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The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26The wife of a popular and powerful megachurch pastor upends her charmed “rags-to-Rolex” life when her secret past comes roaring into the spotlight—in this "funny and juicy and sexy and delicious peek behind the pulpit" (Samantha Irby) from the acclaimed and beloved author of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies.
From the moment Scharisse Freeman ditched her humble roots and married a megachurch pastor fifteen years her senior, she’s been labeled too brash and too “of the world” by church folks who grudgingly accepted her into their fold, and too holy by her estranged childhood bestie Petra. Schar doesn’t have many allies, but that hasn’t stopped her from building an enviable business empire spanning books to clothing to branded products, and living the comfortable life her husband's power affords her.
On the eve of her 40th birthday, Schar gets the final bit of validation she’s always dreamt a coveted invitation to participate in the First Lady USA pageant. This is her chance to be accepted by the other pastors’ wives—First Ladies—who are “like Jesus’ disciples if they had been a group of mean girls.” Finally, blissfully, the ice between Schar and the other First Ladies begins to thaw.
But as the pageant nears, a sensational scandal breaks with Schar at its center, and her carefully curated life implodes. Schar faces down shame and terrible secrets from her childhood and is reminded that in the eyes of the church, optics can matter more than the truth.
Unflinchingly funny, frank, and packed with surprising turns, The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman exults in the luscious, messy pleasure of finally feeling free.
From the moment Scharisse Freeman ditched her humble roots and married a megachurch pastor fifteen years her senior, she’s been labeled too brash and too “of the world” by church folks who grudgingly accepted her into their fold, and too holy by her estranged childhood bestie Petra. Schar doesn’t have many allies, but that hasn’t stopped her from building an enviable business empire spanning books to clothing to branded products, and living the comfortable life her husband's power affords her.
On the eve of her 40th birthday, Schar gets the final bit of validation she’s always dreamt a coveted invitation to participate in the First Lady USA pageant. This is her chance to be accepted by the other pastors’ wives—First Ladies—who are “like Jesus’ disciples if they had been a group of mean girls.” Finally, blissfully, the ice between Schar and the other First Ladies begins to thaw.
But as the pageant nears, a sensational scandal breaks with Schar at its center, and her carefully curated life implodes. Schar faces down shame and terrible secrets from her childhood and is reminded that in the eyes of the church, optics can matter more than the truth.
Unflinchingly funny, frank, and packed with surprising turns, The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman exults in the luscious, messy pleasure of finally feeling free.
432 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 29, 2026
About the author
Deesha Philyaw
17 books1,301 followersDeesha Philyaw’s debut short story collection, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies, won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, the Story Prize, the LA Times Book Prize: The Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction and was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction. Deesha is a Kimbilio Fiction Fellow, a Baldwin for the Arts Fellow, a United States Artists Fellow, and co-host of two podcasts, Ursa Short Fiction (with Dawnie Walton) and Reckon True Stories (with Kiese Laymon). She is currently at work developing TV shows based on her short fiction.
Deesha’s debut novel, The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman, is forthcoming from Mariner Books, an imprint of HarperCollins, on September 29, 2026.
Deesha’s debut novel, The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman, is forthcoming from Mariner Books, an imprint of HarperCollins, on September 29, 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
May 18, 2026
Deesha Philyaw sure knows her bible, and doesn’t mince words on the hypocrisy of it all. Scathing commentary on mega churches and the people who long to habituate in a world where people with an economic status they can only dream of, The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman is a quotable book lover’s dream.
"And I’ve always felt conflicted about having my lifestyle funded by our congregation, some of whom can barely afford their rent, and who worship a god I’m not entirely sure I believe in."
However, and I say this lightly: our main character, Sharisse Freeman, fast-tracks herself into relationships with people who have absolutely zero backstory. These bonds are rushed through so quickly you’ll get whiplash trying to figure out why she even likes them. Pair that with the rest of the adult cast making silly decisions and Sharisse being in a loveless marriage, but the sex is decent? A lot of weird connections happening.
I did enjoy this book however there are some pacing issues and lack of character depth, but this book will resonate with many.
It's a solid four stars for me!
Thanks Mariner for the Advanced copy!
"And I’ve always felt conflicted about having my lifestyle funded by our congregation, some of whom can barely afford their rent, and who worship a god I’m not entirely sure I believe in."
However, and I say this lightly: our main character, Sharisse Freeman, fast-tracks herself into relationships with people who have absolutely zero backstory. These bonds are rushed through so quickly you’ll get whiplash trying to figure out why she even likes them. Pair that with the rest of the adult cast making silly decisions and Sharisse being in a loveless marriage, but the sex is decent? A lot of weird connections happening.
I did enjoy this book however there are some pacing issues and lack of character depth, but this book will resonate with many.
It's a solid four stars for me!
Thanks Mariner for the Advanced copy!
Want to Read
March 31, 2026september 2026 is going to be insane for good releases
♡.) The Secret Lives of Church Ladies ★★★★★
♡.) The Secret Lives of Church Ladies ★★★★★
Read
March 20, 2026Ummm......... mmmmmm....I have thoughts.
March 5, 2026
ARC Review: Book releasing September 2026
Thank you to Mariner Books for the review copy of The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman.
