Casting the First Stone

Curtis Black is a successful pastor at a Chicago church, living a public life of prestige and respectability. His wife Tanya stands loyally by his side as they lead their congregation and raise their young daughter. Behind the polished facade, tensions simmer as Curtis and Tanya's marriage faces mounting pressures and hidden complications. The church community becomes increasingly entangled in their personal struggles as rumors circulate and loyalties are tested. Questions of faith, truth, and morality emerge as both Curtis and Tanya must confront their choices and their commitments - to each other, to their congregation, and to their beliefs. The story tracks their attempts to navigate public expectations while dealing with private turmoil. This novel examines the intersection of power, religion, and marriage, challenging assumptions about leadership and exploring how people reconcile their public and private selves. Through its focus on a church community, it raises broader questions about human nature and the cost of maintaining appearances.

Readers found this book to be a fast-paced drama exposing hypocrisy in the church. Online reviews describe compelling characters and authentic dialogue that kept them engaged throughout. Positives from reviews: - Complex portrayal of flawed characters - Page-turning pacing - Realistic church politics and relationships - Strong character development of Tanya and Curtis - Clear, straightforward writing style Common criticisms: - Predictable plot points - Too much focus on material wealth - Some repetitive scenes and dialogue - Religious themes feel heavy-handed to non-Christian readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (2,700+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (300+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.5/5 (50+ ratings) One frequent reader comment notes "The characters feel like real people you'd meet at church." Several reviews mention reading it in one sitting, unable to put it down. Critical reviews often cite the "soap opera-like drama" as both entertaining and occasionally over-the-top.

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🔹 "Casting the First Stone" launched Kimberla Lawson Roby's popular Reverend Curtis Black series, which eventually grew to 15 books and sold over 2 million copies worldwide. 🔹 The author wrote her first manuscript while working full-time as a financial analyst, waking up at 4 AM each day to write before heading to work. 🔹 The book tackles controversial topics within the African American church community, including infidelity among church leadership and the misuse of church funds - themes that were considered taboo when it was published in 2000. 🔹 Roby self-published her first novel after receiving numerous rejection letters from publishers, but "Casting the First Stone" marked her breakthrough with a major publishing house. 🔹 The character of Reverend Curtis Black was partially inspired by real-life pastors the author observed during her years attending various churches, though she maintains he isn't based on any single individual.