Three Fifty Seven A.M.: Timing Is Everything

Essie Mae Richardson is an elderly, wise, and church-going soul. She lives alone, but spends most of her time worrying about those around her. Using God's guidance and wisdom picked up over the years, she keeps an eye on things happening around her and when the time is right, she reaches out to those who don't even know they need her.

Mason and Elaine Demps are going through the motions of marriage. Mason is busy trying to ensure that he has the latest and greatest materialistic objects to make himself appear affluent. Elaine is growing lonely and feels neglected. Her need for more than financial support from her husband overwhelms her after she meets a handsome mechanic who shows an interest in her.

Colin and Angel Stephens are happily married and expecting their first child, a child they look upon as a miracle. They love each other, yet one careless mistake changes the tone of their marriage and possibly the outcome of Angel's pregnancy.

Jennifer Mays is a single mother to a teenage son who she simply doesn't understand. At the end of her rope, she decides to put her foot down to make him change his rebellious ways. Jerrod is in an adjustment stage and is trying to find himself, yet he is also holding on to past hurts that will send him to his destruction if they aren't resolved.

Quite innocently, Ms. Essie touches each family in her own special way, causing them to reflect on her words, giving them the love, prayers, and good home-cooked meals needed to help them realize the importance of life. It is through this family-like environment that they meet and form a relationship with themselves and later, with each other.

Hank Stewart is a highly acclaimed poet and writer who is a catalyst for action and a messenger of hope. He considers spirituality, history, and love as his major influences for delving into the world of literature. Essence bestselling author, Kendra Norman-Bellamy, is a West Palm Beach, Florida native. Her love for words began with writing poetry as an elementary school student and blossomed into novel writing in the late ’90s. Kendra resides in metropolitan Atlanta with her husband and two daughters.