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Dakotah Treasures #2
Pearl
Book 2 of Dakotah Treasures. Author Lauraine Snelling takes readers further forward in Ruby Torvald's story as Dove House becomes a well-known establishment. Ruby plays matchmaker between the lovely but hidden Pearl and the carpenter Soren, who longs to uncover the beauty in Pearl that seems to be damaged by a tragic childhood. Ruby's own heart is torn by loyalty to the major and a surprising new suitor. But when a disaster threatens their future, will these jewels of the prairie be forced to abandon their dreams for the security of the east?
350 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
88 people are currently reading
1080 people want to read
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
159 books2,042 followersAward-winning and bestselling author Lauraine Snelling has over 80 books published with sales of over 4.5 million. Her original dream was to write horse books for children. Today, she writes adult novels about real issues centered on forgiveness, loss, domestic violence and cancer in her inspirational contemporary women’s fiction titles and historical series, including the favorite, Blessing books about Ingeborg Bjorklund and family.
Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).
Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
March 14, 2017
It wounds me to rate a Lauraine Snelling only 2 stars . . . It really does!
I was quite disappointed in this one. Firstly, the title is Pearl, but there is a WHOLE LOT more Ruby and Opal in it than Pearl. It felt forced, as if Pearl was just a vehicle to convey Ruby's storyline. And an unnecessary vehicle at that. Also the ending wrapped up very suddenly, and rather unsatisfactorily, and the next book picks up 5+ years later. Pearl's storyline didn't feel like it had enough resolution; boom, all of a sudden everything is fine and dandy. I would have liked to see her storyline wrapped up better.
I did enjoy getting to know some characters I have only heard of in passing, such as Charlie (<3), Cimmeron, Milly, Belle, and the marquis.
Not really something I would read again. Although, I wouldn't necessarily NOT recommend it.
I was quite disappointed in this one. Firstly, the title is Pearl, but there is a WHOLE LOT more Ruby and Opal in it than Pearl. It felt forced, as if Pearl was just a vehicle to convey Ruby's storyline. And an unnecessary vehicle at that. Also the ending wrapped up very suddenly, and rather unsatisfactorily, and the next book picks up 5+ years later. Pearl's storyline didn't feel like it had enough resolution; boom, all of a sudden everything is fine and dandy. I would have liked to see her storyline wrapped up better.
I did enjoy getting to know some characters I have only heard of in passing, such as Charlie (<3), Cimmeron, Milly, Belle, and the marquis.
Not really something I would read again. Although, I wouldn't necessarily NOT recommend it.
May 21, 2012
I almost gave it two stars but since I liked the story...
This book was more about Ruby than Pearl, yet the prequel is called 'Ruby'. Makes me wonder what the book Ruby was about then. It was a confusing plot because I kept flipping to the cover to check whether we were supposed to be talking about Ruby so much! Maybe the writer has a fixation with Ruby as a character? Pearl got probably 40% exposure and character development compared to Ruby. Quite disappointing. I'm curious to read the prequel though. Wonder who the main character was there.
This book was more about Ruby than Pearl, yet the prequel is called 'Ruby'. Makes me wonder what the book Ruby was about then. It was a confusing plot because I kept flipping to the cover to check whether we were supposed to be talking about Ruby so much! Maybe the writer has a fixation with Ruby as a character? Pearl got probably 40% exposure and character development compared to Ruby. Quite disappointing. I'm curious to read the prequel though. Wonder who the main character was there.
May 27, 2024
This book surprised me. I loved the romance and caught myself smiling and giggling many times. Although it was a little slow in some parts, I loved the book.
August 16, 2017
Pearl Hossfuss, teacher, flees to the Dakotah Territory from her father's arranged marriage.
Carl Hegland, carpenter, leaves Minneapolis to find work in the Dakotah Territory.
Ruby Torvold, proprietor, continues to thrive in Little Missouri.
The characters were well developed and easily loved. Strength in character, Ruby continued to lead.
Nestled in the Bad Lands of the Dakotah Territory, Little Missouri begins to grow. Progress, I love the word. The excitement fell off each page when the growth became apparent.
One of my favorite scenes happened when Cat gave birth to kittens-in an underwear drawer. I grew up with cats and kittens were all around my house.
I love reading about the old west, not sure I'd want to live there. Yet, the comradery seemed stronger during that period of time. Seemed like people needed each other more.
The ending took me by surprise.
Carl Hegland, carpenter, leaves Minneapolis to find work in the Dakotah Territory.
Ruby Torvold, proprietor, continues to thrive in Little Missouri.
The characters were well developed and easily loved. Strength in character, Ruby continued to lead.
Nestled in the Bad Lands of the Dakotah Territory, Little Missouri begins to grow. Progress, I love the word. The excitement fell off each page when the growth became apparent.
One of my favorite scenes happened when Cat gave birth to kittens-in an underwear drawer. I grew up with cats and kittens were all around my house.
I love reading about the old west, not sure I'd want to live there. Yet, the comradery seemed stronger during that period of time. Seemed like people needed each other more.
The ending took me by surprise.
November 6, 2024
Pretty good book. Seemed more about Ruby than Pearl but still enjoyed it.
January 10, 2025
If I'm being full honest, I was very engaged in this story. It's well written, and the story was pretty exciting, but Pearl isn't a big part of it! lol
Honestly, Ruby (who's book is the first in the series) is just about the main character. And if I'm gonna keep being honest, Ruby isn't my favorite character. (or one of them) She's very ladylike and reserved, and her emotions seem to change with every breeze. I found her to be hard working and kind most of the time, just not my type of character.
Okay, Opal was my girl! Even though she's younger, I was able to relate to her so well! I'm aware she had her struggles, but maybe that's why I loved and sympathized with her so much. I think Ruby should've been more patient with her. Opal is wild and free, passionate and sometimes quick tempered, bold and fearless, but has her flaws and relatable stuggles. I just love her.
Pearl. Okayyyyyy, like i said, she's not really the main character, even though this book is called Pearl. I think she was written pretty well, but I couldn't relate much because there's honestly not that much about her.
Those were the main characters that I remember. As you might guess, this wasn't one of my very favorite books, and I probably won't remember it in say, five years. And even though I won't be rereading it and it wasn't exactly my thing, I would recommend it.
I'm going to read the next book because it's about Opal. Let's just cross our fingers it's not really about Pearl! lol
Honestly, Ruby (who's book is the first in the series) is just about the main character. And if I'm gonna keep being honest, Ruby isn't my favorite character. (or one of them) She's very ladylike and reserved, and her emotions seem to change with every breeze. I found her to be hard working and kind most of the time, just not my type of character.
Okay, Opal was my girl! Even though she's younger, I was able to relate to her so well! I'm aware she had her struggles, but maybe that's why I loved and sympathized with her so much. I think Ruby should've been more patient with her. Opal is wild and free, passionate and sometimes quick tempered, bold and fearless, but has her flaws and relatable stuggles. I just love her.
Pearl. Okayyyyyy, like i said, she's not really the main character, even though this book is called Pearl. I think she was written pretty well, but I couldn't relate much because there's honestly not that much about her.
Those were the main characters that I remember. As you might guess, this wasn't one of my very favorite books, and I probably won't remember it in say, five years. And even though I won't be rereading it and it wasn't exactly my thing, I would recommend it.
I'm going to read the next book because it's about Opal. Let's just cross our fingers it's not really about Pearl! lol
May 31, 2012
The book alone isn't as good as the first one on it's own, but it is a good sequel/follow-up. I really wanted a different ending but it doesn't ruin the book. The interaction and story of the characters is good but the book is certainly about the journey and not the destination. I look forward to the 3rd book 'Opal'. Snelling is a good author.
