AALBC.com Header Logo 120 x 120
The #1 Site for African American Literature

Loading

Kimberla Lawson Roby

New York Times and AALBC.com Bestselling Author Kimberla Lawson Roby has published 19 novels (as of May 2013). Her debut title, Behind Closed Doors, and which was originally self-published through her own company, Lenox Press. Her novels have frequented numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times and those in USA Today, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Essence Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Emerge Magazine, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, The Dallas Morning News, and The Austin Chronicle to name a few and both Behind Closed Doors and Casting the First Stone were #1 Blackboard bestsellers for four consecutive months in both 1997 and 2000. Behind Closed Doors was the #1 Blackboard Best-selling book for paperback fiction in 1997.

Kimberla is also the winner of various writing awards from the African-American Literary Award Show in New York in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 (Author of the Year – Female), and 2012.  In 1998 she was the recipient of First-Time Author Award from Chicago’s Black History Month Book Fair and Conference, and her fifth novel, A Taste of Relaity, was a 2004 finalist for the Atlanta Choice Awards sponsored by the Atlanta Daily World. Additionally, Too Much of a Good Thing received a 2004 Patron Choice Award from the Central Mississippi Regional Library System, and in 2001, Kimberla was inducted into the Rock Valley College (Rockford, IL) Alumni Hall of Fame.

Each of Kimberla’s novels has dealt with very real issues, including corruption within the church, social status, gambling addiction, infidelity, single motherhood, infertility, sibling rivalry and jealousy, domestic violence, sexual abuse, mental illness, care-giving of a parent, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, sexual harassment, overweight issues, and female illnesses to name a few.  Kimberla resides in Illinois with her husband, Will.

 

A House DividedA House Divided
Click to order via Amazon

Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (May 7, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455526061
ISBN-13: 978-1455526062

THE 10TH REVEREND CURTIS BLACK NOVEL!

Life is close to perfect for Charlotte and Curtis Black--except that their son Matthew's girlfriend, Racquel, is eight months pregnant and Racquel's mother, Mona, and Charlotte can't stand each other.

On the day of Racquel's baby shower, Charlotte and Mona have a major blow up and the stress sends Racquel into early labor. Curtis is displeased with Charlotte's behavior, something that slowly but surely drives a new wedge between them. Charlotte finds herself spending just a little too much time with Racquel's father, and it's becoming harder and harder for her to resist his seductive comments.

At the same time, Curtis is consumed with church business, including the addition of two new associate ministers. Unbeknownst to Curtis, one of the new ministers secretly connects with someone from Curtis's past and sets out to destroy him so he can become the new senior pastor of Deliverance Outreach.

Increasingly furious with his mother, Matthew gives Charlotte an ultimatum--treat Racquel and her mom with respect or she'll be cut off from seeing the baby altogether. This sends Charlotte down a road of revenge. Once again, the Black household is torn apart, and it will take a miracle for anyone to recover.

 

The Perfect MarriageThe Perfect Marriage
Click to order via Amazon

Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (January 8, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446572500
ISBN-13: 978-0446572507

The #20 Bestselling eBook on AALBC.com for 2012 (based upon presales as the book was not published until 2013!)

Denise and Derrek Shaw are the perfect American couple. Happily married for 15 years, they have a wonderful daughter, successful careers, and a beautiful house. They also have a shocking secret: a dangerous addiction to drugs. Denise and Derrek attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings, but with Denise's job becoming more stressful, it is the drugs that allow her to get through her long days. Then Derrek, who has been clean for weeks, relapses when there is a family tragedy. Once soul mates, this husband and wife are quickly losing the immense love they once felt for each other. With her parents spiraling out of control, their daughter, Mackenzie, makes an unexpected move to take matters into her own hands. Is there still hope and a final chance to save the Shaw family?

 

The Reverend's WifeThe Reverend's Wife (A Reverend Curtis Black Novel)
Click to order via Amazon

Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (May 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446572470
ISBN-13: 978-0446572477

The #1 Bestselling eBook on AALBC.com for 2012!

