Nothing But the Right Thing

By Robin Caldwell

Author: Stacy Hawkins Adams

Stacy Hawkins Adams is the most gifted author in her league. Her work is handcrafted, unique in style and stands heads above machine-manufactured titles and storylines. For her specific audience, Adams is a writer’s writer.

Speak to My Heart (2004), Adams’ debut novel, was funky, edgy and reverent. She remains consistent in that element with Nothing But the Right Thing (Revell) the sequel to Speak to My Heart.

Who else but Stacy Hawkins Adams would or could use romantic prose to describe a scene of domestic violence? Who else but Adams could use romantic prose to effectively grab hold of the reader’s attention with a seriously unromantic scenario?

The first paragraph of Nothing But the Right Thing reads:

“The first blow split her lip, then his fist kissed her eye. By the third time her beloved slammed his shiny knuckles into her soft flesh, Erika Tyler Wilson had decided.”

You have to read the novel to discover Erika’s decision. You will also have to read the novel to bear witness to one of the most sensitive, detailed portrayals of domestic violence and its many facets. Adams, the journalist, probes beneath the surface to uncover—with compassion and dignity—the world of abused women. She takes us into their minds and spirits unlike any other account I’ve read in Christian fiction.

Nothing But the Right Thing re-introduces us to characters—more mature and wiser—from Speak to My Heart. And Adams does a great job of providing back-story for readers and non-readers of her first novel.

While Nothing But the Right Thing is very good, its one flaw is in the depiction of the male characters that range from extreme (soft, godly) to the other extreme (hard, ungodly). Micah returns as a loveable character that could use some spine support as he deals with Elliott, Erika’s battering beloved. And we meet Melvin again who does in part resemble any number of older, fatherly black men in our churches.

Noteworthy is Charlotte, a new character, whose voice is wiser, refreshing, honest and much needed. Charlotte brings balance to the more youthful female characters.

Nothing But the Right Thing is an excellent discussion tool for women’s groups and teen ministries. The metamorphosis of Erika is worthy of a bible study in and of itself.

However, as good as Nothing But the Right Thing is, therein lies a greater work marinating in the soul and spirit of Stacy Hawkins Adams. She is definitely leading the pack as a storyteller but is also setting the standard for those who will follow in her generation.