River Queen Rose

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Shirley Kennedy. River Queen Rose

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The ramshackle River Queen Hotel is home to vagabonds, gamblers, and heathens—and now, to new widow Rose Peterson. The rundown Gold Rush establishment is the only thing her late husband, Emmet, left her. Despite its raucous saloon and ladies of the evening, Rose can see the hotel’s potential. Her late husband’s family claim that sheltered Rose isn’t capable of running the Sacramento inn herself. But she is determined to make a new life for herself and her young daughter, even if it means flying in the face of custom and propriety. She feels as if she hasn’t a friend in the world.

Except, perhaps, one. Decatur “Deke” Fleming, a tall, lanky Australian who once served as Emmet’s farmhand. Pride prevents Deke from revealing his moneyed past; conscience keeps him from confessing his feelings for the still grieving widow. But when Rose is tempted by wealthy civic leader and hotel owner Mason Talbot, Deke may be the only person who can save her—and the one man capable of reviving her bruised and battered heart . . .

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Close up, Rose could see the man had a strange look on his face. He was not smiling as he extended his hand to Ben. “Hello, sir, I expect you’re Emmet’s father. I’m Tom Murphy, his neighbor from next door.” He glanced toward his companion. “This is Dulcee Bidwell, my mother.” He cast an affectionate glance her way. “She looks fragile, but you don’t want to mess with her.”

“Yes, I’m Ben Peterson.” Ben shook his hand. “Pleased to meet you.” Not one to mince words, he asked, “Where is Emmet?”

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