FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Page & Palette, 32 S. Section St. in Fairhope, will host author Gin Phillips on July 25, from 2-4 p.m.

She will sign her book “The Well and the Mine” at the downtown bookstore.

This award-winning novel is an assured and inspiring literary debut that explores the value of community, charity, family and hope during times of hardship.

The book contains a glowing introduction by Fannie Flagg, who met the young writer while visiting the campus of Birmingham-Southern College, when Gin was a student there.

The story begins in 1931 Carbon Hill, a small Alabama coal-mining town, when 9-year-old Tess Moore sits on her back porch and watches a woman toss a baby into her family’s well without a word.

This shocking act of violence sets in motion a chain of events that forces Tess and her older sister, Virgie, to look beyond their own door and learn the value of compassion and lending a helping hand.

While Tess’ father, Albert, performs backbreaking labor in the mines and her mother, Leta, makes do without meat on her table, the family owns a small farm and has managed to avoid the crippling poverty that has affected those around them.

As Tess and Virgie try to solve the mystery of the well, an accident puts their younger brother’s life in danger, revealing just what sacrifices their parents have made in order to give their children a better life.

The author will exclusively sign all books purchased from Page & Palette.

For more information, call (251) 928-5295 or visit www.pageandpalette.com.