Yesterday's Promise

Second Chance At Love #1

by Vanessa Miller

Melinda Johnson has always felt called to ministry. So, when her father, Bishop Langston Johnson, decides to step down after thirty years of leadership at Omega Christian Center, it seems only natural for her to take his place. But Bishop Johnson feels led by a God who has other things in mind, and to succeed him, he appoints Steven Marks–a man who is opposed to female pastors, not to mention the fact that he is Melinda's ex–fiancé.

Feeling defeated, Melinda nevertheless maintains her position as the church's Missions and Community Outreach Director. Frequent interaction with the new bishop incites bitter sparring–and rekindles long–suppressed attraction, which grows only stronger when Melinda develops a relationship with Steven's precious daughter, Brianna, who's still struggling with the death of her mother.

Can Steven and Melinda set aside past pains, forgive each other, and learn to love again? Or will their opposing positions regarding women preachers keep them forever at odds?

Genres: Inspirational, Christian, Fiction, Christian Fiction

239 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 2009

About the author

Vanessa 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

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Reviews

[Teresa Burris]

3 Stars, A lot of lessons to be learned were captured in this story. So often we tend to hold on to bitterness that destroys us one small piece at a time. We blame the actions of others as the reason for not achieving our dreams or where we may be in life. God has given us the choice to make decisions, and when we indulge in what looks good to us, but may not be good for us, we find there is no quick fix for the problems ahead, now we must wade through the cleanup process. This of course is uncomfortable and sometimes timely. But, we need to understand, that we are never alone, and we are set free once we relinquish the hold and realize the power of believing truly sets us free.

[Rhonda McKnight]

Loved it. Vanessa Miller did a fantastic job entering the romance genre. Great characters and lots of conflict, which a strong, albiet subtle message about the ministry of women preachers. I highly recommend.

[Barbara]

I just finished reading this novel and I must say it is a very good book. I had already read book 2 when I found out it was a series.
Melinda was so hurt because her father had promised her that when he retired she would take his place, and then her moma had promised her that she wasn't going to die but she died. Then Steven Marks was going to marry her but he believed that a woman wasn't supposed to preach so he didn't marry Melinda
but married Sylvia who didn't mine staying at home being a wife and mother.
That what kept them two apart because Steven father told him that women was supposed to be quiet in the church.
I no of churches today that doesn't allow women in the pulpit. You can't say that a person was or was not called to preach because you don't know.

[Mary Calton Gerard]

Extraordinary ✍🏾

Wonderful storyline and themes presented in this book! I enjoy this author's discussion of women in the ministry, forgiveness of oneself, forgiveness of others, showing that Christians are human, we just have God as our leader. My favorite storyline is when "Melinda" prayed for her own healing of mistrust then went and ministered to "Brianna" to help her heal.

[Ibigbami Fikemi]

My Ex actually gave me this as a birthday gift before we broke up. Like I really loved this novel, the setting brought about this black American movie picture in my head. I learnt about hurts, pains, forgiveness and above all True Love. I loved every bit of it, Vanessa is such a darling, more grace to you.

[Anita L. Roseboro-Wade]

Good story

Initially, I didn't like the female lead, but the more I read I appreciated her growth. Vanessa showed the true frailty of Christians. Even though we believe in a higher power, we are still human and subject to the full range of emotional pitfalls as none Christians. The difference is God and our belief and trust in Him to get us to where we need to be. Good read.

[Damena Mccoy]

This book was awesome! It had a great story line and a very realistic plot.

[Iola]

I thought the premise was excellent and loved the heroine. The hero ... not so much. As a result, I thought the end fell flat.

[Dream 4 More Reviews]

This is a different style of writing for Vanessa, in comparison to the Rain and Storm series that I loved so dearly since it covered "redemption" and anyone can turn their lives over to God.

In Yesterday's Promise, speaks about two people stubbornness, where Melinda helps her father, Bishop Johnson, mega-church ministry and expects to be next in line to lead the flock but sees it was passed on to her ex-fiance, Bishop Steve Marks. Steve Marks believes he can rekindle his love and ask a second time for the hand of Melinda Johnson in marriage. But his stubbornness is believing from listening to his father that women cannot minister in the church. I like some of the passages delivered in the book about why women are in ministry and the other views that have disregarded women to lead the flock in the congregation--to be silent in the church based on Paul's perspective in the Word of God.

We will see if they can mend their past hurts, love, and stay in the will of God regardless of their views of one another or beliefs. Can they re-commit their love-relationship for one another after they see the light of God's views on women in ministry.

*She will be on April 25, Sunday, 5pm CST. Rescheduled in July 2010. www.blogtalkradio.com/Dream4More

Dream4More Reviews,
Adrienna Turner

*This is the opinion of the reviewer that does not reflect the views of Dream 4 More Firm. We received a copy from the publisher for a book review and interview with the author.

[Casey]

Can one woman fulfill her dream and still be granted the love of her heart?
I have never read a story where a woman wanted to be a preacher. I started the book a bit apprehensive. I am very conservative and wasn’t sure how the author would write the story and convince me, without making me feel I was going against my beliefs.
I was pleased. Melinda starts out a determined woman. A woman determined to serve the Lord as a minister for Him. Her main focus, the pulpit. What I enjoyed the most about this story was the growing that Melinda did. She started out proclaiming that she was doing God’s will, but it was really her agenda to prove her past love interest wrong.
The changes she made were real and convincing. To avoid spoilers I won’t say what they are, just that I was pleased when I finished the novel- even with a decision I wouldn’t have made- it was obviously right for Melinda. There is a great deal of gospel and faith in the novel, so it is definitely for the reader who will enjoy reading about a character’s deep faith journey- which I did.
There was a love story and a multitude of challenges that added depth to the story. All in all, I enjoyed the novel and was glad I had the chance to read it.
Thanks for the author for my copy to influence. I received no compensation for this review.

[Benzette]

I really LOVED this book. Now I didn't jump at this book, because it didn't seem like the normal Vanessa Miller type books; however after speaking with her personally at the Indianapolis Black Expo I bought the book. I was pleasantly surprised. Melinda who is the main character in the book is a female who has been called to preach; however she lives in a man's world. She feels that because she is a woman every man is against her preaching including her father the Bishop. When he steps down and she is forced to deal with some past hurts head on she realizes that what she thought was the problem is not the problem at all.

[Cheryl Durham]

This book was totally different from what I expected. I was looking forward to reading this because I love her writing. It did not disappoint.

The author moved from speaking about redemption, as depicted in the Rain series, to that of individuals pastoring and he choice of who is more suitable to lead a mega church. It further focused on a subject matter that, based on who you ask, can and usually does receive a myriad of opinions: women in the pulpit. As always, the author will prompt you not only to think about your own views but to dialogue with others about the subject presented.

[Adrienna]

This is a different style of writing for Vanessa, in comparison to her Rain and Storm series that I loved so dearly since it covered "redemption" and anyone can turn their lives over to God. Now, I am reading a story of two people stubbornness but want to be in the will of God and re-commit their love-relationship for one another after they see the light of God's views on women in ministry.

*She will be on April 25, Sunday, 5pm CST. www.blogtalkradio.com/Dream4More

[Lynn Dixon]

In Yesterday’s Promise by Vanessa Miller, Melinda Johnson, the Bishop’s daughter, parted ways from her fiance’, Stephen Marks, because he strongly believed that women should not be in the pulpit. Yet, life has thrown them together again after he became a widower and the single parent of a young daughter. Melinda’s goal to become a woman pastor has not changed? Will he change? A thought-provoking book.

[Adrian Major Hope]

I liked this book a lot. My emotions went back and forth quite a bit with this book. At times I thought the Bishop made a bad choice, at times I thought Melinda was being a baby and sometimes I thought Steven was clueless. But the book was a nice read. I wasn't disappointed.

[Ibyl]

Good read

[Valerie Dansby]

I loved this book but my all time favorite by Ms. Miller :A Long Time Coming! Vanessa is one of my favorite author.

[Michelle Fuqua]

I love Vanessa Miller. She knows how to tell a story!

[Tigger]

Excellent!!!