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You Gotta Sin to Get Saved
Charlotte Rodgers has always wanted too much. Too much love, too much attention, and had too many big dreams. It was how she ended up abandoning her two daughters, Connie and Reesy to chase after a man and the promise of a dream life. But Charlotte never anticipated how her world would be irrevocably changed. Now, twenty-seven years later, her whole world shifts yet again with a letter from one of her daughters. And the past is about to bust wide open.
Reesy has always been obsessed with something. Obsessed with finding her birth mother. Obsessed with her sister’s life. Obsessed with her own adopted daughter never finding out that Reesy is really her aunt. With a neglected husband, who is unknowingly drifting further and further away, a sister who is trying to escape her well-meaning clutches, and a daughter becoming more and more curious about her true parentage, finding the mother she always dreamed about seems to be an answered prayer to Reesy. That is until Reesy is brought crashing back to earth to find that her perfect life is in tattered pieces.
Connie has always expected too little. Too little from the man she’s been living with for years. Too little from her modest jewelry business. And too little from her relationships, or lack thereof, with her daughter, mother and sister. And too little from herself. Until she discovers she is pregnant again and decides that this time she is keeping her baby, sending her life and her relationship into a tailspin. And rediscovering the mother who left them behind is the last thing she wants.
Thrown back together again, in a maelstrom of shocking truths, Charlotte, Reesy and Connie will discover on their journey to forgiveness and redemption that you just might have to sin first in order to be saved.
Reesy has always been obsessed with something. Obsessed with finding her birth mother. Obsessed with her sister’s life. Obsessed with her own adopted daughter never finding out that Reesy is really her aunt. With a neglected husband, who is unknowingly drifting further and further away, a sister who is trying to escape her well-meaning clutches, and a daughter becoming more and more curious about her true parentage, finding the mother she always dreamed about seems to be an answered prayer to Reesy. That is until Reesy is brought crashing back to earth to find that her perfect life is in tattered pieces.
Connie has always expected too little. Too little from the man she’s been living with for years. Too little from her modest jewelry business. And too little from her relationships, or lack thereof, with her daughter, mother and sister. And too little from herself. Until she discovers she is pregnant again and decides that this time she is keeping her baby, sending her life and her relationship into a tailspin. And rediscovering the mother who left them behind is the last thing she wants.
Thrown back together again, in a maelstrom of shocking truths, Charlotte, Reesy and Connie will discover on their journey to forgiveness and redemption that you just might have to sin first in order to be saved.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
11 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Mason
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 5, 2011
I ended up reading this book for my book club, this was selected by the majority to read. I wasn’t thrilled this was picked because I found out that this was the 3rd book in a series. For one thing, I don’t like coming in at the end of a story, so I wasn’t happy about that. I remembered reading the first book, One Day I Saw a Black King a very long time ago but I didn’t recall the details. Nor did I want to reread that or even read the 2nd book because I know J.D. Mason’s writing is heavy and there is no way I could take 3 of her sad books in one month. Because I’m committed to reading all the books, I went ahead and read the 3rd installment.
I end the end I was glad I went ahead and read it. There really was no need to read the previous 2 books (thank goodness). There was enough detail and back story that you could figure out how things became how they were. The three daughters in this book were done so wrong by their mother it’s sad. Charlotte abandoning Connie and Reesy at a young age left them both emotionally damaged. They both have tons of baggage that they carry and it shows in how they handle their relationships and life in general. The same goes for Cammie, the youngest that Charlotte had years after she left the older two kids. Even though Connie and Reesy were abandoned, it was like Charlotte did them a favor by leaving them. They found better situations, people who cared for them. Cammie on the other had was raised by Charlotte, which in my opinion, really leaves her more worse off than her sisters.
Charlotte really is a nut case. She is abusive and mean and just hateful. I guess that was learned behavior based on how her mother treated her compounded with her experiences with men dumping on her and abusing her…but I kind of feel that she brought on those situations by being just plain dumb and arrogant.
Even Connie’s “boyfriend” John has major issues with commitment among other things. Reesy’s husband also has his own situation of feeling left out to deal with. Not to spoil the story for you, so I’ll just say her husband takes drastic measures to feel wanted and it blows up in his face.
The book was written well and was a fast read. Just beware there are some very violent scenes in this book. To top that off, everyone in this book is messed up…don’t expect anyone to be the voice of reason here. The state of these characters is really sad. Although the ending was kind of open, it did leave some small sliver of hope for these people. I want to believe they all got their happy ending…except Charlotte of course.
