Melinda and the Wild West: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho is an instant classic!

We enter the "Make Believe World" when we open a book and begin to read. In that little corner is a world that can fill us with wonder, where dreams can come true, where we can go on an adventure, learn about history, or we can fall in love all over again...reminding us of the first time we fell in love.

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, naïve 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 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." -- Betsy Brannon Green, Best-Selling Mystery Author

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 is the first in a series. The remaining books will be released in the following order: Edith and the Mysterious Stranger, Jenny´s Dream, David and the Bear Lake Monster, and Elena, Woman of Courage.

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."

About the Author

Linda Weaver Clarke received her Bachelor of Arts Degree at Southern Utah University and writes articles for the American Chronicle. She 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.

"Melinda and the Wild West" (ISBN: 1-58982-367-2, American Book Publishing, 2006) can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information, visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com. Publicity contact: www.american-book.com.