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Painted Vessels
A tragic past, a divine calling, a closely guarded secret, and the connection tying them all together.
“Eli, will you tend my crops?”
As Eli and Ada escape their captors, a plan involving a vivid dream, a colorful merchant caravan, and an intolerant town is set into motion. This divine plan will alter the course of their lives and test Eli’s willingness to surrender to God.
Set in the vast wilderness and rural towns of the late 1800’s, Eli and his wife Ada begin a fifteen year journey through trials and prejudices to discover the meaning behind his dream. But as Eli gets closer to understanding what he is being called to do, he will have to face the possibility that serving God could reveal a secret about himself and a past that he doesn’t want others to know.
Painted Vessels is a story of redemption that delves not only into the lives of Eli and Ada as they mature into adults, but also into the lives of the spiritually rich caravan members and the narrow-minded townsfolk of East Haven. It weaves a tale of sorrow, doubt, healing, hope, and eventual trust in the sovereignty of God.
“Eli, will you tend my crops?”
As Eli and Ada escape their captors, a plan involving a vivid dream, a colorful merchant caravan, and an intolerant town is set into motion. This divine plan will alter the course of their lives and test Eli’s willingness to surrender to God.
Set in the vast wilderness and rural towns of the late 1800’s, Eli and his wife Ada begin a fifteen year journey through trials and prejudices to discover the meaning behind his dream. But as Eli gets closer to understanding what he is being called to do, he will have to face the possibility that serving God could reveal a secret about himself and a past that he doesn’t want others to know.
Painted Vessels is a story of redemption that delves not only into the lives of Eli and Ada as they mature into adults, but also into the lives of the spiritually rich caravan members and the narrow-minded townsfolk of East Haven. It weaves a tale of sorrow, doubt, healing, hope, and eventual trust in the sovereignty of God.
386 pages, Paperback
Published May 17, 2020
3 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Gina Renee Freitag
5 books20 followersGina Renee Freitag has a background in professional sewing that stretches over three decades. She started in theatrical costume design and construction at Whitman College while earning her Bachelor of Arts in studio art, followed by a theater staff position at Pacific Lutheran University, and then later, as an independent contractor.
In September, 2018, she shifted her focus to writing, and published her debut novel, Painted Vessels, in June, 2020. Painted Vessels started merely as an interesting story in her mind but has now expanded into the Vessels Series. The stories surrounding her beloved characters continue in Fractured Vessels and Emptied Vessels. She has plans for at least two more books in this series.
Gina was raised in the Seattle, Washington area, and her home remains there today with her family.
In September, 2018, she shifted her focus to writing, and published her debut novel, Painted Vessels, in June, 2020. Painted Vessels started merely as an interesting story in her mind but has now expanded into the Vessels Series. The stories surrounding her beloved characters continue in Fractured Vessels and Emptied Vessels. She has plans for at least two more books in this series.
Gina was raised in the Seattle, Washington area, and her home remains there today with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 28, 2022
Featured
Kathy Gilbert Maresca
19m ·
Have you ever read a book so beautifully told that it caused you to examine your own heart? That's what happened this past week as I read Painted Vessels. Initially, I ordered the paperback. While it was on the way, I took a look at the online sample. I couldn't put it down, bought the kindle version, and had half the book read by the time the paperback arrived.
This tender story tackles issues prevalent today through a unique, dynamic plot and vibrant characters. Gina Freitag surprised me time after time with her literary skill. Her descriptions paint pictures; her storyline weaves a fabric that surrounds the reader like a beloved quilt. The author cleverly pulled the wool over this reader's eyes with a "gotcha."
Even more important than the way the story unfolds, this book caused me to examine my own heart. Do I judge people? Do I have some of the faults so cleverly displayed in these characters? So many situations caused me to ponder, and will I forever be changed as a result of reading Painted Vessels. It's more than a book. It's an experience I will never forget. Thrilled that this is part of a series. I am looking forward to becoming immersed in this fictional community once again.
Kathy Gilbert Maresca
19m ·
Have you ever read a book so beautifully told that it caused you to examine your own heart? That's what happened this past week as I read Painted Vessels. Initially, I ordered the paperback. While it was on the way, I took a look at the online sample. I couldn't put it down, bought the kindle version, and had half the book read by the time the paperback arrived.
