Opal

Lauraine Snelling takes us back to living in an undeveloped land in the Dakota territory and depicts strong, brave, loving women and how they cope with so many hardships. It absolutely surprises me how much she knows about life so long ago. She has an excellent way of describing the everyday events and life in great detail. Opal is a strong, western women, and you are always anxious to see what is going to happen to her. She is growing up with her sister and her sister's family and has a true love of the land. I recommend that you start from the beginning of the series and follow these "Dakota characters" through their life struggles. You will not be able to put them down. I have read sixteen of Snelling's books in this series and always waiting for the next one.

I am so glad that the author wrote this bok. It was really wonderful. I love Opals attude. I think that Ruby should really lighten up. I mean really she is in a bad mode all the time. I can't wait to buy the next book in the series.

Opal is a compelling read. Laurane Snelling is knowledgable, not only of ranching in the Bad Lands, but every aspect of life in Dakota homesteading. Her characters are so real that they move into your life.

I have to say this is a pretty good book. Its not as good as Ruby (the 1st book) but is still a good story. Really the only reason I didn't give this book five stars is because it is kind of weird with Opal being only 14 years old. Lauraine Snelling should have made her 17, then the story would have flowed better. In all it was a fine book, but not one of Lauraine Snelling's best