Scarred Vessels

2020 Selah Awards: First-place winner in Historical Fiction

In a time when America battles for freedom, a man and woman seek to fight the injustice of slavery while discovering love in the midst of tragedy.

In 1778 Rhode Island, the American Revolution rallies the Patriots to fight for freedom. But the slavery of black men and women from Africa, bartered for rum, is a travesty that many in America cannot ignore. The seeds of abolition are planted even as the laws allowing slavery in the north still exist.

Lydia Saunders, the daughter of a slave ship owner, grew up with the horror of slavery. It became more of a nightmare when, at a young age, she is confronted with the truth about her father’s occupation. Burdened with the guilt of her family’s sin, she struggles to make a difference in whatever way she can. When she loses her husband in the battle for freedom from England, she makes a difficult decision that will change her life forever.

Sergeant Micah Hughes is too dedicated to serving the fledgling country of America to consider falling in love. When he carries the tragic news to Lydia Saunders about her husband’s death, he is appalled by his attraction to the young widow. Micah wrestles with his feelings for Lydia while he tries to focus on helping the cause of freedom. He trains a group of former slaves to become capable soldiers on the battlefield.

Tensions both on the battlefield and on the home front bring hardship and turmoil that threaten to endanger them all. When Lydia and Micah are faced with saving the life of a black infant in danger, can they survive this turning point in their lives?

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What others have said about Scarred Vessels:

A groundbreaking book, honest and inspiring, showcasing black soldiers in the American Revolution. Scarred Vessels is peopled with flesh and blood characters and true events that not only inspire and entertain but educate. Well done!

~ Laura Frantz, Christy Award-winning author of An Uncommon Woman

While America fights for freedom, a young widow fights her feelings for the sergeant who delivers the news of her husband’s death. Micah Hughes just might have more of a task winning the love of Lydia Saunders than he does in preparing a regiment of freed slaves for combat–especially when Lydia’s dark family secrets surface, pushing them into desperate decisions and danger. Elaine Marie Cooper has delivered her most gripping, heart-warming story yet. You won’t rest until Lydia and Micah find forgiveness and freedom in each other’s arms.

~ Denise Weimer, multi-published author of The Witness Tree

Head to 1778 and immerse yourself in Elaine Cooper’s heartbreaking, fast-paced story of one woman’s saga during the Revolutionary War. Readers will connect with Lydia Saunder’s losses, new love and family guilt on the road to her redemption. A historic tale of how our ancestors suffered to form a new country, it’s a study in love, slavery, the fragility of life, and one woman’s enduring determination to do the right thing.

~ Carol Grace Stratton, Author, Lake Surrender

Elaine Cooper’s latest release, Scarred Vessels, is a poignant, realistic depiction of war’s losses for those left behind to tend families, farms, and businesses as well as for those on the front lines of the battle. Vividly set during a crucial period of the American Revolution, the story doesn’t dwell on the scars tragedy causes. Instead, Cooper portrays in a very affecting way the grace and blessing God pours out amid great trial and how He uses the storms we endure to not only grow us spiritually but also satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Scarred Vessels is a gripping story full of both action and deep reflection that entertains even as it inspires readers to trust God through their own hard struggles.

~ J. M. Hochstetler, author of The American Patriot Series,
and, with Bob Hostetler, the Northkill Amish Series

Elaine Cooper has written another compelling story set during the American Revolution. Micah and Lydia have each experienced suffering and loss, now they have a chance to find love, but it won’t be an easy journey.  Scarred Vessels has plenty of romance, complicated issues, vile villains, and plot twists, to keep readers engaged and wanting more.

~ Janet S. Grunst, Selah Award Winning author of A Heart See Free