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.

#amreading #idratherbereading #shereads #bookreview #netgalley #bethanyhouse #beforeicalledyoumine #nicoledeese #christianfiction #cleanromance #contemporaryfiction #bookreview #bookish #bookstagram

Before I Called You Mine.

Oh my. I am trying to give fewer five star reviews, but for this one, I need at least six. Seriously now.

Lauren is clear on what she wants from page one. To be a mother. To adopt an orphan from China and love them with her whole heart. As part of that, she commits to staying single. Then Joshua arrives as a substitute teacher across the hall. He's everything she'd ever dreamed of in a man, and so much more. His interest in her is clear from that first meeting, but while Lauren's heart must stay focused on China.

But then a twist I didn't see coming changes everything and the two fall head of heels in love. Until a call from the adoption agency changes everything again.

Nicole Deese has penned an absolute winner here. I smiled, laughed, teared up, gasped, winced, smiled and, at the very end, sighed a very satisfied sigh.

The characters climbed right into my heart along with their extended family and friends. I adored visiting Idaho in winter (I love snow). The adoption stories were handled sensitively, with honesty and just enough humor, and the romance had me falling in love right alongside them.

I loved this book and hope you will too.

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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.

This contemporary romance was sweet and compelling. There were no easy answers for this couple, and I appreciate that the author didn't try to give them any. The chemistry was good, the banter was fun, and the story was realistic. This story will pull on your heart strings. Highly recommnded for readers of contemporary romance.



I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of review.

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 via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are solely mine

Wow! What an INCREDIBLE story! Lauren Bailey longs to be a mom. She is waiting for a child from a Chinese adoption agency. As life is somewhat on "hold" until a child becomes available, Lauren pours herself into her 1st grade students. When a new substitute with unorthodox teaching methods begins teaching in the classroom across the hall from Lauren, the possibility of romance also enters the picture. Will Lauren trust God to work the impossible? This book will surprise you in so many ways and will enrich your life in ways you can't predict. FANTASTIC story!

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.

#BeforeICalledYouMine #NetGalley

I've found a new author, Nicole Deese, tells a tender story in Before I Called You Mine. Lauren Bailey, is a first grade teacher, who longs to adopt a child of her own, all she needs is an email letting her know, that the long wait is over. Joshua Avery, is a substitute teacher, who has a personality, that is like no one Lauren has ever met before. This story was well written and had all the emotions. I loved this book so much, I laughed and cried, it was amazing!

Before I go any further with this book review - let me make it short and sweet - YES, 5 stars for me!

Before I Called You Mine is a must read in my opinion and here is the reason why.... the conflict was so moving and you could feel it in your own heart. Lauren Bailey, the main character, is a teacher who decides to pursue adoption but with many obstacles in her way. Now I have never adopted a child, but I do know that it can entail heartbreak and many struggles. Before I Called You Mine does not shy away from those things, which is what made the story so touching and authentic. I could feel the roller coaster of emotions and decisions that the main character wades through. She has a family that is unsupportive and is trying to work through everything that entails. And just as she puts dating off to the side in order to pursue adoption, Joshua comes on the scene. I simply could not put this book down. There are some real tug of war moments that make you gasp out loud. Nicole Deese has a beautiful way of writing and you will also laugh through some pages.

This is not a Hallmark script book. So if you like a clutching storyline with a thread of romance, you will enjoy Before I Called You Mine.

Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese sports an eye-catching cover that reflects the lovely story in its pages. The story held my attention from the beginning and I enjoyed Lauren’s journey, even in the hard moments. Though the story deals with tough issues – difficult life choices, family dysfunction, etc. – it maintained a light feel and pointed to the Christian’s true source of hope -- God.

Before I Called You Mine mixed women’s fiction with a contemporary romance. Both Lauren’s adoption journey and family relationships receive plenty of attention. The story explored various aspects of following God’s will for one’s life. However, on the romantic side, Joshua (Lauren’s romantic interest) stands as an amazing male lead. He’s supportive, respectful, and willing to do what’s best for others even if it hurts. In short, he reflects the character of the Jesus he follows.

Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese is a heartwarming novel that will appeal to inspirational fiction readers. It earned a permanent spot on my bookshelf.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

This novel is a beautifully written story with all of the elements: hope, love, spirituality, truth, fear and joy. It will take hold of your senses and give you a ride worth taking...and feeling. Highly recommended.

Ah, this book is like an overflowing cup of happiness! I was totally committed to Lauren’s journey right from the start. And then Joshua walked onto the page and….well, the rest is history as they say. :) Knowing that Ms. Deese pulled from bits of her own personal journey with adoption while writing this only made me more excited to read it! Then once I was started there was no putting it down until the final pages.

I loved Lauren. Her heart and her clear calling to adopt were beautifully portrayed. I was right there with her during every uncertainty, fear, joy and all the emotional upheaval of her current life. She hasn’t taken lightly any of the decisions she’s made and I loved her clear certainty of what God was telling her to do. Even during her doubtful times she could always come back to that confidence as a reminder to keep moving forward. Watching her maneuver through each step in front of her so carefully, prayerfully, yet each one feeling like a giant leap of faith…oh I got it. I have been in such a place myself, not with adoption but I still got it. I loved Jenna, Lauren’s bestie so, SO much for this very reason. Having people behind you, supporting you every step of the way? It’s a wonderful and necessary part of doing this life we’re given! Oh, and Joshua? Swoon. I could totally see why Lauren was such a goner for him! :D Their chemistry is felt in practically every scene they have. They are made for each other, they simply didn’t expect to find each other right now in the messy middle!

Ms. Deese’s heart shines through her writing in this story. It is so wonderfully obvious that she understands the heartache and beauty to be found in adoption, for she treats it with respect and love, acknowledging the hard that comes right along with the joy. All the while interweaving hope and pain and happiness into a delightful picture that makes sense only at the end, not always so much during the process. Which is simply true to life.

There are many words that could be said, but I think I’ll leave you with these. It’s a heart-full, big-smile, happy-sigh kind of story! And I totally think you should read it. So why don’t you? :)

**I received a complimentary copy via Bethany House. All opinions expressed 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.

Nach vielen erfolglosen Verkupplungsversuchen und zahlreichen vergeblichen Dates und Pleiten über Onlinedating Plattformen hat die Grundschullehrerin Lauren Bailey der Männerwelt abgeschworen und sich mit einem Singledasein abgefunden. Es sehnt sie nicht mehr nach einem Partner, sondern unerträglich stark nach einem Kind. Seit 18 Monaten wartet sie auf eine Zusage zur internationalen Adoption in China, doch dann trifft sie ganz unerwartet auf den neuen Vertretungslehrer Joshua und plötzlich stellt sie fest, dass sie vielleicht doch noch nicht alle Männertypen auf ihrer Partnersuche durch hatte...

Als die beiden einzigen Lehrer für Erstklässler laufen sie sich quasi ständig über den Weg, sofort verwickelt er sie in interessierte, fachliche Gespräche. Schnell fragt sie sich, wo das Leben die letzten Jahre so einen Mann vor ihr verborgen hat. Joshua ist freundlich, interessiert und zuvorkommend. Er fragt schon am Ende des ersten Arbeitstages zielstrebig nach einem gemeinsamen Essen, doch dann fällt ihr wieder ein, dass aufgrund der anstehenden Adoption zur Zeit kein Dating für sie in Frage kommt. Das Schicksal beweist hier schon einen gemeinen Humor.

Lauren und Joshua sind überzeugende und sympathische Hauptfiguren, mit denen man sehr gut mitfühlen kann. Freunde und Familie bilden interessante Nebenfigur. Die Schulkinder sind sehr schön gezeichnet. Die Dialoge zwischen Lauren und Joshua sind witzig, ernst und schlagfertig. Er ist hartnäckig, einfühlsam und ideenreich hinter ihr her. Die Geschichte trifft auf herzzerreißende Wendungen und langjährige familiäre Schwierigkeiten. Im Zentrum steht die Frage nach den Prioritäten im Leben und nach der richtigen Entscheidung bzw. dem richtigen Weg.

Wir begleiten Lauren in ihrer Hoffnung, der totalen Verzweiflung, spaltenden Auseinandersetzungen mit ihrer Familie und können doch große wahre Freundschaft erleben.

Das Ende ist dann herzerwärmend und zufriedenstellend. Ein Roman über Gottes Plan für uns alle, tiefe Gefühle, wahre Zuneigung, schwierige Entscheidungen, die Wichtigkeit von Freunden und Familie und über das große Wagnis Adoption.

This is my first book by this author. I enjoyed it. It is different than many others in that the main focus is on the desire of a woman to be a mother more than on her desire for a spouse. Yet it gets complicated when she meets an amazing man in the classroom next door. Joshua is like a big kid. He loves dinosaurs and is so full of life. He had an amazing rapport with Lauren and Aria. He is immediately attracted to Lauren which puts her in a quandary. I had such a strong picture of Joshua. He reminded me of Chris Carmack ( Atticus Lincoln on Grey’s Anatomy).

Grey's Anatomy' Casts Chris Carmack in Season 15 | TVLine

This is a beautiful story of adoption and following God’s call on your life. It felt realistic as it talked about the attachment issues when adopting and some of the hardships that most of us can’t imagine. I appreciated that.



I loved the focus on reading and books. I loved this quote: “The way to shape a child’s heart is through love. And the way to shape a child’s mind is through literature. When you read to a child, you accomplish both” (location 384).



I will definitely keep my eye out for more books from this author in the future. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. 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.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher vía NetGalley, but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and totally unbiased review.

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.

I loved this book. For so many different reasons. My first impression was that I was going to like this story a lot. The writing style was super fun, with clever dialogue and well-thought-out characters. The supporting characters also were really well fleshed out right from the beginning.
I really liked that Nicole Deese wrote this story with adoption at the heart. I’ve been around many families who have adopted or have fostered, and this book gave me just bit of a glimpse into that remarkable journey. I feel more honored to know those couples, individuals, and families than I did before, because of the perspective this book gave me.
Lauren really faces an impossible choice, and she reacts to that in ways that I can certainly relate to. I liked that she was far from perfect. She was just as human as I am, so it was all the sweeter to see her redemption story play out as she trusted the Lord with her whole future.
The only thing I would have liked to see added, was if she had written Joshua’s point of view.
The Lord used this novel to work on my own heart. Areas where I needed to trust Him more were exposed, and I was challenged by the story in ways that I didn’t expect. So thank, Nicole, for writing so honestly and authentically. It’s made a difference in my life.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Not only did it entertain, but it also asks the hard questions and the reader cannot help but answer those for themselves.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

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.