Better Late Than Never

Reverend Curtis Black #15

by Kimberla Lawson Roby

THE STUNNING CONCLUSION TO THE BESTSELLING CURTIS BLACK SERIES

The past never stays where it belongs...

Curtis Black is no stranger to scandal. Throughout the decades, he has done much in the public eye, both good and evil. But what most people don't realize is that Curtis has been hiding a horrific childhood that has affected him in countless, unspeakable ways.

His buried past returns in an unwelcome visit when his estranged sister becomes alarmingly ill and his youngest child, twelve-year-old Curtina, becomes the kind of problem daughter that he never imagined she could be. This is only the beginning. The horror of Curtis's childhood secrets, as well as Curtina's wild and rebellious behavior, takes a critical toll on Curtis and the entire Black family. All the public scandals they've experienced over the years now seem like child's play compared to the turmoil they are facing in private. Who could have known that the deepest wounds would come from within?

Email: kim@kimroby.com
Facebook.com/kimberlalawsonroby
Twitter.com/KimberlaLRoby
Instagram.com/kimberlalawsonroby
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Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Audiobook, Chick Lit, African American

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2018

About the author

New 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

Reviews

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't write a real review because it would be spoilery. I'm satisfied with the conclusion. It is very emotional and heartbreaking. A lot of serious themes in this one. I'm truly sad to say goodbye to the Black family. It's been an entertaining crazy journey and I've loved every bit of it.

[Cheryl James · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a true fan of the Curtis Black series and the author Kimberla Lawson Roby, however I am not a fan of this book. In my opinion this book was poorly written, very dry, not interesting, boring, and so elementary, definitely not her best work. I have read every book in the series and because this was the last book I was so excited and sad at the same time. Kimberela I think you just ran out of juice on the series but on a good note I pretty much loved the other books especially the very first one, Casting the first Stone. I hate to see Curtis and the family go out like this but I guess it was time for their season to end!! I just wish it would have ended on a good note😥

[Michelle Lindo-Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been with Curtis Black from the beginning until now. What a way to conclude his story by going back to the very beginning. Curtis came full circle. After all his experiences, he himself had to learn the power of forgiveness. Forgiving yourself and others frees you. However, this wasn't just Curtis' story. Charlotte's storyline showed what happens when we ignore our feelings and truth and try to live a lie. Eventually, truth prevails. Kimberla Lawson Roby gave us a fitting end filled with some unbelievable events from an unexpected character. Better Late Than Never has all the ingredients for a powerful read with lasting impressions.

[Taneka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reverend Curtis Black has had many trials and tribulations throughout his life, and has weathered the storms by the grace of God. But there are things from his past that he hasn't laid to bed yet, and he has to fight with these demons in order to be free.

This is a nice conclusion to the Reverend Curtis Black saga. I received this as an ARC from NetGalley. My hope is that we get some novellas from some of the characters. I really, really want to know more about Melanie, Alicia's friend. Did she ever reconcile with her mother and get her eating under control? Did she remarry and have kids? I wanted to know more about Dillion and Porsha's relationship too.

I still don't care for Charlotte, but all in all it was a good conclusion. I will read the final printing when it comes out, or better yet, listen on audio.

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whew after 20 years sad to say Kimberla Lawson Roby's hasn't evolved as a writer or maybe my tastes have matured. I picked the book up just to close out the series. I haven't been keeping up after the first couple of books but I don't feel like it's necessary to read any of the other books if you're reading just for nostalgia. I skipped MULTIPLE chapters just to get through the book and was still able to follow the story line.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final installment of the Reverend Curtis Black series takes us back to the roots. It explores Curtis's childhood and the tumultuous relationship with his father, and the reason why he was estranged from his mother and sister. Well, the past has come back to visit and forces Curtis to deal with it.

Charlotte is struggling with unhappiness (within herself and the church) and her past addiction. Little does she realize that she's only fooling herself. It's unfortunate that a tragedy must occur before she realizes it, but the outcome is so bitter sweet.

Little Miss Curtina really pissed me off in this book. This 12 year old was acting out so much, I wanted to reach they the pages and snatch her up myself. Once everything hits the fan, we find out that she was lashing out as a cry for attention.

We've literally witnessed the Black Family expand from 3 to +15. We've also celebrated births, gone thru tragedies and mourned family members. I found myself getting choked up with the outstanding way New York Times bestselling author @kimberlalawsonroby ended this series. I highly recommend this 💎💎💎💎💎 book and series.

I'm looking forward to seeing what direction God takes the author next.

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was boring for the most part but all of the storylines wrapped up nicely.

I'm gonna miss Pastor Black and his extremely dysfunctional family.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte and Curtis are happy together, their marriage is turning out for the better. However when Curtis sister fall ill, their entire relationship is put on halt, now the two must decide if they are going to stick together through the thick and thin. Curtina, the daughter of Curtis starts to behave recklessly and her mood changes is enough to drive them both crazy. This causes Charlotte to harbor deep resentment towards her and her old habits return. Meanwhile Curtis past catches back up to him, soon he must decide whether to live in the present or to keep living the reality of his past.

I have followed The Reverend Black Series since the first book. Although at first I did not read it in chronological order, the characters has stayed with me long after I finished the book. Despite all the scandals, infidelity and drama, I am going to miss these characters. My favorite character is definitely Matthew, he was so sensitive and had such a forgiving heart. My second favorite will be Alicia, she had such strong redemptive characters. Curtis Black is my third favorite, he learned form his mistakes as each book progressed.

The life of the church is full of broken people who desperately needs the grace of God like we all do.

Stunning conclusion to this amazing novel, kudos to the author for writing an amazing series!

[LovelyLady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like everyone else that is a fan of the Curtis Black series . . . I am sad that this is the final book in the series! (tears)

Just when we think we have Pastor Black all figured out - you see another side to him . . . (NO SPOILER ALERTS HERE!)

This book starts off with some mess in the family and does not disappoint. At the same time - you get a couple of new characters introduced . . . so why the finale Ms Roby? (tears)

Also another twist comes into the mix from Charlotte - she has a really awesome eye opening message for those that may look at a pastor through one lens and his wife through another! There are many of us that will relate!

For those that can’t personally relate to the message from Charlotte - hold on to your hat and sanity . . . Curtina will school you as well! (whew)

Okay, I’ve been vague enough with this review - but I will say this one thing . . . I have truly enjoyed Pastor Curtis Black and the title of this book is how I began to feel about him from the last couple of books! He started out as a scoundrel and he has truly grown - as a person, husband, father and mostly as a Pastor! I think his persona kept us all going through book after book to see what this joker was up to once and for all! Even though he mellowed out - his family always had something wild going on - this book included! But we can honestly say Pastor Black did finally come around / totally change - even before this book . . . right? (my version of a cliff hanger)

YOU won’t be disappointed!

[Brandi · Rating 2 out of 5]

So glad this series is over. I thought I had read my last book from this author but had to find out how the series ended. It was an okay story. Nothing exciting nothing spectacular. Definitely my last book from this author!

[Harriett McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Kimberla Lawson Roby. I have read all of the books in this series and I can honestly say that Mrs. Roby is very skilled in her craft. She captivates her audience and keeps them on the edge of their seats with each and every book!

In summary and without spoiling the book for other readers, this is one roller coaster ride of real life scenarios that you will never forget! It can be read alone or collectively with the others, but it’s much better if you read it collectively or after you have at least read a few of the others.

I am still crushed that this series came to an end, but thanks to Mrs. Roby it went out with a bang! Never have I once thought about my own life and compared it to that of a book! For those of you who are unfamiliar with Mrs. Roby, her books are not traditional. They are loaded with drama and excitement!

If you have not read this one, please do so today! You will not be disappointed!

[ShayBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Curtis black series has been something else, there has been one scandal after another with the Black Family. They have been through some ups and downs it was good to see Curtis come full circle and into his true purpose and serve God the way he was intended too. In this conclusion of the Black series we still had drama and the author did tie up some loose ends. I still have some questions about past characters but I guess I am satisfied. This was a great conclusion to this series..

I enjoyed this last and final book in the. Curtis Black series. Charlotte and a Curtina worked my nerves in this book, I felt they both were. Spoiled and ungrateful.

[Heidi McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every pastor's wife should read this. I listened to this book as a standalone, even though it is book 15 in the series. It has wonderful narrators.

Being from a pastor's home, I readily was able to identify with so many scenes in this book. But it went deeper--delving into topics usually glossed over, not only in Christian Fiction but in the church.

[Joi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and I can’t believe it’s the end of the series. I wonder what she’ll write next.

[Tameka Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the STUNNING CONCLUSION that I’d hope for, but the series was wrapped in a nice little bow.

[Jeanetta Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a series ending! I must say I am going to miss Curtis Black and his family. I really wish this series would never end. A lot of things we're explained, but there's more story to be told.

[LiteraryMarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better Late Than Never is the conclusion to the Reverend Curtis Black series by Kimberla Lawson Roby. Here we are fifteen books later when this family saga comes to an end. It begins with Curtis getting devastating news about his estranged sister. Meanwhile, Charlotte has her hands full with their unruly 12-year-old daughter. The overwhelming urge to take a break from church is literally driving Charlotte to drink. Finally, good and evil are main characters.

Was it wrapped up nicely in a tight bow? Hmmm, depends if you are a wrapping paper or gift bag kind of person. I personally prefer gift bags. I like to dig in and pull out goodies one-by-one. Within the first few chapters, Kimberla masterfully gives readers a reminder of what happened over the years with all of the characters: from Reverend Curtis Black himself to his mistress-turned-wife Charlotte, on down to their daughter Curtina. Better Late Than Never could easily be read as a standalone but it won't have the same impact as a fan of the series since book one. Those goodies I mentioned will not have the same effect either.

Was it a stunning conclusion like the book cover says? Not really. But at this point, nothing stuns me any more when it comes to Reverend Curtis Black, his family or mega-church congregation. Money, notoriety and power have always been the common theme in this series. Every possible scandal has been explored already. Let's keep it real—it was time for this series to end. Yet in Better Late Than Never, Roby focuses on an unexpected past throwing fans for a loop. Revealing Curtis' horrific childhood secrets shows how it ties into the Black family today. Now it all makes sense!

Happy Early Pub Day, Kimberla Lawson Roby. Place your pre-order or library hold, bookhearts. Better Late Than Never will be available Tuesday, July 31.

LiteraryMarie

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Family is back for one last swan song. Not only was this book emotional, It brought a lot of things out into the open. You learn some background about Rev. Black and learn in the beginning why he acted the way he did, It was a lesson on foreignness and letting go of the past, As well as some shockers and an interesting concept the church as a whole should adopt. Even though I hate to see the family go as a series, I'm excited to see what new concepts will come forth. A great job for one of my favorite series. And I do plan to buy a copy or two. Thank you Net Galley for an early copy.

[Karee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I can't believe after all these years the Rev. Curtis Black series has finally come to an end. I stumbled across these books by way of a gift and followed the series until the end. Every member of the Black family had some demons to deal with, including the 12 year old baby girl.

This was a nice wrap up for me, sad but nice to have the back story on Rev Curtis. My grandma would say the Black family is the epitome of "generational curses". If you have read any of the series make sure you pick this up. It's a quick read that tugs on your heart strings and you must see how it ends.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book even though it’s the last one. I enjoyed this book due to the interaction and changes of Rev. Black and his wife. The First Lady needed a break from being first lady. She allowed the people of the church to put her in a box with high expectations. The relationship with the family is awesome. God is able.

[Sheryl Boyce]

This book was sooo good! And rightfully so since it is the last book in the series. I believe you can keep going! I have truly enjoyed EVERY book in this series as well as EVERY book you have written. The Black family will truly be missed. This could easily be a sitcom, Netflix series, or a movie. I pray either happens for you!

[Shayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Reading this book, I was in tears thinking about the evolution of Pastor Curtis Black. I feel like he and his family are real people I have watched struggle, learn, and grow. This is definitely one of my faves in the series!

[Jennifer Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 4 out of 5]

a decent conclusion to a series that was suffering from series fatigue. but at least this entry was interesting.
better late than never indeed

[h'Elena Pleasant · Rating 3 out of 5]

An emotional ending to a 15 book series. I’m going to miss the Black family.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimberla Lawson-Roby got me! I was like this book is not as spicy as the other books in this series, but near the end it picks up a bit and gets a little racy! LOL! :)

[mrskhodak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of KLR. . .I mean I love her work. However, I was a bit underwhelmed at the culmination of the Curtis Black series. I expected to see a bit more content. . .a bit more drama as I have been accustomed to with other books in the series.

Oh well, I still love her work and I'll continue to read anything she publishes.

[Latiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review contains spoilers.

I just so happened to Google Kimberla Lawson Roby to see if she had anything new in the works. I was quite surprised to learn that not only did she have a new book already out, but it was the final Curtis Black book. I have been a reader of this series since my early twenties and it seems weird that I am heading in the direction of my forties and this story is coming to an end.

My reading tastes have shifted over the years. The over the top antics of the Black family haven't been of huge interest to me and I have been turned off by how heavy handed the writer can be when it comes to religion. To be fair, this series centers around a pastor, his family and the church. To be even more fair, Roby's work is heavily influenced by Faith and no one is making me read it.

Even still, there is a scene in this book where Charlotte's father becomes ill. Charlotte's inner monologue touches on how God will allow things to happen to you when you slack on your worship and relationship with Him. She also wonders if God is punishing her because she needs a break from the church. I read this and instantly thought about how taxing religion can be mentally. What kind of God do these people serve. Note: religious folks please don't bother to clarify or comment.

I did appreciated how Curtis spoke to the congregation about the way that Charlotte was being treated and I thought it was awesome that Charlotte stood before the congregation and was totally honest with them and announced that each year she would take a needed sabbatical. Charlotte's character has been the most intriguing over the last few books. She is the character that I will miss the most. I had hoped that the story would move away from the adults and focus on Matthew, Alicia and Dillon more, but I respect Roby's decision to end the series.

Other than Charlotte, I didn't really get into this story. The story line revolving around Curtis' dying sister wasn't interesting. With the exception of Curtina, we get very little of the Black children. Alicia barely has a role in the story. The adult children are supporting characters. I have nothing good to say about Curtis' mother- a woman who watched her children be beaten and didn't intervene and leave. I don't blame Curtis for jumping ship and was confused about why he needed forgiveness for doing so.

I suspected the issue with Curtina and wasn't surprised by anything in her story line. All of the Black children go through some sort of wild conflict at some point.

Overall, this was a pretty good finale. It is timely and I look forward to whatever Roby's imagination brings forth next.

[SD Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sigh!
I'm really not sure how to start this review, because it's a tough one for me being that this is the final installment for this series according to Kimberla Lawson Roby. However, as much as I will miss this book and it's characters I must say if this was a stand-alone title I would have been less than thrilled, but let's start with the good.

I love a good come to Jesus book and there were several characters throughout the book that had to come to some realizations about themselves. Roby, did a good job with developing each character throughout the book. It also was a good sentimental read, if you don't mind a good tear jerker then this book is for you.

Now, to the meat and potatoes of it all.

If I took a guess at it, I would say that Roby was obviously under a serious contract and had to write one more book to finish out the series, because for me the book just lacked a sense of depth. Unlike, her previous books this final installment was a bit of a disappointment.
I really wanted to get that final WOW FACTOR GOODBYE from each character that we'd read about in over the years, that Roby juice that she's delivered so many times before.

Instead, I'm sad to say that I read a book that just fell flat. We were introduced to a few new characters and one in particular that we were forced to focus on throughout the entire book. Though this character had a great connection to one of the main characters, I wished that their relationship would've only served as a part of the back story, and not the full story. Not to mention it took until chapter 30 before things really start moving.
This also felt like a very intentional read, don't get me wrong as a Christian Fiction writer I do understand the writing with purpose theme. However, it because super obvious that Roby had a point and wanted to drive it all the way home with her readers.

Ending on a more positive note, by the end of the book, I could tell that Aunt Roby's writing has matured and calmed over the years (hence to why this may be the final installment in this series). Therefore, I wouldn't be surprised if we see some non-fictional work from her in the near future.

Nonetheless, I really wish this wasn't the end because she left a lot on the table as far as the characters are concerned and I'm still not sure about the misleading cover," The stunning conclusion...". In all honesty, I'm still waiting to be stunned. Three stars as all I can give it, and it's the lowest I've ever given a book in this series. *heavy sighs w/ a side of teeth sucking from heavy emotions*

[Shelleyheart · Rating 4 out of 5]

She sure knew how to wrap up more craziness into the Black family. It was overall a good ending to the series. Sad it ended but happy with how it ended.