In Kellie Coates Gilbert’s newest novel, “What Matters Most,” life has thrown Leta Breckenridge several curve balls, but she takes each one with strength and courage. She grew up in a single-family home, and now her mother is suffering from dementia. Because she had to care for her mother, Leta was never able to finish college and now must work multiple jobs just to try to make ends meet.
But all that changes when she takes a research job with a PR firm, and — quite literally — bumps into Senator Nathan Emerson, who just happens to be young, good looking, intriguing and compassionate, at the grocery store where she also works.
What follows is a romance tale as Leta and Nathan keep running into each other, leading to a budding relationship, as well as a story filled with political intrigue as Nathan decides to join the Texas gubernatorial race and Leta must face a difficult decision — keep her lucrative job that helps keep her mother at Heritage House where she receives fine care, or leave a job that she believes is ethically and morally wrong.
“What Matters Most” is a story of overcoming one’s “image,” determining what’s right and acting with integrity. A common quote that runs throughout the book, a quote Leta says her mother always used to say, is “Do good and let God do the rest.” This story constantly reminds us to rely on God and His direction and deliverance, and to always strive to do what’s best. Its title, “What Matters Most,” is definitely appropriate.
Coates Gilbert does a great job of making her characters vibrant, interesting and relatable. Anyone will be able to relate to Leta and her difficulties, and even Nathan, who comes from an affluent world, is down to earth and likable.
The Texas Gold Collection is definitely a great, inspirational series that highlights strong women and how they overcome trials and hard situations, while also featuring nice romantic plots and mystery and intrigue.
Five stars out of five.
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
“What Matters Most” (Texas Gold Collection, #4) by Kellie Coates Gilbert