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The Choir Director #2

The Choir Director 2: Runaway Bride

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Carl Weber takes readers back to church in his latest drama-filled novel, the much-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller, The Choir Director.

It's been three years since Aaron Mackie succeeded in helping his friend and mentor, Bishop T.K. Wilson, dig his ministry out of financial ruin. Aaron is also responsible for re-energizing the almost defunct choir into something special. His success has drawn national attention, and he's on the verge of signing a huge recording contract. With his life in order, Aaron decides the time is right to propose to Tia Gregory, the church secretary who caught his eye and inspired him to shed his Tiger Woods-like tendencies to become a one-woman man. The stage is set for what might be the wedding of the year, but quickly becomes the disaster of the year when Aaron is left at the altar without explanation.

Now, during his own hour of need, Aaron turns to the bishop for help. Unfortunately, the line he asks T. K. to cross will force the bishop to choose between faith and friendship, or as he puts it, "between heaven and hell." As the investigation into Tia's disappearance continues, the two men are challenged in ways they never imagined.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published August 19, 2014

85 people are currently reading
1170 people want to read

About the author

Carl Weber

92 books2,107 followers
Carl Weber is a New York Times and #1 Essence® bestselling novelist.

In addition to his writing, Weber is the founder and publisher of Urban Books and in 2005, he was named Blackboard's Publisher of the Year. He is the owner of the Urban Knowledge chain of book stores and a past recipient of Blackboard's Bookseller of the Year award.

Weber graduated from Virginia State University and holds an MBA in marketing from the University of Virginia.

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5 stars
508 (48%)
4 stars
345 (32%)
3 stars
162 (15%)
2 stars
36 (3%)
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7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for Valerie.
403 reviews83 followers
September 24, 2014
I really enjoyed CD2. I was so curious about how the author would make this sequel better than the first. Especially with the title Runaway Bride, I just didn't picture the entire book being about the Runaway Bride. Well I was very pleased. The book developed nicely and I loved Aaron even more in Part 2.

I was not happy with the ending, but I must say every book can't have nor do we want it to have a predictable ending

Good Job
Profile Image for Leona Romich.
208 reviews82 followers
August 26, 2014

Revenge

Aaron Mackie has come far from the bad boy that he used to be. It has been three years since coming to First Jamaican Ministries and putting the choir on the map. Aaron is just about to marry the love of his life, Tia Gregory, when on the day they are to be married, she leaves him standing at the altar. The question is why? Why did she disappear with no explanation for her actions? Aaron is hurt and confused. Will he go back to his old ways?

With Tia’s disappearance, and the now open position for a church secretary, Desiree, a woman new to the church, quickly fills the role. The timing could not have been more perfect considering she is new to the city and does not know a soul. But Desiree has a hidden agenda for coming to First Jamaican Ministries. Tia is on a mission of her own, trying to quell the demons of her past. Will she seek revenge for those that hurt her in trying to move forward with her future? Will it be too late for Aaron and Tia to work things out after it is all said and done?

The Choir Director 2: Runaway Bride by Carl Weber was drama filled from the very first page, but not in a good way. Instead, it was overly saturated with drama. The storyline with Tia, the runaway bride, was one that was far-fetched. Since Tia's past wasn't a secret or withheld from her groom, it was unbelievable for her to walk away from the man she loves on her wedding day to try and deal with the situation on her own. There parts that were contradicting such as inconsistent behavior by the main characters. Another issue with the book was the story centering around the church, yet everyone within the church including the bishop acting opposite of what is expected from people who are heavily into church. Since the story centers around the church and its Bishop, there should have been at least somewhat of a Christian feel to the characters and storyline, yet this was missing. Overall, there was just entirely too much going on within this book, and with each character having their own over-the-top drama, the story itself felt unrealistic and chaotic.

Reviewed by Leona
Profile Image for Stacey Price.
86 reviews5 followers
August 28, 2014
I am a big Carl Weber fan but this book just didn't grab my attention.
Profile Image for Rashad.
14 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2014
What can I say about this book? Well, it did start off a little slow but turned out to be a great book. The ending was very shocking!! In fact, I never saw that coming and once you read it, neither will you.

Aaron is a cool cat. I like the way that Carl divulged more about Aaron's past so that his readers can understand what brought him to this point in his life.

However, I don't think that no one can be as naive as First Lady Wilson. I mean come on, she really does ignorant things in this book. For her to be a First Lady of a Mega church, sometimes she is CLUELESS!

Tia, well she loses it and leaves my boy Aaron standing at the alter. She has some real demons in her past and they resurface before she walks down the isle.

I will definitely read this book again. I would give it 5 Stars but like I said, it started off too slow for me. I hope C.W. isn't finished with Aaron's story yet and gives his readers another book about Aaron aka The Choir Director.
148 reviews9 followers
June 6, 2015
I really enjoyed this sequel, but was VERY shocked by the ending.

Tia and Aaron are a happily engaged couple, but on their wedding day Tia leaves Aaron at the alter. She simply can't marry him because of an incident that happened to her in her past. She feels that she needs to get revenge on the people that hurt her in order to move on. She sets out on a journey to confront those who violated her. While Aaron sets out on a journey to find her.
While Aaron is heartbroken and trying to reach the love of his life a groupie name Desiree has her eyes on him. She is out for a little revenge of her own. She pretends to be this nice little church girl, but is far from that.
I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of this book. It's one of those books where you think you know exactly what's going on, but in the ending all that you thought you knew was very wrong. It wasn't the ending that I wanted, but it was still a good ending and a very well written book.
Profile Image for Faith.
591 reviews
December 13, 2014
I was glad to finally get part 2 of this story. It was a long wait for this book to come out, but I was able to get caught up & stay entertained by reading the author's Family Business Series. Part 2 seemed a little darker than part one. All the characters seemed to be hiding something that gave me the fell of a horror/suspense novel versus romance/Christian fiction novel. It was a pretty good read and tied up some answered some open questions by the end. Still love all books by Carl Weber. Ready for Family Business 3.
Profile Image for Teaguem2005.
495 reviews12 followers
March 22, 2017
Meh, just ok. This sequel really wasn't all that interesting. Tia left Aaron at the altar because of what happened to her years earlier. Seeing one of the men involved brought out emotions she thought long since buried. The fact that Aaron and the Bishop so readily accepted Jackson's word over Ross was ridiculous. The "bad guy" twist was ok I suppose but the reason just wasn't sound enough. Disappointed. Don't recommend.
Profile Image for ShayBooks.
801 reviews17 followers
Read
February 24, 2023
The Choir Director 2 was a jaw dropping page turner. It had so many twists and turns I could not put the book down until it was finished. Carl did not disappoint at all.
Profile Image for Adrienna.
Author 18 books242 followers
August 12, 2017
For me, this novel took awhile to grab my interest but about midway it did. Expect the unexpected.

I was ecstatic to see my last name in the book : Det. Turner.

Tia had definitely flipped the script ;this would be something you'll see on lifetime movie.

Bishop also snapped, cussed and carried on a bit too far for my liking, showing he's your average man when feeling threatened. I'm a little lost with his wife, first Lady to be naive and not checking with her other half first before proceeding with an acting gig.

The males in the book, still trying to get a take on them but Pippie is someone I see at work but glad for his transformation.

*As a writer/author myself, I know that a numerous amount of authors have quite an imagination but this book is strictly drama-filled, and at times, I wonder if the author did a "what-if" and went over the edge with that thought process esp. with Tia!
Profile Image for Poetic Diva504.
478 reviews86 followers
June 3, 2023
I hate to s*#+ on Carl Weber’s book because he is the GOAT. I just don’t like Aaron or TK, and I can’t see myself spending 4-6 hours with them.
Profile Image for Lord' Williams.
Author 2 books61 followers
April 14, 2015
The Choir Director 2: Runaway Bride by Carl Weber

Wow, time flies when you're working hard. I read and listened to this to this novel 5 months ago, back in November of 2014, and I'm like, where do I start?


This is the second installment of the Choir series. Now I'm not saying there will be an Choir Director 3. Carl haven't said a word to me, in fact, he doesn't speak to me at all. Nevertheless, this novel came 3 years behind the Choir Director, and with abour50% of the original characters, GRATE, was my thoughts.


The formats I used for this review was be based on the Kindle Ebook version, 304 pages, and Audible.com, audio format, 9 hours and 46 minutes, narrated by: Jennifer Kidwell, Marc Damon Johnson, Nicole Lewis, Patricia R Floyd, Leo Coltrane, Amuche, and published by Hachette Audio. I usually use two mediums to complete a book, because I spend a lot of time at work where I listen to the audio version, and with what little time I have at home or other appropriate places I would read.


Both formats was well produced. I seen no errors within the Kindle app version, which is used on my iPad. I remember seeing any grammatical errors, or any weird functionality to be noted. The cast of narrators did a great job in bring these characters in this novel to life, as where the character development was impeccable, and this is so important when you are writing a series and introducing new characters into a current plot, or a new plot.


The plot and subplots was masterfully written and flowed very well. There were some predictable, areas, but the subplots and tension points kept it interesting and build some good drama, and I love drama.


The story starts three years later where Tia has left Aaron at the altar without an explanation and secluded herself away form the world. Aaron is heartbroken and must why she left him. Now comes in all this other stuff which drives the story, what fills it in is betrayal, murder, and stupidity.


