A Vessel of Mercy

Vessels #1

by B. Taylor Lewis

An impossible marriage. An unforgivable act. A story of redemption testing the bounds of forgiveness and the depths of God’s grace.

1842, New York. Abigail Wyndham, daughter of English nobleman turned investor, Sir Rathburn, has crossed the ocean to be reunited with her father. As she comes of age, however, she discovers she is only a pawn in her father’s schemes, fated to secure a business deal and preserve the family reputation.

Charles Henderson appears to have it a thriving shipping company and the hand of the prized Lady Abigail Wyndham. But he is a broken man who commits the unspeakable—an act that threatens to ruin all he has built and puts Abby’s very life—and faith—at risk. In a prison of his own making, Charles grapples between guilt and God’s grace. Can a sinful, self-seeking man ever believe in the hope Abby so desperately wants him to receive? Or will scandal send him to the gallows?

In this, the first of her Vessels Christian fiction series, author B. Taylor Lewis introduces a female heroine who defies the stifling conventions of her status and time.

Journey with Abigail as she sails through the darkest of times guided by the one true Light.

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

322 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2021

Reviews

[Kathryn Spurgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book describes the devastation ,the reactions, and resiliency of the 1842 hurricane that hit Galveston, Texas. Realistic and likable characters. Faith was a huge part of the story. Could have been made into two books though.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hard read. It felt like a Job story with a lot of hurt, loss and heartbreak. However, the author did a nice job that even in the darkness a vein of hope always wove through. The power of forgiveness and redemption is never too far from anyone.

Trigger warnings: rape, abuse, graphic injury

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent parable of God's Love

In this historical novel , Abbie faces the worst from those who love her the most. In the same vein as Francine Rivers' book, Redeeming Love, this novel shows the unrelenting love of God overcoming what evil would seek to destroy.

NOTE: There is a strong theme of abuse . Both emotional and, at times, physical.

[Denise Troutman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

I read this story at exactly the right time in my life to read it. Often as we read of other’s problems and abuses we find strength in their courage and how they survive their heartaches. I am so thankful that I have learned that I am not alone, I have a Father who loves me dearly in spite of all I have been through. B. Taylor Lewis is wonderful writer, I loved this book!❤️

[Ophelia Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Vessel of Mercy

Wow! This book is an amazing journey of faith and grace to offer mercy even though justice is deserved. This is my first book by this author but certainly not my last.

[Sherry Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story

I could not put this book down! So well written with the defining truth of God mercy, grace &love! Can't wait to read mire of her books!

[PG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Reading

Worth you read . A book with depth and we'll written. A story of redemption and learning to love and forgive.

[Cynthia Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello! I thoroughly enjoyed a Vessel of Mercy. This is the first that I have read from this author and, and I cannot wait for the sequel. I knew a Vessel of Mercy, prior to my starting to read it, was going to center on grace and forgiveness, and I knew that most of this centered on Charles. So I went into that determined to like hero, heroine, and all characters with the understanding that there is good in everyone - and that everyone can be forgiven. I was so amazed by the writing and by the journeys of, especially, Abby and Charles. I love reading their particular stories...I knew the line for Charles was going to be super emotional, and, while his act against Abby was heinous, I could not stop reading. I wanted him to be redeemed by the end of the book, and I could definitely feel his remorse with each step and word. Abby was super powerful and so forgiving. But, most of all, I am so encouraged that theirs appears to turn into a love story in the next book. I am eager to read a Vessel of Wrath.


I think Abby's and Charles's separate and combined journeys are so lovely! Thank you! :)

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not a "light read." It dealt with some heavy issues but I think that it was pretty well done. If you are looking for something more than a diversion, but rather something that will get you thinking you will probably like it.

[Laurie Fuhry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A picture of God's mercy.

This book had me so riled up at the injustice of life. It showed clearly how only God could redeem a lost sinner. Best book this constant reader has read in a long time.

[Judith Syren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book.

Wonderful story of love and redemption. All that Abby went through should have left her bitter and angry but she chose forgiveness.

[Peggy Comer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these timeless stories of faith.

[Anke Nijdam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hoewel dit boek een prachtig verhaal is over genade en vergeving van mensen die ons pijn doen, is het ook vooral dat: een prachtig voorbeeld voor een preek, maar niet wat ik zoek in een roman. Abigail was teveel een stereotiep 'ik vergeef iedereen die me wat aandoet', en hoewel ze uiteraard de juiste portie geloofsstruggles meekrijgt, blijft zo voor mij te oppervlakkig hierin.
Mijn grootste probleem was dat ik Abigail niet echt leerde kennen, wie was ze nou echt, wat ging er nou echt in haar om, wat zijn haar drijfveren, wie wil ze zijn?
Ze krijgt de ergste omstandigheden op haar pad geworpen en moet daar mee dealen, dat brengt spanning en conflict in het verhaal. Maar ik miste conflict in haar karakter. Het was ach en wee met een vader die haar als pion ziet en niet echt van haar houdt, haar moeder die vroeg overleed (haar voorgeschiedenis las ik in de novelle die deze serie inluidt, maar kon ik niet registreren in Goodreads).
Vervolgens gaat haar lijdensweg verder als haar vader haar uit wil huwelijken voor eigen gewin. Deze hele geschiedenis wordt als een schaakspel gepresenteerd, we krijgen wel een glimp te zien van de verwachtingsvolle hoop die Abigail heeft als ze debuteert in het sociale leven in New York, maar geen echte romantische inkijk hierin.

Alle verschrikkelijke gebeurtenissen weet Taylor Lewis ons op een krachtige manier te vertellen, hoewel ik soms even twijfelde of iets nou wel of niet was gebeurd, omdat ze bepaalde details niet specifiek benoemde.
Daarnaast vond ik wel dat er teveel ellende in zat, van verkrachting, tot maîtresses, slavenhandel, armoede, eenzaamheid, overlijden van dierbaren. Gewoon teveel.

Ik las door omdat ik toch graag wilde weten hoe het af zou lopen, ik hoopte ook wel op een ontwikkeling van een romance tussen Charles en Abigail. En hoewel Abigail Charles zeer genadig behandelt, snapte ik haar motivatie toch niet helemaal. Waarom zou je dat doen, als iemand je alleen maar ellende op ellende heeft gebracht en er geen sprankje liefde is?! Genade kan ook zijn om iemand te laten gaan.

[PAMpublish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written Victorian era story with much description that maintains one's attention throughout. When motherless Abigail comes of age, she joins her cold and heartless father in the States, who only wants to use her as a pawn in marriage to benefit his bottom dollar. Now fatherless, Charles attempts to appease Abigail's father business-wise while claiming her in the most vile way. With no other choice to maintain her reputation, she marries Charles carrying the shame as he treats her abominably, attempting to control her via demeaning methods. Yet, when the business deal starts to unravel, Abigail attempts to flee her ordeal by returning to England. A Christian fiction novel of how one has to hit bottom before one can be redeemed to turn their life around.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

all I can say is WOW

I just couldn’t stop reading this book! It had me hooked from the very beginning. Even though it wasn’t a typical romance that I read, I found the grace of God flowing through the book. Mostly it was a sad book of tragedy for Abby, she kept her faith in God which kept her alive. She also showed her husband, who had been horrible to her, forgiveness.

[tracey wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story Of Redemption

I really enjoyed this book. I read it in a couple of days. There was a lot of pain and tragedy with this couple, but God's grace covered and brought them freedom.

[Lula Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mercy and Pardon

What an effect forgiveness has on lives when people depend on a God for guidance, mercy and pardon, it takes a lot of humble nature to overcome thing beyond our control. Very well written!

[Debra Pease · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Story

The truth is revealed throughout the story. We are all undeserving of any grace or mercy and we receive it more often than we deserve. I look forward to the next book.

[Daisey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was ok. Didn’t hold my interest like some do.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of the book was good but I felt the ending quarter was overly sympathetic from every character except the black guard father.

[Eva Saul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and finished it in one day. The story was very interesting and not the usual romance story line of the historical romances. I would highly recommend it.

[Norma Escobedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

You always have to have faith, no matter how hard your life seems GOD is always with you. That is the case for Charles, Abby and Seth