Latter Rain

Rain #3

by Vanessa Miller

Isaac ruled the underworld like a predator – a self made CEO of the streets. But one woman dared to show him a better way. Her way changed all the rules. Now, all Isaac wants is to live for God and win back his baby’s mama, Nina Lewis. But when the past catches up with Isaac, and tragedy creeps in his back door – all bets are off.

Genres: Christian Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2005

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

[Wilma Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is costly

Isaac was a husker who was sent to prison for drug dealing and murder. He left a woman and child who he loved, but she had given her life to Christ and turned away from him. He found Christ I nail and later discharged after serving his time. He was picked up by a preacher and thought he was I his way to living a good Christian life, but he still wanted his baby mama, Nina. There were still things Isaac hasn't dealt with and Nina wanted him to. The love they shared met with a lot of obstacles and caused trouble for them and their son, Donavan. Will they let Christ bring them together or will they let tragedy keep them apart?

[Sylvia Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After spending time in prison Isaac found God and was saved and was determined to live a life that was pleasing to God. Although he tries to stay on the straight and narrow there are situations that happen that causes him to take matters into his own hands. He wants to get back with Nina the mother of his son Donovan, but Nina has trouble trusting him. Isaac still has some issues he is dealing with regarding his father. In order for Isaac to diffuse a situation he enlist the aid of the most unlikely source. Latter Rain was well worth the read.

[Cherie l brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me itching to kick a preacher where it hurts. The no good Bishop…I didn’t ever trust him. I was concerned that Isaac may not have what it takes to become and remain reformed. He was a true grit street hustler, and had wrecked much havoc and caused much bloodshed. But like the story of Mary Magdalene -for those that He has done the most for, have a different appreciation. God has brought Isaac from a mighty long ways. He becomes a man of such standards and high integrity that it easy to forget where he came from. But gotta give props to Nina…she just wasn’t going to accept any old thing just bec she was familiar. This series is super good and could make a good TV mini-series. Isaac is a man after God’s own heart, but Nina is the eye of both God’s eye and Isaac’s.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

new man forgiven

I love how very real and human was. When a person gets saved, that doesn’t mean they immediately start doing everything like Jesus. Yes, Isaac is a new man. Jesus makes us more and more like Himself every day. I love the way things changed with his son. Very well done!

[regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness

This book takes you on a journey of many stages of forgiveness. It makes you look at it from different stages and different levels. This book has shown a realistic view on how hard it can be to forgive but also on how important it us to forgive. Thank you Vanessa for another true and heartfelt srory.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book where it hits home. You may not go through the exact struggles they go through but they make you think about where you are right now in your own personal walk with Christ. I'm still reading the series but I would refer this to anyone willing to read it.

[Jessica Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessings!!

This author is off the chain. I was truly blessed reading this book. The storyline dealing with real issues. The scriptures to back it up. Yes LORD! A must read.

[Marya · Rating 2 out of 5]

In their continuing romantic saga, Isaac, a former hustler, is trying to win the hand of his baby's mama, Nina, while learning to live for the Lord. This book covers Isaac's release from prison, his entering a Chicago ministry, and his attempts at getting back together with what he views as his family. This is the third book in the Rain Series, and as such, some characters lack depth (having been developed in earlier books). On the other hand, Miller actually includes entire passages from earlier books if they are needed to understand the plot. That's how the book works overall: The plot is tightly constructed to serve the theme of forgiveness by others and by God, but the characters are put in such a romantic light, they sometimes get fuzzy. It would probably be a good idea to read these books in order.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All three of the Rain series had me drawn in from the first pages. I love how the angels and devils had to battle it out to save who God had appointed. I recommend this book to all my friends. I will be reading all Vanessa books from now on.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaac Walker is out of prison and trying to live right, but the streets keep calling him. What will he do?

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Nina & Isaac's story. God's redemptive power showed forth in this novel. I look forward to the next book in the series for sure!

[Marcia Lattimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

very wonderfully written; the author really knows her spiritual knowledge and can relate it to everyday living. Bravo!

[Jamie Sapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book