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What Once Was Lost #1
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A woman meant to serve, a child in the dark, a man standing apart—can these three souls embrace a God with new plans for them?
On a small Kansas farm, 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 him and Tommy. As obstacles to repairing the farm pile up against Christina, she begins to question her leadership ability and wonders 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? Can 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?
On a small Kansas farm, 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 him and Tommy. As obstacles to repairing the farm pile up against Christina, she begins to question her leadership ability and wonders 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? Can 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?
476 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2013
58 people are currently reading
1081 people want to read
About the author
Kim Vogel Sawyer
82 books1,212 followersAward-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher that someday people would check out her book in the library. The little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer's Return. Kim's titles now exceed 1.5 million copies and are available in six different languages. A former elementary school teacher, she now enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Kim's passion lies in writing stories that point the reader to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. When Kim isn't writing, you'll find her traveling with her retired military hubby, spoiling her granddarlings, petting the cats, quilting, or--as time allows--participating in community theater. You can learn more about Kim's writing and speaking ministries at her website, KimVogelSawyer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
March 13, 2019
A beautiful story! I feel like I say “wow” every time I read a Kim Vogel Sawyer book, but I guess that’s why she’s one of my top favorite authors! This is a very special story about a young woman who runs a poor farm and a secluded man who owns a mill, with a few important others along the way. Definitely recommended!
February 15, 2017
A fire destroys the kitchen of Brambleville, Kansas’ poor farm house, displacing Christina Willems and her charges. The townsfolk open their doors to provide refuge for each one—except young Tommy Kilgore, a blind boy. Christina wonders, “Why did people find it so easy to turn him away?” (page 12) As a last resort, she approaches the town hermit about harboring the boy until she can get the poor farm house repaired.
Levi Jonnson doubts the woman’s claim that the inconvenience will be temporary, but he begrudgingly agrees to give sanctuary to the youngster. How is he to know this one decision will change his life forever?
Will an adversary from Christina’s past stir up enough trouble to permanently discourage her? Will the mission board provide the funds needed to rebuild her beloved home? Will Levi hold onto the reasons he became a hermit and refuse to open his heart to the little boy now in his care? When trials of great magnitude block Christina’s path, will she have the courage to embrace help, or will she tighten her grasp on her independence?
These and many other questions plagued my mind as I read What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer. By the end of the book, I had laughed and cried and felt my heart lifted up in gratitude. There’s nothing quite like reading about someone’s sorrows to make you count your blessings and thank God for them. (I do this anyway, but I found myself praising God for His kindnesses a lot more while reading my advanced reader copy of Kim’s latest book.) Such poignant writing that tugs the heartstrings book after book is difficult to find, but this author delivers! I’ve loved her books since I first read My Heart Remembers many years ago, but her last two books (Sweet Sanctuary and What Once Was Lost) have proven (again) to me that Kim Vogel Sawyer is at top form, writing books that will forever have a place on my book shelves.
Particularly, I was quite impressed with her descriptions while in Tommy Kilgore’s point of view. Her vivid use of the boy’s senses—with the exception of sight, since the boy is blind—made me want to close my eyes to fully experience Tommy’s world. Of course, when I did that, I couldn’t keep reading! A conundrum like that I’d gladly face with a great book like this one.
If you’ve never read one of Kim Vogel Sawyer’s books, What Once Was Lost is a fabulous one to begin with. There is also a prequel entitled The Grace That Leads Us Home that is available only on eReaders. You won’t want to miss that either!
Thank you, Kim, for selecting me as a member of your Hope Harbingers influencer team. I appreciate the advanced reader copy of What Once Was Lost and the fellowship with you and the other members of Hope Harbingers. Blessings to you all!
Levi Jonnson doubts the woman’s claim that the inconvenience will be temporary, but he begrudgingly agrees to give sanctuary to the youngster. How is he to know this one decision will change his life forever?
Will an adversary from Christina’s past stir up enough trouble to permanently discourage her? Will the mission board provide the funds needed to rebuild her beloved home? Will Levi hold onto the reasons he became a hermit and refuse to open his heart to the little boy now in his care? When trials of great magnitude block Christina’s path, will she have the courage to embrace help, or will she tighten her grasp on her independence?
These and many other questions plagued my mind as I read What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer. By the end of the book, I had laughed and cried and felt my heart lifted up in gratitude. There’s nothing quite like reading about someone’s sorrows to make you count your blessings and thank God for them. (I do this anyway, but I found myself praising God for His kindnesses a lot more while reading my advanced reader copy of Kim’s latest book.) Such poignant writing that tugs the heartstrings book after book is difficult to find, but this author delivers! I’ve loved her books since I first read My Heart Remembers many years ago, but her last two books (Sweet Sanctuary and What Once Was Lost) have proven (again) to me that Kim Vogel Sawyer is at top form, writing books that will forever have a place on my book shelves.
Particularly, I was quite impressed with her descriptions while in Tommy Kilgore’s point of view. Her vivid use of the boy’s senses—with the exception of sight, since the boy is blind—made me want to close my eyes to fully experience Tommy’s world. Of course, when I did that, I couldn’t keep reading! A conundrum like that I’d gladly face with a great book like this one.
If you’ve never read one of Kim Vogel Sawyer’s books, What Once Was Lost is a fabulous one to begin with. There is also a prequel entitled The Grace That Leads Us Home that is available only on eReaders. You won’t want to miss that either!
Thank you, Kim, for selecting me as a member of your Hope Harbingers influencer team. I appreciate the advanced reader copy of What Once Was Lost and the fellowship with you and the other members of Hope Harbingers. Blessings to you all!
February 26, 2014
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Author's Bio
Christina's parents ran a charitable poor farm until their deaths, and now the responsibility falls to Christina herself, a young woman who harbors a deep compassion for the downtrodden. When a fire displaces Christina and the poor farm tenants, she struggles to find places for her little family, at least until the mission board sends the funds to rebuilt. Little Tommy is the hardest one to place, since his blindness makes him a perceived liability around the house, but she finally settles him with a loner who lives on the outskirts of town, Levi Jonnson. The man runs a lumber mill, and is gruff in his ways, but she is left with no alternative. Surprisingly young Tommy takes to Levi almost immediately, and now all Christina must do is wait for the mission board to send funds. Except that they haven't done so, and now her tenants are slowly finding other positions in life. Is it just possible that God has a plan for her life that is apart from her own goals? Can she let the poor farm tenants go, releasing them into new life experiences and options? Only Christina knows for sure whether she is capable of letting go of the past and looking to the future.
Kim Vogel Sawyer is a staunch Christian author whose presence has been felt in the Christian fiction community since 2006. She implements faith elements into her novels and What Once Was Lost is no exception. Christina is a young woman of strong moral character and a passionate belief in God. The secondary characters, especially the ones from the poor farm, are equally as dedicated to their faith, and that leaves only Levi who comes to the Lord slowly. Ms. Sawyer surprised me by including an unmarried pregnancy since that can be a touchy subject in Christian fiction, but she handled the topic well.
I wish I had liked this book, but I just could not get into either the story or the characters. I never connected with either Christina or Levi and I found the romance to be exceptionally sappy and predictable. I'm sure that I'm in the minority in this, it's just that I literally despise lines like, "And my heart leaped like a nimble deer" when describing a woman's response to a man's entrance into a room. No, it just did not work for me, at all. No doubt there are plenty of fans out there who love Ms. Sawyer's books, and a part of me is sorry that I won't be joining their ranks, but the book did not work for me. I wish her the best in her future ventures, and with the audience she attracts.
- I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
Author's Bio
Christina's parents ran a charitable poor farm until their deaths, and now the responsibility falls to Christina herself, a young woman who harbors a deep compassion for the downtrodden. When a fire displaces Christina and the poor farm tenants, she struggles to find places for her little family, at least until the mission board sends the funds to rebuilt. Little Tommy is the hardest one to place, since his blindness makes him a perceived liability around the house, but she finally settles him with a loner who lives on the outskirts of town, Levi Jonnson. The man runs a lumber mill, and is gruff in his ways, but she is left with no alternative. Surprisingly young Tommy takes to Levi almost immediately, and now all Christina must do is wait for the mission board to send funds. Except that they haven't done so, and now her tenants are slowly finding other positions in life. Is it just possible that God has a plan for her life that is apart from her own goals? Can she let the poor farm tenants go, releasing them into new life experiences and options? Only Christina knows for sure whether she is capable of letting go of the past and looking to the future.
Kim Vogel Sawyer is a staunch Christian author whose presence has been felt in the Christian fiction community since 2006. She implements faith elements into her novels and What Once Was Lost is no exception. Christina is a young woman of strong moral character and a passionate belief in God. The secondary characters, especially the ones from the poor farm, are equally as dedicated to their faith, and that leaves only Levi who comes to the Lord slowly. Ms. Sawyer surprised me by including an unmarried pregnancy since that can be a touchy subject in Christian fiction, but she handled the topic well.
I wish I had liked this book, but I just could not get into either the story or the characters. I never connected with either Christina or Levi and I found the romance to be exceptionally sappy and predictable. I'm sure that I'm in the minority in this, it's just that I literally despise lines like, "And my heart leaped like a nimble deer" when describing a woman's response to a man's entrance into a room. No, it just did not work for me, at all. No doubt there are plenty of fans out there who love Ms. Sawyer's books, and a part of me is sorry that I won't be joining their ranks, but the book did not work for me. I wish her the best in her future ventures, and with the audience she attracts.
- I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
March 20, 2021
This story had some good messages, but I felt like they got a little bogged down in all the different characters and storylines we were following. Not that I didn't like any of them--I did--and I was able to see how their lives and lessons converged on a common theme, but I didn't feel like I spent enough time with most of them to really see the transformation taking place, so I didn't always understand why or how their feelings had changed. Cora's journey actually felt the most complete to me, which was funny, since she's not even named on the back of the book. :P
I did like (almost) all the characters, even if I didn't feel like I connected with them in the way I wanted to. Christina's struggles especially rang true for me, and I could see how her love and care for those she'd been given charge of had motivated her, even as it became increasingly obvious that there were lessons she still needed to learn. I liked Levi as well, though it was a bit harder to understand him since we didn't get his full story until the very end. And poor Tommy was a heartbreaking mixture of bottled-up affection and broken trust. 3
I have to admit that the mystery bit at the end of the book kind of had my head going in circles--there were things that were skipped over that I didn't realize had happened until later, reactions that didn't seem to match what we'd seen in earlier scenes, and timelines that I couldn't quite make work together in my head. Part of the problem may have been with me, but it just felt confusing and not really like the rest of the book in some ways. Also, the villain--I felt like I didn't fully understand his motivations or why he hadn't gotten what he was really after in the very long space of time he'd apparently had before. :S
Overall, I definitely liked the characters, but the story itself wasn't my favorite. But I'm definitely still planning to read more from this author. :)
Content--mentions of a girl being pregnant outside of wedlock (not condoned but treated with grace); fire; threats and kidnapping; some violence (not descriptive); mentions of children running away; mentions of a man attempting to enter a woman's room; false rumors about a woman's behavior; some name calling and unkind treatment
I did like (almost) all the characters, even if I didn't feel like I connected with them in the way I wanted to. Christina's struggles especially rang true for me, and I could see how her love and care for those she'd been given charge of had motivated her, even as it became increasingly obvious that there were lessons she still needed to learn. I liked Levi as well, though it was a bit harder to understand him since we didn't get his full story until the very end. And poor Tommy was a heartbreaking mixture of bottled-up affection and broken trust. 3
I have to admit that the mystery bit at the end of the book kind of had my head going in circles--there were things that were skipped over that I didn't realize had happened until later, reactions that didn't seem to match what we'd seen in earlier scenes, and timelines that I couldn't quite make work together in my head. Part of the problem may have been with me, but it just felt confusing and not really like the rest of the book in some ways. Also, the villain--I felt like I didn't fully understand his motivations or why he hadn't gotten what he was really after in the very long space of time he'd apparently had before. :S
Overall, I definitely liked the characters, but the story itself wasn't my favorite. But I'm definitely still planning to read more from this author. :)
Content--mentions of a girl being pregnant outside of wedlock (not condoned but treated with grace); fire; threats and kidnapping; some violence (not descriptive); mentions of children running away; mentions of a man attempting to enter a woman's room; false rumors about a woman's behavior; some name calling and unkind treatment
September 30, 2017
Faith and hope have the potential to help desperate characters overcome overwhelming odds -- they just have to believe in themselves enough to make things happen. Sawyer has chosen to tell the story from multiple points of view and that made for more of a fulfilling read for me, though it did lessen the emphasis on the romance between Christina and Levi.
