Once I get started with a good book, I have a hard time putting it down. A good story will keep me engrossed and I end up reading all day long. That is what happened when I picked up the new book by Kim Vogel Sawyer that I was asked to review. Once I got into it, I read the whole book in one day.
What Once Was Lost
By: award winning author, Kim Vogel Sawyer
Publish date: September, 2013
Publisher: WaterBrook Multnomah, a Division of Random House
A small Kansas farm is the setting as Christina Willems lovingly shepherds a group of poor and displaced individuals, who count on her leadership and have come to see the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor as their home. But when a fire breaks out in the kitchen leaving the house inhabitable, she must scramble to find shelter for all in her care, scattering her dear “family.”
With no other options, Christina is forced to approach Levi Jonnson, a reclusive mill owner, to take in a young blind boy named Tommy Kilgore. Levi agrees with reluctance but finds himself surprised by the bond that quickly grows between he and Tommy.
Christina begins to question her leadership ability, when obstacles pile up against her repairing the farm, wondering if she can fulfill the mission to which she’s dedicated her life. And when an old adversary challenges Christina, will she find an unlikely ally—or more—in the aloof Levi? Will Levi reconcile with the rejection that led to his hermit-like existence and open his heart and life to something more, especially a relationship with a loving God?
My Thoughts:
What Once Was Lost is a not a typical book that I would normally pick up, but I am so glad that I did. This book is set in the past, back when women were not normally allowed to be in positions of leadership and power. Christina is a Christian that was born to serve. She was raised in a home that was dedicated to serving those less fortunate and when her father died , she took on the responsibilities of a group home that shelters many different types of people.
The author has created Christina to be a very strong, take charge woman in a time when woman were expected to be just a wife and mother. Christina is a caretaker and parent figure to many of her charges, from children to adults. The story takes you though the many trials and tribulations that the residents and Christina have to figure out. The main character always leans to the Lord for her strength and guidance for her and those in her care. She teaches them to believe that things will always be fine no matter how many issues are at hand. There are many issues and problems that Christina has to deal with. She handles them all with grace and dignity; in many cases, I would have a hard time dealing with what she does.
This book is a wonderful read that has lovely characters along with some twists, turns and suspense plus there is even a hint of love wrapped in. I enjoyed the authors style of writing . It is a very easy read and I would love to check out more of the authors books. This is a great book for a weekend read. Keep an eye out for it!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
This does seem like a great read. I too, when I become engrossed in a book I will not want to put it down until I have finished it. I would enjoy followng how Christina overcome the obstacles. This book sounds both interesting and uplifting.
Christina sounds like a strong, compassionate woman. On a mission and wanting to accomplish her goal to help her “family.” While not traditional “family” for those times, it sounds like she has mothering, caring instincts. An emotional journey!