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A Christmas Prayer
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2014
121 people are currently reading
1768 people want to read
About the author
Kimberla Lawson Roby
43 books2,788 followersNew York Times Bestselling Author, Speaker, Encourager of Women & Podcast Host, Kimberla Lawson Roby, has published 30 books which include her faith-based, nonfiction titles, THE WOMAN GOD CREATED YOU TO BE: Finding Success Through Faith—Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally and THE WOMAN GOD CREATED YOU TO BE: Companion Workbook & Discussion Guide, as well as some of her novels, such as CASTING THE FIRST STONE, SIN OF A WOMAN, A SINFUL CALLING, SISTER FRIENDS FOREVER, A CHRISTMAS PRAYER, THE PRODIGAL SON, THE PERFECT MARRIAGE, THE REVEREND’S WIFE, IT'S AS THIN LINE, and her debut title, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, which was originally self-published through her own company, Lenox Press. She has sold more than 3 million copies of her books, and they have frequented numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Essence, Upscale, Black Christian News, AALBC.com, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, The Dallas Morning News, The Austin Chronicle and many others. Kimberla is also the host of The Woman God Created You to Be Podcast.
Over the years, Kimberla has spoken to thousands of women at conferences, churches, expos, workshops, luncheons, libraries, colleges, universities and bookstores. She shares her own personal journey straight from her heart and has a strong passion toward helping women become all that God created them to be.
Kimberla is the 2013 NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction, the recipient of the 2017 SOAR Radio Trailblazer of Honor award, the 2017 Southwest Florida Reading Festival Distinguished Author award, the 2017 AAMBC Christian Fiction Author of the Year award and the 2014 AAMBC Female Author of the Year award, the 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 African-American Literary Awards Show (New York, NY) Female Author of the Year award, the Blackboard Fiction Book of the Year Award in 2001 for CASTING THE FIRST STONE, and in 2001, Kimberla was inducted into the Rock Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame (Rockford, IL). Additionally, in August 2020, she was named by USA Today as one of the 100 black novelists you should read, and in February 2021, her nonfiction book, The Woman God Created You to Be: Finding Success Through Faith—Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional, giving her 4 NAACP Image Award nominations in total.
Kimberla’s books deal with very real issues, including women empowerment, sexual harassment, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, problems within the church (and the consequences), Christian/family/moral values, drug and gambling addiction, marriage, infidelity, single motherhood, breast cancer, infertility, sibling rivalry, domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, mental illness, and the care-giving of a parent to name a few. In addition, Kimberla’s books offer a message of redemption, forgiveness, and the realities of everyday life. Kimberla resides in Illinois with her husband, Will.
To share your thoughts with Kimberla regarding her work, please e-mail her at: kim@kimroby.com
Over the years, Kimberla has spoken to thousands of women at conferences, churches, expos, workshops, luncheons, libraries, colleges, universities and bookstores. She shares her own personal journey straight from her heart and has a strong passion toward helping women become all that God created them to be.
Kimberla is the 2013 NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction, the recipient of the 2017 SOAR Radio Trailblazer of Honor award, the 2017 Southwest Florida Reading Festival Distinguished Author award, the 2017 AAMBC Christian Fiction Author of the Year award and the 2014 AAMBC Female Author of the Year award, the 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 African-American Literary Awards Show (New York, NY) Female Author of the Year award, the Blackboard Fiction Book of the Year Award in 2001 for CASTING THE FIRST STONE, and in 2001, Kimberla was inducted into the Rock Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame (Rockford, IL). Additionally, in August 2020, she was named by USA Today as one of the 100 black novelists you should read, and in February 2021, her nonfiction book, The Woman God Created You to Be: Finding Success Through Faith—Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional, giving her 4 NAACP Image Award nominations in total.
Kimberla’s books deal with very real issues, including women empowerment, sexual harassment, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, problems within the church (and the consequences), Christian/family/moral values, drug and gambling addiction, marriage, infidelity, single motherhood, breast cancer, infertility, sibling rivalry, domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, mental illness, and the care-giving of a parent to name a few. In addition, Kimberla’s books offer a message of redemption, forgiveness, and the realities of everyday life. Kimberla resides in Illinois with her husband, Will.
