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Family Business V: The Atonement
The Shepherd family has come a long way. Demetrius has finally stepped out of his father, Don Shepherd's shadow and is living for the Lord. But Demetrius has to find a way to forgive Don before it’s too late. Don Shepherd has been no angel and with his last days in front of him, he begins to realize that he has a lot to atone for. But has his heart been so hardened that he can’t accept the forgiveness he so desperately needs? By all accounts, God was showing up and showing out in Dam Shepherd's life. He had just graduated from college, was about to begin his ministry and had met the woman he planned to marry... then his grandfather became deathly ill and one of his brothers overdosed. Dam is left questioning his ministry while he struggles to get his family to come together. Amarrea Harris refused to forgive her father and wanted nothing to do with him. But if she can’t find a way to forgive the first man she ever loved, she would never be able to accept the love Dam wants to give her. Family Business 5 is about God’s ability to forgive horrendous sin and our ability to step out of God’s way.
144 pages, Paperback
Published January 23, 2018
About the author
Vanessa Miller
100 books986 followersVanessa 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
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...
Website: www.vanessamiller.com
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.
.
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
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...
Website: www.vanessamiller.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 14, 2018
Forgiveness
Family.. Again how not knowing the whole truth can change so much for one person.
I loved the reference of the scriptures because seeing it from someone else's point of view can help someone questioning their own faith.
I truly believe if someone reading this book thinks they are beyond our Fathers forgiveness, this can truly help.
Can't wait for the next book !!!
Family.. Again how not knowing the whole truth can change so much for one person.
I loved the reference of the scriptures because seeing it from someone else's point of view can help someone questioning their own faith.
I truly believe if someone reading this book thinks they are beyond our Fathers forgiveness, this can truly help.
Can't wait for the next book !!!
March 4, 2019
I have loved the entire series so far, but this one had to be my least favorite. Although I enjoyed it, especially the redemption & forgiveness themes, there were some editing issues that needed to be corrected. Plus the scenes describing Dam's and Pop Pop's visit to hell seemed to be straight from the book 23 Minutes in Hell. All the books are short quick reads (read this one in a couple of hours) so I can't wait to read the next installment.
November 30, 2022
In this book Demetrius Shepherd has gotten out of the family business and now he's living for God. His son Dam has graduated from college and now he's ready for ministry. He was supposed to take a job in another state but God had work for him to do with his own family. In the end, he leads his grandfather to God before he dies but you need to read the book to find out about the events leading up to this. I am moving on to the last book in the series.
January 29, 2018
This has been an excellent series about the Shepherd family. However, I was a bit disappointed in this final installment. The disappointment was not in the redemption of Don Shepherd (that was something to celebrate) but rather the story didn't seem to flow well and it was quite boring. I love Vanessa Miller books and look forward to her next series. 📚
January 30, 2018
What A Mighty God
Omgospel! I just finished this book, it was so heart wrenching. I found myself asking God to forgive of all my sins and etc. We all have fallen short of God's Glory. Everyday is a day of repentance. I thank God for Mrs. Vanessa Miller-Pierce. This was a phenomenal book. Thank you God for the gift that you have blessed this author with.
Omgospel! I just finished this book, it was so heart wrenching. I found myself asking God to forgive of all my sins and etc. We all have fallen short of God's Glory. Everyday is a day of repentance. I thank God for Mrs. Vanessa Miller-Pierce. This was a phenomenal book. Thank you God for the gift that you have blessed this author with.
March 30, 2018
A Story of Forgiveness and Love
This book was so good and the title fits this story. The love of God never fails, especially in our time of need. The Don relationship with his grandson Dam is so awesome. I highly recommend the Family Business series. I'm looking forward to book 6.
This book was so good and the title fits this story. The love of God never fails, especially in our time of need. The Don relationship with his grandson Dam is so awesome. I highly recommend the Family Business series. I'm looking forward to book 6.
August 24, 2021
Atonement and Forgiveness. It’s been several years since I read the previous books in this series, but I enjoyed reading about the Shepherd family. Demetrius finally broke the family curse of his father and grandfather’s reign, but he was having a hard time with forgiveness. I’m looking forward to reading the finale of this series.
January 23, 2026
Kingpin ain't got nothing on the King of Kings
I really enjoyed the depiction of the spiritual realm and the evolving of every character in the series and the addition of new ones. This might be my fave in the series even though short and sweet. Looking forward to seeing how the series ends.
I really enjoyed the depiction of the spiritual realm and the evolving of every character in the series and the addition of new ones. This might be my fave in the series even though short and sweet. Looking forward to seeing how the series ends.
April 12, 2018
Vanessa Miller has done it again!
I always want to know how the story will end, but I don't want the book to end! The Shepard family is truly a family that prays together! Can't wait for the next book.
I always want to know how the story will end, but I don't want the book to end! The Shepard family is truly a family that prays together! Can't wait for the next book.
October 20, 2023
To God be the glory
This book was strong, powerful, heart felt, loving, and sound. It will take you to a place you've never been before and bring you back full of joy, grace, and mercy. Loved it!
This book was strong, powerful, heart felt, loving, and sound. It will take you to a place you've never been before and bring you back full of joy, grace, and mercy. Loved it!
February 3, 2018
Awesome!
As always, another great book. Never disappoints. Can’t wait until August! Love this series and the Sheppard family. God Bless!
As always, another great book. Never disappoints. Can’t wait until August! Love this series and the Sheppard family. God Bless!
February 26, 2018
Excellent read
Excellent read, I liked catching up with the Shepherd family. As always there was a good lesson in the storyline. I recommend this book.
Excellent read, I liked catching up with the Shepherd family. As always there was a good lesson in the storyline. I recommend this book.
March 5, 2018
Excellent, excellent!!!!!!
This book was very good and it spoke to every aspect of my life. Thanks for sharing your love of writing.
This book was very good and it spoke to every aspect of my life. Thanks for sharing your love of writing.
April 23, 2018
Good read
This is a really good series. I have read the entire series. Vanessa does a good job writing. Have read most all her books.
This is a really good series. I have read the entire series. Vanessa does a good job writing. Have read most all her books.
August 26, 2018
Five stars
Loved this book! This book made me want to diligently witness to everyone I meet on my journey for the Lord
Loved this book! This book made me want to diligently witness to everyone I meet on my journey for the Lord
December 28, 2019
Another great saga
Thus far the family business series has not disappointed. This book brings Gods message to a contemporary setting while keeping it fully intact
Thus far the family business series has not disappointed. This book brings Gods message to a contemporary setting while keeping it fully intact
February 12, 2020
An Eye Opener
It was a twist Thai I never imagined to be in this book . It was also a tear jerker. But thank God for His love showing up in the end. This book will make anyone re-examine their lives.
It was a twist Thai I never imagined to be in this book . It was also a tear jerker. But thank God for His love showing up in the end. This book will make anyone re-examine their lives.
September 19, 2020
Loved while series
Loved series great author book reads don't like being told how many words I need to write not at all
Loved series great author book reads don't like being told how many words I need to write not at all
September 18, 2019
This book was all about forgiveness and it was an excellent read. All of our sins will be forgiven if we ask for it. I loved how Dam was able to get through to his grandfather and get him to repeat the sinners prayer. I must say that is a very powerful prayer for everyone. Look forward to reading the last book in this series.
January 6, 2020
Great
I am enjoying the 5th book of this series. I highly recommend that you keep on reading. I'm not going to spoil it for you. Oh but I want too.
I am enjoying the 5th book of this series. I highly recommend that you keep on reading. I'm not going to spoil it for you. Oh but I want too.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews