Former Things Forgotten

by Thomas Trezise

Moonshine makes Tessa Gibbs’s father mean, and getting religion makes him cruel and judgmental. Red-headed and determined Tessa is desperate to escape him, his God, and her home in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Tennessee. When a college scholarship provides the key to a new life, Tessa leaves the mountains but finds herself unfulfilled and always reaching for something beyond.Created for a kingdom of which she has no earthly memory, Tessa doesn’t know she was part of a failed rebellion against God in heaven and sent to be born on fallen earth. Will she continue to choose her own way and resist all efforts to bring her back to the Kingdom? An intense battle wages to return her soul to God … and may require an ultimate sacrifice.This intriguing and unforgettable story of love at the intersection of heaven and earth, where relationships are eternal and hard choices determine destinies, examines the questions, answers, and consequences of life lived for self or for God.A complimentary study guide can be obtained at Thomas Trezise’s website.

476 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2024

Reviews

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a unique book. It has many layers to it. The author's use of imagery is spot on. I could literally see myself in each part of the book. The parts involving the kingdom of God reminded me of Frank Peretti.

The characters are all very interesting and complex people. Tessa is strong. Her home life is difficult. She goes from having a father who loves and adores her to a father who uses his religion as punishment. She does make some wonderful and faithful friends. Mary, Mandy, and Janie become Tess's family.

The salvation message is explained in detail, and my heart rejoiced when Tessa decided to follow Christ. I love it when she meets her savior face to face!

*I did find it somewhat disconcerting that there are several swear words. It seems unnecessary in a Christian book.

[Patricia L .Jex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued to read of another Christian perspective on the eternal nature of humans, and our pre-mortal state. While my understanding of that subject is very different, this story is well told. Characters are complex, well developed, and believable. I appreciated the author's explanations at the end of the book. My one disappointment is that there were so many unresolved loose ends at the conclusion of the story. Many lives left in the wake as we focus attention only on the main character.

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former Things Forgotten is a well written story with thought provoking messages. Strong character development and mountain life wonderfully crafted. Christian theme embracing Christ and the Kingdom of God a much needed & timely topic in this day and age. Worth a read.

[John Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my usual genre in books, but a superb and thought-provoking read

Ordinarily I’m a reader of non-fiction or historical fiction novels, and had never heard of book categories like “Contemporary Religious Fiction” or “Men’s Inspirational Spirituality”. But since a friend suggested this book from a first-time novelist, and I’m always game to try something new, I purchased the e-book and dove in. I must say that it was a superb, engaging page-turner, whether one is a believer or non-believer.
I found the author’s imagining of the form which the Kingdom of God, i.e. heaven, took in the time when there were only “souls” but no “humans” entirely plausible. His allegorical exposition of the rise of Satan and the resulting Fall of Man was more understandable than many of the lessons related to those concepts that I was taught in my own religious upbringing. The questions his cast of souls in the Kingdom posed regarding the seeming conflict between individual freedom and obedience to the will of God are enduringly thought-provoking.
Author Trezise weaves all of this into a page-turning narrative with well-developed, believable characters that I found myself either rooting for or hoping that a bit of karma would come their way. The organizing precepts and fundamental truths of Christian faith are woven into the narrative and the dialogue their without becoming “preachy” or judgmental.
“Former Things Forgotten” is well worth any reader’s time and thoughtful consideration. It comes highly recommended by this first-time reader of Contemporary Religious Fiction – even if that isn’t one’s normal genre !

[Randolph Dove · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful story about a woman's journey through life and her spiritual awakening.
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2024
Verified Purchase
The characters are rich and colorful. The settings are painted perfectly and skillfully. This story will have the readers form many questions about life as they follow Tess on her journeys. Former Things Forgotten is a powerful read on many levels-it in itself is a compelling tale but for those who have questions about faith, commitment and the righteous path, the book is a guide for those travelers.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former Things Forgotten will stay with you

From the first sentence, this book captured my attention. Although categorized as Contemporary Christian Fiction, the story is compelling for any genre. The struggles the Appalachian heroine endures are relatable for everyone, even if they’re couched in “hillbilly” settings. The book’s message of hope and love and the peace gained through sacrifice over self-interest will resonate with readers. I highly recommend.

[Arlene Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually write reviews but I felt compelled to share my thoughts. Trezise's insights and seemingly natural way of expressing deep meanings about Christianity are a blessing. Although Tessa's human life journey filled most of the pages, the underlying message was powerful and leaves you wanting more! After a few chapters in, I knew I was going to want to re-read. Don't skip the Afterward or End Notes.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and Heartwarming

I enjoyed following the protagonist Tessa's life from her troubled childhood to her troubled adulthood and beyond. The author used some creative ideas that added an interesting and fun take on the Kingdom of Heaven. I was convicted by the truth of our calling as Christ-followers. I highly recommend this book.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved "The Shack" and "It's a Wonderful Life," you will love Former Things Forgotten. We humans always think that our fulfillment will be just around the next corner - but it never is. The author creatively explains why that's so - and what will, in fact, fill our longing. Grab some tissues!

[Richard McCroskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written, thought-provoking book about our time on earth and the Kingdom of God.