E. Dees

I saw the beauty of the cover. The adorable name. The pretty flowers. Then I scrolled down to the blurb... My, oh, my!

I was in love! The sweetness of the story drew me in and that was just from the description.

Starting to read Before I Called You Mine I was pulled into the bound up bit of heartbreak and love, being my first book from Nicole Deese I was not sure what I would find. I fell in love with the way she showed a character who was not perfect and she wasn't boring, I was somewhat worried that Lauren would be a dull and maybe cliche character but I couldn't have been more wrong!

With so many feelings, so many emotions, and just so much heart clinching love, I adored every minute reading Before I Called You Mine, and the adoption journey! I have not gone through anything like what Lauren went through but that didn't stop me from feeling like I was right there beside her, the imagery was incredible, the way Deese pulled you into her carefully woven literary artwork was a delight to behold.

Joshua … He is a sweetheart! He reminded me of my brother, really, the dinosaur love, the care of others, and just his sweetheartness. I loved his character, I did at times wish we saw his thoughts but it was all right.

The arc of Lauren and Joshua's relationship and characters were done in a slow, subtle way that made them feel even more real.

Now, Jenna, she was interesting! I loved how she was like another part of our heroine and they were so hilarious at times. She and Brian were such a cute addition, I loved their support of Lauren and how they added to the story.

I am not saying that this book wasn't painful at times … It was! And though I can't say what happened it nearly had me in tears, so saddening and yet it made the story even more real and raw!

The whole of this book was wonderful and I loved how everything made a good plotline, everything Lauren did somehow reflecting the love she had for her future child and how she loved them already.

I cannot wait to see what Nicole Deese writes next, I am so glad she wrote this book, and that I read it!

Nicole Deese's passion for adoption shone through every word, giving readers a bit of passion too.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
… (lisätietoja)

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!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org… (lisätietoja)

LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Lauren Bailey has not had much luck in the love department, but that does not stop her from pursuing her calling to adopt. But of course, it cannot be that simple. Now that she is on the cusp of becoming a mother, she meets the man that seems just perfect for her, Joshua Avery. Lauren must decide two possible futures; unfortunately, it seems that either decision will leave her heart broken.

More than once, I wondered where exactly Before I Called You was taking me—but I should have just trusted that Nicole Deese knows what she is doing. Her novel intertwines a love story with themes of family, unfulfilled desires, and trusting in God’s plans (no matter what!). It is complicated and heartbreaking (I teared up more than once), while also feeling so full of heart and life and hope. I just loved this book so much. Highly, highly, highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.… (lisätietoja)