Christina has been managing the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor on her own after her father's death. I love the way the novel begins -- giving the reader a clear vision of how she has created a family out of a rag tag group of souls down on their luck. From orphans to the cast out to impoverished widows -- everyone has a place at the table and a purpose to fulfill in their simple home. But when disaster strikes, Christina is challenged on so many fronts it's overwhelming.
Levi's one of those challenges, though he turns into a blessing. A taciturn recluse, he doesn't want anything to do with Christina or the blind orphan boy she implores him to take in until she can find the means to restore their home. There's an ingrained kindness buried under all his crusty layers and a bond builds between boy and man, It isn't long before Christina becomes part of the equation and Levi is drawn back into the land of the living.
But there's treachery afoot, naysayers to prove wrong and a despicable villain to overcome before these two can ever hope to contemplate a happily ever after.
Christina has been managing the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor on her own after her father's death. I love the way the novel begins -- giving the reader a clear vision of how she has created a family out of a rag tag group of souls down on their luck. From orphans to the cast out to impoverished widows -- everyone has a place at the table and a purpose to fulfill in their simple home. But when disaster strikes, Christina is challenged on so many fronts it's overwhelming.
Levi's one of those challenges, though he turns into a blessing. A taciturn recluse, he doesn't want anything to do with Christina or the blind orphan boy she implores him to take in until she can find the means to restore their home. There's an ingrained kindness buried under all his crusty layers and a bond builds between boy and man, It isn't long before Christina becomes part of the equation and Levi is drawn back into the land of the living.
But there's treachery afoot, naysayers to prove wrong and a despicable villain to overcome before these two can ever hope to contemplate a happily ever after.
December 12, 2025
WHAT A BOOK! It is unbelievable to me that God gives some authors the ability to sit down and write such detailed stories of redemption. Books like this one have to be God inspired.
The main characters are Christina, Levi and Tommy. Christina is the daughter of parents who ran a Poor Farm, where homeless people went to live when they had nowhere else to go. Levi is an outcast of his own making, and Tommy is a blind child who lives at the Poor Farm. Something happens early on in the book and the three of them become connected in a very painstaking way. Although there are a lot of characters in this book and each characters story is its own redemption of grace, the story of the three main characters weave a beautiful story of the kind of redemption only God can orchestrate. There were times this story was hard to listen to because of what was going on. Parts of the characters journey had me aching for them in their heartache. But their journeys were all such a great reminder of the hope we have in God when we chose to lean on Him in the hard and dark times. Very much looking forward to the novella that follows this, as well as Echos of Mercy, which I believe ties into this book.
The main characters are Christina, Levi and Tommy. Christina is the daughter of parents who ran a Poor Farm, where homeless people went to live when they had nowhere else to go. Levi is an outcast of his own making, and Tommy is a blind child who lives at the Poor Farm. Something happens early on in the book and the three of them become connected in a very painstaking way. Although there are a lot of characters in this book and each characters story is its own redemption of grace, the story of the three main characters weave a beautiful story of the kind of redemption only God can orchestrate. There were times this story was hard to listen to because of what was going on. Parts of the characters journey had me aching for them in their heartache. But their journeys were all such a great reminder of the hope we have in God when we chose to lean on Him in the hard and dark times. Very much looking forward to the novella that follows this, as well as Echos of Mercy, which I believe ties into this book.
September 27, 2013
This was the first book that I have read by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I will say her writing style is great and keeps the story flowing nicely.
We start off the story with Christina Willems running the poor farm that she and her father had run for years in Brambleville Kansas. Not long ago, Christina had lost her father and she had taken up sole care of the poor farm and the people who live there. However, the peace that surrounds the people there doesn't last long when they are roused in the middle of the night by Tommy, a ten-year-old boy who was blinded in an accident and dumped on the steps by his family, wakes everyone to let them know the fire. Everyone is able to escape, but the house suffers a lot of damage.
Christina does her best to place everyone who has lived in the house with people in town temporarily, until she can speak with the mission board about repairing the house. However things do not go as smoothly as Christina hopes. As soon as something seems to be in place, another area of her plan fall apart. We watch Christina start of high in her dreams and hopes for her future, only to be brought lower and lower, until all seems lost. Everything that Christina has ever hoped for seems to be stripped away.
Levi Johnson is the mill owner and operator for the town. He lives out a ways and hardly visits with the people in the area, turning him into a recluse. He sees no point involving himself with people. However, he is the last option Christina has to place Tommy, the blind boy in her care. Many people in town were happy to help the residence of the poor farm, but Tommy. After a little time Levi agrees. After a short time with Tommy, Levi slowly comes out of his shell and he finds that not only is Tommy helping him, but he is able to help Tommy. Since his accident, Tommy had lost the confidence a normal ten year-old-boy would have and with encouragement, he helps bring it back to Tommy.
What Once Was Lost was a story of over coming. Whether it is emotional, physical, or mental, it was over coming and relying on God to get you through.
Through out the story, I seemed to feel a better connection to Levi. I enjoyed reading his part of the story and his obstacles. I had a little harder time connecting to Christina. Her attitude about excepting help was a little hard to follow. She kept saying beggars can't be choosers, but she kept saying she wanted to go about getting help her own way. I did enjoy the story overall.
Thank you to Blogging for Books and Water Brook Press, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
We start off the story with Christina Willems running the poor farm that she and her father had run for years in Brambleville Kansas. Not long ago, Christina had lost her father and she had taken up sole care of the poor farm and the people who live there. However, the peace that surrounds the people there doesn't last long when they are roused in the middle of the night by Tommy, a ten-year-old boy who was blinded in an accident and dumped on the steps by his family, wakes everyone to let them know the fire. Everyone is able to escape, but the house suffers a lot of damage.
Christina does her best to place everyone who has lived in the house with people in town temporarily, until she can speak with the mission board about repairing the house. However things do not go as smoothly as Christina hopes. As soon as something seems to be in place, another area of her plan fall apart. We watch Christina start of high in her dreams and hopes for her future, only to be brought lower and lower, until all seems lost. Everything that Christina has ever hoped for seems to be stripped away.
Levi Johnson is the mill owner and operator for the town. He lives out a ways and hardly visits with the people in the area, turning him into a recluse. He sees no point involving himself with people. However, he is the last option Christina has to place Tommy, the blind boy in her care. Many people in town were happy to help the residence of the poor farm, but Tommy. After a little time Levi agrees. After a short time with Tommy, Levi slowly comes out of his shell and he finds that not only is Tommy helping him, but he is able to help Tommy. Since his accident, Tommy had lost the confidence a normal ten year-old-boy would have and with encouragement, he helps bring it back to Tommy.
What Once Was Lost was a story of over coming. Whether it is emotional, physical, or mental, it was over coming and relying on God to get you through.
Through out the story, I seemed to feel a better connection to Levi. I enjoyed reading his part of the story and his obstacles. I had a little harder time connecting to Christina. Her attitude about excepting help was a little hard to follow. She kept saying beggars can't be choosers, but she kept saying she wanted to go about getting help her own way. I did enjoy the story overall.
Thank you to Blogging for Books and Water Brook Press, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2014
Set in Kansas in the late 1800’s, this thoroughly captivating story with its skilfully crafted charming characters and unique story-line, completely grabbed my attention and my heart from the very beginning.
Christina Willems faithfully runs the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor, having taken over after the passing of her father. The poor and displaced individuals that live in this beautiful old 3-story Victorian house have in a sense become Christina’s family. She has opened her heart fully to them all and sees to their every need, even to the detriment of her own. She had become their provider, protector, and friend. So how will Christina cope when there is a mysterious fire that makes the house uninhabitable for her and the poor residents to dwell in? Can she find suitable places for all on such short notice, and will she cope having her ‘family’ scattered about until the damaged house can be repaired?
Mill owner Levi Jonnson is a loner and likes it that way… or so he thinks. That was until the lovely Christina came begging him to look after little Tommy, the blind boy that everyone else rejected. Levi’s painful past has caused him to place a barrier around his heart against people and God alike, but will young Tommy be the one to break down some of the confines that Levi has erected? Or will Levi conclude that it’s not worth the pain and forsake Tommy also?
Another prominent character of this story is the afore-mentioned 11 year old Tommy Kilgore, who was abandoned by his father and dumped at the Poor house after Tommy became blind. Mentally abused before he was finally discarded, Tommy bears imprinted scars invisible to the naked eye but glaring in his personality. Reading Tommy’s viewpoint in the story gave me an opportunity to see through his unseeing eyes into his world and needs. I adored this character and silently cheered for Tommy for every small accomplishment he mastered. However, Tommy has a fear-driven secret which results in some very dire consequences for him and all those he loves!
‘What Once Was Lost’ is an immensely stirring tale of people who have allowed their past to deeply impact their present lives. And it expressively illustrates how God can be busy directing new paths when all seems lost to us, while highlighting the importance of sharing our burdens with God and others. I loved the unpredictability, the heart-rending moments regarding Tommy, and the sweet charisma that hovered between Christina and Levi. Suspense, drama, and a fulfilling conclusion complete this wonderful novel. Highly recommended!!
Christina Willems faithfully runs the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor, having taken over after the passing of her father. The poor and displaced individuals that live in this beautiful old 3-story Victorian house have in a sense become Christina’s family. She has opened her heart fully to them all and sees to their every need, even to the detriment of her own. She had become their provider, protector, and friend. So how will Christina cope when there is a mysterious fire that makes the house uninhabitable for her and the poor residents to dwell in? Can she find suitable places for all on such short notice, and will she cope having her ‘family’ scattered about until the damaged house can be repaired?
Mill owner Levi Jonnson is a loner and likes it that way… or so he thinks. That was until the lovely Christina came begging him to look after little Tommy, the blind boy that everyone else rejected. Levi’s painful past has caused him to place a barrier around his heart against people and God alike, but will young Tommy be the one to break down some of the confines that Levi has erected? Or will Levi conclude that it’s not worth the pain and forsake Tommy also?
Another prominent character of this story is the afore-mentioned 11 year old Tommy Kilgore, who was abandoned by his father and dumped at the Poor house after Tommy became blind. Mentally abused before he was finally discarded, Tommy bears imprinted scars invisible to the naked eye but glaring in his personality. Reading Tommy’s viewpoint in the story gave me an opportunity to see through his unseeing eyes into his world and needs. I adored this character and silently cheered for Tommy for every small accomplishment he mastered. However, Tommy has a fear-driven secret which results in some very dire consequences for him and all those he loves!
‘What Once Was Lost’ is an immensely stirring tale of people who have allowed their past to deeply impact their present lives. And it expressively illustrates how God can be busy directing new paths when all seems lost to us, while highlighting the importance of sharing our burdens with God and others. I loved the unpredictability, the heart-rending moments regarding Tommy, and the sweet charisma that hovered between Christina and Levi. Suspense, drama, and a fulfilling conclusion complete this wonderful novel. Highly recommended!!
October 9, 2013
This book had a great plot and lots of good plot twists! Some great inspiring themes, as well. I really enjoyed it.
Christina was a nice, servant-hearted, human heroine. She was such a good example of showing God's love to others and keeping a positive outlook- however, like I said, she was human, and got a bit down like we all do at times- so it was nice to see her pull through.
It was really interesting reading the parts of the book from Tommy's point of view; I'd never read a book where one of the main characters was blind, and it was really interesting, strange, and a real eye-opener to what a blessing we have who have our eyesight. Tommy's relationship with Levi was really sweet! They were like brothers, and it was kind of humorous watching Levi try and adjust his routine to care for a young kid, after being alone all the time. Levi, like Christine, was a good example of a "human" main character, and they made a cute couple. ;)
As soon as I read about the "young woman" who was one of the poor house residents I couldn't help but inwardly groan and think "Oh please no! Not your typical plot with the frustrating girl character who is deceptively sweet but really just wants to make life miserable for the main character!" Oh how relieved I was! Cora was such a sweet character and was one of my favorites to read about. Her relationship with the sweet mercantile owners was so touching and really fun! Ma and Pa Creeger were such joy-filled and encouraging characters, the type of people you wish you had all around you! When Ma talks about the forgiveness of sins with Cora and explains God's gift of love to her, it was so sweet, simple and convicting!
I loved all the minor characters from the poor house! Wes, Rose, Louise, Alice, Joe, Florie- it was really sweet watching them all be like one big family, and you really felt their pain as they all started parting ways to make a new start in life. Also, I REALLY enjoyed Maxwell, Parmelia, and "Benjamin Paul Edgar, of Edgar, Edgar, and Lofton...Ben." They were such fun characters and really lightened the mood! There was one particular part with Ben that made me laugh hysterically- it was so unexpected... there were tears running down my face.
I'm really looking forward to reading Kim's other books in the near future!
"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."
Christina was a nice, servant-hearted, human heroine. She was such a good example of showing God's love to others and keeping a positive outlook- however, like I said, she was human, and got a bit down like we all do at times- so it was nice to see her pull through.
It was really interesting reading the parts of the book from Tommy's point of view; I'd never read a book where one of the main characters was blind, and it was really interesting, strange, and a real eye-opener to what a blessing we have who have our eyesight. Tommy's relationship with Levi was really sweet! They were like brothers, and it was kind of humorous watching Levi try and adjust his routine to care for a young kid, after being alone all the time. Levi, like Christine, was a good example of a "human" main character, and they made a cute couple. ;)
As soon as I read about the "young woman" who was one of the poor house residents I couldn't help but inwardly groan and think "Oh please no! Not your typical plot with the frustrating girl character who is deceptively sweet but really just wants to make life miserable for the main character!" Oh how relieved I was! Cora was such a sweet character and was one of my favorites to read about. Her relationship with the sweet mercantile owners was so touching and really fun! Ma and Pa Creeger were such joy-filled and encouraging characters, the type of people you wish you had all around you! When Ma talks about the forgiveness of sins with Cora and explains God's gift of love to her, it was so sweet, simple and convicting!
I loved all the minor characters from the poor house! Wes, Rose, Louise, Alice, Joe, Florie- it was really sweet watching them all be like one big family, and you really felt their pain as they all started parting ways to make a new start in life. Also, I REALLY enjoyed Maxwell, Parmelia, and "Benjamin Paul Edgar, of Edgar, Edgar, and Lofton...Ben." They were such fun characters and really lightened the mood! There was one particular part with Ben that made me laugh hysterically- it was so unexpected... there were tears running down my face.
I'm really looking forward to reading Kim's other books in the near future!
"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."
July 28, 2013
What Once Was Lost is set in Brambleton, Kansas in 1890. Christina runs a poor farm until a fire breaks out and damages the home. All of the residents has to find temporary homes while the house is being repaired. One of the residents that I loved is Tommy, a young blond boy. Christina found a temporary home for him with the local mill owner, Levi. Tommy and Levi quickly develop a bond with one another. After many obstacles, Christina wonders if she will be able to reopen the poor house. Will she return to her home reunite with her poor farm family?
I really liked this story. Kim Vogel Sawyer doesn't disappoint again. I loved the storylines and the characters. I felt a connection with the characters and often found myself imagining myself living among them. I wished the story didn't have to end.
I would highly recommend!! 5 of 5 stars.
I really liked this story. Kim Vogel Sawyer doesn't disappoint again. I loved the storylines and the characters. I felt a connection with the characters and often found myself imagining myself living among them. I wished the story didn't have to end.
I would highly recommend!! 5 of 5 stars.
March 13, 2025
Christina thought she would always be serving at the poor house but now….. what will she do? Levi carries scars and think he is better off along until the poor house owner asks him to keep a blind boy will they rebuild. Can Levi reopen and wounds? Will Tommy finally trust someone again? Will Christina find more the. She bargained for in the coming days?
I did really like this book. Christina and Levi were well matched and I really liked Ma and Pa Creeger. They were so likeable.
I did really like this book. Christina and Levi were well matched and I really liked Ma and Pa Creeger. They were so likeable.
August 4, 2023
In this newest book What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer, Christina runs a poor farm for people who are down and out, the ones that everyone else has turned their back on. She gives them a home, food, Bible lessons and most of all love. She loves to be needed by them and thinks of them as her family. Then there is a fire and she has to take them into town and find places for them all to stay until the home can be fixed. She gets every one placed but Tommy who is blind and so she turns to Levi the mill owner who keeps to himself, never interacting with the towns people, to ask him to take Tommy temporarily. He agrees but only for a short time, but that is all God needs to start chipping at his stone heart. What will happen to them all? This is a journey that all will want to go on with Christina, Levi, Tommy, Cora, the twins, Wes, Louisa and Rose as well as Alice and her two kids. It is full of surprises, ups and downs, renewal, forgiveness and love.
All I can say is WOW. I was hooked from the first page and was never disappointed with this book. Kim Vogel Sawyer takes you into the lives of each of the people from the poor farm and makes you love them and hope for the best for them right from the start. She doesn't stop there though, she shows how God sometimes uses something bad, like the fire, to open up new beginnings and restore people to Him. You cry right along with Christina when she starts feeling like God has forsaken her. The reader feels like they are a part of this book because what God is showing and revealing to Christina and Levi is a good lesson for all of us. It is a book of more than just love and family, but of Hope when you think their is no hope, Forgiveness when you think you are unforgivable, and Renewal when you think that your Faith is gone. I think by now you can see I love this book. I give it 5 Stars but if I could I would give it 10.
I think one of the things, besides a good book, I got from reading this is a reminder that God forgives and forgets. One of my favorite quotes from the book is
" A familiar ball of shame began rolling in Cora's chest. Ma Creeger had said Jesus took the shame away and she shouldn't let people give it back to her." pg 287 from What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer
I need that reminder and if nothing else I will be remembering this quote from now on when I start to forget.
I hope you all will read this book you won't be disappointed.
"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."
All I can say is WOW. I was hooked from the first page and was never disappointed with this book. Kim Vogel Sawyer takes you into the lives of each of the people from the poor farm and makes you love them and hope for the best for them right from the start. She doesn't stop there though, she shows how God sometimes uses something bad, like the fire, to open up new beginnings and restore people to Him. You cry right along with Christina when she starts feeling like God has forsaken her. The reader feels like they are a part of this book because what God is showing and revealing to Christina and Levi is a good lesson for all of us. It is a book of more than just love and family, but of Hope when you think their is no hope, Forgiveness when you think you are unforgivable, and Renewal when you think that your Faith is gone. I think by now you can see I love this book. I give it 5 Stars but if I could I would give it 10.
I think one of the things, besides a good book, I got from reading this is a reminder that God forgives and forgets. One of my favorite quotes from the book is
" A familiar ball of shame began rolling in Cora's chest. Ma Creeger had said Jesus took the shame away and she shouldn't let people give it back to her." pg 287 from What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer
I need that reminder and if nothing else I will be remembering this quote from now on when I start to forget.
I hope you all will read this book you won't be disappointed.
"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."
August 12, 2016
Set in Kansas in the late 1800's, "What Once Was Lost" is a poignant and ultimately uplifting tale of hardship, endurance, spiritual renewal, and connecting by heart. Author Kim Vogel Sawyer is a skilled story teller whose historical detail, well-developed characters, and interesting story line will keep the reader involved until the last page is turned. After her father's death, Christina Willems assumes the responsibility for the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor, a refuge for displaced indigents. A devastating fire forces Christina and the poor house residents to find new living quarters. A young blind boy, Tommy Kilgore, is the last one to be placed, and Christina turns to an unlikely source for assistance. Levi Jonnson, the local mill owner, is a taciturn recluse who lost his faith due to a great hurt in his past. He agrees to take Tommy in on a temporary basis, and a surprising bond grows between the two, with each of them learning much from each other. As Christina works to find a way to rebuild the poor house, someone from her past is working against her. While she struggles with mounting trials and tribulations, an appreciation and attraction blooms between her and Levi. Will accepting unexpected help and support give Christina the personal encouragement she needs? Will seeing through the eyes of a young blind boy open Levi's heart and help him to see his own faith again? This story is told from the viewpoints of the different characters, and readers will be particularly touched by Tommy's "vision" of the world around him.
Review Copy Gratis WaterBrook Press via Blogging for Books
Review Copy Gratis WaterBrook Press via Blogging for Books
September 13, 2013
What Once Was Lost is a beautifully written story set in the late 1800's. When the book opens, we meet Christina Willems. She lives on a farm that is supported by a missions board. Here, she provides food, care and lodgings for poor people. There are quite a few people living on the farm, relying on Christina. She inherited the running of this poor farm from her father, and it is all Christina knows. When tragedy strikes, and she and the fellow residents must scramble to find other housing, will Christina trust in God to provide or try to solve her problems herself?
When Christina convinces local sawmill owner, Levi Johnson, to take in a young blind boy, we meet a man burdened by the past. His story unfolds throughout the book and we learn what led to his reclusive behavior. He is a wounded soul. Perhaps he and the blind boy, Tommy, can help heal each others emotional hurts.
There are so many interesting characters in this novel. The author has done a wonderful job of creating deep and interesting lives for us to learn about. Cora has a very interesting story line that I enjoyed following. She does a lot of growing in this book.
What Once Was Lost explores the topics of misunderstandings, bias, shame, forgiveness, guilt, greed, being self-sufficient rather than God dependent, and a good dose of romance. This was an interesting and enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
When Christina convinces local sawmill owner, Levi Johnson, to take in a young blind boy, we meet a man burdened by the past. His story unfolds throughout the book and we learn what led to his reclusive behavior. He is a wounded soul. Perhaps he and the blind boy, Tommy, can help heal each others emotional hurts.
There are so many interesting characters in this novel. The author has done a wonderful job of creating deep and interesting lives for us to learn about. Cora has a very interesting story line that I enjoyed following. She does a lot of growing in this book.
What Once Was Lost explores the topics of misunderstandings, bias, shame, forgiveness, guilt, greed, being self-sufficient rather than God dependent, and a good dose of romance. This was an interesting and enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
September 28, 2013
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.
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.
October 13, 2013
“What Once Was Lost” is a sweet prairie historical. I’m not sure I would necessarily classify it as romance, because there wasn’t much of such added to this novel, but there was plenty of character discovery and growth.
I will say I was disappointed in the lack of romance across the whole of this book. Not because I can only read and enjoy a historical romance, but because I have come to expect it and felt the story was more “single minded” in the way of the struggles based around saving the poor farm.
However, that being said, the cast of characters are a good bunch. With four points of view throughout the story the reader has more than just the hero and heroine’s struggles to read about. It gives a broader depth to the story and I definitely appreciated that about it. Christine is a tenacious character. She doesn’t give up easily, maybe even when she should. Levi is one of those characters that has a crusty and hard exterior, but a good and soft heart. I really loved him as the hero. Tommy is precious and Cora was probably my favorite in watching her learn to love the Lord and forgive her past.
Overall, a good story with good characters, but one I’d have liked to have seen more romance between the main characters.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
I will say I was disappointed in the lack of romance across the whole of this book. Not because I can only read and enjoy a historical romance, but because I have come to expect it and felt the story was more “single minded” in the way of the struggles based around saving the poor farm.
However, that being said, the cast of characters are a good bunch. With four points of view throughout the story the reader has more than just the hero and heroine’s struggles to read about. It gives a broader depth to the story and I definitely appreciated that about it. Christine is a tenacious character. She doesn’t give up easily, maybe even when she should. Levi is one of those characters that has a crusty and hard exterior, but a good and soft heart. I really loved him as the hero. Tommy is precious and Cora was probably my favorite in watching her learn to love the Lord and forgive her past.
