Lucy Merriweather and Adel Kelly have been best friends since they met in college.  Both women are in the stride of midlife, and are, on the surface, successful; but each is not as happy as she could be…
 
Lucy, single, is a fitness manager for a chain of Texas health clubs.  Her current “steady” is Spencer, a down-home guy who’s well, boring.  Their relationship is totally stable and secure, but not exciting for Lucy.  On Adel’s dare, she calls one of those psychic hotlines, and meets Kuba, the “Sexy Soul Psychic.”  On hearing his voice, Lucy feels immediately drawn to him.  Kuba is mysterious, deeply spiritual and like the name says, sexy.  But is Kuba all that she imagines?  Who, in the end, holds the answer to the loneliness that gnaws inside of her… or does she alone hold the key?  Can she choose between her two lovers?
 
Adel is married to second husband Thad.  Thad is less than responsible, always working on the “next big thing” that never comes through, and Adel struggles with his immaturity.  Frustrated at work and at home, Adel turns to her faith for answers.  What will bring her the fulfillment she desires?  And can Thad grow with her to fit into that picture?
 
This is just the kind of book to read with a girlfriend.  It is Adel’s and Lucy’s friendship that pulls Colored Sugar Water together.  Author Berry’s characters are real, and her plot involving…  Although I questioned some of the choices the characters make, I found myself truly absorbed by the story and rooting for Lucy and Adel all the same.  I liked the strong spiritual theme—a spirituality that doesn’t necessarily mean one religion, or point of view… though the book’s conclusion, it seems, does weigh one over the other.  A twist at the end was a nice surprise—but I’m not breathing another word about it here; you’ll just have to read the book yourself!
 
My only criticism was that some of the plot resolution was a little too pat, a little too quick; it would have been more effective with some forewarning
 
Colored Sugar Water by Venise Berry is a real book about real relationships, and I recommend it for a good read—and for sharing with a good friend!

Charisse Sisou