Bear Lake Family Saga Novels by Linda Weaver Clarke

I was excited to learn that Linda Weaver Clarke has recently secured the rights to each of the books in her Bear Lake Family Saga, re-edited them and had new covers designed. Today we are featuring the entire series.

Melinda and the Wild West (2nd edition, 2012) ISBN: 978-1481266765

Awards: A Semi-finalist for “Reviewers Choice Award”

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. But it’s a rugged rancher who challenges Melinda with the one thing for which she was least prepared—love.

Edith and the Mysterious Stranger (2nd edition, 2012) ISBN: 978-1481266741

With mysterious letters, cattle rustlers, a spunky woman, Halloween, and young love, there is always something happening. Edith, a nurse, moves to Idaho to care for her cousin Melinda who is having a difficult pregnancy. She 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 starts writing to her. For the first time, she gets to know a man's inner 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.

Jenny’s Dream (2nd edition, 2012) ISBN: 978-1481266727

Jenny Roberts has a dream to escape her small hometown to become a writer. She develops a friendship with a young farmer who is new to the area and has secretly fallen in love with her. After she realizes that her friend means more to her than she thought, she must now choose between a career and romance. Which dream should she pursue? The only thing standing in her way is an unpleasant memory, which has haunted her since childhood. She must learn to forgive before she can choose which dream to follow. Meanwhile, a legendary ten-foot grizzly is seen in the area and its boldness has frightened the community.

Sarah’s Special Gift (2nd edition, 2012) ISBN: 978-1481232548

Sarah is a beautiful and successful dance teacher. She is deaf, but this does not stop her from living life to its fullest. While visiting the Roberts family, David finds himself entranced with this very special lady and ends up defending her honor several times. He finds that Sarah has gone through many trials as she teaches him the importance of not dwelling on the past and how to love life. Meanwhile, David learns about the legend of the Bear Lake Monster and wonders why the community believes in such a thing. He is determined to prove there is no Bear Lake Monster.

Elena, Woman of Courage (2nd edition, 2012) ISBN: 978-1481266796

The “Roaring Twenties” was a time of great change, when women raised their hemlines and bobbed their hair. The language of the era was also new and different. Watch a young love blossom in this sweet romance. When Elena Yeates settles into a small western town as the newest doctor, a few problems arise. The town is not ready for a female doctor, let alone one so strong and independent. She must struggle against the prejudice to establish her new practice. As she fights to prove herself, the town’s most eligible bachelor finds it a challenge to see if he can win her heart.

About Linda:

I was raised on a farm surrounded by the rolling hills of southern Idaho and have made my home in southern Utah among the beautiful red mountains and desert heat. I have been happily married for 40 years and am the mother of six daughters and have five wonderful grandchildren .

After my family began to leave the nest, I decided it was time to finish what I had started long ago. I decided to go back to college and get a degree. It had been 30 years since I had been to college and it was one of the most frightening things I had ever done. I had to learn how to study and take tests all over again. The first day of college, I was a nervous wreck and wondered if I could do this, but with the support of my husband and children I was able to graduate. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre and Music at Southern Utah University and received the Outstanding Non-Traditional Student Award for the College of Performing Arts in 2002. During the meantime, I cut a CD named "Romantic Love Songs of Sigmund Romberg and Victor Herbert."

I have enjoyed writing short stories and novels for several years but it took a lot of courage to begin submitting them. After "Melinda and the Wild West" was published, I entered it in the Reader Views Literary Contest and my book was chosen as a Semi-Finalist in the "Reviewers Choice Awards 2007." It was one of the top ten out of hundreds of other entries. I have written eleven books; five are historical sweet romances and four are mystery adventures. I also have two non-fiction e-books.

I tour all over the United States, teaching people the importance of writing their Family Legacy, encouraging them to turn their family history and autobiography into a variety of interesting stories.

Visit Linda online at http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/index.html. There you will find how you can order copies of these and her other books. Also discover weekly giveaways at her blog http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com/.

Book Spotlight: The Abraham Man by R. Gregory Lande

The mere mention of the insanity defense guarantees a lively debate. Opponents of the defense cite the loss of criminal culpability while proponents argue just as passionately that the insanity defense is the ultimate act of compassion. The protagonists would probably be quite surprised to learn that the same basic concerns consumed Americans in the nineteenth century. One factor – The Abraham Man – sowed the seeds of confusion and controversy that united the past with the present.

Some of the most celebrated civil and criminal trials in American history were argued under the shadow of the Abraham Man. The detailed stories of long forgotten legal cases bring the antics of the Abraham Man to life. Through the process, readers will follow the careers of notable Civil War era surgeons whose post-war professional development shaped the future of modern mental health care.

Excerpt:

Some of the most celebrated civil and criminal trials in American history were argued under the shadow of the Abraham Man. Readers will delight in the detailed stories of long forgotten legal cases which bring the antics of the Abraham Man to life. Through the process, readers will follow the careers of notable Civil War surgeons whose post-war professional development shaped the future of modern mental health care. In addition, the reader will learn about the promise of the asylum movement, prominent practitioners of the era, the politics, and eventual decline of institutional mental health care.

Both readers and libraries will find The Abraham Man a refreshing, authoritative text replete with primary source documentation. The engaging narrative deftly weaves the history of science in the 19th century with evolving trends in legal practice. Throughout this period, the budding relationship between doctors and lawyers fashioned the foundation of modern medical legal practice. At every step along the path the Abraham Man sowed confusion and controversy, paradoxically contributing to more rigorous medical practice.

The book will clearly tap into the public’s modern fascination with forensic medicine. Professional readers, such as lawyers, doctors, and psychologists, will find The Abraham Man a valuable historical reference which still rings true after 150 years. Civil War aficionados will discover a fresh perspective and “the rest of the story” about some famous soldiers. Medical history buffs will be enlightened by the devices and stratagems doctors employed to uncover malingering, in many cases the forerunners of modern diagnostic technologies.

Purchase online at: http://www.amazon.com/R.-Gregory-Lande/e/B001H9TEZ0


R. Gregory Lande, DO is a physician and retired US Army Medical Corps Officer. Dr. Lande completed his medical education at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Lande was commissioned an officer in the US Army. During his career in the military, Dr. Lande was active in a wide variety of clinical, academic and administrative positions. Upon leaving the US Army as a full colonel, Dr. Lande was awarded the Legion of Merit recognizing his career contributions. The next phase of his career involved administrative positions in hospital management, research, and teaching at various civilian facilities. Dr. Lande is the author of numerous medical and historical works. He lectures widely on both subjects.

Visit Dr. Lande online at http://www.medicallegalhistory.com/

THE ABRAHAM MAN TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, February 4^th
Book spotlight at The Busy Mom’s Daily
Tuesday, February 5^th
Interview at Pump Up Your Book
Wednesday, February 6^th
Interview at Blogcritics
Thursday, February 7^th
Interview at Examiner
Monday, February 11^th
Book spotlight at The Writer’s Life
Tuesday, February 12^th
Guest post at Literarily Speaking
Wednesday, February 13^th
Interview at Paperback Writer
Thursday, February 14^th
Book spotlight at As the Pages Turn
Friday, February 15^th
Interview at As the Pages Turn
Wednesday, February 20^th
Interview at Divine Caroline
Thursday, February 21^st
Book spotlight at Bluebell Books
Monday, February 25^th
Interview at American Chronicle
Wednesday, February 27^th
First Chapter Review at The Book Connection
Monday, March 4^th
Interview at Broowaha
Tuesday, March 5^th
Guest post at Lori’s Reading Corner
Wednesday, March 6^th
Book review at Review from Here
Thursday, March 7^th
Book spotlight at RedRoom
Tuesday, March 12^th
Book review at WV Stitcher
Wednesday, March 13^th
Guest post at Literal Exposure
Thursday, March 14^th
Book spotlight at Marilyn’s Musings
Wednesday, March 20^th
Book review at Coffee and A Keyboard
Friday, March 22^nd
Book review at The Book Connection
Monday, March 25^th
Book review at The Self-Taught Cook

Visit The Abraham Man tour page at http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2013/01/22/pump-up-your-book-presents-the-abraham-man-virtual-book-tour/

Book Spotlight: The Moses Quilt by Kathi Macias

The Moses Quilt is a contemporary novel that bridges racial and generational divides. With a realistic and compassionate look into a twenty-first-century dilemma, multiple award-winning author Kathi Macias introduces readers to a confused and apprehensive young woman, Mazie Hartford. Facing major decisions about the love of her life and her future, she must also wrestle with a nagging question about her family's past. She finds the answer to her questions in a most unexpected way—her great-grandmother's Moses quilt. As her great-grandmother begins to explain how each patch represents a story of courage and freedom, Mazie must decide if she has the courage and freedom to overcome her own personal fears and prejudices.

Prologue

Edward’s eyes captivated her, as they always did. She felt as if she were gazing into warm, chocolate pools, bidding her to abandon herself to their delicious charms. And oh, how she wanted to do so! But something—always, there was that awkward, inconvenient something—holding her back, restraining her from yielding to the joy she so longed to experience.

“I can’t,” she whispered. “I just can’t. Not yet. Soon, I promise, but…”

The light in his gaze flickered, and she knew she’d hurt him…again. She hadn’t wanted to, had even told herself that this time, today, she would give him her answer. But she just wasn’t ready.

Her heart squeezed. Would she ever be? The unreasonable fear that haunted her life loomed heavy, threatening to squeeze the air from her lungs. Was it more than their obvious differences that frightened her to the point where she couldn’t move forward, couldn’t give a good man a simple answer—particularly when that man made her head swim with longing?

“Soon,” he repeated, his husky voice devoid of bitterness or sarcasm. “How many times have you promised, Mazie? How many?”

Tears bit her eyes, and she shook her head. “Too many. Far too many. And I’m truly sorry, but I…”

She felt the resignation roll through his body as he loosened his embrace and took a small step back, his eyes never leaving hers. “I wish I could say I understand, but I don’t.” His smile was wistful as he used a finger to brush back a stray wisp of dark hair from her face. “But I will honor your feelings. I know I need to stop pushing, and I will, though it won’t be easy. I love you, Mazie. You know that. But sooner or later, we’re going to have to address this—once and for all.”

Her breath caught, and she nodded. If she knew anything in this world, it was that Edward Clayton loved her, and that he was an honorable and patient man. He wouldn’t push her, but she was a fool for putting him off. Still, how could she give him an answer when she was so unsure about how the unknowns of her past might impact their future?

“Thank you,” she whispered. “For loving me and for giving me more time.”

The pain skittered through his eyes again, outlined by the setting sun that filtered through the trees behind him. He leaned down and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. “Let me know when you’re ready.” He turned and walked toward his car, leaving Mazie standing alone on the porch, with the first of many hot tears spilling over onto her cheeks.

Purchase from:

Christianbook.com http://www.christianbook.com/the-moses-quilt-kathi-macias/9781596693586/pd/693586

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/The-Moses-Quilt-Kathi-Macias/dp/1596693584/

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-moses-quilt-kathi-macias/1112428309

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel set in China, Red Ink, was named Golden Scrolls 2011 Novel of the Year and was also a Carol Award Finalist; her October 2012 release, Unexpected Christmas Hero, was named 2012 Book of the Year by BookandAuthors.net. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband. You can find Kathi at www.kathimacias.com.

Visit The Moses Quilt virtual book tour page at http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2013/01/18/pump-up-your-book-presents-the-moses-quilt-virtual-book-tour/

THE MOSES QUILT WAS RECENTLY VOTED JANUARY FICTION BOOK OF THE MONTH AT THE BOOK CLUB NETWORK!

You've Got Mail Monday

Time to start planning that garden for spring. The groundhog telling us that we will have an early spring certainly helped me feel like I better start browsing my gardening catalogs. I've already been thinking about how I can expand the vegetable garden this year. The three raised beds were nice, but not quite enough space. I saw this neat idea online where a gardener had built a slanted support system for her pea plants and planted lettuce underneath it. I think I'll try that this year. My lettuce takes a beating during our hot summers, and it would gain me some space.

Hope you'll share a gardening tip with us, too.

My Gardener's Supply Company catalog arrived last week, as did a new one from GardenersEdge. What trouble I could get into if I had an unlimited budget. Of course, that applies to home decor, too. My FrontGate and Ballard Designs catalogs also arrived, reminding me, I really need to give the house a pick me up.

Only one book this week: Under Shifting Glass by Nicky Singer. It arrived without a prior request. The Lil Diva (11) said it sounded interesting. We might try it out.

That's it from my neck of the woods. Hope you have a great week.

Gary's Gray World Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Susanne D. She won a paperback copy of Gary's Gray World by Ryan J. Cunningham.

Thanks to all who participated. Look for more giveaways coming soon!

Free for All Friday: Wilton Petite Silicone 12 Cavity Heart Pan Giveaway

Attention bakers, this giveaway is for you. In honor of Valentine's Day and just because I'm tired of giving away books all the time, I figured I would offer this Wilton Petite Silicone 12 Cavity Heart Pan featured on Amazon.

Bake some cute treats for your next event. This pan is oven, microwave, and freezer safe.

Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: King of Glory by P.D. Bramsen

In this beautifully illustrated storybook, P.D. Bramsen shares 70 different Bible stories that will engage and inspire. From before the world was created through to the return of the King of Glory, Bramsen has selected some of the most well-known and loved stories from the Bible to include in this moving collection.

I was totally captivated by these glimpses into the history of Creation, the fall of man, and God’s plan for his redemption, along with the commentary Bramsen provides. The artwork by Arminda San Martin is stunning and makes this a beautiful gift. I was originally thinking this book was more for children because of the artwork. As I read through it, however, I felt the commentary was for a more mature audience of teens and young adults. There are some simplistic explanations, but overall, a younger person would need to read this with a parent to understand all of it.

This book also includes a section that summarizes the messages in the stories and a bonus section that includes review questions for the Old Testament and New Testament. These questions will definitely get readers thinking more about the King and His plans.

King of Glory is a book that will have a special place on my bookshelf. I look forward to sharing it with my family.


Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: ROCK International (September 15, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0979870674
ISBN-13: 978-0979870675