Portland author's debut a tale of Southern youth

Portland author Augusta Grimm makes her debut with "Meadowsbrook: When the Well Runs Dry" (iUniversepaperback, $20.95), the story of four very different African American girlfriends growing up in the small town of Meadowsbrook, Miss.

From the start, the girls struggle with issues of race, class and the complex relationships between men and women. As they mature into adults, each searched for that one meaningful and lasting relationship, only to encounter abuse and betrayal.

Georgia May, bright and engaging, has an unusual position in a pharmacy, but her desperate search for love brings her tragedy.

Elizabeth Farrell is attracted to the White man who makes deliveries to the meat market each week. They spend time together, and the knowledge that their stolen moments are forbidden only heightens their desires.

Redheaded, green-eyed Tamara comes home after college to a sick, bedridden mother. Tamara's grandmother soon falls ill, too, contributing to a burden that threatens her free lifestyle.

Natalie becomes a schoolteacher and marries the love of her life, Shelton Lamont, a womanizer who has a hard time staying faithful. Amid cries of "I told you so," she suffers her stormy marriage in silence.

"Meadowsbrook" is an insightful look into the many ways that home and family continue to shape us throughout our lives.