Be Careful What You Pray For: A Novel

Reverend Curtis Black #7

by Kimberla Lawson Roby

Her first marriage didn't work out, but that isn't going to stop Alicia Black, the privileged daughter of the charismatic Reverend Curtis Black, from getting what she wants. Alicia can't believe her good fortune. God has heeded her prayers, blessing her with the perfect second husband, Pastor JT Valentine, a handsome, dynamic man of the cloth with his own large congregation, just like her father. Unfortunately, Alicia doesn't understand how much like Curtis her new husband truly is. JT has been sneaking around town with other women—and he only married her to get close to her father's money and fame. But while Alicia is blinded by love, her dad certainly isn't. After all, it takes one to know one—and who better to see into the darkness of a sinner's heart than Curtis Black? Only a miracle can save the day. But God acts in mysterious ways, and soon Alicia will have to face some very crucial and life-changing decisions. This time, she's got to be careful what she prays for. . . .

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

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 2010

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

[Katrina Burchett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alicia Black believes she has found the man of her dreams and when she marries Pastor JT Valentine she is finally living the life she always wanted. She has lots of money, an expensive car, a luxurious home and she's the First Lady of New Life Christian Center, a mega church. But are material possessions and prestige enough to make a marriage work? Has Alicia found her happily ever after?

It took me longer to read this novel than it normally would have. I had to close the book and step away from it for a while because Pastor JT Valentine was getting on my nerves. I did not like him at all and not because of this married man's weakness for sex that had him jumping from one woman's bed to the next, but because as a man of God he didn't even try to repent and he had no respect for marriage or the wife who loved him. Everything was about him; every single choice he made. Nothing about his life had anything to do with God (even though he seemed to think it did); not even his church, considering what he did to get it started and the choices he made to bring in more members. Pastor JT thought pretty highly of himself for a man who had no character. This so-called man of God was a selfish, money-hungry, conniving, lying, adulterer who was making his own plans and doing things his own way to get what he wanted yet he had the audacity to believe God was blessing him. And he had no consideration for other people's feelings; especially his wife's. I don't know what he was really searching for in the arms of so many other women, but he certainly had serious issues so he should have been working on his relationship with God... I'm reading this story and thinking, Oh my goodness, look at this man! This book was a page-turner for me (it got really interesting when I got to Chapter 35) because I had to find out what kind of man Pastor JT was going to be by the time the story ended; if he'd become a better man.

Certain women in this story were upset with Pastor JT but they made their own choices, so I didn't feel bad for any of them. And Alicia - Now, I haven't read the other books in the Reverend Curtis Black series so I don't know a lot about this Phillip she used to be married to, but it sounded like he was much better for her than Pastor JT.

Lots and lots of drama in this story! There was quite a bit of content I didn't like, but I have to admit that all-in-all this was an entertaining read. Roby's creativity earned the story 4 stars. A bit of it was predictable, however, this talented author shocked me more than once with some of the scenes her imagination came up with; she is very good at what she does.

Be Careful What You Pray For is realistic fiction and that's really a shame. There are Pastors in the real world who are living like Pastor JT Valentine and that should not be. I just hope this novel doesn't give anyone who has a problem with God another excuse to reject Him. Christianity is not about man; it is all about Jesus

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alicia Black thought that she married the perfect guy, but discovered that it was all a lie. Alicia finds out alot about her husband.
This is a very good series
I love the Black family and look forward to reading more

[Tip Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good also.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alicia Black first marriage did not work out, but she is now she is on a quest to find true love. As the sassy and privileged daughter of Reverend Curtis Black,she is use to getting what she wants. After marrying the love of her life, Pastor JT Valentine, she is sure that he is going to satisfy her every desire. It has been a blessing to marry a wealthy and respected man in the church and she does not know why her Father does not approve of him. Balancing writing and church duties is a big burden but she is willing to do what it takes to be the first lady that people look up too.

Although she is satisfied in her marriage, rumors circulate that her husband has been unfaithful. Judging from her past, she has no room to judge anyone but apart of her starts to believe what people say about him. Nevertheless, she refuses to entertain the thought of Jt sleeping around, contrary to the signs that she often sees. Alicia past catches up to her when she is reintroduced to an old friend who has a bag of secrets that will destroy her life. Now Alicia must choose whether to trust her past or her future with JT.

This was a very well written novel based on church scandal, love, sex and drama. I laughed a few times at the characters traits, they were so authentic! Kimberly has a way of developing characters that make you sympathize with their faults and cater to their strengths. I look forward to reading the entire series, they are highly addictive and hilarious!

[Nay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pastor J.T. breaks every command in the Bible. Then when someone wrongs him, his response "I thought you were a man of God." AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I wanted to throw the book across the room. Can't stand hypocrite Pastors. They make the whole church look bad. I know this is fiction, but still.

Good read also frustrating.

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio of this book from Audible.com. The reader Caroline Clay was exceptional. All of her voices were very believable and not strained or ridiculous. That being said, my attention was held from the first. The characters; J.T. Valentine, Carmen and Alicia Black were all too much for words. All three of these characters were over the top in all their shenanigans. Alicia because of her ridiculous need for material things, Carmen for her obsessive love for J.T and J.T. for his lying, cheating, low down womanizing ways. This book was like looking and listening in on a psychotic train wreck of human emotions and actions that you weren't suppose to see or hear. I loved every minute of it!

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, the fabulous Kimberla Lawson Roby did not disappoint with this latest installment in her Rev. Curtis Black series.

This one is the follow-up to The Best Everything. It stars Curtis' grown daughter, Alicia Black, who has set her sights on a new up-and-coming minster named TJ Valentine.

On the surface, TJ seems perfect--he cares about Alicia, but mostly he buys her anything she wants, which was her main problem during her first marriage to Phillip, he was too money-conscious.

Everyone loves TJ, with the exception of Alicia's father Curtis, who belives TJ is just a shady, shiesty, character. You would think this would tip Alicia off a bit, since her father had had numerous affairs of his own. Takes one to know one, right?

So TJ has been sleeping with two other women, Diana, a rich, older woman who gives his money whenever he asks, and Carmen, a girl who used to be friends with Alicia (although TJ doesn't know that.) TJ tries to break things off with Carmen after he finds a new mistress, Veda, but Carmen is having no parts of that and starts acting psycho and stalkerish, even re-introducing herself to Alicia and having them catch up on old times.

While all this is going on, TJ is trying his best to increase his church's membership, and he forges Curtis' signature on recommendation letters to other, bigger churches.

As I said, Ms. Roby never disappoints and while this one was slightly predictable and not much different than some of her older novels, it still kept me entertained and wanting to see what would happen next. I really like Alicia as a character, although she can be bratty and spoiled (like me) and I didn't like how she so easily cheated on her husband in her first book, she seems like a girl I'd definitely want to be friends with.

Challenge Used For: 100 Books in a Year

[Jennifer Alexander Reynolds · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was thoroughly disappointed in this book. It started with much promise. The storyline was fine but it just went on too long before the climax and the climax fizzled badly. This book is about Alicia, an educated, inteligent 23 year-old divorcee. She is the child of a preacher and is used to a certain material lifestyle. She meets JT who is everything she has been praying for in a man; handsome, charming, confident and financially secure. After a short courtship of 6 months they marry. That's where the story turns ugly and repetitive. JT is a womanizer and a habitual adulturer. Did I also mention he is a pastor of one of the fastest growing churches in the nation? Alicia is extremely naive to all of this. In my opinion this plot point went on for far too long. There were some surprises along the way and this book was a very easy and quick read but the ending was a let down and it left me unsatisfied as the reader. It is my understanding that this book is the latest in a series of books about Curtis Black (Alicia's father) and his family. I think the author dropped the ball in thinking we had read the other books in this series because certain details were quickly skimmed over, details that probably would have endeared me to some of the characters. I liked the premise of the story but felt it fell flat in a few areas.

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won't go into detail regarding the plot of this book because I am sure that it has already been done. I did not realize that this was a sequel and I found the characters were very undeveloped, but that may be an issue for me due to the fact that I haven't read the other book. It has been a long time since I've read any of the Curtis Black books, however the situations that the characters are involved in seem very far-fetched. The husband in this book seems like a regurgitation of Rev. Black. All in all, I was very unimpressed.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I have to say this book is very good. I cant stand the fact that the pastor is a womanizer. I cant wait to find out how this one ends.

This was a good book. I think the ending left me hanging a little bit but over all it was good. I would really hate to think that a pastor would be that nasty but hey Kimberla opens up some crazy doors with this one lol.

[T.A. Beasley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book but it did not thrill me as much as the rest of the series. The twist in the book was unsuspected but still yet it did not wow me. I love this author's previous work and I am looking forward to the new Rev Curtis Black installment, which I just received.

[Kathy Lovemesome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it again... catching up on my reading

As always, enjoyed the story of Rev Curtis Black and family... be careful what you pray for is certainly a lesson we should all keep first and foremost in our mind....

[Veronica Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of this couldn't be more real!!!!!!! Sometimes what looks good isn't always good, truly enjoyed reading this book

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read!

This book was a very enjoyable read. I enjoyed the main character, Alicia. She experiences a lot of growth during her 7-month marriage to JT and learns that material things don't sustain true happiness. True to the title of the book, be careful what you pray for...

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

much better than the last book. also sometimes what looks good isn't always good.Im kinda over the fact that all the drama seems to be announced over the pulpit, but that seems to be the author's only way to tie up her drama. it's happened in nearly every book.
I keep reading her work, expecting something to be different, but it's more or less always the same.

[Dorel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is 1st book I read by Kimberla Lawson Roby. This 7th book's story line was good. At times in the story I didn't understand Alicia. I didn't like JT. I think JT got what he deserved. I really enjoyed the ending.

[Kira Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lesson that can be learned are endless. On to the next!!!

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could be a cautionary tale to be careful about what you think you want and what really will make you happy. Alicia thinks she has found the man of her dreams who will fulfill her in every way, but he is not who he seems to be. Roby writes quite an interesting series about the stresses and joys of mega-church life and unfaithful spouses. This author really writes a well thought-out series, and it’s too bad she hasn’t gotten more recognition.

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be Careful What You Pray For has got to be one of my favorite books in the first half of the Reverend Curtis Black series!

In my review of Book 4, I mentioned my skepticism about the notion of a “Good Curtis,” who seems to have his former, sinning self lurking just beneath the surface. However, the introduction of the senior reverend’s corrupt son-in-law, J.T. Valentine, is just the edge we needed to make Reverend Black live up to his allegedly holy status. In comparison, J.T. is both dastardly *and* dashing, and I finally understood a bit more of the charming qualities everyone SUPPOSEDLY saw in the “Bad Curtis” of the first few books. With J.T., Kimberla Lawson Roby has finally given this series its first quality supervillain, and it’s not a minute too early!

This time around, I felt like we were operating on a higher level of connection to these characters, the real world they live in, and its multiple shades of grey. Not only were most all people both wrong and right at some point, but we had a reasonably stronger sense of why the derangement occurred when it (inevitably) did. This time, Roby’s revenge schemes begin to coalesce well before the last pages, and this extended connection of the dots is SO rewarding. I’m happy we finally get to eat our cake BEFORE the epilogue, and I’m excited to return to Mitchell, IL for some more church drama...

[Taneka · Rating 5 out of 5]

JT Valentine. Sounds like a pimp name doesn't it. Well, I guess it is a fitting name, considering what he did. I quite enjoyed this story. I mean, the story line is similar to all the other Curtis Black books, BUT, this one had a bit of a twist in that it was from Alicia's experience. She seems to have grown as a character. In the beginning, she still seemed as if she was the same money hungry person as before in The Best of Everything, but she showed a different side of herself in the end.

I wanted more of the skeletons to fall out of the closet for JT. I felt there was more. I wanted his biological family to jump out and say that he lied about them too. Or for Veta's husband and son to be in the audience when her name was dropped. Honestly, the whole reveal could have been blown up, but it only when out with a sizzle. Either way, it was really good and again, I am glad for the character development in Alicia

Also, I really like Levi. Not that Philip was bad, but Levi is the business.

I have high hopes for Alicia in the next book about her experience, The Ultimate Betrayal.

[Latiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

As with all of Kimberla Lawson Roby's books, I completed this one in just days. Four to be exact. I'm not bragging by any means. Roby writes really great fiction. It's not deep, there is nothing to ponder, it's simply good fiction reading. Entertainment I should say. I do get a little irritated with her work at times because her characters and storylines are totally predictable, but again I read her work to laugh. I would only suggest this book if you've already read the other stories in the Curtis Black series. Don't pick this one up first or you won't know what the hell is going on.

[LaTonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good read and the sequel to The Best of Everything. I read it in just one day because I was so eager to see how the story would play out and of course it got better towards the end when all the secrets were revealed. This book reminds me of the first story in the series, Casting The First Stone because JT is just like Curtis was before he changed. I do think that I liked this one a bit more than that one though because there were more twists and Alicia didn't knowingly take as much as her mother did when she was with Curtis.

[Teaguem2005 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much, much better than the previous book in the series! In this installment, Ms Alicia finally grows up and accepts responsibility for her previous actions. Though duped by the man who could afford her the lifestyle she was accustomed to, she learns that he has very similar traits as her father. Her father warns her not to marry JT but she does not listen. Alicia has the final say on the matter though. Highly recommend.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been told, "Be Careful What You Pray For". I'm sure Alicia Black Valentine realizes this not. She prayed for a man who could give her whatever she wanted and got just that in JT Valentine. He had money but he was a liar, cheater, whoremonger. He used women to his advantage but it all came back to haunt him in the end. So be careful what you pray for, you just might get it!!!!!

[Shanae · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of the same. Nothing exemplary. I don't understand how Roby has managed to finagle people into purchasing 10 books about the same subject. I keep reading them expecting a little change but nothing. I'm too deep into the series to turn back now but I sure hope something happens to shock me and reverse the regret I'm feeling over having had picked up the first book.

[Alysia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have ever read of Kimberla Roby and I loved it. I love books that just pull you into it the minute you open the cover. There are a ton of crazy things going on in the book that I never saw coming.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me want to whoop Alicia's behind. I just knew she had to be smarter being Reverend Black's daughter. There were so many secrets it was crazy. I really enjoyed this book. I would highly recommend this book.

[Carol Hornsby-mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I never thought she'd end up where she did, but that's why we serve a forgiving God. At lease she realize the pain she caused can come back to hurt you. Lord have mercy on the Pimps in the pull pit.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic.

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbinding Twists & Turns!