The Best of Everything

Reverend Curtis Black #6

by Kimberla Lawson Roby

The world-renowned Reverend Curtis Black's daughter, Alicia, is all grown up and even more trouble than her father. The apple certainly doesn't fall far from the tree in this new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Sin No More and Love and Lies.
Alicia Black Sullivan swore to never repeat her father's mistakes: she would never break any promises, she would never be unfaithful. And most important of all, when she got married, it would be for good.
And she really does love Phillip, the assistant pastor of her father's church. She just happens to love money — and the things it can buy — as well. Alicia was born to the good life, she's entitled to the best, and she'll do anything to get it. Even if it means piling up thousands of dollars in debt. Even if it means denying to everyone — even herself — that her love of shopping has gotten way out of control.
Before long, Phillip begins to wonder if marrying the woman of his dreams was a huge mistake. Alicia has similar thoughts. Deep down, though, she knows a whopper of an emotional bill is coming due. And all the regrets in the world won't change the fact that she may be more like her infamous father than she could have imagined — or feared.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, African American, Audiobook, Christian, Chick Lit

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

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

[Nandi Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I cannot relate to a person like this much, as well as wonder how a person cannot be satisfied on seven G's a month,or having a hundred thousand Gs as a budget for your wedding, but hey that is me and I won't hate. Yet,I will say that this sister is spoiled. I feel that when you take care of your kids and do everything including pay their credit cards and such, your not allowing them to be responsible. In this case, the good Rev Curtis Black is back, but this time they on the kids now. Alicia, all grown up, marries his associate Pastor Philip, who is content with his job, wife and what he has, but Alicia still grumbles about him getting his own church or more money. Oh well... so she hits the malls, spends up a fortune on clothes, making her husband more exasperated than need be, then she turns around and lie and cheats on him with someone I wouldn't say is an upstanding member of the community. Needless to say, things get ugly progressively, and our heroine is wondering how in the heck did I get here? as well as placing blame on her daddy's doorstep. A good interesting read. made me want to say, Thank You because for what I got.

[Nochu · Rating 1 out of 5]

When desperate times call for desperate measures, the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Alicia Black Sullivan is all grown up and married. Being the daughter of the Reverend Curtis Black, does being Daddy's Baby Girl live up to the standards of being the preacher's daughter and the preacher's wife? With Alicia, its her way or no way at all being married to Phillip.

Kimberla Lawson Roby had an excellent concept but it did not measure up in this novel with Alicia. We were thrown into her adulthood. We never went on the journey with her throughout college. I must say I was very disappointed with this novel. The plot was not very interesting and the usual drama was not there. Of course everything was very predictable. It did not hold my attention. All Alicia did was go shopping, and did more shopping, and more shopping. If you still want to read this novel, check it out of your local library. Save your money.

[India Noble]

I am only on Chapter 20 of this book as of 4/13/2016, and I can only tell you...I am HIGHLY pissed off with Alicia! She's very stubborn and ungreatful. I love this series so far, but Alicia makes me want to mess her up deeply!

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun audiobook, though I am sad to say I have now used up my free Audible trial! Anyway, here are some short notes:
1. Alicia seems much older than 22...not in a mature way, but in a way where she’s not at all similar to someone just graduating from college, and more so similar to a disgruntled housewife.
2. I know she’s supposed to seem like Curtis, but really, she just seemed like a childless version of Charlotte...this is NOT a compliment.
3. I was really looking forward to the incorporation of Tanya back into the Curtis Black series, but was sad to say she just became another two-dimensional mother offering phone advice and affirmations...sad she got NONE of her mom’s good sense!!!
4. To Kimberla Lawson Roby’s credit, this *was* a great escape from Charlotte and Curtis’ melodrama, and she did introduce some new plot features, such as crippling credit card debt! Excited to see where her retail therapy will take us next...

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed with the ending. She doing all that shopping and no mention of getting some serious help?

[Crystal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too predictable and the main character was annoying.

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...but at this point, this series is so repetitive and follows the same formula. I'm glad it works for Roby but it's a tad disappointing. The plot wasn't interesting and of course everything was very predictable.
All alicia did was shop....and shop...and shop,rack up debt...and then cheat like her dad. it wasn't very groundbreaking.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alica Black Silvan is not ready to be married to the man of her dreams. In fact, she is having second thoughts about the whole thing and considers calling it off. Philip is a man that she is certain that she loves but is he willing to spend all his money on her? Alicia is fascinated with fashion and has a problem with shopping, buying more that she needs, infuriating her love ones in the process. Trapped between committing to her husband and her shopping habits, she makes a rash decision to overspend what is necessary. According to her, she deserves the best, she was raised and spoiled by her renowned Father, Reverend Curtis Black who is extremely wealthy. Although Curtis makes good money as the assistant pastor, it is not enough to satisfy her.

Alica's relationship is tested when she refuses to spend less money on clothes. Curtis questions the authentic of his marriage and contemplates on walking away. Supportive parents often praise his role in the church, as well as his relationship with Alica. However their compliments are hard to swallow, he could not be more unhappy. While Curtis and Alica relationship turns sour, they turn to other things to keep them focused. Tensions arise,love is tested and trust has a different meaning. Curtis must decide if his love for Alicia is enough to sustain him or destroy him.

This was a pleasant surprise, it was full of humor and light romance. I related to a lot of these characters and have many similarities with them as far as ministry. It was a fast paced reading novel and I will highly recommend it to anyone.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enthralling read in the Curtis Black Series. Kimberla Lawson Roby doesn't disappoint.

[Denise · Rating 1 out of 5]

For me this book was an absolute train wreck, I loathed most of the characters and their choices. I just couldn't look away. While talking about this book with a friend, she mentioned Telenovela and that describes this book perfectly! I would describe this as an urban/Ugly Betty caricature of the tv series Dallas, although unlike those shows, this new show would portray most of the female characters as self-involved, incredibly weak willed, and only motivated by shopping (to be fair therwe was 1 exception) and the male characters as being motivated by beautiful woman (no need to have similar intellect, values or morals) no exceptions. This book is part of a pretty long series, that seems to be pretty popular, and given the other reviews, I would say most people like exactly what I don't and that's why the world goes round.

[Ta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Descent storyline but it is predictable. This story has the nicest and most caring angry people in the world of fiction. Curtis assumes responsibility like a sponge. The issues of addiction and financial responsibility were present unfortunately, no education, solutions or professional help was introduced. Roby missed a teachable moment. On another note I found the parallels in Alicia's and Charlotte's characters interesting. Negative ambition, shopping, not wanting to work at the church, greed, selfishness and indiscretions.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent per usual! :)

[Valorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alicia is just as terrible as her father.

[Camilla Hudson-Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter like father!!!!! loved it

[Chidera · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Chivon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second Kimberla lawson Roby book that I have read and unfortunately, I started with the follow up book Be careful what you pray for, and then I read this one. I thought it was very well written, it kept my attention. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Now I would love to go back and read all about Rev. Curtis Black and definately looking forward to any new books coming out. Ms. Alicia is definately a piece of work and her character made me so mad!

[Shavonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought for sure Curtis would be the one getting in trouble in this book. I can't believe he turned his life around. I am also surprised that Alicia is moving in her dad's foot steps. I do not believe that she has learned her lesson yet and I can not wait to read the next book.

[Taneka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice break from the shenanigans of Curtis and Charlotte. Same behavior, but from a different member of the Black family. Alicia wasn't a mean cheat like her father, but she was extremely naive. The Blacks are a greedy bunch. I hope Curtina doesn't turn out the same way.

[Dana Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like father like daughter !! Little Alicia has grown up found a husband and did him so dirty! Cheated on the mat poor man with a big drug deal and tore up the husband��s credit! Alicia is a carbon copy of her daddy , pastor Curtis Black who has actually changed for now.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like father, like daughter. This follows Curtis Black's oldest child as she gets married. She is so her father's child!

[Michelle Leonard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I cannot relate to Alicia at all. I had a hard time making it through this book because her choices and self-centered attitude just turned my stomach.

[Martine]

This girl needed plenty help!!! Who spends their whole $5,000 limit on a card in one mall in one day?

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curtis series never disappoints.

[Bernadette Gerbe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Are you kidding me? How does this book possibly have a 4.5 rating!

[Kell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Passing the time

Once again not as interesting as the others but it passed the time.
Like father like daughter.
Hope next book is more interesting.

[SD Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was quite different. It borderlines on a slow saga in which I felt Kimberla struggled with piecing together in chapters 1-19 or either I was just missing and longing for more Curtis Black and Charlotte. However, at chapter 20 the booked changed. Suddenly, I didn't know if I was reading THE BEST OF EVERYTHING or SISTER SOULJAH'S THE COLDEST WINTER EVER...lol.....

The book ended up being mediocre at best for me. However, I could be biased in character creation. In KLR's earlier novels, I found the persona of Alicia to be boring and one dimensional and quite honestly she was a character that I didn't mind being exterminated. She could have stayed away at college forever and became a career student. lol....

Unfortunately, I still feel the same about her after reading this book. The 3 stars are just for effort, it wasn't a bad book, I just expected more since I know KLR is that great of a writer. The characters just lacked luster in the book and no one but the Kings lived up to true character development.

[His Wife7474 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Family is back in book #6 of the Rev. Curtis Black series. This book focuses of Curtis' daughter, Alicia, and her new husband. It seems that Alicia has picked up many of her father's selfish, trifling ways! She is newly married to Philip, her father's assistant pastor, but she isn't happy with what she thinks is a lack of ambition in Philip. She wants him to minister at his own mega-church so that he can bring in the mega-bucks. Philip is content with his nearly 6-figure salary, and he wants to stay under the tutelage of THE Reverand Curtis Black ao that he can glean all he can before striking out on his own.

Makes sense to everyone... except Alicia.

We also meet Levi, who turns out to be one of my favorite characters.

Alicia's impatience and selfishness lead her into debt, the bed of another man, and handcuffs. Want to know how it plays out? You have read the book!

***I really enjoyed this book. It was fun seeing how Curtis' kids have grown, and the paths they choose. Enjoy!***

[kilobyyte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm..... So this book could have been a side story not affiliated with the main series. Some authors will have a side story about a character that isn't a part of the main story. Alicia solved nothing which leaves the door open to further stories regarding her spending habits. Philip was a nice husband but he also shouldn't have been in a such a rush to get married. Neither one of them should have really. At 22 yes people get married but with them being a part of the church I think it was more so fitting if they did marry early. Alicia annoyed me throughout this book. She had more personality in the previous books as a child than she does as an adult. And yes I do blame Curtis for how she is when it comes to spending but if she truly forgave her father years ago she would have been let that go and healed from the past situations. I know this is book 6 and there are 9 more books in the series. I am eager to read them and I hope the characters do more than what transpired in this book.

[Donna’s Book Addiction · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reverend Curtis Blacks’ daughter, Alicia who swore to never be like her father. Her love for money, and all that it can buy. Alicia, born to the good life, doesn’t see her addiction as a serious problem, and what effect it will have on her marriage to Phillip.

First of all, I love to shop (especially books), but not to the magnitude of Alicia. I have a budget, and I definitely wouldn’t hide my purchases from my husband.

Second, you have got to listen to the audiobook narrated by Caroline Clay. Clay does an excellent job of conveying the story.

Third, it’s with no doubt that we will revisit Alicia in a future novel. I look forward to the next book in the series - ‘Be Careful what You Pray For’

[Katia Casimir · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best of everything

Ahh très chère Alicia, aînée du premier mariage du Révérant Curtis Black. Tout commence par un heureux événement, le mariage d’Alicia et de Phillippe Sullivan.

Philippe semble être un très bon parti! Par contre les traces du passé du père d’Alicia semble être présent dans le quotidien de celle ci… Alicia semble être très à l’aise dans la court des grands, jusqu’au jour où ce qui doit arriver, arrivera! Sa porte de sortie, blâmer les déboires de son père qui selon elle l’a amené à un écart d’inconduite! Trouvera t-elle une terre promise? C’est à suivre 😜

Auteure // Kimberla Lawson Roby
Genre // Comédie dramatique
Pages // 278p
Kindle

Série du Révérant Curtis Black ( tome 6 )

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