It seems like only yesterday that I was reading and reviewing Kim Vogel Sawyer's The Librarian of Boone's Hollow. Well, the author returns with another Christian novel, From This Moment, and this one is set in present-day Kansas. Each chapter goes back and forth between the viewpoints of four main characters:

Texas boy Jase has come to small-town Kansas to be the new youth minister at a small-town church. Trouble is, he thought he'd be doing it with his fiancee Rachel. But Rachel was killed in a car accident, and now Jase is trying to move on without her.

Jase's mentor and the church's main pastor is Merlin. He's been leading the flock of this church for many years, and he's been doing it all by himself. He's happy to have Jase help him out, especially since he's harboring a secret about his health.

One of the congregation members is Kenzie, a former Amish woman who chose to live as an Englischer after her "rumspringe". She's a weaver who uses an old loom and donated clothing to weave rugs and placemats for a mission center so they can sell the items and raise money for missions. But one day, she discovers a ring inside the pocket of a pair of pants, and she's got to find the owner.

Meanwhile, Kenzie's friend and co-worker at the local fabric shop, Lori, is struggling with overeating and feelings of inadequacy due to her strained relationship with her father. When Lori sees Jase at church, she's immediately smitten. But can she put down the pan of brownies to let Jase see who she really is?

Not gonna lie - the ring storyline was pretty predictable, and because this is a Christian novel, you already know that God is going to work things out for the good in the end. Obviously, you also know that romance is going to bloom somewhere, but I was a little surprised at where it all ended up.

Predictability aside, each of the characters has relatable qualities. You'll read this and see part of yourself in each person. And I like that about the book.

What I didn't like so much was some of the hardline literalness some of the characters had when it came to following Bible verses. Maybe it just had to do with Kenzie being brought up in a strict way, and maybe I should just let it go and accept her as is the way the other characters did, but I found it odd that she was so secretive about her weaving projects. I get it - you don't want to draw attention to the good works you're doing because attention is not why you're doing it. BUT then aren't you in effect lying about it? And wouldn't you want people to know so they can donate clothing to you or help out in some way or, at the very least, hear about the Gospel, which Kenzie is so hellbent on bringing back to her Amish family?

Okay, so maybe this review has gone a little too far in the spoiler category. You can see that there are parts of the book that would be ripe for discussion, and the author does include a discussion guide in the back of the book. If you're looking for a good Bible study/book club pick that has a happy ending, then you'll want to consider From This Moment.

From This Moment is published by Waterbrook Multnomah and is on bookstore shelves today.

Three young adults each face their own challenges in this contemporary Christian novel. Jase is a beginning youth pastor but is fighting his doubts about God due to an accident that killed his fiancee. Kenzie Stetler has left her Amish life and found fulfillment in a true relationship with her Savior, but she is separated from her parents and feels the need to tell them about her faith. Lori Fowler is a popular young woman who bubbles with life but feels inadequate because of her curly hair and pudgy body.

This book was so realistic and dealt with issues so many young adults face today. The relationships between the three young people were so special, and they were so supportive of one another. Their encouragement helped each of them find a way to overcome their fears and doubts. They also were encouaging to the youth they dealt with as they faced the problems that teens counter. A strong spiritual thread ran throughout the storyline as well. I appreciated that the romance thread played in the background until the very end.

Enjoyable contemporary Christian fiction.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Sawyer offers readers a gentle exploration of characters, how to heal from past tragedy, how to overcome dysfunctional relationships, and how to dare to share the good news to works oriented parents.

This novel takes us into the lives of several people and the narrative jumps from person to person. Each one has an obstacle to overcome. Jase is in a time of spiritual dryness, wondering where God is after the devastating loss of his fiancee. Kenzie is still trying to understand God's grace having grown up in a very restrictive Amish sect. Lori turns to food, trying to fill the emptiness she feels. And Merlin hides his medical condition from his loving wife. They work together to help each other as we see the importance of friends in healing and spiritual growth. They must wrestle with issues of trust and honesty while allowing others to be a part of their lives.

Readers who like tender novels about everyday Christians learning how to navigate the life God has given them will like this novel. There are discussion questions included and I can see a reading group having a lively meeting centered on this story. And you'll have to have brownies. Fortunately, the recipe for the best brownies is included in the book.

My favorite line in the book, from husband to wife: “When God designed you, He must've been showing off.”

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fun read. Especially during our current times of viruses, quarantines, and politics, I just wanted to enjoy a sweet, entertaining book that provides me an escape from reality and From This Moment fits the bill perfectly!

Jase is a youth pastor who is mourning the death of his fiancee. Lori is a church custodian who struggles with low self-esteem and an eating disorder. The two seem like an unlikely pair. God has some healing work to do in each of them and uses their friendship to start it off. When the author, Kim Vogel Sawyer, throws in a formerly-Amish weaver, some personable teenagers, and a good-hearted pastor and his wife, the reader is in for a treat. She even includes a little mystery in the form of a missing engagement ring. Something for everyone and certain to be enjoyed by all!

Family is the root from which From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer grows. Jase Edgar thought he finally had the family for which he had longed, until his fiancée died. Running from the memories and the loss, he uproots from San Antonio to take a youth minister position in Kansas. Maybe ministering to the youth in the small church will also minister to his hurting heart and shaky faith. But how can he minister to them when he's not so confident in God anymore?

New church custodian Lori Fowler has her eye on the new youth minister, but how could he ever notice her? Her strained relationship with her father and tendency to emote through a rollercoaster relationship with food have destroyed her confidence. But Lori's friend Kenzie needs both Lori and Jase to help her find the owner of a ring that she has found, and the Lord's hand is undeniable in the way relationships are restored and repaired along the way.

Kim Vogel Sawyer explores a scope of love, longing, and belonging in From This Moment that speaks to everyone on some level. Jase's longing for a partner in life and a family, Lori's longing for restoration of her relationship with her father and for the strength to overcome destructive food relationships, and Kenzie's urge to return to her Amish family and share God's grace through Christ with them. This is a story that will resonate with the reader long after the story ends.

Thank you to the author and the publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions are my own and are completely genuine.

This is only the second book I have read from Kim Vogel Sawyer. I was initially interested in the author as a fellow Kansas trying to support the local author. Well I can tell you her writing has completely blown me away every time I have picked up a book by her.

This story follows Jase, Kenzie, and Lori. Jase is moving to Kansas after a tragedy with his fiancé and trying to reignite his faith as he begins his new position as a youth minister. Kenzie and Lori are friends who work together and go to church with Jase. Each of these characters have their own issues with their faith and God comes through for them in a mighty way. I was fully invested in these characters from the beginning.

I truly hope this is the beginning of more books about these characters because I don’t feel like I am finished with their stories. I still find myself thinking about them days after I finished the story.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a fun, contemporary novel. From This Moment shares the story of Jase, the new youth pastor who has recently moved to town. Already in town is Lori who struggles with self esteem and an eating disorder. Kenzie is one of Lori’s best friends. Kenzie’s past is intriguing as she herself left the Amish church. You’ve already guessed it’s a romance novel, but who will Jase go after? Lori or McKenzie? What about the memory of his late fiancé Rachel?

This book is a fun, enjoyable read. You will be kept wondering what is going to happen next as you go through the enjoyable story plot.

I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I recommend this book.

I felt like this book really surrounded three people not just Lori, and Jase. I felt like Kenzie's story was just as equally important to the whole story. I typically feel like to many people in a story makes it hard to keep up with what is happening I do not feel that way this book I felt the author did a great job and telling each story equally. I loved Kenzie she has a heart of gold but also has a way of just being who God designed her to me. I really was not a huge fan of Lori I just found her off putting she just came off as a desperate person. I feel like in the end the author did an amazing job that showed God's powerful love even in the brokenness. This book is a clean read and suitable for all readers.

I instantly liked this youth pastor and how transparent he was, “Jase checked the GPS. Again. The thing showed he’d reached Bradleyville, but it had to be wrong….He’d left San Antonio for this? He must have lost his ever-lovin’ mind.”

Jasc faces new challenges without the love of his life by his side. How could things have gone so wrong with Rachel. Could he trust God after all that has happened and now with the loss of his precious ring, he is not sure.

Lori a member of Jase’s church, struggles doing life without her parents. She works with and encourages her friend Kenzie who was raised Amish but did not confirm her faith in the Church. Lori was sometimes jealous at Kenzie’s strength, faith, and courage.

I appreciated getting a peek at Kenzie’s faith and her courage to do what she felt in her heart to do. I liked hearing about how she weaves rugs and the ministry she has. I adored watching Lori and Kenzie work in the sweet quilt store (I’d like to visit). This story has a sweet small town feel with a Pastor and wife I wanted to hang out with. They were wonderful, fun, and “real” role models as their faith is tested with new challenges they’ve never faced before.

This is a delightful lighthearted and powerful story of faith, friendship, loss, new beginnings, facing your past, overcoming struggles and fears. This is a fun, rainy day, uplifting read that will have you wanting to make brownies the author has mentioned all through the novel. Good thing she includes the recipe at the end of the book along with nine questions, to help liven up your book club discussion time. Do not forget to make the brownies for your meeting. It is a win, win situation!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

loved, loved, loved this book! Read it quickly and wanted more....hope there’s a follow up novel in the works.
The characters I loved and became attached to and identified with one or two. Human nature and heartache are portrayed quite well. We all are human in need of God’s Grace which took a while for some to realize. The wisdom of some of the older characters blended well with the young people. The scriptures were perfectly placed to add to the story’s meaning. From humble Kenzie, to flamboyant Lori and heartbroken Jas the characters came alive on the pages. These are people I would enjoy calling friends. Reading this novel gave me a warm, heartfelt and joyful feeling. Would love to read more like this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

"God raises us up for His purposes so we have the opportunity to experience and share His power in a human life.”

“Stay open to His leading, Jase. You might feel like your plans have been lost, but His plans are never forsaken. He will use you for His glory, and it’ll be for your good , too.”

Stories about pastors or ministers have always fascinated me. And this one was wonderful.
I loved the insight into Jase's life, his struggles and how God helped him overcome them. I really admired the wonderfully illustrations the author put.

Kenzie was just a darling. Her naivety was touching and refreshing. My heart went out to her while reading the book. Her love and service to God were astounding and very inspiring.

Lori was easiest to love. Her struggles were real and her triumphs wonderful.

This story was wonderful, a beautiful illustration of God's love and beautiful friendships.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the electronic copy of From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this book prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced them.

From This Moment is a heartfelt Christian novel with endearing characters and an emotional plot that has a great Christian message. The pacing pulled me into the story from the beginning and kept me engaged until the end.

Lori Fowler is one of the main characters. She has a crush on the new youth minister, and when she’s given the chance to clean the church part-time, she sees it as a way to become friends with him. Her character is sweet and innocent, and she is also a good friend to the recent addition at the quilt shop where she works during the day.

Kenzie is a young woman who left her Amish roots during her rumspringa because she discovered a different path for her faith. While working on a new rug from scraps of discarded clothing, Kenzie finds an engagement ring in the pocket of a pair of jeans. This ring becomes an intricate part of the plot. I enjoyed her character a great deal and loved her gentle influence on Lori.

Jase Edgar is the new youth minister. He lost his sweetheart in a car crash and is looking for a fresh start, which he finds with his new position. I truly enjoyed his character as he works with the teens at the church. He accepts Lori’s hand of friendship and looks beyond her physical appearance to the beautiful soul hidden inside her.

Ms. Sawyer brings out several difficult topics involving a troubled teen Jase counsels, Lori’s body image issues, her compulsive relationship with food, and her estrangement with her family. Kenzie’s guilt over leaving her Amish family that she hasn’t seen them for years. There’s a strong message of Christ’s acceptance and love woven into this soul-searching tale.

If you enjoy Christian fiction with characters that will touch your heart, then you will love From This Moment as much as I did. Kim Vogel Sawyer is an amazing author, and this novel is one I would read again. Happy reading!

A book that is very heartwarming and the characters are so relatable!! A nice Christian book to snuggle up with on a cold winter day. You will definitely get lost in this story!

Heartwarming tale of three young adults finding purpose and confidence.

Jase spent time in the foster care system and thankfully found a loving family. He had his future all mapped out with he and his fiancé planning to plant a church and then tragedy happened. With his faith in tatters, he leaves San Antonio to take a youth minister position in a small Kansas town.

Kenzie decided not to join the Amish church after her Rumspringa. She left her family in Indiana to work in a fabric store in Wichita. Her faith is strong, but she begins to question what God has next for her.

Lori is full of personality, but lacks self confidence. She seeks contentment in food.

The three of them forge a friendship through their church and impact each other in positive ways.

From This Moment has a great message of God's love and it was a lovely journey.

It has been a long time since I have read a Kim Vogel Sawyer book and I am glad that I was able to read this one. It was a inspiring and well written. The characters were definitely relatable and endearing. There are multiple story lines happening but it definitely doesn't get confusing so they are easy to read and follow. There is a bit of mystery surrounding the ring found so it makes the story interesting.

There are quite a few characters that are introduced but some the main ones are Laurie, Kenzie and Jase. Kenzie is a former Amish girl who learned about God and decided to leave her order to follow her beliefs. She lives a simple life and works with Lori. They both have had some difficult times in their lives which has made it difficult for them to progress. Jase has also had some heartache as he not only looks back at his life as a foster care child and sees the things he didn't have but also losing his fiancee in a fatal accident brings some struggles in trusting God.

Overall this was a good story. It touches on some deep points like Lori's eating disorder and insecurities. The element of faith and redemption moves throughout the book flawlessly but this story moved a little slow for me and I found myself making myself read it. I was also disappointed in the romantic aspect of it. Since the book started with Kenzie I just thought the love story would revolve around her and Jase, instead it was Jase and Lori which fell a little flat for me.

A lost ring may bring two people closer together. Along the way, each person learns more about themselves and their faith in God. Good story. I received a complimentary copy. No review was required.

From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer was a very inspirational read for me. She has a wonderful way of telling stories, and she did not disappoint in this book. She brought the characters to life for me, as if I know them, their struggles were so relatable for me, and the plot was right on. It does start a bit slow, but it does pick up. I have always loved Kim’s writing, and she has not disappointed this time either. I highly recommend this book.

I would like to thank Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer didn't hit the mark for me. The synopsis is definitely misleading. I thought the book was going to be about Jase and Lori tracking down the owner of a ring, but Jase and Lori don't even know about Kenzie's search for the ring until much later on in the book. It's hard to summarize the plot, because there are so many things going on. It probably would have been more effective for me if some of the smaller plot points had either been sacrificed to make room for more development in the larger plot points or explored on a deeper level.

One of these plot points is Lori's eating disorder. It is revealed that Lori has a food addiction and uses food to cope with her trauma. The "solution" to Lori's problems is pitifully simplified by the author pretty much saying "oh, if I just pray every time I want to binge and tell my Pastor, I'll be okay". In theory, yeah, great, that works. In reality, any average person who is struggling with some sort of addiction or eating disorder will require a lot more time and help to overcome it. When it comes to sensitive topics like this, an author either needs to fully commit, or leave it out. In this case, it probably should have just been left out. This one piece of the story ruined the entire book for me when I could have liked the book without it's inclusion or loved the book if it had been fully explored.

I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for the promise of an honest review.

This book encouraged me as I struggle with the variety of people God brings across my path and into my church community. I was reminded of how we need people around us who are different to us and can speak truth to us.

From This Moment
A Novel
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Read an Excerpt
WaterBrook & Multnomah
You Like Them You Are Auto-Approved
WaterBrook
Christian | Romance
Pub Date 23 Feb 2021 | Archive Date 31 May 2021

We have a lot of readers in our library that are looking forward to this book. They like Kim Vogel Sawyer and the way she writes. This was indeed a well-written book and enjoyable to read. It is good to remember that God is in control even when we feel he is silent. Thanks WaterBrook and Multnomah and NetGalley for the ARC.
5 star