“I wasn’t looking for God. I just wanted the pain to stop.”
So begins A Tatterdemalion’s Testimony—a raw and redemptive memoir about trauma, faith, and the powerful mercy of God.
Haunted by mental illness and the scars of her past, Sarah believed she wondered if she was too broken to be healed. But through heartbreak, doubt, and unexpected grace, she discovers a God who meets her not in perfection—but in the rubble of her life.
Both unflinching and full of hope, this is the story of a woman learning to believe that healing is real, that faith can survive the dark, and that no one is too far gone to be made whole.
Praise/Endorsements/Reviews
“As a Christian counselor, I see the deep need for authentic stories that shine a light on the struggles many face but are often afraid to name. This memoir does just that. It gives voice to the realities of trauma and mental illness while pointing to the true source of healing – Jesus Christ. With courage and vulnerability, the author reminds us that faith is not about pretending the pain doesn’t exist, but about finding the One who walks with us through it. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking encouragement as well as to those in ministry who desire a deeper understanding of how God’s grace meets us in our brokenness.”
Susan Dyer, PhD
Embracing His Call
“Sarah Vigue does something rare and profoundly important: she fearlessly weaves the reality of trauma with the hope of the Gospel without ever minimizing the weight of either. This is not a story wrapped in comforting clichés or easy answers. It is an unflinching journey into the depths of human pain — and a radiant testament to the God who meets us there.
With honesty, courage, and grace, Vigue explores the darkness that too often goes unspoken in Christian circles, showing how faith does not erase suffering but transforms it. Her testimony reveals that even in the most shattered places, redemption is possible, healing is real, and God’s love is stronger than the wounds we carry.
A Tatterdemalion’s Testimony will move you deeply. It will make you weep, challenge you to see trauma through a new lens, and invite you to a deeper understanding of empathy and grace. In the end, it reminds us that the story of redemption is not just about surviving the past — it’s about becoming more fully human and, paradoxically, more Christlike because of it.”
Peter H. Anderson, LMFT, M.Div., Th.M.
Owner, Anderson Family Therapy
“An important book walking us through one person’s heart wrenching, God-saturated journey from childhood trauma and physical, neurological and mental challenges, to health in Christ.
Anyone suffering from wounds from their past, and those who find the world often hostile to healing, would benefit from reading Sarah Vigue’s story.
Through her eyes, we strengthen our embrace of the truths that God is strong and good; Jesus is victorious; and the Spirit enables us to grow in love.”
The Rev. Wendy Cole Dixon
Mother Wendy
“Sarah Vigue has authored a transparent story in this tremendous book, A Tatterdemalion’s Testimony.
Her words offer a glimpse into the difficulties of mental health, but never loses touch with the healing available in community and in Jesus.
I highly recommend this as a resource to anyone who is looking to understand mental illness better.”
Chris Morris
TEDx Speaker & author of
Sarah Vigue
Sarah Vigue is a Christian author and voracious reader who devours at least a hundred books a year—most often memoirs, fiction, and faith-based stories. Her debut memoir, A Tatterdemalion’s Testimony, reflects her deep belief that even in our most broken moments, God is still writing redemption into our lives. When she’s not reading or writing, Sarah can usually be found reflecting on Scripture, spending time with kids, or chasing beauty in everyday grace.
About the Book/Back Cover
Sarah never wanted much—just love, healing, and the comfort of not always feeling so alone. But life had other plans. Haunted by trauma, battered by relentless circumstance, and tangled in the shadows of mental illness, she wonders if she’s cursed—doomed to wander through broken relationships and aching silence, always on the outside looking in.
Then, something unexpected happens. God intervenes.
In this raw and courageous memoir, A Tatterdemalion’s Testimony, Sarah chronicles her reluctant journey into faith. Terrified of the unseen realm and skeptical of the church, she steps into a spiritual world she never imagined for herself. As she wrestles with doubt, identity, and belonging, the question becomes: Can a modern woman, scarred by the past and wary of religion, find a home in the heart of God?
Both gritty and grace-filled, this is the story of a person unraveling—and being remade.
Perfect for anyone who has ever felt too broken, too far gone, or too skeptical to believe in redemption.
Sarah Vigue
Author
What is a tatterdemalion?
tatterdemalion
tat·ter·de·ma·lion
\ˌta-tər-di-ˈmāl-yən, -ˈmal-, -ˈma-lē-ən\
Noun
DEFINITION
a person dressed in ragged clothing:
RAGAMUFFIN
(merriam-webster.com/
dictionary/tatterdemalion)
Book Details:
Publisher: Meredibly LLC Beverly, MA Country of Manufacture: USA Publication Year: 2025
Format: Kindle ebook, softcover, hardcover, audiobook Length: 375
BISAC: BIO026000 – Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs, BIO018000 – Biography & Autobiography / Religious, REL062000 – Religion / Spirituality, REL012020 – Religion / Christian Living / Inspirational
Shelving Instructions: Category: Christian Memoir / Inspirational
Genre: Memoir
Release Date: November 12, 2025
Library of Congress Control Number: 2025917800
B0FT65GZHV 979-8-9998802-2-2 Kindle ebook List Price: $7.99
List Price: $16.99
Hard Hard List Price: $26.99
List Price: $23.99 Audible Promotional Offer
For Readers and Book Clubs
Sample Chapters
of A Tatterdemalion’s Testimony.
These pages offer a glimpse into a journey of faith, resilience, and transformation that will leave you inspired. These chapters aren’t just words on a page—they’re an invitation to walk alongside someone who faced brokenness and found healing through grace. If you’ve ever wondered how hope can rise from hardship, these pages will show you.
Download the chapters today for free!
Book Discussion Guide
Make Your Book Club Experience Even Better!
If you’re reading A Tatterdemalion’s Testimony with a group, this guide is the perfect companion. It’s packed with thoughtful questions, themes, and insights to spark meaningful conversations. Whether you’re leading the discussion or just want to dive deeper, this guide makes it easy and enjoyable.
Turn your reading into a shared journey of reflection and discovery!
Short Quiz
Ready to test your knowledge? The free Reader Quiz is the perfect way to dive deeper into A Tatterdemalion’s Testimony. It’s a fun, interactive feature designed to help you reflect on key themes and details from the book. Whether you’re reading solo or with a group, this quiz adds an extra layer of engagement, making your reading experience even more meaningful.
Take the quiz today and see how much you’ve discovered!
Book Companion Analysis
Explores the book’s key themes, tropes, and literary parallels. Perfect for book clubs, ministry groups, or readers who want to reflect more deeply on the spiritual and emotional truths within this powerful testimony.
Dive deep into the book companion!
Character Guide
This resource highlights the key people in A Tatterdemalion’s Testimony (family, mentors, and faith companions) who shape the journey from brokenness to redemption. Each character bio offers insight into the relationships, conflicts, and moments of grace that bring depth to this powerful true story.
Download the compendium!
Mental Health Resources
Looking to grow in faith, find healing, or overcome trauma? This curated list of trusted books, tools, and teachings offers spiritual and practical guidance for every step of the journey. From Christian healing ministries to trauma-informed therapies, these resources have personally helped author Sarah Vigue and countless others move toward wholeness in body, mind, and spirit.
Explore this collection to strengthen your faith and take tangible steps toward lasting transformation.
FAQ:
Dive deeper into the Christian memoir, A Tatterdemalion’s Testimony. It’s a valuable resource for readers providing quick, clear answers to the most common questions about the book and its themes. Whether you’re curious about the inspiration behind the story, wants guidance on discussion topics, or are looking for additional resources, this section offers readers meaningful insights—making their experience with the book even richer and more engaging.