Illinois Authors

William Morrow, New York, NY : ©2009.

In the outside, twelve-year-old Jillian Maxwell is the perfect child. She's helpful with chores around the house, gets straight A's in school, has plans for college, and stays out of trouble. She seems to have everything a girl could want: a beautiful new home, an adoring little sister, a mother who cares about her, and an attentive stepfather. But inside, Jillian harbors a terrible secret.

After an argument sends their son's girlfriend into early labor, Reverend Curtis Black and his wife experience a rift between them that may send her into the arms of another man.

W. Morrow, New York : ©2003.

As her seemingly perfect life begins to crumble around her, both at home and at work, putting her job and marriage on the line, Anise is forced to muster all of her courage and faith to triumph over adversity and realize her dreams.

William Morrow, New York : ©2010.

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. One month after her wedding to her second husband, she can't believe her good fortune. God has heeded her prayers, blessing her with Pastor JT Valentine, a handsome, dynamic man of the cloth with his own large congregation, just like her father. Unfortunately, Alicia doesn't understand just how much like Curtis her new husband truly is. She doesn't know that JT has been sneaking around town with other women-or that 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. He warned his little girl that JT simply can't be trusted. After all, it takes one to know one, and who better to see into the darkness of a sinner's heart than Curtis? It will take a miracle to save the day. But God acts in mysterious ways, and soon a host of lies, longtime secrets, and acts of betrayal comes to light, and Alicia must face some very crucial and life-changing decisions. This time, she's got to be careful what she prays for.

Avon Trade, New York, NY : [2004], ©1997.

Regina Moore and Karen Jackson, best friends since childhood, must offer each other support in restoring their foundering marriages and dealing with the inevitable changes in their lives, in a new edition of the first novel from the author of Too Much of a Good Thing.

Things are falling apart in the Richardson household. Angry arguments between Celine and her husband, Keith, have become routine. She resents that he's working long hours and staying out all night, and he accuses her of not giving him the attention he deserves. Their marriage is at a cross-roads and Celine worries how her 10-year-old daughter, Kassie, will be affected. But the situation turns devastating when Celine is diagnosed with breast cancer. As her relationship with Keith deteriorates, Celine worries that she'll be left to navigate the difficult process of cancer treatment alone. But comfort and support come in the form of Celine's best friend, Lauren. They've been attached at the hip since they were children and it is Lauren who's there for Celine in her darkest moments. Now, Celine will be forced to make tough decisions-about her marriage and otherwise-and for the first time in her life, she wants to give up. Lauren vows to help by any means necessary and makes the kind of sacrifice only a best friend can. But will it be too late? --

When Tanya discovers disturbing truths about her husband, the Reverend Curtis Black, she is plunged into a bittersweet journey of discovery. For while she learns painful new lessons about love, betrayal, and sensual temptation, she also discovers the victories that are hers alone.

William Morrow, New York : ©2006.

Whitney, Taylor, and Charisse have been best friends for years, but they are about to face an unexpected wave of troubles when Charisse's husband threatens to go public with a secret that she has been desperately trying to hide from her mother.

Kensington Books, New York, NY : 2000, ©1999.

The story of two black sisters, each jealous of what the other has. Sister Marcella is a single mother with two children and is dreaming of a career. Sister Racquel has both husband and career, but is longing for a child, the couple undergoing treatment for infertility. The jealousy creates trouble between them.

Dafina Books/Kensington Pub. Corp., New York, NY : 2001.

Their mother's stroke puts a strain on the lives of Sydney, Gina and Rick.

William Morrow, New York : ©2007.

Increasingly disgusted with her celebrity preacher husband's absence and continuing falls from grace, Charlotte Black remembers her disastrous affair with schizophrenic Aaron Malone, and receives a disturbing visit from her brother-in-law.

Grand Central Pub., New York : 2011.

After the Reverend Curtis Black and his wife, Charlotte, must take in the illegitimate child he fathered with a mistress, who is now deceased, the two-year-old's arrival puts stress on their marriage, and soon each begins to stray, all the while suspecting the other of infidelities.

Avon, New York : 2009, ©2008.

In the first novella by the New York Times bestselling author of the Reverend Curtis Black series, a wife and a husband receive a few surprises that will change their lives forever. A poignant and witty story of hope and perception, expectation, and illusion.

Grand Central Pub., New York : 2011.

Tired of living her entire life in the shadow of her sister Camille, Paige Donahue plots to steal her brother-in-law and ruin their marriage.

Avon : New York, NY : 2008.

A man who thrives on wickedness and counts on forgiveness, Curtis Black proclaims to his wife, Charlotte, that he will sin no more. He's finally learned his lesson about straying, and he's got the repercussions of his past misdeeds to remind him. First there's his new baby daughter, Curtina, and her mother, Tabitha, Curtis's former mistress, who demands that the preacher be a part of their lives - or else!.

Grand Central Publishing 2022

This emotional novel from a New York Times bestselling author follows four lifelong friends as each faces a crisis in family, love, and forgiveness. Serena, Michelle, Kenya, and Lynette have been best friends since they were small children. And as sister friends forever, they have always been there for one another, through good times and bad, no matter what. This year is a crucial turning point for each woman. Serena, still single, is questioning why love hasn’t found her yet. Michelle is engaged and ready to walk down the aisle—until an old flame strolls back into her life. Kenya is happily married, but at the same time, her husband’s ex-wife won’t allow them or their family to live in peace. And Lynette’s divorce from her cheating husband has her nervously dating for the first time in well over a decade. During this difficult period, their friendship will be tested like never before. Yet it is that sisterly love that they will need . . . more than ever.

William Morrow, New York : ©2009.

The Reverend Curtis Black's daughter, Alicia, reaches adulthood determined not to repeat her father's mistakes, but her love of money and the things it can buy threatens to destroy her marriage to Phillip, the assistant pastor of her father's church.

William Morrow, New York : ©2005.

Possessing a renewed commitment to behaving himself after landing a new job and wife, Curtis Black quickly finds himself tempted to fall into his old pattern of seducing women but wonders if he may actually have met his match in his third wife.

Grand Central Pub., New York : ©2013.

Watching her parents struggle with their drug addictions, their loss of control, and diminishing family unity, Mackenzie Shaw takes matters into her own hands.

The new book in the bestselling Reverend Curtis Black series! After dropping out of Harvard to be with his girlfriend Racquel and their new baby, Matthew Black discovers that fatherhood isn't what he expected. His relationship with Racquel has become strained, and while he wants to be a good husband, he soon finds himself attracted to another woman. Meanwhile, Curtis and Charlotte are having their own problems. Curtis's long-lost-son Dillon has settled into their household and Charlotte feels he's trying to take Matthew's place in Curtis's heart. She is determined to get Dillon out of the house, but doing so won't be as easy as she thinks. Dillon quickly figures out what Charlotte is up to and launches his own plan to turn Curtis against her--

Grand Central Pub., New York : 2012.

Maintaining a cordial relationship with the unfaithful Charlotte while planning a divorce when their son graduates from high school, the Reverend Curtis Black resists his wife's efforts to reconcile and considers a proposition by a woman who desperately wants to marry him.

"It's been four years since twenty-eight-year old Alicia Black, daughter of Reverend Curtis Black, divorced her second husband, the most womanizing and corrupt man she has ever known. Since then, Alicia has been dating her first husband, Phillip Sullivan, a wonderfully kind and true man of God whom she'd hurt terribly by cheating on him. Alicia has worked hard to prove herself worthy of his trust once more, and when he asks her to marry him again, she couldn't be happier. But Levi Cunningham, the drug dealer Alicia had an extramarital affair with, has just been released from prison, and he has completely turned his life around for the better. Still head-over-heels in love with Alicia, he will do whatever is necessary to win her back. Remarrying Phillip is the one thing Alicia has wanted for years, but she can't get Levi out of her mind. Alicia and Phillip aren't the only ones in the middle of a crisis. Their best friends, husband and wife Brad and Melanie Richardson, are struggling to keep their marriage together. Workaholic Brad is never home and has begun losing thousands on bad investments. Or so he says. Melanie, who is certain there's more to the story, is determined to get at the truth. At the same time, her frustration and stress cause her to eat a lot less, and she behaves in an extreme fashion. Alicia worries that she could be suffering from anorexia, but Melanie steadfastly denies it. Their friendship begins to suffer, and it isn't long before they're talking to each other like enemies. Fresh betrayal leads to consequences no one saw coming, and Alicia's relationship with Phillip might not be the only thing that needs saving. But is it already too late? "--

Kimberla Lawson Roby admits that for years, she wasn't being the real woman God created her to be. Yes, she has always loved God and tried her best to honor Him, but what she eventually discovered was that building and maintaining her own personal relationship with God--and making Him her top priority--was the key to finding joy in all areas of her life. Now, in The Woman God Created You to Be, Kimberla has bravely--and transparently--written about her flaws, fears, and failures, as well as her faith, courage, and successes. From experiencing divorce to marrying her soulmate of twenty-nine years...from hopelessly searching for the perfect job to becoming a New York Times bestselling author...from suffering in silence with anxiety to concentrating on self-care...from struggling with the loss of her mom to finding strength, comfort, peace. and understanding--Kimberla takes you on a journey that will help you do the following: Become the Best Spiritual You (Seven Days Per Week) ; Become the Best Personal You (Mentally, Emotionally, and Physically) ; Become the Best Professional You (Without Jeopardizing Your Faith). Kimberla reminds us that when we trust and depend on God--heart, mind, and soul--He will empower us to do more than we ever thought imaginable. He will help us see that we are more than enough, and that He has already given us everything we need to become the women He created us to be--spiritually, personally, professionally...and beyond.

William Morrow, New York : ©2004.

Despite his status as a married man, minister Curtis Black's good looks, charming demeanor, and charismatic personality make him especially attractive to his female parishioners--as well as nearly every other woman he has ever met.