Melinda and the Wild West: The Award Winning Original Version

by Linda Weaver Clarke

Melinda Gamble wants to make a difference in the world. Without hesitation, she accepts a job as a schoolteacher in the small town of Paris, Idaho. She has many challenges such as trying to help a rebellious student, coming face-to-face with a notorious bank robber, a vicious grizzly bear, and finding herself in a terrible blizzard that leaves her clinging to her life. No matter the trial that comes her way, she is ready to fight for what she believes...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1724240994
• ISBN13: 9781724240996
• Release Date: July 2018
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 238 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

An enjoyable book that makes you smile throughout!

This is a story of Melinda, an independent and educated woman from Boston who lives comfortably, but feels there is more she can do with her life. She decides to take a chance and moves to the untamed west. She becomes the new teacher in Paris, Idaho, a rugged wilderness area that is filled with dangerous animals, outlaws and weather that can be extreme in all seasons. She struggles to adapt at first, but comes to love the area and people. She meets a mysterious rancher that she never imagined would some day be a part of her life. 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 women 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 in to 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.

Sweet and Wholesome

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.

Romance and Adventure in the Wild West

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.

Captivating book

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (10/06) "Melinda and the Wild West" is a historical romance, loosely based on true events of the author's great-great grandparents Gilbert and Sarah Weaver, the first pioneers who settled Paris, Idaho. Linda Weaver Clarke has done a marvelous job of blending history, with fiction, romance and family remembrances. Melinda found the invitation from her Aunt Martha enticing. She's never been out west. A teaching position opened up in Paris, Idaho. Against her mother's objections she leaves her long time suitor, James, to head into an adventure. When asked what she wants in life, Melinda says she wants "to do some good in the world, and perhaps make a difference in someone's life." She hopes she can do that in the "West by teaching school." Bear Lake was lovely and Melinda knew she was going to enjoy her new home despite some of the "adventures" that lay ahead. An outlaw chooses to rob the bank on the very day that Melinda decides to open an account. The outlaws are none other than Butch Cassidy and Elza Lay. When Melinda takes a stroll to enjoy the fresh mountain air she finds a cool stream that entices her to do some wading. She finds a stranger staring at her; his features take her breath away. His name is Gilbert and he's a widower raising his 8-year-old daughter, Jenny. Jenny was one of Melinda's students. The other students were quick to tell their teacher all about Jenny, she's been known to fight with other students and not try to learn, she's been labeled a troublemaker. By reaching out to Jenny, Melinda is drawn to Gilbert. 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!

Life In The Wild

I have to say from the moment I opened the book to the very last page I was taken in with the story of Melinda Gamble. The main character is refreshing and courageous as she travels to the wild west from the comforts of Boston to find the life she is meant to lead. The story line was easy to follow and the characters were well thought out and very likable. This historical romance was created with flair and insight with true history that revolved around the setting of the story. The plot was well thought out and kept me wondering what was going to happen next. This book is a great read for those who love romance in its sweetest form. Good Job Ms. Weaver your talent for writing is telling in this novel. I'm looking forward to more of your writing. Reviewed by Vickie Treadway (Tory Lynn) Author of "My Charming Protector"