When The Secret Keepers Are Gone

by Crystal Hawkins

225 pages, Paperback

Published June 21, 2026

Reviews

[Bailey Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A precious testimony of a woman raised by heroin addicts and religious con artists. This book is the perfect blend of witty and vulnerable. In an honest, but hopeful tone, she tells her story.
I like this book, especially because the author is a "real person." She's not a celebrity or an influencer, but a woman that felt compelled to share her experiences in efforts to help others.

I am grateful to have seen this story develop. I would recommend wholeheartedly.

[Kate Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal Hawkins’ bravery in sharing this oftentimes heartbreaking story is inspirational. She tells each chapter of these lived experiences—her childhood and adolescent memories of being raised by addicts—with such hope and gentleness towards those who mistreated her, all without shying away from difficult truths. This story, along with Crystal’s encouragements at the end of the memoir, have reminded me that everyone has been made in God’s image, and that forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing.

[Bryan Eberl · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not often I read a book where I feel anger, sadness, joy, excitement in the story being told and inspired by how it all is written by a good author in Jesus. Though hard to read at times for the challenges Crystal has faced, I saw parts of Gods heart changing and shaping her heart throughout the story. A humble loving being being changed and grown by love and not the things around her. And even in all the moments where emotions, panic, or fear were portrayed, she was honest how they impacted seemingly inappropriate reactions. Those moments in her writing I’m sure will impact anyone else struggling with anxiety or trauma, whether processed or not when presented with triggers. In the book the storied life by Jared Wilson talks about how when you tell your story, you ought to tell it in a way where Jesus is the key actor in the drama. And it is clear Crystal did this.