This tender story tackles issues prevalent today through a unique, dynamic plot and vibrant characters. Gina Freitag surprised me time after time with her literary skill. Her descriptions paint pictures; her storyline weaves a fabric that surrounds the reader like a beloved quilt. The author cleverly pulled the wool over this reader's eyes with a "gotcha."
Even more important than the way the story unfolds, this book caused me to examine my own heart. Do I judge people? Do I have some of the faults so cleverly displayed in these characters? So many situations caused me to ponder, and will I forever be changed as a result of reading Painted Vessels. It's more than a book. It's an experience I will never forget. Thrilled that this is part of a series. I am looking forward to becoming immersed in this fictional community once again.
April 15, 2021
Painted Vessels is a sweeping saga encompassing the life journey of Eli and Ada. The writing is very narrative, and I liked how we were told the story from so many view points. There were many characters, and some I lost track of, but it was interesting to get to see a scene from the various perspectives. I think it would have been helpful to have had like a character index or something so the reader could reference that with so many character-pov-switches but even without that, I was able to figure out who was who.It was easy to feel for, and connect to the two central characters, Eli and Ada. And so encouraging to see how they changed and grew as their story continued on. The Caravan members were so wonderful as well. I loved how integral they were to Eli and Ada's life journey. They were all so caring, thoughtful, and a godly example.One thing that confused me a little was the frequent jumping of time spans - it was basically a split-time-line novel, but the different times weren't differentiated/specified at the beginning of each chapter so I was sometimes a little confused at first but eventually would figure out what time the story was talking about.
I think what I loved best about this book is how clearly the author's heart was poured out into the pages. It feels like a true honor to read a book when that happens - like you're holding something very precious to the author. I don't take that for granted <3T here were many truths woven into Painted Vessels, and the ending was so beautiful. I am excited to start the next book, Fractured Vessels!
*I received a copy from the author; I was not required to write a positive review.
I think what I loved best about this book is how clearly the author's heart was poured out into the pages. It feels like a true honor to read a book when that happens - like you're holding something very precious to the author. I don't take that for granted <3T here were many truths woven into Painted Vessels, and the ending was so beautiful. I am excited to start the next book, Fractured Vessels!
*I received a copy from the author; I was not required to write a positive review.
June 8, 2020
After finishing Painted Vessels, I needed a few days to truly let its heartwarming story and powerful message resonate within me. It's been a long time since since a book made me ugly cry as much as this one did, and I struggled between not wanting to put it down, but needing time to truly think about everything that was happening in the story.
This beautiful story speaks to the importance of following God's direction no matter the cost, and of the beauty that exists in establishing connections with "family" and friendships. Connections that can strengthen our faith, and provide us with something we didn't know we needed. I loved that the traveling merchants clan reminded me heavily of the circus "family" in The Lady and the Lionheart, one of my all time favorite books, and it was inspiring to read about how this group created their own ready made family.
I've stated in quite a few of my previous reviews that I'm usually not a fan of stories that are told from multiple POV's. It often makes the plot harder to follow, and causes me to lose interest in the overall story. The author of Painted Vessels however, manages to successfully pull it off. This story is told from not only Eli and Ada's POV's, but also from the point of view of many of the people that they come into contact with throughout their journey. However, never once did the story become confusing or convoluted, and that to me is a sign of a truly gifted storyteller. To be able to tell the story from that many POV's while making each voice stand out as unique and never blend into anyone else's narrative is truly an impressive feat.
I honestly cannot belive that Painted Vessels is a debut novel, and I can't recommend it enough. The story is powerful and heartwrenching. The characters all come alive on the page, and capture the reader's attention right from the start. And most importantly of all, the faith element is always at the front and center of the story, and is one of the best fictional illustrations of Romans 8:28 (" And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."), that I've personally ever read.
In the crazy times facing our world right now, I think we could all use more of these books that remind us of all of what is truly important and who is truly in charge.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Definitely go ahead and pick this one up!
Thanks so much to the author for allowing me to advance read this!
I received a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This beautiful story speaks to the importance of following God's direction no matter the cost, and of the beauty that exists in establishing connections with "family" and friendships. Connections that can strengthen our faith, and provide us with something we didn't know we needed. I loved that the traveling merchants clan reminded me heavily of the circus "family" in The Lady and the Lionheart, one of my all time favorite books, and it was inspiring to read about how this group created their own ready made family.
I've stated in quite a few of my previous reviews that I'm usually not a fan of stories that are told from multiple POV's. It often makes the plot harder to follow, and causes me to lose interest in the overall story. The author of Painted Vessels however, manages to successfully pull it off. This story is told from not only Eli and Ada's POV's, but also from the point of view of many of the people that they come into contact with throughout their journey. However, never once did the story become confusing or convoluted, and that to me is a sign of a truly gifted storyteller. To be able to tell the story from that many POV's while making each voice stand out as unique and never blend into anyone else's narrative is truly an impressive feat.
I honestly cannot belive that Painted Vessels is a debut novel, and I can't recommend it enough. The story is powerful and heartwrenching. The characters all come alive on the page, and capture the reader's attention right from the start. And most importantly of all, the faith element is always at the front and center of the story, and is one of the best fictional illustrations of Romans 8:28 (" And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."), that I've personally ever read.
In the crazy times facing our world right now, I think we could all use more of these books that remind us of all of what is truly important and who is truly in charge.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Definitely go ahead and pick this one up!
Thanks so much to the author for allowing me to advance read this!
I received a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 24, 2022
I really liked Painted Vessels. A friend recommended it to me months ago, and as a potter, the title intrigued me. Spoiler: the book has nothing to do with pottery, but the vessel analogy holds particular resonance with me.
The book is ostensibly about Eli and to a lesser degree Ada. They are the main characters around whom the story is told. But the more I read, the more I realized it wasn't JUST about them. It is about the people around them and how they are both influenced by and influence everyone they deal with. It's about community.
The story takes place during two different times in Eli and Ada's life, and flips between them. I can see where someone may not like this style, but I think it really worked well. There are certain things that happened in Eli and Ada's past that remain a mystery much longer than they would if the story was told linearly. It kept me hooked and wanting to find out more. The past and present are woven together in a way that reveals how past events shaped the characters present behaviors. It was really beautifully done.
While entirely told in the third person, chapters are titled by who's perspective we are reading. This can be a bit confusing, especially since there is a large cast of supporting characters. Ms. Freitag does an excellent job of quickly reminding you who each person is and how they fit in the story. I think this really sold me on the idea that this was not *just* Eli and Ada's story, but the story of the supporting cast as well.
This is a strongly Christian book. Non-christians may find the biblical teachings heavy-handed, but as a Christian, I found them very on point. Biblical messages and Bible quotes were handled in a way that made them very relevant, not just to the characters, but to modern Christian life. There are a lot of lessons to be learned from Eli and Ada's story.
My only complaint is that I wished Ada was a stronger character. There were many times that I felt this was Eli's story and not Eli and Ada's story. I enjoy books with strong women, and sometimes it felt like her character took a backseat to Eli's. There was definitely a patriarchal side to the book where the men are the head of the household, finances, etc. I prefer more egalitarian relationships. Even so, Eli and Ada's relationship felt genuine. So it's just a minor nitpick based on personal preference.
I still found it a 5 star read. It was touching (yeah, it made me cry), well written, and I'm excited to read the next book in the series.
* I was given a free ebook in exchange for a review. The review opinions are entirely my own and not directed by the author or publisher in any way.
The book is ostensibly about Eli and to a lesser degree Ada. They are the main characters around whom the story is told. But the more I read, the more I realized it wasn't JUST about them. It is about the people around them and how they are both influenced by and influence everyone they deal with. It's about community.
The story takes place during two different times in Eli and Ada's life, and flips between them. I can see where someone may not like this style, but I think it really worked well. There are certain things that happened in Eli and Ada's past that remain a mystery much longer than they would if the story was told linearly. It kept me hooked and wanting to find out more. The past and present are woven together in a way that reveals how past events shaped the characters present behaviors. It was really beautifully done.
While entirely told in the third person, chapters are titled by who's perspective we are reading. This can be a bit confusing, especially since there is a large cast of supporting characters. Ms. Freitag does an excellent job of quickly reminding you who each person is and how they fit in the story. I think this really sold me on the idea that this was not *just* Eli and Ada's story, but the story of the supporting cast as well.