April 1, 2020
I didn't think it was too bad a read. Was a bit slow to start but as I got into it I did warm to the characters. Was a little confused about the title of the book though as it suggests the book is about someone called pearl and it isn't really. The main characters are Ruby and the ladies she lives with. Pearl does come into it as a new character however she really is a small part in the book
October 11, 2012
This book was a good one with the characters developing more from the first book "Ruby". It gave us several good conclusions for characters we have come to know and love. This was the best of her three books for me.
September 30, 2024
I didn't like it as much as the original. It was rushed to bring the couples together, and the switching from Chicago to the Dakotas was a bit confusing to the timeline.
September 16, 2023
Well-written but she felt like a side character in her own book.
July 11, 2025
Pearl arrives in Little Missouri to become the schoolteacher. Her story is intertwined with that of the Dove House folks, so we get to follow Ruby, Cimarron, Opal, Belle, Daisy and Milly a bit more. The early part of the book is sort of a dual tale while the author gives background on Pearl and her life in Chicago while keeping the reader abreast of happenings at Dove House and what is going on across the river in what will be called Medora. Another new character is introduced, Carl Hegeland, a carpenter from Minneapolis. He comes West looking for a job, and he lands at Dove House.
Pearl has fled Chicago to avoid a marriage she didn’t want, one that her father arranged. He is livid. While the territorial education people give Pearl the contract to teach, they provide little else. Pearl arrives early well before school would start, but no one knew she was coming. She stays at Dove House and becomes a friend to Ruby. There is no school house, so the card room at Dove House becomes the school room by day. And so it goes.
Ruby is beginning to be attracted to Rand Harrison. He can’t get Ruby out of his mind. They make positive progress in their relationship. Opal is still a delight. Her antics and adventurous spirit make for some nice byplay. Belle is her old self, a thorn in Ruby’s side. Some farmers move in to the area. Ruby makes a friend with Mrs. Robertson, who has five girls. The Marquis de Mores has big plans and the money to put Medora on the map. He starts with building a big home, a chateau. Changes are coming to Little Missouri.
Dove House is becoming well known for its food and lodging. Teddy Roosevelt even stays there. Offers are made to buy it, but Ruby is not ready to sell. She is still worried about keeping her promise to her dad about taking care of his girls. However, as things move along, a few of the girls are being taken care of by men who come into their lives. The end of this story is when a big storm comes through, thunder and lightning and all that. Tragedy strikes but it binds some folks together, so there are a few happy endings. Read Ruby first; then Pearl will make much better sense.
Pearl has fled Chicago to avoid a marriage she didn’t want, one that her father arranged. He is livid. While the territorial education people give Pearl the contract to teach, they provide little else. Pearl arrives early well before school would start, but no one knew she was coming. She stays at Dove House and becomes a friend to Ruby. There is no school house, so the card room at Dove House becomes the school room by day. And so it goes.
Ruby is beginning to be attracted to Rand Harrison. He can’t get Ruby out of his mind. They make positive progress in their relationship. Opal is still a delight. Her antics and adventurous spirit make for some nice byplay. Belle is her old self, a thorn in Ruby’s side. Some farmers move in to the area. Ruby makes a friend with Mrs. Robertson, who has five girls. The Marquis de Mores has big plans and the money to put Medora on the map. He starts with building a big home, a chateau. Changes are coming to Little Missouri.
Dove House is becoming well known for its food and lodging. Teddy Roosevelt even stays there. Offers are made to buy it, but Ruby is not ready to sell. She is still worried about keeping her promise to her dad about taking care of his girls. However, as things move along, a few of the girls are being taken care of by men who come into their lives. The end of this story is when a big storm comes through, thunder and lightning and all that. Tragedy strikes but it binds some folks together, so there are a few happy endings. Read Ruby first; then Pearl will make much better sense.
