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Ripples of Mercy
Seven years past, he stepped into freedom.
Eight years past, she fell into bondage.
Bartholomew Wilhelm worked his way from a pirate to a captain in His Majesty's Royal Navy. He still proudly carries the mantel to bring freedom to the captives and redemption to the broken. But his was a mission easier said than done, for the elusive pirates he sought evaded him to no end. When a potential breakthrough sends him across the Atlantic, hope flares among the wreckage of their pursuit. That is, until Bartholomew pulls a woman from a real wreckage and is forced to face the demons in his past.
Katalina Corbyn finds herself aboard a Royal Navy vessel with naught but the clothes on her back and scattered memories of how she got there. The journey to Cardiff, Wales does nothing but wake the sleeping monster in her dreams. When the truth finally comes crashing back, can she brave the suspicions of those around her and start over, or will Captain Wilhelm prove to be the ultimate undoing of her fragile heart?
As their fates continue to intertwine, a new startling question Will this journey result in a new bondage for them both, or will the gentle ripples of mercy disrupt the illusion of a fatal future?
Eight years past, she fell into bondage.
Bartholomew Wilhelm worked his way from a pirate to a captain in His Majesty's Royal Navy. He still proudly carries the mantel to bring freedom to the captives and redemption to the broken. But his was a mission easier said than done, for the elusive pirates he sought evaded him to no end. When a potential breakthrough sends him across the Atlantic, hope flares among the wreckage of their pursuit. That is, until Bartholomew pulls a woman from a real wreckage and is forced to face the demons in his past.
Katalina Corbyn finds herself aboard a Royal Navy vessel with naught but the clothes on her back and scattered memories of how she got there. The journey to Cardiff, Wales does nothing but wake the sleeping monster in her dreams. When the truth finally comes crashing back, can she brave the suspicions of those around her and start over, or will Captain Wilhelm prove to be the ultimate undoing of her fragile heart?
As their fates continue to intertwine, a new startling question Will this journey result in a new bondage for them both, or will the gentle ripples of mercy disrupt the illusion of a fatal future?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
492 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2025
5 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 31, 2025
I enjoyed the descriptive and captivating way this book was written. As I read the book I felt like I was in the middle of the battles and sorrows that each character was facing.
It spoke frankly but with decorum about hard hitting topics that need to be addressed. I feel S.L Klein took the time to bring each character to life and all the characters made sense with each other.
I loved how the past characters of the first book were interwoven into the story without taking over the current story.
This book shows how God's forgiveness is available to anyone no matter what they have done. And how the main character forgave someone who had hurt her beyond all belief thus in turn he was able to find salvation and forgiveness as well.
10/10 will read again
It spoke frankly but with decorum about hard hitting topics that need to be addressed. I feel S.L Klein took the time to bring each character to life and all the characters made sense with each other.
I loved how the past characters of the first book were interwoven into the story without taking over the current story.
This book shows how God's forgiveness is available to anyone no matter what they have done. And how the main character forgave someone who had hurt her beyond all belief thus in turn he was able to find salvation and forgiveness as well.
10/10 will read again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2025
ENDORSEMENT: Delivering everything you could want in a sequel, S.L. Klein’s elegant prose instantly transports you back in time through this show-stopping conclusion to the Liberation Duology. Ripples of Mercy displays the struggle between seeking vengeance and choosing mercy with authenticity, conviction, and sound theology. Any reader looking for a Gospel-focused story of hope and healing is sure to find a balm in this book.
REVIEW: Klein handles heavy topics in Ripples of Mercy including SA, ab*rtion, church hurt, and forgiving those who (by all human standards) don't deserve it. She handles all of these topics with care and grace through unforgettable characters and a gripping plotline. This has quickly become one of my favorite books.
REVIEW: Klein handles heavy topics in Ripples of Mercy including SA, ab*rtion, church hurt, and forgiving those who (by all human standards) don't deserve it. She handles all of these topics with care and grace through unforgettable characters and a gripping plotline. This has quickly become one of my favorite books.
March 11, 2025
Where, oh, where to begin? I LOVED this book. I can’t wait to get hard copies of this and the first book (which I am dying to read, since I haven’t yet). I knew this would be getting five stars by the time I reached chapter 5 and I was giggling in anticipation by chapter 6.
Was it the characters? Something in the style? The fact that there’s a passel of redeemed pirates? (I may have a soft spot for them since I’m writing some of my own currently, albeit in a different setting.)
Maybe it was the depth that even the side characters had, the tactful presentation of the gospel without it feeling forced, or the delicacy with which such sensitive topics (SA, child abuse, human trafficking) were handled—respectfully and meaningfully without being graphic and traumatic in the presentation.
The plot actually surprised me. Not in a shocking way, but pleasantly. I have a knack for guessing endings, and I guessed wrong for once (I was worried Captain T.A. would end up dead 🫢).
The blend of weakness and strength, and the battle of accepting redemption and healing as scarred and tainted people, was portrayed so beautifully, and the way it extended to more than the main characters meant a lot. Did I mention I love, love, love deep characters?
Beyond the elegance of the writing style, the captivating plot, the depth and relatability of the characters, realism of the setting, and attention to detail, the MEANING and PURPOSE behind this story is POWERFUL. It is a cry on behalf of the voiceless, a call to arms for we who are able to rescue those in bondage, save the lives of the helpless, welcome the broken, to show them the light and healing of God’s truth, and to forgive as we have been forgiven. What is faith and love without sacrifice? The least we can do in thankfulness to Christ for laying down his life for us is to lay ours down on behalf of his sheep—lost and in the fold alike.
“"Then they too will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help You?' "Then He will answer them, 'I assure you: Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me either.' "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."” (Matthew 25:44-46, HCSB)
“Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27, HCSB)
“Isn't the fast I choose: To break the chains of wickedness, to untie the ropes of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to tear off every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your house, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to ignore your own flesh and blood? Then your light will appear like the dawn, and your recovery will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the LORD's glory will be your rear guard. At that time, when you call, the LORD will answer; when you cry out, He will say, 'Here I am.' If you get rid of the yoke among you, the finger-pointing and malicious speaking, and if you offer yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted one, then your light will shine in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday.” (Isaiah 58:6-10, HCSB)
Content warnings: violence/war violence/torture, human trafficking, piracy, references to abortion/miscarriage, references to s3xual abuse/prostitution, references to child abuse, nightmares/PTSD.
Was it the characters? Something in the style? The fact that there’s a passel of redeemed pirates? (I may have a soft spot for them since I’m writing some of my own currently, albeit in a different setting.)
Maybe it was the depth that even the side characters had, the tactful presentation of the gospel without it feeling forced, or the delicacy with which such sensitive topics (SA, child abuse, human trafficking) were handled—respectfully and meaningfully without being graphic and traumatic in the presentation.
The plot actually surprised me. Not in a shocking way, but pleasantly. I have a knack for guessing endings, and I guessed wrong for once (I was worried Captain T.A. would end up dead 🫢).
The blend of weakness and strength, and the battle of accepting redemption and healing as scarred and tainted people, was portrayed so beautifully, and the way it extended to more than the main characters meant a lot. Did I mention I love, love, love deep characters?
Beyond the elegance of the writing style, the captivating plot, the depth and relatability of the characters, realism of the setting, and attention to detail, the MEANING and PURPOSE behind this story is POWERFUL. It is a cry on behalf of the voiceless, a call to arms for we who are able to rescue those in bondage, save the lives of the helpless, welcome the broken, to show them the light and healing of God’s truth, and to forgive as we have been forgiven. What is faith and love without sacrifice? The least we can do in thankfulness to Christ for laying down his life for us is to lay ours down on behalf of his sheep—lost and in the fold alike.
“"Then they too will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help You?' "Then He will answer them, 'I assure you: Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me either.' "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."” (Matthew 25:44-46, HCSB)
“Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27, HCSB)
“Isn't the fast I choose: To break the chains of wickedness, to untie the ropes of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to tear off every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your house, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to ignore your own flesh and blood? Then your light will appear like the dawn, and your recovery will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the LORD's glory will be your rear guard. At that time, when you call, the LORD will answer; when you cry out, He will say, 'Here I am.' If you get rid of the yoke among you, the finger-pointing and malicious speaking, and if you offer yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted one, then your light will shine in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday.” (Isaiah 58:6-10, HCSB)
Content warnings: violence/war violence/torture, human trafficking, piracy, references to abortion/miscarriage, references to s3xual abuse/prostitution, references to child abuse, nightmares/PTSD.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2025
Last fall I stumbled upon the account of @slklein_author. She had released her book Waves of Redemption earlier in the year and I was immediately intrigued. I bought the ebook and devoured the swashbuckling tale of faith and redemption. So when she announced book 2 would continue the journey of our characters and their mission I knew I had to be on the launch team.
Ripples of Mercy takes place several years after Waves and focuses on Bartholomew Wilhelm and his attempts to rescue those in bondage, while putting an end to traffic by apprehending those who would enslave. On a certain mission, his ship comes upon a young woman clinging to debris in the middle of the ocean. She is near death and once roused has no recollection of who she is and where she should be. Bart takes full responsibility for her care until she can be safely delivered ashore.
As time passes, Katalina begins to piece together her past and it is not one she wishes to remember. But Bart is determined to help her health from the physical and the emotional pain.
In a few words this story is simply breathtaking. Beauty from ashes in its finest. Healing, redemption, sanctification, forgiveness. I loved book one but this book, oh my heart, it was magnificent! Truly a powerful and inspiring story of letting go and letting God. Laying your burdens down, finding your worth in the eyes of God and not man. If you want a moving and meaningful read this is a must.
Many thanks to the author for my advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
#ripplesofmercy #slklein #historicalfiction #historicalromance #humantrafficking #pirates #arcreview #arcreader #bookstgram
Ripples of Mercy takes place several years after Waves and focuses on Bartholomew Wilhelm and his attempts to rescue those in bondage, while putting an end to traffic by apprehending those who would enslave. On a certain mission, his ship comes upon a young woman clinging to debris in the middle of the ocean. She is near death and once roused has no recollection of who she is and where she should be. Bart takes full responsibility for her care until she can be safely delivered ashore.
As time passes, Katalina begins to piece together her past and it is not one she wishes to remember. But Bart is determined to help her health from the physical and the emotional pain.
In a few words this story is simply breathtaking. Beauty from ashes in its finest. Healing, redemption, sanctification, forgiveness. I loved book one but this book, oh my heart, it was magnificent! Truly a powerful and inspiring story of letting go and letting God. Laying your burdens down, finding your worth in the eyes of God and not man. If you want a moving and meaningful read this is a must.
Many thanks to the author for my advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
#ripplesofmercy #slklein #historicalfiction #historicalromance #humantrafficking #pirates #arcreview #arcreader #bookstgram
May 2, 2025
Where, oh where do I even begin?
Ripples of Mercy had me hooked from the very first page and refused to let me go. It had me laughing, gasping, giggling, and (mostly) crying throughout. The hope and truth of the Gospel is felt on every single page, and even brought peace, reminders, hope, and even conviction to my own heart. To say that this story touched me would be an understatement, and to say that it didn't have an effect on me would be a lie.
Bartholomew and Katalina were both wonderful but broken protagonists, and their journeys, both together and separate, towards healing and redemption was so realistic, raw, and relatable. The romance was light, sweet, and real without being graphic, and very tactfully portrayed.
Ripples of Mercy may not be a book for the faint of heart. It's portrayal of SA, human trafficking, abuse, miscarriage, and trauma are hard to read and even harder to swallow, but even in those moments of heaviness, an undertone of hope can be found.
RoM reminds readers of the grace and mercy of our Savior, pushes us to stand for the innocent, shows the truth that no one is too tarnished or too broken for redemption, and gently but firmly reminds us that we are called to extend the same grace and forgiveness God has shown us to others...even the ones who have harmed us.
August 22, 2025
This was an intense, gripping tale of deep wounds and the healing power of Gods mercy. SL Klein takes on some intense issue such as abuse and human trafficking with a tale of swashbuckling pirates, navy captains, and daring rescued. Weaved through the story was strong and clear Biblical themes, clear salvation truths, and the healing and cleansing power of God’s Word. Klein drew me in at the first chapter and kept me in the edge of my seat through the whole book. If you love deep themes, intense stories, and clean romance this was a 10 out of 10 read that left me thinking about it long after I set the book down.
March 8, 2025
ENDORSEMENT
“S. L. Klein has done it again, creating a powerful book about piracy, romance, forgiveness, redemption, and hope. The story is real and raw and broke my heart over and over again. However, Klein brought it back together with a resolution pointing to Christ, reminding her readers of God’s promise to never forsake us during trying and perilous times.”
