Opal by Lauraine Snelling

Opal Torvald is settling into life in the Dakotah Territory just fine. Even though it is hard work, ranching is her passion. Then one day while swimming, she is confronted by a drifter who wants to do her harm. She is saved by her friend, Atticus, who later is beaten for his chivalry. Now Opal has lost her feeling of security and suffers greatly from guilt.

In the meantime, Reverend Jacob Chandler discovers a son, Joel, he never knew he had. They head to the Dakotah Territory to start a new life. Jacob thinks he has left all ties to the church behind, but God continues to guide him into new opportunities. This is book three in the Dakotah Treasures series. 348 pages.