MY REVIEW:

“What Once Was Lost” is a wonderful story of the way God is at work in our lives even during tragedy and trials and how he refines us and makes us stronger as we trust in Him as we work our way through the hard times. I enjoyed the way I could see the hand of God all through the book as He orchestrated the lives of Christina and the people under her care as well as how the lives of Levi and Tommy were also changed.

With a great setting, an excellent cast of characters, and perfectly paced plot, “What Once Was Lost” captured my interest from the very beginning.  A good balance of drama, action, suspense, and romance kept me reading. The novel provides good examples on the importance of trust – both in God and in others and finding the purpose He has for you. It also beautifully illustrates the impact of forgiveness.

Once again Kim Sawyer has provided me with an enjoyable escape for a few hours. I look forward to the next installment in this series.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group Blogging For Books Program.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

What Once Was LostA 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?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kim Vogel SawyerKim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope. More than one million copies of her books are currently in print with awards including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas, where she and her retired military husband, Don, run a bed-and-breakfast inn with the help of their feline companions. She savors time with her daughters and grandchildren.