Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese

Book Synopsis

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. 

My thoughts:

Nicole Deese is a new to me author but I can tell she is one terrific storyteller as evidenced by the story she tells in Before I called you mine.  She touched this readers heart with Lauren Bailey and Joshua Avery.  At times heartbreaking and other times heartwarming, I adored everything about this contemporary romance.

There is a just of humor provided by substitute teacher Joshua and the more strait-laced teacher Lauren.  The premise of the story is fantastic as Lauren is in the process of adopting a child and trying to refrain from a romantic relationship, which the latter is proving difficult with working with the charming Joshua.

Overall, I thought this was a perfect read to while away the hours.  The pace was just right, the storyline held my interest throughout and I love the secondary characters as much as the main characters.  This is a must read and a definite keeper.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.