Overall, a good story with good characters, but one I’d have liked to have seen more romance between the main characters.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
March 13, 2014
Set against the backdrop of a Kansas "Poor Farm" in 1890, Kim tells a story of loss and hope, love, hardship and so much more. This type of farm is home to those people, who through no fault of their own find themselves destitute. For some it is just that they are older and unable to make a living, for others it may be illness. Trying to carry on the work her father started with some of the people genteel society wants nothing to do with, Christina Willems is constantly running into difficulties, one of them being that of her gendre. Someone out there is determined that a woman can not run a farm like this effectively. When she finally looks to her neighbors for assistance, she finds prejudice in some, love in others.
As always, Kim weaves a fabulous story involving characters who all have those virtues and vices that transcend time, distance and circumstances. Do I have what it takes to overcome trials, or am I one who is willing to let these things discourage me? It is not difficult to identify with the people in the story, and I found myself not only sympathetic to the hardships Christina faced and overcame, but to many of those involved. And that is what makes a story memorable!
I recieved this book free from WaterbrookMultnomah Publishers in exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required! The opinions are my own
As always, Kim weaves a fabulous story involving characters who all have those virtues and vices that transcend time, distance and circumstances. Do I have what it takes to overcome trials, or am I one who is willing to let these things discourage me? It is not difficult to identify with the people in the story, and I found myself not only sympathetic to the hardships Christina faced and overcame, but to many of those involved. And that is what makes a story memorable!
I recieved this book free from WaterbrookMultnomah Publishers in exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required! The opinions are my own
August 23, 2013
Kim Vogel Sawyer has written a moving story of unconditional love in What Once Was Lost. Christina loves the people who she cares for in the Mission Board-supported Asylum for the Poor....the little blind boy, the young woman desperately trying to hide a pregnancy and others.....When a fire forces them out of the home they share, Christina must find people in the community to take the people in. Levi Johnson proves to be far more valuable to Tommy and to her than she or Levi ever imagined.
I felt like I was taken on a mini-vacation to a previous time period. Kim used such vivid descriptions to write her story. As a teacher and former pastor's wife, my heart went out to Christina as she sought to serve as the director of the Asylum for the Poor as a woman. The mission board doubts her ability to serve, simply because she is a woman. It is unfair but prejudice of this nature was a true fact for the time period. At times, even today, women must fight to serve in their churches. This book is sure to warm the hearts of readers.
I received a free copy of this book from bloggingforbooks.org in exchange for my honest review.
I felt like I was taken on a mini-vacation to a previous time period. Kim used such vivid descriptions to write her story. As a teacher and former pastor's wife, my heart went out to Christina as she sought to serve as the director of the Asylum for the Poor as a woman. The mission board doubts her ability to serve, simply because she is a woman. It is unfair but prejudice of this nature was a true fact for the time period. At times, even today, women must fight to serve in their churches. This book is sure to warm the hearts of readers.
I received a free copy of this book from bloggingforbooks.org in exchange for my honest review.
October 30, 2016
I only have 2 real complaints. The first is that too much of it was transparent. It was really obvious who had caused the major problems and the antagonist's cookie cutter behavior was predictable enough to irritate me.
The other was that everyone's characters remained stagnant for a long time while not much happened. I didn't need a lot of drama, it just seemed to have been drawn out long enough and I was ready for it to end around chapter 30. I was dismayed to find around chapter 33 that the antagonist was just now barely getting started to heap on trouble and a peek at the list of chapters in my audiobook told me there were more than 10 chapters still to come. I'd had enough, so I skimmed through the following chapters until I got to the resolution. I love Kim Vogel Sawyer's books, but I didn't love this one.
The other was that everyone's characters remained stagnant for a long time while not much happened. I didn't need a lot of drama, it just seemed to have been drawn out long enough and I was ready for it to end around chapter 30. I was dismayed to find around chapter 33 that the antagonist was just now barely getting started to heap on trouble and a peek at the list of chapters in my audiobook told me there were more than 10 chapters still to come. I'd had enough, so I skimmed through the following chapters until I got to the resolution. I love Kim Vogel Sawyer's books, but I didn't love this one.
August 12, 2013
Kim Vogel Sawyer brings us another heartwarming historical romance! In What One Was Lost, Christina Willems is a caretaker of a "Poor Farm" in Kansas in 1890. Following in her father's footsteps, she believes she is called to care for those who are in need. She does her job well and is loved by those in her care. But when fire destroys her home she must spread out her "family" to stay with others. Christina feels lost and discouraged and longs to bring everyone back together. She is especially concerned about the young blind boy who must stay with the owner of the saw mill, who has a reputation for keeping to himself and a lack of faith. Chrsitina faith is challenged and strengthened through her trials. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
November 6, 2013
I loved this book - but then I say that about all of Kim's books. She has a wonderful way of drawing the reader in to make you feel like you are actually part of that place and time. I fell in love with Tommy. What a strong willed, smart boy he is! You will love him too! I hope in the future Ms. Sawyer will let us know what he was like as an adult.
This book gives you everything you look for in a good book. It has drama, tears, laughter, suspense but most of all an underlying faith that pulls the whole book together. It is well worth reading and I highly recommend it. Thank you Ms. Sawyer for another wonderful book. I am eagerly looking forward to the next one!
This book gives you everything you look for in a good book. It has drama, tears, laughter, suspense but most of all an underlying faith that pulls the whole book together. It is well worth reading and I highly recommend it. Thank you Ms. Sawyer for another wonderful book. I am eagerly looking forward to the next one!
October 15, 2014
This was such a sweet story! Kim Vogel Sawyer has such a way with words. I loved it! View my full review here.
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December 2, 2013Enjoyable read!
July 17, 2016
A great read! It made me stop and think "why do I do some of the ministry I do."
January 9, 2018
I'm a sucker for historical fiction in general, but Sawyer really goes above and beyond. In What Once Was Lost, I was not disappointed. Sawyer's attention to detail allows me as the reader to feel as if I understood what it would be like to live in times past.
Not only is the historical accuracy there, but there is something unique about Sawyer historical fiction as compared to other historical fiction authors I have read. Sawyer present a setting or event with which I was, as I would expect most readers would be, unfamiliar. In My Heart Remembers it was the orphan train; in A Promise for Spring it was a sheep ranch; and in What Once Was Lost it is a poor farm.
