Before I Called You Mine
by Nicole Deese
About the Book
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 Thoughts
What an absolutely amazing story! This one is both inspirational and thought provoking.
It inspires me to reach out in a ways that might look impossible and just trust.
Lauren is such a special heroine. Her heart for children, her desire to follow God. I just loved her.
I also adored Joshua. He was the perfect hero.
I loved seeing their realness, their humanness and imperfections.
I enjoyed seeing how their relationship worked (or didn’t).
I just loved this entire journey that Lauren was on, the journey of international adoption.
It is easy to tell that this is a journey that is very close to the author’s heart.
This book deals with some hard issues that are all to real in our lives, in addition to the challenges of international adoption.
Lauren faces family difficulties, opposition to her Christian beliefs, opposition to her adoption, and other things that are difficult to process.
Joshua is the perfect friend, he is sympathetic, caring, and an all around good guy. I couldn’t help but love him from the minute I met him.
The entire story is just beautiful. The author shows how God can take those difficult things in our lives and make it all come out just beautiful, if we learn to trust.
This is one of those books that is too beautiful, it’s almost hard to really put into words a review that does justice to it. I’m fairly certain it will be one of my top reads for 2020.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Rating – 5 out of 5 stars
All-of-a-kind Mom 