From New York Times bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby comes the ninth installment in her award-winning Reverend Curtis Black series. It's been months since Reverend Curtis learned that his wife Charlotte had affairs with two different men, and for now, he continues to be cordial and respectful to her. But he's also made it clear that once their son Matthew graduates high school, he will be filing for divorce. Charlotte, on the other hand, continues to do everything possible to make amends in hopes of saving their marriage. Unfortunately, Curtis is ready to move on and is being propositioned by a woman who desperately wants to become the next Mrs. Curtis Black. When the situation heads down a path that is frighteningly shocking, could it be the final blow to this once blessed union?

 

Secret ObessionSecret Obession
Click to order via Amazon

Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (September 6, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 044657242X
ISBN-13: 978-0446572422


Paige Donahue has always lived in her sister Camille's shadow. As children, Camille had the grades, the friends, and their parents' love, while Paige was left with hand-me-downs and criticism. Now as adults, Camille lives an idyllic life with her husband, Pierce, and her two perfect children in a beautiful home, while Paige is stuck in a small condo with bills she can't afford to pay. But no more. With seeds of doubt planted in both Camille's and Pierce's minds, Paige's plan to steal her brother-in law starts to work. But when he reveals his decision to make his marriage work, a desperate Paige moves from envy to madness. What results from her dangerous scheme is something no one could have imagined.

 

Love, Honor, BetrayalLove, Honor, and Betray
Click to order via Amazon

Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (January 10, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446572454
ISBN-13: 978-0446572453


The infamous Reverend Curtis Black's sordid past is no secret, as his wife, Charlotte, is well aware. But when Curtis' long-time mistress and mother of his illegitimate two-year-old, dies, he and Charlotte have no choice but to raise Curtina together. While the living, breathing reminder of her husband's infidelity infuriates Charlotte, Curtis couldn't be happier to finally have his whole family together. Despite her best efforts to keep her feelings hidden, Charlotte resents Curtina, taking her emotions out on the young girl. When confronted about her behavior Charlotte starts spending time away from home, all the while getting closer to her ex-boyfriend. Curtis appears to devote himself to his parish and the new church they're building, but is he really focusing his attention on the female parishioners trying to lure him into bed? Suddenly Curtis and Charlotte find themselves slipping into dangerous territory, and not even Curtis' seven-figure salary can prevent what is about to happen.

 

Be Careful What You Pray ForBe Careful What You Pray For
Click to order via Amazon

Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (January 19, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061443115
ISBN-13: 978-0061443114
Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.9 x 0.7 inches

Read an AALBC.com Review

New York Times bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby returns with this delightful sequel to The Best of Everything, in which the infamous Reverend Curtis Black's beautiful daughter, Alicia, is all grown up and headed for trouble of her own.

Her first marriage didn't work out, but that isn't going to stop Alicia Black, the privileged daughter of the charismatic Reverend Curtis Black, from getting what she wants. One month after her wedding to her second husband, she can't believe her good fortune. God has heeded her prayers, blessing her with Pastor JT Valentine, a handsome, dynamic man of the cloth with his own large congregation, just like her father.

Unfortunately, Alicia doesn't understand just how much like Curtis her new husband truly is. She doesn't know that JT has been sneaking around town with other women or that he only married her to get close to her father's money and fame. But while Alicia is blinded by love, her dad certainly isn't. He warned his little girl that JT simply can't be trusted. After all, it takes one to know one, and who better to see into the darkness of a sinner's heart than Curtis?

It will take a miracle to save the day. But God acts in mysterious ways, and soon a host of lies, longtime secrets, and acts of betrayal comes to light, and Alicia must face some very crucial and life-changing decisions. This time, she's got to be careful what she prays for...

 

A Deep Dark SecretA Deep Dark Secret
Click to order via Amazon

Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (October 20, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061443093

On the outside, twelve-year-old Jillian Maxwell is the perfect child. She's helpful with chores around the house, gets straight A's in school, has plans for college, and stays out of trouble. She seems to have everything a girl could want: a big, beautiful new home, a mother who adores her, and an attentive stepfather. But inside, Jillian harbors a terrible secret.

Terrified to tell, convinced that her friends and loved ones, especially her mother, won't understand'and worse, will blame her'Jillian endures her pain in silence, believing she's got everything under control. But as time passes, the bright, hardworking girl transforms into a sullen, disinterested student with failing grades. But just when it seems she's on the verge of losing everything, Jillian discovers she has more strength than she ever imagined . . . and the power to save herself and her family.

 

The Best of EverythingThe Best of Everything
Click to order via Amazon

Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (January 13, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061443069

The world-renowned Reverend Curtis Black's daughter, Alicia, is all grown up and even more trouble than her father. The apple certainly doesn't fall far from the tree in this new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Sin No More and Love and Lies.

Alicia Black Sullivan swore to never repeat her father's mistakes: she would never break any promises, she would never be unfaithful. And most important of all, when she got married, it would be for good.

And she really does love Phillip, the assistant pastor of her father's church. She just happens to love money and the things it can buyas well. Alicia was born to the good life, she's entitled to the best, and she'll do anything to get it. Even if it means piling up thousands of dollars in debt. Even if it means denying to everyone'even herself'that her love of shopping has gotten way out of control.

Before long, Phillip begins to wonder if marrying the woman of his dreams was a huge mistake. Alicia has similar thoughts. Deep down, though, she knows a whopper of an emotional bill is coming due. And all the regrets in the world won't change the fact that she may be more like her infamous father than she could have imaginedor feared.

 

One in a MillionOne in a Million
Click to order via Amazon

Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (June 17, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 006144295X

In the first novella by the New York Times bestselling author of the Reverend Curtis Black series, a wife and a husband receive a surprise that will change their lives forever

Kennedi Mason thinks she's the luckiest woman on earth. She loves her job, she has a wonderful best friend, and she's been married for ten years to her soul mate. There's nothing she can think of that could make her life any better.

Then one fateful day Kennedi receives a piece of news that will turn her world upside down. She's excited about it, and she knows that her husband, Blake, will be over the moon. He has always dreamed of this one thing happening, and she can't wait until he comes home so she can tell him.

But when she sees Blake that evening, he has a special announcement of his own. It shocks Kennedi into silence and wipes the admission she was planning to make right out of her mind. In an instant, her life and her marriage have changed, but not at all in the way that she had expected.

A poignant and satisfying story of hope, Kimberla Lawson Roby's One in a Million beautifully shows us the difference between what we think we want and what we actually need to be truly happy.

 

Sin No MoreSin No More
Click to order via Amazon

Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (January 22, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060892501
ISBN-13: 978-0060892500
Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1 inches

A man who once thrived on wickedness and counted on forgiveness, Curtis Black has changed his ways. Back in the heart of his congregation and his family, he will no longer stray from the beaten path. Or so he's promised his long-suffering wife, Charlotte.

But the sins of the past have strange ways of coming to light. First, Curtis's former mistress shows up with their newborn baby daughter'named Curtina'and insists that Curtis be a part of their lives. Charlotte has forbidden her husband to have anything to do with them, but the trouble is, Curtis's newfound conscience is leading him to have uncomfortable thoughts of responsibility.

Also, the interim pastor who took over while Curtis was on a book tour is threatening blackmail. He's gotten too used to life at the pulpit and will do everything in his power to stay there.

Meanwhile, Charlotte has her own previous transgressions to deal with. The man who claims to be her son's biological father has turned up and wants to make amends for the past thirteen years. If Charlotte gives in to his increasing requests, she may lose the only child she has left.

However, Curtis and Charlotte have been through too much together to give up now. They must work harder than ever'as a mother and a father, as husband and wife to save their family, their marriage, and their souls.

 

Changing FacesChanging Faces
Click to order via Amazon

ISBN: 0060780770
Format: Hardcover, 288pp
Pub. Date: January 2006
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Meet Whitney, Taylor, and Charisse, three women who have been best friends since high school.

Whitney is a plus-size woman who just can't turn down a box of Krispy Kremes or find a man who will stay put.

Taylor is in a long-term relationship with a boyfriend who's allergic to commitment.

