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.

"He tilted my face up to his, kissing me with a tenderness that begged for tears. Because I'd fallen in love with him. There was no other way to spin it. No other way to write this story. I was in love with Joshua Avery, and everything in me wanted that to be enough."

From Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese


Lauren Bailey has been matched up with various men over the past decade but one thing or another leads to these relationships to not work out.
She's satisfied with life, being an elementary school teacher she has plenty of children though certain ones hold a special place in her heart and memory.
Her heart years for a child to call her own though and she's been on an adoption list for several years through a foreign adoption agency.
Enter Joshua Avery substitute teacher at the school where she teaches. He's not just another man though , he has such a passion for teaching the children and creating educational technology that Lauren's heart can't help but to come alive in his presence.
She must fight the awakening of her heart for the first time in a long time though, this is not the times for loves blossoming to awaken.
The adoption agency has strict rules about marriage and adoption and she must follow them or be disqualified from adopting.
He relentlessly pursues her heart though and her resolve is weakening . Can she stay unattached as she's put to the test as never before?
The love of a man or the love of a child? Is it fair to have to make this heart wrenching choice? Will she be able to choose between the two deepest desires of her heart?
Excellent book, this one will really make you pause to appreciate all you have in your life, all of God's blessings that shine down upon you!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

What an incredible read! It was beautifully written, the characters were relatable and good-hearted, and the story wasn't something I had ever read before.
I enjoyed every moment of this book. It was just what I needed during some stressful times.
I highly recommend it to anyone.

Before I called you mine

By

Nicole Deese



Synopsis - Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but there is only one match she's committed to now - The one that makes this teacher a mother. The international adoption had one requirement and that was to stay single for the foreseeable future. This wasn't a problem till Joshua came into the picture. Joshua had a passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his actions in the classroom. Though she tries to downplay the connection between them,his relentless pursuit of her heart her commitment to stay single to the test.



My thought - I love how Nicole Deese has written this book to feel like you are right there. This is the first book by Nicole Deese I've read and now I want to read all of her books in the near future. I usually like historical christian, but this romance christian book has a lot of aspect in it that I liked. I love how I was pulled into the storyline from the very first page and never could put the book down. You can see the love Lauren has for children in her teaching. I fell in love with Joshua. He was funny from his first scene in the book. All the characters are likeable.



I would love to recommend this book to anyone wanting a funny, tearful and loveable book.



Rating - I give this book a rating of a 5 out of 5



I received this complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was asked for a honest review and all thoughts and feelings are mine and mine alone.

I loved every minute of this book! I was hooked immediately with the easy to love and relate to main character, Lauren, and I was giggling just a few pages in. The whole cast of characters were all relatable and most were people that I’d absolutely love to have for friends. The meaningful messages in here were beautifully demonstrated and had me in tears. If you have adopted or want to adopt, I think this is a must-read, I’ve already recommended it to my friends who have already done an adoption journey. But I also highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a meaningful yet fun book. Lauren’s journey of trusting God for her dreams and trusting His timing made for a book that leaves a lasting impression.

I received a copy of this book, all opinions are my own. I knew I loved The authors writing style and other books before I read this one.

I highly recommend Before I Called You Mine and give it 5 stars!

“ There's an old Chinese proverb that those of us in the adoption community love to share with those new to the journey. “An invisible red thread connects those destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break.””

This heartfelt, emotional story is about a long time dream of Lauren's to adopt a child from China, as a single parent. But it's much, much more too! It's about a love story, bonded friendships, struggles of a dysfunctional family, impossible decisions, and dreams stretched beyond human endurance but safely kept in God's hands. And also a book impossible to review because there's just SO much to it that will affect a reader. For me to ugly cry and laugh through the tears at the same time says a lot about how the author can pull such strong emotions out. Nicole Deese is a new-to-me author and she has me completely enamored with her lyrical way of writing. Her sense of humor in her characters endeared me to their personality and watching Lauren & Joshua fall in love was the highlight for me. There are also gut-wrenching parts that severed my heart all while Deese glued those pieces together in a way that was perfect.

“None of us are strong enough to handle the hard apart from God.”

I just have to say, Joshua was the kind of man any woman prays for and he's exactly what Lauren needs for this time in her life. He's patient, kind, supportive, never pushes his agenda, and is just there for her without her ever asking for his help. He brings out the best in Lauren, always putting her needs before himself. I knew a hard decision was coming for Lauren and it gutted me when it did come. Deese pulled out all the stops on this one, I HAD to keep reading to see how she was going to bring about resolution.

“There was effortlessness in conversing with Joshua, an undeniable ease that created a mixed-bag feeling of desire and denial.”

This was also such a spiritual journey for me as I read this. So many truths about God's nature and of who He is to me. Deese has a way to remind the reader that digs deep in your heart and resonates beyond that last page.

“God's way is rarely easy, but it's always better than mine.”

“It's really difficult to hear God's voice when my ears aren't tuned in. But I can tell you one thing, Lauren. God doesn't trick His children. He loves us, and everything He asks of us, or allows us to walk through, has a purpose.”

“God’s best for us rarely comes without the stretching, and it’s in that stretching season, those periods of complete and utter dependence on God’s faithfulness, that He holds our hearts and molds them into a shape that only He can fill.”

So many quotes that touched me & I pray touch you as a reader too. If there is but ONE book that you read, I highly recommend this one. As a fan of Bethany Turner, I'd put Nicole Deese right up there with her writing. “Before I Called You Mine” is one of my top reads for 2020!

*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are mine. *

Author Nicole Deesse hits it out of the park with a fun, heartwarming tender story with entertaining characters, I liked hanging out with. Lauren thinks, “Was it too late to ask Jesus to take the wheel now that I was no longer driving?....”

I was pleasantly surprised by this amazing story. I loved the authors’ well-timed humor that is masterfully sprinkled through the characters good, bad, and hard times. There were tender moments that made my chest tighten, and tears roll down my eyes just like when I watched a romantic comedy such as Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

These movies (just like this novel) show the challenges relationships go through. This is a wonderful organic love story, mixed with witty dialogue, comedic moments that had me laugh-out loud, and a message I loved hearing over and over again. It’s a winning combination.

I enjoyed the parts that had me stop and think along with Lauran and Joshua too. Could they trust God only when things are going well or did, they stop trusting because things get hard, nearly impossible. Could they trust God’s timing, or were they going to follow their feelings instead? Could Lauren and Joshua be vulnerable enough to lay all their cards on the table for each other to see their hopes and dreams? Could they stay the course? That’s the question. Both struggle with knowing and walking out God’s call for their lives. I loved the natural way this author shared Laura and Joshua’s testimony. It wasn’t preachy. I could relate to Lauren’s upbringing and faith walk and how she is the only believer in her family. Lauren shares, “My parents didn’t raise my sister and me to believe in organized religion of any kind. I never went to Sunday school or attended church camps or any of that. And honestly, that was all totally okay with me. I wasn’t against church or God exactly; I just couldn’t imagine any of that being a part of my life.”

I was captivated by this fresh, funny, clean romance with heart squeezing moments I couldn’t put down. Here’s a peek at the humor as Joshua sends a text to Lauren. “I popped into your classroom to say good morning to you…but unless you’ve aged about thirty years, started wearing bifocals, and changed your ethnicity to Hispanic, it probably wasn’t you. Sorry you’re still feeling lousy. I’ll ..share… all today’s big happenings. Wouldn’t want you to miss out on a riveting day at Brighton, elementary.”

I liked how the author made me feel emotionally invested in Lauren’s support group. I also liked what the author shared in notes to readers, ……”there is something vastly different about this story’s hold on my heart. Because so much of the struggle to live out the kind of faith that often calls us to the edges of ourselves – is my story, too.” She goes on to say, “God doesn’t look for perfect people to share in His redemptive story (you only have to read the first two chapters of Genesis for proof of that). Instead, He searches the earth, looking to “strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).

This is the first novel I’ve read by this author it won’t be the last. This book would work wonderful for your book club pick. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com

This is such a beautiful story of how we think we have things figured out as far as how life should go, only to have life turned on its head not just once, but twice. That's how Lauren's story is. For as long as she has remembered, she has wanted to be a mother. When life didn't follow the traditional pattern of marriage and then children, and with no man in sight, she is eagerly awaiting the news of being matched with a child to adopt internationally. And then, Joshua enters the picture. I loved how true to life this story was! I could totally relate to Lauren, with thinking you have your future figured out, only to find out that God has other plans. The characters are amazing! And the would be romance. *swoon* I can't recommend this story enough!
I received this book from Bethany House. This is my honest review.

Romance; clean, contemporary; Christian faith elements
Lauren and Joshua's love story is complicated, and heart wrenching at times. The attraction and moments that Lauren skirts around between Joshua and herself were well-drawn, and added to the story line well. The complications of their relationship, mainly due to Lauren's adoption commitment, are heart wrenching as Lauren realizes how much she is attracted to Joshua, and finds out the kind of man he truly is at heart. Well-drawn side characters, including Lauren's teaching friend and her husband, some family and other characters along with their romance made for a compelling, inspirational, compelling romantic read.
This was a gorgeous, inspirational and life well-drawn novel, you truly feel in the moment.

From the striking cover to the intriguing premise and on to the realistic, endearing characters, Before I Called You Mine captivated me from the start and left me struggling to put my feelings into words. Nicole Deese has written a beautiful, poignant, and tender story that had me laughing, fighting tears, and feeling all the feels.

I had an instant connection with the two main characters, Lauren and Joshua. Their camaraderie and banter were charming and such fun. Lauren was easy to like, competent, and I enjoyed getting to know her. Joshua is a dream hero—compassionate, intelligent, and comfortable in his own skin. A great sense of humor and fun added to his charm.

Deese’s signature sense of humor shines through in her writing and makes this book a treat to read. Sentences like the following had me chuckling out loud.
“If a pause could be considered judgy, this one had pounded the gavel and called the courtroom to attention.”

Themes of faith in God’s timing, commitment, and the power of love are beautifully woven into the story and add depth and inspiration.
“Love isn’t about instant gratification, it’s about showing up for the journey and riding out all the twists and turns along the way . . . together.”

I had been anxiously awaiting this story for quite a while, and it was definitely worth the wait. It’s sure to be on my list of top books for the year and is bound for my keeper shelf. Do yourself a favor and read it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Before I Called You Mine is a delightful read, sometimes difficult, always honest. Definitely to be read and re-read again!

THIS. BOOK. My friends, your heart will not be the same (in the best way) once you read this. So, go do that NOW.

As for my thoughts...

Where to begin? Well, first off I have read several of Nicole's books and have fallen in love with her writing style so I knew I was going to like that aspect. But it was this story, told with so much heart, that gripped me the most.

As a woman in my early thirties (and who only recently got married) I connected with the protagonist, Lauren, in a very real way. I'd been in those situations of people asking me "when are you going to get married" (as if it was my fault I was not hitched yet) and I knew what it was like to have that type of pressure - though thankfully it was not from my family.

Anyway, that sets me up for a special connection to this book and Deese's story telling did the rest. She perfectly aligns an "impossible decision" between Lauren and two things she wants. She makes you wonder HOW in the world will this work out? And then she delivers in a satisfying way that not only resolves in the way you'd want it to but also makes you consider the bigger picture here.

I loved the character - Joshua and his steady nature, Lauren and her talents and faults, Jenna and her unwavering support. ALL of it meshed so well. And then the end...no spoilers here but I cried (very happy tears). I could tell that this book came from the heart of a woman who had gone through something similar and that affected me more than I would have guessed.

