The Devil Is a Lie

by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

All that glitters isn’t gold in this new compelling tale of love, money, and divorce gone wrong from award-winning and #1 Essence bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley.Most people think that money is the key to happiness, but when an ecstatic Nina Lawson wins millions in the Powerball lottery, her world only becomes more chaotic and stressful. At first, she and her fiancé, Rick, are delighted with the unexpected windfall and immediately begin planning their future. Soon, family members and friends begin coming out of the woodwork to claim a piece of Nina’s winnings. But the most unexpected request comes from Todd, Nina’s ex-husband. He and his fiancée, Pam (with whom he had the affair that ended their marriage) reveal that the paperwork making Todd and Nina’s divorce official was never filed—and she may be compelled to share half the money with her husband. As the situation begins to spiral out of control, Nina risks losing her heart and her newfound winnings to find out what really matters.With just the right blend of joy, drama, and humor, Billingsley entertains and inspires readers with every turn of the page—it’s no surprise that her readership grows with each new book.

Genres: Christian Fiction, African American, Fiction, Book Club, Christian, Romance, Relationships

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 25, 2009

About the author

ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a general assignment reporter for KRIV-TV, the Fox affiliate in Houston, Texas. She is the author of the nonfiction book Help! I've Turned Into My Mother! and three previous adult novels: My Brother's Keeper, for which she received the prestigious Gold Pen Award for Best New Author from the Black Writer's Alliance and the Nova Lee Nation Award from the Greater Dallas Writing Association; the national bestseller Let the Church Say Amen, chosen for Library Journal's Best of 2004 list for Christian fiction; and I Know I've Been Changed, a Main Selection of the Black Expressions Book Club.
Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books.
She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith.

Reviews

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it from beginning to end!

[Dee Cherry]

Nina really found out who cared for her once she received her money, Rick included. Pam was the worse & I was surprised Todd tolerated her selfishness...Storyline-characters and situations were realistic. Good ending.

[Sheronda H · Rating 4 out of 5]

People are trifling but this story was definitely realistic. Nina’s family all on my nerves. Pam and Rick were both trifling. Nina found out who had her back and who didn’t. I’m glad everything worked out for her and Todd.

[Katrina Burchett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nina Lawson is estatic when she finds out she won millions of dollars in the Texas Lotto. And when she assures her fiance, Rick Henderson, it isn't just her money but "their" money, he's happy that he'll finally be able to live his dream of owning a business. The word gets out about Nina's big win and family she hasn't seen in quite some time shows up expecting their share. This isn't really a problem for Nina since she has a giving heart and wants to share the wealth to bring happiness to certain family members. But she isn't at all pleased when her ex-husband, Todd Lawson, and his girlfriend, Pam, expect half of the $16 million ($8.6 million after taxes). Then so many other unexpected things start happening and Nina regrets she ever won the lottery.
This was an entertaining read! I love it when I find a book that can make me laugh. Some of the things Nina's family did, some of the things they said - so funny. And I really liked Chapter 26. The way it began I thought I knew what Nina was going to discover but it was something totally different - so, so funny! I also really liked Nina's grandmother, Odessa; a woman of Godly character and wisdom.
I've heard the saying 'money changes people' but it's my belief that money brings out the "real" person. Pam, this woman was the voice of Satan. But even though Satan used her to destroy Nina's marriage, God had plans of His own. The ending was just what I hoped it would be.
I've read two of Billingsley's young adult novels, which I really enjoyed, but this is the first adult novel I've read. Her characters are always believable, stories always entertaining and she doesn't write long, drawn out chapters; she gets right to the point and moves on. There's one thing I didn't agree with in this one and that's the mention of karma, but, other than that, like I mentioned before The Devil Is a Lie was an entertaining read.

[Nardsbaby Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Breach of Trust

Nina Lawson has just won 16 million dollars in the Texas lottery. A simple girl, she has simple plans. She and her fiancé, Rick, start planning to get their finances in order, get married and live happily ever after.

But before they can claim the winnings, Nina learns that she is actually still married to Todd. Now that she’s won the lottery, he wants his half. If that weren’t bad enough, relatives she barely ever talked to are coming out of the woodwork and Rick’s whole disposition has changed towards her.

Nina soon discovers that the more money she has, the more problems arise. As fate would have it, the money just may be what God uses to get her to take a clear look at what matters most. Is Nina prepared for where God is leading her?

THE DEVIL IS A LIE is overflowing with lively characters, drama, scandal and love. Readers of Billingsley will note Judge Vanessa Colton-Kirk’s appearance from CAN I GET A WITNESS?

*Recommended by Flashette for OOSA's 4th Quarter Reading Reviewing Challenge*

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my second book by this author. This book was a SisterIISister book club selection. All the readers enjoyed the book but one thing we all agreed on was that her ex did not deserve one penny of her lottery winnings

[Destiny Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I found myself laughing in every chapter. The story was so entertaining, the characters were relatable, and I was hooked from start to finish. What really stood out to me was how the book reminded me that money can reveal the true colors of those closest to you. It made me think about how easily people can change when money is involved and how important it is to stay grounded. I also absolutely loved the ending—it wrapped up the story in such a satisfying way. This was a great book, and I’m so glad I picked it up! Will be reading more books by this author!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina Lawson had won the lottery for 8.6 million dollars and she had relatives and stranger's coming from everywhere with all kinds of stories so they could get a piece of the pie.
But after Todd heard about it his girlfriend Pam told him that he was entitled to half of her earnings because they were still married and that she didn't mail the divorced papers back because she used the money to buy a purse. And Todd did end up with half but he also ended up letting Pam go because he was tired of her and she was greedy.
Then Nina old man Rick went to the bank and drawed out all of her money, but her and Todd ended up back together and they went to the Bahamas and guess who she ran into.
Money is the root of all evil and just because you have it doesn't mean you are going to be happy.
"FORGIVE AND IT SHALL BE FORGIVEN UNTO YOU"
I really enjoyed reading this novel, very interesting and I will be looking for other novels written by this author.

[Kellee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. The author was not shy about starting off with the story from the beginning. I was able to predict PART of the ending, but definitely not all of it. I couldn't put the book down. I'm sure some might feel the main character was a little naive at times, but I honestly feel that she was realistic. I read this a lot faster than I normally read books. It was a great, easy read. I also thought it was a religious book based on the title, but the synopsis shows it's not and I'm glad it wasn't.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well!!! How many times have we found ourselves saying "The Devil is a Lie"? This book proves (in a hilarious way) that we can in fact rebuke the Devil by repeating those words. And those of you who play the Lottery hoping for your windfall that will put you on easy street.......read this book first. You might not want the money. As they say "more money, more problems".


I really enjoyed this book. ReShonda never disappoints.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! It deals with forgiviness or revenge. We all know, forgiving is a must commanded by God. Nina made the right choice in forgiving Todd and her life turned out for the best. Rick had karma pay him a visit. I have always enjoyed books written by ReShonda Tate Billingsley & Victoria Christopher Murray. There's always a lesson to be learned from these Christian fiction authors.

[Portia Taylor Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent RTB style! If you're a fan, you wont be disappointed. if you're a first time reader....you'll become a fan.

[Stephanie Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!!

[Tarsha Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Characters, Ms Billingsley made you feel a part of the book

[Nomorecandy4u · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good reading but predictable. I knew what the outcome would be for Nina.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome from start to finish! Reshonda Tate Billingsley NEVER disappoints! :)

[Jill · Rating 1 out of 5]

Completely unrealistic.
1st- no way will a person with dementia be out on a heart transplant list , much less receive one. 2nd -the person donating the heart doesn't get to choose the family it goes too.

Seriously, if you are going to add something like this to a book , check your facts.

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book.
It was a really good story. I enjoyed the humor and I definitely recommend it.

[Lorna Satchwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some what cliché, although it kept my attention. I could relate in many ways and that addded to the value of the read. I love reading about folk winning millions in the lotto. I enjoyed this a lot.

[Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooo, this was a clean yet drama filled book and I have to say that it was a very decent read. I was able to put the book down and I wasn't rushing back to it but I found myself very curious to see what was going to happen next. It had some very funny moments that made me laugh out loud as well as a couple of "NO THE HELL HE/SHE DIDN'T" moments...lol! The book flowed very well and I can't remember seeing not one single typo or hiccup, thats always a beautiful thing! Over all it was a very enjoyable read! I found myself discussing the book with my husband and he found himself very interested in hearing about it! It will for certain make you wonder what you would do if you were in the position of the main character! Steve Harvey often says, "Please Forgive Me Cause God Ain't Through With Me Yet," thats exactly what I would have to say after I finished putting a hurting on some folks over my money...lol!!! Great job ReShonda!

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enojoyed this story. I felt for Nina and what seemed like her everlasting bad luck. Prayed for Todd to face reality instead of holding onto his pride. Wanted to slap Pam, shake her, hire someone to scare her off lol, she was definitely a thorn in my side. The grandmothers in this story were hilarious!! I loved the wisdom and humor they provided as well as Todd's mother. I'm still a fan of Ms. Tate after this one, I'd definitely recommend.

[Writeonbro]

I'm looking forward to examining a Christian fiction that's said to be hilarious and quick paced.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I couldn't put it down. I guess I just really identified with the characters. First fictitious book I've really enjoyed in a long time.

[Mattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an outstanding book - our book club read this for the month of September. Reshonda is one of my favorite authors

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very powerful book......
I learned that some things are best kept as secrets, esp when it involves lots of money

[Tasha]

Great book!! Must Read!!

[Odetta · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried listening to this book & didn't like it.

[C · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jus ok and an unrealistic ending

[Yolanda Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was an awsome book i couldnt put it down..didnt really like Pam at all in the book but it was a great book

[Tyran · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first novel by this author. This book was really good and I would recommend her to anyone that has yet to read something by this amazing author!