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Fiction. Romance. Christian Fiction. Historical Fiction. HTML: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 uninhabitable, 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 wit… (more)
User reviews
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."
This historical
As stated, for a Christian historical romance I was pleasantly surprised. Yes there were many instances of women aren't as worthy or capable as men (it's in the bible!) stuff, but the author addresses and counters it. Another redeeming factor was Cora, a young pregnant and unwed girl who, shockingly, isn't stoned or ridiculed (not by everyone in the town anyways, there are good Christians!). Overall, a good quick and uplifting read.
I was given this book for free from Waterbrook Press in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
Christina and Levi may seem the characters that weave the story together. But Tommy, Cora, Louisa, Rose, and all the others of the Poor
Even Mr. Dresden who caused so much trouble will show how God used all the bad for good.
So many lost find their way after a fire displaces all those who lived at the Poor asylum.
This whole story is about God's plan. It shows how something meant bad can be turned into good for God. Spiritual eyes are opened. A community comes together.
You will find it hard to lay the book down.
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