March 15, 2018
This book was not bad, it just was a disappointment. Since much of the story takes place at Dove House, I expected Ruby (from Book 1) to be a part of the story; I did not anticipate her being a such a large part of the story. While Pearl was a prominent character, she did not play as large a part as I would have liked. By the end of the book, I was a little sick of Ruby; she was hard on her sister and those who upset her, but spent a lot of time trying to justify her own sin. It was good to have her finally (sort of) come to her senses, but I thought she could have grown and matured in her walk with Christ more than she did, especially since she grew in so many other areas. I did appreciate that many of the story lines were tied up enough that I could stop with this book and be satisfied. I plan to finish the series, however, since hope springs eternal that the last two stories will be better.
March 25, 2018
Snelling never disappoints
Loved book #1, and this one too. This, like all of Snellings books, is full of action, courage, challenges and mercy. Pearl, new teacher, finds acceptance out on the west; something she could never find in Chicago society. She joins Ruby, Opal and the staff of Dove House, a busy hotel and restaurant just outside the constructing town of Medora, Dakota Territory. Will these women be able to tame this corner of the Wild West? When should one fight, and when is it time to throw in the towel? As key characters learn to depend on God's guidance, less savory characters threaten what they have. Is marriage and security in the future for our heroines, some of which believe themselves unloveable? Immerse yourself in the saga centered in Little Missouri, Dakota Territory.
Loved book #1, and this one too. This, like all of Snellings books, is full of action, courage, challenges and mercy. Pearl, new teacher, finds acceptance out on the west; something she could never find in Chicago society. She joins Ruby, Opal and the staff of Dove House, a busy hotel and restaurant just outside the constructing town of Medora, Dakota Territory. Will these women be able to tame this corner of the Wild West? When should one fight, and when is it time to throw in the towel? As key characters learn to depend on God's guidance, less savory characters threaten what they have. Is marriage and security in the future for our heroines, some of which believe themselves unloveable? Immerse yourself in the saga centered in Little Missouri, Dakota Territory.
August 9, 2020
This is a decent book and I enjoyed it for the most part but I found it a little bit harder to get into then the first book. The first book I could swear I’ve read before but I’m not sure when so I reread it. Not that that’s really about relevant right here but just as a point of information. Anyway, the ending was quite interesting and again I won’t say what it is… But I like the characters in the bigger variety in stories and point of you. The story of Jed Black was very interesting and when compared with what happened to Cymarron it was also very interesting. It’s a reminder of how forgiveness varies among people and that we should forgive though if there are times when it is very difficult and we just have to ask God to help us to forgive and for him to forgive them so that we can
May 25, 2023
I enjoyed this book even more than the first book in this series. The little romances that blossom throughout are so sweet! It makes me a little sad at thinking how our society has changed. To think a man could fall in love with a woman for who they are and not just based off of how they "put out" or if they even have chemistry in the bedroom. Back then, you fell in love with the person first and then it all falls together. Lauraine does a wonderful job again in this book at describing how things used to be. Not sure I'm ready to read the third book about Opal falling in love because she seems so little still in this book and in my mind! I'm still looking forward to it though! This might be my new favorite author!
February 22, 2025
This was a wonderful sequel to Ruby, This one follows Pearl Hossfuss, a new schoolteacher for the town of Little Missouri to teach in their school. She also uses this opportunity as a way to escape her father's efforts to get her married to someone she doesn't love.
I was happy to see Pearl and Ruby develop a friendship. The way they cross paths is when Pearl takes up residence in Ruby's establishment, Dove House.
I was so disappointed in Pearl's father. I think that he was way too controlling of what her future had to be. Also, I don't think that Pearl had to be ashamed of her scars as much as she did. I'm glad she realized that in the end.
Hopefully, it won't be too hard for me to find copies of books 3 and 4 this year. I would love to say I finished this series in 2025.
I was happy to see Pearl and Ruby develop a friendship. The way they cross paths is when Pearl takes up residence in Ruby's establishment, Dove House.
I was so disappointed in Pearl's father. I think that he was way too controlling of what her future had to be. Also, I don't think that Pearl had to be ashamed of her scars as much as she did. I'm glad she realized that in the end.
Hopefully, it won't be too hard for me to find copies of books 3 and 4 this year. I would love to say I finished this series in 2025.
October 21, 2020
Excellent story about Ruby, who has made Dove House a respectable hotel. She tries to raise her 11 year old sister, Opal, with godly values, but Opal has learned some bad habits from Belle, a former dove.
Pearl is a school teacher in Chicago, and lives in rich society with her father, step mother and siblings. Her father has arranged a marriage with a man who won’t say a word to her, but wants her to marry him and help raise his five children.
Pearl accepts a post in Missouri and teaches at Dove House. Complications arise. The story ends with a twist.
Pearl is a school teacher in Chicago, and lives in rich society with her father, step mother and siblings. Her father has arranged a marriage with a man who won’t say a word to her, but wants her to marry him and help raise his five children.
Pearl accepts a post in Missouri and teaches at Dove House. Complications arise. The story ends with a twist.
December 5, 2025
I like the series so far. There may have been too much repeating of information, and the recording voice was not the best, I didn’t like hearing her swallow and other noises, but that can’t be helped, I guess.
It is good to have a series that is clean and faith based, it is refreshing not to have to deal with foul language and other things.
It is good to have a series that is clean and faith based, it is refreshing not to have to deal with foul language and other things.
November 7, 2018
You never know what the Good LORD has in store for us.
The story has an interesting host of characters. All believable. Lauraine Snelling writes in a way that makes you feel like you're there.
The story has an interesting host of characters. All believable. Lauraine Snelling writes in a way that makes you feel like you're there.
March 18, 2020
Another well written book by Lauraine Snelling. Every book I read, I have more respect for her abilities. The characters are so real and there are surprises throughout the story. Loved this book.
May 10, 2023
Pearl was nearly as boring as Mr. Longstreet, as well as Carl Hegland. Her story was overdeveloped in the beginning then neglected towards the end. The only reason I kept reading was because of Ruby and Opal’s story
October 20, 2024
What a fun read!
I loved this story the 2nd time around as much as I did the first...
A delightful book with all three right components!
love, inspiration, villains & and in unexpected heros.
Intriguing Humans.
I loved this story the 2nd time around as much as I did the first...
A delightful book with all three right components!
love, inspiration, villains & and in unexpected heros.
Intriguing Humans.
January 7, 2025
A great sequel to Ruby. However I was bored at first because it didn't pick up right back in Little Missouri....but it gets there eventually and is pretty good. The last few chapters were the best to me.
February 15, 2025
Christian Historical Romance
Man, the tragedies just keep on coming! But, at least God mingles some great friendships, growth in faith of believers and more believers added to the flock! There is always hope for a brighter future! Again, the narration was wonderful!
Man, the tragedies just keep on coming! But, at least God mingles some great friendships, growth in faith of believers and more believers added to the flock! There is always hope for a brighter future! Again, the narration was wonderful!
June 12, 2025
What a finale!
A very interesting book with a lot going on. At the end Pearl and Ruby get their husbands, but the most interesting thing is that Belle paid $18,000 dollars for a pile of rubble that included all of the money too. I don’t know what is left for the next book now
A very interesting book with a lot going on. At the end Pearl and Ruby get their husbands, but the most interesting thing is that Belle paid $18,000 dollars for a pile of rubble that included all of the money too. I don’t know what is left for the next book now
June 19, 2017
Love this series. I'm hooked. Can't wait to get the next book.
October 27, 2017
I really liked this book. Relatable characters.
July 9, 2018
As usual, slow going; but man alive, stay tuned! It built to a crescendo, that even visible from a distance, was quite satisfying all the same. On to the next.
September 21, 2018
Very well written book. This one picks up right after Ruby ends. I love all the characters in this series of books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews