2022 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards Bronze Medal Winner in Fiction (Western)
2021 CIBA Laramie Book Awards Finalist
2021 Best Book Award Winner in Fiction: Western
2021 Best Book Award Finalist in Fiction: Historical
2021 Sarton Book Award Finalist in Historical Fiction
2021 Foreword Indie Bronze Winner in Historical Adult Fiction

“. . . a startling, nuanced amalgam of past events and impressive, delicate literary creation. A dramatically engrossing and thoughtful novel.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Samantha Specks weaves an unforgettable tale of two women in frontier America—one white, one Dakota—each changed forever by the violence of colonization. A remarkably thoughtful and honest look at the human cost of westward expansion; a welcome addition to the world of historical fiction in this new era of truthful storytelling without romanticization of the past. Specks makes a strong debut with Dovetails in Tall Grass. She will be an author worth watching.”
—Olivia Hawker, best-selling author of One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow

“Dovetails in Tall Grass is a stark portrait of both the worst and the best of human nature, compelling, unforgettable, and highly recommended.”
—Midwest Book Reviews

“This extraordinary novel is thought-provoking and heartbreaking, and should be read by all.”
—Historical Novel Society, Editor’s Choice

“Through her honest and uncluttered writing style, Samantha Specks weaves together the threads of heart and history. In doing so, we are reminded that love is the life force that frees us all.”
—Kathleen A. Blatz, Retired Chief Justice, Minnesota Supreme Court

“As a journalist, and as an amateur Minnesota history buff, I appreciate Samantha Specks’s painstaking task of blending the stories of actual historical people with the voices of determination from both young women. I love how she authentically took me back in time and left me wanting to read more. Brava!”
—Diana Pierce, retired news anchor for KARE-TV (NBC) and president of Diana Pierce Productions

“This sweeping story is a gripping epic of a time in our history that we did not know. Emma and Oenikika are painted so vividly that the story stays with you long after you finish. We cannot wait to read the next book!”
—Lori Barghini, myTalk 107.1 talk show host

“Dovetails in Tall Grass allows readers to ponder how history might have been altered if rather than might, we employed our brains and hearts. Perfect choice for book clubs!”
—Martha Hunt Handler, president of the Wolf Conservation Center and author of Winter of the Wolf

“A melancholy piece of historical fiction that is as sincere as it is emotive. The powerful story will draw you in, but it is the intimate storytelling that will keep you absorbed as you experience Dovetails in Tall Grass.”
—Indies Today

“Pick up this book. Trust me. You will learn, grow, and be better equipped to amplify the voices of the underrepresented.”
—Chasing Mr. Darcy