Book Review: Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese
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What is this book about?
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 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.
My review:
There were a lot of layers to this story and I feel as if calling it a romance is stating things too simplistically. While there was romance and even some swoony moments, the focus was really on Lauren’s journey to figure out where God’s plan and her desires would coincide as well as building her patience waiting on God to reveal it to her.
I really enjoyed the emotional pull that Lauren’s adoption journey provided. How she handled the highs and the lows made her relatable.
Joshua was adorable right from the start and I rooted for him to find his way into Lauren’s life plan. He was a definitely a ‘keeper’ kind of guy. If I had any complaints about the book, it was that I missed him when he was absent from it.
I always enjoy learning new things in my fiction reads and this was one of those instances when I increased my knowledgebase about international adoption. It was very interesting.
What I enjoyed most about this book:
Lauren’s courage to get back on track when life handed her huge disappointments.
What I didn’t like about this book:
I wish Joshua had a little more page time.
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes. Lauren’s adoption journey was so interesting and Joshua’s presence made for great conflict. This is a standalone story.
Where can I learn more about this author and their books?
-Loraine Nunley
Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese (4 out of 5 stars) #amreading #BookReview Share on XWant a copy for yourself? Buy one here today.
