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It's a Thin Line
Sydney, Gina, and Rick are siblings who have always shared a special bond, and yet their lives are as different as can be. Responsible eldest sister Sydney has a sexy husband, an adorable daughter, and fulfilling work. But, little by little, the demands of her writing career have mounted, leaving her little time or energy for family life. Meanwhile proud middle sister Gina is struggling to raise her eight-year-old twins--and protect them from the increasing fury of their volatile father. Impulsive brother Rick, the baby of the family, is living the high life--dodging commitment with his longtime girlfriend and wondering if the grass is greener somewhere else.
When their beloved mother Delores suffers a debilitating stroke, all three suddenly find the tenuous threads of their individual lives at a breaking point. A dark childhood secret threatens Sydney's secure world; Gina is swept into a maelstrom of domestic violence; and Rick comes to a dramatic crossroads in his relationship. Worst of all, the burden of caring for a parent is tearing the siblings apart, shattering their faith in one another. Now as Sydney, Gina, and Rick struggle to overcome daunting obstacles and rebuild their lives, they will discover something they've never let themselves believe: that their most stable--and most cherished--relationships have always been with each other.
When their beloved mother Delores suffers a debilitating stroke, all three suddenly find the tenuous threads of their individual lives at a breaking point. A dark childhood secret threatens Sydney's secure world; Gina is swept into a maelstrom of domestic violence; and Rick comes to a dramatic crossroads in his relationship. Worst of all, the burden of caring for a parent is tearing the siblings apart, shattering their faith in one another. Now as Sydney, Gina, and Rick struggle to overcome daunting obstacles and rebuild their lives, they will discover something they've never let themselves believe: that their most stable--and most cherished--relationships have always been with each other.
347 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2001
About the author
Kimberla Lawson Roby
34 books2,639 followersNew York Times Bestselling Author, Speaker & Podcast Host, Kimberla Lawson Roby, has published 29 books which include her faith-based, nonfiction title, THE WOMAN GOD CREATED YOU TO BE: Finding Success Through Faith—Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally, as well as some of her novels, such as CASTING THE FIRST STONE, BETTER LATE THAN NEVER, SIN OF A WOMAN, A SINFUL CALLING, BEST FRIENDS FOREVER, A CHRISTMAS PRAYER, THE PRODIGAL SON, THE PERFECT MARRIAGE, THE REVEREND’S WIFE, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PRAY FOR, SIN NO MORE, 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.
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's next novel, Sister Friends Forever, will be released on August 9, 2022, and she resides in Illinois with her husband, Will.
To share your thoughts with Kimberla regarding her work, please e-mail her at: kim@kimroby.com
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.
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's next novel, Sister Friends Forever, will be released on August 9, 2022, and she resides in Illinois with her husband, Will.
To share your thoughts with Kimberla regarding her work, please e-mail her at: kim@kimroby.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 19, 2018
Great read!
December 6, 2021
This is my first time reading a book by Kimberla Lawson Roby. Initially, I was struggling to find a rhythm while reading the first few chapters. For some reason, I was stumbling over her prose. I'm not sure what it was but I couldn't get into a smooth reading zone until I was a few more chapters in. Then, the story came together beautifully. I enjoyed the story tremendously and am looking forward to reading more of her recent books.
April 3, 2021
Lightening in a bottle is gone
I’m sorry but this was probably Kimberla’s worst book I’ve ever read. The topics she covered were very serious and I’m glad she addressed real issues but I’m so used to gobbling up every Morsel of her writing and this novel just left me hungry and unsatisfied
I’m sorry but this was probably Kimberla’s worst book I’ve ever read. The topics she covered were very serious and I’m glad she addressed real issues but I’m so used to gobbling up every Morsel of her writing and this novel just left me hungry and unsatisfied
October 19, 2022
This book was exhausting. Another one that pulled me in with the first I’ll say 3 chapters. Then boom, I’m reading the same thing over and over and over again. Kimberla Lawson Roby did in 32 chapters plus epilogue what could have been done in 15, maybe less.
She had a great story line but failed to deliver. Too many words that lead me in a circle. Not enough action. Not enough impact. Not enough heart. Tough subject matter; sexual abuse, domestic violence, fear of commitment, marital issues surrounding sex, caring for sick parent. Nothing hit like it could have.
Please add this to my tab. I’ll hand it to the Time Keeper on my way out for a refund.
She had a great story line but failed to deliver. Too many words that lead me in a circle. Not enough action. Not enough impact. Not enough heart. Tough subject matter; sexual abuse, domestic violence, fear of commitment, marital issues surrounding sex, caring for sick parent. Nothing hit like it could have.
Please add this to my tab. I’ll hand it to the Time Keeper on my way out for a refund.
November 24, 2008
I truly enjoy reading this book. This was my first book of hers to read, so I got all the other books that I missed and will have to read them.
July 19, 2008
Sydney,Gina and Rick as close as any siblings can be. While each having problems of their own they also have take time for each others problems. Their mom takes a turn and gets sick and that divides them but eventually they find thier way back.
I was extremely happy with this book. I couldn't put it down!I love books that dipict real life situations and this one took one of lifes hardest situations and made you look through the eyes of a victim. I cried and laughed and then sighed at the end. I was relieved to see the end.
When i think about what Gina had to go through in her life with the man that she loved with all her heart i cry. I think about before and how i dealt with my daughters father and the abuse that he out me through. Eventually you wake up and see the light and walk away but some people don't. Those are the people that are forever afraid and are not sure if they can stand on thier own. Those are the people who need help. But to find these people is almost impossible. You won't see any bruises because they wear thier abuse in thier hearts and thier souls. They cry out to you but shy away when you answer. Those are the ones that never make it out and they die far too young.
So if you read this book and notice anyone that shows the signs help them. They may be your family members,your neighbors,friends. Don't walk away even if they want you to. Help from the dark if needed. They will thank you when they smile at life.
I was extremely happy with this book. I couldn't put it down!I love books that dipict real life situations and this one took one of lifes hardest situations and made you look through the eyes of a victim. I cried and laughed and then sighed at the end. I was relieved to see the end.
When i think about what Gina had to go through in her life with the man that she loved with all her heart i cry. I think about before and how i dealt with my daughters father and the abuse that he out me through. Eventually you wake up and see the light and walk away but some people don't. Those are the people that are forever afraid and are not sure if they can stand on thier own. Those are the people who need help. But to find these people is almost impossible. You won't see any bruises because they wear thier abuse in thier hearts and thier souls. They cry out to you but shy away when you answer. Those are the ones that never make it out and they die far too young.
So if you read this book and notice anyone that shows the signs help them. They may be your family members,your neighbors,friends. Don't walk away even if they want you to. Help from the dark if needed. They will thank you when they smile at life.
October 24, 2020
Sad story but relatable
I saw a little bit of myself in almost every female character in the book. I've lost a parent, both of them, and I'm a survivor of abuse, just not on Gina's level and I'm stronger than I thought. Kimberla Lawson-Roby is a favorite author
I saw a little bit of myself in almost every female character in the book. I've lost a parent, both of them, and I'm a survivor of abuse, just not on Gina's level and I'm stronger than I thought. Kimberla Lawson-Roby is a favorite author
March 2, 2023
The emotional rollercoaster this book put me through! The author managed to weave three complicated stories into one book, taking time to intricately detail each story so well that I felt the despair and frustration the characters were going through. It serves as a reminder that you never really know what anyone is going through behind closed doors. It's so easy to become judgemental of others' struggles while expecting others to understand our own struggles. Sydney is the responsible, oldest sister who has a somewhat healthy marriage. Yet she's struggling with certain issues and memories that are threatening to ruin her union with her husband. Gina is the middle child who struggled to find her place in the world and always felt just a little bit neglected when it came to her relationship with her siblings. She's in an extremely abusive marriage and can't seem to understand how she ended up there, why she stayed, and more importantly, how to save herself. The baby of the trio is Rick. He has a loving, committed relationship with his finace and places no concern or longing to actually be tied down with marriage. His struggle is learning how to take other people into consideration and not lash out at the world when he feels misunderstood. Delores, their mother and matriach of the family, holds them all together with unwavering faith and unconditional love, even while fighting a battle of her own. WARNING: There are mentions of multiple forms of abuse, including SA and DV.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2024
Sidney, Gina and Rick as close as any siblings can be. While each having problems of their own they also take time for each other issues. Their mom takes a turn and gets sick and that divides them but eventually their way back.
I was extremely happy with this book. I couldn't put it down! I love books that depict real life situations and this one took one of the hardest situations and made you look through the eyes of the victim. I cried and laughed and then sighed at the end. I was happy with the ending.
When I think about what Gina had to go through in her life with the man that she loved with all her heart, I cry. I think about before and how I dealt with my daughter's father and the abuse that he put me through. Eventually you wake up and see the light and walk away but some people can't. Those are the people that need help. But to find these people is hard. You won't see any bruises because they wear their abuse in their hearts and souls. They cry out to you but shy away when you answer. Most of the time they never make it out and sometimes they die far too soon.
So if you read this book and notice anyone that shows signs, help them. They may be your family members, neighbors, friends. Don't walk away even if they tell you to. Help from the shadows if needed, they will thank you eventually.
I was extremely happy with this book. I couldn't put it down! I love books that depict real life situations and this one took one of the hardest situations and made you look through the eyes of the victim. I cried and laughed and then sighed at the end. I was happy with the ending.
