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Review of “Before I Called You Mine” by Nicole Deese

Publisher Description

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.

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 My Review:

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.

About the Author:

About Nicole Deese

Nicole Deese is a Carol Award winner and a RITA and INSPY Award finalist. When she’s not working on her next contemporary Christian romance novel, she can usually be found reading one by a window overlooking the inspiring beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She lives in small-town Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two rambunctious sons, and princess daughter with the heart of a warrior. Find her online at www.nicoledeese.com.

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