BOOK REVIEW:  Amethyst 

 

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by: Laura V. Hilton

Dancing Word Reviewer

 

Title: Amethyst

Author: Lauraine Snelling

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 0-7642-0054-2

Genre: Inspirational/Historical/Fiction

 

Amethyst Colleen O’Shaunasy travels west to the Dakotah Territory when her father insists that she find the rightful heir for his property: his deceased son’s son, Joel. Amethyst is able to track down the location of her nephew, but getting to the Dakotah Territory by train in the dead of winter proves interesting.

 

Major Jeremiah McHenry has retired from the Army and returns to the Dakotah town of Medora to live out his dreams. He wants a parcel of land, and maybe a wife, to spend the rest of his days with. Amethyst is impressed by Jeremiah’s gentlemanly ways and his kindness, but she fears he only sees her as a servant.

 

Pastor Jacob Chandler is still counting the days before he can court Opal Torvald and raising his young son, Joel. He’s shocked when a woman shows up claiming to be Joel’s aunt. Amethyst is also shocked that Joel is not actually her brother’s son. How can she tell her father that she failed in her mission? What would happen if she refused to return home?

 

I’ve read all four books in the Dakotah Treasures series and it was nice seeing it coming to a good conclusion in Amethyst. I have grown to care for the characters and enjoy revisiting them in each book. Amethyst is a wonderful heroine, and goes above and beyond the call of duty trying to please her demanding father. Jeremiah is also a wonderful hero, ready to settle down and follow his dreams. As with the previous book, Opal, I did have problems with the minister, Jacob, falling in love with a fifteen year old girl, although I understand that was the norm back then.

 

Altogether, I was very happy with Amethyst and the entire Dakotah Treasures series and highly recommend them for anyone interested in fiction set in the Dakotas. Amethyst is well-told and interesting, and  the faith message is expertly woven in. $12.99. 320 pages.