Book Review Monday: What Once Was Lost

Hello, everyone!

I finally have a book review for you today.

I just finished reading What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer.

Here's a little bit about it:

"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 with a loving God?"

Now, here's what I thought:

This was a good story. It had interesting and lovable characters, and I was hoping for a story that a really really loved reading. While this was good, it is not one of my favorites my far. For some reason it dragged on a little for me. I hate to say anything bad about a book, but if I am going to be completely honest, I must say that it dragged a bit.

I liked Christina, the loving asylum owner, and Levi, the reclusive mill owner. I especially enjoyed reading about Tommy, the little blind boy in Christina's care. After the fire destroys the asylum, Tommy is sent to live with Levi until they can rebuild.

Tommy and Levi grow unexpectedly close, but troubles arise when the town learns the fire may not have been an accident.

I would have liked for a little more interacting between Christina and Levi, but overall it was a good read. I liked the overall themes of the story.
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

To read an excerpt, or buy the book, click here.

Don't forget to stop by next week!


Have you read any books by Kim Vogel Sawyer?