Kim Vogel Sawyer
Historical Fiction
Back of the book:
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 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, Christina begins to wonder 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 to something more, especially a relationship with a loving God?
My thoughts:
Sometimes in our well-meaning good deeds we actually wind up hindering the very ones we are trying to help. Without meaning to we become focused on how a situation affects us instead of others. This is the main lesson that Christina Willems comes to learn in What Once Was Lost.
Christina has been left in charge of the home that her beloved father ran for the housing of the poor. When one tragedy leads to another she begins to cling to what once was in the hopes of recapturing it. Meanwhile wonderful things are happening to those that have been entrusted to her care. Unfortunately Christina can't seem to let go and move on.
I think almost everyone can relate to being unable to move on from something that is familiar. The unknown can be so scary. The idea of trusting the plans that God has for you is wonderful, but it is often hard to put into practice.
If you enjoy historical fiction I think you are going to like What Once Was Lost. The characters are easy to identify with and the situation is a common plight for all of us. Of course I have to add that it is set on the prairies of my beloved Kansas so that just pushes it over the top! Grab a copy for yourself and contemplate what you are holding onto that you should be letting go of.
Extras:
Kim has put together two short stories that add to What Once Was Lost.
No comments:
Post a Comment