What Once Was Lost

Just looking at the title makes me want to think of the lyrics from Amazing Grace and the missing part is what you'll find in the latest novel from Kim Vogel Sawyer, What Once Was Lost. My husband even commented when I got this novel that I sure do have quite a few from Kim Vogel Sawyer and he's definitely right about that. She truly gets to the reader's heart once you enter the world of her historical novels. This one is definitely geared for fans that love a western flair and takes you back to the late 1890's in Brambleville, Kansas.

Christina Willems has taken over the care of Brambleville Asylum for the Poor, a home for those who need a place to live and a safe haven from the world around them that sees them as the outcasts of society. She inherited the position after the death of her parents, most recently her father and was raised in helping out those less fortunate than herself. She offers comfort to a group of poor and displaced individuals until something better comes along. Tommy Kilgore is the only blind boy and it seems he receives the worst kind of treatment by the people of Brambleville, who see him as the burden to society since he was in a boiler explosion and lost not only his eyesight but also disfigured part of his body. His parents abandoned him long ago with Christina and she's been trying to find a way to reach the part of his soul that lies buried deep inside. If only she could find a way to help.

When tragedy strikes the home through a fire that destroys the kitchen, Christina is forced to find temporary housing among the town's residents until the mission sends her the required funds to repair the home. She has found housing for everyone except Tommy and the last person on her list is the most unlikely of people to ask, mill owner Levi Johnson who prefers to be left all alone. Thankfully she manages to convince Levi it will only be temporary until she can find something else and it's during this time alone with Mr. Johnson, that Tommy is able to finally feel something more than simply a burden on anyone. Just what is it that Mr. Johnson does that draws Tommy out of his shell and will he be able to keep him there long enough for him to turn his life around? Just what caused the fire in the first place? Is it possible the reason Tommy fears returning back to the poor farm is that he has a secret he doesn't want revealed?

To find out, you'll have to pick up this heartwarming and emotionally moving story of renewal and restoration by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I received What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer compliments of Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable one. I whole heartily give this one a well deserved 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion because the story is such a compelling one to immerse yourself in. You have to understand the timing in history in the late 1890's where a woman's place was not in running a business so the town isn't exactly thrilled that a poor farm in located in their small town and much worse that it is being run by a woman. Yet Christina is a fighter and a firm believer that God will give her whatever she needs to keep the poor house running and the family together despite whatever odds are against her, but can she fight the mission board as well? Is this God's true purpose in her life after all or one merely that Christina wants? You'll love exploring the answers in this wonderful novel.

For more information about What Once Was Lost, Kim Vogel Sawyer or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer

You can also find Kim Vogel Sawyer on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on What Once Was Lost on the Waterbrook Multomah Publishers website, please click here.