My response to this book is simply "wow"! This is my first Nicole Deese book, but definitely won't be my last. I learned of this book because it was recommended by an author that I know and love. And because it was about adoption, which is something I'm passionate about, I decided to check it out. I expected it to be good, but I didn't expect to be so drawn in. I found myself completely sucked in to Lauren's life. I went from laughing out loud to wiping away tears on a moment to moment basis. This was a lovely story about trying to find God's will as well as what happens when plans go horribly awry. With likable characters, witty banter, solid faith thread and great story line, this is one I'd recommend to all fans of Christian fiction. Special thanks to the publisher for an advanced ecopy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Lauren Bailey has always dreamed of being a mother and with her application to adopt a child from China as a single mother is close within reach, she meets Joshua Avery, the substitute first grade teacher who is obsessed with all things dinosaur. As the two get to know one another, she slowly begins to fall in love with him, but with her adoption application stating she is adopting as a single parent, she fears she’ll lose her one dream she’s always wanted. Will she sacrifice one dream for another?
This book is a hopeful page-turner that will leave you wanting more.

I graciously received an advance e-copy from netgalley for review. All opinions are my own.

Before I Called You Mine Reciew

I received this ARC from @netgalley Thank you for the opportunity to read this book it was incredible.

I’m going to be honest I really struggle with my spirituality. I grew up in a unique church that was my families entire life. It wasn’t a particularly positive experience, and it has made me so hesitant to explore my own spirituality. However, the love from God is undeniable in this new book by Nicole Deese.

Lauren is a first grade teacher with a huge heart. She’s constantly being set up on bad dates by her well intentioned sister but she can’t date anybody right now because she is in the process of adopting a child from China as a single woman. If she dates, she has to wait two years after being married to try and adopt again. So for now dating is off the table.

Everything is turned upside down when a new substitute teacher shows up, Joshua Avery. They have an immediate connection but Lauren feels she must constantly deny it. As her adoption journey starts to get more complicated, she struggles to understand what God has in store for her. She wonders why he sent a child and Josh at the same time, when she can’t have them both. With the help of her incredible community and her faith, Lauren becomes an incredible mother and begins to understand why she was sent what she was.

This book was romantic, spiritual, and overall so lovely. I fell in love with the characters and couldn’t put it down.

This was an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star book! Preorder this book now! It releases March 31, 2020.

My six word review:
Love is what creates a family

Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese takes readers on the difficult and rewarding journey to international adoption complete with the pain, heartbreak, and joy that adoptive parents often experience. The author’s own background of adopting her daughter internationally adds authenticity to the story.

Lauren Bailey, a single first grade teacher, has felt a calling toward international adoption for many years. She is finally matched with a young child from China just as she meets the man that she might be destined to spend her life with. However due to Chinese adoption laws, a couple must be married for two years before adopting. With the complications in her life, how can Lauren make the difficult decision to choose between the two?

As a teacher myself, I could completely relate to the parts of storyline taking place in the school, the day-to-day activities, and the personalities of the teachers. Nicole Deese described the school environment and the nuances of the various teachers perfectly.

Along with the developing romantic relationship in Before I Called You Mine, the novel focuses on Lauren’s desire to adopt and her strained relationship with her family who are not supportive of her decision. Readers who have experienced adoption in their families will find this novel extremely poignant and authentic. If you are looking for a book with a light romantic thread that focuses on real-life decisions that are often messy and difficult, then this is the book for you.

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.