Finding Martha’s Place

Welcome to Martha’s Place . . . Martha Hawkins was the tenth of twelve children born in Montgomery, Alabama. There was no money, but her childhood was full of love. Martha’s mother could transform a few vegetables from the backyard into a feast and never turned away a hungry mouth. Memories of the warmth of her family’s supper table would remain with Martha. Even as a poor single mother without a high school diploma, Martha dreamed of one day opening a restaurant that would make people feel at home. She’d serve food that would nourish body and soul. But time went by and that dream slipped further and further away as Martha battled the onset of what would later become a severe mental illness. But the thing about hitting bottom is that there’s nowhere to go but up. Martha decided to step into God’s promise for her life. Her boundless faith and joy led her to people who would change her world and lend a helping hand when she most needed and least expected one. Martha’s Place is now a nationally known destination for anyone visiting the Deep South and a culinary fixture of life in Montgomery. Martha only hires folks who are down on their luck, just as she once was. High-profile politicians, professional athletes, artists, musicians, and actors visit regularly. Martha has proven many times that keeping the faith makes the difference between failure and success. This is the story of how Martha finally found her place. . . .

Martha Hawkins was born the tenth of twelve children in Montgomery at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, and she overcame poverty and mental illness to become a successful restaurateur and inspirational speaker. Today, her restaurant ＂Martha’s Place＂ is a nationally-known stop for anyone who visits the Deep South and is a culinary fixture of life for Montgomery residents. Her cooking, restaurant, life story, and inspirational words have been featured in many national publications including The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, Southern Living, Essence, and Guideposts.

Marcus Brotherton is a New York Times bestselling author and collaborative writer known for his books with high-profile public figures, humanitarians, inspirational leaders, and military personnel. He has authored or coauthored more than twenty-five books and substantively edited more than thirty-five others. Marcus’s books include the widely acclaimed Shifty’s War, We Who Are Alive & Remain, A Company of Heroes, and Feast for Thieves.