There is a lot of underhanded crap going on with these Christians behaving badly. What's going on you asked, a lot of pay back is what's going on. Coming to help Aaron mend his broken heart is have slut do travel, Desiree, and it's funny how at first Aaron pays her no mind. Ladies take note, when a man is in love, he doesn't see other women as women. Example; a woman can be bouncing around the office with no blouse and bra, he doesn't see tits, he sees breast and they're just part of her outfit.


The story twist and bends around Tia's reason for leaving Aaron at the altar, Aaron is offered a big recording deal, and around the stupidity of the first lady. Now I have to say, this is where a character was out of character. The First Lady, Monique Wilson, aka Monique Johnson is no fool, and here she act like Cookie. And who is Cookie you question? Cookie is a no particular woman who is one dumb broad, and that's not Monique.


Now I can be wrong, but the ending tells me there's another book to follow in this Church Series. I think most of Carl Weber's fans will like this novel. There is a lot going on, and a lot of drama that fueled by mystery. The Choir Directer 2: Runaway Bride gets 5 Stars.





~LW~






Profile Image for kilobyyte .
46 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2017
SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS

I listened to this story on audiobook and the voice actors were good except the woman who did Desiree's voice it was annoying at times. Anyway the reason why I gave the book three stars really centers around the consistency of the storyline between the first book and this one. The characters are nothing like the previous book and it's like after some time we start seeing the true colors of each character. The Bishop was the most changed character that was a MAJOR disappointment. He's supposed to be forgiving and understanding as a bishop but yet he's ready to throw away and turned cold hearted towards his wife that he's so in love and crazy over. That part made no damn sense. Aaron Mackie the ending was trash I hated it and Tia's character was a MAJOR disappointment as well she shifted just like The Bishop. It was good the other characters got the axe but that's just about all I was glad about. I wished this book had a happier ending and didn't leave us questioning The Bishop and what was Tia and Aaron going to do about working for the church. Too much naivety as well between the characters that could have been avoided. Seems like this story needs a part 3 or a mention in another one of Carl Webers books. Weber likes to throw in other characters into a new story answering the questions that left the reader wondering. Bottom line: I wish I didn't read the second book and just let it be with the first book.
Profile Image for Dawn “D-Love”.
129 reviews
February 20, 2019
I am so upset about this book. It was senseless and utterly a waste of time. I hate that the author changed the story line of how Tia was raped from the first book. No mention about her boyfriend who took her virginity in book one. In book one he took her to a frat party and she was attached (in this book she goes home with a stranger for a one night stand). She was a sweet person then (book one) and this time she was on a rampage making dangerous moves. Monique continues to be stupid and an airhead. I also hate the part about how we are left hanging from book one in regards to Maxwell and Monique. Did she ever tell TK about what happened? Were there any tapes like he said? Etc. etc? So many questions and the Maxwell situation was much worse than the situation with Jackson. The ending really pissed me off. I could of done without reading this book because it did not do book 1, The Choir Director any justice whatsoever. It was a horrible sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Natasha.
468 reviews
August 21, 2014
I thouroughly enjoyed this sequel, Carl Weber did not disappoint! Just when I was expecting the story to follow up where it left off and have drama build off of that, it took a whole other turn and had me listening at the edge of my seat. I love the cast of narrators, they make the book that much more entertaining. Not sure if there will be another Choir Director book but if there is I will definitely be reading or listening to that one as well. The ending caught me by surprise and I was not ready for that twist but I like the fact that I didn't see it coming. Well written and well narrated as always!
Profile Image for DeTerrius Woods.
84 reviews16 followers
November 1, 2014
WOW!

After reading the devastating "To Paris With Love", I knew Carl Weber was gonna come back swinging...and he did. THIS is the Carl that I grew to love. From the first chapter, I was captured and not let go. The new characters added in a great treat and with all the twist and turns, I couldn't put this book down. I have a SLIGHT problem with the ending but maybe that's because I don't fully understand it. I was definitely FLOORED though. I HIGHLY recommend this novel and the first one to everyone.
Profile Image for Tiffany Tyler.
689 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2014
Way too much unnecessary drama for my taste...Full review to come.
Profile Image for Alicia.
59 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2016
Undecided

It seems like there were too many twist and turns that didn't make sense....also what happened to Simone?? I definitely didn't expect the ending either
Profile Image for Denisha.
6 reviews
February 24, 2018
Good sequel but I was not expecting the end result. I was a little let down.
Profile Image for Taneka.
720 reviews15 followers
August 17, 2017
I see what everyone meant. I, too, did not expect that ending. But I am mad at Tia. I felt her pain in having to deal with her demons, but her "holier than though" attitude at the end, made me mad. Yes, Aaron should not have done what he did. He should have allowed her to deal with it on her own, but what do you expect. This man loves her. Has to. He went from being a whore to being celibate, JUST FOR HER. But I realized my double standard. Lynn loved Desiree that much and I thought the chick was stupid and crazy. I guess the message is that love makes you do stupid things. Had he not taken care of Mark King, she probably never would have known. And why do that to Mark, he was already being punished, however, his mom has to be relieved. He is no longer a weight for her. I know moms are suppose to love their kids no matter what, but I imagine you would find disgust in yourself to know that the spawn of Satan came from your womb.

Again, I am not a fan of Monique. She is too old to be that naive. The betrayal. Not once, but twice, although her husband only thinks the betrayal the first time was the omission that she was involvED with his best friend. Then she is confiding in this man that she does not even know. SMH A First Lady should have more class, poise and intelligence. She was making mistakes like she was in her 20's.

OAN: I could have sworn in book 1, Monique told Tia that Aaron sent a check to the family of the man he killed in the accident, monthly. How could the man's daughter think that her father was "murdered" and forgotten? PLUS, it seems kind of weird that it switched from a stalker wanting to have sex, to something far more sinister. I mean, the roommate had on a nighty waiting for him too, to join in on the fun. If she already knew what was in store, why go that route?

This was FULL of drama and multiple dramas at that. All tied into the same culprits, but with different goals.
Profile Image for Jenny.
304 reviews
June 27, 2017
Ok. Recently been getting reacquainted with Weber. I used to read him and Dickey all the time. Some of my chicklit had been getting a little blah lately so I decided to switch it up. Glad I did cause it reminded me that the noir books are pretty hilarious and some of the stories are really well fleshed out. This book is from Weber's Church series. I've read all the others and had never read this one so decided to, after a reread of the previous books. Man! Ok... Weber really took us on a ride with this one. More like a murder mystery. By the end of it, I was thinking it was a preacher who was doing all the killing and you know what? I was shocked it turned out to be who it was. I won't get too much into the plot, but if you like a little light reading, with a lot of dark undertones - So You Call Yourself A Man is dark as HELL - then read this series. Weber is good for getting a little dark with his churchy vibe.
Profile Image for The Book Chick.
334 reviews14 followers
July 30, 2019
Carl Weber did a really good job weaving this complicated tale.. He manages to combine love, drama, and mystery.
The only con was I couldn't listen to one particular explicit love scene. It was for me so out of place. I get why he included it, but the explicit tone of it was unnecessary in my opinion. I think the nature of the relationship was definitely brought out later on, but anyway it was a good story and in the end an emotional one.
I don't know who goes to church with folks like this, but Lord have mercy they all need prayer. I mean seriously...
I know it's over and I'm a bit sad about it because I would like more from Aaron and Tia and even Bishop and First Lady and Ross and his wife. I guess I want like a little novella that will give me closure. I'm sure the theme here is that life doesn't always work out as planned.
Profile Image for Storhmy .
79 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2025
This book was wild in the best way. You think you’re walking into a story about a wedding gone wrong, but Carl Weber never keeps it that simple. From the start, there's drama, secrets, and twists that keep coming at you. And the fact that it all unfolds around a church? Yeah... let’s just say, not everything is as holy as it seems.

The characters are messy (in a good, juicy way), and just when you think you’ve figured one of them out, boom — plot twist. There’s betrayal, lies, and a whole lot of “Wait, what?!” moments. Weber definitely knows how to keep you turning the pages.

If you like stories full of drama, secrets, and scandal. Especially the kind where people are supposed to be on their best behavior but are anything but this one’s worth the read.
Profile Image for Que Nna.
15 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2018
Demons from the past proves to be able to ruin the present and future for the once happy couple. There is no limit to what one would do for love and revenge. Did not she things turning out this way for so many members of First Jamaica Ministries.
Profile Image for Valerie.
113 reviews
September 30, 2018
I haven’t read a Carl Weber novel in about 15 years. I used to enjoy his books and they were jaw-dropping. This story was corny and ridiculous. It’s too bad that the storyline was in no way believable, which made it a very ridiculous story.
Profile Image for Ambria.
5 reviews
March 22, 2025
I really didn’t like the fact that Tia didn’t want to be with Aaron. I mean, I get it, she needed to heal. She felt like she had to do that for herself, but all of that just to not end up with the love of your life like come on? Carl Weber I did not like that, but it was still a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rosette Simmons.
29 reviews
May 31, 2025
Good read

I thoroughly enjoyed Choir Director 2 but having the first one immediately before I was put off that some of the background relayed in book one was changed in the second book.

Carl Weber is indeed a great writer, with great plots but this was a turnoff.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews

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