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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I’m SO happy to have a new author whose writing I love! Literally from page one, I was enthralled with the writing in Before I Called You Mine! In fact, I enjoyed it so much, it was the first time I’ve done a “first page” reading for my Instagram TV when I hadn’t finished the book yet!
So, while the nature of the story is a serious one, the author adds levity with the characters and I really appreciate it! Adoption is rarely an easy experience and the author explores that with a variety of the characters and situations that show up throughout the book.
Lauren is a determined woman who is set on adopting from China! When we meet her, she’s at the point of waiting her turn to be chosen to become a mom. How her family is involved in this as well as her life make for an interesting read. Lauren is also set against dating since that’s the last thing she needs in her already complicated life. Not only that, she can’t date because of the pending adoption.
Queue the entrance of Joshua. He’s the all-American guy who loves dinosaurs about as much as he loves breathing. If ever there was a good complication to someone’s life, he’s the ringer for it! Not only that, who he’s related to is a delightful addition to the story.
The whole adoption process, which we don’t see a lot of, but the waiting part is where it’s very interesting. The adoption group she’s part of brings experiences that I think are important for readers to grasp. I liked her friend, Gail, whose life is what (aside from God) brought Lauren to the place of adoption.
And we certainly can’t forget about Jenna. Well, Jenna and Brian. She’s an incredible support to Lauren throughout the whole adoption process and it’s such a special friendship! We all need a Jenna in our lives.
The ups and downs of the story certainly make for an emotional rollercoaster ride! It was a perfect balance of laughter (you will laugh out loud with the first text messages!), tension with family dynamics, anticipation of what might be, and a full heart with the hope of adoption!
This is a book that is a must-read! I realize now might be a difficult time to order a book, but this one will be a fantastic antidote to any doldrums you might be experiencing!
* I received this book from the author. This is my opinion.Nicole Deese
Thoroughly enjoyed my first Nicole Deese book. This one made me laugh out loud, tear up, wince, sigh, gasp and smile. If you like to escape into someone else’s world for a few hours and come away entertained and wiser, this is for you. If you want to be encouraged and heartened and distracted for a few hours, this is for you.
The characters, setting and plot have provided me a wonderful distraction. Lauren and Josh’s story will sit forever as one of my very favorites.
First of all, I have to say I love all of Nicole Deese’s books. Before I Called You Mine is no exception. I love how Nicole’s book are about more than just a woman looking for love. In this book the topic of foreign adoption was heavily involved. The main character, Lauren, wants to be a mom more than anything. Having taught school for years her love of kids is enormous. She feels that romantic love is unpredictable and not guaranteed, however, her desire to be a mom eclipses everything. Like in real life when you are not looking at all, bam, here comes Mr. Right. Not only does she have to navigate the the potential world of single motherhood, but also juggle a family that is less than thrilled with her choices. The love interest, Joshua, won my heart from the beginning. I don’t want to spoil the story; it is so good. If you are a fan of Romantic novels that have a plot as well as excellent writing then you will love this book. It is faith based, as are all of Nicole’s books. I do enjoy how she can naturally and intentionally include the spiritual content without it taking over the story. Cannot wait for Nicole Deese’s next novel!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
The perfect blend of heartwarming, humorous, and heart wrenching.
Lauren is caught between the two things that she has wanted most, and to have one would mean to lose the other. I instantly loved Lauren, and empathized with her. I loved how this story was original, yet relatable throughout, especially the way that the adoption process was portrayed and how it is long frustrating and heartbreaking.
This book completely captivated me, devastated me, made me smile, and put me together again. I loved the characters, and the complete premise of this book, I felt the weight of Lauren’s decisions right alongside her.
Josh is ah-mazing. I loved his naturally camaraderie with the children, as well as his wonderfully supportive family. He has a good sense of humor, and is an all around very likable guy. I love how he really listens to Lauren and is supportive of her throughout.
Overall this book is compelling and captured my heart from the first and even more as the book progressed. I loved how we have a very relatable and likable 30-something heroine, who has a desire for a family life like her peers, with a child and husband, but that just didn’t happen for her. I loved how this book blended amazing emotional depth, with great characters, a fantastically beautiful and original premise, with humor, and a strong sense of community and family. One of my favorite books this year, and definitely one of my favorite contemporary reads, as this not always a genre I am drawn to. Highly recommend this heartfelt novel about finding love in the most unexpected of ways and timing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved Joshua Avery! I loved his determination, how good he is with kids, his relationship with his family, and we’ll everything.
I also loved all of the text conversations in this book! It was so authentic and I really appreciate that in books.
I loved Lauren’s heart for her students and her heart for adoption. My heart broke with her more than once in this book. I too am a childless teacher and I feel so many of the same feelings as her only I am married.
I did not relate with Lauren’s classroom much since her school is a lot calmer than the one where I work (big city urban low income public school) but I did love that no matter the school children respond to love, attention, and CANDY.
There is a lot of waiting and heartbreak in adoption and I really appreciate Deese putting her heart out there in this book. It was a beautiful love story in so many ways.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Heart-wrenching in a beautiful way. The world we live in is all about instant gratification. We want everything without sacrificing anything and we want it right now.
After many failed relationships, Lauren refuses to date anymore. She’s tired of the bad set-ups and the short-lived happily-never-afters. Instead, her heart yearns to be a mother and she pursues international adoption. When her adoption agency notifies her that she’s at the top of the list, life throws a wrench in her plans in the form of Joshua, a man she can’t get out of her head no matter what internal rules she applies to future interactions with him.
Lauren comes to a crossroads and struggles with which road to take. But “love isn’t about instant gratification, it’s about showing up for the journey in riding out all the twists and turns along the way”.
While I usually prefer a steady stream of humor, I find that the books I love most or teach me life lessons are just like this: poignant and will set up residence in my heart.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for the advanced copy! All thoughts in this review are my own.
How to describe this book ?
It’s like chocolate fudge sauce, it’s smooth, rich and slowly covers all the feels and seeps into your soul.
In other words, it’s fantastic.
If adoption is close to your heart, this is the book for you. All those periods of waiting, all those emotions, I can remember that when my family started our adoption journey!
Nicole Deese weaves a beautiful story about family faith and sacrificial love.
I am super picky when it comes to books written in the first person POV, I only have loved a few that are in this format.
This one I loved!
It was written in in such a way that you are fully invested in the characters, in the struggles, in the journey of life that is celebrated in these pages.
I adored Joshua Avery! Like, wow! He is definitely going to be on my short list of favorite heroes this year.
Lauren is a character who drew me in and I could relate to.
I don’t want to give anything away, just read the book!!!!!!!!!!
I can’t recommend this book enough, and I’m not just saying that because I I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher. I genuinely loved this and feel like this is one work of Christian fiction you don’t want to miss!
All my opinions on this book are my own!
Perfect doesn’t begin to describe this story for me. Heartfelt, thought provoking, tear jerking and all round smiles in the end because the realisation that God’s plans are always perfect even when it seems like it wouldn’t work out.
Lauren is everyone of us. Sometimes we make decisions where we are so sure of the outcome not necessarily sure it’s God’s plan for us at that moment and when it falls through we begin to question the situation. His plans are always perfect even through the refining process when we have gone through the heartbreak and just want to give up.
I LOVED Joshua, steady, loving, he was so sure and willing to stand by Lauren through everything. I loved the romance though heartbreaking at times, it was all worth it in the end.
This has to be one of my favourite reads this year. The insight especially into adoption and the emotional rollercoaster that it is was really enlightening. And the message of what does God want me to walk with him on today will stay with me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine
Be prepared. I am about to gush about this wonderful book.
When I finished the last page of this book, my heart was overflowing. I saw the author’s heart on every single page. This is not just a story about the romance between Lauren and Joshua; neither is it solely about the issue of adoption. The focus of this book is on listening to God’s call on our lives and following Him through times that are good; times that are difficult; and times when the way isn’t clear. It’s about believing that God is always working behind the scenes of our lives at all times. The main character, Lauren, has a giving heart, but also some areas in her Christian walk that needed some work. That combination is what makes this story work so well. We get to see both Lauren and Joshua grow in their faith as they search for God’s will for their lives.
I have to add this: As a former first grade teacher, I thought the parts with Lauren and her students were perfect. First graders are unique little people, and Lauren’s love for her class was so sweet. It also would have been fun to watch Joshua teach a classroom of first graders.
Read this sweet story. Have a box of tissues next to you when you read. This book is one of the very best I’ve read this year, and when you read it, I’m guessing you will feel that way, too. If there were a six-star rating, this book would earn it. And one more thing—don’t miss the author’s notes at the end.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
What happens when your dreams are coming true, but just not in the way you had expected? This is the story of Lauren Bailey. She wants to be a wife and mother something fierce. But on the marriage part, she has not had any so called luck. So getting older, she focuses on motherhood instead. She begins the painstaking and patience producing option of adoption. Everything seems to be falling into place.
Lauren knows she will be a great mother. She is already a teacher and she does have a gift for getting children to open up and her teaching techniques are creative. And then in walks substitute teacher Joshua Avery. He surprises her and he very much wants to get to know her. He is pretty much the one man who could make her happy. Except, it is the wrong time. No!!!!
My emotions were going back and forth, and back and forth some more. This was a novel that I was not sure how it was going to end. Happily? I hoped. Dreams fulfilled? I really wanted Lauren to have her cake and be able to eat it to. This was an endearing, heart tugging, sometimes tissue using read. And the meaning behind the red thread is just lovely. This was my very first author Deese book and I will certainly be reading more.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Before I Called You Mine was an emotionally gripping novel. I liked the two main characters so much, even though I kept wanting Lauren to open herself up to Joshua more, to communicate the situation and all of the ramifications of her decisions better.
Joshua was an amazing main character. He realized early on that Lauren was someone he was interested in, and even when things didn’t go his way, he still provided amazing emotional support for Lauren.
This story had many highs and lows within its pages. It was quite a journey and the author beautifully showed the way God was there for every step of Lauren’s adoption journey. This book was written in first person, from Lauren’s point of view. There were quite a few times in the book that I really wanted to see things from Joshua’s perspective, however, I did recognize by the end of the story that not knowing his thoughts and only seeing things from Lauren’s viewpoint was important in this novel.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
A hero with a great sense of humor, a heart for kids, and patience and understanding that goes beyond the norm. I am smitten with Joshua Avery. If ever there was a person to stand beside Lauren through some of her deepest hurts, it’s this man.
In Before I Called You Mine, Nicole Deese presents a hero who as close to perfect as they come. Or maybe he’s just the perfect one for Lauren. A woman who has had one dream and who has that dream shatter all around her.
A week after finishing this book, I am still thinking about it. About how God can take our greatest sacrifice—one we don’t believe we can survive making—and turn it into a bigger blessing than we ever imagined. Deese doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to wringing out her readers’ emotions in this story, but that’s what makes it a book that sticks with you long after the end.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Lauren Bailey is a dedicated first grade teacher in Idaho. Her biggest dream now is adopting a parentless child, and from China nonetheless. After a decade of no luck in the love aspect in her life, she gladly accepts the adoption agency’s requirement to remain single for the forseeable future. That is really no problem at all… That is, until Joshua Avery arrives as the first grade teacher substitute for the classroom next door, with all his charm, witt and joyful optimism to make her question everything she had perfectly arranged before. Joshua is more that a sub teacher, he has an admirable passion for developing educational technology (something she dreams of) and he’s a magnet for children and adults in and outside the classroom. How can she stop her feelings from growing, when she can’t get him out of her radar, he’s such a charmer and a gentleman, and when every new bit he discovers about him only makes her yearn for more…
So as the long awaited moment nears, the more she gets to know Joshua and the attraction between just can’t be dimmed in spite of all of her efforts, she wonders if the decision she’s about to make will close her window to finding a different kind of love that mother love will not be able to fill completely. Is there a way to choose without letting the other go?
This is my second book from Nicole Deese and I loved it even more. Now I want to read all of her books!
This book totally tug at my heart strings and touched me deeply. Adoption is a big theme, and although it’s not my case, I have many friends and family who have adopted and they have all my awe. It has been beautiful to see them love their child from their heart with such devotion. Some even have children of their own and you would never notice the difference in their love. I think adoption is a beautiful thing that God highly blesses. This story was unique for me though, as I have never met yet a single woman pursuing adoption. Lauren’s plight was so admirable. And I was also amazed at her determination and the effort and heart she put into this beautiful endeavor. No wonder she doesn’t want Joshua to keep it from happening. She loves the child she doesn’t have yet with an unmatched passion. You could almost think it was obsessive, but it really was a fierce and deep kind of love.
I totally loved both characters and loved to watch their relationship grow, in spite of Lauren reluctance. They have so much in common with their passion for education, introducing children to Literature as a way to make learning more enjoyable and fruitful. The way they deal with children and love them was a sight to behold. Their interaction with children brought a smile and a few laughs to my face. I’ve worked in schools and I share their passion so it felt very relatable…But it was especially their relationship that tugged at my heart. It was so tenderhearted, yes it had enough chemistry but at the same time it was so much more. It was dealing with deep issues together, learning together what God wanted of them. Especially Lauren, who is the one in the middle of two loves that fill her in different ways.
I also loved that they were flawed characters. There’s a point where Lauren recognizes her selfishness behind doing a godly thing, and she needs God to show her the right path, the right way to purify her love. It was endearing to see her journey and struggles in doing the right thing, while having the support of a wonderful man by her side, who stuck by her in spite of everything. How hard can it be to feel the need to let go of one love to receive another who is vulnerable and needs you all the more?
The relationship between Lauren and her adopted child was another amazing thing, and Nicole Deese did it magnificently. In more than one scene I really cried, but in a sweet emotional way. I won’t say much, because I don’t want to spoil the story.
I do have to say that Joshua is one of the best male characters I’ve read. I totally fell in love with him! He’s charming, compassionate, gentlemanly, quirky and with a wonderful sense of humor all in one. He’s selfless and totally genuine. He doesn’t care about what other’s think. And the way she pursued and loved Lauren, oh my! His patience and respectfulness, the way he admired her. Swoon, swoon! The romance was sweet, not the main issue in the story, but oh so tender!
The story has an inspirational message about trusting God and seeking His Will, but it was done in a subtle way, not preachy at all.
I totally recommend this book! It’s perfect for this shelter in place situation. It’s an emotional journey but it’s something that will definitely leave you feeling inspired.
This book was so good! I read it in a day and a half. I have read many adoption books over the years as an adoptee myself and this has to be the best one I’ve read in a long time.
The journey of international adoption was filled with both heartache and joy which Nicole Deese shows authentically having adopted her daughter internationally.
Lauren was my favorite kind of heroine! Not only was she a bookworm she wasn’t afraid to be a fan girl around her favorite author. That’s my kind of bookworm!
Joshua was quirky, funny, kind, and understanding. He was the perfect hero for Lauren and supported her through the ups and downs of her adoption journey.
Overall, this was a fantastic read from beginning to end. I experienced so many emotions as I read this book. I can’t recommend this book enough! So, whatever you are reading right now put it down and grab this one!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Oh goodness, this book was absolutely fantastic! I don’t even know if I have the words to do it justice. This novel was just what I needed right now. With the whole world quarantined and in-personal socialization basically considered the new unpardonable sin, I needed something that was going to lift my spirits while still giving me an authentic story. If you haven’t already read this one yet I highly suggest you remedy that right away!
I absolutely adored the witty humor found sprinkled throughout. There was some pretty tough stuff that the author had Lauren walking through, however the humor prevented the story from diving into a dark hole and leaving you there. The humor was intricately placed at just the right moments as little doses of medicine to keep the mood light despite the conflict.
I do believe I have found my new favorite rom-com leading man, and his name is Joshua Avery. In some ways he was even too perfect, however I think he had to be in order to draw the reader deeper into Lauren’s heart and her seemingly impossible dilemma. I found myself not wanting to let him go as much as Lauren, which only served to keep me nose in the book until I could discover how thing would end up. Nope, no spoiler here
This was my first time reading anything by Nicole Deese but I’m sure it won’t be my last. Hopefully I can read more from her very soon. With wonderful characters and an engaging story, Before I Called You Mine is an absolute must-read!
*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
BEFOR I CALLED YOU MINE is a beautiful story. First of all, the cover is exquisite and meaningful. The cherry blossoms and aqua tint give an Asian feel and the red thread with the Mama and baby sized hearts hint at an old Chinese proverb. PERFECT!
Sometimes God says NO, sometimes, YES, and sometimes WAIT!
It takes a special person to adopt a child. It also takes a special person to be able to put that experience into a beautiful story. Nicole Deese has done both.
I was teary eyed, not just at the dedication, but throughout this wonderful book. You can tell Ms. Deese speaks from intimate knowledge and she puts that experience down on paper quite poignantly.
Lauren Bailey , a single teacher, has a heart to adopt. She searches the will of God but is devastated at a setback. God is continually faithful and provides friends who encourage as true friends aught to do, most importantly, holding her up in prayer.
Joshua is a hero in the way all of us tenderhearted ladies want our heroes to be. I loved his nerdy quirkiness, his ability to relate to children and his great big, selfless heart. The banter between Lauren and Joshua was just the right touch and balance.
Little Aria is really preciously portrayed. I love that books were an integral part of the story and that Aria loved books. It showed that books are universal and capable of providing much more than entertainment; they can also help people connect.
The relationship between Lauren and Joshua was quite mature and selfless. Laura muses: “ When I reflected back on our month together, it was not the stolen kisses I missed the most…I was the absence of his friendship that pained me the most. Because more than anything, that is what he had been to me from the start—a loyal, selfless friend who would trade in his desires for the sake of mine.”
The story is not without humor. What is not funny about a substitute teacher mimicking a dinosaur for a bunch of first graders!
This was a winner in my book.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese is a tale of sacrificial love that will break your heart and mend it all at once! I recommend keeping a huggable pillow nearby for this one!
I love the “journey” readers get to experience in Before I Called You Mine! From the shenanigans of a first grade classroom to a magical Christmas festival to an amazing adoption in China, the pace of this sweet story keeps readers on their toes. What an endearing journey filled with laughter and love!
I loved the characters the author so wonderfully crafted in this sweet story! I loved the hero for a lot of reasons! His love of dinosaurs. His wit and charm. His steadfast and sacrificial love. And because he was a man… Okay, that sounded weird. What I mean is that I loved how he pursued Lauren, backed off when needed, and wasn’t afraid to tell her how he felt without any games or agenda. I found those things to be incredibly — for the lack of a better explanation — manly. All the heart eyes! I absolutely adored Joshua Avery as a bookish hero!
And I could never forget Lauren Bailey! The heroine of Before I Called You Mine won my bookish friendship for life! Like so many of us — if not all of us! — she wrestles with God’s timing, calling, and plan for her life. Her call to adoption and sacrificial love is not an easy journey. Additionally, it’s also a probing look at what sacrificial love really means in each of her relationships — friends, family, and romantic. While the either/or impasse Lauren has to face is a little dramatized for the sake of the story, this also allows Joshua to step up again (Once again, I love this hero!)! The steadfast willingness to wait but also to wait for God’s amazing and perfect timing is another beautiful message to be found among the pages of Before I Called You Mine! As we see in Lauren’s journey, it’s a bittersweet truth to accept, but it’s worth it. It’s worth every second of it.
Five Stars ~ Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese is a beautiful story of sacrificial love! Before I Called You Mine is a standalone, but the author has other books her in backlist for readers to enjoy.
Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.
THIS. BOOK. My friends, your heart will not be the same (in the best way) once you read this. So, go do that NOW.
As for my thoughts…
Where to begin? Well, first off I have read several of Nicole’s books and have fallen in love with her writing style so I knew I was going to like that aspect. But it was this story, told with so much heart, that gripped me the most.
As a woman in my early thirties (and who only recently got married) I connected with the protagonist, Lauren, in a very real way. I’d been in those situations of people asking me “when are you going to get married” (as if it was my fault I was not hitched yet) and I knew what it was like to have that type of pressure – though thankfully it was not from my family.
Anyway, that sets me up for a special connection to this book and Deese’s story telling did the rest. She perfectly aligns an “impossible decision” between Lauren and two things she wants. She makes you wonder HOW in the world will this work out? And then she delivers in a satisfying way that not only resolves in the way you’d want it to but also makes you consider the bigger picture here.
I loved the character – Joshua and his steady nature, Lauren and her talents and faults, Jenna and her unwavering support. ALL of it meshed so well. And then the end…no spoilers here but I cried (very happy tears). I could tell that this book came from the heart of a woman who had gone through something similar and that affected me more than I would have guessed.
If you haven’t gotten it by now…I highly recommend this book. It takes you on a roller coaster but not the one you’d expect and not in an unpleasant way. It tugs at your heart strings and reminds you that He has things in control, especially when we do not.
Go read this book, friends. You’re gonna love it!
My Rating: 5*
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I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was under no obligation to post a review and do so of my own free will.
The best love stories, in my opinion, are stories of sacrificial love. And one of the genres best equipped to tell those stories is Christian romance.
What a gift Nicole Deese has given us in Before I Called You Mine! Lovable characters, check. Witty banter, check. Heart-melting hero, check. But also a glimpse at Lauren Bailey’s (and, I suspect Nicole Deese’s) heart, moved by God to give an orphaned child on the other side of the world hope and a home.
What follows is not just an entertaining escape, but a moving story of courage, love, and the doubt that we each experience wondering WHAT ON EARTH IS GOD DOING? Before I Called You Mine answers with a resounding message to TRUST HIM. Trust Him to always have our best interests at heart, even when our view is so narrow we can’t possibly imaging how that would work.
Few – very few – books move me to tears, but the Christ-like love of these characters did. Few of us are called to international adoption, especially in Lauren Bailey’s circumstances. But we’re all called to step out in faith, trust in God, and love in the way Christ does – sacrificially. Before I Called You Mine delivers that message better than any Christian living book ever could.
ALL THE STARS! This book was so good. Definitely one for the keeper shelf. I have never read this author before, but I am officially a fan. It is totally normal to fall a bit in love with the hero, but this hero is so amazing. And except for one thing, he’s actually a lot like my husband. (No wonder I love this book!) And the heroine is excellent. Flawed but not obnoxious, with a very believable arc. I am a huge fan!