If you haven't gotten it by now...I highly recommend this book. It takes you on a roller coaster but not the one you'd expect and not in an unpleasant way. It tugs at your heart strings and reminds you that He has things in control, especially when we do not.

Go read this book, friends. You're gonna love it!

My Rating: 5*

________

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was under no obligation to post a review and do so of my own free will.

I loved Joshua Avery! I loved his determination, how good he is with kids, his relationship with his family, and we'll everything.

I also loved all of the text conversations in this book! It was so authentic and I really appreciate that in books.

I loved Lauren's heart for her students and her heart for adoption. My heart broke with her more than once in this book. I too am a childless teacher and I feel so many of the same feelings as her only I am married.

I did not relate with Lauren's classroom much since her school is a lot calmer than the one where I work (big city urban low income public school) but I did love that no matter the school children respond to love, attention, and CANDY.

There is a lot of waiting and heartbreak in adoption and I really appreciate Deese putting her heart out there in this book. It was a beautiful love story in so many ways.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Was there ever a better book boyfriend than Joshua Avery? I'm having trouble thinking of any others at this very moment! I know this story was prominently about Lauren (and she is a hero too) but Joshua? Wow. I loved his steady goodness and his optimism. And the way he set Lauren up to support and love her? He was really, truly amazing.

I loved how much emotion this story held. My favorite kind of stories are the ones that make me feel wrapped up and immersed in the lives and feelings of the characters. Before I Made You Mine did this expertly. This was a fantastic journey of love of all kinds. Familial love, romantic love, parental love and love for God. It's no wonder why author Nicole Deese is one of my favorites. 💙

Content: Christian fiction, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expresses are my own.

A new to me author that did not disappoint! I was drawn to the cover and delighted with the contents. Before I Called You Mine is an inspiring look at what happens when we surrender our will to God’s best plans. I loved Lauren’s walk of faith and how she wrestled through her heart’s desires. I appreciated the candid, honest conversations she had with friends as well as in her prayers during those moments of wrestling. Joshua added an element of humor and joy that pervaded throughout the storyline. The supporting characters are just as important to supporting the message that family and community are critical to whatever choices we make. I was challenged, inspired, and blessed by this story.
I received a complimentary of this book and all opinions expressed are my own.

This was the first book that I have ever read by this author and it will not be the last. I did not want to put this book down. I learned a lot about adoption and the struggles one goes through before and after an adoption. I would never have chosen to ever be a single parent and know that would be a hard choice to make. This is a very inspirational story. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Never having read any books by Nicole Deese, I was not sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by Before I Called You Mine. What a wonderful glimpse into a young woman's journey to motherhood. I can't wait to share the book with my daughter-in-law who adopted internationally. Deese does a fantastic job portraying the emotions and reactions of Lauren as she deals with family and friend relationships and with adoption requirements and setbacks. Would she be able to follow through on her decisions or would blossoming friendship with a fascinating substitute teacher thwart her plans? The glimpses into the life of a teacher of young children added a lot of interest to the story as well. I will definitely be reading more of Ms. Deese's work. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

Nicole Deese is a new-to-me author, and after reading this I need to go read ALL of her books. I picked this book up on a whim, and I will admit it took a little while to grow on me, but about halfway through the book I couldn’t even consider putting it down.

I usually don’t prefer first person narration, but it was interesting to read the story from only one character’s point of view. I mostly read books with dual narration between the hero and heroine, but this book allowed me to really get involved in the mind of just one character (Lauren) and connect with her fully. I physically felt Lauren’s pain and struggle, and this is the first book that’s made me cry happy tears in awhile.

I loved the relationship development between Lauren and Joshua. Joshua is perfect in a way that makes him real instead of ideal, which is refreshing in a romance. The text message exchanges are a real highlight of the book; I’ve never seen emojis in a published novel before but they really added to the story, making you relate more to the characters.

I highly encourage you to pick up a copy! You won’t regret it, and your faith will be strengthened in new ways.

4/5 stars

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

Beautiful, Breathtaking, Hopfull and kind Before I called you Mine, a story that has many beautiful moments and messages that will stay with you for a long time.

Before I called you mine, the story of Lauren a young woman trying to fulfill her heart and dreams even if that meant going against her family and any rule ever written.. single, alone but full of hope and dreams to become a mother.

Lauren is a very strong heroine even if at times she has so many doubts and insecurities making her more careful to whom she gives her heart and secrets. she is a woman of faith and in faith is the only way she usually finds calmness and hope. until she meets someone who will make her feel more alive and confident about her life, her decisions, and her path.

Joshua is the perfect hero, he is kind, funny with so much love to give and spread around, he is ready to spend more time with Lauren and find more about her and her projects, he is fascinated with her, such a beautiful soul full of faith and hope.

Before I Called You Mine what a beautiful story, I really enjoy it so much because it has many elements that I really love, the amazing faith and love Lauren has for God, the kindness she always shows towards others and the huge love she carries in her heart to share with the less fortunate, her story really hit close to home, I see myself a lot in her.

The relationship, the friendship, the love between Lauren and Joshua was very beautiful, they took their time to meet and get to know more about each other, the patient, the time they took to embrace what they were feeling and what they were going through was something that made their love even more brilliant and full. I'm so used to read books that take very little time to fall in love and get to meet one another but this is not the case in Before I called You Mine, the slow burn is there, the intensity and the pull the only thing was missing was the timing but sooner or later life will give them a second chance to finally be together.

The secondary characters were great, they gave so much to the story, Laurens's mother and sister, her best friend Jenna, Joshuas Parents were amazing!! all of them gave so much to the main characters and the story making this book so powerful and at the same time so emotional..

This story made me feel all the feels, it was emotional, romantic, and with a lot of kindness and faith something we need to read and share more often.

Thank you, Nicole, for sharing part of your story, you give me hope and faith that maybe one day God will grant me the opportunity to give someone a family, a home and all my love to give and share..

This book was everything. Brace yourselves because this will probably be a long rambling gushy review and I make no apologies about that!
I finally read my first Nicole Deese book a little over a year ago and fell in love. I promptly got my hands on all of her other books and basically binge read them loving each and every one. But this one tops them all I think, her best work yet! The author’s heart shined through every page and gifted us such an authentically real story that captured my heart from start to finish! I could feel every emotion, every battle to make the right choice, every hard moment, and every happy one. It was all so real and several times I had to set the book down just to catch my breath because I was feeling everything with the characters.
I understood Lauren and her motivations so well and I was right there with her as she wrestled with the hard decisions, not knowing what was good and what was best. I loved her heart for children, a heart that I share, and the selfless way she gave of herself day in and day out to make a difference in the lives of children. Her courage to take the hard steps God was calling her to was inspiring and I loved how she trusted Him.
And now, Joshua Avery. It’s a miracle I made it this far without mentioning him because let’s be honest he is one of the most amazing heroes I’ve ever met in the fiction world. I may or may not have contemplated figuring out a way to make him a real person so I could have him all to myself-lol! But I will have to content myself with just reading about him in the fictional world. From the moment he showed up on the page doing a dinosaur impression for his students I think I fell in love and then he just kept being amazing over and over again! From the way he was with kids, to the gentle way he befriended Lauren never pushing beyond the boundaries she set but always being there, to his interactions with his family, to his adorable obsession with dinosaurs. It all came together in an endearingly wonderful hero and he is definitely book boyfriend material! His name was even perfect and completely matched his personality!
I loved the easy way Joshua and Lauren connected. From their very first meeting you could see the spark and their friendship that blossomed to more was just perfectly sweet!
I also really liked the spotlight on adoption in this book, especially knowing it came from the author’s own experience. Every part of the journey was authentically written from the hard to the good to the in between!
Basically this book was an impeccable work of art that I won’t soon forget and can confidently recommend to everyone! It’s going to be on my favorites list and you need to get yourself a copy so that it can be on yours too!