Kimberla Lawson Roby

Author Kimerla Lawson Roby takes a taboo subject and handles it with thoughtful sensitivity. A mother marries, a stepfather abuses his five-year-old stepdaughter, and the daughter grows up, fearing and loathing him. He manipulates her physically and mentally, and the only thing that keeps her going is her desire to protect her younger sister from her stepfather’s advances. Not an easy story to read, it becomes even less so when you realize that this fictional story is sadly a factual one show more in too many homes. Kudos to Ms. Roby for drawing attention to this too often unmentioned subject. show less

This is one of those books without a protagonist; all the characters behave so reprehensibly, there is no one to root for. But like a car crash, you can hardly look away. It's like a regular Peyton Place, with so many betrayals between the two main characters, you can hardly keep track. You kind of feel dirty yourself just having read it. Do real people do this kind of stuff, behave this way? I suppose so. It does keep you attention and I finished it. Never read this author before. Not sure show more if I'll check out her other stuff or not... show less

This could be a cautionary tale to be careful about what you think you want and what really will make you happy. Alicia thinks she has found the man of her dreams who will fulfill her in every way, but he is not who he seems to be. Roby writes quite an interesting series about the stresses and joys of mega-church life and unfaithful spouses. This author really writes a well thought-out series, and it’s too bad she hasn’t gotten more recognition.

Life is close to perfect for the Reverend Curtis Black and his wife, Charlotte--except their son Matthew and his girlfriend, Racquel, are about to become parents at the tender age of eighteen. Even though Curtis and Charlotte wish Matthew could focus on Harvard instead of fatherhood, they are determined to welcome their new grandson with open arms. But for Charlotte, welcoming her future in-laws is another story. Try as she might, Charlotte can't stand Racquel's mother, Vanessa--and the show more feeling appears to be mutual.

When the tension between Charlotte and Vanessa finally erupts, the stress sends an already-fragile Racquel into early labor. Everyone is quick to blame Charlotte, including Matthew and Curtis. That her own husband would side with someone else infuriates Charlotte and strains the relationship they've only recently been able to repair. Her one ally is Racquel's father, but that brings problems of its own.

While Charlotte schemes against Vanessa, Curtis is consumed with his own concerns about Deliverance Outreach. A mysterious figure from his past has been sending Curtis cryptic messages threatening to take away Curtis's coveted position as senior pastor and destroy everything he has worked so hard for. But who could hate Curtis that much? And how can he fight an enemy he can't even name?

OMG…Charlotte is unbelievable! I wanted to jump in the book and shout out her misgivings. This book is #10 out of 15 in the Reverend Curtis Black series, and I still find it entertaining.
I listened to the audiobook. The chapters are short and it makes for a quick read. I read a novel in the series in between my serious and committed reads for publishers reviews, and book club discussions. A nice filler. The drama is like watching a television soap opera. Charlotte replaced the bad, devious and ruthless antics of Curtis Black, whose past is catching up to him. and left the ending open for the next book in the series.

On to The Prodical Son, book #11 in the series. show less