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eBook Category: Romance/Historical Fiction
eBook Description: Lottie Buchanan, a genteel and refined lady of St. Louis signs a contract to sing in the wilds of Deadwood, S. Dakota. There she is deluged by a swarm of lonely miners and ruffians wanting to see a 'real lady'. But one man stands out in the crowd. A big, broad shouldered, red haired man--Grant Adams. Grant takes one look at Lottie and knows he's in trouble. She is lovely, very much a lady and not for the likes of him--a rough and ready miner. But he has trouble convincing his heart. He wants her, to protect her, to wrap his arms around her and hold her. Lottie can only see and pursue her Dakota Dreams.

eBook Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press, Published: WHISKEY CREEK PRESS, 2005
Fictionwise Release Date: July 2005

7 Reader Ratings: Great Good OK Poor

Available eBook Formats [MultiFormat - What's this?]: Adobe Acrobat (PDF) [1.5 MB], eReader (PDB) [259 KB], Palm Doc (PDB) [249 KB], Rocket/REB1100 (RB) [224 KB], Microsoft Reader (LIT) [232 KB] - PocketPC 1.0+ Compatible, Franklin eBookMan (FUB) [258 KB], hiebook (KML) [637 KB], Sony Reader (LRF) [314 KB], iSilo (PDB) [204 KB], Mobipocket (PRC) [256 KB], Kindle Compatible (MOBI) [304 KB], OEBFF Format (IMP) [325 KB]
Words: 78821
Reading time: 225-315 min.
Microsoft Reader (LIT) Format: Printing DISABLED, Read-Aloud ENABLED
Adobe Acrobat (PDF) Format:  Printing DISABLED, Read-Aloud ENABLED
All Other formats: Printing DISABLED, Read-aloud DISABLED
ISBN: 1-59374-207-X

Deadwood Gulch, South Dakota Territory 1877

She had been warned! Lottie Buchanan stepped off the stagecoach and looked around nervously. Yes, shed been warned, but that hadnt stopped her. "Oh no," faltered from her lips.

Deadwoods mud, and the board sidewalks were certainly a far cry from St. Louis refinement and civilization, paved streets and lighting. She had been told it was an overnight metropolis in the wilderness, fueled by greed, gold and gunpowder. No law, no organization, and no order existed. Disputes over gold claims were frequent and bloody.

She had been warned that Indians ambushed stragglers and mail riders. Bandits waylaid armored and guarded bullion coaches. Prices were outrageous. She guessed now she would find out for herself.

But she wanted this independence, didnt she? The opportunity to sing had long been her dream. She swallowed the lump in her throat. This wasnt St. Louis, to be sure, but she had signed a contract and she intended to fulfill it. Petrified, she raised her chin just a notch, determined to make the best of these dismal surroundings. This was the first time she had been away from her family. "Oh, if they could only see me now." She laughed nervously and wiped the tears from her eyes. Mama would be more than terrified for her refined and genteel daughter.

"Which way is the hotel?" she asked the driver.

"Deadwood Palace or the Melodean?"

"The Melodean."

He spat a stream of amber liquid and pointed. "Right over yonder on Main Street, maam."

"Thank you." Holding up her royal blue skirt, Lottie crossed the muddy and rutted street. A boy trailed behind with her luggage.

Lottie thanked the young man and gave him a tip when he set down her small trunks. Walking to the registration desk, she said, "Lottie Buchanan. I believe I have a room reserved."

The balding clerk, spectacles riding low on his nose, replied, "Oh, yes, Miz Buchanan. Were glad to have you. Room 203." He hesitated briefly, and added, "We hear tell you can sing sweet as a canary."

She smiled shyly and murmured a quick, "Thank you."

Snapping his fingers, he passed a key to a youngster who materialized from around the corner. The young man hefted her luggage to his shoulder. With pride, Lottie signed her name to the register with a flourish, and walked up the stairs, the plank flooring echoing under their steps.

The boy unlocked the door, set down her bags and stared at her. "Youre very pretty, Miz Buchanan." He blushed furiously.

"Thank you." She gave him a sweet smile, and then turned to look out the window when she heard the door click shut.

Deadwood, nestled in a canyon, and shaped like a chickens wishbone, was bounded by steep mountains on every side. She noticed a few nice houses, but most were small cabins, or tent houses with lumber part way up. Lazy spirals of smoke trailed from the chimneys. Main Street appeared to be the main thoroughfare, with eating places, mercantile stores, hardware store, gambling halls, saloons and even a photo studio.