Book Review: Edith and the Mysterious Stranger: The Family Saga In Bear Lake, Idaho

The story begins in 1904, 7 years after the first book ends, with Melinda in the ‘family way’ with her second child. She is having a difficult pregnancy and is told to stay off her feet as much as possible. Her cousin Edith, who is a nurse in Salt Lake City, decides to visit her parents in Idaho and help her cousin Melinda through her pregnancy.
Edith is very independent, opinionated and ‘spunky’, which she dislikes people calling her. She has been unlucky in love and has had a hard time finding the kind of man who fits the ‘list’ of qualities she has for dating. Two men find a way to slowly break through to her, but each is so different in how they lead their lives. Henry is a school administrator, educated and polite, but he believes a woman’s place is in the home. Joseph is a cowhand, self-educated, plays the guitar, but doesn’t even come close to matching Edith’s list. A third ‘mystery’ man enters the picture when Edith begins receiving romantic notes, which sweeps her off her feet. She must now make a decision whether to follow her ‘list’ or follow her heart.
In the meantime, Gilbert, Melinda’s husband, has a cattle drive planned that will take him away from her for days. He hires some new men to help, not aware that two of these men are outlaws and cattle rustlers. One of the men, David, is just starting out as an outlaw and feels he has no other direction for his life to go. He soon finds himself falling for the boss’s 16-year-old daughter and questioning what he is getting himself in to. He feels pulled to the life of an outlaw, but being befriended and cared for by Gilbert’s family, makes him start to think about a better life he could make for himself.
This is the second book in the Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho series. I really enjoyed the first book (Melinda & the Wild West) and was looking forward to reading this new book. The book is such a mix of genres (Wild West, outlaws, romance, independent women, Christian, mystery), that I would say any age of reader would enjoy this book. I can’t wait to read the third book, coming out this summer!
“Edith and the Mysterious Stranger” pulls you in to the lives of the people of Bear Lake, Idaho. Linda Weaver Clarke has created a story with strong characters, love of family, outlaws and mystery that will have you captivated from start to finish.

****Book received and review written for RebeccasReads.com****

Rating: 5/5

Book Review: Melinda and the Wild West: A Family Saga In Bear Lake, Idaho by Linda Weaver Clarke

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.

Rated: 5/5

Reviewed by Allison King

Book Review: "No Place for a Lady"

No Place for a Lady (Heart of the West Series, Book 1)

After the death of her father, Crystal finds herself heading to Colorado in June 1892 to visit her aunt's cattle ranch. Being raised a proper southern belle, the wild country is a whole new life that she is willing to learn to live in to help her forget her troubles. The cowhands enjoy having a pretty lady around, but one in particular isn't sure if Crystal will survive living on a ranch. Luke has his doubts tested when tragedy hits the ranch and everyone must pull together to get the cattle to market, including Crystal. Greedy neighbors, mixed emotions, romance and figuring out where she belongs, all come to a climax in Crystal's decision to stay or head back to Georgia.

"No Place for a Lady" is a romantic and thrilling story about the will of a woman to move forward to a new life and new place to call home. The interplay of the characters Crystal and Luke seem so real and emotional that you find yourself wanting to be able to tell the characters how each feels about the other! The author Maggie Brendan's story is a roller coaster of a ride. Just when you think everything is going to work out, she brings in another twist. It's not over done with too many storylines, but it all comes together in what I thought was a surprising ending.

This book had me hooked from the beginning. What could be better? The story had many of my favorite themes. Colorado, the west, strong woman, wholesome values and of course romance!! For a first book, Maggie Brendan has a remarkable book that many readers will just love. So, go buy a copy...sit back..relax..and enjoy a book that will make you smile as you read!

4.5/5 stars