"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. MelindaÕs 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,

Thank you for writing such a wonderful book and for teaching your writing workshop. After the workshop, my friend Joan, her daughter Jennifer and I were discussing how wonderful it is to have an adult book to read that is free of gratuitous sex and violence, and which is based on good values. We were predicting that it will be made into a successful movie or television series. Thank you again. I can't tell you how uplifting I found your workshop to be.

Have a God day,

Jet McConnell-Doubledee, Chino, California

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