What Once Was Lost: A Novel [Paperback]

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?CBA bestseller
ECPA bestseller

Praise forWhat Once Was Lost

“Kim Vogel Sawyer weaves love, coming of age, and prevailing against the odds into a heartwarming and gripping tale.What Once Was Lostwill have you invested in the lives of each of these wonderful characters as they struggle to deal with the scars from their pasts.”
—Cindy Woodsmall, New York Times best-selling author of The Winnowing Season

“Known for her gentle stories of hope, Kim Sawyer drew me in at once with her colorful cast of characters and authentic historical voice. Just as the fingers of the young blind boy, Tommy, deftly weave reeds into l33