Nice. 2nd book of hers I've read, & I still like her. This is story of lady who runs a poor farm in the 1930s, has problems - a fire- and almost loses it. Nice picture of hard times during the Great Depression. Christian slant, but not as in-your-face as _Echoes of Mercy_. ( )

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 ( )

God put this book in my hand just when I needed it. Walking through obstacles and adversity, this book encouraged me. Little did I know what I would face yesterday.
Christina and Levi may seem the characters that weave the story together. But Tommy, Cora, Louisa, Rose, and all the others of the Poor House will touch your life. You will feel all they endure.
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. ( )

Despite the normal grumblings I have about historical Christian fiction (women belong in the house, men know best, etc.) this was actually a pretty good book. Kim Vogel Sawyer actually had the audacity to counter some of my least favorite aspects of Christian romance (finally!).

This historical romance is set in rural Kansas during the mid to late nineteenth century. Christina Willems runs a well loved poor house on the outskirts of town but when a fire ruins the only home she's ever known she has to find accommodations for her and all the residents. Finding someone to take in Tommy, an eleven year old blind boy turns out to be difficult. Desperate and with no where else to go she entrusts him to a faithless bachelor, Levi Johnson. While Miss Willems busies herself trying to secure funds to rebuild the house and look after her wards sparks begin to fly between her and Levi. The more frustrated she becomes with her the more the attraction grows. The turmoil in her heart isn't the only ache Miss Willems has to face however, someone is trying to sully her good name in town and she has no idea why. Will the townspeople stand by her? Will Levi? Read to find out!!!

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. ( )

WHAT ONCE WAS LOST by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a thrilling American West Historical Fiction set in 1890 Kansas. Written with vivid descriptions,charming characters and an intriguing storyline, what's not to love. A masterful storyteller who draws the reader into her stories time and again. Filled with hope, faith, healing,forgiveness, and love. You gotta love Ms. Sawyer's gentle, emotional and heart warming stories, and "What Once Was Lost" is no different. Follow, Christina Williams, Levi Jonnson,and Tommy Kilgore on a journey of hope,rejection,and love as they open up their hearts to not only God but to each other. Will they finally find acceptance on a small Kansas farm, called the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor, and the town nearby or they be forever wandering through life? Faced with challenges from an old adversary threatens to destroy everything Christina has tried to build,will she be able to count on Levi, whom she has become to depend upon,or will she lose everything she cherishes most? You can not miss reading "What Once Was Lost". What a wonderful story! Another hit for Ms. Sawyer. I love her stories,she just continues to put out outstanding stories time after time. A must read! Received for an honest review from the publisher.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )