Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese

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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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.