Ruby by Lauraine Snelling

Ruby Torvald and her young sister, Opal, receive word that their father is dying and wants them to come to Little Missouri in the Dakotah Territory to see him one last time and claim their inheritance. They arrive just in time to speak with their father where he elicits the promise that they care for the girls after he is gone. The inheritance, which Ruby understood to be a hotel., turns out to be a saloon and brothel. The "girls" she is to care for are the ones who provide "hospitality services" to the men in the settlement. Ruby has her work cut out for her as she turns Dove House into a proper hotel and dining hall. She also finds a little romance along the way. A gentle and nostalgic read that I thoroughly enjoyed. As this is book one in the Dakotah Treasures series, I will be sure to pick up book two to see what happens next. 320 pages.