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Roby is a New York Times Bestselling Author Kimberla Lawson Roby is author of the critically acclaimed, best-selling novels CASTING THE FIRST STONE, HERE AND NOW, and her debut title, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, which was originally self-published through her own company, Lenox Press. She has completed three national book tours and is currently attending book club discussions, expos, writers' conferences, colleges, universities and other literary events throughout the country on request.
Her novels have frequented numerous bestseller lists, including those listed in Essence Magazine, Emerge Magazine and The Dallas Morning News, and both BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and CASTING THE FIRST STONE were #1 Blackboard bestsellers for four consecutive months in 1997 and 2000 respectively. In addition, Ms. Roby's first novel was nominated for Blackboard's 1998 and 1999 Fiction Book of the Year Award, and she received the 1998 First-Time Author Award from Chicago's Black History Month Book Fair and Conference.
Ms Roby's first three novels each dealt with very real issues---social status, gambling addiction, and infidelity in BEHIND CLOSED DOORS; single motherhood, infertility, and sibling rivalry in HERE AND NOW; and corruption within the church in CASTING THE FIRST STONE. In IT'S A THIN LINE, the tradition continues with the story centering on domestic violence, sexual abuse, and care-giving of a parent.
After receiving bids from seven major New York publishers, Kimberla Lawson Roby has agreed to sign a "substantial" 2-book deal with Dutton, a large imprint of the mega publishing house, Penguin Putnam Inc. Roby, who is author of three Blackboard African-American bestsellers, including the #1 CASTING THE FIRST STONE, will join company with bestselling authors such as Tom Clancy, Terry McMillan, Patricia Cornwell, Eric Jerome Dickey, and Robin Cook who are also published under the Penguin Putnam umbrella.
Roby began her career in 1996 when she self-published her debut novel, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, and sold 10,000 copies within the first six months.
A winner of the prestigious Blackboard Fiction Book of the Year Award, Kimberla Lawson Roby is the author of the bestselling novels, Too Much of a Good Thing, A Taste of Reality,Casting the First Stone, It's a Thin Line, and Behind Closed Doors. She lives in Illinois with her husband. Kim may be emailed at kim@kimroby.com
 Be
Careful What You Pray ForClick to order via Amazon
Hardcover: 288 pages 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 Secret
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Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (October 20, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061443093
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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 Everything
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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 Million
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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 More
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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.
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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
Faces
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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 Secret
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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 Thing
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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 Line
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Format: Hardcover, 304pp.
ISBN: 1575666294
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
Pub. Date: May 2001
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 Stone
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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 Now
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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 Doors
Click to order via Amazon
Publisher: Black
Classic Press
Date Published: October 1997
Format: Trade Paper
Best
friends since childhood, Regina Moore and Karen Jackson have everything two
"just-turned-30" women could possibly want--beautiful homes in an
upper-echelon Chicago suburb, loving husbands, and financial security. But
are their lives really as wonderful as they seem?
Related Links
Kimberla Lawson Roby
Website
http://www.kimroby.com/