"Melinda and the Wild West," is a Historical Fiction love story filled with intrigue, adventure, and romance. This story blends fascinating characters with Bear Lake history, and is based on several true experiences.
The time period is 1896. Melinda is from Boston and has come to Idaho's Bear Lake Valley. The idea of going to the Wild West appeals to her. She wants to do some good in someone's life and maybe she could do it in the West by teaching school. Intertwining fact and fiction, Melinda is confronted by many obstacles such as a bank robbery by the notorious outlaw Butch Cassidy, a rebellious student, an irritable grizzly bear, a blinding blizzard, Stinging Nettle, and the most stubborn rancher she has ever met.
This book is not only full of adventure, but has the tenderness of romance. A rugged rancher and a determined schoolteacher from the east tend to butt heads and clash with each encounter, but at the same time there seems to be an underlying interest in one another. Why Gilbert is guarding his heart is a mystery to Melinda. In this story, Melinda is desperately trying to help a rebellious student through acceptance and love, and at the same time, she is trying to understand her own heart.
"Melinda and the Wild West," was a semi-finalist for the Reader Views "Reviewers Choice Award 2007." This novel is the first of five in a family saga in Bear Lake Valley, Idaho.
With mysterious letters, cattle rustlers, a spunky woman, the liar's fire, Halloween, and young love, there is always something happening. It is 1904 and Melinda is "with child" and threatening to miscarry. Her cousin Edith, a nurse, moves to Paris to care for her. Edith has wonderful qualities but never gives a man a second chance because her expectations are so high.
However, all that changes when a mysterious stranger begins to write to her. For the first time, she gets to know a man's soul before making any harsh judgments. Whoever he is, this man is a mystery and the best thing that has ever happened to her. The question that puzzles her is whether or not he's as wonderful in person as he is in his letters. In the meantime, Melinda and Gilbert's sixteen-year-old daughter, Jenny, falls for a young man of questionable character. David has sort of a wild side to him, but Jenny only notices the goodness about him. This novel is the second of five in a family saga in Bear Lake Valley, Idaho.
Jenny Roberts feels a need to spread her wings and fly away. She yearns to escape her small hometown of Paris, Idaho and accomplish something remarkable in the world. After she realizes that her kindred friend means more to her than she thought, she must now choose between a career and romance. Which dream should she pursue? 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.
Meanwhile, a legendary ten-foot grizzly 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. In this third installment of A Family Saga in Bear Lake Valley series, Jenny finds herself in the middle of drama, adventure, and romance as she struggles to gain the power of forgiveness and the ability to face new possibilities.
DAVID AND THE BEAR LAKE MONSTER
Deep-rooted legends, long family traditions, and a few mysterious events! Once again the Roberts family is reunited with David trying to solve personal issues and overcome his troubles! David quickly becomes one with the town and its folk and finds himself entranced with one very special lady and ends up defending her honor several times. She isn't like the average woman. Sarah is different. She has a handicap. This beautiful, dainty woman is deaf. He finds out that Sarah has gone through more trials than the average person. She teaches him the importance of not dwelling on the past and how to love life. After a few teases, tricks, and mischievous deeds, David begins to overcome his troubles, but will it be too late? Will he lose the one woman he adores? And how about the Bear Lake Monster? Does it really exist?
Release date to be announced.
ELENA, WOMAN OF COURAGE
When a woman settles into a strict conservative town as the newest doctor, a slew of problems begin to arise. The town is not ready for a female doctor, let alone one so strong and independent. Elena Yeates, the town's newest doctor, must struggle to prove herself in this western town, while keeping her composure, poise, and femininity. As she fights to prove herself, the town's most eligible bachelor finds it a challenge to see if he can win her heart. With the 1920's rise of women's rights, this novel gives you great insight at the struggles women had to go through, all the while watching a young love blossom!
