A House Divided

By: Kimberla Lawson Roby

Narrated by: Gwen Hughes

Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's Summary

Life is close to perfect for the Reverend Curtis Black and his wife, Charlotte - except their son, Matthew, and his girlfriend, Racquel, are about to become parents at the tender age of 18. Even though Curtis and Charlotte wish Matthew could focus on Harvard instead of fatherhood, they are determined to welcome their new grandson with open arms. But for Charlotte, welcoming her future in-laws is another story. Try as she might, Charlotte can't stand Racquel's mother, Vanessa - and the feeling appears to be mutual.

When the tension between Charlotte and Vanessa finally erupts, the stress sends an already-fragile Racquel into early labor. Everyone is quick to blame Charlotte, including Matthew and Curtis. That her own husband would side with someone else infuriates Charlotte and strains the relationship they've only recently been able to repair. Her one ally is Racquel's father, but that brings problems of its own.

While Charlotte schemes against Vanessa, Curtis is consumed with his own concerns about Deliverance Outreach. A mysterious figure from his past has been sending Curtis cryptic messages threatening to take away Curtis' coveted position as senior pastor and destroy everything he has worked so hard for. But who could hate Curtis that much? And how can he fight an enemy he can't even name?

Times of trouble are descending upon the Black family in more ways than one. Will they be able to overcome their challenges and stand together against someone who could take it all away? Or is the Black family finally out of miracles?

©2013 Kimberla Lawson Roby (P)2013 Hachette Audio

Surprisingly disappointing

I was surprised at this performance of the latest Curtis Black novel. The performance really took away from the story line, making it very hard to complete this novel. I would not recommend this as a listen for anyone. Gwen Hughes was not a good fit for the narration of this novel and because of it, I'm considering getting my credit back. I have enjoyed all of the other Curtis Black novels and have decided to try another avenue to read this book.

8 people found this helpful

Performance sold melodrama of story

Is there anything you would change about this book?

It's a little melodramatic, but nevertheless, you can't help wanting to know how it ends, it's such a crazy story with such crazy out of control characters. I felt like Gwen Hughes was as into the story as the listener is, trying to make Charlotte seem like a real person. I felt for the son.

Would you be willing to try another book from Kimberla Lawson Roby? Why or why not?

Probably not, but I liked this one.

Have you listened to any of Gwen Hughes’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. This was only one. She has a nice voice.

Was A House Divided worth the listening time?

Sure.

3 people found this helpful

Only if there's nothing else

Would you try another book from Kimberla Lawson Roby and/or Gwen Hughes?

Sure, I always look for her books, even waited for this one. But THIS PARTICULAR BOOK WILL NOT HAVE ME WAITING FOR THE NEXT.

Would you be willing to try another book from Kimberla Lawson Roby? Why or why not?

Yes, but in my opinion, she didnt keep up with the character's character. I mean Charlotte wouldn't behave this way. She never had before, now a change in personality. Repeat readers know all of her characters. We know the difference, a turn off.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

No, not her fault.

Do you think A House Divided needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Nope, Its time to retire the family, and give up something else.

Any additional comments?

let it go already.

2 people found this helpful

Didn't like the narrator

It took me a while to get through this one. I didn't like how the narrator made every woman sound like they were whining except Charlotte. Choose a different narrator.

1 person found this helpful

My least favorite book in the Curtis Black series

I'm a huge fan of Kimberla Lawson Roby and was sooooooo looking forward to her next book in the Curtis Black series. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed. The writing style seemed a bit different then the other books (in this series)....more conservative I guess. Something seemed to be missing :(. The story line was okay, but no where near comparable to the previous ones.

I'm still and will ALWAYS be a fan of Kimberla's, however this book was mediocre at best in my opinion.

1 person found this helpful

This one was kinda stupid

Charlotte's character was childish and annoying as hell! The way she acted was foolish and I really didnt care for her in this one.

Never Disappointed

I have always loved Kimberla and The Reverend Curtis Black series. I'm never disappointed, I love how she brings in old characters. Great Audible!

Good but slow start

The beginning of this story dragged and I think because of the narrator. It was hard to follow and stay interested but I hung in there and enjoyed the story. It was the narrator that got me in this book.

the mom u want to choke lol

it was a good book with nice twist and turns. I wanted to give Charlotte a good shake. this is the 1st book I've read in this series and now I have to go back and read the rest.

Great book, horrible narration

Enjoy Kimberla Lawson Roby books, especially this series. I am reading it again and recognize how horrible some of the earlier narrators were, this being one of them. Skipping rereading this one, I can't stomach listening to her. Next book please!