The First Lady

Church #3

by Carl Weber

When the Lord calls her home at the tender age of forty-four, Charlene Wilson, First Lady of First Jamaica Ministries, is determined to find a woman to take care of her husband, Bishop T. K. Wilson, when she's gone, and, after finding four good candidates, sets her plan in motion.

Genres: Romance, African American, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Urban, Christian, Relationships

276 pages, Hardcover

First published January 2, 2007

About the author

Carl Weber is a New York Times and #1 Essence® bestselling novelist.

In addition to his writing, Weber is the founder and publisher of Urban Books and in 2005, he was named Blackboard's Publisher of the Year. He is the owner of the Urban Knowledge chain of book stores and a past recipient of Blackboard's Bookseller of the Year award.

Weber graduated from Virginia State University and holds an MBA in marketing from the University of Virginia.

Reviews

[Teresa Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was all into this book until the ending. It was a good read but the dead wife theme was starting to get to me when I got to the last few chapters. Overall I loved the chase to get Bishop. It was comical in some parts.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a church bishop, whose wife (the church's First Lady) has died. Prior to the First Lady's death, she and her friend (the church secretary) wrote a series of letters to be delivered after her death to 4 women of the church whom would be in the running to become the new First Lady after her death.

The four women are: Marlene, the bishop's first girlfriend, whom he has a child with and she is currently a recovering drug addict; Savannah, a younger woman whose father (a deacon in the church) wants to improve his status at the church so he is pushing for his daughter to become the next First Lady; Monique, the "harlot" of the bunch, who dresses provocatively and is gossiped about by the other women of the church; and Lisa May, the "perfect" one who would make a wonderful First Lady.

This book had its moments, but was kinda boring. I could pretty much figure out right away who the Bishop would end up with. None of the women or the Bishop were very interesting characters. I did like the story line of Marlene's struggles with her drug addiction. Certain events seemed like kind of a cop out (especially the outcome of Monique's predicament), and also the ending.

All in all, I give this a generous 3 stars, it did keep me mildly entertained, but it did drag a bit and the characters were boring.

[Ebony · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like this book at all. I only read it all the way through because I was in the ER all night with a family member and there was nothing to do but read. The book was incredibly unrealistic! I regret that this was the first book by Carl Weber that I've ever read because now I'm not sure I want to read anything else by him.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept me reading page after page. Intriguing Plot.

When I first started reading "The First Lady" I was about to close the book and forget about it, because it was so boring and tedious to read. I'm glad I didn't, because this story turned out to be a very enjoyable read. By midway, I was getting a good dose of all the spitefulness and scheming that these women of the church could dream up. Cark Weber didn't hold anything back as he unfolded the driving force of these women as they competed to become the new First Lady of Jamaica Ministries. By this time, I was hooked, so I kept reading and wondering which of these women would triumph and be crowned First Lady.
In my opinion, it's a wonderful, entertaining novel and except for the slow start it will keep you turning page after page.

[Khyrra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was an eye opener to the inner workings of an African American church. Very entertaining in how we as humans can be when we're faced with trying to live right. Along with that theme, there is a love story brewing which drew me in because I wanted to see who would win TK's heart. I found myself comparing each woman's characteristics, wondering to myself, "is she right for TK?". Trust me, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find out who finally wins his heart.


P.S. this story also reminded me of a conversation my husband & I had. The question of what if he was called to preach. Well, this book has me thinking twice about this thing. But as with all things, I shall pray about it and leave it with God because at the end of the day, it's his will anyway. :0)

Peace!

[Lab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finshed this book.Whew is all that I can say...Brief premise the 1st lady of West Jamacia is dying and takes it upon herself to pick her husbands next 1st lady of the church...Alot of backbitting and scandel just to call the Bishop their man..Was a gr8t quick read didn't disapoint...Might make you look at your church a little differentlyyy.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally finished this book because it took me a while because it was about Charlene, T.K (bishop) wife that passed away and she had Allison writing letters for her to give to the women's she thought was right for her husband to become the First Lady. Savannah, Monique,Lisa Mae and Marlene.
First we have Savannah and she said "you've been my mentor. You believe in me even when I didn't.
Monique said "You've shown me for the first time in my life what real love is . You accepted me just for me, for what I was and for what I wasn't.
Lisa Mae said you are the most perfect bishop. I appreciate that about you more than anybody. And with my appreciation comes an understanding and desire to serve God.
Marlene said we share a child. We share a grand child. We have a history. You accepted me into your present life. It's only natural that we should share our future.
How can you decide someone future from the grave? You are not God and don't play with people's life.

[Sidney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The First Lady by Carl Weber was a very entertaining audiobook. It amazes me how many people were trying to run this mans life like he didn't have a say in it and for a minute, he was letting them. I am glad how things ended because that's where his heart was in the beginning. But, in the back of my mind I always held out hope for Maurleen.

One thing I didn't like was how there was no consequences for the things James Black and Lisa Mae did. They both did despicable things all in the name of "love."