To share your thoughts with Kimberla regarding her work, please e-mail her at: kim@kimroby.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
December 9, 2021
I thought was a really good book. The characters made you feel like you should of been there. The storyline was a very heart warming about what families go through with each other. It made me look about how my family is. It also took me back to the day that I lost my mother. Is not easy to lose the one person that you could trust and was there for you through thick and thin. Everyone should read this book.
December 19, 2019
Insufferable mothers-in-law around the holidays are the worst! Cooing exes right in front of you. Babying the son while trashing you. One must have the heart of a saint and endure much!
I flew through this in 2 hours which is unusual for me. I couldn't put it down! I very much so enjoyed all the twists and action. The main characters were fantastic along with all the sub-characters. They really stood out and contributed nicely to the plot. The Christian Fiction parts were refreshing and I like how the book maintained focussing on how not everyone is perfect but working on self-growth and trying to be a good person is key.
The actual Christmas Prayer in the story made me tear up! What don't I tear up to nowadays? Haha. It has honestly inspired me to write my own Christmas prayer.
The advice from the Reverend was beautiful and rational advice.
This story was relatable, a clean romance, lead by the Christian faith, and had laugh out loud numerous moments. This was sweet. It would be fantastic for a book club discussion.
A great holiday read. Glad I saw this on the Christmas themed table at the library! I highly recommend it if this sounds like something you would enjoy.
I flew through this in 2 hours which is unusual for me. I couldn't put it down! I very much so enjoyed all the twists and action. The main characters were fantastic along with all the sub-characters. They really stood out and contributed nicely to the plot. The Christian Fiction parts were refreshing and I like how the book maintained focussing on how not everyone is perfect but working on self-growth and trying to be a good person is key.
The actual Christmas Prayer in the story made me tear up! What don't I tear up to nowadays? Haha. It has honestly inspired me to write my own Christmas prayer.
The advice from the Reverend was beautiful and rational advice.
This story was relatable, a clean romance, lead by the Christian faith, and had laugh out loud numerous moments. This was sweet. It would be fantastic for a book club discussion.
A great holiday read. Glad I saw this on the Christmas themed table at the library! I highly recommend it if this sounds like something you would enjoy.
February 12, 2015
I never thought I would be reading another Rev Curtis Black novel or novella again. The series and the books I have read are too over the top in the “crazy black woman drama” department for me. I have to say this one is no exception either. There is crazy black woman drama from chapter one to the last chapter. Never ending.
Alexis Fletcher morns the passing of her mother every Christmas for the past 5 years. Even with the love of a new man and the rise of her career, Alexis is still not truly happy around the holidays. Alexis’s son to be mother-in-law has a few strong opinions about her and is not afraid to tell her. As Christmas fast approaches Alexis life takes a dramatic and unforeseen turn for the worse.
Just telling you this small tidbit is very drama filled for a contemporary novel with grown adults who are active in the church. It just seems to me the author paints her villains like Cruella DeVille who plan out the most evil things to do to other people. And these are supposed to be Christian churchgoers. I am not saying churchgoers are above doing bad but can there be a character who is doing good (besides the protagonist)? Alexis is such a victim here that is a bit ridiculous. She lets people talk to her any old kinda way and she lets her sister endanger the life of her niece. Alexis just has an "oh well" attitude that really pissed me off. I was hoping her Wonder Woman would come out and do something to help her cause.
Why did I give it three stars? Well the narrator was just ok. Nothing special and nothing really bad. She read the book and did her part. The theme of the holiday season and the ending was ok too. The ending was a bit redeeming for the whole book. I love a great ending and if you like a good ending as well then you won't be to disappointed.
Alexis Fletcher morns the passing of her mother every Christmas for the past 5 years. Even with the love of a new man and the rise of her career, Alexis is still not truly happy around the holidays. Alexis’s son to be mother-in-law has a few strong opinions about her and is not afraid to tell her. As Christmas fast approaches Alexis life takes a dramatic and unforeseen turn for the worse.
Just telling you this small tidbit is very drama filled for a contemporary novel with grown adults who are active in the church. It just seems to me the author paints her villains like Cruella DeVille who plan out the most evil things to do to other people. And these are supposed to be Christian churchgoers. I am not saying churchgoers are above doing bad but can there be a character who is doing good (besides the protagonist)? Alexis is such a victim here that is a bit ridiculous. She lets people talk to her any old kinda way and she lets her sister endanger the life of her niece. Alexis just has an "oh well" attitude that really pissed me off. I was hoping her Wonder Woman would come out and do something to help her cause.
Why did I give it three stars? Well the narrator was just ok. Nothing special and nothing really bad. She read the book and did her part. The theme of the holiday season and the ending was ok too. The ending was a bit redeeming for the whole book. I love a great ending and if you like a good ending as well then you won't be to disappointed.
November 27, 2014
I can tell I'm alone here but I'll go ahead and honestly say that I wasn't impressed with this book. Maybe it's because I haven't read anything by this author in a long time; I just couldn't get into it. I found the characters one dimensional and over the top. The main characters seemed like caricatures of cheesy concepts (the multimillionaire, handsome, suave fiancee/prince charming, the extremely catty and evil mother in law, etc). Most of the dialogue sounded trite and cliche. I honestly skimmed many of the chapters and found that the story was turning out exactly as I was expecting. On top of all that, I'm a sucker for Christmas themed stories and books that invoke the holiday spirit. I didn't really get much of a holiday vibe from this story at all. I finished this book only because I had already spent so much time reading it and I wanted to complete it before I gave a review.
December 6, 2014
The parables in Luke 15 are all about lost; the spiritual message of the Parables, God never stops loving the lost. In Kimberla’s Christmas novella she speaks to this point of pain by sharing Alexis and Sabrina’s story. Sisters estranged from one another because of childhood pain but held together by a child’s love.
No matter what type of lost we experience if we remain focused on it we cannot heal. Alexis had a hard time letting go of the death of her mother. It wasn’t until Pastor Black reminded her of her mother’s words and the healing started.
Alexis’ sister Sabrina struggled all of her life with personal and relationship issues. Bad choice of men and a learning disability left undiagnosed until adulthood. The key to the pain in this story is in prayer, forgiveness and letting go.
I absolutely enjoyed this novella, what a delightful read.
Recommendation: Touched By An Angel by Victoria Christopher Murray
Missy
5 bookmarks
No matter what type of lost we experience if we remain focused on it we cannot heal. Alexis had a hard time letting go of the death of her mother. It wasn’t until Pastor Black reminded her of her mother’s words and the healing started.
Alexis’ sister Sabrina struggled all of her life with personal and relationship issues. Bad choice of men and a learning disability left undiagnosed until adulthood. The key to the pain in this story is in prayer, forgiveness and letting go.
I absolutely enjoyed this novella, what a delightful read.
Recommendation: Touched By An Angel by Victoria Christopher Murray
Missy
5 bookmarks
January 1, 2023
Good read!
October 26, 2017
Alexis Fletcher has it all. A growing career and the man of her dreams, Chase Dupont. But since the lose of her mother 5 years ago, she finds the holidays a bit depressing. Hoping to gain a loving mother figure in her soon to be mother-in-law, Geneva Dupont, Alexis finds that things may not be so loving from this mother. Geneva is determined to make Alexis disappear. After all, she can't have a constant reminder of her own failures sharing the Dupont name. Will Geneva's antics drive a wedge between Alexis and Chase, or will it make their union stronger than ever.
This was a great short read. Curtis Black makes an appearance in this book, but this book is ALL about Alexis and Chase. I did not expect that ending or climax if you will. "Essie Mae" asked for it though, no matter what her reasons were for hiding her past, she should have left well enough alone.
I am trying NOT to give anything away, but I was really happy for Alexis and her prayers that came true. Thinking I may write a Christmas prayer myself for this year.
5 stars
This was a great short read. Curtis Black makes an appearance in this book, but this book is ALL about Alexis and Chase. I did not expect that ending or climax if you will. "Essie Mae" asked for it though, no matter what her reasons were for hiding her past, she should have left well enough alone.
I am trying NOT to give anything away, but I was really happy for Alexis and her prayers that came true. Thinking I may write a Christmas prayer myself for this year.
5 stars
November 25, 2014
What can I say? Kimberla Lawson Roby has done it again! She has effectively told a very interesting tale surrounding a handsomely-successful Chase DuPont, his lovely and independent fiancée, Alexis and their families. There is love and joy accompanied by pain and deceit. It can all be summed up in one word, GENEVA!
This book provides the proper doses of "now what now? "and no she didn't!" This storyline also deals with real issues that many people encounter during the holiday season. But oh the power of a Christmas prayer! Amazing job Kimberla! Five Stars!!!!!
This book provides the proper doses of "now what now? "and no she didn't!" This storyline also deals with real issues that many people encounter during the holiday season. But oh the power of a Christmas prayer! Amazing job Kimberla! Five Stars!!!!!
December 3, 2014
A Christmas Prayer is written by one of my favorite authors. I am a Reverend Curtis Black fan. This is the heart warming and lovely tale of one woman's struggle during the holidays. Christmas is always the perfect time to mend relationships and be with family. K. L.R. weaves the story with exquisite detail.
December 2, 2014
I was not impressed at all with this story. The characters were very one dimensional and predictable.
December 24, 2023
*Trigger: Depression
As a Christian woman I have to say that prayer fixes things however depression is a real disease and sometimes medication helps
As a Christian woman I have to say that prayer fixes things however depression is a real disease and sometimes medication helps
December 5, 2023
Great Christmas Romance with a Christian focus and lots of juicy family drama! My mouth dropped to the floor from some of the shady shenanigans in this novella!
My only critique is the writing was a little choppy and a bit repetitive at times but all in all a good story with relatable characters.
My only critique is the writing was a little choppy and a bit repetitive at times but all in all a good story with relatable characters.
December 5, 2025
a short story packed with MESS just how i like it
December 14, 2014
Alexis and Chase are very much in love with each other, and plan to get married. But Chase's mother, Geneva, is a evil, vindictive woman who has other plans for her son, and they don't include him marrying Alexis.
Sabrina is Alexis's sister and the two of them haven't been close for a long time. When Sabrina's daughter Courtney calls Alexis and tells her to come pick them up, after they have been evicted, things change for the better.
Read: December 2014
Sabrina is Alexis's sister and the two of them haven't been close for a long time. When Sabrina's daughter Courtney calls Alexis and tells her to come pick them up, after they have been evicted, things change for the better.
Read: December 2014
March 12, 2016
Can I just start by saying that This book will make you cry. It's one of those well written books that take you deep into the heart of the characters. I must add I really did enjoy this story & I am glad I got my hands on it.
This kind of book gives you time to think about things you know, I don't know about you guys but things are not the same after you ready "A Christmas Prayer". I loved it very much.
Book acquired tru Good Reads Giveaways
(Thank you Good Reads
This kind of book gives you time to think about things you know, I don't know about you guys but things are not the same after you ready "A Christmas Prayer". I loved it very much.
Book acquired tru Good Reads Giveaways
(Thank you Good Reads
November 2, 2014
This is the sweetest holiday themed book I've read in quite some time. Roby's books always capture me and hold me captive until the very last word. A Christmas Prayer was no different. Now I'm ready for the Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Read
October 21, 2014This charming novella is a quick easy read that has a powerful storyline befitting a lengthy full novel. Read full review on TerrificReads.com
December 18, 2019
Such a wonderful Christmas Story!
December 26, 2021
This story includes the scent of typical romance, but I enjoyed it more because it began after the couple was already together and because I could personally relate so well to a portion of the main character's story. This novella also includes the theme of not judging others without knowing the whole story, a good lesson to keep in mind always.
December 22, 2025
Can’t wait to continue reading the Reverend Curtis Black series 🥹🥰 so addicting!!!! This book was kind of giving Tyler Perry vibes… i loved it. I also really related to Alexis and I loved her prayer. Just what I needed to read to get into the Christmas 🎄spirit.
December 5, 2022
Charming, insightful Christmas story! I appreciated the insight into a rotten mother in law relationship and it gave me empathy for my friends who have manipulative mother in laws.
December 14, 2022
1.5 stars, but it’s Christmas time, so I’ll be generous and round up.
September 2, 2022
A Great Story on Forgiveness.
October 22, 2020
I love "A Christmas Prayer." As always, her books are real life that happens all of the time. I do like the minister Curtis because he really has grown a great deal mentally and has changed for the best.
I would recommend this book to the ladies in my book club so that we could have a great discussion.
I would recommend this book to the ladies in my book club so that we could have a great discussion.
August 19, 2022
A Christmas Prayer by Kimberla Lawson Roby
This story starts out with dedication page. Story starts on Black Friday and Alexis can't wait til holiday is done with already.
Her mother had passed away around the holiday and she just now prays the new year will come very soon.
Her fiancé, Chase takes his mother along her to dinner and most times the mother in law is hassling her about the death of her parents. He doesn’t see it as bad but it's every time.
She just wants to marry him and then the mother in law will find her own place. She likes taking double sleeping pills to help get through the holidays, so she can sleep.
There are many verses quoted from the Bible. Her niece also has problems and calls her for help.
Wonder how things will really work out if anything will. Priest steps in to aid them all in prayers.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
This story starts out with dedication page. Story starts on Black Friday and Alexis can't wait til holiday is done with already.
Her mother had passed away around the holiday and she just now prays the new year will come very soon.
Her fiancé, Chase takes his mother along her to dinner and most times the mother in law is hassling her about the death of her parents. He doesn’t see it as bad but it's every time.
She just wants to marry him and then the mother in law will find her own place. She likes taking double sleeping pills to help get through the holidays, so she can sleep.
There are many verses quoted from the Bible. Her niece also has problems and calls her for help.
Wonder how things will really work out if anything will. Priest steps in to aid them all in prayers.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
December 19, 2014
I'm always glad when Roby takes a break from the Curtis Black story line.
Like a lot of people, Alexis lost an important family member and it affects how she does (or does not) celebrate holidays, but especially Christmas. As someone that lost someone during the holiday season, I could relate to her story. I appreciated her relationship with her fiance, though I have to admit that I kept waiting for him to screw up. He seemed too perfect at times. His mother, on the other hand, is determined to make Alexis's life miserable and she does a good job of it.
Of course, because this is a Christmas story, it has a happy ending. I think it was originally publicized as a novella, but at 192 pages, it reads like a full length story, one that is mostly enjoyable.
Like a lot of people, Alexis lost an important family member and it affects how she does (or does not) celebrate holidays, but especially Christmas. As someone that lost someone during the holiday season, I could relate to her story. I appreciated her relationship with her fiance, though I have to admit that I kept waiting for him to screw up. He seemed too perfect at times. His mother, on the other hand, is determined to make Alexis's life miserable and she does a good job of it.
Of course, because this is a Christmas story, it has a happy ending. I think it was originally publicized as a novella, but at 192 pages, it reads like a full length story, one that is mostly enjoyable.
December 10, 2017
Alexis is engaged to a millionaire named Chase, and they're planning a socialite wedding orchestrated by his meddling mother Geneva. She simply refuses to accept and tries everything in her power to pull them apart. Add to this…Alexis is grieving the loss of her Mom and has an on again/off again relationship with her sister.
Her pastor invites everyone to write a Christmas prayer and watch God work.
I enjoyed this novella …my first holiday themed read for the season. Author @kimberlalawsonroby clearly had a way to tell a story and provide a lifelong lesson in forgiveness, faith and love. I give it 💎💎💎💎💎 and recommend you add it to your holiday reading list.
Her pastor invites everyone to write a Christmas prayer and watch God work.
I enjoyed this novella …my first holiday themed read for the season. Author @kimberlalawsonroby clearly had a way to tell a story and provide a lifelong lesson in forgiveness, faith and love. I give it 💎💎💎💎💎 and recommend you add it to your holiday reading list.
December 23, 2024
WOW! JUST WOW !!! This whole crew needs prayer!
Chase's mother was an evil, horrible person. Geneva was brutally cruel to Alexis, who did nothing to that woman. Chase didn't even stand up to her when she embarrassed HIM in front of his employees at the Company Christmas Party. What kind of mother does that to her adult son? I blame Chase because he was silent when he could have respectfully spoken up and explained how wrong his mother was for what she was doing to Alexis!
December 26, 2017
A beautiful story! I could relate to Alexis, for I lost my mother three years ago, so the struggles of listening and decorating for Christmas I could relate. This book also put some things into perspective for me:
“You have to find peace with your mother’s death. She has gone to a place where people never want to come back from. She’s with God, she’s at rest and we can rejoice.....” Reverend Black
Everyone should read this book!
“You have to find peace with your mother’s death. She has gone to a place where people never want to come back from. She’s with God, she’s at rest and we can rejoice.....” Reverend Black
Everyone should read this book!
December 3, 2018
I think I'm too much of a heathen these days to truly enjoy a Christian fiction book with little romantic bits and zero profanity. I know, I know. I'm horrible. Whatever. This is sad because I was a HUGE fan of this author many years ago. Though I may not be the targeted audience for this book, I still found this predictable and lacking depth. I was waiting to FEEL something and felt...not much. I was grateful this was a novella.
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