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First in a heartwarming new frontier series by Lauraine Snelling! Ruby is new to the Dakotah Territory - and the unexpected new boss! Managing her new "Inheritance" is going to require far more than she bargained for...
285 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
462 people are currently reading
3422 people want to read
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
167 books1,996 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 312 reviews
January 6, 2015
I stopped reading at chapter 9. Not thrilled with my first Lauraine Snelling book. Also, that building on the cover? Yeah, it's a brothel. Lovely, right? *sarcasm* So even to chapter 9 there's a lot of mentions of what goes on, "working girls", gambling, saloons, drinking, staring at a girl to see if she could work, etc. Not happy. Not happy at all.
July 26, 2013
== An audacious woman’s life in Little Misery ==
It is 1882 and Ruby Torvald, 20, and her sister Opal, 9, have been living a charmed life in upper class New York City. Their mother died when giving birth to Opal and their grandmother raised them until her death. Their father Per took off, following the “go west young man” ethos, leaving his children with the well-to-do Brandon’s where Ruby was made useful working herself up to become governess of their four young children. The Torvald girls felt loved, appreciated and secure with the Brandon’s ; they were all like one happy family.
There has been scant news from per Torvald and Ruby feels he has neglected his daughters. Then one day arrives his letter, from an obscure outpost called Little Missouri, Dakota Territory. He begs forgiveness for his neglect and says he is at death’s door. He encloses railroad tickets and bids them come so he can see them before his passing. He refers to an inheritance that awaits them. Ruby remembers the closeness she had with her dad while growing up and she yearns to see him while he still draws breath. Soon she boards the train with her little sister, being bound for Little Missouri.
It turns out that Little Missouri—also called Little Misery—is a tiny settlement hardly bearing any of the graces she is used to from New York. When she asks for directions to Dove House, her father’s hotel, she is met with hostility by the womenfolk. She soon discovers that Dove House is a den of intemperate, brawling, raucous and lascivious mortals. Ruby reunites with her father on his deathbed. Her inheritance consists of Dove House, some money and a treasure concealed on the premises. But, to complicate matters, she has a competitor, her father's sweetheart, Belle, a bawdy, overbearing woman who is intent on maintaining her position as heir-apparent. Before drawing his last breath, Per gets Ruby’s assurance that she will “take care of the girls” after his passing. That is a promise that will trouble Ruby no end in the weeks and months that follow.
The story is mostly told from the perspective of Ruby, but two other players, Captain McHenry, who commands an army battalion stationed in the town, and Rand Harrison, a rancher, also get their turn to add to the narrative. Charlie, who was Per’s business partner, is a pillar of strength who figures promptly in Ruby’s new frontier existence. From the start Ruby decides to change Dove House into a respectable establishment and the book recounts the vagaries of human conflict, physical hardship and financial austerity that define her life. But Ruby is a determined, persistent and audacious young woman who lets no-one and nothing slow her down for very long.
Snelling’s characterizations are excellent. She is a confident and productive writer who loves to provide detailed descriptions that transport her readers into the action of the story. Some of her books predict the ending by the middle of the books. This one has the reader wondering to the end.
It is 1882 and Ruby Torvald, 20, and her sister Opal, 9, have been living a charmed life in upper class New York City. Their mother died when giving birth to Opal and their grandmother raised them until her death. Their father Per took off, following the “go west young man” ethos, leaving his children with the well-to-do Brandon’s where Ruby was made useful working herself up to become governess of their four young children. The Torvald girls felt loved, appreciated and secure with the Brandon’s ; they were all like one happy family.
There has been scant news from per Torvald and Ruby feels he has neglected his daughters. Then one day arrives his letter, from an obscure outpost called Little Missouri, Dakota Territory. He begs forgiveness for his neglect and says he is at death’s door. He encloses railroad tickets and bids them come so he can see them before his passing. He refers to an inheritance that awaits them. Ruby remembers the closeness she had with her dad while growing up and she yearns to see him while he still draws breath. Soon she boards the train with her little sister, being bound for Little Missouri.
It turns out that Little Missouri—also called Little Misery—is a tiny settlement hardly bearing any of the graces she is used to from New York. When she asks for directions to Dove House, her father’s hotel, she is met with hostility by the womenfolk. She soon discovers that Dove House is a den of intemperate, brawling, raucous and lascivious mortals. Ruby reunites with her father on his deathbed. Her inheritance consists of Dove House, some money and a treasure concealed on the premises. But, to complicate matters, she has a competitor, her father's sweetheart, Belle, a bawdy, overbearing woman who is intent on maintaining her position as heir-apparent. Before drawing his last breath, Per gets Ruby’s assurance that she will “take care of the girls” after his passing. That is a promise that will trouble Ruby no end in the weeks and months that follow.
The story is mostly told from the perspective of Ruby, but two other players, Captain McHenry, who commands an army battalion stationed in the town, and Rand Harrison, a rancher, also get their turn to add to the narrative. Charlie, who was Per’s business partner, is a pillar of strength who figures promptly in Ruby’s new frontier existence. From the start Ruby decides to change Dove House into a respectable establishment and the book recounts the vagaries of human conflict, physical hardship and financial austerity that define her life. But Ruby is a determined, persistent and audacious young woman who lets no-one and nothing slow her down for very long.
Snelling’s characterizations are excellent. She is a confident and productive writer who loves to provide detailed descriptions that transport her readers into the action of the story. Some of her books predict the ending by the middle of the books. This one has the reader wondering to the end.
November 17, 2017
The only reason I gave this book two stars is because I finished it. I wanted to know what happened, even if by 60% of the way through I'd decided that Ruby was a sanctimonious shrew who had a very tenuous grasp of reality. I really, really didn't like her.
I admit that I didn't realize this was a Christian novel before I started it. Normally I can tolerate some light soul-searching for the greater good, but the constant whining about not reading the bible really had me feeling like Ruby was just a hypocrite. Yeah, you're tired, I get it, but either pick up the book or shut up about it and deal with your guilt. You don't have to read the bible daily and spout bible quotes in order to be a good person or a good Christian. (I really disliked this book.)
So, constant bible quoting aside, I felt this was a pretty pointless story. There was build up with the Captain, and with Rand Harrison, and neither came to fruition by the end of the story. I assumed from the *wink wink nod nod* moment that McHenry had with Belle ("I'll never tell!"), that he was in cahoots with her in driving business from the hotel. Instead, the author basically just offed him from the story by giving him orders to someplace else. And then Rand with "Will you marry me? No? Okay then."
And the constant... Argh. Look, I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't use drugs, I don't gamble; heck, I don't even know how to play poker! I'm a pretty normal (if rather boring) American. I'm married, I have three kids, I'm a SAHM, but I've also worked to support my family. I'm pretty middle-of-the-road, but the constant going on about how evil drinking was, and smoking, and gambling, and the ridiculous hesitation by all sexes to use any word related to the very real profession of prostitution drove me freaking nuts. Yeah, I'd have cut out the whoring aspect of the hotel, but I'd have left the liquor. There's a difference between moral righteousness and indignation, and starving yourself and the people you have responsibilities towards in order to take that moral high ground.
If she hadn't magically found that box when she did, I sincerely don't think they'd have made it in the long term. Maybe eventually, once the "town" had an influx of people, etc, but... now I'm just hypothesizing about a fictional story.
Oh, and Charlie's magic switch to a lapsed bible reader at the very end? Lame.
Sigh. Alright, I'm done ranting. I was very irritated by this book and absolutely will not find more of her work to read. It's a shame, because for the first half of the book, the writing was ok, and the preaching was to a tolerable minimum. Towards the end, it was almost as if the author felt she needed to throw more and more in there in order to make a point (a point, I might add, that was never revealed...in my opinion).
I admit that I didn't realize this was a Christian novel before I started it. Normally I can tolerate some light soul-searching for the greater good, but the constant whining about not reading the bible really had me feeling like Ruby was just a hypocrite. Yeah, you're tired, I get it, but either pick up the book or shut up about it and deal with your guilt. You don't have to read the bible daily and spout bible quotes in order to be a good person or a good Christian. (I really disliked this book.)
So, constant bible quoting aside, I felt this was a pretty pointless story. There was build up with the Captain, and with Rand Harrison, and neither came to fruition by the end of the story. I assumed from the *wink wink nod nod* moment that McHenry had with Belle ("I'll never tell!"), that he was in cahoots with her in driving business from the hotel. Instead, the author basically just offed him from the story by giving him orders to someplace else. And then Rand with "Will you marry me? No? Okay then."
And the constant... Argh. Look, I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't use drugs, I don't gamble; heck, I don't even know how to play poker! I'm a pretty normal (if rather boring) American. I'm married, I have three kids, I'm a SAHM, but I've also worked to support my family. I'm pretty middle-of-the-road, but the constant going on about how evil drinking was, and smoking, and gambling, and the ridiculous hesitation by all sexes to use any word related to the very real profession of prostitution drove me freaking nuts. Yeah, I'd have cut out the whoring aspect of the hotel, but I'd have left the liquor. There's a difference between moral righteousness and indignation, and starving yourself and the people you have responsibilities towards in order to take that moral high ground.
If she hadn't magically found that box when she did, I sincerely don't think they'd have made it in the long term. Maybe eventually, once the "town" had an influx of people, etc, but... now I'm just hypothesizing about a fictional story.
Oh, and Charlie's magic switch to a lapsed bible reader at the very end? Lame.
Sigh. Alright, I'm done ranting. I was very irritated by this book and absolutely will not find more of her work to read. It's a shame, because for the first half of the book, the writing was ok, and the preaching was to a tolerable minimum. Towards the end, it was almost as if the author felt she needed to throw more and more in there in order to make a point (a point, I might add, that was never revealed...in my opinion).