I end the end I was glad I went ahead and read it. There really was no need to read the previous 2 books (thank goodness). There was enough detail and back story that you could figure out how things became how they were. The three daughters in this book were done so wrong by their mother it’s sad. Charlotte abandoning Connie and Reesy at a young age left them both emotionally damaged. They both have tons of baggage that they carry and it shows in how they handle their relationships and life in general. The same goes for Cammie, the youngest that Charlotte had years after she left the older two kids. Even though Connie and Reesy were abandoned, it was like Charlotte did them a favor by leaving them. They found better situations, people who cared for them. Cammie on the other had was raised by Charlotte, which in my opinion, really leaves her more worse off than her sisters.
Charlotte really is a nut case. She is abusive and mean and just hateful. I guess that was learned behavior based on how her mother treated her compounded with her experiences with men dumping on her and abusing her…but I kind of feel that she brought on those situations by being just plain dumb and arrogant.
Even Connie’s “boyfriend” John has major issues with commitment among other things. Reesy’s husband also has his own situation of feeling left out to deal with. Not to spoil the story for you, so I’ll just say her husband takes drastic measures to feel wanted and it blows up in his face.
The book was written well and was a fast read. Just beware there are some very violent scenes in this book. To top that off, everyone in this book is messed up…don’t expect anyone to be the voice of reason here. The state of these characters is really sad. Although the ending was kind of open, it did leave some small sliver of hope for these people. I want to believe they all got their happy ending…except Charlotte of course.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2011
because...because...because...,
Attention seeking, obsessive and low expectations describe the Rodgers women. For Charlotte, the matriarch, she wants what she wants and really doesn't stop to think how it may affect or cost others. It was that way when she left Denver twenty-seven years ago to follow Sam, leaving her young daughters to fend for themselves. Now that Reesy, her baby girl, has found her, she is looking forward to being back in their lives.
Reesy is so bent on finding her mother that she's not paying enough attention to her husband, Justin, and his needs. The more she tries to get him to understand how important finding her mother is to her, the less important being his wife is at the moment for her.
Forty and pregnant, Connie finds herself afraid and alone as she forces the love of her life John away before he can walk away. Though she's been down this very road before, she's trying to do what is best for her, despite what or how others may feel.
With so much left unsaid, Reesy is willing to forgive Charlotte and orchestras a plan to bring Charlotte back into her and Connie's lives. Will they finally be one happy family?
YOU GOTTA SIN TO GET SAVED by J.D. Mason was an excellent read. I really enjoyed how the story offers Charlotte's account from the past, tying in the previous novels, and pulls the story into the future. I am really looking forward to reading SOMEBODY PICK UP MY PIECES.
Attention seeking, obsessive and low expectations describe the Rodgers women. For Charlotte, the matriarch, she wants what she wants and really doesn't stop to think how it may affect or cost others. It was that way when she left Denver twenty-seven years ago to follow Sam, leaving her young daughters to fend for themselves. Now that Reesy, her baby girl, has found her, she is looking forward to being back in their lives.
Reesy is so bent on finding her mother that she's not paying enough attention to her husband, Justin, and his needs. The more she tries to get him to understand how important finding her mother is to her, the less important being his wife is at the moment for her.
Forty and pregnant, Connie finds herself afraid and alone as she forces the love of her life John away before he can walk away. Though she's been down this very road before, she's trying to do what is best for her, despite what or how others may feel.
With so much left unsaid, Reesy is willing to forgive Charlotte and orchestras a plan to bring Charlotte back into her and Connie's lives. Will they finally be one happy family?
YOU GOTTA SIN TO GET SAVED by J.D. Mason was an excellent read. I really enjoyed how the story offers Charlotte's account from the past, tying in the previous novels, and pulls the story into the future. I am really looking forward to reading SOMEBODY PICK UP MY PIECES.
September 6, 2014
Wow... this book dragged me way down. I got into it just enough that I had to see it through--I felt obligated to get the characters out of their horrible situations. Ugh. I really enjoyed the last few pages (Finally! Some hope!). But some of the characters were such awful examples of human beings it just made me angry and disgusted.
Also, too many "C" names: Charlotte, Connie, Clarisse, Cammy, Cookie. Gah. Hard to keep straight.
Also, too many "C" names: Charlotte, Connie, Clarisse, Cammy, Cookie. Gah. Hard to keep straight.
January 8, 2009
tHIS BOOK WAS GOOD I HOPE THERE IS A SEQUEL.
December 10, 2012
Mason is so motivating, i keep pushing toward a new day waiting on her next novel:)!
March 9, 2020
This was an interesting read. It was really compelling for me to see Reesy look for her biological mother as I just recently was going through the same motions. I liked all three sisters but could not stand Charlotte. She had too much hate on the inside that was just waiting to spill out onto her daughters. I also did not like the fact that as the reader, we never knew for sure if Charlotte left her kids with her mom or if Charlotte just told herself this to make her feel better about leaving her daughters behind. Also, why did Charlotte just up and leave her daughters? The story with Uncle happened after she had them but before Camille.
November 17, 2020
This book right here! This book right here! Amazing masterpiece of showcasing the heartbreak and pain in a person's life. Each character had internal issues within themselves. From the life choices they made and how it effects the people around them. Like Charlotte, she came off to me as broken soul with no real guidance from family and peers. Charlotte's behavior was a cry out for help. Such a damaged young girl in a grown woman's body. She extended the generational curse of abuse and suffering on to her daughters. I love how the daughters stood up to her and took their power back from her. Breaking the generational curse slowly but surely. Is there a part 2 to this novel? I need it.
October 13, 2025
Overall, this book pulled me in and kept me engaged. I think there were a lot of difficult topics addressed, but I felt invested in each character and their journey. I was excited, angry, sad, and every emotion in between throughout the book. There were a lot of characters that confused me a bit at times (which was likely a side effect of this being a book in a series which I didn’t realize until after I finished). Really good story of family dynamics, forgiveness, and overcoming generational trauma!
February 22, 2024
Great read
I've enjoyed all three books in the series so far. J.D. Mason does a great job at connecting the characters. The scandal, drama, and generational curses makes it a page Turner. Character Charlotte is a mess!
I've enjoyed all three books in the series so far. J.D. Mason does a great job at connecting the characters. The scandal, drama, and generational curses makes it a page Turner. Character Charlotte is a mess!
May 29, 2017
This was a really good book. I enjoyed the trilogy, bringing it all together really answered many unanswered questions. At the end Charlotte got what she really deserved.
February 26, 2018
WOW!!
I chose this rating because I LOVED THIS BOOK!! This is a book club pick and can't wait for the decussion!!
I chose this rating because I LOVED THIS BOOK!! This is a book club pick and can't wait for the decussion!!
April 21, 2019
I made it a point to read all the books this author wrote up to now and i truly enjoyed the ride. If there is no other author you read or are looking to be wowed, be sure to find and read J D Mason.
February 11, 2013
(FROM JACKET)Charlotte Rodgers has always wanted too much. Too much love, too much attention, and she had too many big dreams. It was how she ended up abandoning her two daughters, Connie and Reesy, to chase after a man and the promise of a dream life. But Charlotte never anticipated how her world would be irrevocably changed. Now, twenty-seven years later, her whole world shifts again when she receives a letter from one of her daughters. And the past bursts wide open.
Reesy has always been obsessed with something. Obsessed with finding her birth mother. Obsessed with her sister's life. Obsessed with her own adopted daughter never finding out that Reesy is really her aunt. With a neglected husband, who is unknowingly drifting futther and further away, a sister who is trying to escape her well meaning clutches, and a daughter becoming more and more curious about her true parentage, to Reesy, finding the mother she always dreamed about seems to be an answered prayer. That is, until Reesy is brought crashing back to earth to find that her perfect life is in tattered pieces.
Connie has always expected too little. Too little from the man she's been living with for years. Too little from her modest jewelry business. Too little from her relationships, or lack thereof, with her daughter, mother, and sister. And too little from herself. Until she discovers that she is pregnant again and decides that this time she is keeping her baby, sending her life and her relationship into a tailspin. Rediscovering the mother who left them behind is the last thing that she wants.
Thrown back together again, in a maelstrom of shocking truths, Charlotte, Reesy, and Connie will discover on their journey to forgiveness and redemption that you just might have to sin first in order to be saved.
Reesy has always been obsessed with something. Obsessed with finding her birth mother. Obsessed with her sister's life. Obsessed with her own adopted daughter never finding out that Reesy is really her aunt. With a neglected husband, who is unknowingly drifting futther and further away, a sister who is trying to escape her well meaning clutches, and a daughter becoming more and more curious about her true parentage, to Reesy, finding the mother she always dreamed about seems to be an answered prayer. That is, until Reesy is brought crashing back to earth to find that her perfect life is in tattered pieces.
Connie has always expected too little. Too little from the man she's been living with for years. Too little from her modest jewelry business. Too little from her relationships, or lack thereof, with her daughter, mother, and sister. And too little from herself. Until she discovers that she is pregnant again and decides that this time she is keeping her baby, sending her life and her relationship into a tailspin. Rediscovering the mother who left them behind is the last thing that she wants.
Thrown back together again, in a maelstrom of shocking truths, Charlotte, Reesy, and Connie will discover on their journey to forgiveness and redemption that you just might have to sin first in order to be saved.
December 20, 2009
The Past is Never Really the Past,
With YOU GOTTA SIN TO GET SAVED, J.D. Mason brings her unexpected trilogy to a close. In the small town of Murphy, Kansas, lives Charlotte Rodgers, a woman running from her disturbing past. Hundreds of miles away in Denver, Colorado, are her daughters, Connie and Reesy, remnants of her past. When Charlotte abandoned Denver many years prior, she left behind her daughters, then eight and twelve, to fend for themselves.
Now grown, married and a mother, Reesy wants closure and answers. She hires an investigator to find their mother. Consuming thoughts of her mother is taking a toll on her family and driving a wedge between sisters. Connie, on the other hand, can care less about Charlotte and whether she's dead or alive, much less looking for answers. While younger sister Reesy was adopted by a loving family, Connie had only the streets. At forty, Connie finds herself pregnant by her equally emotionally screwed up boyfriend John King (One Day I Saw a Black King). To abort or not to abort is the question.
The investigator finds Charlotte and a reunion is inevitable. Are all parties ready for a family reckoning full of truths, pains and discovery?
Mason remains on top of her game. She delivers yet another strong presentation of her talent. Mason's stories are always interesting, real and doesn't disappoint. Her portrayal of the internal conflict of each woman is vivid and compelling. YOU GOTTA SIN TO GET SAVED is good reading.
Reviewed by: Toni
4.5 stars
With YOU GOTTA SIN TO GET SAVED, J.D. Mason brings her unexpected trilogy to a close. In the small town of Murphy, Kansas, lives Charlotte Rodgers, a woman running from her disturbing past. Hundreds of miles away in Denver, Colorado, are her daughters, Connie and Reesy, remnants of her past. When Charlotte abandoned Denver many years prior, she left behind her daughters, then eight and twelve, to fend for themselves.
Now grown, married and a mother, Reesy wants closure and answers. She hires an investigator to find their mother. Consuming thoughts of her mother is taking a toll on her family and driving a wedge between sisters. Connie, on the other hand, can care less about Charlotte and whether she's dead or alive, much less looking for answers. While younger sister Reesy was adopted by a loving family, Connie had only the streets. At forty, Connie finds herself pregnant by her equally emotionally screwed up boyfriend John King (One Day I Saw a Black King). To abort or not to abort is the question.
The investigator finds Charlotte and a reunion is inevitable. Are all parties ready for a family reckoning full of truths, pains and discovery?
Mason remains on top of her game. She delivers yet another strong presentation of her talent. Mason's stories are always interesting, real and doesn't disappoint. Her portrayal of the internal conflict of each woman is vivid and compelling. YOU GOTTA SIN TO GET SAVED is good reading.
Reviewed by: Toni
4.5 stars
March 23, 2014
It took me a minute to get going in this book but I did enjoy the book. Charlotte was a piss poor mother and in the end Reesy found that out. She was so into finding Charlotte that she neglected home and hubby. Justin ( hubby) got his though on the outside inspite of loving his wife. Connie was my favorite because she didn't give a hoot about her mother and never forgave her for not loving her and mistreating her before leaving them alone for a man. Camille was rescued by her sisters is all I can say. Charlotte really hated Camille. In my opinion Charlotte didn't deserve to be a mother. I believe Connie will be a great mother to her son. She gave her dau. Jade away for fear she wouldn't be a good mom based on her own mother. By the way she gave Jade to Reesy , her sister. A good read.!
February 22, 2024
Great read. Page Turner. Character Charlotte is a hot mess but have been through so much. I enjoyed reading. I almost need a break from all the scandal and drama but I just wouldn't feel right if I didn't read the 4th book in this series. J.D. Mason does a great job with building and following the characters and their stories through each book. I would like to know the authors perspective on calling this the Heritage Collection.
December 22, 2008
I must have missed it. Some how I could not find the connection with the title and what Ms. Mason wrote. I understood the unique struggles that all the sisters had -- no thanks to their mother. Quite frankly, it was not a book that kept my attention.
May 12, 2011
You Gotta Sin to Get Saved was an interesting read since I have been a fan of J.D. Mason. It lacked the flow that I have grown accustomed to from Mason. I really had to push myself to finish it. It was just an average read.
December 2, 2015
J.D. Mason can tell a story. She makes you feel what the characters are feeling...when their hearts are breaking; when they're frozen with fear; even when they're filled with joy. This installment in the series does not disappoint.
May 20, 2008
I really expected more from this book. It left a lot of questions unanswered ( maybe a part 2 to come). The mother is something else. Wow.
July 29, 2011
This was my first book by this author and it was riveting. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
October 11, 2011
The 3rd book ( I believe ) in the John, Connie, Reesy, Charlotte saga. Super Good!
March 27, 2014
AWESOME!!! Nothing more
May 4, 2015
Great story line! I enjoyed how Mason told the story of Charlotte's past right along with the present.
January 19, 2016
This was the third book in the series, and sisters Connie and Reesy are on a search to find their biological mother. A lot of twist and turns.
December 14, 2015
she is one of my favorite authors. One of the best books that I ever read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews