Kimberla Lawson Roby

Kimberla Lawson Roby is a New York Times bestselling author known for her contemporary fiction exploring themes of family, faith, and social issues in African American communities. She has written over 28 novels, including the popular Reverend Curtis Black series, which follows a prominent but morally complicated preacher and his family. The author began her career self-publishing her first novel in 1996 before signing with a major publisher. Her works frequently address topics like infidelity, addiction, domestic abuse, and the complex dynamics within African American churches and families. Roby's novels have earned multiple literary awards, including the 2013 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work - Fiction and several African American Literary Awards. The Reverend Curtis Black series, spanning 15 books, has become her most recognized work and has significantly contributed to her readership of over two million copies sold. Throughout her career, Roby maintained a consistent publishing schedule, typically releasing one to two books per year until her retirement from writing in 2018. Her final novel, "Better Late Than Never," concluded the Reverend Curtis Black series and marked the end of her 22-year writing career.

Readers appreciate Roby's authentic portrayal of African American families, church dynamics, and relationship challenges. Many note her ability to create relatable characters dealing with real-world issues like infidelity, addiction, and family conflict. Fans highlight her Reverend Curtis Black series for its drama and character development. One reader stated, "She captures church politics and family dysfunction perfectly." Common criticisms include repetitive storylines, predictable plots, and rapid-fire publishing that some feel affects quality. Several readers mention declining interest in later series entries. A frequent complaint centers on characters making the same mistakes without growth. Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: Average 4.2/5 across all books - Amazon: 4.3/5 average - Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 average Her most popular books receive stronger ratings: - The Best-Kept Secret: 4.6/5 - Casting the First Stone: 4.5/5 - A Deep Dark Secret: 4.4/5

Behind Closed Doors(2004) A woman discovers her husband's infidelity while dealing with her own childhood trauma and family secrets.

Casting the First Stone (2000) A minister's wife grapples with her husband's corruption and infidelity within their church community.

A Deep Dark Secret(2009) A 12-year-old girl endures sexual abuse while maintaining a facade of normalcy at school and church.

The Best of Everything(2009) A minister's daughter struggles with materialism and relationship choices while trying to maintain her Christian values.

Be Careful What You Pray For(2010) A preacher's wife plots to take control of her husband's church while hiding her own misdeeds.

Secret Obsession(2011) A woman's jealousy of her husband's female business partner leads to destructive behavior.

The Perfect Marriage(2013) A successful professional woman's addiction to prescription pills threatens her career and marriage.

A House Divided(2013) A minister faces his own demons while trying to keep his congregation from splitting apart.

The Ultimate Betrayal(2015) A woman learns devastating secrets about her husband after his sudden death.

Sin of a Woman@ (2017) Two female preachers compete for congregation members while harboring vendettas against each other.