January 29, 2018
It's funny to me (read strange) how I read this novel the entire way through and never realized it was written by an author I enjoy very much and have read a number of her works.
I flipped back and forth throughout the entire story from "I like this" to "I really like this", back to "I like this." I'm not sure if it was the story or me.
I found myself stressed during the majority of the story, with the plot centering around the late 1800s Western growth, in this case, Dakota Territories, because it was about a father who had left his family in the East, and opened a brothel in the Dakota Territories. When he died, his daughters inherited the establishment and most of the plot was them (most specifically the elder daughter) trying to convert the brothel into a hotel and restaurant. However, the three "soiled doves" were kept on, although in a different capacity.
Although the main character, Ruby, was a lovely and moral girl, her "goodness" had little to do with her faith. I kept spending my reading time wondering when she was going to get her spiritual act together.
Well, by the time I reached the end of the story, I realized that I did truly REALLY like the novel.
I recommend it to anyone who loves stories about the settling of the West, and the moral and spiritual dilemmas the people of those times lived through.
I flipped back and forth throughout the entire story from "I like this" to "I really like this", back to "I like this." I'm not sure if it was the story or me.
I found myself stressed during the majority of the story, with the plot centering around the late 1800s Western growth, in this case, Dakota Territories, because it was about a father who had left his family in the East, and opened a brothel in the Dakota Territories. When he died, his daughters inherited the establishment and most of the plot was them (most specifically the elder daughter) trying to convert the brothel into a hotel and restaurant. However, the three "soiled doves" were kept on, although in a different capacity.
Although the main character, Ruby, was a lovely and moral girl, her "goodness" had little to do with her faith. I kept spending my reading time wondering when she was going to get her spiritual act together.
Well, by the time I reached the end of the story, I realized that I did truly REALLY like the novel.
I recommend it to anyone who loves stories about the settling of the West, and the moral and spiritual dilemmas the people of those times lived through.
December 6, 2012
** This is just a QUICK REVIEW of my thoughts on the book **
I read this several years ago now, but I remember I wasn't impressed with it. It was fairly preachy, largely boring and the main character was sanctimonious and un-interesting. (I'd actually forgotten I'd read it until I brought it home from the library and read the blurb and skimmed through it.)
I'm not saying you shouldn't read it; just that I've ready MANY Christian Fiction books which are a lot more enjoyable than this one.
Is there a Happy Ending? I don’t remember, but I do know it’s part of a series so it may have been a bit open-ended, as they often are.
Content Rating: PG?
I don't remember a lot about the content level but I do remember there is a brothel and some prostitutes (granted, at least one leaves her ‘wicked ways’ behind her). I think one of the ‘ladies of the night’ was raped at some point but I don’t remember the details of it.
Romance Rating:
I can’t remember if there was a romance, so if there was one it must’ve been unimpressive.
I read this several years ago now, but I remember I wasn't impressed with it. It was fairly preachy, largely boring and the main character was sanctimonious and un-interesting. (I'd actually forgotten I'd read it until I brought it home from the library and read the blurb and skimmed through it.)
I'm not saying you shouldn't read it; just that I've ready MANY Christian Fiction books which are a lot more enjoyable than this one.
Is there a Happy Ending? I don’t remember, but I do know it’s part of a series so it may have been a bit open-ended, as they often are.
Content Rating: PG?
I don't remember a lot about the content level but I do remember there is a brothel and some prostitutes (granted, at least one leaves her ‘wicked ways’ behind her). I think one of the ‘ladies of the night’ was raped at some point but I don’t remember the details of it.
Romance Rating:
I can’t remember if there was a romance, so if there was one it must’ve been unimpressive.
August 7, 2017
Ruby Torvald and her sister, Opal have received an inheritance from their long-lost father who left the family years prior to seeking his fortune in the Black Hills.
They leave Chicago and arrive at the mining town of Medora to claim their inheritance. Ruby is shocked at what their father has left them.
I enjoy a strong protagonist, and Ruby didn’t disappoint. Under opposition, she pressed into the unknown.
I got a small taste of life in early America. The lawlessness, the rawness, and the humanness all combined to make a great story. That journey started as a train ride. (Stirred memories of our train ride in the Black Hills of the Dakotas)
What a great story. I look forward to the next in this series, now that Lauraine Snelling has become one of my favorite authors.
They leave Chicago and arrive at the mining town of Medora to claim their inheritance. Ruby is shocked at what their father has left them.
I enjoy a strong protagonist, and Ruby didn’t disappoint. Under opposition, she pressed into the unknown.
I got a small taste of life in early America. The lawlessness, the rawness, and the humanness all combined to make a great story. That journey started as a train ride. (Stirred memories of our train ride in the Black Hills of the Dakotas)
What a great story. I look forward to the next in this series, now that Lauraine Snelling has become one of my favorite authors.
