Always Dakota (Dakota Series #3)

Stalled lives are moving forward. People are taking risks—on new ventures and lifelong dreams. On happiness. And one of those people is local rancher Margaret Clemens, who's finally getting what she wants most. Marriage to cowboy Matt Eilers. Her friends don't think Matt's such a prize, but Margaret's aware of his reputation and his flaws. She wants him anyway. And she wants his baby.…

The main characters, Margaret Clemens and Matt Eilers aren't exactly a love match. Margaret fell for him five years ago when Matt first came to town, but her lack of feminine grace prevents even a second glance. Raised by her widowed father and his six brothers, Margaret knows cattle as well as any ranch hand, but doesn't know her way around a kitchen or pantyhose.

The townsfolk of Buffalo Valley haven't take much to Matt, viewing him as shallow and conceited, despite his good looks. Margaret doesn't blind herself to his faults even when she proposes marriage, and knows that he accepts for the ranch they will share. Margaret knows there've been other women, but she underestimates the depths of deceit previous girlfriends might represent.

Matt's former girlfriend Sheryl proposes he marry Margaret just long enough to secure their financial future before he divorces her and they marry. Although Matt declines the plan, neither he nor Margaret realize the manipulations they are about to meet.

In addition to these terrific characters, other secondary characters create a wonderful depth. Axel, the little boy rescued from an abusive situation who will be torn from his rescuers and thrust into the foster system. Axel's parents who have their own secrets and flaws. Calla, the senior in high school, who plays one parent against another, not understanding what love really is. Calla's mother, who is pregnant and torn between the man she loves and the daughter who won't share. As characters emerge with their own story, the tapestry becomes rich, imaginative, and a marvelous reflection of life, in its most joyous aspects, as well as most painful.

ALWAYS DAKOTA is a deftly woven tapestry that is at once delicate with subtle nuances and bold with harsh realities. Like life, the resolutions aren't always what we want, but the realities and consequences of our choices are resolved with compassion, at times bringing tears to the eyes. Author Debbie Macomber threads are brilliant, beautiful, tawdry, and ugly, representing the beauty of life, as well as its baser counterpoint. Poignant, moving, compelling, ALWAYS DAKOTA comes very highly recommended.


Creative storytelling   April 29, 2001
Harriet Klausner
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Buffalo Valley rancher Bernard Clemons, knowing he is dying, meets with cowboy Matt Eilers. Bernard discusses his beloved daughter Margaret with Matt informing the latter that she loves him and plans to marry him. Matt says he will never marry Margaret and though Bernard does not believe the man is good enough for his only child, he knows differently.

After Bernard dies, a grieving Margaret offers Matt an opportunity to own a ranch, a dream he has had since he ranched with his deceased father in Montana. They marry, but his past haunts them as his ex-girlfriend claims he left her pregnant, something he does not deny.

The third and final installment in Debbie Macomber's warm Buffalo Valley series is a fine addition to the trilogy. ALWAYS DAKOTA is an entertaining tale that showcases realistic people living and dreaming in a small ranching community in North Dakota. The M&M couple consists of two independent individuals whose relationship seems a bit tepid when compared with that of the townsfolk. Still, Ms. Macomber has written another winning wholesome novel that will send fans of contemporary romance seeking the two previous books (see DAKOTA BORN and DAKOTA HOME).

Harriet Klausner


Excellent read....   August 29, 2001
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

I have been reading Debbie Macomber for years and I enjoyed the Dakota series very much. Even though this book can stand alone I would recommend also reading the first two to get to know the secondary characters, the other members of the town. This was the best book in the series, even though I loved all three. I recently read all three in a row and I have to say that I am going to miss the characters of Buffalo Valley. I can't wait until next month when Buffalo Valley is released so that I can continue reading about these characters. I commend Ms. Macomber for creating a town and characters that you feel you know after reading about them. I highly recommend this series.


I donyt want to leave Buffalo Valley!   November 10, 2001
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This third novel was no exception to the rest of the trilogy. The novel was great, I can't even say I have a favorite, I love them all! I must say I will miss Buffalo Valley.

The excerpt says this novel is about Mat Eilers and Margaret Clemens, and it is although it would be more justifiably said that it was about the people of Buffalo Valley. Matt and Margaret were a great addition to the town and their story was well written.
Buffalo Bob, Merrily and Axel come back with a conclusion to the custody battle.
Sarah, Dennis and Calla return with their family feud.
Maddy and Jeb reflect on how good their family is turning out. Not to forget to mention Heath and Rachel, Joanie and Brandon, Hassie Knight, Joshua McKenna and plenty of others.
I will miss them all
A must read.


A connection to home!   February 23, 2002
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

This series was a connection to my childhood. I grew up in northern Minnesota. I would go to Grand Forks to the movies and hang out as a teen. I would give anything to go back again. North Dakota is everything this author says it is. I recommend her books to everyone who loves to read.