Before I Called You Mine | Book Review
This book was my quarantine light reading in March, and it was exactly what I needed to relax and take my mind off of things.
Back Cover
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
Before I Called You Mine is clever (a big must for me), amusing and heartwarming. It combines the world of first-grade classrooms with the poignant journey of international adoption.
"An invisible red thread connects those destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break." - Ancient Chinese Proverb
For me to approve of a book or movie, great storylines aren't enough -- I have to fall in love with the characters. Are you that way? (Please say yes!)
Lauren's heart for adoption and her unique plight gripped me from the first page. Joshua is unforgettable, with his dino t-shirts and his blend of easy charm and wisdom. Their relationship is mature and adorable, and the way Joshua pursued her so relentlessly was perfect. He knows how to win over a woman!
I appreciated the realism of Lauren's difficult family relationships, and the contrast between her family and Joshua's. The evolution of Lauren's relationships, both with her mother and sister and as she came to know Joshua's family, were wonderfully written. And the adoption storyline... not gonna spoil it for y'all, but man, is it a tearjerker!
Definitely a 5 star review! If you're looking for a darling story with All The Feels, stick this one in your online shopping cart. You won't regret it. Let me know if it makes it onto your quarantine reading list!
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*I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was happy to provide my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to give a positive review.*