“Follow Your Dream” is the Theme of Historical Fiction Novel

When reading historical fiction, the reader feels transported to another time and place. You can go on an adventure, learn about history, feel intrigued by courageous men and women, or fall in love all over again. "Jenny's Dream: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho" (ISBN: 978-1-58982-446-1) is one such novel, where dreams can come true. Melynda Gascoyne of The Amherst Bee Newspaper: Buffalo, New York wrote: "Clarke draws the reader into a world full of color and intrigue right from the first page."

Jenny Roberts has many dreams, but will she be able to fulfill them? Jenny is home from college and is restless. She feels the need to spread her wings and fly away. She has dreams of becoming a writer and wants to pursue it. When her kindred friend, Will, asks her what her outlook on life is, she answers, "Dreams are an important part of life, and without them, life would be so dull. If we can envision it, then I believe it can be accomplished."

Jenny's dreams also include falling in love. She feels that one day she will find a man to love, the "prince of her dreams." But is it possible to find love in one's own backyard? As the summer passes, Jenny begins to recognize her true feelings for Will. When she realizes that he means more to her than a kindred friend, she must now choose between a career and romance. The only thing standing in her way is an unpleasant memory from her past, which has haunted her since childhood. She must learn to forgive before she can choose which dream to follow. This book is about the miracle of forgiveness.

Linda Weaver Clarke has captured the essence of reaching for your dreams, no matter what happens to throw you off the path of getting there. I loved this book as much as I did the first two books in the series. I was drawn into Jenny's life and wondering what decisions she would make for her future. The amazing details of the family dynamics, descriptions of the beautiful scenery and the historical facts of the time all made the story believable. The ease of the writing made it feel as though I was eavesdropping in on their lives. I didn't want the story to end! The best part of the book was the relationship that grows between Jenny and Will. The author didn't use the stereotypical 'handsome' male for the main character to fall for. This was refreshing to me, since all of us on this earth aren't as perfect as most book characters are made out to be. This relationship reminds us that getting to know a person from the inside first and being friends, can grow into something more.

"Jenny's Dream" is a book for all ages that can wrap you up and make you feel all warm inside with the love and hope that dreams can come true if you believe hard enough.

While Jenny is trying to realize her dreams, her father is concerned about the safety of his family. A ten-foot grizzly bear is seen in the area and its boldness has frightened the community. There is one man with the courage and determination to protect his family and neighbors: Gilbert Roberts! He attempts to defy this great beast but Melinda will not have her husband be part of it. Gilbert has other ideas. Old Half Paw must be stopped. "Jenny's Dream" is the story of a young girl's desire to become a writer and how she finds love and forgiveness, with the legend of Old Ephraim as the subplot.

Page One Literary Book Review wrote: Linda Weaver Clarke displays an easy and excellent style of writing, blending adventure/romance/history/humor and courage. 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!

Paige Lovitt wrote: "Jenny's Dream tells a beautiful story that incorporates the value of loyalty, love, family and forgiveness into it. I found myself greatly enjoying the romances between Jenny's parents and between Jenny and Will. Each relationship demonstrates friendship, respect and love. I also enjoyed how the author put real experiences, taken from her family, into the plot. This is a great touch because it makes the story seem real. Jenny's Dream is a wonderful story. It is a wholesome novel that will be enjoyed by family members of all ages. I think this series is destined to be a classic."

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.

Clarke's passion for historical subject matter shines through with solid writing which transports the reader back in time effortlessly. She has created layered characters who are empathetic, caring, and independent. The entertaining writing allows the readers to examine a moment in history as though they were on location with the characters. The realism with history makes reading the novel an educational experience.

Linda Weaver Clarke travels throughout the United States, teaching a "Family Legacy Workshop," encouraging others to turn their family history and autobiography into a variety of interesting stories. Her novel "Melinda and the Wild West" was a Semi-Finalist in the "Reviewers Choice Awards 2007." The historical fiction novels, A Family Saga in Bear Lake Valley, include the following novels: Melinda and the Wild West (2006), Edith and the Mysterious Stranger (2008), and Jenny's Dream (2009).