One in a Million

by Kimberla Lawson Roby

In the first novella by the New York Times bestselling author of the Reverend Curtis Black series, a wife and a husband receive a surprise that will change their lives forever

Kennedi Mason thinks she's the luckiest woman on earth. She loves her job, she has a wonderful best friend, and she's been married for ten years to her soul mate. There's nothing she can think of that could make her life any better.

Then one fateful day Kennedi receives a piece of news that will turn her world upside down. She's excited about it, and she knows that her husband, Blake, will be over the moon. He has always dreamed of this one thing happening, and she can't wait until he comes home so she can tell him.

But when she sees Blake that evening, he has a special announcement of his own. It shocks Kennedi into silence and wipes the admission she was planning to make right out of her mind. In an instant, her life and her marriage have changed, but not at all in the way that she had expected.

A poignant and satisfying story of hope, Kimberla Lawson Roby's One in a Million beautifully shows us the difference between what we think we want and what we actually need to be truly happy.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, African American, Adult Fiction, Drama, Romance, Love

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

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

[Layeshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book this is the first time I'm reading this author. I'm sure I'll read more of her books. This was definitely a cautionary tale of what happens when you have something that everybody else wants you never truly know who's your friend and who's your foe.

[Kristina · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book since I got it through the early reviewers group, but sadly it was awful. I couldn't even finish the book it was so bad. The concept of the book sounded interesting enough, but the writing style was not engaging in the least. The writing came across as if written buy a teenager and the story was all over the place. The characters were extremely one dimensional, and well, it was just... bad. I would definitely not recommend this book and wouldn't ever attempt another written by this author.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could rate this any lower, I would. Predictible, unoriginal and poorly written. Every character was a stereotype. Even the big twist near the end, which, I'll admit, surprised me, was ridiculous. A co-worker lent me the CD version--last time I ever go to her for recommendations!

[Ye'Vell Hopkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick and easy read. In my opinion, the writing was stilted and somewhat elementary, perhaps the author intended for it to be that way. The storyline was okay, but I wasn't impressed or moved in any way. Under normal circumstances, I probably wouldn't have finished it, but I'm with Chapters Book Club and most of us will finish a book just because we started it, lol. I can't imagine that this simple story is the best this author has to offer, so I'm going to make it my business to read another book by her...I'm all about second chances😉

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put it down. Want to read the sequal.....Blake Mason got was coming to him....I loved the way she intertwined Rev. Curtis Black and Charlotte Black in the middle of this book...Great work...

[MommyRandR · Rating 2 out of 5]

I polished this book off in less than 3 hours the other night (i couldn't sleep) and it just wasn't that great. The story had potential but the characters weren't that great. The story seemed rushed and thrown together. Kennedi made me so mad. She's crying over why her loser husband is leaving her when she shoulda took some of that 50 million lotto money she just won and have herself a divorce party. Or maybe that's just me. But, I won't hold this one bad book against Kimberla she just better not put out nothing else like this again.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

simple. easy to read but not that interesting.

[JJack · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book. It was predictable and lacked depth.

[Susan Henderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was like a bad lifetime movie. Well, all lifetime movies are bad but you know what I mean. So anyway, I started on it but just couldn't continue and had to change the channel.

[Alaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

changed my rating from a 4 to a 3 because while it was a good story, it’s not lost on me that her little bf at the end had a girlfriend when he confessed his feelings for her. tb i have a girlfriend but we’ve been drifting away.. is not the same thing her husband pulled w the other lady? she was just saying that she’s scared to trust again but you’re gonna start talking to a man w a girlfriend who he allegedly is drifting apart from 🙃 it’s just too ironic and dumb considering what JUST HAPPENED w her husband. anyways!

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Summary: An "in your face" declaration

My Review: One in a Million by Kimberla Lawson Roby was all that!

About the Book: What would you do if your husband suddenly came home and confessed that he was no longer in love with you? What would you say if you heard him admit that he had been having an affair with another woman for two years? How would you react if he strategically served you with divorce papers?

In the blink of an eye, Kennedi Mason's life changed. She went from a happily married woman to a woman spurned. She also became a winner of millions. Because of the changes that speedily impacted her life, she started to see truths about her family, about herself, and about her future.

My Final Say: This short novel was packed with power. It was ultimately about one woman's journey of self discovery and freedom from cruel intentions. Readers who like books where wronged females triumph over those who hurt and use them will appreciate this book.

Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A

#libraryfind

[Taneka · Rating 3 out of 5]

What would you do if you won 30 million dollars? First thing I would do, pay off debt. Second, invest. Third, give my cousin, that I credit with saving my life, 1 million dollars (maybe 3 million, either way it wouldn't be enough considering what she did for me). And then finally, I would give some to my family and my 5 bestest girlfriends.

Kennedy was not smart in this whole scenario. She didn't realize that with money, people can act differently and feel they are entitled to you and your winnings, simply because you WERE friends, or because you are Black like them, or because they stood next to you in the line at the pharmacy a few weeks ago. Money makes people crazy even if it is NOT their money. Her friend from Kindergarten calling her stating that god told her to give her that $50,000 was the cake. Kennedy should not have called her in the first place. And then the woman at Wal-Mart. That lady didn't know Kennedy from a can of paint, but tried to guilt her into giving her money. That was just crazy.

Than there is her husband, Blake. The swindler, the liar, the cheat. She should have realized that Blake was recording her and that his sidepiece was probably helping him. When it came to him, Kennedy was a bit too naive for my taste. And as far as her aunt Rose, she should not have told any of her family until after she cashed the check and sent them their portion.

I did not expect that ending, but I loved that she was able to stick it to him the way she did.

3½ stars

[LATOYA LEWIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew chile....what's the saying "unjust won't prosper". Some men ain't shit. This low down dirty man left his wife after lying and cheating on her and getting another woman pregnant with twins. He served her with divorce papers not knowing she won 30 million dollars. As soon as he got thke news he wanted to crawl back home and apologize, lie, even threaten her to get his half of the winnings. This is the kicker, the day she decided to give him some of her winnings, his pregnant mistress and his real wife showed up. Finds out he was already married so his married to her wasn't even valid. He left his first wife to die, and was shocked to see that she was still living. Scandalous but great one! Kimberly highlighted be careful who you trust and even family sometimes ain't shit. #Book10of2021 #bookworm #whatsnext

[Kathy Adams · Rating 1 out of 5]

"one in a million" was uninspiring drivel. I found the main character to be trite and vindictive. When Kennedi wins 30 million in the lottery she now has the power to decide who she will help and who she won't. Those who have treated her bad since she won, she cuts out their share that they would have received before. I did not enjoy the happy ending payback. Everything wraps up so neat and tidy. In the end, she even finds a rich man who loves her for her, and not for her money. Ugh, gag me.

[Cami · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 to 3 Stars. At first it sort of reminded me of a Tyler Perry movie and who doesn't love Tyler Perry?! Well, it wasn't good like a Tyler Perry movie ........If I was Kennedi I would have never given Blake the time of day after what happened. That part irritated me and then the end had a twist which did help since I might have given it a 2 star. But of course.........REALLY?.......she gave the 1 aunt something.....Oh Heck NO!
I don't know what to say, maybe it just wasn't my kind of book.

[Tynika Reads 🌺]

I couldn't put the book down. It was good from the beginning to the end. I wish it had a better ending but it's a good read!!

[Angela Lackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read!!

Kimberla Lawson Roby is a great author. I must say this book had me throwing my finger at everyone for not being truthful but in the in I was pleased with the outcome. Shocked but pleased. Kimberla Lawson Roby never leaves her readers disappointed. Thank you for writing this book. This is real life situations that take place. I like how the book was put together, kept the reader wanting more until the end. I recommend this book and more books by this great author.

[Twyla Loving · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick read/listen but somewhat predictable as other reviews have stated

[Sheronda H · Rating 3 out of 5]

The way this book got on my last nerve. Kennedi was annoying. Blake was annoying and so was everyone else in between. I was surprised by the ending but a lot of the story was somewhat predictable.

[Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just about everything in the storyline was predictable. However it was interesting so I kept listening

[Tasha Milteer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good short story. Hey husband was a mess and got what he deserved.
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJoXppK3/

[Trinesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story line was good, I felt like someone spilled all the tea. However I don't like the style of writing. It's formal and not how people talk.

[Biggaletta Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book 4.5 because it's so funny in an ironical way! Kimberla Lawson Roby had a quite talent for writing characters with lots of flaws with a dose of underlying ironic humour. I loved it and was laughing most of the time, however the first thing I'd say is don't take it too seriously otherwise you may be disappointed. You need a huge pinch of salt, relax and be prepared to be entertained!

Without giving away the plot which sets the scene, what so ironical about it, is that all the characters including the heroine Kennedi Mason are all so undeserving however some are more undeserving than others. The hint is that she didn't work for what she got but was acting all 'high and mighty'.

Kennedi isn't a nice person and at some point she says 'I'm not Charlotte Black' which is so funny in more ways than one especially if you're read Lawson Roby's Curtis Black series. Saying that some other characters were far worse than her.

So many things happen in this book that if you don't take it seriously you'll be howling out with laughter. So if you want to read a comedy, and be rolling your eyes and shouting ' No, that didn't just happen?', 'Is this book for real?' then howl with laughter - try this book!

However if you are looking for something serious and inspiration regarding faith - this book may not be for you because even the fundamental premise is disagreeable. Why? A form of gambling is involved ...that's all I can say.

[Jennise Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. This book was like diving into the ups and downs of real-life relationships, but with characters you grow to love (or love to hate). Kennedy is the star, showing us all how to keep our heads up no matter what life throws our way, with Patrice by her side proving that true love really does support and uplift. Her team Nueman, Miles were in her corner too.

Blake, on the other hand, is the guy you love to boo. He brings the drama and makes you appreciate the good guys even more. And can't forget about Raymond and Aunt Rose – they're those family pressures and societal expectations that test our characters, showing us that sometimes the biggest battles come from within our own circles.

Through all the drama, love, and tough times, 'One in a Million' is a down-to-earth story about figuring out who you are, standing by the people you care about, and learning that sometimes, you've got to face a bit of the bad to appreciate the good. It's a casual yet insightful look into how messy life can be, but also how beautiful it is when you learn those hard lessons."

[Candace · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept is great; however, the characters are lacking. In addition, the main character lacks common sense in most situations. She puts herself in positions most young people - 15 through 18 - put themselves in. Kennedi is roughly 38 & she's acting like she's in high school, can't seem to gauge a hostile situation, and is VERY immature. I'm not saying she shouldn't have been enraged or heartbroken. I'm not even saying she shouldn't have used the language in which she used, BUT, one would think with the news she received, she would've been able to brush some of that dirt off her shoulder. Kennedi should've been a bit gracious towards Serena, because had it not been for Serena, she would have walked away without ever knowing about Katherine. When she dismissed Serena, it truly showed her short supply of common curtesy, maturity, and basically, common sense. Katherine was the key that only Serena was able to provide. If not for the twists, I would've rated this book one star.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kennedi Mason thought she had a good marriage. She was excited to share her wonderful news with her husband Blake. But when Blake arrived home, he had an announcement of his own. His was shocking.

This is a good idea for a story and the ending is shocking and fun. The main character is very naive in a difficult situation, the feelings are real and probably very realistic. However, some of the character dialogue is run together and a little forced, it sometimes just sounds funny for some reason. Overall an ‘OK’ book for a quick and light read.

[Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book has a storyline like no other!

[Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick read!! Enjoyable

[Charie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was such a quick read and with so much drama that I never got bored!!

[kilobyyte · Rating 3 out of 5]

One in a Million...hmm the title could definitely swing one way or another. Well Kennedi Mason is about to tell her "husband" the news of a lifetime...that she won the lottery making her an instant millionaire. However her husband had other news and that shook up her entire world. This story will make you do background checks on anyone that you would consider marrying lol. Once again like in the past two Roby books I read Copycat & Best Friends Forever there is little to no character development. We know that Kennedi has been married for ten years and works a job and actually lives a nice life like all of the other characters do in her novellas. We know that her mother passed away two years ago and they were very close to one another.

What is annoying the most is that Kennedi kept saying I am going to make him pay, I am going to make sure he regrets this, I am going to make sure he suffers something dreadful....*EYE ROLL* I am thinking she will come up with something to counteract the fool but no that doesn't happen and it really doesn't need to happen but it would have been more interesting. I think a lot of the book is taken up by the unnecessary dialogue that could have been reduced down.

I had to raise an eyebrow at where Kennedi decided to have the money divided up towards and I am not really impressed. The author made it sound like she was really doing something there with the $3M to tithes. Hmm she must not plan on tithing ever again because we all know where that money went. She did not specify where the money would go in the church she just gave them more money than she did the charity for elderly,ill, and any one else in need. Next, she did learn a lesson about being so generous to her family and some things were revealed that caused a lot of turmoil between her family. I do agree with what she did in the end concerning her backstabbing aunt and cousins.

I did like how smart she was with immediately handling her funds but I did not care for how easily she was ready to give in to her snake of a husband or how she was so quick to accuse an accountant and lawyer for her drama situation.

See how I can't go into much details concerning the characters personalities? It's because they all lack depth. I would like to think of something that stands out but I cannot. I liked the book because I wanted to see how Kennedi was going to get out of her situation and it was not boring but it was enough for me to read the 20 chapters.

All in all the story did end well with a few surprises it did spice up in the end and things finally settled with Kennedi with her trustworthy family members by her side.