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One Day I Saw a Black King: Heritage Collection, Book 1
Ever since he was fifteen, John King has been on the run from the ghosts of his past, always drifting, never settling down in one place or with one woman, though more than one has certainly made the offer of forever-after. But every time his memories of life back in Texas start to haunt him too deeply into the night, John realizes that it's time to move on. That is, until he rolls into Denver, Colorado, grooving to Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On," and meets Connie Rodgers, a woman who grew up on the mean streets and has the pain and the battle scars to prove it. And yet, she inspires him to think "If indeed there were a home for the perfect kiss, it would be on her lips." John is reluctant to admit that here is a woman who just may understand his very soul, even if she does have some baggage of her own. But both must face their pasts if they ever hope to be free to live and love.
Filled with completely unforgettable characters, One Day I Saw A Black King is a stunningly powerful story that explores the power of the past over the present, the search for love and belonging and the healing gift of an extraordinary love.
Filled with completely unforgettable characters, One Day I Saw A Black King is a stunningly powerful story that explores the power of the past over the present, the search for love and belonging and the healing gift of an extraordinary love.
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First published September 9, 2004
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About the author
J.D. Mason
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 30, 2011
4.5 stars for One Day I saw A Black King by J. D. Mason. It was another great read by an author whose work I am thoroughly enjoying. It is the sequel to Don’t Want No Sugar. The entire time I was reading I kept thinking of my favorite poem, Celebration, written by Mari Evans. One verse reads:
I be bringing a whole heart
and while it do have nicks and
dents and scars,
that only make me lay it down
more careful-like
An; you be bringing a whole heart
a little chipped and rusty an'
sometime skip a beat but
still an' all you bringing polish too
and look like you intend
to make it shine
This verse sums up everything One Day I Saw a Black King is all about. Two damaged people, John and Connie, meet, not knowing that they live in the same apartment building. Neither one knows how to have a successful relationship but something keeps them drawn to one another. They love the best way they know how—with no expectations.
The story opens with the birth of John King assisted by midwife Roberta, and then moves to the story of Connie who is abandoned by her mother at the age of 12. It parallels their lives up until they meet 30+ years later. What I loved about the story was its realness. Mason tackles some serious issues that people face everyday, like child abandonment, teenage prostitution, homelessness, and dating with a sexually transmitted disease. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has dealt with these issues and feel that no one will ever love them because they are too damaged.
On the downside, what I felt was missing, although I read the first book, was the lack of information that I hoped would answer questions left over from Don’t Want No Sugar. For example, what happened to Roberta’s 2 children from Charles, they were never mentioned; or what transpired with Mattie before she gave birth to John? Also, I was left wondering why the author never reveals to John his connection to Roberta.
These things aside, I really loved One Day I Saw A Black King and continue to be impressed by J. D. Mason’s work and will probably read more of her novels.
Much Love,
Tracy
Tracy L. Darity is the author of He Loves Me He Loves Me Not! and Love…Like Snow In Florida on a Hot Summer Day. She is currently working on her third novel, The Red Bear Society, due out in Fall 2011. For more information visit www.TracyLDarity.com
I be bringing a whole heart
and while it do have nicks and
dents and scars,
that only make me lay it down
more careful-like
An; you be bringing a whole heart
a little chipped and rusty an'
sometime skip a beat but
still an' all you bringing polish too
and look like you intend
to make it shine
This verse sums up everything One Day I Saw a Black King is all about. Two damaged people, John and Connie, meet, not knowing that they live in the same apartment building. Neither one knows how to have a successful relationship but something keeps them drawn to one another. They love the best way they know how—with no expectations.
The story opens with the birth of John King assisted by midwife Roberta, and then moves to the story of Connie who is abandoned by her mother at the age of 12. It parallels their lives up until they meet 30+ years later. What I loved about the story was its realness. Mason tackles some serious issues that people face everyday, like child abandonment, teenage prostitution, homelessness, and dating with a sexually transmitted disease. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has dealt with these issues and feel that no one will ever love them because they are too damaged.
On the downside, what I felt was missing, although I read the first book, was the lack of information that I hoped would answer questions left over from Don’t Want No Sugar. For example, what happened to Roberta’s 2 children from Charles, they were never mentioned; or what transpired with Mattie before she gave birth to John? Also, I was left wondering why the author never reveals to John his connection to Roberta.
These things aside, I really loved One Day I Saw A Black King and continue to be impressed by J. D. Mason’s work and will probably read more of her novels.
Much Love,
Tracy
Tracy L. Darity is the author of He Loves Me He Loves Me Not! and Love…Like Snow In Florida on a Hot Summer Day. She is currently working on her third novel, The Red Bear Society, due out in Fall 2011. For more information visit www.TracyLDarity.com
August 3, 2010
People like Us
I cannot even begin to tell you how long this book has been on my shelf. After reading one or two of J.D. Mason’s other titles, I decided it was time to read what was already on my shelf. I’m really glad that I did, while I’m also disappointed that I waited so long.
In two separate stories we meet children John and Connie, who both find themselves homeless. While John’s life begins with his maternal grandmother meeting his needs, he longs to be loved, something she’s incapable of doing. Connie’s mother is unable to put her children’s needs ahead of her own. Connie is the ‘real’ mother and when her mother leaves, she, a child, is forced to grow up sooner than she should. Now adults, John and Connie are broken and hiding from their pasts. When their paths cross, can they fix one another?
J.D. Mason is an artist. She paints the past vividly while weaving you into the future. Each character’s strife is real and allows readers to become immersed from the very beginning. ‘One Day I Saw a Black King’ is a good read.
I cannot even begin to tell you how long this book has been on my shelf. After reading one or two of J.D. Mason’s other titles, I decided it was time to read what was already on my shelf. I’m really glad that I did, while I’m also disappointed that I waited so long.
In two separate stories we meet children John and Connie, who both find themselves homeless. While John’s life begins with his maternal grandmother meeting his needs, he longs to be loved, something she’s incapable of doing. Connie’s mother is unable to put her children’s needs ahead of her own. Connie is the ‘real’ mother and when her mother leaves, she, a child, is forced to grow up sooner than she should. Now adults, John and Connie are broken and hiding from their pasts. When their paths cross, can they fix one another?
J.D. Mason is an artist. She paints the past vividly while weaving you into the future. Each character’s strife is real and allows readers to become immersed from the very beginning. ‘One Day I Saw a Black King’ is a good read.
March 2, 2015
Very captivating! I found myself not wanting to put it down! I loved the transition from "Don't Want No Sugar" into this novel. I just found myself wanting more and more of John King. I would suggest reading DWNS first. It will make the story line much more easy to follow. JD Mason has once again created a masterpiece! I have already started the next book in the series "You Gotta Sin to Get Saved."
September 10, 2007
A Well Crafted and Worthy Read
Amazing how the events of our childhood can shape and affect our future. John and Connie were two individuals with very similar backgrounds. To say that each of them had hard lives is an understatement.~~~~~~~What I really enjoyed about this book was that it was a realistic love story in the way Connie and John's love developed. Through all their problems and baggage they found comfort in one another and conquered their demons. The ending (which I won't give away) caught me off guard and really broke my heart for Fool and Mattie, the parents of John. Never got bored for a second.~~~~~~~For me, this book evoked many emotions. I laughed, I cried, and many times, I got angry. But I enjoyed every single page. When I completed the book, I even found myself wondering if there would be a sequel.~~~~~~~This author is awesome!!! This was my second JD Mason novel, and it won't be the last. Keep 'em coming!
Amazing how the events of our childhood can shape and affect our future. John and Connie were two individuals with very similar backgrounds. To say that each of them had hard lives is an understatement.~~~~~~~What I really enjoyed about this book was that it was a realistic love story in the way Connie and John's love developed. Through all their problems and baggage they found comfort in one another and conquered their demons. The ending (which I won't give away) caught me off guard and really broke my heart for Fool and Mattie, the parents of John. Never got bored for a second.~~~~~~~For me, this book evoked many emotions. I laughed, I cried, and many times, I got angry. But I enjoyed every single page. When I completed the book, I even found myself wondering if there would be a sequel.~~~~~~~This author is awesome!!! This was my second JD Mason novel, and it won't be the last. Keep 'em coming!
February 3, 2014
Loved the way this book was written two broken people finding love and acceptance with each other. A lesson of love, time wasted and forgiveness. Ending takes you for a loop and makes you say hmmm? Would definitely recommend.
November 20, 2019
This was a beautiful read. I have pretty tough skin and some of the parts in this book made me cry and I had to book the book down a minute or two to compose myself. The characters felt alive and it put you in uncomfortable places (where you have to deal with the harsh grip of reality.) This is now one of my favorite authors
October 6, 2021
Although the profanity was a bit much, I pushed through. There was an interesting story in there, somewhere. I don’t think I will continue on, with the rest of the series.
June 2, 2017
Loved it! J.D. Mason is a wonderful author. All of her stories are worth reading.
April 17, 2018
EXCELLENT!!! One of the best books ever, J. D. Mason is a master storyteller!
May 18, 2017
I enjoyed this book just as much as I enjoyed And On The Eight Day She Rested. This book was good and not easy to put down, although I had to. anyway I loved how the writer brought the characters together... at first I was "like" where is she going with these characters popping up here & there & everywhere, but then I was like okay cool although we never found out what happened to Charlotte, Shay and did anyone ever think that John was responsible for Roberta's death. Again I did like the characters and I thank God that I can't relate to their stories; however, I'm not knocking anyone that could. I gave this book 4⭐️'s, I didn't give it 5, you don't make a book over 800 pages by being overly wordy. Anyway moving on to I Don't Want No Sugar.
December 27, 2023
I enjoyed the book. I'm not going to lie, I almost did not finish. The book was written well. There was a word in the book that kept coming up "tum," which I didn't understand. I don't know if it was a typo or what. I literally had to write notes on this book because of all of the characters in the beginning. The notes probably helped me understand and enjoy the book more. There were parts of this book that were jaw-dropping. Which kept it a page turner. Sorry, no spoilers here.
November 7, 2017
Becoming Born Damned
This read pairs the journeys of two - one born from rape and one born in abusive poverty and how we (society) culturally abuse them from birth of their circumstances not of their making. Until we eliminate this cultural fault, we must continue to read about the horror it rains in the victims lives.
This read pairs the journeys of two - one born from rape and one born in abusive poverty and how we (society) culturally abuse them from birth of their circumstances not of their making. Until we eliminate this cultural fault, we must continue to read about the horror it rains in the victims lives.
January 7, 2019
I had a slow start with this one but once I got into it, I really enjoyed. The book dealt with some very deep subjects and John had a lot of demons to conquer as well as Constance. Clarice was a !little judgemental and needed to cut Connie some slack. I'm still not sure how I felt about the Jade situation but overall a great read!
May 4, 2024
A beautiful read with difficult topics. J.D.Mason show how love between two broken souls can heal wounds. She shows humans at their worst but gives the reader insight to see their why. I wanted more, but recognize that I did not need more.
January 18, 2018
Overall, decent read.
December 31, 2018
Vivid characters caught up in a modern day love story. It’s the second book I’ve read from JD mason and I was not disappointed.
April 28, 2019
Great writer, I'm going to look for other books.
March 21, 2023
This was a good read
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Some of the chapters were hard to read due to what was happening. I would recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Some of the chapters were hard to read due to what was happening. I would recommend this book.
December 26, 2024
One of the best books I've ever read!
September 7, 2012
J.D. Mason hits a home run with her novel One Day I Saw a Black King. The story follows the lives of John King and Connie Rodgers, two displaced people who long for human connection, but don't know how to achieve it. Meeting and falling for each other becomes like a game of tug-of-war, a mental and emotional back and forth, attempting to overcome their fears, pasts, and the walls surrounding their hearts. To live the life they want, they'll have to give up the world they've built to survive. Too bad that's never an easy task.
I loved this book! From the first page, I was pulled in by Mason's enticing storytelling. The novel draws the reader completely into the characters, making you feel every emotion from disappointment to loneliness to desire to love. I honestly feel like I've been to Texas to Denver and back, sitting in the corner as the characters reveal intimate details of their lives. After coming out of a reading rut, this was the perfect book to refresh the avid reader within. Bravo, J.D., for a literary masterpiece!
I loved this book! From the first page, I was pulled in by Mason's enticing storytelling. The novel draws the reader completely into the characters, making you feel every emotion from disappointment to loneliness to desire to love. I honestly feel like I've been to Texas to Denver and back, sitting in the corner as the characters reveal intimate details of their lives. After coming out of a reading rut, this was the perfect book to refresh the avid reader within. Bravo, J.D., for a literary masterpiece!
February 7, 2013
(FROM JACKET)John King was an outcast from the day he was born. His teen mother died in childbirth, and his grieving grandmother, Mama Agnes, never forgave him for it. John never knew his father or the murky circumstances surrounding his birth, but he heard the whispers that floated when he came around. Finally, at the age of fifteen, after his grandmother kicks him out, he leaves the home carrying his shame and a woman's death on his shoulders.
Connie Rodgers was abandoned by her mother and sepeated from her younger sister at age twelve. She eventually turned tot he streets for survival. When she meets John years later, she understands him like no one else could. They've both been hiding deep scars covered up by shallow relationships. Each has survived the battles, but can they win the war of love?
Connie Rodgers was abandoned by her mother and sepeated from her younger sister at age twelve. She eventually turned tot he streets for survival. When she meets John years later, she understands him like no one else could. They've both been hiding deep scars covered up by shallow relationships. Each has survived the battles, but can they win the war of love?
October 18, 2010
This book was awesome. It took me a little more than 2 days to read. I couldn't put it down. It's so well written that you are able to follow the characters and feel what they feel. I like how the book flows freely with the other books, yet at the same time, it's strong enough that they stand on their own. So even if you read the books out of sequence, you still get a very good story. I have never read a J. D. Mason book that I didn't like, this one is no exception.
October 11, 2011
I read this one a while ago. It's actually the first book in JD Mason's series about John, Connie, Reesy, Charlotte, etc. I actually read the Prequel, Don't want no Sugar, first, and I would suggest that order to anyone who hasn't read these books yet. It's an amazing series. There are 4 or 5 books. You won't be disappointed.
I didn't like this book as much as I did Don't Want No Sugar but it was still really good!
I didn't like this book as much as I did Don't Want No Sugar but it was still really good!
June 2, 2015
WTH... "John knew that Adam hadn't raped that girl. The other part of the truth would go to the grave with Moses." I read books 2 and 3 before this one and I don't remember "the other part of the truth..." This book did answer questions that I had at the end of book 3. Excellent character development and a great story! Mrs. Cora Lewis's recommendations were spot on as usual. (She's my high school English teacher and the reason I'm a bibliophile more than 25 years later!)
February 23, 2011
Once I started reading this book lots of things seemed familiar. Then I realized that I actually read the sequel first. Although I read them out of order, this book was a really enjoyable read. The characters seem so real that you want to know what is going to happen to them next. If you enjoy reading series books start with this one and follow the characters.
January 5, 2008
An amazing read in my break from academic stuff. The story is captivating and the style of writing puts you right there with the characters. Should be read AFTER "Don't Want No Suga" by the same author.
November 16, 2009
I couldn't get into this story. I read the back cover and thought it had potential, but I couldn't find the "voice" of the story--the voice was jumping from character to character, and the story jumped around as well.
June 10, 2010
Good writing.
It's an interesting look into how your past shapes your future in ways you sometimes cannot get past (no pun intended). A great book for looking at how relationships can/can't work.
It's an interesting look into how your past shapes your future in ways you sometimes cannot get past (no pun intended). A great book for looking at how relationships can/can't work.
September 8, 2011
I really like this book it was a change from my normal vampire/shifter attraction the characters were deep and made you care. I picked up the sequel and read it in one day and I cant wait to get my hands on the last book.
June 6, 2015
Dealing with issue is important and this theme ran throughout the book. You will be challenged in areas. John king has many personalities. Was it rightfully so or did he use it as a crutch? This book will keep you engaged. Great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews