I wasn't prepared for how this book would effect me emotionally. It both warmed and broke my heart. I smiled and cried. My heart ached for these characters and squeezed with hope for them. It was a beautiful story and ended with goosebumps and a happy heart. I would have loved an epilogue though!

This book was beyond amazing. I’m having difficulties putting it into words. These characters touches my heart ♥️ in a way I can’t explain. Author Nicole Deese has never been one to shy away from real-life experiences and this book does the same. I love this book and it’s made it in my top 10 reads of 2020.

Oh my. Before I Called You Mine was such an emotional read. You could feel for the heroine and her struggles with wanting to adopt...and all the complications that come with that. One moment in particular (which I won't go into detail about) had me aching for her.

I loved Joshua. Talk about an understanding hero. He was there for Lauren when she needed and seemed to know what to do/say.

All in all, Before I Called You Mine was very good and I recommend it!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Nicole Deese has written a beautiful and touching story about one woman's adoption journey. Based on the author's dedication and "Author's Note" at the end of the book this book is very personal. I hope you will check it out.

When first grade teacher Lauren Bailey meets the dinosaur loving uber-creative substitute-who-is-actually-a-tech-developer Joshua Avery, she forgets for a minute that she is currently remaining single for a very good reason: to remain eligible to adopt internationally from China. This book follows her journey through many ups and downs as she navigates not only the adoption process, but learns how to trust God more deeply.

As I didn't know a ton about the specifics of adoption this book was very interesting. Adding in the many different elements that I don't find to be typical for this genre turned it into a home run. For example, Lauren's family relationships can best be described as strained; Joshua's dad was her inspiration for teaching and the fangirl parts are especially fun; the patience of Joshua is amazing - and everything is woven together in a unique, touching, and amusing way. There are some good LOL moments. It did not end how I expected and I liked it. It did not evolve as I anticipated either, but I liked that too. If you are looking for a well-written and unique topic book this will be a home run for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Waiting. I think that is what a lot of us are doing right now. The situation might look different for you than for me. Maybe you're stuck inside your home right now due to the coronavirus. Maybe you're waiting for travel restrictions to be lifted to take that amazing vacation you've been planning. Maybe you are just waiting to get through college so you can go find your dream job. Whatever the waiting is for, waiting is hard. I think I've shared in a previous post that my husband and I are trying to adopt. We have filled out tons of paperwork and passed our home study. Now we are just waiting. Waiting to receive the call that a child has been found for us. Sometimes, it seems that we will forever be in this stage of waiting, but God keeps reminding me that He will give us the right child he has for us, at the right time. I love this quote from Before I Called  You Mine by Nicole Deese because it is such a good reminder that God has a purpose for making us wait.

"Listen to me. Right now your child is sitting across the world in an orphanage, waiting for you, to. You may not know your child's name yet or what their face looks like when they laugh or cry, but God has already gone before you in this. He's already connected your heart to theirs in a way only He can. I know the wait can feel excruciating while on this side of things, but it's not in vain. There is purpose in the waiting"

So, whatever you may be waiting for, know that God does have a purpose for you and his plan is so much better than ours can ever be. And while you're waiting, if you want a good book to encourage and distract you, I highly recommend this one. :)

I loved this book, and it has probably become my new favorite book. I think the best word to describe it would be emotional.  I cried all the way through it. I really felt that I was going through the adoption with Lauren. Probably because in a way I am. Some things look different for me because we are doing a domestic adoption and she was doing an international adoption, but the emotions surrounding the adoption were the same. I cried because I was sad, happy, and just emotional with Lauren. I also laughed a lot because there was always humor at just the right places. I highly recommend Before I Called You Mine for anyone who enjoys contemporary romantic fiction or books that include adoption. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“We aren’t powerful enough to mess up God’s plan. Can we deny it? Yes. Can we delay it while we chase our own way? Absolutely. But sometimes our character needs time to catch up to our calling.”

This story had me feeling all the feels! I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster ride with Lauren, through the anticipation, excitement, and heartbreak she felt during her adoption journey. Ms. Deese did such a great job of introducing us to the characters, slowly letting us see more of their motivations and hearts, making them deeply engaging and relatable.

Joshua was such a swoon-worthy hero - seemingly a perfect match for Lauren, except for the timing of when they met, making her question God’s calling on her life. I loved that the story centered on adoption; that’s such an important topic to see portrayed realistically, especially in faith circles. It all added up to an engaging, impactful story that I finished the book in 48 hours; I just had to know what would happen! This was the first book of Nicole Deese’s I’ve read, but it definitely won’t be the last.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I've never read a book by Nicole Deese. I enjoyed this book, but I honestly didn't know that it was Christian Fiction, which I thought was a little misleading. I don't usually read Christian Fiction books., but liked the change. If I had known the genre before reading it I probably wouldn't have picked it up. Working in a library there are many people who would enjoy this and I look forward to recommending it.

The characters in the book are so likable and you fall in love with them while they are falling in love. It's the type of romance where no one does anything wrong, but their timing sucks.

For me I had a hard time putting this book down at first but as I was reading it , the farther that you get into it the more religion focused in gets and that kept distracting me while I was reading.
I think its a great book and wonderful, interesting story line but it wasn't something that I continued to think about after i finished. ,

I don't often read fiction that I consider to be life-changing. But I think that reading Before Called You Mine truly changed something in me. It's a powerful story and I read most of it through misty eyes!

It's been five years since Lauren Bailey made her decision to pursue single motherhood through adoption. She's committed to remain single for at least two years after she brings her child home from China. It doesn't seem to be a problem since eligible men aren't beating on her door.

But just as Lauren's dream is about to come true, Joshua Avery walks into her life. He's everything she could want in her future...but she can't have him. She has no idea what God's plan could be, and will she be strong enough to wait for Him?

Ya'll, Before I Called You Mine is totally different from anything I've read before. It had me from the very first page, all the way to the end. Adoption is such a beautiful thing, and I loved seeing it from this viewpoint.

There was no way for me to guess what was going to happen as I read this book. There were so many moments that left me feeling weepy, and sometimes downright bawling!

My favorite part of this book was the message of God's plan for each of us. We can never know what it is, but we must trust His is better than ours.

I suppose this is classified as a romance, but I think it's much more than that. It's a beautiful story of strength and trust.

I've watched a few adoption stories take place on social media over the last couple of years. We always love to see the beauty of a family brought together by adoption. But most of us will never know the pain behind their smiles.

This is worth the read just to better understand the sacrifices of families who adopt. But Lauren and Joshua's story is so special, too.

This is an amazing debut novel. I cannot wait to read more from Nicole in the future!

This book took a religious turn for me. Not my cup of tea. I couldn’t finish this. It’s just not something that interests me.

Such a beautiful love story with Christian faith intertwined. A very clean, inspirational romance between two very likeable characters. You will find yourself giggling and, then getting teary eyed.
I highly recommend you read Before I Called You Mine by author Nicole Deere.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed Before I Called You Mine. I had not read a book by Nicole Deese before this but I am so glad I did. The adoption story hit close to home for me and she handled it beautifully.

The love story is really sweetly done. We don't really get much of a physical description of Lauren. We know she is blond and something about her touched Joshua when he first met her but we don't really find that out until later. They're coming together is gently done and Joshua is just so wonderful. Reminds me a lot of my husband actually. No pressure and he is there when she needs him.

The adoption story is familiar and is not. Our own adoption story happened locally and my precious daughter was a baby when we met. I didn't have months to imagine her and prepare. I had a few hours. But love was instant and forever.

I look forward to more from Nicole Deese.

Lauren Bailey . . . a single gal who has a heart for the hurting and the broken.
Aria, a sweet, adorable child.
Joshua Avery -- possibly the worlds most creative teacher.

These people's lives collide in a beautiful, wonderful way, and they each learn so much through the others.

To be honest, I read the description of this book and wondered how it would be. I mean, a single girl adopting a child? Hmm . . . interesting. A possible romance? Well . . .

And then I read a review on it and decided that yes! it sounded wonderful, and I *needed* to read it. And I did. And boy, oh boy . . . was it ever good!

I really did enjoy this one. It was unique, in that many books I've read on adoption are families, not necessarily single ladies. And it was fun, because Joshua was in it, and he's pretty much a hoot. And then it was heart wrenching, because there are so many emotions tied into adoption.

This was a book that was truly written from the heart about adoption. I've walked with friends through this process, and I've seen them struggle with some of these same emotions, and that was one thing that made this book so sweet.

Watching Lauren struggle and learn and grow through the road of adoption was amazingly sweet, and I may or may not have teared up a time or two =)

There *was* light romance in this one. There were a few mildly detailed kisses -- hence the four star rating, and not the five star. I am very thankful to NetGalley for gifting me a copy to read!

We may be only a couple of months into the year, but I can still wholeheartedly proclaim that Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese is going to end up being one of the best books I read the entire year. This beautiful story captivated me right from the start, and shattered my heart into a million tiny pieces. I know this story is going to stick with me for quite some time, and if you only have time to read a few books this year, then I can't possibly recommend enough that this be one of them.

I think readers everywhere are going to be able to sympathize with Lauren Bailey's story. While not everyone may have felt the call to internationally adopt a child, I'm pretty sure at one point or another, we've all felt called to do something from God. Lauren's story is the perfect illustration of the honest truth that following a call from our Heavenly Father is never guaranteed to be easy, but it's worth every hardship encountered along the way. For Lauren, trusting God during one of the hardest decisions of her life is challenging, but she can't deny His continued guidance towards the decision she knows she has to make.

Before I Called You Mine is truly a literary wonder. The story is heart wrenching, the writing is beautiful, and I honestly lost track of just how many passages throughout I ended up highlighting to save for later. I loved the emphasis on how family isn't just blood relations, and Lauren's support group ends up including many amazing people who've basically become part of her family in the process. I also have to say that I don't think there's a woman out there who's going to be able to pick up this book and not fall head over heals for Joshua Avery in the process. He's truly the most amazing book hero I've ever had the pleasure of reading about, and him and Lauren are now my number one book couple of all time. I love reading about healthy relationships where the couple is completely devoted to following His master plan for their lives, and Nicole Deese is a true mastermind at writing these kind of relationships.

I don't truly remember the last time a book impacted me as much as this one did, and I truly loved it from start to finish. I loved the emphasis on heavier topics, but also the fact that there were many humorous moments included without that I believe will have even the most cynical of readers cracking a smile at. I honestly can't recommend this heartwarming story enough, and it gets a perfect five star rating from me.

Thanks so much to Bethany House and NetGalley for the opportunity to advance read this!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wow. This book really tugged at my heart. Lauren's struggles--her desire to be a mother through adoption and fulfill her mission from God, her shaky relationship with her family, her instant connection with Joshua at what seems to be totally the wrong time, and her confusion about why her efforts to follow God's plan don't seem to be panning out--were so realistically written. I could really feel her heart as I read. There were such hopeful moments and such heartbreaking moments that I really wasn't sure how things were going to play out--but I love how they did play out (although I would have liked an epilogue with a scene a year or two in the future). While Lauren was dealing with heavy stuff, Joshua was such a breath of fresh air. He was just so funny and charming and the perfect male lead for this book.' This was just such an enjoyable book to read!
4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was a beautiful book, a truly heartwarming story and I'm still thinking about it.

Lauren is a teacher with an enormous love for kids and that brings her to a path of International adoption. But then she runs to a complication, the fascinating substitute teacher in her school, Joshua.

Loved these two characters and the relationship they were forming. Lauren was an amazing and so well developed heroine, I could just feel her struggles as she tried to make the right decision. Joshua, well Joshua can be easily described as the most precious and perfect hero I've read about in a while. Honestly I want to marry him,

This book made me cry, it made me laugh. I felt for the characters, I cheered for them with every page. The writing was beautiful and the plot was solid with highly likeable realistic characters dealing with raw and real life struggles that will break your heart and then glue it back together.

This was my first book by this author but definitely not my last. I'm adding her books to my list.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is filled with humor, laughter and some tears. It approaches a subject that not everyone is familiar - adoption by a Single adult. Her journey is filled with faithful friends that support her and some difficult decisions. This is my first book by this author....I will be reading more!

I was provided an ebook for the launch team of this book but the comments are mine - I highly recommend this Christian Fiction for all ages.

What an amazing book! It was a very touching topic and the story has all the emotions! The characters are stellar! This is a book you won't want to miss and yes, it is that good!

I loved the Christian values and the fact the God plays an important part in this book. And I love that so much. But things are definitely not "perfect" in the lives of those in the book with some unhappy moments. Drama, a nice romance, and tender times. They are all there.

The adoption part of the book touched me and rang true, with the trials that go along with the processes. This is a must read. Purely wonderful!

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

This book drew me in from the first paragraph. I loved that Lauren's first glimpse of Joshua is of him pretending to be a dinosaur with his shirt pulled over his head. That scene made me fall in love with Joshua (and the book).

I loved that both characters were unique in their personalities and their interests. This is not your cookie cutter romance. The adoption theme was well woven through the entire story and will, I think, really speak to those that have gone down that path.

Before I Called You Mine had all the feels for me and will recommend it to my friends. A great clean love story with a happy ever after ending!

Before I Called You Mine is a emotional filled story. I love it and it will always have a special place in my heart.
I will start this review by saying that I'm not religious in any way, but I respect other people's faith and in this book it was portrayed so beautifully.
The characters felt so real, like I was right there with them, in this incredible journey. Lauren is such a strong woman and her choices made me so happy. She cares so much about the others. And Joshua, oh my. He's incredible and supportive and their relationship was based on love and respect for each other. They have the connection that some romance that I read don't have.
I would happily read a sequel to this book.
4,5 ⭐
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a n advance copy to review.

Get your tissues handy, because when you read Before I Called You Mine, you are going to need them. This story was absolutely beautiful!

In this story, we meet Lauren- a teacher who had been waiting in the adoption process to adopt a child from China as a single mom. And when it seems like she's so close to that dream that she'd felt God leading her to, her world is turned around when she meets Joshua--- the sub across the hall and the perfect romance novel hero. Truly, I can't imagine anyone not falling in love with this amazing character (and his family too).

This story truly touched me to my very core. While I have absolutely zero experience with adoption... I felt this story very much like I was in Lauren's shoes. This was in large part of course to the beautiful storytelling. You could certainly tell that the author had personal experience with this topic and that shined through and really made it more genuine. She drew us in and made us think about what we might do in Lauren's shoes. Beyond that though, haven't we all faced similar scenarios. No, perhaps not adoption... but most of us have likely had the experience where the plans that we had for our lives- plans that we thought were part of God's plans- seem to fall completely apart leaving us confused and heartbroken. I am going through this type of experience right now in the aftermath of losing a baby, and perhaps that also is why I so strongly felt for Lauren's character and why I think so many will love her story too. It's a beautiful story of God's amazing plans for us...and in His perfect timing too... all wrapped up in a beautiful romance that I couldn't get enough of.

If you love Christian romance, this is one book that you'll want to add to your TBR right away. It will pull at your heartstrings, make you think...and yes, even make you laugh a little too. This as the first book I've read from this author... and wow, what an introduction! I will certainly be looking for more in the future!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.