All for Anna, by Nicole Deese (BOOK REVIEW)

 

"God didn't cause tragedy, but God could make beauty from the ashes of our lives."

When Tori Sales, a 23 year-old trauma nurse returns home, all she wants to do is forget the painful memories of her past. It's been two years since the loss of Anna but not even the distraction of a new job, family and friends can lessen the guilt inside of her. But Tori is determined to find closure where it hurts the most. As a relationship with a fireman starts to grow Tori is intimidated by change and the possibility of falling in love. Tori must make the life-altering decision of staying with the man she loves or continuing to run from her past.

"Our apples may have fallen from the same tree, but they rolled in opposite directions."

After reading The Words We Lost , I became really interested in reading other books by Nicole Deese. I will say right away that this wasn't my favorite. The characters weren't my favorite and it kept feeling like all that was happening in the book was DRAMA. Some people may like that but I wasn't really vibing with it. I'm a die-hard mood reader and this book wasn't exactly hitting the bullseye. But at the same time, this book wasn't terrible. In fact, it was pretty good. It was adequate; not life-changing. 

Probably one reason I liked this book is because of Deese's writing. It's real and it's genuine. I was reading Sunrise on the Reaping while I was reading this book, so it was really good to have two drastically different genres going. I love how Deese focuses on real-life situations and then says, "But God....". The way she incorporates Jesus into all of her books is really cool. 

The romance in this book was okay. The two characters didn't really have any chemistry. I feel like it was also the constant back and forth of, "I love you!"....."I don't love you!". Maybe thats how most romance books are supposed to be like...but it was pretty extreme in this book.  

Apart from the romance, the side story was really amazing. It dealt with a lot of tragedy, sorrow and shame. I think that whole side of the book was really powerful. So many people get lost in their grief, but in this book Deese once again says, "But there's Jesus.". My friend and I always talk about how different futuristic, dystopian or books in general would be if there was the hope of Jesus. I really enjoy Nicole Deese's books because I get to see that. I get to be reminded and uplifted in my faith. Is there a better thing to read about?

I give this book a 6-10 and recommend it to ages 14+

PRESS HERE to purchase this book for yourself.

Happy Reading!

-Ariana :)