Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there’s only one match she’s committed to now–the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first-grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency’s requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the … the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.
Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver.
With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart . . . even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other.
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Once I started this book I could hardly put it down, it was so good!
I loved Lauren! We all have a little of Lauren in us I think. We want to make a difference in the world and sometimes feel like we are stuck in one spot. God has a plan and we just have to trust Him and wait on His timing. Lauren was an amazing 1st Grade Teacher, her children loved her and respected her. The other teachers in the school knew how talented she was as well. The way Lauren cared for those around her is amazing and even though her family was not the kindest about her faith in God, Lauren never gave up her faith!
Joshua is simply the whole deal, from the moment we meet him we all will fall in love with him. He is the type of guy all girls dream of. He knows how to be funny and serious, has a tremendous faith in God and is compassionate. I think he should definitely be a teacher.
I loved how the story of Lauren and Josh wrapped together, at times I felt like I could hardly breath while reading. It was just such an emotional story! Adoption is so beautiful and just is written so beautifully in this book. It shows the highs and lows of the process and how hard it can be…but also how beautiful it can be as well.
Nicole is a new author to me but believe me I will be reading more of her books!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Oh my goodness. This book. These characters. My heart. After swiping the last page, I wanted to go back to the beginning to savor this amazing story all over again. Joshua is THE BEST kind of hero. He’s goofy and kind and patient and unassuming and stable and just so extremely selfless. And the character arc that we go through with Lauren…her self discover and struggle and honest doubts when plans don’t turn out the way she thought they would…yeah, I think we all can relate to that right there.
Ugh. I have all these feelings about this book and these characters and their journey and I can’t put them into words because nothing I say can do it or them justice except to say that I love LOVE love!!! this book
Excuse me while I first wipe the tears from my eyes. This book just hit me in the heart, in such a good way. A few things that first drew me into this book include the fact that it is a clean, sweet, Christian romance and that is centers around adoption. My word, I just absolutely love Joshua Avery. He is hilarious, sweet, and charming. This book literally had me laughing out loud at some parts and, while I enjoy humor in books, I don’t often actually laugh out loud. Usually it’s more of a chuckle in my head. The chemistry between Lauren and Joshua is undeniable, in my opinion. From the start, I was rooting for them.
A few of my positive points here. I felt like this was a realistic timeline. I have said this before in some of my reviews of other books, but I have such a hard time connecting to some romance books where the characters meet and fall in love like within 2 days and are married within a month. Sometimes the writing makes it feel natural for a quick timeline, but other times it feels rushed and forced. I did not get that here. Also, there was no “there is a misunderstanding which could easily be figured out if the characters would JUST TALK!” moment. Like geez, communication people! But again, I didn’t get that here. I felt like the issues keeping Joshua and Lauren apart felt real and raw. Lauren has such a passion, heart, and desire for adoption. She needs to remain unmarried to adopt based on all the documentation she signed. Even after meeting Joshua and just wanting to snatch him up for life (because who wouldn’t?!), she knows she needs time to focus on her soon to be child, who is already going to have so much to work through. While it breaks both hearts, Joshua let’s it happen because he supports her! Like come on, what a dude.
My only downside is lack of an epilogue because I just crave a look into the future. Whether it be to see the main character’s wedding or having a baby together. When I read a good book, I just want more! So I guess even my downside is actually a compliment because it means I wanted to keep reading.
Overall, highly recommend! Especially if clean romances and Christian fiction are your jam. You will literally be sighing over this book from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you to Nicole Deese and team for allowing me to be part of the launch team for this book. It was amazing.
Have you ever had the feeling or passion to do something so beyond your comfort zone, even when others around you are questioning why you’re doing it?
This is what Lauren was striving to do and yet, things didn’t seem to go as she planned.
I loved this story because I related to the characters in this book. I work in a school, and so many of the images in this book left me feeling connected. I totally understood the desire to teach and the love of reading that the main characters had. There was also, drama from family dynamics, and times of sadness, which will touch your heart. As well as, some cute quirky dialog through texts, and sweet romance, which will leave you with warm fuzzies.
The one thing I don’t have personal experience with is adoption. In this book, the main character has a strong desire to adopt a child from China. The book covers all the many regulations and paperwork which can feel overwhelming. In addition, the long waiting period for things to happen. I have watched family members and a few friends go through this process which seemed to take a long time. However, I know that each of these families would tell you how precious the time was and how blessed they are now to have that child in their lives.
The author, Nicole Deese, has put so much of her heart in this book. I knew about this book before it came out and was really looking forward to reading it.
I highly recommend you pick this book up and read it. It just might change your way of looking at things.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
God’s way is rarely easy, but it’s always better than mine.’
Lauren Bailey is committed to international adoption and has agreed to remain single, per the agency’s requirements. After all, she has had enough failed relationships. But then Joshua Avery shows up as a substitute teacher in the school she teaches at. Lauren doesn’t want to like him, but it surely seems as if God has placed him in her path. Will Lauren before to choose between the very deepest desires of her heart? Would God do that to her?
Nicole Deese once again pulls out all the stops with an emotionally charged novel that had me fighting tears more than once. What a precious and God honoring story. Recommended.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are my own.
First, if you don’t fall in love with Joshua while you are reading this book, then you are not human.
With immense sensitivity and grace, Deese tackles the subject of motherhood, international adoption, and family with great insight and heartfelt emotion. This book is one of those you don’t easily forget and will leave you changed. There are laugh-out-loud moments and heart-wrenching, tear-inducing moments which meld together in a beautiful symphony to form a story that reflects the heart of God, His calling on our lives and His unconditional, adoptive, agape love.
Be warned, you won’t be able to put this one down.
I received a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher through Netgalley. My opinions are my own.