"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 is home from college and is restless. She feels a need to spread her wings and fly away. She has dreams of becoming a writer and wants to pursue it, but that's not all. After she realizes that Will, her kindred friend, means more to her than she thought, she must now choose between writing 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.
A ten-foot grizzly bear is seen in the area and its boldness has frightened the community. But 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. This novel is the third of five in a family saga in Bear Lake Valley, Idaho and will be released in October of 2008.
DAVID AND THE BEAR LAKE MONSTER
David returns to the Robert's family for an extended visit. During his stay, David learns about the great Indian legend: the Bear Lake Monster. When he discovers people still believe in this monster, he sets out to prove that it doesn't exist. But the community is insulted that anyone would try to discredit something they have believed in for years. Their legend is sacred to them and is part of their history.
During his visit, he meets a young woman who changes his outlook on life. He finds out that Sarah has gone through more trials than the average person. She teaches him the importance of not dwelling on one's mistakes and how to love life. After a while, he realizes he must now face the dilemma of choosing between his work and matters of the heart. At the same time, Gilbert Roberts is learning that family comes before success. He realizes that he's neglecting Melinda for the ranch and needs to prioritize his life. This novel is the fourth of five in a family saga in Bear Lake Valley, Idaho.
Release date to be announced.
ELENA, WOMAN OF COURAGE
This is the last book of the family saga. Elena is a courageous woman who went to college during a time when women were not encouraged to be educated beyond high school. The 1920s was a time of change when women began bobbing their hair, raising their hemlines, and fighting for their rights. After getting her degree as a doctor, she moves to the West to set up her own practice. When she arrives in a small town in Idaho, she meets Mr. Anderson who opposes her from day one. Elena fears the community will not accept her, but her stubborn nature will not allow her to give up. In her fight for equality, she learns to love the people of Bear Lake Valley and realizes she has found a home at last.
When she meets John Roberts, a rugged and good-looking farmer, she does not trust his intentions. As she gets to know him, she finds that he believes in her, has deep respect for the education of women, and abhors prejudice. John is the son of Gilbert and Melinda, but there is one thing that stands in the way of happiness. He is terrified of marriage and commitment. He is known as the "Happy-go-lucky Bachelor."
