The second book in the Time Pieces series, “Vessel of Strength” tells the story of a first century craftsman who specializes in the exotic medium of Roman marble. Ladan - a hard working Jew - has everything he could want, but he’s nevertheless doubtful that any of it has meaning. Likewise, while excavating an imposing marble pillar in present-day Israel, archaeologist Lem Fort can’t put his finger on why his life feels incomplete. “Vessel of Strength” continues the narrative of how Fort struggles with the loss of his infant daughter, and reveals how Ladan finds his own spiritual destiny in unexpected places. With her Time Pieces trilogy, author Elena Tucker profiles a century of almost unthinkably different daily existence. It was a time of simplicity in the midst of unrest, a time when strict and established ways were turning inside out because of small communities today called Christian. Yet the essence of life then was no different than it is today. And as he excavates three sites, archaeologist Lem Fort handles every coin, vessel, and sherd as his last connection with some long-forgotten individual; Fort recognizes these artifacts as pieces from time. Far from empty remnants, Tucker's “vessels” brim with imagination, soul, and period experiences. Breaking away from traditional Christian fiction, Vessel of Fire, Vessel of Strength, and Vessel of Hope follow humanity's ongoing spiritual quest - as experienced by characters two millennia past, and by the archaeologist who sifts through their ruins.