Charisse is married, with two adorable children, but somehow doesn't have what she really wants -- or needs.

Then suddenly, Charisse spins out of control. Her husband threatens to go public with a secret Charisse had hoped to keep hidden, especially from her interfering mother. Desperate, she decides that only a very risky scheme will save her.

One constant for these women has been the support they've offered one another. But this time, how far can friendship go?

In this witty, rollicking, deeply poignant story, Kimberla Lawson Roby demonstrates the storytelling magic that has won her legions of adoring fans and made her novels bestsellers.

 

The Best-Kept SecretThe Best-Kept Secret
Click to order via Amazon

ISBN: 0060734434
Format: Hardcover, 272pp
Pub.Date: February 1, 2005
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Following the phenomenally popular Casting the First Stone and Too Much of a Good Thing comes a mesmerizing tale featuring rascally preacher Curtis BlackToo good to be true ...

It was love to hate at first sight when Kimberla Lawson Roby's readers met the Reverend Curtis Black, surely one of the cleverest ministers ever to set foot in a church. Now Curtis is starting over. He has a new job as founder and minister of Deliverance Outreach, a new wife (again), and a newfound will to follow the straight and narrow path of righteousness.

True love versus passion ...

Or so he thinks. While his spirit may be willing, the wayward preacher has a particular weakness when it comes to female flesh. Curtis has never made a promise he could keep, and before long, he's tempted to be up to his old tricks. The difference now is his third wife, Charlotte, mother of his seven-year-old son, Matthew, and a woman unlike any he's ever encountered. For the first time in his life, Curtis just might have met his match. Charlotte has her own hidden desires and is every bit Curtis's equal.

Secrets always have a way of surfacing ...

Struggling to make their marriage work, Curtis and Charlotte may have finally found the strength to stay together. But just when it looks like life for the Black family is getting back to normal, an explosive surprise ending will leave readers stunned.

Shhhh ... Don't tell.

 

Too Much of a Good ThingToo Much of a Good Thing
Click to order via Amazon

ISBN: 0060568496
Format: Hardcover, 288pp
Pub. Date: January 2004
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

A riveting tale about a philandering preacher that readers will love to hate.  Curtis Black might be a man of the cloth, but with his good looks, seductive charm, and charismatic personality, he's beloved by his female parishioners ' and almost every other woman he's ever met.

The trouble is, Curtis is married. He tries to resist temptation, but not for long. His appetite for women quickly gets the best of him. Overwhelmed by his sizzling love affairs and busy trying to convince the deacon board of the need for an ATM machine in the back of the church, Curtis has his hands full. Meanwhile Mariah, his second wife, is discovering that beneath the loving facade of their marriage a storm of lies and betrayal is about to burst.

In addition, Curtis' already shaky relationship with his teenage daughter, Alicia, has reached the breaking point. Alicia searches for solace in the arms of a stranger, and before long she finds herself in a dangerous situation.

Eventually, the women in Curtis' life find that with a little careful planning ' sneaky and otherwise ' they can help Curtis reap the punishment that he so richly deserves. In this captivating and dramatic sequel to Casting the First Stone, Kimberla Lawson Roby sets sparks flying with her trademark wit and insight.

 

It's a Thin LineIt's a Thin Line
Click to order via Amazon

Format: Hardcover, 304pp.
ISBN: 1575666294
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
Pub. Date: May  2001

Read an AALBC.com Review

When Kimberla Lawson Roby burst onto the literary scene, her fresh, wise, and witty voice grabbed the attention of readers and critics everywhere. Now, with three Blackboard bestsellers to her credit, including the #1 Casting the First Stone, she is back with her most absorbing work yet It's a Thin Line.Sydney, Gina, and Rick are siblings who have always shared a special bond, and yet their lives are as different as can be. Responsible eldest sister Sydney has everything she's ever wanted-a sexy husband, an adorable daughter, and fulfilling work. But, little by little, the demands of her writing career have mounted, leaving her little time or energy for family life. Meanwhile proud middle sister Gina is struggling to raise her eight-year-old twins-and protect them from the increasing fury of their volatile father. Impulsive brother Rick, the baby of the family, is living the high life-dodging commitment with his longtime girlfriend and wondering if the grass is greener somewhere else.

hen their beloved mother Delores suffers a debilitating stroke, all three suddenly find the tenuous threads of their individual lives at a breaking point. A dark childhood secret threatens Sydney's secure world; Gina is swept into a maelstrom of domestic violence; and Rick comes to a dramatic crossroads in his relationship with his girlfriend.

Worst of all, the burden of caring for a parent is tearing the siblings apart, shattering their faith in one another. Now, as Sydney, Gina, and Rick struggle to overcome daunting obstacles and rebuild their lives, they will discover something they've never let themselves believe: that their most stable-and most cherished-relationships have always been with each other.

Once again, Kimberla Lawson Roby has woven a compelling saga that could come only from a genuine storyteller. Alternating between moments of poignancy and humor; filled with complex and recognizable characters, It's a Thin Line is sure to delight her faithful readers, and win countless new fans.

 

Casting the First StoneCasting the First Stone
Click to order via Amazon

Publisher:  Kensington Publishing Corporation
Date Published:  December 1999

Book Description
Tanya Black had deeply believed in her husband's call to preach. And when he asked her to marry him she'd felt blessed to be part of such a future. Sitting in the second row of his Chicago church only a few years later, she is unable to bear listening to his sermons or understand what happened to their shared dream.

Blackboard best-selling author Kimberla Lawson Roby takes on one of the most controversial issues in America: corruption and temptation within church leadership. An electrifying read, CASTING THE FIRST STONE goes behind the scenes of a fictional Chicago church and its struggle to keep faith and commitment alive in the face of ambition.

This is the third novel of this author whose previous books have won her dedicated fans and a connection to readers coast-to-coast. Her works bring to life Black women whose lives are complex with jobs, children, spouses and lovers - in short the kind of lives her readers themselves live. Giving voice to the women who share their concerns with her has always been Roby's aim in each novel she has written.

CASTING THE FIRST STONE listens in on the heart of a woman torn between loving who her husband was and hating who he has become. Roby weaves a fast-paced story about faith's challenges in a world made up of material desires and other physical temptations. Taken right from the headlines, Roby's cautionary tale looks at the other side of church politics and the emotional toll it takes.

 

Here and NowHere and Now
Click to order via Amazon

Publisher:  Kensington Publishing Corporation
Date Published:  February 1999
Format:  Trade Cloth

Brilliant and vibrant, Marcella Jones had the whole world in her hands, until she gave her heart to the wrong man. Tyrone was handsome and charismatic, but he left her destitute, raising two small children alone - and yearning for the kind of life her dead-end job will never provide. Marcella's elder sister Racquel, lives in a fine home, has a fulfilling career and the love of Kevin, her handsome, successful, supportive husband. Yet her desperate longing for a child is driving her into a deep depression and away from Kevin. In the tradition of Waiting to Exhale and Big Girls Don't Cry, Here and Now is the poignant story of two strong, intelligent women facing tragedy, surviving loss and terrible sorrow, and ultimately learning that only with each other's help can they heal the hurt and celebrate the joy in their lives.

 

Behind Closed Books (Kimberla's Debut Novel)Behind Closed Doors
Click to order via Amazon

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks, September 21, 2004 (Originally Published Oct, 1997)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060593652
ASIN: B000A176W4
Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.8 inches


Regina Moore and Karen Jackson, lifelong best friends, are living the kind of life most women only fantasize about. With beautiful homes, fulfilling careers, and two adoring husbands, their joy could not be greater, their worlds could not be richer. But suddenly, shattering truths about the loving men they thought they knew turn happiness into anguish and rage. For Karen and Regina, nothing they believed in or cherished can ever be the same as it was.Orignal cover of Behind closed doors

Yet, in the painful process of starting over, new doors will open, and two women who once had it all will rediscover the power of honesty and friendship ... and learn the true scope and meaning of love.

 

Related Links

Kimberla Lawson Roby Website