"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

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. Reviewed by Kim Atchue-Cusella Book Loons