Title: From this Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Publisher: Waterbrook
Genre: Contemporary, Christian, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating:
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
A lost ring brings together two wounded souls—a youth minister haunted by the past and a spunky church custodian—in this heartwarming romance from the bestselling author of The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow.
Growing up in the foster care system, Jase Edgar always dreamed of one day starting his own family. But his fiancée’s untimely death shattered his plans. Moving to Kansas and serving as a youth minister should be a fresh start, but he can’t seem to set aside his doubts about God’s goodness long enough to embrace his new life.
Newly-appointed church custodian, Lori Fowler is battling her own challenges. Her strained relationship with her father and her struggles with overeating convince her she’s not worthy enough for love. When an Amish weaver enlists their help locating the owner of a ring found among the donated clothing she uses as fabric, Jase and Lori find themselves drawn to each other. But will they be able to release the past and move forward from this moment into a joyful future?
Review:
From this Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a delightful Christian novel.
Jase Edgar relocates from San Antonio to Bradleyville, KS after he is hired as a youth minister for a local church. He is still mourning the loss of his fiancé Rachel who died in a car accident a year ago. Not only did Jase lose the love of his life, he has lost his faith. Although he begins to feel like he accepted the job under false pretenses, he enjoys the company of the minister of the church and his wife. He also likes spending time with church members Lori Fowler and Kenzie Stetler. And despite his doubts, Jase is beginning to form connections with the teenagers he is ministering to along with the other members of the church. But will Jase regain the faith that has long sustained him?
Lori is outgoing, friendly and enthusiastic about anything that catches her interest. She and Kenzie are best friends who also happen to work together at the local quilt shop. When hours might be cut at the quilt store, Lori volunteers for a second job at the church as a custodian. Her interest in the new position is not completely altruistic since she is quite smitten with Jase. Despite her sunny disposition, Lori’s self-doubts and low self-esteem manifest themselves in unhealthy coping mechanisms. Ashamed and embarrassed, will Lori overcome her problems through her faith and assistance of Jase and Kenzie?
Kenzie left her family and Amish faith after she discovered a new religion. She holds her memories of her family dear and she misses them dearly. Kenzie has a giving spirit and she does not want anyone to know of her good deeds. When she discovers a wedding ring, she is determined to find its rightful owner. But with her heart telling her to return to family and share her faith, can Kenzie leave her friends behind and her task unfinished?
With a warm and welcoming setting, From this Moment is a heartfelt novel of faith, redemption and love. The storyline is well-written with carefully chosen scripture designed to fit the various issues that crop up during the unfolding story. All of the characters are beautifully developed with relatable strengths, foibles and problems to overcome. Kim Vogel Sawyer weaves the various story arcs together and brings this wonderful novel to an uplifting conclusion.
