An unforgettable tale featuring the rebellious early years of Mama Ruby, the indomitable heroine ofNew York Times bestselling author Mary Monroes acclaimed classic novelThe Upper Room.  Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, Ruby Jean Upshaw is the kind of girl who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. By the time shes fifteen, Ruby has a taste for fast men and cheap liquor, and not even her preacher daddy can set her straight. Only Othella Mae Cartier, daughter of the town tramp, understands what makes Ruby tick.  When Ruby discovers shes in the family way, shes scared for the first time in her life. After hiding her growing belly, Ruby secretly gives birth to a baby girl at Othellas house. Othella talks Ruby into giving the child awayand with the help of a shocking revelation, convinces Ruby to run off with her to New Orleans.  But nothing can erase Rubys memories of her childor quell her simmering rage at Othella for persuading her to let her precious baby go. Someday there will be a reckoning. And Othella will learn that no one exacts revenge quite like Ruby Jean Upshaw . . .