When I think about what Gina had to go through in her life with the man that she loved with all her heart, I cry. I think about before and how I dealt with my daughter's father and the abuse that he put me through. Eventually you wake up and see the light and walk away but some people can't. Those are the people that need help. But to find these people is hard. You won't see any bruises because they wear their abuse in their hearts and souls. They cry out to you but shy away when you answer. Most of the time they never make it out and sometimes they die far too soon.
So if you read this book and notice anyone that shows signs, help them. They may be your family members, neighbors, friends. Don't walk away even if they tell you to. Help from the shadows if needed, they will thank you eventually.
December 16, 2021
Joy and Pain
Each of the author’s novels immediately captivate your mind and hold it in suspense throughout the novel. This author is blessed with an innovative and skillful way of bringing a reader into the exact world that she writes about in every one of her plots.
I cried with Sydney and loved her tenacity to keep on pushing. I loved Wesley as a supportive husband, and I could relate to having a teenage daughter like Victoria . I was angry at Gina, felt her pain, and felt her relief after killing Phillip. Also, I respected Rick’s choice but not his selfishness with Samantha, and I truly admired and absorbed Deloris faith and trust in God.
Each novel would totally become a heartfelt movie. Kimberly is totally another phenomenal writer!
Each of the author’s novels immediately captivate your mind and hold it in suspense throughout the novel. This author is blessed with an innovative and skillful way of bringing a reader into the exact world that she writes about in every one of her plots.
I cried with Sydney and loved her tenacity to keep on pushing. I loved Wesley as a supportive husband, and I could relate to having a teenage daughter like Victoria . I was angry at Gina, felt her pain, and felt her relief after killing Phillip. Also, I respected Rick’s choice but not his selfishness with Samantha, and I truly admired and absorbed Deloris faith and trust in God.
Each novel would totally become a heartfelt movie. Kimberly is totally another phenomenal writer!
September 16, 2020
A story of 3 siblings that are super close. Each with their own secrets and problems. They try to come together when their mom has surgery and needs their assistance. Their secrets of child abuse, domestic violence and love all collide during this time. Kimberla is one of my favorite authors and this one doesn’t disappoint. Any easy read with lots of powerful messages.
October 6, 2020
As great as in 2003!
This is the first book that I had read from this author. Back in 2003, I was looking for a book by E. Lynn Harris. I have loved the themes and the stories as told by Kimberla Lawson Roby. "Changing Faces", and the Rev. Black series. The story was just as intriguing as before. Easier to read because the Kindle version. Continue writing and God's blessings.
This is the first book that I had read from this author. Back in 2003, I was looking for a book by E. Lynn Harris. I have loved the themes and the stories as told by Kimberla Lawson Roby. "Changing Faces", and the Rev. Black series. The story was just as intriguing as before. Easier to read because the Kindle version. Continue writing and God's blessings.
November 29, 2020
I enjoyed this book, it is a quick easy read dealing with many issues that remain unspoken in a lot of families. There were no unexpected plot twists, which can sometimes be a welcomed change of pace. Overall a book to be shared amongst family and friends to "Spark" a conversation and start the healing process.
November 27, 2018
This book was 3.5 stars for me. Primarily for the content of the story. I did feel like there was quite a bit of redundancy. Overall this was a solid book though. Believable characters, and very identifiable.
September 18, 2021
Lawson Does It Again
What a way to walk families through the incomprehensible dynamics of losing a parent -- along with the complexities of domestic violence. Well written my friend... can't wait for the next one.
What a way to walk families through the incomprehensible dynamics of losing a parent -- along with the complexities of domestic violence. Well written my friend... can't wait for the next one.
July 18, 2017
Great book!! Love it!
December 1, 2018
This book really kept me on my toes from start to finish. Check out the entire series, haven't come across one I haven't liked yet
January 27, 2019
This book gives a refreshing look into different relationships and what it took to conquer awhile dealing with a family crisis.
March 4, 2020
Great read!!!
September 4, 2020
This book was challenging to get through! The amount of violence that one of the characters was subjected to was just baffling to me. I don't think I can read this book again.
October 12, 2020
Loved this book!!
October 31, 2020
Just too predictable
November 24, 2020
Three siblings, each with his/her own problems struggle. Then it became more and more complicated. Extra “difficulties” seem to added to add to story, and "...............
January 6, 2021
I enjoyed this book as I have always with this author. This one covers many true life issues and how one family tries to overcome them.
September 14, 2021
I couldn't relate to the actions of these characters. The story was okay, but some of the writing was opinionated and I wasn't sure if it was the thoughts of the characters or the author.
June 4, 2022
I love Kimberla Lawson Roby's books so much! This was so good.
December 19, 2022
A great drama that I didn't think I'd like but eventually loved, it's so real.
August 28, 2023
Great book!
December 3, 2023
One of the best books KLR has ever written. Hit home in many areas. Give this a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews