What Once Was Lost

What Once Was Lost

Kim Vogel Sawyer

Waterbrook

 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?

I found Christina really, really annoying- both with the way she overprotected Tommy (not letting him do anything by himself) and with her stubbornness. She was one of those heroines who charge ahead and want to do everything themselves in their own way, and jump to conclusions. She struck me as kind of bossy. And then there was the part where her pastor told her that people often misunderstand that verse in Corinthians about women keeping silent in the churches, and that of course women can be leaders in ministry. I have no problem with women serving in ministry, but I do have a problem with women being in leadership over men (especially spiritually) However, that’s a whole other can of worms!

But even aside from that, I found this book wasn’t very good at capturing my attention; I’ve read plenty of others like it. I didn’t care for Christina, I found Levi passable but not particularly memorable, and most of the secondary characters didn’t have as much of a distinct personality as I would have liked. If I had gotten this book in any other way than for a review, I probably wouldn’t have finished it, because it just didn’t interest me very much.

Rating: 4

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.