"Melinda and the Wild West" was a semi-finalist for the "Reviewers Choice Award 2007." Irene Watson, managing editor for Reader Views, wrote, "We had a huge turnout of entries. It is obvious your book stood out in their minds and was scored as one of the top ten out of hundreds of other books."

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, Book Reviews Allison's Attic

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. Melinda is an endearing character and you can't help but see things through her eyes. Gilbert is strong and courageous. I like this book! This is good Christian fiction. It is a great honor to highly recommend this book to readers of historical fictions and romance. Ms Clarke, this is a piece to be proud of, well done! -- Debra Gaynor, "Reader Views"

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"

"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! -- John Weaver, "Page One Literary Book Review"

"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, with some events based on her ancestors' lives. Gilbert and Melinda seem to clash at first but slowly develop feelings for each other, with a gentle push from Melinda's aunt. 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

Clarke draws the reader into a world full of color and intrigue right from the first page. Her characters have faults that you want to see them overcome as you laugh, cry and cheer at just how genuine and vivid they are. They could easily be the neighbor next door. It's refreshing to be able to read a story that can make you run the full range of emotions. The end is uplifting while making you wonder what could happen in the next addition. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would highly recommend "Edith and the Mysterious Stranger" to anyone looking for a novel that is easy to read and just makes you feel good. Reviewed by Melynda Gascoyne -- The Amherst Bee Newspaper: Buffalo, New York

This is the second book in the Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho series. I really enjoyed the first book (Melinda & the Wild West) and was looking forward to reading this new book. The book is such a mix of genres (Wild West, outlaws, romance, independent women, Christian, mystery), that I would say any age of reader would enjoy this book. I can't wait to read the third book! "Edith and the Mysterious Stranger" pulls you into the lives of the people of Bear Lake, Idaho. Linda Weaver Clarke has created a story with strong characters, love of family, outlaws and mystery that will have you captivated from start to finish. -- Allison King for RebeccasReads.com

Edith and the Mysterious Stranger is filled with romance, intrigue and history. Readers will love all that is rolled into this story, which brings back characters from Melinda and the Wild West. Edith seems like a difficult girl but in the end she softens when love lands at her door. It's fun to watch secondary characters David and Jenny as young love blossoms, but then they are hit with a situation that could ruin their relationship. Linda Weaver Clarke has created a hit with this A Family Saga series set in the Bear Lake Valley, and I can't wait for the next story, Jenny's Dream. -- Kim Atchue-Cusella Book Loons

When I first started reading this book, I did not know that it was Christian Fiction nor have I ever read any. I was pleasantly surprised to find this story very uplifting. Ms. Clark did a fantastic job of portraying the importance of knowing your God Given Gifts. The history of the Wild West was also intriguing with the world of outlaws and cattle rustlers as well as the medicines and herbs they used. The doctor kept telling Melinda to take a few glasses of wine or whiskey each day for her cramping. Who knew! The Power of the Written Word -- this is the life lesson I took away from Linda Weaver Clarke's book "Edith and the Mysterious Stranger." In today's society, no one writes letters anymore. Everything is done by email or telephone. Most everyone today is also materialistic looking at the outer rather than inner person. The fact that Edith fell in love with someone just by getting to know them through their letters and not seeing them was inspirational to me. Humility -- if we all could just get a little of that, we would all be better people. Even though this book was a Christian love story, I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in a good inspirational read from beginning to end. You won't be disappointed. I'm definitely a fan and will be looking for another installment in the Roberts family saga. -- Wendy Cleveland for Reader Views

"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

This is a wonderful and refreshing book.It is set in a time and place that is fun to read about. Ms. Clarke describes the area so well I felt like I was there. This book is full of great adventure and romance. I couldn't put the book down and didn't want the story to end. When it was done I wanted to read it again. I love the story between Gilbert and Melinda. She is strong willed and he is calm and laid back. They compliment each other even though they are such opposites. I also love how Gilbert is like her knight in shining armor. This was a great book to enjoy over and over again. I recommend this book to everyone. I can't wait until the her next book comes out. -- Angela Rees

"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

It is tough to find a sweet, clean romance. I enjoyed finding a book without anything inappropriate, yet it still had sweet love scenes between the characters. I love reading love stories with some adventure and that is what the author has done in this book. I really worried when Melinda got caught in the blizzard, but it turned out to be one of my favorite parts. This book is fun to read over and over because it leaves you with "warm fuzzies"! It is a great book that I would not be embarrassed to recommend to a friend or anyone. -- Alaina C.

