Interview and Book Giveaway at Linda Weaver Clarke's blog!

Head on over to Linda Weaver Clarke's blog to read her new interview with William Leverne Smith for his new book "Back to the Homeplace." Don't forget to enter the book giveaway for the book too while you're there!!


William Leverne Smith




"Back to the Homplace" Blog

Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie Montana

Synopsis:

Julia Cavanaugh has never left New York City. But in 1890, the young woman must head west to ensure that the orphans under her care are settled into good families. After her final stop in Montana, she plans to head straight back east. But upon arriving in the remote town of Lonesome Prairie, Julia learns to her horror that she is also supposed to be delivered—into the hands of an uncouth miner who carries a bill of purchase for his new “bride.” She turns to a respected circuit preacher to protect her from a forced marriage but with no return fare and few friends, Julia’s options are bleak. What is God’s plan for her in the middle of the vast Montana prairie?

**
Review:

This book drew me in from the moment I saw the cover. A woman alone on a prairie with just a bag to her name. Next, I read what the story was about..again..it got me! I love the late 1800's and a storyline that has a strong woman character that has to fight to find her place in life. Julia is an amazing character who draws you in to the struggle women endured to overcome, being mail order brides and baby makers for those living in the 'wild west'. Goyer and Fleiss write from the heart about a woman that wants only to find herself and someone SHE chooses to be her husband. You can see the love and care that Pastor Issac and Julia have for one another, but each must follow their own path and rid themselves of past issues to be able to see clearly the love they have for one another.

The story flowed easily with many characters in the town being involved in the subplots surrounding Julia's decision to stay or go back east. Death, murder, love twists and the search for orphans to find a good home are only a few of the topics the book includes in this journey of a book.

If you are wanting a book to read that warms your heart and has you cheering for love to conquer all...this is the story for you!

Rating: 4 out of 5

More information:

Tricia Goyer
Ocieanna Fleiss




Part of:

"Cowboy Trouble" by Joanne Kennedy

Synopsis:

Fleeing her latest love life disaster, big city journalist Libby Brown's transition to rural living isn't going exactly as planned. Her childhood dream has always been to own a farm--but without the constant help of her charming, sexy cowboy neighbor, she'd never make it through her first Wyoming season.

Handsome rancher Luke Rawlins is impressed by this sassy, independent city girl. But he yearns to do more than help Libby out with her ranch...he's ready for love, and he wants to go the distance...

Then the two get embroiled in their tiny town's one and only crime story, and Libby discovers that their sizzling hot attraction is going to complicate her life in every way possible...

**
Review:

"Cowboy Trouble" is the debut novel for Joanne Kennedy and I am sure there will be many more to come!

This contemporary romance with a twist of suspense held my attention from the first page to the last. I love the idea of the city girl meeting the country boy, but refusing to believe that 'more' can become of their friendship. Libby finds an unsolved crime to fill her time as the new journalist in the small town, but she soon realizes maybe things are better off left alone. This is where the story really starts to take off as the author builds on the 'mystic' of all those small town secrets that try and stay hidden.

The chemistry between Libby and Luke sizzles even when we laugh at the jokes/secrets they keep from one another. One of them being Libby trying to make Luke believe she has a 'ferocious' dog, when it's really a small, harmless dog. The mystery of Luke's parents and friendship with Mike slowly unfolds as the killer gets more brazen in trying to hide the truth of what happened to the missing girl.

Cowboy Trouble will bring smiles, laughs and mystery as you read through the book. So, put the chickens out, bring in the dogs and cuddle up to the fire and enjoy a romantic and suspenseful story that will have you wanting to read the next Joanne Kennedy novel!!

Rating: 4 out of 5


Received this review copy from Danielle at Sourcebooks.com

Elena, Woman of Courage by Linda Weaver Clarke

Elena, Woman of Courage: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho

Book Five

Synopsis:
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 the 1920's rise of woman's rights, this novel gives you great insight at the struggles women had to go through, all the while watching a young love blossom!!

Review:

This is book 5, the final book, of the Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho. I have loved this series from the start and hate to see it end, but I look forward to Linda's new series!

This story centers around John, middle child of Melinda and Gilbert Roberts, and Elena, the new town doctor. The chemistry between these two can be seen throughout the book by all the joking and kidding around they do with one another. Each are afraid to commit to the relationship until they each realize they can't go on without the other.

I enjoyed the time frame in history that the story is told, where women's rights were expanding all over the country. Elena's character was challenged by the men in town to prove herself as a 'real' doctor. Even Gilbert, the patriarch, had to overcome his opinion of being 'uncomfortable' in seeing a woman doctor. Other 'challenging' events occur in the story too (a thief that was stealing 'women's undergarments' and a lost child), where Elena must prove that women have some of the same abilities of men to conquer and accomplish goals. She uses her independence to win over John 'the life long bachelor' of the town. I like seeing the strong parental presence that Melinda and Gilbert have in John's life. They don't crowd or pressure him, but instead work with him to see both sides of any situation.

Linda Weaver Clarke is an amazing author who writes amazingly visual and descriptive books, without the story getting too wordy!! The story is full of daily chores, picnics, dances and dangerous events, which makes the book easy to read (and end way to fast for me!!)

"Elena, Woman of Courage" is an amazing journey of visual reading that will take you to the lands of Idaho and transport you in to the surroundings of the story. You feel you are living the life of the characters, who feel like your own family members, as you get to know each characters flaws and strengths. The love of a man and woman is only as strong as the bond and life they share together!

Read the first chapter HERE

Rating: 5 stars!


****
Read my reviews of the previous 4 books in the series:

Melinda and the Wild West
Edith and the Mysterious Stranger
Jenny's Dream (Still my #1 favorite)
David and the Bear Lake Monster

THEN..go and buy each one and read them!!!!!! It really is a great series!!

***************************

"Back to the Homeplace" is now available!!!

I am proud to announce the release of the first book of a series by William Leverne Smith called "Back to the Homeplace."

The author just happens to be my dad, but I feel this book is an amazing journey about family, that book readers will enjoy taking!! I will be posting my review soon, along with a book giveaway too!! So keep checking my blog!!!

Here is the Press Release for the book:

Press Release - March 31, 2010

Debut Novel, Back to the Homeplace, set in the Southern Missouri Ozarks

Vision to Action Publishing announces the release of Back to the Homeplace, the debut novel of William Leverne Smith, a resident of Hollister, MO, on April 1, 2010.

Hollister, MO, March 31, 2010 -- Back to the Homeplace, the debut novel of William Leverne Smith, will be available to the public on April 1, 2010. The novel is set on a farm and in a nearby fictional community located in the southern Missouri Ozark hills and near a fictional western branch of the Current River. The story revolves around a family dilemma following the death of their matriarch and the unusual will she left to insure the continuity of the farm, which has been in her family for over 150 years, intact.

The year is 1987. The varied background and viewpoints of the adult children coming back to the Homeplace ignite controversy and expose long kept secrets as each family member searches for his or her share of the family legacy. While the older family members stake their claims on land and fortunes, the younger ones search for love and acceptance. Subplots involve AIDS Awareness in 1987 issues and a support group for domestic violence incidents.

At the heart of this family life story is how we do or do not effectively communicate among family members - parents with children, among children and grandchildren and that we must each face the consequences of our individual actions. What happens when they come back to the Homeplace?

See Video Book Trailer at: http://eduscapes.com/v2a/back_to_the_homeplace.html
See Author's Blog at: http://thehomeplaceseries.blogspot.com/

About Vision to Action Publishing:
Vision to Action Publishing designs and develops print, e-book, web, and video materials to support life-long learning and leisure activities. It is a family business with offices in Austin, TX, Teasdale, UT, and Hollister, MO, and does not accept author submissions or outside advertising.

ISBN 978-1451560404

"Anasazi Intrigue" by Linda Weaver Clarke !! Press Release!!

I am SO excited to read Linda's new series...I hope you are to!! It looks very interesting. Take a look at the press release about the book below!!!

***

“Mystery and Adventure” is Theme of New Novel: Anasazi Intrigue

Stolen artifacts, the Santa Clara/Virgin River flood, a snoopy newspaper reporter, and mysterious events begin to unfold with Anasazi Intrigue.

When a devastating flood wipes out homes in a small town, residents are shocked by the news of a possible poison spill that also kills many of the fish and neighbor's pets. The people don’t know what to think or do, until Julia, the town's newest reporter, jumps into action and begins her investigation. Quickly Julia realizes the story is much bigger and more dangerous than she thought. As information unfolds, Julia and her husband find themselves on the run, trying to save their lives while finishing the story of a lifetime. She never realized that being a reporter could be so dangerous. With artifacts, dead fish, a devastating flood, and miscreants, John and Julia have their hands full.

In “Anasazi Intrigue” (ISBN: 978-1-58982-587-1), Clarke creates a story based upon an independent, educated, and strong woman character. Suko’s Notebook Reviews said of Clarke’s writing: “Linda Weaver Clarke is outstanding at presenting the characters' thoughts.”

There are two subjects discussed in this novel: The Santa Clara/Virgin River Flood and stolen artifacts. The mystery of the Anasazi Indians boggles the minds of many archaeologists. Ancient dwellings, petroglyphs, and pottery found in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico are fantastic and part of Anasazi history. When an ancient ruin is discovered, it doesn’t take long for thieves to take it apart. Archaeological thievery is becoming more and more of a problem every year.

The second subject brings out what really happened during the flooding in southern Utah. Lost homes can be replaced, but it’s impossible to replace precious treasures that had no value to anyone but the owner, such as photos and memories of the past. The stories of hope, charity, and little miracles seem to uplift others and have a wonderful effect on people during a crisis such as this. Clarke’s novel brings out what really happened in St George, Utah but the mystery is just beginning.

About the Author

Linda Weaver Clarke travels throughout the United States, teaching a “Family Legacy Workshop,” encouraging others to write their family history and autobiography. Clarke is the author of the historical fiction series, “A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho,” and the new mystery series, “Anasazi Intrigue: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.”

“Anasazi Intrigue” (ISBN-13: 978-1-58982-587-1, American Book Publishing, 2010) can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information, visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com. Publicity contact: www.american-book.com.