Opal by Lauraine Snelling

Dakotah Treasures #3

by Lauraine Snelling

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.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Westerns, Historical

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Award-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).

Reviews

[LizetteMonet · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Nellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Frode · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Rachel Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Ava · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Connlou Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

(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.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Patrick V. Evoniuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. Much left unfinished, so will need to read #4 in the series.

[Patty Herrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series. Enjoyed every minute. Predictable but still loved it.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story but didn't realize there was a 4th book in the series so I didn't like the ending.

[Linda Dalgliesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[AlegnaB † · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Deedee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as first two in series.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive

I love reading this series. I am excited to decide who series to start next. I love the gospel sprinkled throughout.

[Linda Flaig · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Janet Friesner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Third book in this series and it is an excellent read. I know there is a fourth book but wish there were more.

[Linea Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable series

[Kathryn Pulman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Hannah Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, but it was kinda ruined by the age gap Opal and Jacob had.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Rosa Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series and if you don't have the first two books (Ruby and Pearl) avalible to you, you could still pick this one up and not be 'lost'. I have really enjoyed this series the first two books I gave four stars but this one I gave five (of which I don't just hand out 'freely') This one although is a continuation from the other two kind of started again; a different setting and just a different 'aire' about it. In reading this one if you haven't read the other two there are very suddle refrencenses to things like 'who is Belle and why does Opal wonder what happened to her?" or "What was Dove House and 'soiled' doves?" But those things really doesn't matter to this book-storyline. So reading the other books will give you the back ground of the main characters of this book; but again if you don't-haven't read the others just pick this one up and you'll be hooked. ESPECIALLY if you like western type books.

This book does have two storylines going on throughout the story; up until about half the book they are completely separate of one another but they do come together and into one later on in the story. It introduces a young man that once was a pastor but his past comes back to 'haunt' him and he deals with forgiveness through out this novel. Forgiveness from the Lord, for those around him but mostly forgiveness of himself. Because without acceptance of forgiveness of yourself only then can you move on with life and do what God has set before you. It also centers more on a now teenage Opal and her struggle with wanting to be grown up but still not 'quite' there yet. And she is spunky and trouble seems to always find her. But a few times trouble has found a couple of her friends and they get hurt and Opal has to deal with forgiveness and feeling it's 'her fault'...

This novel did such a wonderful job at reminding the reader that God is with us always and reminding us of certain scriptures to help us through times in our lives that we feel we are low and down. Ms Snelling did such a wonderful job in the way she wrote that it's teaching-gently reminding us; of these things. We're sitting in the bedroom with an aging elderly gentleman and a 'preacher man' that's lost his way. Or a local man that in the past has lost everything he had but still knew he had Faith that things were okay showing the way to a teenager who is finding her way. Teaching that sometimes situations is beyond our control and it's not 'our fault'...finding forgiveness of the situation.

I enjoyed the other two books of this series but this one really touched my heart and gave me the spiritual feeling I needed right now in my life. I really enjoyed listening to this story and they just continue to get better and better.

I did listen to this on CD; the lady that read it doesn't do a very good job. But like in the first two books I had gotten used to her way of reading so this book wasn't as hard to adjust to her. So if you choose to listen to it on CD don't set the book down because of the lady's very deep voice (nothing like I envision several of our characters would have had.) and not being able to change her tone for characters to ruin you on a good series. Once you listen to her for a while you can get used to her and start enjoying the book

[Sverre · Rating 4 out of 5]

People who enjoy Snelling’s books know what to expect: excellent characterizations, true historical settings, geographical detail, day-to-day routine interspersed by intervals of dramatic crisis, realistic dialog, remorseful insights, apprehensive anticipations, relationship-fostering, religious devotion, etc. ‘Opal’ fulfills all of those expectations. The book revolves around three main characters: Opal Torvald, a fourteen year old tom-boyish ranching girl whose life revolves around the chores of running a cattle ranch and the training of horses; her married sister Ruby Harrison who runs the domestic operation and is dutifully maternal to her little son; and Jacob Chandler, a preacher who has come West to escape his past moral failure and now works as a ranch hand.

Most readers will have followed Ruby and Opal from the first volume of this quadrilogy. Snelling’s writing can be criticized as being predictable and formulaic. However, she usually manages to dish up surprises and loyal readers appreciate the growing affinity they feel towards the main characters. The author hardly ever abandons her reader’s attention for any length of time. It can happen when she gets bogged down in too many detailed descriptions of domestic chores or—as in this book—of training horses, but after a few pages the plot moves on to new situations and adventures.

This is pleasant reading, especially for fans of Christian sentimentalism. God is believed, or at least suspected, to have a hand in all events. Human free will is constantly challenged to be guided and to follow the Divine impulse. The Bible is the textbook for a happy and successful existence. Readers who are not avid Christians may find that kind of orientation quaint and outdated. But this is historical fiction after all, meant to reflect attitudes and conditions true to the time period. The devotion to Christian beliefs and values presented in most of Snelling’s books is quite accurate for the time, place and populace she writes about. Critics belonging to the secular school should understand that it does not work to try to impose 21st century mindsets on 19th century characters.

The fourth book ‘Amethyst’ will no doubt also feature the two sisters, Ruby and Opal, in more complex and demanding situations with the addition of at least one new female character.