About the Book

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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In My Opinion

A hero with a great sense of humor, a heart for kids, and patience and understanding that goes beyond the norm. I am smitten with Joshua Avery. If ever there was a person to stand beside Lauren through some of her deepest hurts, it’s this man.

In Before I Called You Mine, Nicole Deese presents a hero who as close to perfect as they come. Or maybe he’s just the perfect one for Lauren. A woman who has had one dream and who has that dream shatter all around her.

A week after finishing this book, I am still thinking about it. About how God can take our greatest sacrifice—one we don’t believe we can survive making—and turn it into a bigger blessing than we ever imagined. Deese doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to wringing out her readers’ emotions in this story, but that’s what makes it a book that sticks with you long after the end.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.