The Unlikely Groom

Skagway, Alaska - 1898 Gold Rush Time. Ian and Ashlynne MacKenzie's parents are dead. They both want a new start. Ian is a gambler and a drinker. Although Ashlynne has had an affair [and been left] she is ingnorant of the ways of the world. She comes to Alaska with many prejudiciouses - mainly against drinking, gambling and whoring. What a gal! When Ian is killed she is left alone. And ends up in the saloon, Star of the North, with Lucas Templeton. Lucas just wants peace and quiet to drink his whiskey in solitude. Sugar Candy, his mistress, is just biding her time to convince Lucas to marry her. Lucas doesn't want to be responsible for anyone ever again. Somehow he just couldn't leave Ashe out in the streets of Skagway at the mercies of the uncouth population. There is a lot of drinking going on and Ashe does her share, until she realizes what has happened. She is determined to work for her room and board but refuses to make up to any man. She eventually worms Luke's secret sorrows out of him and suddenly realizes that most men have some good in them. Luke does his darndest to get Ashe to return to San Francisco and get out of his life. Ashe is determined to get justice for Ian and asks questions around Skagway about "Soapy" Smith, a dangerous character. One thing and another leads to Ashe being attacked. Lucas decides to do something about "Soapy". Oh,Boy! more trouble. Nothing much about the gold rush. To me a very unsatisfactory ending but hey, it is just fiction. Recommended --M Entertaining read.