In a word, this story is original. The combatants to become the first mayor of Sawtooth, Wyoming, are two fiercely competitive individuals: Gabby Wade and Tyler Ashburn. Gabby is fighting for her livelihood while Tyler has been pressured into running by his future father-in-law.
In order for a bridge to be built near Sawtooth (which would make travel faster to the next large town, the city has to incorporate and form a government (otherwise, the bridge will be built elsewhere). Tyler wants the bridge and he wants to remove the 5 saloons/gaming halls in the town.
Gabby, as an astute businesswoman, realizes that if someone doesnt run for mayor against Tyler, she and the other saloons will be drummed out of town. Gabby is a self-made woman shed come to Sawtooth with enough money to open her business and she has been successful.
Only those who visit her establishment know that Gabby runs a clean club no prostitutes, no cheating at cards, no large bets and she doesnt continue to sell alcohol to those who are getting drunk. Because Gabby keeps to herself and her best friend (and co-worker) was a prostitute (years ago), most of the citizens think that Gabbys business is like most sin parlors.
Gabbys platform is based on free choice (folks have the right to choose whether or not to come into a gaming hall). Tyler believes that the gaming dens are temptations that folks dont need; he wants to close them all. Tyler is encouraged by one of the richest men in the region, Vernon Gatewood. Tyler is also engaged to his daughter.
Some of the schemes each political party concocts are humorous, some are awful. However, the reader gradually comes to understand that these two combatants are decent people with seriously differing views on life.
It takes Gabby and Tyler considerable time to understand that they are much more alike than they realize. This is a wonderful story; my only complaint is the villain he is blacker than black (with no redeeming features)!
In order for a bridge to be built near Sawtooth (which would make travel faster to the next large town, the city has to incorporate and form a government (otherwise, the bridge will be built elsewhere). Tyler wants the bridge and he wants to remove the 5 saloons/gaming halls in the town.
Gabby, as an astute businesswoman, realizes that if someone doesnt run for mayor against Tyler, she and the other saloons will be drummed out of town. Gabby is a self-made woman shed come to Sawtooth with enough money to open her business and she has been successful.
Only those who visit her establishment know that Gabby runs a clean club no prostitutes, no cheating at cards, no large bets and she doesnt continue to sell alcohol to those who are getting drunk. Because Gabby keeps to herself and her best friend (and co-worker) was a prostitute (years ago), most of the citizens think that Gabbys business is like most sin parlors.
Gabbys platform is based on free choice (folks have the right to choose whether or not to come into a gaming hall). Tyler believes that the gaming dens are temptations that folks dont need; he wants to close them all. Tyler is encouraged by one of the richest men in the region, Vernon Gatewood. Tyler is also engaged to his daughter.
Some of the schemes each political party concocts are humorous, some are awful. However, the reader gradually comes to understand that these two combatants are decent people with seriously differing views on life.
It takes Gabby and Tyler considerable time to understand that they are much more alike than they realize. This is a wonderful story; my only complaint is the villain he is blacker than black (with no redeeming features)!
