In her uniquely crafted memoir In the Morning Joy, Mary Kathryn Clark plays dual roles as she shares her own journey of self-discovery in the form of dialogue between a seasoned counselor and Makai, a client seeking wisdom and guidance to help her through her own challenging life experiences. Just like many other women, Clark has experienced many joyful as well as painful times in her life that ultimately afforded opportunities for personal growth. Through Makaia prototype representing such real life experiences as perfectionism, neediness, workaholism, divorce, and caring for others more than herselfClark illustrates that the pain of the past need not limit the present and affect the future. As Makai slowly begins to acknowledge and work through her issues, she comes to the realization that God is the only one who can heal all wounds and fill the empty hole inside. As Makai, with the help of her friend and counselor, slowly transforms from a broken woman to a restored woman, she discovers an inner strength she never knew she had. In the Morning Joy inspires women everywhere to peel away the layers of their lives to find serenity, peace, and hope through Gods love.