The Redemption

by Susan Cochran

The Redemption is a short story postscript to the novel, The Vow.

After her husband's betrayal, Jillian Scott listens to her heart and refuses to give up on her marriage. Instead, fighting hard for its survival. Follow Derek and Jillian's journey going forward as they reconnect and discover that courage and honesty, along with the magic of love, can lead to unexpected miracles.

When it comes to matters of the heart and second chances, can love really conquer all?

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2025

About the author

Susan Cochran is an American author who writes romantic suspense, contemporary romance, women's fiction, and women detective crime fiction with strong women characters in her stories. Most of her romances have a good bit of spice, a healthy dose of humor and characters you're bound to love.
You'll often find her at her Lake Tahoe cabin at work on her next writing project.

Reviews

[Danny Lea · Rating 2 out of 5]

The unsatisfying ending to The Vow. Both are in therapy. Are apparently stronger than ever and in love again. h is confronted by Mari the ow from previous book and we're told Mari only used Derek to get away from her crazy ex boyfriend. So this bitch targeted a married man. Jillian the h tells her to piss off and threatens her. Jillian started feeling ill thinking it's food poisoning. Come to find out she's pregnant at 48. Meanwhile Derek the H finds out his pregnant ONS from the past was in fact not pregnant with his baby before she killed herself. She was cheating on Mac their neighbor with many men. Finally the author decided to really stick it to Jillian and the reader by having her miscarry Derek and her baby. They were over the moon with the pregnancy, but author decided she hated her characters. So ending has dear ol Jillian becoming a dog mom. Seriously wtaf? The end.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book so thought Id read those novella / short story follow up . I enjoyed the first book, it was angsty and packed a gut punch. This book was a lot of summarizing and rehashing the past. I did think it gave me closure from the

Im not sure if this is actually Christian romance but I felt like their was a general religious them of Gpd and forgiveness at the end. I did feel as though the relationship grew stronger then it was before. I still feel like the hero was thi king about " mistakes" rather then " bad choices" though.

[Tmstprc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, trying too hard to redeem an AH.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does this book portray Derek’s remorse as genuine and is he working towards being a better man for Jillian? I thought I really needed this story, but as it turns out, I would’ve been fine with The Vow only. However, other readers might find this necessary in believing in Derek and Jillian’s reconciliation. I thought one of the plot points was really cliche, but saw where it opened a path for Derek to demonstrate how he stepped up and supported Jillian and would do anything to see her happy. They have definitely made strides, especially with counseling, more open communication and prioritizing time with each other, so I do think Derek learned his lesson.

[Lauri Boen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derek redeemed

Glad to follow up with Derek and Jillian. After the beginning of the first book I didn’t think there would be any way Derek would redeem himself.

[wrkatreading · Rating 1 out of 5]

boring

As a redeeming story this missed the mark. In the first story the MMC is TSTL and she think he is smelling up the nurse nonstop. But we learn otherwise in this book. I didn’t like it at all.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a powerful story that shows what transformative love can do in one's life. In the case of Derek who steps out on is marriage and with all of his arrogance had the audacity to ask for a divorce shattering Jillian in the process was a compelling part to read but when he has his medical issue and the one that comes to his aid is none other than the wife, he threw away spoke volumes to me. The testament to the power of her love touched my heart and had me cheering for her that she could stand by Derek.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cat Ciolko-Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The redemption is a compelling story, but the trigger is what bothers me, and I will not mention what it was. I wish it had not happened. The narrative of how they overcame his infidelity and the effort he put into it was remarkable.

I understand how her actions contributed to the breakdown of their marriage, but they did not cause his infidelity. That was his choice.

I recommend reading the second part of The Vow.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is short story following couple marriage after almost divorce, health problems and more.
It’s good story but left me feeling sad about all this drama. It could be pictures of real life for some of the readers.
So many women and men ,too, would have to decide what to follow .Some decisions are easy to make some not,so enjoy story and hope you never have to make this choice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Frederick Nunez · Rating 5 out of 5]

the redemption (The Vow book 2)

I found the novel heartbreaking and incredibly . The couple were trying to find their commitment and love, after a near divorce. I enjoyed the continuing book from the previous book (the vow).

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat fulfilled and provided closure. Was left wondering if the H was fully redeemed or was the fortunate recipient of his wife's desire to save the marriage...hard to tell at times since he continued to 'excuse' his behavior without taking full responsibility for his choices. Did enjoy the h dealing with the OW...well done.

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nope. Still don't like the "H" and still believe that if he did not have the stroke, H would have continued leaving the h and living his best cheating life.

Come to find out a little more about the OW in this...OW wanted out of a toxic/abusive relationship and well gosh darn it, the H looked like he could shoulder the burden. OW intentionally went after the H hoping that if her abuser saw her cheating then he would let OW go??? Yeah, worked spectacularly. Only made me dislike the OW more.