Forgiven

Forsaken #2

by Vanessa Miller

Pastor Jerome Tyler (JT) Thomas is back! But this time JT is committed to God and his family in ways he never considered possible. After losing everything because of past indiscretions, JT realizes that he doesn’t want to live without God or his family and begins to turn his life around. But his wife hasn’t forgotten the dirt in his backyard and denies JT the very thing he craves – forgiveness. When his mother-in-law and ex-mistress hatch a plot to destroy him, JT discovers that he will need all the Holy Ghost power he can muster to stay true. Cassandra Thomas loves her husband, and wants their marriage to work. But JT destroyed her trust when he cheated on her with one woman after the next. Try as she might, Cassandra just can’t forgive. The trust and the thrill is gone from her marriage. In times of trouble, Cassandra has always turned to God for help, but can God soften her heart enough so that she can forgive a man like JT?

Genres: Christian

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Vanessa Miller is a USA Today bestselling author, whose prolific body of work spans over 50 titles that explore deep themes of redemption, resilience, and faith—often spotlighting strong Black women in pivotal moments of history.

Miller’s book, The American Queen won the prestigious Christy Award, the Audie Award and was the 2024 American Fiction Award winner for Historical Fiction. The American Queen was a North Carolina Reads pick for 2025 and an Alamance Countywide read for 2026 and Our State Magazine book club pick for February 2026.

Her novel, The Filling Station won the Oklahoma Book Award for fiction and was named one of Booklist’s Top Ten Historical Fictions of 2026. One of Library Journal’s Best Books of 2025 and A Booklist Editor’s Pick. It is a Positively Charlotte book club pick, an Oklahoma County Big Read and was an instant USA Today Bestseller.
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The American Queen has been featured in GMA, Washington Post and Essence Magazine roundups. The Ladies Hall has been featured in People Magazine as a cover reveal.

“Stirring… quintessential story of brave people fighting for what they know they
deserve.” [The American Queen]—Washington Post.

“This powerful story must be told and retold.” [The American Queen] –GMA.

“Miller captivates with a propulsive historical based on a true story.” –Publishers Weekly.

“A novel that should be required reading.” [The Filling Station] -Library Journal starred review.

“Absolutely Worthy.” - Booklist

Vanessa also wears the hats of playwright, motivational speaker and retreat host, channeling her storytelling gift across multiple creative platforms. She is currently published through HarperCollins/Thomas Nelson. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and family. She graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication and is currently in a MFA program at Queens University, graduating in 2027.

www.vanessamiller.com

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Reviews

[Benzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book great 2nd part. A young pastor who did not handle his grief in the 1st book to well has been redeemed by the 2nd book. His wife still has issues with forgiveness; which ALL christians struggle with even if they don't admit it.

[Latanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thank God for authors like Miller! She is a very talented writer who is firm in her commitment to the Lord. Reading this book proved to be very rewarding & entertaining at the same time. This book will encourage you to carry on the reward of this awesome read!!! Enjoy;-)

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book, was hard to put down. Couldn't wait to read the next in the series.

[Cherie l brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started out trying to like Diane Benson, and had empathy for her. That emotion changed with every page turned. Straight villain, that played some good people. Her shenanigans were just everywhere. She messed on and over a lot of good people. Cassandra was a dear-heart. I could identify with the endless emotions she went thru. Diane shelled some complicated situations to Cassandra’s corner to be dealt with. Marilyn, a woman with a conscious and a woman that finally decides to get right with God. Her life was going nowhere, she thought Diane could help financially, but the price was too high. While Mattie Daniels was bitter already, it didn’t take much of Diane to make her go ruthless, against the very one she claimed to love. The author didn’t expressly state the reason for Mattie’s health, but the feeling of retribution was acceptable to me. Joe Benson, like Cassandra didn’t deserve the ugliness of Diane-but she pooped all over him, repeatedly. Bishop Turner was overdue for his wring doing from other novels in the series. Pastor JT Thomas, a man caught in sin a few times. With Diane, all his sins comes up for payment. Everybody that’s caught in her web of deceit is ultimately hurt-no winners, they are Diane’s personal casualties. Diane Benson is a nasty woman and people cannot befriend her or take up with her because she bites and destroys.

[Sabrina Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness Can Be Hard Thing to Do At Times

JT and Cassandra’s faith is surely tested in this book. The evil forces were truly against them and they had to put their trust in the Lord. I enjoyed this book too. Now I want to see how their story ends in the last book.

[Sakae Codogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went through all of the main characters heartache as I read this blessed book, I shed every tear with her and I felt for her husband and mother. I would really much like to read some more from this author.

[Shirley Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading Vanessa’s books, such a great writer. I started reading her books when I was in a book club. Keep writing and I will keep reading.

[Adrienna · Rating 5 out of 5]

JT is facing so many distractions based on past hurts; those he have wronged like Diane and other adulterous affairs and some have cursed him because of his past mistakes such as his mother-in-law, Mattie, and she's a hypocrite and needs to see the Pharisee in her before pointing the finger at someone else. His wife, Cassandra, is facing her own demons that are causing panic attacks and needs to believe in the man she once loved.

Vanessa Miller writes a well-written novel that you can feel, see, and experience the trials that are thrown at everyone at all levels; ill-gotten gains from bitterness and past hurts to seeking forgiveness no matter how many times or wrongs you have done, can we truly forgive and forget to move forward. Forgiveness sounds easier said than done, and this story exemplifies such.

*The ending was so good and almost cried.

Moral message: We can be forgiven, we can change and be transformed in the love of Christ, no matter how much we messed up in the past. Our past doesn't define our present, and to keep a future of hope.

Adrienna Turner received the book, "Forgiven" as a gift from the author.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novel. So many emotions. Vanessa Miller is an outstanding author. I have begun reading all of her books. I just love the way she incorporates scripture along with life lessons and this one the infidelity threatens to dissolve the marriage but through Christ and a list of events that occur it is proven that God can truly take a dead thing and breath new life into it. You will really enjoy this novel, I know I did now on to book#3 In this series!!!!!!

[Krystal Esmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much better than part 1, but I probably wouldn't read it again...

[Jennifer Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

jt Thomas has a cheating past and now wants forgiveness from his family, great book

[Yolanda Allen-smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a Christian urban book that tells us the meaning of forgiveness. A must read!!!

[Elizabeth Whitaker]

Great book. Loved it, even though the mother of the wife really got on my nerves.

[Chiquedee · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my first encounters with Christian fiction and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Lakeiva Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read.