The latest offering by, Christian fiction author, Stacy Hawkins Adams is about three female friends whose stories were captured in Adam’s first two novels. This most recent novel about friendship, faith and growth in God’s grace may be read independently of the previous two novels.

Serena, wife of a young Pastor, has finally realized their heart-felt desire and has birthed beautiful twin boys, yet her joy has turned to despair as the responsibilities of motherhood threatens to overwhelm her.

Tawana, a single mother and promising young law student who has struggled through a past lined with poor choices and doubt, is finding it hard to let go of her past and move on to her destiny.

Erika’s journey from a pregnant and abused wife in a battered women’s shelter with no hope for the future, finds her way to a fulfilling career in interior design and is successfully raising her son alone. But Erika’s former husband is seeking to work his way back into her life. Although she does not trust him; she is tempted to believe that he can change just for the sake of staying inside her box.

Along with a complement of supporting characters; these three women tell the story of the watercolored pearls that they have become, hardened by their experiences, colored by their pasts, shining in their own right.

Hawkins is a gifted storyteller. Each chapter encourages the reader on to the next chapter wondering what these women will learn as they grow in faith and in esteem. This is a good relationship novel for a generation of accomplished African American professionals making their mark on the world. I recommend it highly.