring about His purposes. I was given this book by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.

After becoming disabled as a child, and an unwed mother as a teen, Val embarrassed and scared, has lived years in a 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 feeling 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 has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, All That it Takes, for the purpose of review.

"My mom just tried to kill you with my lightsaber. Look, she even dented it!" And just like that, Val Locklier and Miles McKenzie meet their future, they just didn't know it yet. Entering a prestigious filmmaker's mentoring program was not on Val's radar when she and her ten year old son Tucker moved from their Skagway, Alaska home to Spokane, Washington. Expecting to work in her best friend's starter business that would outfit women struggling to enter the marketplace, Val faced a life-altering decision when her employment was delayed. But nothing compared to "the man downstairs". So . . . . his sister Molly had rented out his second level apartment again in his absence. Arriving back in the States physically and mentally exhausted, outreach pastor Miles McKenzie had just wanted to make sure everything was on the up and up after hearing noises. . . upstairs. Instead he came face to face with a "she-bear" and her cub, looking very much like the lovely woman he had barely met, but not forgotten, at his sister's wedding. As Val and Miles build upon an acquaintance relationship, the core goals of their lives begin to shift. After years of international missions, was it even possible for Miles to put down roots, re-directing his passion for outreach and discipleship into a fledgling local ministry? And sweet, gentle, talented Val; could she find the courage to share her heart, her "story", even if it meant shedding a long ingrained tendency to hide behind the curtain of disability? If not, what kind of connection did they really have? "At the heart of of every human born on this planet lives the felt need for connection - to a parent, to a peer, to a Creator whose imprint is in every fiber of our beings." "I'd much rather my life be defined by a thousand little moments of faithfulness than by one big moment of fame." This, my friends is a masterpiece, a story worth telling and thus; well told. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Oh gosh!! What a beautifully deep, touching, heart tugging and inspiring story about two struggling souls with a heart of gold, that have a yearning to do something that makes a difference in people’s life, and God joins their paths to learn from one another and make an even bigger difference in other’s people’s life! This story really touched deep places in my heart. It’s so tender hearted, relatable, thought provoking in a totally inspiring way that makes you, not only cheer for the characters in their journey of self-discovery and learning God’s will for them, but also makes you want to learn from their life experience and put to practice the message of trusting God in using you for the greater good of many people, even if it means positively impacting one life, which it never reduces to that, but has a multiplying effect of mercy and good will. To realize that ALL THAT IT TAKES is for you to make a difference in one person’s life to start a chain of goodness that never stops! I fell so in love with the characters: they are so real and close, so kind in spite of their flaws, that they feel like friends with whom you immediately bond and relate, and you don’t want to part when the book is over. Val, protective, ever-cautious and battling some insecurities, which are very understandable because of the rejection she has faced due to her hip injury, and after being rejected by her boyfriend when she told him she was pregnant. These things impact her greatly, but do not define her. She is brave and strong in many ways, while her fears may restrain her in others, and she big challenges to overcome that will help her become a bolder self and open herself more to others, to share her gifts as a nurturer, her love gentle and caring. She wants to provide in the best way for her son. She sacrifices. Miles is a generous, outspoken, easy-going, active, charming, compassionate man with a heart of gold, and big dreams. I so loved his tender and selfless heart. Yet, he has a journey to heal some hidden wounds, to discover pride has no place in his calling to serve others. And to discover who these others are, the people in other countries? Or the ones closer to him? The strong message about intentional relationship building, about reaching out to others in need when God puts you in the right place and moment, really struck my heart, as it did the characters. The secondary characters, like adorable Tucker, Val’s parents, Molly and Silas, Carlee, Trisha, Nurse Charlotte, Grandma Miller and ever Pastor Curtis, there’s so much to love and learn through them too! There are so many quotes I loved in the book, but this review is already too long. Here’s a short one: “I’d much rather my life be defined by a thousand little moments of faithfulness than by one big moment of fame”. The plot never drags, and even if it’s not a suspenseful book or anything like that, I was captivated from page one until the last. I’m so sad this book is finished, and I can’t wait for Ms. Deese’s next story to come, hopefully soon! I vividly recommend this life changing story! And to spread the word about itI it can change not only your life but many others too! And although it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend you to read Molly and Silas’s story first, where you can get the first glimpse at Val and Miles.

I enjoy contemporary romance but there are a few authors who can weave beautiful thoughts into wonderful tales that reach deep into my soul. Nicole Deese is one of those authors, and she's truly outdone herself with All That It Takes. She's created characters with flaws that we all can understand and given them positive attributes that we all want to have. She allows us to grieve for their failures, and rejoice in their victories, and she balances all of it with humor and wit. I love Val Locklier and her son Tucker, but Pastor Miles McKenzie is a treasure! As he struggles with his desire to do major work for God, I am reminded that a person's daily witness is truly the best work of all! How wonderful to be reminded that all of us are capable of doing great work for Him! Val and Miles meet under strained circumstances and a relationship that begins on such rocky ground turns into a promising friendship that left me longing for more. Will Val finally push her insecurities aside, and learn to believe in herself? Can Miles accept that God's plan has placed him exactly where he needs to be? If you're looking for a lovely, contemporary romance, search no more. If you're wanting to be both encouraged and challenged, this book is definitely for you! All That It Takes is filled with faith, hope, and a strong reminder of God's provision for each one of us! I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

Fantastic read. MIles and Val are relatable characters who are trying their best to live the way God wants them to live. But, they are human also, and make mistakes, like we all do. Nicole Deese does not shy away from these issues, but brings them to the forefront without glossing over them. One scene that stands out to me is the argument between Val and Miles. It is hard to say this about a fight, but it was done so well! The jabs that they took at each other is something we have all done. And, of course, in the end, the happily ever after came, which is my favorite part of any book. Excellent book and a must read. I promise you will not be disappointed. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I have been eagerly awaiting this book ever since I finished reading All That Really Matters last year. I wasn't sure how this book could be better that the previous one, but it is. After first meeting them both in the previous book, I loved getting to know Val and Miles better this go around. This is a book that dives deep into several difficuly issues, but handles each with such grace. For readers who have been where Val and Miles have been, this books shows that there is a way through and out of pain and struggle and into the loving arms of Christ and his church. I cannot recommend this book and this series enough. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.