TARNISHED GOLD by Virginia Andrews

Growing up in her beloved swamp, Gabriel is supremely happy, nurturing secret dreams despite the ever-widening rift between her mother and her conniving, whisky-drinking father.  But just days ago before her high school graduation, rich cannery owner Octavious Tate surprises her in a secluded pond and shatters her innocence forever.

Pregnant and desolate, Gabriel agrees to a shocking plan that will allow Octavious's frigid wife, Gladys, to claim the baby as her own.  Hiding in a tiny, abandoned playroom in the Tate mansion, Gabriel is miserable - but nothing is more wrenching than the moment Gladys takes baby Paul away.

Returning home to the swamp, Gabriel drifts in a world of gloom, brightened only by a chance glimpse of her son.  But as Jack Landry's reputation as a swamp guide grows, a hunting party brings handsome Creole millionaire Pierre Dumas to the bayou.  Falling desperately in love, Gabriel will not heed the voice warning that their joy may bring more grief than she can bear...

Hard cover, good condition.  With dust jacket.