Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese

Make sure you have a box if tissues nearby when you finish this novel. You'll need them. Deese has crafted a story that grabbed me from the beginning and never let go. I was right there with Lauren, an excellent and much loved first grade teacher who had the desire to adopt internationally. I was side by side with Joshua, the goofy tech wiz who was substitute teaching across the hall and struck by Lauren the first time he saw her. My heart broke right along with theirs when . . . well, you have to read the book.

I really liked this novel. It was very well plotted. The character development was superb. And it dealt with a number of heart wrenching topics. One is adoption, the waiting, the disappointments, the not knowing. Another issue was family relationships. Lauren was the only Christian in her family and it made for a great deal of misunderstanding and heart ache.

The romance was so well done. The devotion and the willingness to sacrifice for another person's happiness tugged at my heart. I found myself cheering for both Lauren and Joshua, just hoping they could work out all the obstacles.

The only defect in this book is that there are no discussion questions included. It would make a wonderful book club selection but you'd be on your own for discussion. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this well crafted heart tugging novel.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

Nicole Deese has written ten novels, including the 2017 Carol Award-winning A Season of Love. Her 2018 release, A New Shade of Summer, was a finalist in the RITA Awards, Carol Awards, and INSPY Awards. Both of these books are from her bestselling Love in Lenox series. She lives in small-town Idaho with her husband, two rambunctious sons, and a princess daughter. You can find out more at www.nicoledeese.com. Photo: Rayla Kay Photography.

Bethany House Publishers, 368 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)