I haven't met a book by Kim Vogel Sawyer that I haven't liked, and this one was no different. Her characters are people the reader can relate to and feel for. I'm actually hoping there will be a follow-up book ... I want to know more about Jase, Lori and Kenzi!

What a range of emotions here, but you feel God's presence in these people's lives. We are there when our young Pastor arrives in Kansas, having left his position in San Antonio, and his memories. Will this move be the answer to restoring his faith?

We watch as he is embraced by this congregation, and feel his pain, and wonder if he can move on from his devastating loss of his fiance?

We also meet some of the members of the congregation that welcome him, mainly Lori, who really likes him, and Kenzie who is struggling about returning to her Amish roots, and sharing the hope of salvation.

Jace is targeted to be the Youth Pastor, and we watch as he begins his duties, and thank goodness for the Head Pastor and his wife, I loved them!

Will an engagement ring be the catalyst to bring the forgiveness Jace is craving, or is it irrelevant?

I love how he is challenged throughout this book, and it quickly became a page turner for me, and once I finished I really wanted to stay here and go on with the lives of the people I now cared about!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Waterbrook and Multnomah, and was not required to give a positive review.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.

This book packed an emotional punch! I fell in love with the characters and their struggles right away, because they were all so relatable. I liked that the only antagonists were either minor characters or internal (eating disorder, grief, regret). These were all used masterfully, and I feel like this is a book to study and pick apart to learn the art of the internal antagonist. Well done, Mrs. Sawyer!

Speaking of those internal antags, I especially liked that weight issues were featured. So many people (men and women) deal with being unsatisfied with the way their bodies look or the numbers on the scales. This book showed that struggle in a realistic way as well as with grace, but it also revealed the truth about these issues: that we’re beautiful just the way we are—current weight and shape included. This message resonated so well and was so beautiful to read.

Another relatable theme was having trouble hearing God’s direction in one’s life. Goodness, have I been there! Again, this was written to reflect the way it happens in real life, which made it a seamless part of the story.

This book stretched deep and wide, handling tough topics with grace while also telling a beautiful story that I greatly enjoyed. It challenged me in places, and I liked that. I love it when fiction books help me grow as a person. It was emotional, which, if you’ve followed my reviews for any length of time, you know is right up my alley.

I’m pleased to announce that this is yet another winner in the long list of books by Mrs. Kim Vogel Sawyer. I haven’t found a dud yet. (Although, I was shocked that there was an expletive. That is highly unusual for this author.)

Content: one expletive, alcohol

Jase Edgar arrives in Bradleyville, Kansas from San Antonio and wonder what he’s gotten himself into. This doesn’t look like much of a town. He’s been hired as the new Youth Minister. Merlin and Leah Kraft and the Senior Minister and Wife, who are his bosses. He meets many of the youth, and other church members, but the ones we learn the most about are Kenzie and Lori. We also meet Leah’s sister Ruby, whom Kenzie and Lori work for. Tony and Eileen are Jase’s friend and minister, and Eileen is another of Leah’s sisters. Great story about the struggles a person goes through after losing a loved one, as well as struggles of acceptance. Both struggles as two of the main characters are well told and very easy to relate to. I loved all the main characters and their story is one that will bring you in quickly. Hard to put down story, that won’t let you down.
A complimentary copy was provided by Waterbrook via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

“Reach for hope, always reach for hope”

Grace, forgiveness, and being used as a Child of God are the prominent themes throughout this precious novel. Three unique young people are sent to a small town in Kansas: Jase, a youth pastor grieving the loss of his fiancé, Lori, an endearing young woman dealing with emotional abuse from her father plus an eating disorder, and Kenzie, who, after growing up Amish, decided not to be baptized into the Amish faith and came to Bradleyville to start a new life.

The pastoral love from Merlin and Leah lends its healing touch on the residents of Bradleyville, and I love the characterization of Leah as a doting “grandmother”. I found this novel to be both entertaining and inspirational. And I’ll be trying my hand at Kenzie’s secret recipe brownies!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I just finished reading From This Moment.
The characters were so real and the story was woven so well I had trouble putting it down.
Finishing it was like saying goodbye to friends.
I had an advance copy but when you can get yours I highly recommend it.