-Mikayla Robbins, author of The Coal Miner’s Niece
“S. L. Klein has done it again, creating a powerful book about piracy, romance, forgiveness, redemption, and hope. The story is real and raw and broke my heart over and over again. However, Klein brought it back together with a resolution pointing to Christ, reminding her readers of God’s promise to never forsake us during trying and perilous times.”
-Mikayla Robbins, author of The Coal Miner’s Niece
May 13, 2025
Wow! I could talk about this book for days!!! Klein’s writing is incredibly immersive! She boldly touches on topics that the world shies away from and she has it beautifully built on the foundation of God’s truth! When you read her books, you can just feel the presence of God and His hand in this art! She handles the dynamics of the relationships in this book with care. It’s a wave of emotions and turmoil that ultimately leads to overall healing for the characters and even the reader!
July 9, 2025
I loved this book! It is such an amazing story about redemption, salvation and how no one is ever too far gone. Bartholemew is such an amazing MMC - for real, I wish I had one in real life - and his unconditional love is admirable. Katalina's story and how she finds healing can speak to any broken part of any woman and I hope it does.
Highly recommend this book! You will not be disappointed.
Highly recommend this book! You will not be disappointed.
September 5, 2025
This book is AMAZING! The Lord truly had a heavy hand in the writing of this book. Salvation is a HUGE emphasis throughout the entire book as well as (unsurprisingly) mercy. I can confidently say that this book is equally incredible with the first one. Bravo S.L Klein!
September 7, 2025
Simply amazing! A beautiful story that I will be recommending to all my friends!
May 20, 2025
I absolutely love Klein's books. Because I know I'm going to get a nitty gritty story! Klein always takes you on an adventure not only a physical one but a spiritual one as well. She's not afraid of hard topics and always wants to showcase God's goodness through all the hard times!
Katalina finds herself shipwrecked and without her memory on Bartholomew's ship. As they go on an adventure together and her memory returns, she has to fight a lot of demons to gain her freedom some physical and a lot spiritual! It's such a beautiful story of redemption and God's mercy and grace. I can't recommend her books enough!!!!
Katalina finds herself shipwrecked and without her memory on Bartholomew's ship. As they go on an adventure together and her memory returns, she has to fight a lot of demons to gain her freedom some physical and a lot spiritual! It's such a beautiful story of redemption and God's mercy and grace. I can't recommend her books enough!!!!
May 13, 2025
I knew I was going to enjoy this book, but I wasn't expecting it to wreck me the way it did!! Such a raw, authentic, beautiful journey of forgiveness, redemption, and faith set among pirates and the Royal British Navy in the 1700s. Scripture is woven beautifully throughout the story, and I loved seeing the characters' relationships with the Lord develop and grow!
The author addresses hard subjects such as SA, in a graceful, sensitive manner. We see characters overcoming trauma and finding wholeness and peace in the Lord.
This book is one of my new favorites!! I read RoM without reading the first book, Waves of Redemption, but I am about to dive into that as well!
Can't recommend this book enough!!
The author addresses hard subjects such as SA, in a graceful, sensitive manner. We see characters overcoming trauma and finding wholeness and peace in the Lord.
This book is one of my new favorites!! I read RoM without reading the first book, Waves of Redemption, but I am about to dive into that as well!
Can't recommend this book enough!!
May 15, 2025
Endorsement:
A masterfully epic tale! S.L. Klein has gifted the world yet another masterpiece in Ripples of Mercy. With heart-stopping action, soul-gripping gospel truth, and delightful and dastardly characters, this expertly woven story will catch you up and hold you fast, break your heart and piece you back together in all the best ways. Absolutely thrilling, enchanting, convicting and inspiring. A modern classic!
— Kathryn Jordan, author of The Wolf Warden
A masterfully epic tale! S.L. Klein has gifted the world yet another masterpiece in Ripples of Mercy. With heart-stopping action, soul-gripping gospel truth, and delightful and dastardly characters, this expertly woven story will catch you up and hold you fast, break your heart and piece you back together in all the best ways. Absolutely thrilling, enchanting, convicting and inspiring. A modern classic!
— Kathryn Jordan, author of The Wolf Warden
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews