Black Cherry

In the late 1970s, families of color began their transition into neighborhoods distinctly and traditionally new to them. The same was so for Berkeley Hills, a prim community that dwells outside Berkeley, California. It's where three young girls formed a steady friendship that was marked by devotion, trust, promises, secrets, and fire.

Mashé Boston, Rhial Curry, and Eila Wynston lived on the same block. In addition to race as their common thread, they shared many qualities that bonded them indefinitely-Mashé, the virtuous one; Rhial, characterized as unassuming; and Eila, moderately eccentric. From elementary school to college at the University of Miami, and into adulthood, nothing and no one cleaved their bond. Mashé pursued the humanities; Rhial had the aptitude for high-end marketing; and Eila sought an opportunity in city government. With the occasional challenges that come with life, coupled with their similarities and differences, their relationship was virtually invincible until it was time to plan a lavish wedding.

Mashé, Rhial, and Eila were tossed into an emotional whirlpool. The events that followed had all the makings for combustion. The biggest challenge was who was to blame. They preferred to empower themselves to resolve this flaring development without the intervention of outsiders.

In Black Cherry, author Henrietta D. Elmore-Smith has created a saga defining the true characteristics of friendship. When those characteristics are tested, who will withstand the trials?