There are so many wonderful people in this story—including the minister and his wife and Kenzie, the Amish weaver. Lori is a delightful character who suffers from overeating, which I rarely see in a novel. Kim Vogel Sawyer addressed Lori’s issues in the most beautiful, hopeful way. Jase is struggling with his faith, even as he takes on the role of youth minister in a small church. I love his story and his personality. Despite his faith struggle, he pushes forward. From This Moment is a refreshing read that takes me back to the basics of my faith, the church I grew up in, and wonderful memories of the youth group activities I enjoyed. If you like sweet stories with lovable characters pick up a copy of From This Moment. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Kim Vogel Sawyer is known for her stories of real life conflicts and human imperfections. Even the Amish books she writes brings the real world into the fantasy of a simple perfect plain life. From This Moment doesn't disappoint in following that pattern. We meet a youth pastor who has suffered a heartbreaking loss, a girl raised Amish but who has left the family and a girl who struggles with self-doubt. The story by itself is enjoyable. Each person, even the minor ones, are struggling with health or faith issues. Sawyer does a fantastic job of weaving a storyline that somehow includes everyone, even though each person is following a separate path.
Now, let me say that I did like the story. I might offend some readers by what I'm going to say. In my humble opinion, the book was too religious. Maybe if I had been raised a Pastor's kid or had a job in a church, I could relate more. I am a Christian and grew up attending church so I'm not exactly a heathen but this book was a little too preachy. At one point I started to doubt my relationship with Christ because I was getting a little frustrated at all the "God stuff" in the story. Maybe it was because I had just finished a book with a storyline that was still in my head. So, if you choose to read From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer, make sure you are comfortable with a strong religious message. Actually, with the world today, maybe it should be required reading.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

A beautiful story about moving on in the face of disappointment. Jase, a newly appointed youth minister, struggles with his feelings towards God after the loss of his fiancée and his dreams of doing church planting. Kenzie, who grew up in an Amish household but never joined the church, misses her family and wants to share the Good News of grace with them. Lori, has a really poor self-image after growing up under a verbally abusive father. The author has crafted a lovely plot in this engaging story. I enjoyed the story and am really hoping that there might be a sequel letting us know how the characters at the Beech St Bible Fellowship get on.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Very touching story that will help readers see that God is always there even when you can't feel it. The struggle Jase is going through after losing his fiance in a tragic accident is realistic. The author describes working with youth to the "T." My favorite character was Kenzie. She was such a quiet, strong influence to others. The aspect of "not letting your right hand know what your left hand is doing" is shown do well through Kenzie. Lori was personable but irritating at times. Many readers will be able to relate with this story. Recommended!

From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Jase Edgar is a lonely young man who has had the rug pulled out from under him, he's reeling from the death of his fiancee, a year earlier. They had planned to be missionaries and spread God's word. He has taken a new job as a youth pastor in Kansas, far from his home in Texas, hoping that the changes will help him recover from his sense of loss.

Lori Fowler works in a quilt shop and has recently moved out of her dad's home, she feels like her dad has verbally abused her for years, since her mom died. She has some very real emotional issues because of this.

Lori's friend Kenzie Stetler is slowly overcoming her early life in a strict Amish community in Indiana. She has chosen not to become a member of that church and is now independent, complete with her own apartment, a cell phone and a good job that she loves at the quilt shop, where she met Lori. She makes items in her spare time, to donate to missions, anonymously.

This is an original story, tugging at the heartstrings and infused with a lot of Christian virtues that are necessary to cope in this modern age. Since it's mostly about a teenage youth group, there is potential for a lot of learning by the reader. The book has made it onto my favorites shelf. It will bring great joy to read it again and again.

Many thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah and NetGalley for the complimentary copy, I was not obligated to leave a review. This is the first book from NetGalley that I've read, I felt a little forced into signing up, I really wanted to read the book and that is the only way that it was offered to me. Worked out the kinks over several days and ended up being an okay experience. Still would rather have a print book, but so many publishers aren't even offering that option for ARCs any longer.

This book was so good! It's well written and holds your attention. This book is full of hope and inspiration and the characters face true to life problems that shows even when God is silent He is still with us and in control. Have a box of tissue handy, you will need them. This is a book you don't want to miss. Thank you WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book struck a real cord for me. It was a simple story or events that were common everyday events. A story of a new youth pastor in a new town and state, starting out, and having issues in his recent past that caused him anguish and caused him to feel perhaps a bit unworthy.
Lori and Kenzie are the female characters, both which have situations in their lives that caused them to have a difficult time to move on and progress in their lives. This was a really engaging story and although there were a few slower parts, it was still very beautifully written and made you want to continue reading to see how the difficulties would either be resolved or continued.

This was a very Christian oriented book which revolves around a church in Kansas and their members. Regardless of religious affiliation, you will still see how God is in control and that life's paths are guided by Him.

I enjoyed this book very much.

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

Always reach for hope.

Raised in the foster care system, Jase Edgar has recently moved to Kansas from San Antonio. But the newly minted youth pastor faces a crisis of faith related to the loss of his fiancé. Rachel’s life – and their plans to minister as church planters – was cut short by a drunk driver. And Jase can’t make sense of something that doesn’t make sense.