February 15, 2015
I must say, I didn't not finish this book. It disturbed me too much to finish.
Things I didn't like:
This book was not clean. The main characters' father owns a seriously rambunctious salon. Like, bars maids practically sell their bodies to the drunk men. Not what I call enjoyable! When I read a Christian fiction book, I just kinda expect it to be clean! Call me crazy!
Side note: At first, I thought Bethany House publishers meant that the books would be clean. Fyi that is not true!
Things I didn't like:
This book was not clean. The main characters' father owns a seriously rambunctious salon. Like, bars maids practically sell their bodies to the drunk men. Not what I call enjoyable! When I read a Christian fiction book, I just kinda expect it to be clean! Call me crazy!
Side note: At first, I thought Bethany House publishers meant that the books would be clean. Fyi that is not true!
April 3, 2014
I should say "half" read. I gave it to stars because I hope this book got better later on. I love this author but I found this book to inappropriate and dull for me. It had a sweet beginning like first chapter but went off from there. Saloon? "Working girls"? Drinking? Romance? Please NO!
October 21, 2017
This book reminded me of old western fiction I enjoyed when I was younger. The premise here is of a twenty old lady, Ruby who looks after her little precocious sister Opal in New York whilst waiting on word from her father. One day she receives a letter to come to Little Missouri to see her dying father. When she gets there, life becomes more than she bargained for.
I’ll be honest, this novel is more of a slower pace and quite unexpected topic given it is a Christian novel. It isn’t of the typical mold of Christian historical fiction as you may expect. But on deeper reflection it tackled life in that time accurately. Most women arriving at a new town were one of two types. But the author seeks to show redemption in this novel for everyone. And I’m glad she did it making the characters real. There is some elements of romance but this is more about females and life in a new rugged and hardworking environment.
It doesn’t wrap up in a nice bow and I want to read the next book in the series. Definitely looking forward to seeing how this settlement becomes a town.
I’ll be honest, this novel is more of a slower pace and quite unexpected topic given it is a Christian novel. It isn’t of the typical mold of Christian historical fiction as you may expect. But on deeper reflection it tackled life in that time accurately. Most women arriving at a new town were one of two types. But the author seeks to show redemption in this novel for everyone. And I’m glad she did it making the characters real. There is some elements of romance but this is more about females and life in a new rugged and hardworking environment.
It doesn’t wrap up in a nice bow and I want to read the next book in the series. Definitely looking forward to seeing how this settlement becomes a town.
July 12, 2023
A story of faith, perseverance, and forgiveness set amid the backdrop of an old west settlement. She promised her father she'd take care of "the girls", and her faith was the reason she was able to make it through the seemingly insurmountable challenges.
July 5, 2022
This is not her best series. Had a hard time getting interested in this story
October 15, 2010
Lauraine Snelling is the author of the book, Ruby. It is the first book in the Dakota Treasures Series. The book mainly takes place in a town called Dakota and in New York in the 1880’s. The main characters are Ruby and her sister Opal.
Ruby and Opal's mom died while giving birth to Opal. After her death their dad left them in New York to live with their grandmother and he went to live in and a town called Dakota. The two girls never heard from their dad until Ruby was 20 years old and their grandmother had passed away. They received a letter from his that informed them that their dad was dying and they needed to hurry if they wanted to see him one more time.
Ruby and Opal set out on a long trip west to Dakota. When they arrived they got to spend a little bit of time with their dad until he eventually died. They knew they would get an inheritance but they didn’t know what it was going to be. They were a little upset when they found out that it was a brothel and a solon. They had no clue how to run a solon on their own. Opal had never had a job before and Ruby had only been a baby sitter for the 4 Brandon children. After struggling to run their father’s business, t hey decided to remodel the building into a hotel. The town people, mainly the men, were not very happy with the changes at first. Ruby’s father had a lot of debt that he didn’t pay before he died and she struggled to get the money to pay. One of their father’s friends, Charlie helped Ruby and Opal get the family business going again. While working together Charlie, Ruby, and Opal all got very close and the business started to grow.
While living in Dakota Ruby meets a man named Captain McHenry. They become very close and develop strong feelings for each other. One day Captain McHenry gets told that he is getting transferred to Arizona. Ruby was crushed when she found out. They promised each other they would stay in touch and keep the close relationship they have created. After he moves he fails to send any letters and Ruby starts to get worried.
This book is just the first book of the Dakota Treasures Series therefore it is a good idea to read the next three books; Opal, Pearl, Amethyst, find out if Charlie, Opal, and Ruby can keep the hotel going and if Captain McHenry every gets back in touch with Ruby.
Ruby and Opal's mom died while giving birth to Opal. After her death their dad left them in New York to live with their grandmother and he went to live in and a town called Dakota. The two girls never heard from their dad until Ruby was 20 years old and their grandmother had passed away. They received a letter from his that informed them that their dad was dying and they needed to hurry if they wanted to see him one more time.
Ruby and Opal set out on a long trip west to Dakota. When they arrived they got to spend a little bit of time with their dad until he eventually died. They knew they would get an inheritance but they didn’t know what it was going to be. They were a little upset when they found out that it was a brothel and a solon. They had no clue how to run a solon on their own. Opal had never had a job before and Ruby had only been a baby sitter for the 4 Brandon children. After struggling to run their father’s business, t hey decided to remodel the building into a hotel. The town people, mainly the men, were not very happy with the changes at first. Ruby’s father had a lot of debt that he didn’t pay before he died and she struggled to get the money to pay. One of their father’s friends, Charlie helped Ruby and Opal get the family business going again. While working together Charlie, Ruby, and Opal all got very close and the business started to grow.
While living in Dakota Ruby meets a man named Captain McHenry. They become very close and develop strong feelings for each other. One day Captain McHenry gets told that he is getting transferred to Arizona. Ruby was crushed when she found out. They promised each other they would stay in touch and keep the close relationship they have created. After he moves he fails to send any letters and Ruby starts to get worried.
This book is just the first book of the Dakota Treasures Series therefore it is a good idea to read the next three books; Opal, Pearl, Amethyst, find out if Charlie, Opal, and Ruby can keep the hotel going and if Captain McHenry every gets back in touch with Ruby.
January 20, 2010
I wasn't sure I was going to like this series when Opal and Ruby decide to follow their absent father's request to go to the dakota territory and claim their inheritance. Their father, has left after his wife died giving birth to opal and not sent for them. He left them with his wife's mother and after her death, 20 year old Ruby worked as a goveness for the Brandon household of 4 children. She goes to Dakota only to find her father on his death bed and her inheritance a brothel and saloon. She decides to remodel into a hotel and eatery with card playing off in one room, but no brothel. The two "girl" who she promised to take care of to her dying father work as maids and waitresses appreciate the new changes although the army men, cowboys and towns people (men) don't like the changes at first. She struggles to make payments on the debts her father left on the hotel and at the mercantile, but she also struggles to appreciate all she has accomplished and the new friends and sister's that she has gained. Charlie her father's partner is a real help in getting the hotel up and running and as a support. Rand Harrison, the rancher and gentlemen that helped on the trainride out becomes her admirer at a distance because he is struggling with the desire to start a family of his own but not wanting to go about the courting process. Meanwhile Captain McHenry, is spending more time with Opal and Ruby and he wants to be more than friends with Ruby, but then he gets transferred to the Arizona territory also indian territory and hasn't written as promised. The missing money box and the norwegian box her father referred to contains not enough money to pay off the dept, but does contain the evidence of his love her his daughters. Will the town grow enough to support the hotel and will Cimarron heal from her doubts of her new lifestyle, will Ruby take a chance on a husband, will opal get her horse, read the next book Pearl.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2014
I wanted so bad to like this. But in the end, I couldn't even finish it. I felt like some exposition was greatly needed in the beginning of the novel. Perhaps I'm just dense and can't read, but I had no idea that Ruby and her sister had Norwegian ties. They kept using words like far and mor, and when I first read them, I thought they were typos. If it was presented in the book, I missed it until well into the story. I found some of the language to be confusing. There were awkward sentences for example:
"He'd said that all children here in the West, what few there were, did not have horses but indeed some did"
I found Opal to be very frustrating. If Ruby didn't want her to misbehave so bad, then perhaps she should have...I don't know, actually disciplined the child?
After spending four or five days at the Dove House and she still couldn't figure out it was a brothel? Completely silly and frustrating for the reader. We had all figured it out a long time ago. If you want the character to be confused, fine. Have it last for a little while but it just got to the ridiculous and grating point. Once the reader has figured out the joke, had a laugh...it's not amusing anymore. It's just plain annoying.
Like I said, I read the synopsis and thought it sounded so interesting. But, I'm just really disappointed with the results. I think I'll put it away for now, and try again later. Here's hoping that I'll change my mind.
"He'd said that all children here in the West, what few there were, did not have horses but indeed some did"
I found Opal to be very frustrating. If Ruby didn't want her to misbehave so bad, then perhaps she should have...I don't know, actually disciplined the child?
After spending four or five days at the Dove House and she still couldn't figure out it was a brothel? Completely silly and frustrating for the reader. We had all figured it out a long time ago. If you want the character to be confused, fine. Have it last for a little while but it just got to the ridiculous and grating point. Once the reader has figured out the joke, had a laugh...it's not amusing anymore. It's just plain annoying.
Like I said, I read the synopsis and thought it sounded so interesting. But, I'm just really disappointed with the results. I think I'll put it away for now, and try again later. Here's hoping that I'll change my mind.
February 22, 2012
I really enjoyed this great story. It seemed to give a great glance into the life of a single woman who had to survive on her own in the late 1800s. It also did a good job of showing the ups and downs of the sisterhood that a group of women could have when the join together to complement the talents of one another.
In this story Ruby and her sister Opal were already surviving in a difficult situation after losing their grandmother. The two sisters had found a wonderful home in which Ruby could work and they could live together in New York. However, when a letter from their father showed up requesting their presence, the two had their lives dramatically changed.
After arriving in the Dakota territory the sisters found that their father was the proprietor of a tavern and brothel. This shocked Ruby as her memories of her father were of a god fearing Christian who took care of his family. She was further thrown when he past away and left the brothel to her. Knowing she couldn't raise Opal, who is nine in a brothel and tavern, she decided to change the nature of the business to one more suiting a lady.
Ruby enlisted the help of the women employed in the house along with their bartender, Charlie, to fix up the building and create a warm environment that would support them. Through this process she began to get to know the women and the God given talents they all possessed. They became friends and sisters in through their hard work and need for survival.
In this story Ruby and her sister Opal were already surviving in a difficult situation after losing their grandmother. The two sisters had found a wonderful home in which Ruby could work and they could live together in New York. However, when a letter from their father showed up requesting their presence, the two had their lives dramatically changed.
After arriving in the Dakota territory the sisters found that their father was the proprietor of a tavern and brothel. This shocked Ruby as her memories of her father were of a god fearing Christian who took care of his family. She was further thrown when he past away and left the brothel to her. Knowing she couldn't raise Opal, who is nine in a brothel and tavern, she decided to change the nature of the business to one more suiting a lady.
Ruby enlisted the help of the women employed in the house along with their bartender, Charlie, to fix up the building and create a warm environment that would support them. Through this process she began to get to know the women and the God given talents they all possessed. They became friends and sisters in through their hard work and need for survival.
September 30, 2024
This was a fantastic historical fiction. Ruby and her sister, Opal, have inherited a hotel from their father. They find this out through a letter and ends up taking a train west. It was great that the girls were able to talk to their father one las time before he passed.
I enjoyed seeing how both sisters had to adjust to a new life, running a hotel.
I wish that Belle hadn't been so against Ruby taking over the hotel. To be hosent, i woula've liked to have seeen her being a little more helpful.
When Cimarron was raped, that made me feel so bad for her. No one has any right to be treated that way.
Hopefully, I can find the rest of the series someeday.
update 2022: Planning to listen to this from hoppla in April.
2024: Gonna listen to this on Everand. See if I have anything else comes up that I want to say.
I enjoyed seeing how both sisters had to adjust to a new life, running a hotel.
I wish that Belle hadn't been so against Ruby taking over the hotel. To be hosent, i woula've liked to have seeen her being a little more helpful.
When Cimarron was raped, that made me feel so bad for her. No one has any right to be treated that way.
Hopefully, I can find the rest of the series someeday.
update 2022: Planning to listen to this from hoppla in April.
2024: Gonna listen to this on Everand. See if I have anything else comes up that I want to say.
June 24, 2015
This is the first book about the Dakotak series. Ruby Torvald is the oldest, 20, then Opal, 9 years old, in 1882 travelling by train to see their father before he passes away. He is leaving them an inheritance but they have to travel to Dakota to receive it, they expect it to be gold and they will be rich but is surprised they when arrive.
I have read several series by Lauraine Snelling, all were very good Christian books. I know these will be just as good, she is a great author and storyteller, she makes all her characters come to life and give very good personalities. Even though she is a Christian writer her stories are not pushing religion, the religion fits right in with the stories. I loved all the books that I read by this author.
I have read several series by Lauraine Snelling, all were very good Christian books. I know these will be just as good, she is a great author and storyteller, she makes all her characters come to life and give very good personalities. Even though she is a Christian writer her stories are not pushing religion, the religion fits right in with the stories. I loved all the books that I read by this author.
October 29, 2018
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This book depicted the struggles of two sisters who had been raised in a well-bred home and then moved to their deceased father's brothel int he wild west, the salvation of sinners, and the precipice of the success of the business venture - but it concluded without providing any definitive resolutions to the neverending problems.
This story vacillated between interesting and not so much so, but it did not succeed in reaching the culmination of an H.E.A. Since the book was listed as a romance, readers are most definitely left disappointed by the omission of an H.E.A. in the romance department for any of the characters. These points heavily affected my rating.
This book depicted the struggles of two sisters who had been raised in a well-bred home and then moved to their deceased father's brothel int he wild west, the salvation of sinners, and the precipice of the success of the business venture - but it concluded without providing any definitive resolutions to the neverending problems.
This story vacillated between interesting and not so much so, but it did not succeed in reaching the culmination of an H.E.A. Since the book was listed as a romance, readers are most definitely left disappointed by the omission of an H.E.A. in the romance department for any of the characters. These points heavily affected my rating.
February 4, 2017
This one is special because it was my first venture into "grown-up" Christian Fiction. I can still remember specifically where I got it -- shopping with my mom. Having since reread this entire series, I can say it is a great example of western romance with likable characters and connected story arcs in each book.
January 13, 2012
This book was boring. The way the author wrote of Ruth's naiveness came off a bit unrealistic, even for the 19th century. Ruby is the first book in a series of novels; a series in which I have no desire to continue reading.
September 3, 2014
I kept on reading this one, thinking it would get better. Ruby never did fall in love throughout the whole book, which was very disappointing. I did like the idea of trying to improve and change from a saloon into a real diner. But prostitution was alluded to alot. Not my favorite read.
February 3, 2012
I really liked this historical novel. I thought the author did a great job at putting the reader in the setting of the novel. I plan to read more by Lauraine Snelling.
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March 12, 2014I enjoyed it. I just got the 2nd in the series in order to find out what happens to everyone.
July 6, 2025
The setting is Dakota Territory in 1882 in a place called Little Missouri. Two girls, sisters, a twenty year old named Ruby and her 9 year old sister named Opal, are living in New York with a family where Ruby is employed as a tutor. Their mother died in childbirth with Opal, and dad headed out west. He sends a letter saying he is dying and has an inheritance for them. The letter contains two train tickets to Little Missouri. The girls go, but a surprise is in store when they arrive.
Ruby has standards; she is like mother and father to her little sister. She does a fair amount of soul searching, struggles with her faith, with her responsibilities, with her promises, and with her relationships with others. She is a good young woman but under great pressure in a totally foreign situation. It’s nothing like New York.
Opal is a charm; she is curious, lively, daring, and quite endearing. She provides some comic relief at times. She is devoted to Ruby but chafes under some of Ruby’s restrictions. Ruby wants her to be a lady; Opal just wants to enjoy life and try things. They are an interesting pair.
There are others: Belle, Cimarron, Jasmine, and Charlie at Dove House, Captain McHenry at the local cantonment and Rand Harrison of the HH ranch. There is plenty of drama, good heartedness, and questionable behavior in the story. Each person contributes to the story and adds color. They were interesting in their own ways. They all have backgrounds, bits and pieces of which are revealed here and there. The final scene in the book is well done, and the sentiment expressed is just right for the story, and probably for most everyone. It was an enjoyable read, particularly if you like historical fiction about the West.
Ruby has standards; she is like mother and father to her little sister. She does a fair amount of soul searching, struggles with her faith, with her responsibilities, with her promises, and with her relationships with others. She is a good young woman but under great pressure in a totally foreign situation. It’s nothing like New York.
Opal is a charm; she is curious, lively, daring, and quite endearing. She provides some comic relief at times. She is devoted to Ruby but chafes under some of Ruby’s restrictions. Ruby wants her to be a lady; Opal just wants to enjoy life and try things. They are an interesting pair.
There are others: Belle, Cimarron, Jasmine, and Charlie at Dove House, Captain McHenry at the local cantonment and Rand Harrison of the HH ranch. There is plenty of drama, good heartedness, and questionable behavior in the story. Each person contributes to the story and adds color. They were interesting in their own ways. They all have backgrounds, bits and pieces of which are revealed here and there. The final scene in the book is well done, and the sentiment expressed is just right for the story, and probably for most everyone. It was an enjoyable read, particularly if you like historical fiction about the West.
April 14, 2020
This book had decent characters, decent writing, decent plot, decent imagery, but this book i found to be rather predictable and so less inrteresting and not lov ed.
A New Dakotah Territory Saga From Bestselling Author Lauraine Snelling!
Not very enthusiastic nor encouraging by reviewers. But this series was very popular.
Book 1 of Dakotah Treasures. Author Lauraine Snelling once again takes readers west to the untamed land of Dakota Territory, introducing new characters both unique and appealing. Ruby Torvald and her young sister, Opal, have received an inheritance from their long-lost father who left home years ago to seek his fortune in the Black Hills. When they leave their comfortable situation in Chicago and arrive at the mining town of Medora to claim their inheritance, the sisters discover that rather than the legacy of gold they expected, their father has left them a shocking bequest. Ruby's bold determination in the face of scandal leads the reader on a journey both heartwarming and inspiring.
Ruby Torvald sets out on a daunting journey with her young sister, Opal, to hopefully see their long-lost father once more and claim the promised inheritance. But instead of the treasure they expected, the sisters discover something most shocking. Ruby's bold determination in the face of scandal is the only way to redeem her father's legacy.
A New Dakotah Territory Saga From Bestselling Author Lauraine Snelling!
Not very enthusiastic nor encouraging by reviewers. But this series was very popular.
Book 1 of Dakotah Treasures. Author Lauraine Snelling once again takes readers west to the untamed land of Dakota Territory, introducing new characters both unique and appealing. Ruby Torvald and her young sister, Opal, have received an inheritance from their long-lost father who left home years ago to seek his fortune in the Black Hills. When they leave their comfortable situation in Chicago and arrive at the mining town of Medora to claim their inheritance, the sisters discover that rather than the legacy of gold they expected, their father has left them a shocking bequest. Ruby's bold determination in the face of scandal leads the reader on a journey both heartwarming and inspiring.
Ruby Torvald sets out on a daunting journey with her young sister, Opal, to hopefully see their long-lost father once more and claim the promised inheritance. But instead of the treasure they expected, the sisters discover something most shocking. Ruby's bold determination in the face of scandal is the only way to redeem her father's legacy.
March 14, 2018
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I enjoyed it enough to want to continue the series. There were a few times I felt the story was moving a bit slowly, but that is really my personal preference for a story line. My only other complaint was that so many story lines were left incomplete. I realize this is a series, but having so many of the stories left hanging bothers me. The book is well written; the complaint is my preference for genre and not bad writing by the author. I do not typically read a lot of this genre; that I am continuing the series actually says a lot for the book. I felt for the characters and the story caused me to question how I would handle the same situation. That, in my opinion, is the mark of a good book. I believe God can use fiction to cause us to look at ourselves, our motivations, and our behavior. To enjoy a book while being challenged about how I live and act is a good thing! I would definitely recommend this book.
June 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this first book in the series. Ruby receives a letter from her father who she has heartland heard from in the last decade. He is on his death bed and her and her sister need to go west to claim their inheritance for when he passes. Ruby and younger sister Opal get on a train and head west. Getting quite the shock of their lives coming from New York, to the open West - they find that they’ve inherited a hotel her father has built up. It’s not just any hotel though, Ruby quite embarrassed once she learns the truth about the hotel having night activities and that’s why the townsfolk did not seem too happy when she introduced herself as new owner. She quickly turns it around to a true hotel and dinner, but has to overcome various struggles and trust amongst the locals to survive. Meanwhile, still being mother to her younger sister.
September 5, 2020
Story is set in the 19th century. Ruby, a 20 year old and her 9 year old sister,Opal are living in New York in a boarding home. Ruby works as a teacher. Their mother has died and they await news from their father, who has not seen Opal since birth. Their father’s letter finally arrives, but he is dying and wants to see them. They arrive in Missouri exhausted from the trip. Ruby promises to take care of “the girls” and to look for the box Baum. Their father seems to have waited for their arrival because he dies while they sleep. Ruby is given the deed to the Dove House thinking it a hotel. She naively discovers the place is part saloon and brothel. Through prayer and hard work and the help of “the girls” and Charlie, converts it into a respectable hotel. She struggles to pay the bills and her staff. There are good times and hard times, but they persevere.
February 14, 2018
Somehow read it all the way through
Around chapter 9 or so I almost stopped reading this book. I looked up the reviews and saw that a lot of people either loved or didn’t finish it/had a hard time getting through it. I really enjoyed the Blessing series by this author so I kept going. It wasn’t terrible but not sure I see myself reading it again. The ending was rather abrupt, probably to keep the story going for the next book. Warning one character gets raped near the end. I saw in another that it was coming which made me anxious just reading the book wondering when it would happen. Even though I didn’t think much of the book I still will probably end up reading the series just to read what happens next.
Around chapter 9 or so I almost stopped reading this book. I looked up the reviews and saw that a lot of people either loved or didn’t finish it/had a hard time getting through it. I really enjoyed the Blessing series by this author so I kept going. It wasn’t terrible but not sure I see myself reading it again. The ending was rather abrupt, probably to keep the story going for the next book. Warning one character gets raped near the end. I saw in another that it was coming which made me anxious just reading the book wondering when it would happen. Even though I didn’t think much of the book I still will probably end up reading the series just to read what happens next.
March 16, 2018
Another great one
Lorraine Snelling has written yet another 5star novel. I have read several of her books, loving each one. She has a way of carrying Christian messages without being preachy; showing that we all have flaws. In this book, sisters Ruby and Opal had been abandoned by their father when their mother died, shortly after Opal was born. For a short time they found refuge with their Grandmother...until she soon died at all. Ruby knows how to work hard, and she had been doing it and raising a baby sister since she was 10-11.
Finally their estranged pa is back in their lives. He promises a treasure, and a business ....but some gifts are hard to accept, and even harder to make right.
How will Ruby remain strong when deep into debt and trouble dogging her?
Lorraine Snelling has written yet another 5star novel. I have read several of her books, loving each one. She has a way of carrying Christian messages without being preachy; showing that we all have flaws. In this book, sisters Ruby and Opal had been abandoned by their father when their mother died, shortly after Opal was born. For a short time they found refuge with their Grandmother...until she soon died at all. Ruby knows how to work hard, and she had been doing it and raising a baby sister since she was 10-11.
Finally their estranged pa is back in their lives. He promises a treasure, and a business ....but some gifts are hard to accept, and even harder to make right.
How will Ruby remain strong when deep into debt and trouble dogging her?
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