I am glad that Allison learned what she was doing was wrong and changed her ways but I didn't forget what she did in the last book (So you call yourself a man) so I was always side-eyeing her crazy.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW//drug use
In this third installment of the "Church" series,we find out that love is often complicated. Bishop T.K Wilson has sadly recently lost his wife to cancer,and is trying to figure out how to grieve her in and move forward in life as well. His choices of women are varied and his former wife has written a series of letters to comfort and advise him on certain things,as well as the women. The first lady Marlene is the mother of their child. The second lady Monique is very much an outspoken person. Lastly,the third women Savannah is the choir's newest soloist. Can he decide between these women? How will the women feel about the letters? Read it and find out!

[Carrie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Carl Weber read—and whew, what a wild ride! His writing style is so smooth and addictive. (I’ve already started The Family Business audiobooks 👀📚)

Let me tell you… this book was MESSY in all the best ways. I picked it up at the library thinking it sounded dramatic—and I had no idea just how juicy it would get.

The story follows a First Lady who tries to control her bishop husband’s love life from the grave 😳 through letters she left behind. The twists, the secrets, the betrayals—pure chaos! And that ending? I did NOT see it coming.

If you love drama, church tea, and plot twists galore, this one’s for you!

[Tamara Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good one!

Playing God and playing with people's feelings is dangerous but I'm glad the Bishop followed his heart. I didn't like Monique at first but I liked her better than Lisa Mae.. Lisa Mae and her sidekick were beyond trifling and foul, especially the way they set Marlene up for a fall. Savannah wasn't really a contender but I'm glad she was able to follow her dreams. If she shows up in another book, I hope she has a good manager before her opportunistic father bleeds her dry.
Overall, an excellent book!

[Kim Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a good series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it. I liked how it included characters from the first book in this series. The only reason this book did not get five stars is because of the editing errors. The story is great, but the editing errors are sometimes annoying. For example, the author could not keep it straight on whether Monique was going to visit her sister or her mother. Another example is when LisaMae cooked baked chicken but later the Bishop was thanking her for the pork chops he just ate. Small tiny details, but annoying nonetheless.

[Michael Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

An incredibly quick read. The First Lady of First Jamaica Ministries passes at a young age. She wanted to ease her husband's grief by helping to arrange his next wife. Crazy premise but fun story. The one T.K. Wilson ended up with was the only one he had sex with. Unprotected at that. I liked Lisa but she was not a freak. Savannah was being pushed by her Dad. Marlene, his Baby Momma, did some nasty stuff. I would never kiss her again. Monique deserved the spot.

[Sirral47 · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is not easy being First Lady. It was pitiful to read the things people do for power. To be a pastor's wife seems a big and stressful office to hold. This book was entertaining and captured my attention regarding church politics. In reading this book it was easy to invest in the characters and made me happy that the one who became first lady seemed ready emotionally and spiritually to accept the proposal. I commend the author.

[Ye'Vell Hopkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

I expected more from Carl Weber. I've read some of his earlier works, but this book was no Bueno! Grammatical errors aside, (then again maybe not, where was the editor?) this had to be a comedy. I pray that folks claiming to be Christians aren't this devious, self centered and ridiculous. The bishop came off as simple, foolish, with no sense of discernment. This was a comedy, right?

[Queen Rosalind · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so true about how church folk can be. How they are in always in other people's business and in the Pastors face all the time! Straight pandemonium when it should be seeking a closer relationship with God and peace! Women are a mess! They keep something going for no reason. I'm glad it all worked out for what was best!

[Riss Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sooooo no consequences for Lisa May and Loretta for trying to get Marlene back on crack. She get to be a trustee. The friend dropping off letters, she get caught but the last letter he still believe it’s from his wife. Deacon paid for Monique to get an abortion but he never answers for that…too many unanswered questions. Hopefully the answers come in the next book.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I can't believe it took me almost 3 months to read this book. It's like once I put it down I had no desire to pick it back up. I'm no quitter! I finally decided to finish it. It was okay. I'm a fan of Carl Weber so I figured I would like it. It just started off kind of slow and it lost me.

[Benita Cleaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm

This was not for me. Had trouble reading this one, but held on to the end. Ladies of the church were acting like people from the street. To say he. Was in love and that his pick was godly I couldn't follow, seemed more lust than love.

[CaroMommie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot of things. Intriguing, funny, thrilling and serious. It showed the ins and outs of the church and all things underbelly. I think you will enjoy.

[Mariann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it a very long time ago even own it. Now I have fo read it again 😉

[Teaguem2005 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok read. One book in tge series that I previously skipped.

[J. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend

It kept me on the edge of my seat; I couldn’t put the book down until I got to the end of it. I would recommend it to all romantics at heart.

[Nic Ojo (bujos_n_books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am never disappointed with Carl Weber. He can do no wrong. Just wish he would have developed the relationship between the bishop and Monique more.

[Brandi Ahonsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story plot.

[reneeNaDaCherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

The First Lady (The Church Series Book 3)

A guilty pleasure reading that made me 😃 and frown. I'm giving this 📖 2-1/2 stars for the plot. Entertaining.

[Vera Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast read, church drama.

[Nyesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eventhough I really liked this story, the set up made me sad. But other than that, this was a good book.

[Danielle Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a series. It’s a great book.

[Ericka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Can't imagine ever trying to find my husband's replacement of me while on my death bed.