From This Moment

DELIGHTFUL!

This is a wonderful inspirational book that demonstrates how God works in, around, over, through, because of and in spite of ALL our circumstances! It is the story of three young adults who find themselves in the same small church in Kansas. It was one of those friendships that was God-ordained, for such a time as this. They are three souls who have been battered by circumstances in their pasts but each are diligently working on a closer personal relationship with God. Jase is the youth minister who is dealing with his own doubts about God’s goodness after losing his fiancée in a tragic accident. Lori is the newly appointed church custodian with no self worth and terrible relationship with her father and compensates by overeating. Their friend Kenzie has left the Amish world and has come to live among believers. She is feeling very convicted to return to her family and share the Gospel but has to come up with a financial plan for a bus ticket.

Sawyer weaves a beautiful story of redemption in the lives of all three of these characters through an unlikely set of circumstances. Even though each of her characters has major flaws, she draws on their strengths and allows them to work together for a common goal and in the end, they each come away with a renewed faith. Also, Sawyer allows the characters to question God in some things and shows how God brings the right people in your life to encourage you and mentor you. I particularly enjoyed this book as I have worked in some type of youth ministry for the past 45 years.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by WaterBrook Publishers. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

This is the first book that I have read that has had an Amish component to it as I usually don't read them. The storyline was beautifully written and had me so engaged. Lori's story had me in tears and reflecting on my own life and battles. Truly this is an authentic story that resonates with the reader. The characters are flawed just like we all are which made the story all that much more believable. Would totally recommend it to read!

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from WaterBrook and Multnomah. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

A book that was touching and inspirational. A story that moved me greatly. Jase was heartbroken. He questioned his faith after experiencing a loss. He accepted a job as a youth minister in a small town. This move changed not only his life but also Kenzie's and Lori's.
The main characters all had to learn how to emotionally deal with their pasts. Everyone is different in how they handle loss or grief. Some find unhealthy ways to deal with their pain. This can lead to very serious consequences.
The book had some unexpected twists and turns which made the ending not as I expected it to. I loved it!!
A few Bible passages came to me as I read this book.
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (NIV)

I received this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah to give a honest review.


Author Bio

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a highly acclaimed bestselling author with more than one million books in print in seven different languages. Her titles have earned numerous accolades including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband, Don, where she continues to write gentle stories of hope. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and her grandchildren

From This Moment, by Kim Vogel Sawyer, is one of my favorite books written by her. I love how Vogel can write so many different types of stories.

There are three main characters in this contemporary novel. Jase Edgar is the new Youth Minister at a small-town Kansas church, Beech Street Bible Fellowship. Lori Fowler is a spunky young woman drawn quite strongly to Jase, who volunteers to help with the youth and works as the church custodian. In addition, there is Kenzie Stetler, a young woman who left the Amish faith for life in Wichita, Kansas.

It was interesting to read a story about an Amish woman who has left the faith. Usually, you read about someone becoming Amish, or they remain in the faith.

Vogel has a fantastic way of drawing you into a story, making you want to meet the characters, and never leave!



Vogel gives each person real-to-life problems to overcome or deal with, making the story so much more relatable. Jase is struggling with his faith, wondering if God is really there. Lori struggles with emotional eating, speaking without thinking and problems with her father. Kenzie realizes how some of her choices might affect her family and grapples with how to reconcile her feelings.

Rich in optimism, hopefulness and faith, From This Moment, will resonate in your heart, leaving you thinking about it for a long time.

I received From This Moment from Waterbrook through NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

From This Moment is a delightful, thought-provoking novel. The plot lines are multi-generational, each with depths of insight. The range of emotions and personal questions of “Who Am I?” with hope of becoming the person each character wanted to be is very well written. The realistic situations and characters’ dilemmas and reactions create a wealth of discussions, both internal and external.

If you ever want to read a book just because it has a beautiful cover, From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer should be the one you choose. I knew I needed to read it before I even read the book blurb.

Thankfully, the story inside is just as good as the cover. So far, my favorite of Kim’s books is Room For Hope, but From This Moment might now be tied for first place! (Although I’ve never read one I didn’t love!)



This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I received a free copy of From This Moment through Net Galley. All opinions are my own.


SUMMARY
Jase Edgar’s dreams for future ministry and a family were destroyed the night his fiance was killed in a car accident. Now, he’s trying to start over as a youth minister in Kansas, but no one knows just how deep his pain and doubt go.

Lori Fowler has a bubbly personality, and a true desire to serve others. But her struggles with overeating and difficult relationship with her father make it hard for her believe she’s worthy of love.

Kenzie Stetler left her Amish family when she learned of God’s grace and became a Christian. She still holds onto her antique weaving loom, and uses it to raise money for missions.

When she finds an engagement ring in some donated clothing items, she sets out to find the owner. She’s struggling with a feeling that she should return to her roots, to tell her family about Christ, and true freedom through salvation. But can she return? And how will she afford to get there?

Three people from very different backgrounds, are drawn together to learn about love, grace God’s goodness. But can they release the past to move forward into a joyful future?

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FROM THIS MOMENT REVIEW
For me, it doesn’t matter if I’m reading one of Kim’s historical or contemporary novels. I always find her characters so relatable. From This Moment is no exception!

She somehow takes normal life events, and uses them to show a beautiful Biblical message. I thought Lori’s story was so compelling, raw and honest. My heart hurt for her, and I saw myself in her.

I also really appreciated Jase’s struggles. He’d had so much heartbreak, he wondered if God was really good. I know that sounds terrible, but I think many of us have those same questions at times.

The way that God showed up and proved it to Jase was so powerful. It’s the same way He reaches out to you and me. That was maybe my favorite part of this story.

I found Kenzie’s story to be very intriguing, too. We often read Amish stories and find their lifestyle so charming and quaint. We gloss over the realization that they depend on a works salvation to get them to Heaven.



Kenzie’s desire to take the message of salvation back to her family was eye-opening to me. This was another really great part of the story.

From This Moment is not really a romance novel. But there are feelings growing between Lori and Jase. Romance is usually a side story in Kim’s novels.

It was so sad to see the way that Lori thought of herself. She totally glossed over her good qualities, and only saw herself through the lies of her father. What a difference in the way Jase saw her! And that final chapter…well, it deserves reading.

I have noticed that in every one of Kim’s books, she presents a very clear plan of salvation. That’s something I find missing in a lot of “Christian” novels.

I also find her stories to be very chaste and clean. As someone who read some questionable novels as a teenager (ahem) I think her books are really appropriate for young girls.

I loved, loved, loved From This Moment. It’s so sweet and has an amazing message about how God loves us, pursues us, and has a future planned for us that might be something we never expected.

I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to try the brownie recipe. I hope there is another book that tells McKenzie's story. I would like to revisit the people of Bradlleyville.

I highly recommend this book. It is entertaining, you will laugh and cry at the same time.

Thank you Netgalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for allowing me to read this title for an honest review..

This author never disappoints me with her stories. I loved the characters. Each of the main characters has a tiny secret that we get to learn during the story. I loved that this has so much inspiration running through it. This made me laugh and cry and it was hard to put down. I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook and Multnomah for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.