This is a strongly Christian book. Non-christians may find the biblical teachings heavy-handed, but as a Christian, I found them very on point. Biblical messages and Bible quotes were handled in a way that made them very relevant, not just to the characters, but to modern Christian life. There are a lot of lessons to be learned from Eli and Ada's story.
My only complaint is that I wished Ada was a stronger character. There were many times that I felt this was Eli's story and not Eli and Ada's story. I enjoy books with strong women, and sometimes it felt like her character took a backseat to Eli's. There was definitely a patriarchal side to the book where the men are the head of the household, finances, etc. I prefer more egalitarian relationships. Even so, Eli and Ada's relationship felt genuine. So it's just a minor nitpick based on personal preference.
I still found it a 5 star read. It was touching (yeah, it made me cry), well written, and I'm excited to read the next book in the series.
* I was given a free ebook in exchange for a review. The review opinions are entirely my own and not directed by the author or publisher in any way.
September 17, 2022
Oh wow this was an emotional journey following Eli and Ada’s journey. There were moments of tears (literally) and moments of cheering (figurative). I’m only pausing to write the review and then it’s into book 2!
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
June 7, 2020
A wonderful debut! I give this story five stars. I enjoyed reading Painted Vessels and look forward to the possibility of more books from this author!
The characters in Painted Vessels are realistic. Although this story is set in a historical time period, many, if not all, of the main characters’ struggles are still pertinent in our current-day culture. Among the topics addressed in the story are prejudice, loss, adoption, and trying to understand why God might allow bad things to happen (and how He can use those bad things for good).
The theology in Painted Vessels is sound. This is 100% a Christian Fiction book, and there are a lot of God-conversations in the story. I love that! I also found the author’s use of Scripture to be appropriate.
Occasionally, it took me a little bit to know where (or when) the characters were in the story. But once I understood the author had set up the book so that many of the chapters are flashbacks within the story, I was able to more easily follow it. A few times early on in the story I had trouble recalling who a certain character was (that’s especially hard when the story switches to someone’s point of view and you don’t recall who they are!), but the author generally did a good job of giving enough clues to remind me how I knew that character.
Ultimately, this story shows how God can heal people who are hurt and broken “vessels” and make their lives beautiful. I would recommend Painted Vessels to fans of Christian Historical Fiction/Christian Fiction.
The characters in Painted Vessels are realistic. Although this story is set in a historical time period, many, if not all, of the main characters’ struggles are still pertinent in our current-day culture. Among the topics addressed in the story are prejudice, loss, adoption, and trying to understand why God might allow bad things to happen (and how He can use those bad things for good).
The theology in Painted Vessels is sound. This is 100% a Christian Fiction book, and there are a lot of God-conversations in the story. I love that! I also found the author’s use of Scripture to be appropriate.
Occasionally, it took me a little bit to know where (or when) the characters were in the story. But once I understood the author had set up the book so that many of the chapters are flashbacks within the story, I was able to more easily follow it. A few times early on in the story I had trouble recalling who a certain character was (that’s especially hard when the story switches to someone’s point of view and you don’t recall who they are!), but the author generally did a good job of giving enough clues to remind me how I knew that character.
Ultimately, this story shows how God can heal people who are hurt and broken “vessels” and make their lives beautiful. I would recommend Painted Vessels to fans of Christian Historical Fiction/Christian Fiction.
February 28, 2023
Painted Vessels
This novel appealed to me on so many levels. I suppose because I had just finished a fluff and only beautiful people story this was so much more to my liking. My favorite stories are ones that cause me to pause and ponder the truths woven into the story.
The author did a great job of not allowing a story to be dark or depressing though in the back story there was the reality of evil people who attempted to destroy lives. Gina Freitag chose to focus on two young people going forward from the trauma of the past, not lingering on the dark elements of their story. There was some tension in the beginning of the story that kept me interested in the mystery. Then the story developed with so many fascinating characters.
I tend not to like stories that focus on romance. This story focused instead on people who gave love and inclusion to these young people. I also tend to like character rich stories and this story was full of characters, some of them quirky, some judgmental, some determined to live sacrificial lives unmarred by the evil that began the story.
I found myself examining my own heart for some of the wrong judgmental attitudes that are waiting to destroy our lives. Though the story clearly took place maybe over 100 years ago, it dealt with attitudes and problems still existing today.
This is a story or redemption. I appreciated all the depth of Biblical truths included in the story.
This copy was a gift, but I will buy the second in the series soon. Healing, hope and the sovereign grace of God made this a five star read. Write on Gina Freitag!
This novel appealed to me on so many levels. I suppose because I had just finished a fluff and only beautiful people story this was so much more to my liking. My favorite stories are ones that cause me to pause and ponder the truths woven into the story.
The author did a great job of not allowing a story to be dark or depressing though in the back story there was the reality of evil people who attempted to destroy lives. Gina Freitag chose to focus on two young people going forward from the trauma of the past, not lingering on the dark elements of their story. There was some tension in the beginning of the story that kept me interested in the mystery. Then the story developed with so many fascinating characters.
I tend not to like stories that focus on romance. This story focused instead on people who gave love and inclusion to these young people. I also tend to like character rich stories and this story was full of characters, some of them quirky, some judgmental, some determined to live sacrificial lives unmarred by the evil that began the story.
I found myself examining my own heart for some of the wrong judgmental attitudes that are waiting to destroy our lives. Though the story clearly took place maybe over 100 years ago, it dealt with attitudes and problems still existing today.
This is a story or redemption. I appreciated all the depth of Biblical truths included in the story.
This copy was a gift, but I will buy the second in the series soon. Healing, hope and the sovereign grace of God made this a five star read. Write on Gina Freitag!
June 26, 2020
It takes a great read to get 5 stars and this book was whoosh!!
I mean there are so many points, where to start and what to talk about, dimensions of grace. The mercy of God so palpable, Divine relationships, scars turned to arts of beauty, the depth of trauma, the healing power of Jesus. Broken vessels used as designed.
One of the beauties of Painted vessels is how intricately woven the purpose of pain serves in the calling of Jesus to ministry and how divine relationships are connected to fulfill purpose and serve the greater good.
Gina describes the wicked and desperate hearts of men in the underworld of Child trafficking so vividly that i had shivers down my spine and highlighted how false righteousness in"church" is as a result of another form of trauma and the power of a humble moment.
So much to say - how suffering will work and exceeding weight of Glory.
Painted Vessel, did me in and allowed me Thank God for being God, way maker, miracle worker,healer, helper and restorer.
I recommend this book 1000% and while i was given this book by the author, my review and opinion are mine.
I mean there are so many points, where to start and what to talk about, dimensions of grace. The mercy of God so palpable, Divine relationships, scars turned to arts of beauty, the depth of trauma, the healing power of Jesus. Broken vessels used as designed.
One of the beauties of Painted vessels is how intricately woven the purpose of pain serves in the calling of Jesus to ministry and how divine relationships are connected to fulfill purpose and serve the greater good.
Gina describes the wicked and desperate hearts of men in the underworld of Child trafficking so vividly that i had shivers down my spine and highlighted how false righteousness in"church" is as a result of another form of trauma and the power of a humble moment.
So much to say - how suffering will work and exceeding weight of Glory.
Painted Vessel, did me in and allowed me Thank God for being God, way maker, miracle worker,healer, helper and restorer.
I recommend this book 1000% and while i was given this book by the author, my review and opinion are mine.
January 12, 2023
I don't know where to begin!! I was captivated from the start. On page 268 God spoke to my heart through the words Marcus told Eli. "It's okay to admit that you're frustrated with God's timing. It's even okay to admit that you're mad at Him; He can handle it. But don't stay there." That whole paragraph spoke to my heart but especially those few sentences.
I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
January 2, 2021
I received an earlier version of this book to critique. The author has done an amazing job of weaving multiple POVs together. At first I was worried it wouldn't work, but the story is beautiful. I cried several times, and I rarely cry when reading. The changes she has made to the final version, only makes this book better. I was not compensated for a review, or for the critique. This is my own opinion.
Some times it is hard to understand God's plan. The author shows the reader how the struggles may seem impossible now, but God works all things for good.
Some times it is hard to understand God's plan. The author shows the reader how the struggles may seem impossible now, but God works all things for good.
November 8, 2020
This book was so good, I was asked by the author to read before it was published and I was so excited to read it. I didn’t know much about it when I started it, but I’m so thankful she reached out to me to read it because it was so good! I loved the over all message it got across, it was something I really needed to read! Highly recommend reading this book!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews