OH. MY. WORD.
The last time I was this in love with a book was… The Lady and the Lionheart in early 2019.
Before I Called You Mine was precious.
I have to say I have no idea where I got this book. It came in the mail last month and I didn’t really spend very much time looking at it, although the cover is gorgeous.
I cannot find the email where I signed up for it, nor the email reminder to post the review! I never permanently delete my emails so I have no idea where it is, but I’M SO THANKFUL FOR THIS BOOK.
First, it’s squeaky clean. There are a couple of kisses towards the 3/4 of the book, but they’re sweet and precious and they didn’t bother me XD.
The romance in this book is so so well done. It’s one of the bigger parts of the plotline, but it’s a clean, sweet, slow-burning romance that is so BELIEVEABLE and I loved falling for Joshua with Lauren.
The adoption thread was heart-rending. I loved it so much. Lauren’s adoptive journey is the main plotline in the book and I love how realistically it was written. I love that the author had been through an adoption journey before and knew how to write a story without the romanticized glasses of adoption, while still weaving the thread of love and motherhood into every page!
Smooshed together, the plot was so perfectly paced and ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! I was so in love. The writing was well done. I felt the depth of every emotion, the joy and the utter heartbreak. And the nostalgic holiday spirit, and tension in the Bailey family was tangible. I enjoyed reading it so much!
Joshua Avery is the impersonation of a perfect guy. I’m not even going to describe him because there’s no way I will do him justice. But his heart and quirks and his selflessness in giving Lauren the time and space and never pushing her to do anything and his constant support was a HEARTTHROB. His support of her adoptive journey and support of Lauren as a PERSON was so precious. I loved this character so much.
If you don’t mind reading a bit of clean romance in your books, I HIGHLY recommend Before I Called You Mine! I’m so so happy that I got this book as a review copy rather than the library and having to budget to get it on my own bookshelf as soon as possible.
Speaking of which, isn’t that cover just gorgeous?
As you can tell this is my top read of 2020 so far. XD Add it to your Goodreads TBR right now!
Age rec is about 16 and up just because of the romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, a positive review was not required. All words in this review are my own! You can purchase your own copy here on Amazon!
Great review!
I LOVE BEFORE I CALLED YOU MINE! It was so good!