"Melinda and The Wild West is a refreshing novel that has adventure as well as intrigue as Melinda tries to adjust with a new way of life, the harsh environment, and a headstrong rancher that is part of her new surroundings in the Bear Lake Valley. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure and light romance." -- Alan Kelly Weaver, Land Scaper and a romantic at heart

"Melinda and the Wild West.....wild and beautiful at the same time. Even tho' the west was becoming more populated and becoming more 'modern', it was still raw in it's wildness and beauty. This book offers a look at some of the most beautiful of Idaho's country. Ms. Clarke is able to make you 'see' the beauty and the wonderfulness of the wilderness through the eyes of Melinda Gamble, an unmarried (and thought of as a 'spinster') school teacher looking for a way to be of service to others and make a difference in the lives of children. Ms. Clarke skillfully weaves a story of romance, hardship and wild beauty in the 'wild west' by using some historical references and making the characters so real and lifelike and people you wish you could know in real life. I really enjoyed the descriptive nature of the book that made me feel like I was 'watching' a Hallmark movie." -- Lenore Martineau, a homemaker who loves to read

"Linda Clarke is a fresh new face in the fiction market. Her vivid descriptions, engaging characters and clever word-usage make reading her work a pleasure. I like her writing style - it's entertaining and - most important to me - she helps the reader get to know her characters quickly. If I can bond with at least one character in a book, then I can enjoy it. I look forward to enjoying her books for many years to come." -- Betsy Brannon Green, best-selling Mystery Author

"Linda has such memorable characters! I can't wait for her book to come out. What an incredible blessing in the lives of her future readers." -- Kerry Blair, best selling Mystery Author

"Linda's knowledge of and interest in the historic Old West provides a fascinating plunge into the lives of her fictional, yet undeniably real characters. Her adeptness at intertwining fact and fiction allows the past to spring to life with the newness and intrigue of unexplored territory." -- Courtney Littler, Editor with American Book Publishing, Utah

"Ms. Clarke shows considerable talent in portraying character emotion. . . a skill often overlooked by authors." -- Monica Howick, Editor with Windriver Publishing, Idaho

Dear Linda,

I enjoyed very much the book you wrote, "Melinda and the Wild West". I learned about the car Ford was building, the land deal the Mormons made with the Indians, the women's suffrage movement but most of all I liked learning why pencils were yellow. I liked the saying the teacher put on the chalkboard the first day of class. I enjoyed all the holidays you wrote about. I would liked to have read about what a Halloween get together would have been like in those days or even if they did anything on October 31st. I learned a lot from the writing session you gave in Phoenix last month and I hope I will get to see you again for another meeting like that.

Sincerely,

Clay Davis, Phoenix, Arizona

(Author's note: Learn about Halloween in book number two, Edith and the Mysterious Stranger)

Dear Linda,

I just finished reading Melinda and the Wild West. Thank you for such a wonderful book!!! I have complained for over a year about not being able to read a really good, satisfying book. And believe me, it seems I have read EVERYTHING!!!! When I walk into the bookstore or library I always ask if they would be able to recommend a morally clean, fun book without a bunch of swearing, sex or violence, but yet still attention grabbing right away and attention sustaining. I have truly gotten some looks with that request! Well wouldn't you know I finally found exactly what I was looking for in your writing. I try to be selective in what I read, therefore I end up going back to the classics. I can't wait to read the next books in the saga. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Sincerely,

Jane Middlesworth, St. Louis, Missouri

Dear Linda,

Hi Linda,

I want to write a quick note and let you know how much I enjoyed your book. I attended your talk at Rancho Cucamonga Library. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about writing techniques and learning about you. You are a great inspiration to me. And, someday, I hope to write and travel to teach others as you do. Thank you for writing such a great book. As you mentioned in your talk, the book is not about sex or violence but just a great story about a wonderful woman! I look forward to reading your other books as well!

Best regards,

Jessica Connor, Rancho Cucamonga, California