What do you think?
Rate this book
Forgiving Tess
Tess Carson has finally turned her life around. After a string of bad decisions, she's making amends, paying debts, and working to bring her family back together. But when Tess's childhood crush re-enters her chaotic life, she's certain it's the worst time for romance. Even if he still has those mesmerizing dimples.
In Tess's eyes, Josh Thorne has it all. As a youth pastor with a thriving ministry, he's exactly what she needs. He's stable, kind, confident, and not afraid of Tess's troubled past—even if she still has an entire town that insists her sins will never be forgotten or forgiven.
But when the demons of her past collide with the incredible promise of her future, Tess wonders if it's possible to forget and forgive. Does she have enough courage to try?
In Tess's eyes, Josh Thorne has it all. As a youth pastor with a thriving ministry, he's exactly what she needs. He's stable, kind, confident, and not afraid of Tess's troubled past—even if she still has an entire town that insists her sins will never be forgotten or forgiven.
But when the demons of her past collide with the incredible promise of her future, Tess wonders if it's possible to forget and forgive. Does she have enough courage to try?
Paperback
Published February 1, 19
14 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 8, 2019
What a wonderful novel. I was blown away by Tess and Josh's relationship. Miller does an excellent job of showing how judging other people's sins as worse than one's own can lead to a bad witness for the church and ruin a caring relationship. I cheered for Tess as she made amends for past mistakes, but held on to her endearing personality. Josh is a hunk, but he needed to learn that life isn't always perfect--and sinners need forgiveness. What a great ending! I loved how love and understanding restored a family and created a new one.
April 18, 2019
Forgiving Tess is a Christian romance that has a strong message for readers. The basis of the story is forgiveness—obviously—but there’s also insight on judgment, progression, and even true love.
As a Believer, its easy to look at someone and judge their sins, especially when we think someone else’s mistakes are worse than our own. But Miller makes it clear that sin is sin: period. It doesn’t matter if you’re a liar and someone else is a murderer—both of you are equally guilty in God’s eyes.
As much of an emphasis as there is on forgiving others, there is also some light shined on how important it is for Christians to forgive themselves. I think sometimes we (Believers) get so consumed with repenting and feeling sorry that we don’t realize we are wallowing in guilt. Guilt is not from God, my friends, forgiveness and redemption are. Many people in Tess’s life tried to scare her or even threaten her by bringing up her past, there were even times where Tess seemed to be running from it herself, but there was a bigger picture here in the fact that you cannot escape your past but you don’t have to let it hold you hostage either.
Besides forgiveness, I think it was beautiful that we got to see Tess grow and develop as she learned to accept herself and her mistakes, but it was an even more wonderful journey seeing Josh open up and their romance unfold. Christian romance tends to be focused on a Believer bringing a sinner into the Kingdom—usually we see a kind young woman slowly shine some light and kindness onto a dashing unsaved man. It was refreshing to see the tables turned in this story. Not only was the story centered on two people who already had a relationship with Christ, but it gave some insight on how women may struggle in their relationships with man and God. Men aren’t always the ones who need a little more guidance and women aren’t always the ones who are perfect and pristine.
There were many different levels to this book, each one has its own message and meaning—if you’re willing to sit down and allow yourself to learn from someone else’s experiences, I think you might come to love this story. There is romance, mystery, hurt, and recovery all wrapped up in one—plus it stems from a Christian foundation, which is the cherry on top for me.
If you enjoy Christian fiction, romance, or contemporary novels I would highly recommend this book to you. You will not be disappointed.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
As a Believer, its easy to look at someone and judge their sins, especially when we think someone else’s mistakes are worse than our own. But Miller makes it clear that sin is sin: period. It doesn’t matter if you’re a liar and someone else is a murderer—both of you are equally guilty in God’s eyes.
As much of an emphasis as there is on forgiving others, there is also some light shined on how important it is for Christians to forgive themselves. I think sometimes we (Believers) get so consumed with repenting and feeling sorry that we don’t realize we are wallowing in guilt. Guilt is not from God, my friends, forgiveness and redemption are. Many people in Tess’s life tried to scare her or even threaten her by bringing up her past, there were even times where Tess seemed to be running from it herself, but there was a bigger picture here in the fact that you cannot escape your past but you don’t have to let it hold you hostage either.
Besides forgiveness, I think it was beautiful that we got to see Tess grow and develop as she learned to accept herself and her mistakes, but it was an even more wonderful journey seeing Josh open up and their romance unfold. Christian romance tends to be focused on a Believer bringing a sinner into the Kingdom—usually we see a kind young woman slowly shine some light and kindness onto a dashing unsaved man. It was refreshing to see the tables turned in this story. Not only was the story centered on two people who already had a relationship with Christ, but it gave some insight on how women may struggle in their relationships with man and God. Men aren’t always the ones who need a little more guidance and women aren’t always the ones who are perfect and pristine.
There were many different levels to this book, each one has its own message and meaning—if you’re willing to sit down and allow yourself to learn from someone else’s experiences, I think you might come to love this story. There is romance, mystery, hurt, and recovery all wrapped up in one—plus it stems from a Christian foundation, which is the cherry on top for me.
If you enjoy Christian fiction, romance, or contemporary novels I would highly recommend this book to you. You will not be disappointed.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
March 12, 2019
Kimberly Miller has written a beautiful and heart-warming story of love that grows and matures with time and overcomes the worst of circumstances. When Tess was a young girl, she had a crush on her older brother's best friend, Josh. Years pass and when they meet again as adults and Josh has become a minister, Tess believes too much has happened in her life, too many wrong choices have been made, and Josh will never be able to truly love and forgive her. But sometimes the most difficult thing to learn is to forgive yourself. I highly recommend this book. It is a beautiful story of unconditional love and forgiveness.
September 21, 2019
This story drew me in from the first page. Tess is trying her best, working two jobs, to pay restitution to those she wronged. The only soul who doesn't hold her past against her is Uncle Stu. The rest of the people in town--including her parents and her brother--treat her with disdain. And then there's Josh. The love between them is never in question, but he's a pastor and nobody believes Tess could ever be a pastor's wife--including Tess. Packed with emotion and a relevant message, this one's a keeper.
February 17, 2019
This book was fantastic! I read it in one day and could not put it down.
July 3, 2019
This book was so good and had me all in my feels! I may have teared up a time or two as Tess and Josh (or should I say Jed) worked through life's trials and people's expectations.
February 25, 2023
Couldn't put it down, read it in 4 days. Great characters, storyline and message. Highly recommend!!
February 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! Tess' feelings of inadequacy were very relateable (though frustrating at times- I kind of wanted to shake her and tell her she deserved to be happy!) and I loved the strong message of redemption, forgiveness, and love woven throughout the story. Josh's unwavering love of Tess regardless of her past was very touching. All in all, a good and inspiring read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews