I LOVED this one. LOVED it! I’ve recently read two bad attempts at Christian Fiction, so I can’t say I had high hopes for this one. Wrong! Before I Called You Mine is Christian Fiction dome right.
Lauren is a single first grade teacher in her early 30’s who has decide to adopt a child from China... this also means that she must remain single until the adoption is final. This is not a problem until Joshua starts substituting in the classroom across the hall. Joshua is in educational software, crazy about dinosaurs, and the son of Lauren’s educational guru. While Lauren makes it clear they need to stay just friends, Joshua ends up meaning a lot to her - especially while she’s on the rollercoaster that is adoption. Lauren knows God is calling her to be a mom, but she can’t imagine life with Joshua.

This book was excellent. It was sweet, it was touching, it was funny. In a lot of ways, I feel like I could see myself in Lauren (being a single 30-something teacher), and I kept imagining myself in her shoes/wondering how I’d handle her situations. I loved how strong Jamie was, and I was proud of her decisions. I wish we could be friends in real life! I’ll be waiting for my Prince Charming to be substituting across the hall if we every get out of quarantine...

I received an ARC from @netgalley. I’m dumb, so I didn’t read it immediately. It’s out! I’m gonna Amazon a copy to my mom right now.

Before I Called You Mine is the story of Lauren, a single elementary school teacher who wants to adopt an orphan from China. This means staying single, because the adoption agency only allows children to go to single mothers or to couples who have been married more than two years. Single hasn’t been a problem until she meets the substitute teacher across the hall …

In some respects, Before I Called You Mind is a typical contemporary romance novel with a unique application of the “decides to remain single, then meets Mr Perfect” trope. But setting the novel against a backdrop of international adoption introduced a whole bunch of questions, many of them uncomfortable. One of the characters says of a child adopted internationally:

“Leaving the only place she’s ever called home, and the only people who’ve ever cared for her, is a traumatic event. That’s a fact, not an opinion … She won’t know the language, the food, the sounds, the smells.”

International adoption rips a child from everything familiar—their country, their culture, their language, even their name (yes, the main character planned to change her child’s name). That bugged me (and is the main reason for my rating). What psychological message does that send to a child, that not even their name is theirs and has value? It smacks of a nineteenth-century white saviour complex, where the missionaries converted the natives and changed their names to “Christian” names. I’d hoped we’d got beyond that, but comments about “dark chocolate, almond-shaped eyes” suggested we haven’t.

When I started the novel, I was in two minds about international adoption. I read plenty of stories about how the US foster care system is crying out for qualified carers. Why choose international adoption when there are thousands of disadvantaged and needy children in the US?

The author herself has adopted internationally, but says the purpose of the novel isn’t to persuade readers to adopt a child from overseas. Rather, it’s to challenge us to find the hard thing that God’s asking us to partner with Him in. Do I think it met that objective? No. But was it a good story? Mostly.

Lauren is torn between her desire to adopt internationally, and her attraction to Joshua … who also happens to be the son of the education expert who inspired many of Lauren’s most successful teaching methods. The family is everything Lauren’s family isn’t—friendly, loving, Christian.

There were times when I didn’t have a lot of sympathy for Lauren and her predicament. She complains about her family, then insults her mother and wonders why they don’t have a great relationship. She has been working towards adopting an orphan from China for two years, and had been considering it for three years before that, yet had never bothered to learn any Mandarin, or anything about Chinese food or culture.

At the same time, I could empathise with Lauren. She’d been earnestly seeking God and was convinced He placed the idea for international adoption on her heart and brought her into contact with people who could encourage and support her in that journey. Then God throws Joshua in her path, and she starts second-guessing herself. It made fascinating and compelling reading.

Overall, this is a well-written story with great characters and plenty of conflict. It’s memorable, and will definitely make you think.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Before I Called You Mine Review

Wow. Let me first say that this book gave me all the feels and all the happy tears. I did not expect to love this book as much as I did and I’m so glad my expectations were exceeded.

Lauren was a single woman who knew exactly what she wanted at 31 years old. She was grounded and happy in her career as a first grade teacher, but longed to be a mother, choosing international adoption.

Joshua was not the man she ever expected to meet. Charming, smart, nerdy and God-fearing, he blew into her life just as crazily as he blew into Brighton Elementary in his ask-me-about-my-T-Rex shirt.

I fell in love with Joshua and Lauren from the beginning, but even more so during the Christmas Tree Lighting “date.” It was so exciting to watch them encourage and love each other, all while respecting the other’s boundaries. Their chemistry oozed from the pages in such a natural way and I couldn’t get enough of their spontaneous Build-A-Bear trips or cozy fireside conversations.

The side characters, Jenna and Gail, were phenomenal. They are the people you dream of to be in your life to encourage you and remind you of what’s important. They added SO much to this story, among others. Even Lauren’s mother and sister, who I despised towards the beginning. It’s a testament to your writing ability that I ended up appreciating them.

Some of the beautiful scenes you wrote completely ripped my heart in two (the New Years Day conversation in the nursery), while others made me smile and laugh (the China trip). The texting conversations between Lauren and Joshua always made me smile 😊

The thing I loved the most about this book was how you reminded us through your beautiful writing, that you have to trust in God’s timing, even if it forces you to make some of the hardest decisions of your life. You can rebel all you want, but in the end, all it does is delay the inevitable plans He has for you. Plans that are far greater than what you ever imagined.

Thank you so much for writing this book. It was very impactful and couldn’t have been read at a better time. I hope others are encouraged by it as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for this ARC

This was a well written story, very much a drama, and really less about the romance - which was very secondary part of the plot. I did feel frustrated by the main character, her responses seemed a bit extreme, a lot of the time.

Oh, this book! It had me feeling all the feels: joy, sadness, anger, hope. The novel is written in first person from Lauren's perspective, and I think that really helped me connect with the character. Lauren is so likable—certainly not perfect, as her complicated relationship with her family shows, but absolutely trying to do the right thing and following the call God put on her life.

The budding romance between Lauren and Joshua is sweet (Joshua is certainly a delightful romantic hero), and if Before I Called You Mine were just a romance, I would have enjoyed it. But what takes this book to another level is Lauren's other relationships—with her best friend Jenna, adoptive mom Gail (whose son really started Lauren thinking about adoption), Joshua's family, and Lauren's mom and sister. These relationships all felt so real, and all were integral to Lauren's adoption journey, which is really the heart of this novel.

I really appreciated this look into international adoption—I know a few people who have adopted internationally, and it was clear that Deese knew what she was talking about. I wasn't at all surprised to see in Deese's author's note that she and her husband adopted from China. There's definitely a ring of authenticity to Lauren's journey.

Also, I have to mention that I did not know how this book would end. That is so, so rare in a romance, and I really appreciated it. I flew through the pages, wondering what would happen next, and the end result is an incredibly satisfying, thought provoking novel.

I absolutely loved this book! It was so much more than a romance novel. It's a beautifully written story about trusting in God and being willing to sacrifice everything to surrender to His will.

Lauren felt a strong calling toward international adoption and started the process over a year ago. As she waits to be matched with a child, she meets Joshua and they have an immediate connection. Joshua is sweet, kind and makes her laugh. The problem is, she applied to adopt as a single mother and can't pursue a serious relationship. Lauren struggles to figure out which path God wants her to choose.

There are so many heartfelt moments and there are moments that make you laugh. I loved the secondary characters as well. Everyone needs a best friend like Jenna! It was my first by this author, but it won't be the last. I highly recommend this book!

I absolutely LOVED this book! Such an amazing story of faith, family and finding love when you least expect it. Deese brilliantly delivered a heartwarming story tackling of motherhood, international adoption, tough family circumstances, sacrifice, and impossible choices that is so captivating to read.

This book is one that stays with you for a long time after the final page. I laughed, I cried, I smiled a lot. You don’t want to skip this read!

Special thanks to Bethany House Publishers for the advanced copies in exchange for only my honest thoughts and review.

Wow . . . I don't know what I was expecting out of this novel, but it far exceeded any expectations I may have had. Very quickly I was drawn into the story, and despite being a somewhat slow-paced book with nothing much major happening plot-wise . . . I still didn't want to put it down! I can't help but attribute that to Deese's engaging writing style and gripping characters. I'm not a huge fan of first person POV, but it did work well for this story. There was humor mixed in with the more serious themes and kept the story moving.

Lauren is an incredibly realistic and relatable character. She's flawed and struggles just as much as the rest of us. I enjoyed getting to know her and follow the ups and downs of her story. Joshua is a very sweet character as well and he was a great counterpart to Lauren. I loved how he pursued her but was still so very respectful and supported her in her dreams. Can I get a Joshua pretty please???

The theme of adoption was unique and very moving. Adoption is something that is very close to my heart, so it was fascinating to learn more about it. I loved that Deese showed the realisticality of adoption in Lauren's storyline. It isn't easy or painless. But it is worth it.

Overall, this was simply a beautiful novel and fully deserving of all 5 stars! I highly recommend this is you love moving contemporary fiction or if adoption is a subject you're interested in! Well done, Ms. Deese!

Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese

“We can trust His plan and His timing, Lauren.”

I like Lauren and her conventional style of teaching. I like her big heart to help a child in need of a home. Joshua is a great guy. He genius and goofy with a big heart too. The day they met is a funny story. He likes T-Rex and fossils. Many will wish to have a friend like Jenna and Brian. They are with her from the time she felt her calling to adopt. That moment with Joshua and Aria at the hospital was precious. Life has obstacles and surprises along the way. We just have to trust God to lead the way and trust Him.

The first half of the book feels like it goes on and on without going anywhere. I like the second half so much better. I even shed a tear or two. It would have been nice if there are less details and narration between the dialogues. 3.5/5

Heart warming. Touching. Beautiful.

This is the first book I've read from this author, but I know I'll read more from her. She perfectly made me fall in love with the characters, sympathizing with them, all while exploring emotional topics.

In the end, I rooted for Lauren. This was a wonderful book and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for something that will give them the "warm and fuzzies" when they are done reading it!

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this and to voluntarily give my honest opinion.

Before I Called You Mine, by Nicole Deese, is a stunning work of contemporary fiction. Abounding with heart, authenticity, and true vulnerability, this novel is nearly flawless. With an emotionally-stirring plot and compelling characters, this book is thoroughly engaging from the first page to the last.

Though not a typical love story, this book is most certainly an unforgettable tale of love. The love God holds for every human soul, the love that is shared in families, the love that blooms between a man and a woman, the love that nurtures friendships, and the love that connects the heart of a mother with that of her child are all various threads of love that Ms. Deese intricately weaves throughout this novel. With boldness softened by grace, the author reveals her extraordinary writing talent as she thoughtfully develops a storyline that explores the commitment, sacrifices, set-backs, blessings, and joys that are the very framework of international adoption. Utterly immersive in its style and profoundly moving in its scope, this novel envelops the reader in a relevant story that is wholly life-changing.

Achingly beautiful, uplifting, and truly memorable, Before I Called You Mine, is a meaningful novel that inspires even as it entertains. With genuine hope, it beckons the reader to venture into the difficult spaces of obedience, purpose, and calling that yield the greatest rewards. From beginning to end, it is everything a great novel should be. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

Wow! What a sweet book! I was just dying to finish this book; I didn't want to stop reading! I wanted to find out what was going to happen so bad. At about 50% of the way through, I was wishing I could speed read! Such a great story of adoption, healing, forgiveness, and love. There were many moments of smiles and laughter and many more of sore throat holding in my tears. This is a great Christian Contemporary Fiction with a bit of Romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write an positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Every once in a while you’ll find yourself lucky enough to pick up a book that speaks to your very soul in heartrending yet remarkable ways. Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese was such a book for me. I started to read it before bed a few nights ago without re-reading the summary and had totally forgotten what it was about. I selected it because the cover led me to mistakenly think it would be an easy, breezy read. I was so far mistaken that I read well into the early hours of the morning, caught half a night’s sleep, and then dove right in again as soon as my other responsibilities were taken care of because it tied a string around my heart and roped me in until the very last page. It was a fend for yourself, kids, type of day.

As for the easy, breezy I was only half right. It was such an easy book to read, but it gripped me too – I cried more than once at the tenuous tightrope of desires that Lauren, the lead, found herself trying to balance on while trying to honour a commitment to her future child while trying to suss out the right choices in life. There was nothing breezy in the subject matter despite the at first glance, the lighthearted appeal of the potential romantic interest, Joshua, and the author’s picturesque humourous situations.

Deese did a wonderful job of painting a not-always-rosy picture of the process of adoption and even issues post-adoption, but she also did a wonderful job of infusing the story with a beautiful yearning and deep heartfelt love. She broached family dysfunction and forgiveness, loss, grief, acceptance, faith, trust, hope, healing, complications, connection, commitments, and so much more in this touching, emotional read. This inspirational title was poignant and complex and absolutely splendid all the same.

My thanks to Bethany House for providing me with a complimentary copy of this title via NetGalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

This book was wonderful. There were different points throughout the book where I wasn't sure if I would like the ending, but I ended up loving the ending. The author tackles some really important subjects, motherhood, love, international adoption, family, and does it in a way that was very engaging. I also really liked the main character, Lauren. I felt very invested in her story throughout the book!

Before I Called You Mine is a poignant, heart-warming story. Lauren is a likeable lead, one easy to empathize with even when you may not agree with everything she’s doing. Truly she is a breath of fresh air, with Deese’s first person narration bringing to life an altogether realistic main character. She is deep into her goal of international adoption, but a possible kink comes up in her plan, when she meets the man of her dreams. Josh is a huge highlight of this story. I’m not sure how Deese manages to strike the perfect balance in a male lead, but Josh is it. Confident and persistent, yet not pushy, he is the epitome of the trend I’m loving right now, which is that of a quiet strength – a true gentleman. However, choosing him means losing the opportunity to adopt, something that she feels deeply called to do.

Speaking of balance, this novel strikes the right notes between heartache and hope. It feels entirely plausible and real, yet also like an impossibly hard situation. The story is bittersweet at times, highlighting how sometimes our dreams may conflict with each other and how those conflicts can be reconciled – if they can be reconciled at all. It’s also about finding peace regardless of the circumstance, and that is always a welcome reminder for me. This is very much a faith-filled novel, but I never feel like anything is preachy; it suits the circumstances that Lauren finds herself in very well. It’s not without its moments of levity. I often had a big smile on my face while reading this story

The elementary school setting feels very realistic, however, as a school librarian myself, I found the image she portrayed of the librarian to be dated. School libraries are rarely just a story time anymore; we are expected to do lessons and activities with students (even though I do try to read a lot of stories). It’s a very busy, demanding job, and I just wanted to make note of that as it’s something that I have a personal connection. I kind of stalled out a bit with that part, but once I got past it, I was enthralled by the story and hardly put it down.

This story does have a happy ending, but it is hard won indeed. That makes it that much sweeter, in this reader’s opinion. This is not the typical romantic contemporary, but transcends a simple romance, becoming a unique story of perceived missed opportunities and the joys that they can bring at the journey’s end.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; I was not required to post a positive review, and the opinions expressed here are my own.

This book arrived at such a wonderful time. In the midst of self isolation and concern about current events; Nicole Deese lit a candle of hope via this novel.
Why? Because this story revolves around hope. The main character, Lauren, has experienced a dismal series of relationships and longs for a child. She decides to pursue international adoption which requires a promise to not alter her relationship status for a period of time.
Seems like an easy agreement to make until a new substitute teacher joins the staff. Joshua is a character that is just so likeable and causes Lauren to re-evaluate that adoption agreement.
What direction will Lauren's heart lead her in?
A much longed for child?
A relationship filled with promise?
Nicole Deese is a new author for me and this story is heartfelt. Deese based some of it upon her experience as someone who adopted a child from another country.
This is a novel that will wrap itself around your heart and fill it with hope.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
@bethanyhousefiction @nicoledeese #BeforeICalledYouMine

This. Book. Y’all.
Today I found myself losing a battle against tears that were steadily running down my face. Our FedEx man was in our neighborhood and I knew he had a package I had to sign for. I tried so hard not to cry, but still found myself wiping away tears when I answered the door.
This story broke my heart and mended it all at once.

Lauren Bailey is a First Grade teacher from a dysfunctional family who has one dream in life:to be a mother. She wants to love and be loved in a way that she never experienced as a child. She has set her sights on adopting a child internationally from China, and in order to meet her agency’s requirements for stability, she must either find Mr. Right and be married for two years or stay single for the duration of her matching phase and while her child is adjusting & attaching to her. She was perfectly content to move forward as a single woman, that is until she met HIM.
Joshua Avery is a nerd in the most respected sense of the word. His temporary sub position at Brighton Elementary puts him right across the hall from Lauren’s classroom-and in even closer proximity to breaking down every wall around her safely guarded heart.
As time marches on, Lauren finds herself in a convergence of paths with a choice to make.

These characters were very real to me and as a future adoptive mother whose plans are temporarily on hold, I related so well to every emotion and feeling that Lauren experienced. I cried with her when she cried, I rejoiced with her when she rejoiced. I was meant to read this book at this point in my life. Nicole Deese has touched my heart and helped encourage me to make the hard decisions and follow wholly after God’s will, not leaning on my own understanding. This book has imprinted on my heart in a way no other has ever done.

If you have any interest in fostering or adoption, or simply enjoy sweet heartfelt reads, you don’t want to miss this one. But keep tissues handy, you will need them.

I was given this copy in exchange for my honest and open review. All thoughts and ideas expressed here are entirely my own.

Sometimes you can only take one step at a time...

Women's fiction has never been my thing. Just a little bit too much emotion and estrogen for me. But, once in awhile I step outside of that generalization and try one. While billed as contemporary romance I do think that Before I Called You Mine also straddles the women's fiction genre. Nicole Deese is a new to me author but I liked the cover with it's simple yet pretty design so I decided to try it.

If there's one thing that I took away from this story it's that family is messy and relationships are complicated but God will see us through if we let Him. Oh, and dinosaurs are totally cool. As expected there was a lot of emotional upheaval in Before I Called You Mine but I found myself unexpectedly relating to at least some of it. Some aspects of my life, including age, are fairly similar to Lauren's so I kinda got where she was coming from.

Nicole Deese takes her characters on a rollercoaster of a ride. And I'm not just talking about the romance thread either. No, I'm also talking about Lauren's adoption journey. From elation to heartbreak, from pain to celebration, all of it is brought to life on the printed page.

While not my usual choice in reading I'm glad I picked up Before I Called You Mine. It was sweet, poignant, thought-provoking, and tugged at the heartstrings. The story was well-written and I will be looking for more from author Nicole Deese in the future.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

I saw the beauty of the cover. The adorable name. The pretty flowers. Then I scrolled down to the blurb... My, oh, my!

I was in love! The sweetness of the story drew me in and that was just from the description.

Starting to read Before I Called You Mine I was pulled into the bound up bit of heartbreak and love, being my first book from Nicole Deese I was not sure what I would find. I fell in love with the way she showed a character who was not perfect and she wasn't boring, I was somewhat worried that Lauren would be a dull and maybe cliche character but I couldn't have been more wrong!

With so many feelings, so many emotions, and just so much heart clinching love, I adored every minute reading Before I Called You Mine, and the adoption journey! I have not gone through anything like what Lauren went through but that didn't stop me from feeling like I was right there beside her, the imagery was incredible, the way Deese pulled you into her carefully woven literary artwork was a delight to behold.

Joshua … He is a sweetheart! He reminded me of my brother, really, the dinosaur love, the care of others, and just his sweetheartness. I loved his character, I did at times wish we saw his thoughts but it was all right.

The arc of Lauren and Joshua's relationship and characters were done in a slow, subtle way that made them feel even more real.

Now, Jenna, she was interesting! I loved how she was like another part of our heroine and they were so hilarious at times. She and Brian were such a cute addition, I loved their support of Lauren and how they added to the story.

I am not saying that this book wasn't painful at times … It was! And though I can't say what happened it nearly had me in tears, so saddening and yet it made the story even more real and raw!

The whole of this book was wonderful and I loved how everything made a good plotline, everything Lauren did somehow reflecting the love she had for her future child and how she loved them already.

I cannot wait to see what Nicole Deese writes next, I am so glad she wrote this book, and that I read it!

Nicole Deese's passion for adoption shone through every word, giving readers a bit of passion too.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This was a sweet, honest contemporary Christian romance. The main character wanted so badly to do the right thing and follow God's call on her life, and I was rooting for her and Joshua the entire way to the happy ending.

*Thanks to Netgally and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.