The characters in What Once Was Lost are captivating, especially Tommy, a blind child from the poor farm who must live with a rather stubborn loner after the poor farm is destroyed by fire. Sawyer drew me in immediately through Tommy's character. He is a lovable character who the reader can find an emotional connection with and who the reader will want to know more about and follow his story, hoping for a happy ending for Tommy. The characters of Christina and Levi are also compelling; Sawyer develops the characters in such a way that causes the reader to want to keep reading.
Not only has Sawyer created compelling characters, she has also developed a plot line that draws the reader in, wanting more. What can be done after the poor farm is burned to the ground? What caused the fire? Where will the residents of the poor farm live? Will the poor farm be rebuilt? Where will the money to rebuild come from? What will happen to Tommy, Christina, and Levi? How will the Lord work in their lives?
In What Once Was Lost, Kim Vogel Sawyer delivers once again. I would highly recommend this book as a great read for historical fiction fans and Christian romance fans.
Review available at: http://www.harveyeverafter.com/2013/0...
Not only is the historical accuracy there, but there is something unique about Sawyer historical fiction as compared to other historical fiction authors I have read. Sawyer present a setting or event with which I was, as I would expect most readers would be, unfamiliar. In My Heart Remembers it was the orphan train; in A Promise for Spring it was a sheep ranch; and in What Once Was Lost it is a poor farm.
The characters in What Once Was Lost are captivating, especially Tommy, a blind child from the poor farm who must live with a rather stubborn loner after the poor farm is destroyed by fire. Sawyer drew me in immediately through Tommy's character. He is a lovable character who the reader can find an emotional connection with and who the reader will want to know more about and follow his story, hoping for a happy ending for Tommy. The characters of Christina and Levi are also compelling; Sawyer develops the characters in such a way that causes the reader to want to keep reading.
Not only has Sawyer created compelling characters, she has also developed a plot line that draws the reader in, wanting more. What can be done after the poor farm is burned to the ground? What caused the fire? Where will the residents of the poor farm live? Will the poor farm be rebuilt? Where will the money to rebuild come from? What will happen to Tommy, Christina, and Levi? How will the Lord work in their lives?
In What Once Was Lost, Kim Vogel Sawyer delivers once again. I would highly recommend this book as a great read for historical fiction fans and Christian romance fans.
Review available at: http://www.harveyeverafter.com/2013/0...
January 21, 2023
To be honest, this wasn’t my favorite of Sawyer’s novels and I’ve read a good bit of her books. I don’t really know why I didn’t really connect with the story. I wasn’t really a big fan of the main characters—I guess I didn’t really “click” with them, and that’s okay.
What I Liked: While I didn’t really love this book, I did appreciate the lesson that the female protagonist, Christina Willems, learned. I have struggled in the past with doing different things to help/serve other people for selfish reasons and it was convicting to me to read this element of the story.
I did like Levi Johnson’s character development and I LOVED Mr. and Mrs. Creeger. I think they may have been my favorite characters of this whole story.
What I Didn’t Like: As I said above, for some reason I just didn’t feel like I connected to our main characters. I’m not really sure why, though. The romance in this book was definitely enemies to lovers and I felt that the progression to love was a little fast. But in the end, I did like these characters together.
I give this book 2/5 stars. I think other readers would really like this story, it was just a miss for me. I have read many books by this author that I have absolutely loved.
What I Liked: While I didn’t really love this book, I did appreciate the lesson that the female protagonist, Christina Willems, learned. I have struggled in the past with doing different things to help/serve other people for selfish reasons and it was convicting to me to read this element of the story.
I did like Levi Johnson’s character development and I LOVED Mr. and Mrs. Creeger. I think they may have been my favorite characters of this whole story.
What I Didn’t Like: As I said above, for some reason I just didn’t feel like I connected to our main characters. I’m not really sure why, though. The romance in this book was definitely enemies to lovers and I felt that the progression to love was a little fast. But in the end, I did like these characters together.
I give this book 2/5 stars. I think other readers would really like this story, it was just a miss for me. I have read many books by this author that I have absolutely loved.
November 21, 2023
Not a fan of the main character, Christina. Very self absorbed and egotistical despite heading up a charitable institution. She was quick to anger when preacher addressed their group as "you folks" but constantly used the term "poor farm" for her home and "poor farm residents" to people she supposedly wanted to keep together like family? Well folks certainly will look atcha different if you yourself see them as such and distinguish them apart from yourself in such a manner. Took way too long for her return to trust God properly.
Think I also prefer a story without an obvious villian and one where the main character does some genuine self reflection before the end when the evil plot unfolds but gets foiled.
Other supporting characters were great and I really enjoyed. They seemed to be genuine struggling folk you wanted to root for. They were what made the story interesting and left me feeling happy when they found God again.
Think I also prefer a story without an obvious villian and one where the main character does some genuine self reflection before the end when the evil plot unfolds but gets foiled.
Other supporting characters were great and I really enjoyed. They seemed to be genuine struggling folk you wanted to root for. They were what made the story interesting and left me feeling happy when they found God again.
November 5, 2020
I'm growing to love more new authors to me in 2020! Mrs. Sawyer is definitely in my top 10! This particular book picks up 3 years after the novella prequel, The Grace that Leads us Home. Not only did we follow Alice and her children's continuing journey, but we also met several very different and unique characters. Each of those came with various challenges, and it was exciting to "ride" along with them. The ending was not at all predictable, and I loved how the author chose to wrap up everything and everyone. I'm definitely looking forward to reading, Echoes of Mercy", the final book in the series!
March 5, 2019
Come and fall in love with the characters in this book!
I absolutely loved this book! I wanted more and did not want the book to end! I wish there were a second and third book! However there is a short prequel and a short extra story for this book,I am reading it next. I do recommend you read the prequel, The Grace That Leads Us Home first before reading What Once Was Lost. The prequel is very short. This is a fantastic read!!!
I absolutely loved this book! I wanted more and did not want the book to end! I wish there were a second and third book! However there is a short prequel and a short extra story for this book,I am reading it next. I do recommend you read the prequel, The Grace That Leads Us Home first before reading What Once Was Lost. The prequel is very short. This is a fantastic read!!!
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