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Forsaken #1
Forsaken
Pastor Jerome Tyler "JT" Thomas is charismatic behind the pulpit, charming to all he comes in contact with, and lethal to those who linger too long. Since the age of twenty-two, when he prayed for God to keep him out of prison, JT knew he would preach the gospel. Bishop Turner makes it possible; but there are strings attached, and now JT isn't sure he can stay tied down. Cutting loose causes more problems than JT anticipated. When an old friend from his days on the streets resurfaces and his "extracurricular activity" comes knocking on his front door, JT's life and the lives of those close to him spiral out of control. Now he will need divine intervention to make things right. But how much help can a man hope to receive when he feels he's been forsaken by God?
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2009
15 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Miller
100 books793 followersVanessa Miller is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, playwright, and motivational speaker. She started writing as a child, spending countless hours either reading or writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels. Vanessa’s creative endeavors took on new meaning in1994 when she became a Christian. Since then, her writing has been centered on themes of redemption, often focusing on characters facing multi-dimensional struggles.
Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine’s Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has receiving numerous awards, including “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.” Miller graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication. She is an ordained minister in her church, explaining, “God has called me to minister to readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”
· Essence Bestsellers’ List March 2008; May 2008 (Former Rain)
· Essence Bestsellers’ List September 2008 (Rain Storm)
· Black Expressions Book Club Alternate Selection 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
· #1 Ebook for fiction on Amazon.com November 2010 (Long Time Coming)
· #1 on BCNN/BCBC Bestsellers’ List November 2010 (Long Time Coming)
She has worked with numerous publishers: Urban Christian, Kimani Romance, Abingdon Press and Whitaker House. She is currently working on Something Good with Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins) which releases in March 2022.
In 2016, Vanessa launched the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat in an effort to bring readers and authors of Christian fiction together in an environment that’s all about Faith, Fun & Fellowship. To learn more about Vanessa, please visit her website: www.vanessamiller.com. If you would like to know more about the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat that is currently held in Charlotte, NC during the last week in October you can visit: http://www.christianbookloversretreat...
Vanessa lives in North Carolina with her husband and family. She graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication.
Most of Vanessa’s published novels depict characters that are lost and in need of redemption. The books have received countless favorable reviews.
“. . . Heartwarming, drama-packed and tender in just the right places.”—Romantic Times Book Review.
“Recommended for readers of redemption stories.” –Library Journal.
www.vanessamiller.com
Don’t forget to join my mailing list:
http://www.vanessamiller.com/events-j...
Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Vanes...
Join me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorvanes...
Join me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/vanessamiller01
Website: www.vanessamiller.com
Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine’s Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has receiving numerous awards, including “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.” Miller graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication. She is an ordained minister in her church, explaining, “God has called me to minister to readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”
· Essence Bestsellers’ List March 2008; May 2008 (Former Rain)
· Essence Bestsellers’ List September 2008 (Rain Storm)
· Black Expressions Book Club Alternate Selection 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
· #1 Ebook for fiction on Amazon.com November 2010 (Long Time Coming)
· #1 on BCNN/BCBC Bestsellers’ List November 2010 (Long Time Coming)
She has worked with numerous publishers: Urban Christian, Kimani Romance, Abingdon Press and Whitaker House. She is currently working on Something Good with Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins) which releases in March 2022.
In 2016, Vanessa launched the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat in an effort to bring readers and authors of Christian fiction together in an environment that’s all about Faith, Fun & Fellowship. To learn more about Vanessa, please visit her website: www.vanessamiller.com. If you would like to know more about the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat that is currently held in Charlotte, NC during the last week in October you can visit: http://www.christianbookloversretreat...
Vanessa lives in North Carolina with her husband and family. She graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication.
Most of Vanessa’s published novels depict characters that are lost and in need of redemption. The books have received countless favorable reviews.
“. . . Heartwarming, drama-packed and tender in just the right places.”—Romantic Times Book Review.
“Recommended for readers of redemption stories.” –Library Journal.
www.vanessamiller.com
Don’t forget to join my mailing list:
http://www.vanessamiller.com/events-j...
Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Vanes...
Join me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorvanes...
Join me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/vanessamiller01
Website: www.vanessamiller.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 3, 2019
JT was the Pastor of Faith Outreach Church. But he strayed when his wife lost their daughter, and started living a life of sin.
Going with women in his congregation, but he never thought that one day he would have to pay for those sins.
Things started happening back to back in his life, and he felt that God had left him because he hit rock bottom. Because of his sins he lost his church and family and was all alone. He started listening to his gospel, and reading his Bible, because he wanted to walk away from that life and start over. He almost lost his life when he got hit by a car in the church parking lot because of an old friend.
This is all about forgiveness and the word of God says forgive and it shall be forgiven unto you.
Can't wait to read the next one in this series.
Going with women in his congregation, but he never thought that one day he would have to pay for those sins.
Things started happening back to back in his life, and he felt that God had left him because he hit rock bottom. Because of his sins he lost his church and family and was all alone. He started listening to his gospel, and reading his Bible, because he wanted to walk away from that life and start over. He almost lost his life when he got hit by a car in the church parking lot because of an old friend.
This is all about forgiveness and the word of God says forgive and it shall be forgiven unto you.
Can't wait to read the next one in this series.
April 27, 2018
Grace and New Mercy
JT did some awful things, but by the grace of God, he was forgiven. He had to go through some hard trials, but it only made him stronger. I can’t wait to read how he and Cassandra work things out with their family. Kudos to Vanessa Miller!
JT did some awful things, but by the grace of God, he was forgiven. He had to go through some hard trials, but it only made him stronger. I can’t wait to read how he and Cassandra work things out with their family. Kudos to Vanessa Miller!
February 18, 2018
A story of God’s forgiveness and unlimited grace! Well written and a must read for those dealing with unforgiveness!
April 22, 2021
God never far sake us. Excellent book
March 29, 2015
First, I avoid Christian fiction by black authors like the plague. This was part of a box set, the only reason I read it. All the books in this genre are about adulterous men and weak will women who love them to death. The women never are able to move on to a healthy relationship with another man in these stories. Instead, they fight for these unhealthy relationships and risk their health in the process.
I have said it a million times, my God did not create women to be used and abuse by any boyfriend or husband. This joker was so disrespectful to his wife but repentant when he was busted. I can't place all the blame on him because the wife knew he was a cheater and remained in the relationship.
In the book, the husband stated if the shoe was on the other foot. He wouldn't have been able to forgive. I don't know one man who would stay with a woman, who was carrying another man's child. That's why I hate Christian fiction, these authors write women so desperate to have a man that put up with unimaginable things.
The grace of God helps us to forgive an offense, heal, and leave an unhealthy relationship. Women need to wake up and make themselves a priority over a relationship.
I won't be continuing with this series.
I have said it a million times, my God did not create women to be used and abuse by any boyfriend or husband. This joker was so disrespectful to his wife but repentant when he was busted. I can't place all the blame on him because the wife knew he was a cheater and remained in the relationship.
In the book, the husband stated if the shoe was on the other foot. He wouldn't have been able to forgive. I don't know one man who would stay with a woman, who was carrying another man's child. That's why I hate Christian fiction, these authors write women so desperate to have a man that put up with unimaginable things.
The grace of God helps us to forgive an offense, heal, and leave an unhealthy relationship. Women need to wake up and make themselves a priority over a relationship.
I won't be continuing with this series.
April 25, 2013
I was still in the mood to read something different, and I found this book on a Kindle Blog. I have probably had this book for 10 months or so, but I finally decided to crack it open...
Through the first few pages, I assumed that this was going to be the same Christian/Fiction type of story of preacher gets too high and mighty, preacher falls from grace, preacher repents, preacher reclaims. Right after the "mirror scene", however, the book then kind of took a different path that got me hooked. JT, the pastor, was a well developed character that I felt for rather than disliked even though he wasn't exactly likable at first. First Lady Cassandra was also a well developed and thought out character I instantly rooted for. There were two characters maybe a bit underdeveloped, but necessary to the overall plot. The ending didn't exactly go as "cliche'" as I thought it would, but it was an ending I was very, very pleased with. I finished this book in 24 hours and the next time that I am in the mood to read something off of my usual map, I think that I just may pick up the next book Forgiven.
Through the first few pages, I assumed that this was going to be the same Christian/Fiction type of story of preacher gets too high and mighty, preacher falls from grace, preacher repents, preacher reclaims. Right after the "mirror scene", however, the book then kind of took a different path that got me hooked. JT, the pastor, was a well developed character that I felt for rather than disliked even though he wasn't exactly likable at first. First Lady Cassandra was also a well developed and thought out character I instantly rooted for. There were two characters maybe a bit underdeveloped, but necessary to the overall plot. The ending didn't exactly go as "cliche'" as I thought it would, but it was an ending I was very, very pleased with. I finished this book in 24 hours and the next time that I am in the mood to read something off of my usual map, I think that I just may pick up the next book Forgiven.
December 10, 2010
I loved this book and reading. The author shows how a man's past has caught up to his present. He did his dirt, God has forgiven but not overlooked the things he has done in his former life, now has to face the consequences. We see JT Thomas can't face all that is due to him. "We reap what we sow." He know wants to know God again, through reading the Scriptures, listening to spiritual music, and asking for forgiveness to those he hurt or offended because of his past actions. His wife, Cassanda, still remains by his side when most women would walk away from an adulterous husband but doesn't condone his adulterous demeanor.
Towards the ending of the book, it reminds me of King David, and after all the sin he has committed his faults and shortcomings also have a bearing on his lifeline--affects the family and those around you too. We have to be mindful that our sins also hurt others including those in our circle of life.
I can't wait to read the second installment of this series, Forgiven, soon.
Towards the ending of the book, it reminds me of King David, and after all the sin he has committed his faults and shortcomings also have a bearing on his lifeline--affects the family and those around you too. We have to be mindful that our sins also hurt others including those in our circle of life.
I can't wait to read the second installment of this series, Forgiven, soon.
November 3, 2011
OK. A Preacher cheats on his wife. Yes, you have heard that story before. Perhaps you have seen it in your own church. As an ordained minister, I must say that this scenario is all to common.
But the book is more than simply a "he cheated on her and she loved him through it and now they live happily ever after" kind of story. In this novel, we see JT (Mr. Preacher) and his reckless behavior having real consequences on his relationships and his church.
I liked how the author had the preacher-man pay for his indiscretions even though he was growing in his relationship with God. Yes, getting straight with God doesn't eliminate the repurcussions of your actions. The ending held in tension living with the consequences and living in hope.
I would have liked to see how the author would have dealt with some in church preaching. We heard about it, but let's see if JT can bring it...lol, but hey that's just me.
The author grabed me in the beginning and kept me on board. I will read the next book in the series..
But the book is more than simply a "he cheated on her and she loved him through it and now they live happily ever after" kind of story. In this novel, we see JT (Mr. Preacher) and his reckless behavior having real consequences on his relationships and his church.
I liked how the author had the preacher-man pay for his indiscretions even though he was growing in his relationship with God. Yes, getting straight with God doesn't eliminate the repurcussions of your actions. The ending held in tension living with the consequences and living in hope.
I would have liked to see how the author would have dealt with some in church preaching. We heard about it, but let's see if JT can bring it...lol, but hey that's just me.
The author grabed me in the beginning and kept me on board. I will read the next book in the series..
November 19, 2014
This novel was a page-turner. It looks like Pastor JT’s darkness came to light. He really thought God had forsaken him. As he said, he was a man that was truly blessed by God, but he just didn’t know it until it was too late. I’m looking forward to reading the second book, “Forgiven”, in this series.
April 29, 2014
What's done in the dark shall surely come to light! This pastor was on a path to destruction but God! I really loved this novel, love the way the author injects scripture with life lessons. A few grammaticals, hence the 4.5 star rating but I really like the writing style of Vanessa Miller, keep up the good work, now on to book#2!
November 24, 2009
Abosolutely wonderful. This book made me really dive deep, because in the mess I have been in lately I truly thought God had foresaken me. Vanessa did a great job on this one. The part where the man looked in the mirror and saw what he had become was heart wrenching.
June 30, 2010
I have never given a book 1 out of 5 stars before, but if ever there was a book that deserved it, this is it. This book was face paced, ghetto, and way too unrealistic. I'll give it two stars because of what JT did for Jimmy, but this book sucked.
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August 2, 2013Great book. Couldn't wait to read the next book in this series. Highly recommended to all my friends and associates. Love that it was scripture based. This was my first read book of Christian Fiction.
Read
August 8, 2016excellent read
December 27, 2010
This book was discussed in brief on Dream 4 More Radio dated on 11/28/10 at www.blogtalkradio.com/Dream4MoreRadio and listen to archives.
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December 14, 2010Awesome
November 13, 2011
I skipped a few of the chapters. It was an ok read.
June 6, 2012
Great Book
August 18, 2012
Good Christian read but had a few political comments.
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August 31, 2012Vanessa Miller is doing it again!!! Grrrrreat read!! There has been a few surprises. just about finished and I cant even guess what will happen next.
September 5, 2012
Can't wait to read the other books in the series
October 23, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. Loved this story of forgiveness and becoming God focus again. Can't wait to read the remaining books in the series.
February 7, 2013
I love this book, a minister's past comes back and haunts him everything that was done in the dark came to the light
April 11, 2013
I enjoyed this book. It let's us know that just all men fall short of the glory. But who are we to not forgive, if God can forgive him so can we.
August 6, 2015
Typical fiction. A good read but not too women would put up with this mess unless they had low self esteem. This book was like ready a happily ever after fairytale.
June 16, 2013
Must read Christian urban book.
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October 16, 2013Excellent
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews