All That Really Matters
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4.8 • 21 Ratings
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
2022 Christy and Carol Award Winner
Molly McKenzie's bright personality and on-trend fashion and beauty advice have made her a major social media influencer. When her manager-turned-boyfriend tells her of an upcoming audition to host a makeover show for America's underprivileged youth, all her dreams finally seem to be coming true. There's just one catch: she has little experience interacting with people in need.
To gain an edge on her competitors, she plans to volunteer for the summer at a transitional program for aged-out foster kids, but the program's director, Silas Whittaker, doesn't find her as charming as her followers do. Despite his ridiculous rules and terms, Molly dives into mentoring, surprising herself with the genuine connections and concern she quickly develops for the girls--and Silas. But just as everything seems perfectly aligned for her professional future, it starts to crumble under the pressure. And as her once-narrow focus opens to the deep needs of those she's come to know, she must face the ones she's neglected inside herself for so long.
"In Deese's charming fish-out-of-water tale, a social media influencer finds humility and purpose while trying to find fame. . . . Deese combines to great effect her bracing take on those affected by foster care and Molly's personal evolution. Fans of Rachel Hauck should take a look."--Publishers Weekly
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In Deese's charming fish-out-of-water tale (after Before I Called You Mine), a social media influencer finds humility and purpose while trying to find fame. Beauty Instagrammer and would-be actor Molly McKenzie has her eye on a role on a reality TV show about helping underprivileged youth and decides to pad her résumé by volunteering at a summer program for young adults who have aged out of foster care. She's initially rejected by the program's director, Silas Whittaker, but is later given a trial run after she comes up with a syllabus for a life skills class. Molly clicks with the residents, and Silas starts to see her as more than a pretty face—and realizes he needs her fund-raising expertise and Instagram prowess to help expand the program. The two soon fall in love, and Molly starts to regret her narcissistic intentions after spending time with the people in the program. But when Molly wavers on pursuing reality TV, her vindictive manager, who has legal control of her finances, puts the the program's fund-raising efforts at risk. In a tight spot, Molly turns to God for guidance. Deese combines to great effect her bracing take on those affected by foster care and Molly's personal evolution. Fans of Rachel Hauck should take a look.