Kenzie Stetler, brownie baker extraordinaire, left home because she couldn’t join a church that based the promise of heaven on a list of dos and don’ts. But she has a heart tug to return home and share what’s she’s learned about grace with her family.

Lori Fowler works with Kenzie at a local fabric and quilt shop. Outwardly bubbly and perspicacious, Lori’s also a girl with an eating disorder, an estranged, angry dad, and huge struggles with self-worth. Yikes trikes!

They’re all part of the family at Beech Street Bible Fellowship in this refreshingly candid and faith-affirming story about love, loss, hope, and second chances. Scriptural truths are skillfully weft into this gentle story without getting preachy. The text also neatly sidesteps trite cliches and empty platitudes related to tough questions about why bad things happens to good people.

Strong writing, rich, robust characters, and a lithe, agile plot undergird this highly engaging story. More than a few surprises and unexpected plot twists will keep you turning pages until the end. No ferhoodling!

Marinated in grace, From This Moment is an insightful, inspirational read. Echoes of mercy and whispers of love shine through every chapter. I read it cover-to-cover in one sitting.

If your hope tank is running on empty, From This Moment is for you! A delightful, uplifting read.

#FromThisMoment

Kim Vogel Sawyer's books transport you to a different time and place. I am a much bigger fan of her historic fiction, so keep that in mind with this review. This is a contemporary romance, where each of the characters is working on overcoming major struggles. Lori is dealing with underemployment and financial problems. Karen is trying to find her way in this Englisch world (she left the Amish one), and is central to the book since she finds a very important ring. Jase is a youth pastor who is still coping with the very raw grief of losing his fiance.
There are health problems and family issues central to the book, and it's a good way to remember that just because you can't see someone is struggling, doesn't mean that they aren't. Judge not...

Fantastic characters that become so much like old friends! This is a great story that pulled me in right away. The small town and the close knit church family took me back to my years at a church similar to this. The struggles that the characters went through point out that we all, even Pastors, go through valleys and question God. I loved the lesson to the reader, call out to God, he won’t forsake you. This is a story that will fill your heart and have you truly smiling at God’s goodness. A sweet romance that is budding due to the inside not outward appearance, is such a refreshing part of the story. So much to love about this book, will definitely keep you engaged and happy you read it!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer was a pleasant read. The story has several main characters, Jase Edgar, the new youth pastor at Beech Street Bible Fellowship in Bradleyville, Kansas; Merlin Kraft, the senior pastor at the same church; Kenzie Stetler, a former Amish woman who works at a fabric store; Lori Fowler, another worker in the same store. Both Kenzie and Lori attend this same church and are best friends. Kenzie is known for her amazing brownies and Lori has a very outgoing personality. Kenzie also weaves rugs from various pieces of clothing, some of which had been brought from San Antonio by Jase. Jase is the new youth pastor, but he is in a time in his life where he is struggling with his faith and wrestling with his relationship with God. Merlin has his own struggles with his health and is struggling with telling his wife what is happening.
The author is able to weave a story with these characters and several other supporting people who bring to life the story of grief, recovery, friendship, and forgiveness. They also find themselves with a found ring and the quest to find the rightful owner. This story is definitely an easy read with strong character development and definitely a page turner.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #From This Moment #KimVogelSawyer #NetGalley

I enjoyed this new book by Kim Vogel Sawyer. The characters were very engaging. There were times when the story seemed to move a little slowly but I enjoyed the characters so much I wanted to keep turning pages. Great messages of friendship, God’s kindness, and the journey of restoration after a time of deep loss.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read an ARC for honest review.

Set in modern day Kansas, From This Moment is a captivating, inspiring narrative penned by a gifted storyteller. The characters are engaging and relatable. I could feel their struggles. The well-crafted plot flows smoothly at a steady pace, and multiple storylines mesh beautifully. The romantic element is heartwarming. Bits of humor and a little mystery add to the enjoyment of the story. Ms. Sawyer’s accurate portrayal of a small town church youth group brought back sweet memories of a time that was very important in my life. Faith flows naturally throughout the story. Relevant spiritual truths related to grace and God’s purpose and plans for each life are consistently and effectively conveyed. I enjoyed this book, and it left me wanting to know more about the characters in this small Kansas town.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I've read many books by this author, and I've always enjoyed them. This wasn't one of my favorites, but it was still an enjoyable book overall.

I haven't read a number of books set in Kansas, so I liked that. I also liked the fact that the story was told from multiple viewpoints (four, in fact). It helps the reader see the full picture. The pace was a bit slower than I generally prefer. The story is nicely detailed, and the characters are well developed and realistic. The dialogue, at times, felt a bit stiff and preachy. But, the reader is able to see how God is able to make beauty from the ashes.