What do you think?
Rate this book
Book 3 in the bestselling Dakotah Treasures series. Dove House has burned to the ground, Ruby and Rand have married, and now Rand's ranch is home for them all. Ruby's younger sister, Opal, is taking to ranch life like a hummingbird to sugar water. She can outshoot, outride, and work as hard as any cowboy on the place. Ranching has clearly stolen her heart. When a young minister arrives from the East, he is amazed to find himself falling in love with Opal, even though she is not a woman anyone would think of as a pastor's wife. But when God takes hold of a heart, He can work amazing miracles, and Jacob Chandler just might be the one to eventually woo her away from the ranch.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
145 books2,133 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).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
May 17, 2013
I had issues with this book. Actually, with the entire series.
There seems to be a strong theme through out the series that goes: If you get married it will automatically make you happy and people will like you. Its also easier, since you don't have to do all that integrity building work anymore, you'll have a husband!
I read this book many years ago, when I myself was a 14/15 year old girl. It seemed right up my alley. A 14 year old girl finding comfort in the work of a ranch hand. She was unconventional for her time, a bit wild, but still had enough sense and compassion to make her a very likeable character. She had passion, which I will say none of the other characters (like her older sister for instance) seemed to possess. Spunky, bright, sure of herself and wasn't afraid to voice an opinion.
What really sort've disgusted me about this book was, the relationship between Opal and the minister. This was a man in his 30's, if I remember correctly. Every time they had a 'tender' moment together, I would cringe. And no one in the book seemed to think it improper that a full grown man with baggage, was hitting on a 14/15 year old girl. I'm surprised no one else has mentioned this, considering theres a global backlash against this sort of thing. It was the breaking point that had completely turned me away from the books and the author.
All of her other characters were so straight and primly laced in to their morals.....it just seemed out of character.
I felt like the writing style could have been a little tighter, a bit brighter in prose, but this is supposed to be a quick read, so I will not deduct points for that.
The only thing that kept this from being rated a 1 star was Opal. She was a giant splash of red across a black and gray backdrop.
There seems to be a strong theme through out the series that goes: If you get married it will automatically make you happy and people will like you. Its also easier, since you don't have to do all that integrity building work anymore, you'll have a husband!
I read this book many years ago, when I myself was a 14/15 year old girl. It seemed right up my alley. A 14 year old girl finding comfort in the work of a ranch hand. She was unconventional for her time, a bit wild, but still had enough sense and compassion to make her a very likeable character. She had passion, which I will say none of the other characters (like her older sister for instance) seemed to possess. Spunky, bright, sure of herself and wasn't afraid to voice an opinion.
What really sort've disgusted me about this book was, the relationship between Opal and the minister. This was a man in his 30's, if I remember correctly. Every time they had a 'tender' moment together, I would cringe. And no one in the book seemed to think it improper that a full grown man with baggage, was hitting on a 14/15 year old girl. I'm surprised no one else has mentioned this, considering theres a global backlash against this sort of thing. It was the breaking point that had completely turned me away from the books and the author.
All of her other characters were so straight and primly laced in to their morals.....it just seemed out of character.
I felt like the writing style could have been a little tighter, a bit brighter in prose, but this is supposed to be a quick read, so I will not deduct points for that.
The only thing that kept this from being rated a 1 star was Opal. She was a giant splash of red across a black and gray backdrop.
February 2, 2025
Last year I read Pearl, which is the book that takes place when Opal is still pretty young.
Even though it wasn't one of my favorite reads, I really related to Opal, so decided to read her book! And I was not at all disappointed.
This is part of a series, but I believe that if you read this book first it wouldn't change much.
When Opal makes a careless mistake it throws not only her, but lots of her friends, into danger. Her best friend Atticus is hurt and moves back east, leaving Opal heartbroken. Eventually, Opal moves too because things get so crazy.
She does return to the west, which I'm glad about. The story was so full of adventure that I didn't want to put it down! I will have to read the next and last book in the series because this one didn't completely tie up at the end.
There was not a lot of romance in this story. Actually, just about none for Opal yet. In this series it seems to be that every other book describes two characters ever afters, one new character and one from the book before.
This is exciting and engaging and I can't wait to read the end of Opal's story.
Even though it wasn't one of my favorite reads, I really related to Opal, so decided to read her book! And I was not at all disappointed.
This is part of a series, but I believe that if you read this book first it wouldn't change much.
When Opal makes a careless mistake it throws not only her, but lots of her friends, into danger. Her best friend Atticus is hurt and moves back east, leaving Opal heartbroken. Eventually, Opal moves too because things get so crazy.
She does return to the west, which I'm glad about. The story was so full of adventure that I didn't want to put it down! I will have to read the next and last book in the series because this one didn't completely tie up at the end.
There was not a lot of romance in this story. Actually, just about none for Opal yet. In this series it seems to be that every other book describes two characters ever afters, one new character and one from the book before.
This is exciting and engaging and I can't wait to read the end of Opal's story.
October 11, 2012
I was disappointed! I have really gotten into these characters and was looking forward to Opal's happy ending. There was no ending. The author left you hanging and just went on and on through a lot of day to day events without ever getting to a conclusion. I'm not sure whether to bother with book #4 or not.
November 2, 2010
This book is the 3rd adaption in the Dakotah Treasures series. It was the most adventurous one in the series. I really love Opal's character but was somewhat hoping for a different ending, but the ending was good nevertheless.
July 31, 2013
I'm really liking this series. This book is well written, clean, romantic, and adventurous. I will definitely read more from this author. Theses are set in the 1800's. The characters are very lovable, and relatable. I would love my teen daughters to read these.
October 3, 2016
I love this book! So great! Even though I haven't read the first two in the series, I still found it amazing, as per normal with Lauraine Snelling
July 15, 2025
Opal finally gets a book of her own. She is still young, 14, and still adventurous. Life, however, is not all fun and games as she finds out early on in the book. She’d rather be working at the ranch than at school, training horses rather than dealing with people, and wearing britches rather than skirts or dresses. She is still lovable and a bit goofy, but she is growing up. She is very responsible about helping out with chores on the ranch and even takes care of some household duties, mostly to help Ruby with her baby and Ruby’s limitations due to pregnancy.
A trip by train to New York to see the Brandon family cements in Opal’s mind that the Dakotas are where she wants to be. While her stay there was short, it solidified her friendships with the Brandon sisters, who might come out West for a visit.
There is drama and tragedy. Opal feels guilty about it, and that causes her to think ahead more. Weather related issues such as minimal rain and a hard winter cause problems at the ranch, but Opal lends a willing hand to make things work.
A new character is introduced, Jacob Chandler, a young pastor. Circumstances bring him to Medora along with his seven year old son, Joel. There is some awkwardness in the father-son relationship at first, but over time things get better. Jacob is attracted to Opal, and that adds some interest.
Overall, it’s a nice story, some action, various descriptions of life in those days, likeable characters, and some self talk by Ruby, Opal, and Jacob. Some of the things said reminded me of my mom; she was born on the Dakota prairie and told stories about her life growing up. One example was about the rope or wire stretched between the house and the barn so someone didn’t get lost in the snow going back and forth. Scripture is intermingled at times, often in thoughts or in short prayers. It is worked in well, not preachy at all.
A trip by train to New York to see the Brandon family cements in Opal’s mind that the Dakotas are where she wants to be. While her stay there was short, it solidified her friendships with the Brandon sisters, who might come out West for a visit.
There is drama and tragedy. Opal feels guilty about it, and that causes her to think ahead more. Weather related issues such as minimal rain and a hard winter cause problems at the ranch, but Opal lends a willing hand to make things work.
A new character is introduced, Jacob Chandler, a young pastor. Circumstances bring him to Medora along with his seven year old son, Joel. There is some awkwardness in the father-son relationship at first, but over time things get better. Jacob is attracted to Opal, and that adds some interest.
Overall, it’s a nice story, some action, various descriptions of life in those days, likeable characters, and some self talk by Ruby, Opal, and Jacob. Some of the things said reminded me of my mom; she was born on the Dakota prairie and told stories about her life growing up. One example was about the rope or wire stretched between the house and the barn so someone didn’t get lost in the snow going back and forth. Scripture is intermingled at times, often in thoughts or in short prayers. It is worked in well, not preachy at all.
October 27, 2020
It was a great opportunity to catch up with the characters that we had met in previous books in the series. Watching Opal grow up in the pages of this book was interesting. I know that I felt bad for Jacob when he wound up with a child he didn’t know he had. And although I can understand why Melody wouldn’t want to tell him. But it was still crummy of her. But you still had to feel sorry for her being that she had to hurry up and get married and then lost her husband. Anyway back to that… I think that the author was very realistic about the struggles of father and son would go through as they get to know one another. It was interesting to watch the way opal and Jacob interact with each other and the way they dance around their feelings. Even I had forgotten how young Opal was. I think it’ll be interesting to see what happens in the next book which I believe is the final one in the series.
April 1, 2023
I was disappointed the author didn’t spend more time dwelling on some major tragic points in the story. There were a lot of details around day-to-day events on the ranch but yet not enough detail or emotions when life’s tragic moments happened. The sad parts of this story were so important but yet skimmed over. There was also no ending. I couldn’t wait to see how Opal’s story ended but I was left with a cliff hanger as to what happens once she reaches her 18th birthday.
The main theme of the book is forgiveness, and I appreciated that point being driven home in multiple ways. That is why I’m not giving the book less stars.
The main theme of the book is forgiveness, and I appreciated that point being driven home in multiple ways. That is why I’m not giving the book less stars.
June 15, 2025
This book was weird. The writing dragged on and on, the characters other than Opal and Jacob were too perfect to be relatable, and I overall disliked Jacob Chandler, period. First of all, he ditches his job and life without telling anyone because he feels guilty for doing something seven years ago, feels bad for himself when his son is dropped on his doorstep & the mother dies, and then he FALLS FOR A FOURTEEN YEAR OLD. EXCUSE ME WHILE I PUKE. I tried the whole book to reason through that, but there is no way thats okay no matter how I think about it. I still did like the book and read the whole thing, but what a disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2019
(c) 2005 Set in the 1800s and the main character is Opal Torvald. Chapter starts off with action and you anticipate a horrible ending. However; it turns out that tragedy comes later and Opal has to travel east until things settle down. This is the wild west where law is hard to find. This book is about ranch life, romance and family life surrounding the Torvalds and others. Just for the romantic at heart.
September 3, 2026
The book continues the story of life in the old west. Opal lives with her sister and her husband. Opal is intelligent and prefers ranch life, especially training horses, to traditional women’s roles. There is also a major event (attack) that shapes how the summer goes. There are hired hands and neighbors also integral in the story.
September 7, 2019
I did not read the first 2 books but didn't find that I needed to to enjoy this story.
I enjoyed the story but at the end I was a little disturbed when I found out how old Opal was considering they were building up to a romance with her and Jacob.
I enjoyed the story but at the end I was a little disturbed when I found out how old Opal was considering they were building up to a romance with her and Jacob.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2021
Opal
What a great idea to have Opal grow up and (unbeknownst) to her have a possible future mate having to wait for her, just as Jacob in the Bible waited for Rachel! And this protagonist is named Jacob, too!
What a great idea to have Opal grow up and (unbeknownst) to her have a possible future mate having to wait for her, just as Jacob in the Bible waited for Rachel! And this protagonist is named Jacob, too!
December 22, 2017
Enjoyable read. Much left unfinished, so will need to read #4 in the series.
June 19, 2017
Great series. Enjoyed every minute. Predictable but still loved it.
April 25, 2018
I liked the story but didn't realize there was a 4th book in the series so I didn't like the ending.
November 13, 2018
Great series
December 7, 2018
Not as good as the first two, but will be looking to read the fourth book in hopes that it brings some closure to what was left hanging in this book.
April 3, 2020
Not as good as first two in series.
August 19, 2020
Addictive
I love reading this series. I am excited to decide who series to start next. I love the gospel sprinkled throughout.
I love reading this series. I am excited to decide who series to start next. I love the gospel sprinkled throughout.
March 6, 2021
Loved Opal
Lots of drama to keep your interest up. great read for anyone.
I enjoyed and look forward to Amethyst. Lots of Christian values brought out.
Lots of drama to keep your interest up. great read for anyone.
I enjoyed and look forward to Amethyst. Lots of Christian values brought out.
March 18, 2022
Great
Third book in this series and it is an excellent read. I know there is a fourth book but wish there were more.
Third book in this series and it is an excellent read. I know there is a fourth book but wish there were more.
May 7, 2023
Enjoyable series
March 4, 2024
3 1/2 stars
January 14, 2025
My favorite book in the series so far I think. I love the first one, but this one is a great addition to it and helps pull the story together!
May 18, 2026
Opal
This was a good book. I enjoyed it so much. I am Looking forward to the next book in this series.
This was a good book. I enjoyed it so much. I am Looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 26, 2023
I loved this book, but it was kinda ruined by the age gap Opal and Jacob had.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2025
Christian Historical Romance
I read and listened to this series completely out of order! But, every book was amazing! It feels like some things are never resolved though. But, unless I'm missing something there are only 4 books in this series!
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!!
I read and listened to this series completely out of order! But, every book was amazing! It feels like some things are never resolved though. But, unless I'm missing something there are only 4 books in this series!
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews