Chastity's Angel — Linda Ford

Chastity LaBlanc has lived her whole life in the Willow Creek boardinghouse, watching people come and go. Only her mother's presence has remained steadfast, and Chastity counts on that security. She never knew the father who abandoned her and her mother, and the lack of knowledge has left a void in her life that hinders building of relationships.
After ten years of traveling Adam Silverhorn returns to Willow Creek, with photographs, sketches, and paintings of the Klondike gold rush and the wilds of the Yukon--and with a love he has carried in his heart for Chastity.

Afraid to love a man who may leave at any moment, Chastity instead settles for the security she finds in Michael Martin, the young teacher who comes each week to the boardinghouse. She and Michael become engaged, but she soon learns that he wants something she doesn't. Is it too late for Adam, who--true to her expectations--has left again?