Welcome to the World of Make Believe and Historical Fiction

A historical/fiction novel is on the market for ages 16 through adult. Melinda and the Wild West, (ISBN: 1-58982-367-2) was a Semi-finalist for the Reader Views "Reviewers Choice Award 2007." Debra Gaynor, from Reader Views, wrote: "From the first page I was captivated by this book. I had to continue reading, rushing to turn the page, I had to see what next adventure would catch up with Melinda. The plot is interesting: mixing history with fiction, adventure with romance. This is good Christian fiction. Ms Clarke, this is a piece to be proud of, well done!"

In 1896 Melinda Gamble - a very elegant, naive young woman from Boston-decides to give up her life of monotonous comfort for the turbulent uncertainty of the still untamed Wild West. Driven by her intense desire to make a difference in the world, Melinda takes a job as a schoolteacher in the small town of Paris, Idaho, where she comes face-to-face with Butch Cassidy, a vicious grizzly bear, and a terrible blizzard that leaves her clinging to her life. But it's a rugged rancher who challenges Melinda with the one thing for which she was least prepared - love.

"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.

When a rugged rancher and a determined schoolteacher meet, they tend to butt heads and clash with each encounter, but at the same time there seems to be an underlying interest in one another. In this story, Melinda is trying to help a rebellious student through acceptance and love, and at the same time, she is trying to understand her own heart.

Melynda Gascoyne, The Amherst Bee Newspaper: Buffalo, New York, wrote: "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."

Melinda and the Wild West: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho (2006) is the first in a series. The remaining books will be released in the following order: Edith and the Mysterious Stranger (2008), Jenny's Dream (2009), David and the Bear Lake Monster (2009), and Elena, Woman of Courage (2009).

"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!

The real life experiences of my ancestors were an inspiration for my books. I inserted their experiences into my novel and added a few historical accounts to bring my story to life. In the Author's Notes, I let my reader know what actually is true.

Leon Garfield said, "The historian, if honest, gives us a photograph; the storyteller gives us a painting."

I love to educate at the same time entertain my reader. It's easier to learn about history in story form. I love the late 1800s and early 1900s. It seems that more things were invented at that time, such as automobiles, the telephone, radio, and yellow pencils. Women began fighting for their rights to vote and go to college. It was quite an interesting time in history!

I try to capture the time period and allow my readers to be a part of it. Did you know that Butch Cassidy robbed the bank in Montpelier, Idaho in 1896, and because he had such a slick plan, he got away with $7,000? Have you ever heard of the Ice Palace that was built out of ice blocks in 1896 and it enclosed five acres of ground in Leadville, Colorado? Do you know why pencils were painted yellow in the late 1800s? It was for a very good reason.

These are things that you will learn about as you read my historical fiction novels that have a touch of romance.

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. -- Reviewed by Allison King, Allison's Attic Book Reviews

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! -- Reviewed by Diana Broadhead

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. -- Reviewed by Kim Atchue-Cusella

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. -- Reviewed by Lisa Haselton