Awards: Semi-finalist for Reader Views “Reviewers Choice Award” Historical “Sweet” Romance: In 1896, it doesn’t take Melinda Gamble long to realize how wild the West really is when she encounters a notorious bank robber, a vicious grizzly bear, and a terrible blizzard that leaves her clinging to her life. But it’s a rugged rancher who instantly grabs Melinda’s attention.
"Melinda and the Wild West" is rich with historical settings and provides as much of a 'historical' education as entertainment. Linda Weaver Clarke displays an easy and excellent style of writing, blending adventure/romance/history/humor and courage. "Melinda and the Wild West: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho" is an instant classic and should put this author on the literary map all over the world. A MUST read! – Page One Literary Book Review
For anyone who likes to read classic-styled romance novels that also have a drop of history, this is the book for you. From one of her students coming to class with skunk oil that explodes, to her encounter with a black bear, there’s always something for the imagination in the book. It is very easy to picture the scene you are reading. Clarke was able to write about love in a soft fashion, not full of the same type of sexual writing of most romance novels. I was impressed with the eloquence in which Clarke spun her story. It was dramatic in some spots and yet contained simply placed bits of humor. I would recommend this to anyone. - Melynda Gascoyne – The Amherst Bee Newspaper: Buffalo, New York
I absolutely loved this book. Now, I may be biased that I adore late 1800’s and anything to do with Wild West areas, but this story just amazed me. Creating a story based upon an independent, educated and strong woman character, brings to light the type of women that helped make this country what it is today. Melinda learns to keep her guard up when she needs to, but letting it down can bring happiness into your life. The themes of family, love, communication and friendship can be found throughout the book. If you want to read a book that makes you smile at the end, this would be one of those books. - Allison King – Allison’s Attic Book Reviews
Reading Melinda and the Wild West was very enjoyable. Linda Weaver Clarke blends fact and fiction and brings the story to life through wonderful descriptions, of the characters' thoughts and emotions and of the untamed landscape. I felt as if I was surrounded by the vast wilderness of Idaho, experiencing the story firsthand. Although this book is set in the past, the romance in this story is beautiful and passionate and timeless. I want to know what happens next and look forward to reading more of the books in this series. – Suko’s Notebook
This series has loads of heart. It’s historical accuracy won me over and has the power to charm all ages. It can even work its magic on blokes who usually like their fiction hardboiled with a lot of spice.- Mick Halpin – Critical Mick Reviews, Dublin, Ireland
Melinda and the Wild West by Linda Weaver Clarke is a tender love story. Clarke’s characters are well developed and her setting is compelling. But what separates this book from others is Clarke’s historical accuracy and meticulous attention to detail. The reader feels transported to another time and place – experiencing bank robberies and skunk oil and even exposure to stinging nettles right along with Melinda. Readers of all ages will enjoy this book from the exciting beginning to the satisfying end. - Betsy Brannon Green – Best-Selling Mystery Author
Linda Weaver Clarke crafts a beautiful romance set in the late 1800s. Melinda and the Wild West is a heartwarming, tender love story, one of four in A Family Saga. I look forward to reading the other three. - Kim Atchue-Cusella – Book Loons
Melinda and the Wild West… despite the wild, untamed nature of the Bear Lake Valley… Ms. Clarke has succeeded in presenting to her readers the beauty of the area. The scenery is portrayed so vividly that you can see each and every color. You can feel the crispness of the air in winter or smell the flowers in the field in spring. You can feel the peace Melinda feels while walking through the woods or feel her fear when she comes face to face with a bear. And amidst such a beautiful portrayal of life, you see a love story unfolding like no other. Melinda’s spirit is fiery, but her tenderness touches those she meets. Ms. Clarke is a talented author! - Diana Broadhead – The Senior Sampler Newspaper: St. George, UT
Linda Clarke has a writing style which opens the mind in a way that lets us see what her character sees, and allows the reader to feel the thoughts and emotions of the characters. It is impossible to avoid becoming part of the story she so skillfully develops. She writes historical fiction as if she were taking the reader back in time. - Lloyd E. Reid – Library Director of Washington County Libraries
Linda Weaver Clarke seamlessly weaves true ancestral stories of a schoolteacher who lived in the place and time of an untamed Wild West with a fictional storyline to create a tale, which pulls the reader more than one hundred years into the past. The reader is able to see the colors and gape at the awe-inspiring beauty of the Idaho landscape, taste fresh, cold spring water from within the mountains, inhale the clean mountain air, and gasp with fear at the unfamiliar and varied hostilities encountered in the journey. The novel feels more like a conversation with a close friend, than a book full of words. A recommended read for those who love historical stories that transport you back in time with ease. - Lisa Haselton – AllBooks Reviews
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