"The Hills of Desire" by Richard Aumerle Maher is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Jimmie Wardwell and Augusta Wilding as they grapple with the complexities of love, familial obligation, and the struggles of life amidst a bustling New York City backdrop. The initial chapters introduce the tensions between Jimmie and Augusta, particularly focusing on the impact of Augusta's mother, Rose, and her mysterious disappearance from their lives. At the start of the narrative, we see Jimmie and Augusta in a somewhat whimsical yet strained interaction, with Jimmie caught between his writing ambitions and his affections for Augusta. As Augusta expresses concern over her mother’s welfare, it becomes clear that Rose's absence has cast a shadow over their lives. The opening portrays a delicate balance of innocence and growing up as the characters navigate their emotional landscapes, setting the stage for deeper themes of identity and connection as they search for Rose amidst increasing chaos and uncertainty. (This is an automatically generated summary.)