Gold Rush Baby

Gold Rush Baby
Dorothy Clark

She didn't come to Alaska for its gold. Viola Goddard is seeking something much more precious–a fresh start.Now, entrusted with the care of an abandoned baby girl, Viola is finding new purpose and joy. And when missionary Thomas Stone is injured while saving little Goldie, Viola insists on nursing him back to health. What she mustn't do is confess her growing regard for his strength and gentle compassion. Her shameful secret could destroy his ministry. Unless this little gold rush town can give them both a chance to heal, to hope and to trust.

A lady like you.

Thomas’s good opinion of her would quickly change if he knew the truth. As would the opinions of those in Treasure Creek who had befriended her in spite of her standoffish attitude. Tears clogged her throat. She wanted so much to draw close to them all, to be a true friend to them, but friendship meant questions and confidences that she dare not invite.

Guilt, sorrow and regret formed a heavy weight in her chest, pressed down on her already aching heart. She did not truly belong with these good people. Certainly not with a man of faith and integrity like Thomas. She could only live on the fringe of their friendship, returning what help and service to them she could in exchange. She blinked the film of moisture from her eyes and stole a sidelong look at Thomas from beneath her lowered lashes. Perhaps she could help him with his missionary work in some way. Perhaps that would help atone for her past.

ALASKAN BRIDES:

Women of the Gold Rush

find that love is the greatest treasure of all.

Gold Rush Baby—Dorothy Clark, June 2011

DOROTHY CLARK

Critically acclaimed, award-winning author Dorothy Clark lives in rural New York, in a home she designed and helped her husband build (she swings a mean hammer!) with the able assistance of their three children. When she is not writing, she and her husband enjoy traveling throughout the United States doing research and gaining inspiration for future books. Dorothy believes in God, love, family and happy endings, which explains why she feels so at home writing stories for Love Inspired Books. Dorothy enjoys hearing from her readers and may be contacted at dorothyjclark@hotmail.com.

Gold Rush Baby

Dorothy Clark

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

And Jesus looking upon them saith,

With men it is impossible, but not with God,

for with God all things are possible.

—Mark 10:27

This book is dedicated to editor Emily Rodmell,

who skillfully walked me through the process of

writing a book in a continuity series.

Thank you, Emily, for your patience and good humor

in answering my many questions. And to the other

authors of this Alaskan Brides continuity series,

Allie Pleiter and Linda Ford…what can I say?

You are both very talented and gracious ladies.

I count it an honor to have worked with you.

“Commit thy works unto the Lord,

and thy thoughts shall be established.”

Your word is truth. Thank You, Jesus.

To You be the glory.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen