American Chronicle Press Release
🔗 http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/110919
Linda Weaver Clarke travels throughoutthe United States, teaching a “Family Legacy Workshop,” encouraging people to writetheir family history. She is happily married and is the mother of six daughtersand has several grandchildren. Clarke is the author of the historical romanceseries, “A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho,” which includes: Melinda and theWild West - asemi-finalist for the “Reviewers Choice Award 2007,” and a new mystery series,“The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.”
<p style="margin:0px 0px 14px;padding:0px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>"A somber, disturbing mystery fused with a scathing look at the fashion industry. </strong><strong>Mangin writes in a confident, razor-edged style."</strong><strong> - Kirkus Reviews</strong></p><p style="margin:-4px 0px 14px;padding:0px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>Condom dresses and space helmets have debuted on fashion runways.</strong></p><p style="margin:-4px 0px 14px;padding:0px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">A dead body becomes the trend when a coat made of human skin saunters down fashion's biggest stage. The body is identified as Annabelle Leigh, the teenager who famously disappeared over a decade ago from her boyfriend's New York City mansion.</p><p style="margin:-4px 0px 14px;padding:0px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">This new evidence casts suspicion back on the former boyfriend, Cecil LeClaire. Now a monk, he is forced to return to his dark and absurd childhood home to clear his name. He teams up with Ava Germaine, a renegade ex-model. And together, they investigate the depraved and lawless modeling industry behind Cecil's family fortune.</p><p style="margin:-4px 0px 14px;padding:0px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">They find erotic canes, pet rats living in crystal castles, and dresses made of crushed butterfly wings. But Cecil finds more truth in the luxury goods than in the people themselves. Everyone he meets seems to be wearing a person-suit. Terrified of showing their true selves, the glitterati put on flamboyant public personas to make money and friends. Can Cecil find truth in a world built on lies?</p><p style="margin:-4px 0px 0px;padding:0px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><strong>In high fashion modeling, selling bodies is organized crime.</strong></p>
Deep-rooted legends, a few mysterious events, the mystery of the Bear Lake Monster, and a tender love story! While visiting the Roberts family, David finds himself entranced with one very special lady and ends up defending her honor several times. And how about the Bear Lake Monster? Does it really exist?
Sometimes when realizing one's roots, one goes through the process in the strangest of ways. "David and the Bear Lake Monster" is another entry in Linda Weaver Clarke's Bear Lake Valley series. David has returned to his family after a long absence, and it seems that he can find love in his small hometown. But love is never easy, and David must overcome many obstacles to finally claim his beloved. "David and the Bear Lake Monster" is another fine entry into Clarke's work, highly recommended. --<strong> Midwest Book Review</strong> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">These books are so enjoyable to read! The characters come to life and keep me engaged and entertained. Once again, I ventured back in time, when the land was vast and untamed, and life seemed full of promise and possibility. It was also the time of the Indian legend of the Bear Lake Monster. To David, the monster sounds like a joke, but many people in town believe otherwise. As readers, we're not sure if the monster is fact or fiction. While visiting the Roberts, he becomes fascinated by a dainty and graceful dance teacher he meets at the town social, Sarah, and defends her honor a few times. Respect for women was very high in the West, and any man who hurt a woman could expect to be hunted down by other men. (Perhaps it's time to give Western movies another try!) But David holds back his true feelings for Sarah.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Like the other books in this series, this novel is a lot of fun to read. But these books also have a serious side, and would help middle school and high school students learn about the history of the West, and the issues of the day, such as women's rights. These were the true pioneer days for women, when American women were slowly obtaining the right to vote, to attend college, and to become professionals. In David and the Bear Lake Monster, there's even a hint about the next book in the series, as Melinda wishes she could see a woman doctor. -- <strong>Suko’s Notebook</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The fourth entry in the Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho is just as engaging and fun to read as the last 3 books were!! I love that David returns back to visit with the Roberts Family. He soon realizes that you can find things you're missing in your life without even looking for them. The author, Linda Weaver Clarke, has a way with showing in her writing the true love and laughter a man and a woman can have for one another. Whether married for years (Melinda and Gilbert) or just meeting one another (David and Sarah), the respect and longing for another person is deep and to the heart in these 2 story-lines. We are introduced to a strong, educated woman, Sarah, who happens to have a disability. David is smitten with her, but unsure he wants to get involved with someone. The 'romantic friction' between David and Sarah is central to a story that will have you cheering for them to get together!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The fun part of "David and the Bear Lake Monster" is wondering if there is truly a 'monster' in the lake. It makes for an interesting adventure, with a surprising ending to the 'tale' of the monster. I love that the author based the monster on a local folklore of such a monster in that area in Idaho. "David and the Bear Lake Monster" is a heart-warming story of finding that right person to live the rest of your life with. It teaches us that people with disabilities are just like any other person who have dreams for their life. So, if you want to laugh, learn and live in the life of some wonderful characters....read this book and enjoy the journey!!! --<strong> Allison’s Attic</strong><span style="font-weight:normal;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">David returns to Bear Lake Valley to visit with the Roberts family to clear his head after his mother dies. He loved his mother and misses her terribly and can't seem to keep his mind on the new business that he started. The Roberts family has always been kind to him. As soon as he shows up they know something is wrong but they do not want to press him to find out what it is. Sarah Brown is new to Bear Lake Valley and the community loves her. She is deaf but dances gracefully and keeps the Saturday night dances entertaining. She has started a dance class in Bear Lake valley that has become successful. The first night she meets David, she knows there is something special there and wants to get to know him. David and the Bear Lake Monster will keep readers entertained right up to the last page. Linda Weaver Clarke creates another winner with this installment of her Family Saga in Bear Lake Valley series. --<strong> Reviewed by Kim Atchue-Cusella, Book Loons</strong><span style="font-weight:normal;"></span></p>