Review: Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

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

As a parent who adopted, this book spoke right to my heart! I loved the message of God's timing and His perfect plan, which we can't always see, especially when we are in the middle of the journey. I learned some new things about international adoption, which the author pulled from her own personal experience. Josh was such a delightful character, and his vibrant personality offset Lauren's anxiety about her family and her adoption plan. Her family dynamics are complicated and slightly dysfunctional, but you could tell she still loved them even when her feelings were hurt. I felt like I connected with Josh and Lauren individually, but had a harder time connecting to their relationship because Lauren had to hold herself back, then their situation grows even more complicated. I loved all the friends that support Lauren, from her colleagues at work, to her church family, to her adoption support group. There is a strong sense of community and it shows how we can be a conduit for God's love as we serve each other.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.