Before I Called You Mine: A Heartfelt Journey of Love and Sacrifice
When I first picked up Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese, I’ll admit—my expectations were low. I have always had a somewhat cringe-worthy idea of contemporary romance, often envisioning a string of clichés and unrealistic plots. But wow, did this book flip my assumptions upside down! From its nuanced exploration of family to its richly developed characters, I found myself delightfully immersed in Lauren’s world.
Characters That Resonate
At the heart of the story is Lauren, a school teacher whose journey to adopt a child as a single woman is both inspiring and challenging. Lauren felt incredibly relatable; she navigates her hopes, fears, and the rawness of life with such authenticity. I could see her failing, crying, laughing—she was a mirror of our own struggles and triumphs. Then there’s Joshua Avery, her love interest. Oh, how can I describe him? He’s the nerdy yet perfect boyfriend who brought genuine support and understanding to their relationship. He’s never the source of unnecessary drama, which is a refreshing contrast to the typical romance tropes that often include improbable spats. His absence of a POV made him all the more enigmatic and charming. It’s a delicate balance to craft a character that feels so near-perfect yet believable, but Deese manages it beautifully.
Engaging Plot With Depth
The plot centers around Lauren’s desire to adopt, a premise that sparked some internal conflict for me. I wrestled with the idea of single parenthood, as I believe families should ideally consist of two parents. That said, I was reminded that there are beautiful souls waiting for love, and a loving single parent is undeniably better than the alternative. Deese navigates this sensitive topic well, infusing the narrative with real-life struggles that keep the momentum flowing without dragging.
The romance is tastefully done—just a few kisses and cozy moments, which is a breath of fresh air. While I did notice one cuss word that had been cut off—an unnecessary choice that caught me off guard—the overall writing style made me feel present in each scene. Deese’s attention to detail creates a life-like quality that envelops you in the story.
Themes of Love and Faith
Family stands out as a central theme, capturing the essence of maternal love and sacrifice. I was captivated by Lauren’s commitment to her future daughter, highlighting her willingness to face struggles for the sake of love. Although expressions of faith permeate the story, including references to church and the divine, they sometimes felt less direct. A firmer Gospel message would have enhanced the experience, but Gail’s reflections on waiting and trusting God’s plan were moments of grace.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Before I Called You Mine is a gem in contemporary romance literature. It’s perfect for readers seeking a heartfelt story rich with real-life struggles and emotional depth. If you’re a fan of authentic characters navigating complex journeys, this book will surely resonate with you, as it did with me. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for Nicole Deese’s future works, curious to see how she continues to explore the beautiful messiness of love and life. If nothing else, this book reminded me why I shouldn’t shy away from contemporary romance—it can be so much more than I once thought. Happy reading!
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