I was so excited to get this ARC because I loved Deesha Philyaw’s short story collection, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies. Her debut novel continues with similar themes of the type of shame and secrecy that women and girls within the church hold. The main character Scharisse Freeman is the wife of a pastor with a past that she’s been running away from. She tries to hide within the apparent success of her marriage and all the perks that come with it, but that can only last for so long. This was a hilarious and heartbreaking all at the same time. The story tackles themes like patriarchy, misogyny within the church, shame, grief, and the desire to belong. Once I got to the 170 page mark I couldn’t put this down!
Thank you to Mariner Books for the review copy of The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman.
I was so excited to get this ARC because I loved Deesha Philyaw’s short story collection, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies. Her debut novel continues with similar themes of the type of shame and secrecy that women and girls within the church hold. The main character Scharisse Freeman is the wife of a pastor with a past that she’s been running away from. She tries to hide within the apparent success of her marriage and all the perks that come with it, but that can only last for so long. This was a hilarious and heartbreaking all at the same time. The story tackles themes like patriarchy, misogyny within the church, shame, grief, and the desire to belong. Once I got to the 170 page mark I couldn’t put this down!
May 16, 2026
Love love love! An indictment on the hypocrisy of church folks. How church folks let the violence of the patriarchy reign and control the church.
Scharisse is a hilarious main character who inherits her mother’s naivety but has a strength that her mother never got to have.
So much more to think about with this book so I might come back and add more. Just trust me when I say to read this! Thank you to publisher Mariner for me arc review copy.
Scharisse is a hilarious main character who inherits her mother’s naivety but has a strength that her mother never got to have.
So much more to think about with this book so I might come back and add more. Just trust me when I say to read this! Thank you to publisher Mariner for me arc review copy.
February 23, 2026
I haven’t heard a lot of people talking about this book when it comes to 2026 anticipated reads, but I think it deserves some hype! Deesha Philyaw’s The Secret Lives of Church Ladies is one of my favorite short stories collections of all time, so I was excited to receive the ARC of The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman.
If you like the concept of a sexy Real Housewives with a cast of First Ladies of black mega church pastors, lots of biting racial, class, gender, and of course, religious commentary, you might really enjoy this. First Lady Freeman is a protagonist who’s frustrating to read at times, but seeing her slowly deconstruct her world, her institution, her beliefs, and her privilege is deeply satisfying. All the First Ladies are just as petty and ruthless and funny as you might expect, so there’s never a dull moment.
There are aspects of how the characters behave and talk that I wish were more realistic, but at the end of the day, it didn’t really take away from the fun time I had with this book.
If you like the concept of a sexy Real Housewives with a cast of First Ladies of black mega church pastors, lots of biting racial, class, gender, and of course, religious commentary, you might really enjoy this. First Lady Freeman is a protagonist who’s frustrating to read at times, but seeing her slowly deconstruct her world, her institution, her beliefs, and her privilege is deeply satisfying. All the First Ladies are just as petty and ruthless and funny as you might expect, so there’s never a dull moment.
There are aspects of how the characters behave and talk that I wish were more realistic, but at the end of the day, it didn’t really take away from the fun time I had with this book.
February 21, 2026
This author is back and even better than before. This book takes a look at what it means to be a First Lady in the Church and to hold secrets. WhAt happens when secrets come to light and the stereotypes that exist between men abs women in the church. Told in the most hilarious way this book is both thought provoking and entertaining. Plenty of outlandish moments.
July 7, 2026
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman follows Schar, a preacher’s wife who was orphaned after losing her mother, as she navigates the challenges of ministry, relationships, and finding acceptance among other pastors’ wives. The story explores a compelling rags-to-riches journey while emphasizing what truly matters in the end.
This was an easy and engaging read, and I thought the author did an excellent job developing the characters. I quickly became invested in Schar’s story and appreciated the emotional depth throughout the novel. While a few of the longer chapters felt a bit slow and caused the pacing to drag at times, they were usually followed by chapters that pulled me right back into the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and think it has the potential to be a popular read once it’s released. I would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven contemporary fiction with themes of faith, resilience, and personal growth.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Read
April 8, 2026If Honk For Jesus, Save Your Soul and The Real Housewives were combined, it would be this insanely well-written book! I enjoyed the drama but also appreciated where the heartache took us as a story. Truly a great dissection of how women are used in the church to uplift men and how hypocritical religious people can be. Recommend this highly!
Want to Read
February 18, 2026hell yea!!!!!
April 3, 2026
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman is a triumph, and Deesha Philyaw has gained a lifelong fan and cheerleader. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so deeply that an author reached into my mind, lifted out my thoughts, and laid them on the page with such clarity.
Philyaw exposes the pageantry, disingenuous showmanship, and hypocrisy that permeate far too many churches today. But she goes further, interrogating the societal scaffolding that protects morally bankrupt practices—always at the expense of women, always at the cost of their dignity and truth.
Her storytelling is bold, incisive, and emotionally resonant. Fans of Mary Monroe and Terry McMillan will want this on their shelves.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this remarkable book.
Philyaw exposes the pageantry, disingenuous showmanship, and hypocrisy that permeate far too many churches today. But she goes further, interrogating the societal scaffolding that protects morally bankrupt practices—always at the expense of women, always at the cost of their dignity and truth.
Her storytelling is bold, incisive, and emotionally resonant. Fans of Mary Monroe and Terry McMillan will want this on their shelves.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this remarkable book.
May 17, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
As a preacher’s kid, this book was definitely relatable in many ways for me. Growing up in church, I saw firsthand how much pressure is put on pastors and especially First Ladies to appear perfect, even the kids. I also saw firsthand how things behind the scenes are not always pleasant. Deesha Philyaw captured that tension so well.
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman was definitely messy and entertaining. Scharisse was such a layered character as she navigated image, secrets, church culture, misogyny, grief, and unfortunately, much more.
Overall, this book kept my attention, and I think a lot of people, especially those familiar with church culture, will connect with it.
As a preacher’s kid, this book was definitely relatable in many ways for me. Growing up in church, I saw firsthand how much pressure is put on pastors and especially First Ladies to appear perfect, even the kids. I also saw firsthand how things behind the scenes are not always pleasant. Deesha Philyaw captured that tension so well.
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman was definitely messy and entertaining. Scharisse was such a layered character as she navigated image, secrets, church culture, misogyny, grief, and unfortunately, much more.
Overall, this book kept my attention, and I think a lot of people, especially those familiar with church culture, will connect with it.
July 22, 2026
3.75* - oh, I really wanted to love this. I liked it! The setting, the language, the characters - great! But sadly the book also falls into the trap of telling rather than showing, part of which could have probably been helped if it was a bit shorter. As is, it becomes a bit predictable, which is a shame.
May 29, 2026
This was book was hilarious! The sarcasm and under the breath comments made this a fun and witty read from beginning to end. And the church drama, whew! The author did an amazing job with the character development, every character felt layered, real, and emotionally connected to the storyline. One thing that really stood out to me was the author’s knowledge of scripture and how flawlessly it was woven into the story without ever feeling forced or preachy. It added so much depth and authenticity to the characters and their journeys.
The drama, growth, relationships, and emotional moments kept me fully invested, but I have to say I was especially happy that Schar finally got her happy ending with Marcus. I had been waiting for that payoff the entire book, and it was worth it! Overall, this was an engaging, faith-filled story with humor, heart, and strong storytelling that kept me hooked until the very end.
The drama, growth, relationships, and emotional moments kept me fully invested, but I have to say I was especially happy that Schar finally got her happy ending with Marcus. I had been waiting for that payoff the entire book, and it was worth it! Overall, this was an engaging, faith-filled story with humor, heart, and strong storytelling that kept me hooked until the very end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2026
I really enjoyed the story and the writing. The humor throughout felt well placed and added some levity to what would've otherwise been a very heavy read. A few moments felt preachy as a reader, but I guess that's what you get with the nature of a book like this one.
Loved the inclusion of the footnotes--those were great.
Loved the inclusion of the footnotes--those were great.
July 23, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman
by: Deesha Philyaw
Pub Date: September 29, 2026
Thank you to the Mariner Books and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw is a compelling, thought-provoking novel exploring faith, shame, and church politics.
As someone who grew up in a pastor’s family, the expectations placed on first ladies and the behind-the-scenes dynamics rang completely true.
Scharisse is a wonderfully layered protagonist. Philyaw skillfully balances sharp satire with genuine emotional depth, creating flawed, deeply human characters.
💅🏾This book will have you clutching your pearls and your edges!
If you enjoy character-driven fiction that gives you plenty to think about, add this one to your TBR. 📖✨
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman
by: Deesha Philyaw
Pub Date: September 29, 2026
Thank you to the Mariner Books and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw is a compelling, thought-provoking novel exploring faith, shame, and church politics.
As someone who grew up in a pastor’s family, the expectations placed on first ladies and the behind-the-scenes dynamics rang completely true.
Scharisse is a wonderfully layered protagonist. Philyaw skillfully balances sharp satire with genuine emotional depth, creating flawed, deeply human characters.
💅🏾This book will have you clutching your pearls and your edges!
If you enjoy character-driven fiction that gives you plenty to think about, add this one to your TBR. 📖✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
10/10. No notes. I cannot wait for the rest of the world to read this book.
I had the incredible honor of receiving an advance copy of Deesha Philyaw’s The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman, and I can confidently say: this book is phenomenal.
The writing is sharp, deeply human, and absolutely hilarious. It is also unapologetically, gloriously SO BLACK—in the best possible way. Deesha writes with such cultural specificity, tenderness, humor, and truth that the story feels both intimately familiar and expansive enough to change hearts and minds.
True Confessions tackles important and complicated issues that we face as Black people—especially Black women—both in and out of the church. It asks difficult questions about faith, community, identity, judgment, belonging, and what happens when the institutions that are supposed to hold us don’t always make room for the fullness of who we are. And yet, the book never loses its humor, fashion sense, warmth, or humanity.
I laughed. I reflected. I cried. I saw people I know and love in these pages. This is the kind of storytelling that entertains you while quietly—and sometimes not so quietly—challenging you to think more deeply about yourself, your community, and the ways we love, judge, forgive, and make space for one another.
Congratulations to my literary mentor, the incomparable Deesha Philyaw. I am so honored to have received an advance copy and even more honored to celebrate this brilliant work. This debut novel is coming soon—and you absolutely want this one on your list!
I had the incredible honor of receiving an advance copy of Deesha Philyaw’s The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman, and I can confidently say: this book is phenomenal.
The writing is sharp, deeply human, and absolutely hilarious. It is also unapologetically, gloriously SO BLACK—in the best possible way. Deesha writes with such cultural specificity, tenderness, humor, and truth that the story feels both intimately familiar and expansive enough to change hearts and minds.
True Confessions tackles important and complicated issues that we face as Black people—especially Black women—both in and out of the church. It asks difficult questions about faith, community, identity, judgment, belonging, and what happens when the institutions that are supposed to hold us don’t always make room for the fullness of who we are. And yet, the book never loses its humor, fashion sense, warmth, or humanity.
I laughed. I reflected. I cried. I saw people I know and love in these pages. This is the kind of storytelling that entertains you while quietly—and sometimes not so quietly—challenging you to think more deeply about yourself, your community, and the ways we love, judge, forgive, and make space for one another.
Congratulations to my literary mentor, the incomparable Deesha Philyaw. I am so honored to have received an advance copy and even more honored to celebrate this brilliant work. This debut novel is coming soon—and you absolutely want this one on your list!
May 17, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw was SUCH a good read! I really enjoyed Schar’s journey and watching her finally come into her own as a woman instead of just existing in the role everyone expected her to play. Being the First Lady of a mega church while married to a husband 15 years older than her added so many layers to her story, and whew… the drama, pressure, and self-discovery had me LOCKED IN 😭. Schar’s growth felt real, messy, and empowering all at once. Definitely a 5 star read for me!
I loved this book so much I’m starting The Secret Lives of Church Ladies today because clearly Deesha Philyaw knows how to keep me hooked 😂
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw was SUCH a good read! I really enjoyed Schar’s journey and watching her finally come into her own as a woman instead of just existing in the role everyone expected her to play. Being the First Lady of a mega church while married to a husband 15 years older than her added so many layers to her story, and whew… the drama, pressure, and self-discovery had me LOCKED IN 😭. Schar’s growth felt real, messy, and empowering all at once. Definitely a 5 star read for me!
I loved this book so much I’m starting The Secret Lives of Church Ladies today because clearly Deesha Philyaw knows how to keep me hooked 😂
July 14, 2026
As a former fundie-adjacent kid with plenty of misgivings about the Church and a huge fan of Righteous Gemstones, this plot immediately appealed to me, but written by Deesha Philyaw? SOLD! This book makes you want to laugh, scream, and bite the apple in a BIG way...
First Lady Freeman has my vote in the upcoming First Lady USA pageant, but with scandals, relationships, and secrets breaking, she’s going to need more than God on her side. Sinfully good gossip is spilled with layered drama, tenderness, sexiness, and ferocity as you follow Scharisse biting the apple and letting the truth set her free. If you like the sound of Scam Goddess meets "Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul." meets Celeste Ng, you’re gonna want to read this immediately!
First Lady Freeman has my vote in the upcoming First Lady USA pageant, but with scandals, relationships, and secrets breaking, she’s going to need more than God on her side. Sinfully good gossip is spilled with layered drama, tenderness, sexiness, and ferocity as you follow Scharisse biting the apple and letting the truth set her free. If you like the sound of Scam Goddess meets "Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul." meets Celeste Ng, you’re gonna want to read this immediately!
Read
May 3, 2026Sharp, funny, and poignant - this book flies by despite the page count. Do yourself a favor and DO NOT skip the footnotes!!
July 15, 2026
Loved! Had some true lol moments!
May 31, 2026
I would have been more than happy to sit and read this book from start to finish if I’d had the time - it was THAT good.
I only had the vaguest of notions about Mega Churches and even less about First Ladies (although big hats and fancy dresses came to mind). I had to look up what a Proverbs 13 woman was (and then I cringed and frowned). And I never thought a book about religious people would be so racey!
But then I never imagined a Pastor’s wife like Scharisse Freeman. One of the sassiest, smartest, most fabulous female characters that has sashayed across the pages of a book in a long time.
Schar’s story is a ‘rags to riches’ tale dialled up to eleven. Yeah she’s made it to the coveted title of First Lady but she’s totally earned it. Pushing herself onwards through education as a child of a single mother (father unknown). Her mother dying young of AIDS and Schar being bought up by her crack-smoking Aunt. Everything about her upbringing is held against her by the other First Ladies. And things get worse for Lady Schar, on a Church couples retreat to Honolulu, hosted by Schar and sponsored by a sex toy (‘Marital Aids’) company. That particular scandal has Schar fighting for acceptance by the other First Lady Mean Girls. Although, for the life of me I cannot understand why she wants acceptance from such a mean and judgey bunch (echoed by Schar’s estranged best friend Petra and other of the likeable characters in the book).
Schar sees The First Lady Pageant as a way towards acceptance and she’s delighted to be invited to apply and take part. Until yet another scandal (again, not caused by anything that Schar has done but which places her centrally as the baddie) explodes and yet again, Schar is fighting for her own reputation, her family, her Church, her place in the Pageant.
The hypocrisy of the Church Elders, and in particular, the male Pastors, will have you roaring in fury. Schar has been so terribly wronged, but the Church makes it impossible for her to gain any justice or let the real truth be known.
However, it could never be the case that the First Lady Freeman wasn’t going to come through. She was battered but never broken.
I loved every single thing about this book.
I only had the vaguest of notions about Mega Churches and even less about First Ladies (although big hats and fancy dresses came to mind). I had to look up what a Proverbs 13 woman was (and then I cringed and frowned). And I never thought a book about religious people would be so racey!
But then I never imagined a Pastor’s wife like Scharisse Freeman. One of the sassiest, smartest, most fabulous female characters that has sashayed across the pages of a book in a long time.
Schar’s story is a ‘rags to riches’ tale dialled up to eleven. Yeah she’s made it to the coveted title of First Lady but she’s totally earned it. Pushing herself onwards through education as a child of a single mother (father unknown). Her mother dying young of AIDS and Schar being bought up by her crack-smoking Aunt. Everything about her upbringing is held against her by the other First Ladies. And things get worse for Lady Schar, on a Church couples retreat to Honolulu, hosted by Schar and sponsored by a sex toy (‘Marital Aids’) company. That particular scandal has Schar fighting for acceptance by the other First Lady Mean Girls. Although, for the life of me I cannot understand why she wants acceptance from such a mean and judgey bunch (echoed by Schar’s estranged best friend Petra and other of the likeable characters in the book).
Schar sees The First Lady Pageant as a way towards acceptance and she’s delighted to be invited to apply and take part. Until yet another scandal (again, not caused by anything that Schar has done but which places her centrally as the baddie) explodes and yet again, Schar is fighting for her own reputation, her family, her Church, her place in the Pageant.
The hypocrisy of the Church Elders, and in particular, the male Pastors, will have you roaring in fury. Schar has been so terribly wronged, but the Church makes it impossible for her to gain any justice or let the real truth be known.
However, it could never be the case that the First Lady Freeman wasn’t going to come through. She was battered but never broken.
I loved every single thing about this book.
July 2, 2026
Thank you Mariner Books for allowing me read this early through NetGalley. I don’t even know where to begin. This was so freaking good! I ate this up like an episode of Real Housewives. This was like sitting down with auntie or friend and getting all the tea on all their family and church drama. I was sat the entire time.
It had just as much depth as it did comedy. I laughed as much as I shed a tears in some parts of this book. The way the story unfolds and the structure is just so amazing. Even more amazing is watching/reading a black women slowly but surely reclaim who she is and wants to be after be suppressed by the misogyny that comes with being a First Lady to a pastor. Or honestly just being a woman involved in a church with old patriarchal views. Even the other women had so much depth to them and you felt for them even though they were mean to the protagonist of the story.
Absolutely wonderful. I read The Secret Lives of Church Girls by Deesha years ago and it is still one of my favorite books ever. This book just got added to the list. Deesha is now an automatic but author for me.
It had just as much depth as it did comedy. I laughed as much as I shed a tears in some parts of this book. The way the story unfolds and the structure is just so amazing. Even more amazing is watching/reading a black women slowly but surely reclaim who she is and wants to be after be suppressed by the misogyny that comes with being a First Lady to a pastor. Or honestly just being a woman involved in a church with old patriarchal views. Even the other women had so much depth to them and you felt for them even though they were mean to the protagonist of the story.
Absolutely wonderful. I read The Secret Lives of Church Girls by Deesha years ago and it is still one of my favorite books ever. This book just got added to the list. Deesha is now an automatic but author for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wanted to love this, but it was ultimately a disappointment. I have been loving all of the recent women-penned stories with satirical and feminist bents—Yesteryear and Best Offer Wins come to mind. Unfortunately, TTCOFLF doesn’t quite get there, and I am placing my blame on a lack of editing. Not since Margaret Douaihy’s Scorched Grace have I read a book with such a strong premise failed by a lack of true editing. This reads like a first draft; I’ve reviewing the ARC, so perhaps things will be fixed, but at this point, I’m not talking about grammar/usage errors.
First, there is the issue of First Lady Freeman herself. Schar is deeply unlikeable. That’s not a problem in and of itself; I loved the aforementioned Yesteryear and all anyone call talk about is how despicable that MC is. The problem here is that Schar is written in such a way that it seems like she’s actually supposed to be likeable. But she is too cruel and dismissive of others, offering insults and rude comments about random strangers in ways that make it clear that she’s meant to be funny but just make her look like a jackass. Her entire motivation is ~winning the First Lady USA pageant~ and continue to live her extravagant First Lady life, but she sabotages herself at every turn. She puts herself in compromising situations, refuses to do anything to help her image, and doesn’t seem to actually care about the pageant she wants to win.
Secondary characters are unsteady at best. David is never clear—does Schar love him? Does their age gap present an interesting conflict (yes) to be explored in light of Schar’s familial history (never /s)? Gabrielle incoherently moves from being a typical moody teenager to acting like a six-year-old curling up in mommy’s lap. Petra’s accent reads like it was written by a 13-year-old who just watched Skins UK for the first time. And of course it completely disappears during a climactic moment near the end. What is the point of Schar’s friend Kathryn? And what is with the weird hotel room scene with Jennifer (you know the one)? And Marcus… We don’t know what character development is. I did actually like Sheila’s progression; it could have been done better (needs a better editor!) but the idea was there.
Oof, and the dialogue. Way, WAY too much telling and not showing. Constant streams of dialogue with no breaks. As another viewer noted, this would make a great limited series in television, but it doesn’t work on the page.
One more petty complaint—the “inhale, exhale” motif is used incorrectly again and again. It’s supposed to be “inhale [good thing], exhale [bad thing].” Where was the editor???
This had so much potential. The story approaches serious issues, including HIV, infidelity, corruption, and loyalty. I appreciate stories that interrogates religious institutions, especially ones that recognize and respect the importance of these institutions in so many lives. This story was also funny! The endnotes were often chuckle-worthy, and I am a sucker for that. Unfortunately, it just didn’t come together.
Overall, a disappointing first novel from Deesha Philyaw. The Secret Lives of Church Ladies is still worth checking out.
**ARC via NetGalley**
First, there is the issue of First Lady Freeman herself. Schar is deeply unlikeable. That’s not a problem in and of itself; I loved the aforementioned Yesteryear and all anyone call talk about is how despicable that MC is. The problem here is that Schar is written in such a way that it seems like she’s actually supposed to be likeable. But she is too cruel and dismissive of others, offering insults and rude comments about random strangers in ways that make it clear that she’s meant to be funny but just make her look like a jackass. Her entire motivation is ~winning the First Lady USA pageant~ and continue to live her extravagant First Lady life, but she sabotages herself at every turn. She puts herself in compromising situations, refuses to do anything to help her image, and doesn’t seem to actually care about the pageant she wants to win.
Secondary characters are unsteady at best. David is never clear—does Schar love him? Does their age gap present an interesting conflict (yes) to be explored in light of Schar’s familial history (never /s)? Gabrielle incoherently moves from being a typical moody teenager to acting like a six-year-old curling up in mommy’s lap. Petra’s accent reads like it was written by a 13-year-old who just watched Skins UK for the first time. And of course it completely disappears during a climactic moment near the end. What is the point of Schar’s friend Kathryn? And what is with the weird hotel room scene with Jennifer (you know the one)? And Marcus… We don’t know what character development is. I did actually like Sheila’s progression; it could have been done better (needs a better editor!) but the idea was there.
Oof, and the dialogue. Way, WAY too much telling and not showing. Constant streams of dialogue with no breaks. As another viewer noted, this would make a great limited series in television, but it doesn’t work on the page.
One more petty complaint—the “inhale, exhale” motif is used incorrectly again and again. It’s supposed to be “inhale [good thing], exhale [bad thing].” Where was the editor???
This had so much potential. The story approaches serious issues, including HIV, infidelity, corruption, and loyalty. I appreciate stories that interrogates religious institutions, especially ones that recognize and respect the importance of these institutions in so many lives. This story was also funny! The endnotes were often chuckle-worthy, and I am a sucker for that. Unfortunately, it just didn’t come together.
Overall, a disappointing first novel from Deesha Philyaw. The Secret Lives of Church Ladies is still worth checking out.
**ARC via NetGalley**
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I can't remember the last time I laughed this much while reading a book.
In fact, this may be my first 5-star read where humor is such a big part of why I loved it.
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman is funny, messy, dramatic, and ridiculously entertaining. I flew through it. But what surprised me was how much depth sits underneath all that humor.
What I loved most is that this isn't a book attacking religion. It's a book about what happens when appearances become more important than faith itself. Yes, the story takes place in a megachurch, but honestly, the things it talks about can be found anywhere. The pressure to look perfect. The hypocrisy that becomes so normal nobody even questions it anymore. The way people use God to justify things that clearly have nothing to do with faith. The scale may be bigger here, but the behavior felt very familiar.
And David. Oh my God, David.
I cannot remember the last time a character made me this angry. Not because he's some over-the-top villain, but because he feels like someone you could actually meet. Every time Schar gave him another chance, I wanted to scream. I spent most of this book raging on her behalf.
What made Schar such a great character is that she feels like a real person. How often do we get a First Lady who is allowed to be a fully realized woman, including having a sex drive? That shouldn't feel revolutionary, and yet it does. She isn't a saint, and she isn't meant to be. She's flawed, funny, frustrated, lonely, hopeful, and trying to figure out who she is outside of everyone else's expectations.
And can we talk about the other church ladies? The author absolutely nailed these characters. I could practically see their judgmental looks and hear their carefully chosen comments. The character work throughout this novel is fantastic. Even the people who only appear for a few scenes felt completely real.
What impressed me most was how effortlessly Philyaw balances humor with substance. The jokes aren't there to soften the message. They actually make it hit harder. One minute I was laughing out loud, and the next I was thinking, "Oof. That is painfully true."
I laughed. I raged. I cheered. And when I finished, I immediately wanted to talk about it with someone.
A very easy 5 stars. This book comes out on September 29. You can pre-order it now. Do it and come back to me so we can rave about it together.
Thank you to Mariner Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In fact, this may be my first 5-star read where humor is such a big part of why I loved it.
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman is funny, messy, dramatic, and ridiculously entertaining. I flew through it. But what surprised me was how much depth sits underneath all that humor.
What I loved most is that this isn't a book attacking religion. It's a book about what happens when appearances become more important than faith itself. Yes, the story takes place in a megachurch, but honestly, the things it talks about can be found anywhere. The pressure to look perfect. The hypocrisy that becomes so normal nobody even questions it anymore. The way people use God to justify things that clearly have nothing to do with faith. The scale may be bigger here, but the behavior felt very familiar.
And David. Oh my God, David.
I cannot remember the last time a character made me this angry. Not because he's some over-the-top villain, but because he feels like someone you could actually meet. Every time Schar gave him another chance, I wanted to scream. I spent most of this book raging on her behalf.
What made Schar such a great character is that she feels like a real person. How often do we get a First Lady who is allowed to be a fully realized woman, including having a sex drive? That shouldn't feel revolutionary, and yet it does. She isn't a saint, and she isn't meant to be. She's flawed, funny, frustrated, lonely, hopeful, and trying to figure out who she is outside of everyone else's expectations.
And can we talk about the other church ladies? The author absolutely nailed these characters. I could practically see their judgmental looks and hear their carefully chosen comments. The character work throughout this novel is fantastic. Even the people who only appear for a few scenes felt completely real.
What impressed me most was how effortlessly Philyaw balances humor with substance. The jokes aren't there to soften the message. They actually make it hit harder. One minute I was laughing out loud, and the next I was thinking, "Oof. That is painfully true."
I laughed. I raged. I cheered. And when I finished, I immediately wanted to talk about it with someone.
A very easy 5 stars. This book comes out on September 29. You can pre-order it now. Do it and come back to me so we can rave about it together.
Thank you to Mariner Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance e-copy.
The novel opens with one of the best hooks I've read this year: Scharisse Freeman, a glamorous megachurch first lady, is standing onstage at a pastors' wives beauty pageant, publicly revealing a secret that shocks everyone in attendance. Then the story jumps back.
Immediately I wanted to know: What happened to get her here?
For me, the reveal unfolds a little too slowly. The early backstory occasionally felt murky, and I found myself waiting for the narrative to fully click into place. Around the halfway point, though, it found its rhythm, and from then on I was fully invested.
Scharisse is the wife of one of the country's most influential Black megachurch pastors. She has bestselling books, luxury clothes, brand partnerships, and a carefully curated public image. When she's invited to compete in the prestigious First Lady USA pageant, she sees it as the validation she's always wanted. Instead, a secret from her past resurfaces, threatening everything she's built.
The pageant is a brilliant piece of satire. It has a bit of a Real Housewives energy, which I personally found wildly entertaining, while also exposing the competition, performance, and status that can exist beneath the surface of religious communities.
One of my favorite ideas running through the novel is that a woman can recognize a system harms her while still loving the identity, community, and purpose that system provides. Philyaw never reduces her characters to caricatures. The best satire doesn't stand outside pointing and laughing—it understands exactly why people stay. You can feel that affection throughout the novel.
Beneath the humor, Philyaw explores performance versus authenticity, respectability politics, class mobility, female desire after forty, public image versus private identity, and who gets forgiven—and who doesn't. The church becomes the setting through which these larger questions play out.
Even if you aren't familiar with Black church culture, the writing is accessible, the dialogue is often laugh-out-loud funny, and the emotional questions feel universal.
3.75 stars. A slow start kept this from being a four-star read for me, but once it found its footing, I was hooked. It's thoughtful, funny, and offers far more compassion than criticism for the community it portrays.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance e-copy.
The novel opens with one of the best hooks I've read this year: Scharisse Freeman, a glamorous megachurch first lady, is standing onstage at a pastors' wives beauty pageant, publicly revealing a secret that shocks everyone in attendance. Then the story jumps back.
Immediately I wanted to know: What happened to get her here?
For me, the reveal unfolds a little too slowly. The early backstory occasionally felt murky, and I found myself waiting for the narrative to fully click into place. Around the halfway point, though, it found its rhythm, and from then on I was fully invested.
Scharisse is the wife of one of the country's most influential Black megachurch pastors. She has bestselling books, luxury clothes, brand partnerships, and a carefully curated public image. When she's invited to compete in the prestigious First Lady USA pageant, she sees it as the validation she's always wanted. Instead, a secret from her past resurfaces, threatening everything she's built.
The pageant is a brilliant piece of satire. It has a bit of a Real Housewives energy, which I personally found wildly entertaining, while also exposing the competition, performance, and status that can exist beneath the surface of religious communities.
One of my favorite ideas running through the novel is that a woman can recognize a system harms her while still loving the identity, community, and purpose that system provides. Philyaw never reduces her characters to caricatures. The best satire doesn't stand outside pointing and laughing—it understands exactly why people stay. You can feel that affection throughout the novel.
Beneath the humor, Philyaw explores performance versus authenticity, respectability politics, class mobility, female desire after forty, public image versus private identity, and who gets forgiven—and who doesn't. The church becomes the setting through which these larger questions play out.
Even if you aren't familiar with Black church culture, the writing is accessible, the dialogue is often laugh-out-loud funny, and the emotional questions feel universal.
3.75 stars. A slow start kept this from being a four-star read for me, but once it found its footing, I was hooked. It's thoughtful, funny, and offers far more compassion than criticism for the community it portrays.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sharp, Messy, and Brilliant Literary Fiction
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 91
Dates read: 05.07.2026 – 05.08.2026
Title: The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman
Author: Deesha Philyaw
Format: physical ARC
#caseysbookshelf
This is the LOOONNNNG awaited follow-up to The Secret Lives of Church Ladies and baby… Deesha Philyaw did NOT come to play.
We already knew sis could write. But seeing her bring that same sharp storytelling and layered emotional depth into a full-length novel? Whew. What a treat.
At the center is Scharisse Freeman, wife of a powerful megachurch pastor, trying to navigate respectability politics, church hierarchy, old secrets, and the performance of being a “First Lady” while her perfectly curated life slowly starts cracking apart. And listen… the church messiness in this book? TOP TIER. 😂 The politics. The judgment. The fake holiness. The mean girl energy wrapped in prayer cloths and designer suits. I was locked in BAD.
But what impressed me most is Deesha the storyteller. The WRITER writer.
People often associate literary fiction with being overly stiff or pretentious, where the prose matters more than the actual reading experience. Deesha completely rejects that idea. This book is smart, layered, funny as hell, emotionally sharp, and deeply readable all at the same time. The humor never takes away from the literary quality. If anything, it strengthens it. Every question she plants keeps you turning pages desperate for answers.
And let me make this clear right now because I know somebody is gonna see “First Lady” and assume this is Christian fiction. BABY THIS IS NOT THAT 😂 They cuss. They messy. They unpack the things the church would much rather keep buried.
This book explores shame, image, class, power, womanhood, and the impossible standards placed on Black women inside church spaces in such an honest and entertaining way.
Unequivocally a five-star read and absolutely one of my favorite books of the year so far.
⚠️ Check trigger warnings before reading.
Thank you to the publisher for the #giftedcopy in exchange for an honest review.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 91
Dates read: 05.07.2026 – 05.08.2026
Title: The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman
Author: Deesha Philyaw
Format: physical ARC
#caseysbookshelf
This is the LOOONNNNG awaited follow-up to The Secret Lives of Church Ladies and baby… Deesha Philyaw did NOT come to play.
We already knew sis could write. But seeing her bring that same sharp storytelling and layered emotional depth into a full-length novel? Whew. What a treat.
At the center is Scharisse Freeman, wife of a powerful megachurch pastor, trying to navigate respectability politics, church hierarchy, old secrets, and the performance of being a “First Lady” while her perfectly curated life slowly starts cracking apart. And listen… the church messiness in this book? TOP TIER. 😂 The politics. The judgment. The fake holiness. The mean girl energy wrapped in prayer cloths and designer suits. I was locked in BAD.
But what impressed me most is Deesha the storyteller. The WRITER writer.
People often associate literary fiction with being overly stiff or pretentious, where the prose matters more than the actual reading experience. Deesha completely rejects that idea. This book is smart, layered, funny as hell, emotionally sharp, and deeply readable all at the same time. The humor never takes away from the literary quality. If anything, it strengthens it. Every question she plants keeps you turning pages desperate for answers.
And let me make this clear right now because I know somebody is gonna see “First Lady” and assume this is Christian fiction. BABY THIS IS NOT THAT 😂 They cuss. They messy. They unpack the things the church would much rather keep buried.
This book explores shame, image, class, power, womanhood, and the impossible standards placed on Black women inside church spaces in such an honest and entertaining way.
Unequivocally a five-star read and absolutely one of my favorite books of the year so far.
⚠️ Check trigger warnings before reading.
Thank you to the publisher for the #giftedcopy in exchange for an honest review.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am not exaggerating when I say I knew this was going to be a five-star read by the end of the first chapter.
The story follows Sharisse Freeman, a First Lady who has gone from humble beginnings to the upper ranks of megachurch royalty after marrying a prominent pastor. Even with all the status that comes with her title, Sharisse still feels like an outsider in many ways. Just when it seems like she's finally finding her place, a scandal threatens everything she's worked so hard to build. What follows is a messy, compelling exploration of identity, loyalty, shame, and what people are willing to sacrifice to maintain power and respectability.
What I loved most about this book is how effortlessly it balances humor with deeply thought-provoking social commentary. I found myself thinking constantly about the ways women are expected to bear the consequences of men's actions, particularly within church spaces. Philyaw examines these dynamics with nuance and honesty, never reducing her characters to simple heroes or villains.
I also appreciated how the novel suggests that the people with the strongest moral compass are often those outside the church or the children who see through the hypocrisies adults work so hard to justify. The themes of shame, identity, courage, sexuality, and socioeconomic status are woven seamlessly throughout the story, making it feel rich without ever becoming heavy-handed.
And of course, I have to mention Marcus. That relationship had me stressed and invested in equal measure. It's the kind of dynamic that feels complicated and risky but impossible not to root for.
This is exactly the kind of literary fiction I love: thoughtful, funny, bold, messy, and packed with characters who feel real. It made me laugh, made me think, and gave me plenty to discuss after I turned the final page.
A must-read and an incredible debut novel from Deesha Philyaw.
The story follows Sharisse Freeman, a First Lady who has gone from humble beginnings to the upper ranks of megachurch royalty after marrying a prominent pastor. Even with all the status that comes with her title, Sharisse still feels like an outsider in many ways. Just when it seems like she's finally finding her place, a scandal threatens everything she's worked so hard to build. What follows is a messy, compelling exploration of identity, loyalty, shame, and what people are willing to sacrifice to maintain power and respectability.
What I loved most about this book is how effortlessly it balances humor with deeply thought-provoking social commentary. I found myself thinking constantly about the ways women are expected to bear the consequences of men's actions, particularly within church spaces. Philyaw examines these dynamics with nuance and honesty, never reducing her characters to simple heroes or villains.
I also appreciated how the novel suggests that the people with the strongest moral compass are often those outside the church or the children who see through the hypocrisies adults work so hard to justify. The themes of shame, identity, courage, sexuality, and socioeconomic status are woven seamlessly throughout the story, making it feel rich without ever becoming heavy-handed.
And of course, I have to mention Marcus. That relationship had me stressed and invested in equal measure. It's the kind of dynamic that feels complicated and risky but impossible not to root for.
This is exactly the kind of literary fiction I love: thoughtful, funny, bold, messy, and packed with characters who feel real. It made me laugh, made me think, and gave me plenty to discuss after I turned the final page.
A must-read and an incredible debut novel from Deesha Philyaw.
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