Book excerpt: "As the four girls stood by and watched still another family climb aboard the northbound train they renewed their vow. 'We cross our hearts and hope to die," they voiced in unison. 'We'll never leave Meadowsbrook." They felt this was a nice place to live, and since they were born here they planned to die here, convinced they could work together and make their town an even better place in which to live." During the summer of 1934 in Meadowsbrook, Mississippi, four girlfriends growing up in the small town struggle with issues of race, class, and the complex relationships between men and women. As they mature into adults, each searches for that one meaningful and lasting relationship. Georgia Mae Pastures finds love, but it only results in a senseless tragedy. Elizabeth Farrell falls in love with a white man at a time when such unions are considered taboo and dangerous. Natalie Dawson marries Shelton Lamont, a heartthrob who has a hard time keeping his pants above his knees. Tamara Mack marries Tobias Dupree-against her better judgment. Author Augusta Grimm delivers a hard-hitting look at the life of four very different, young African-American females as they journey from childhood to womanhood in "Meadowsbrook."