Description
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 in. But it’s a rugged rancher who challenges Melinda with the one thing for which she was least prepared – love.
Patricia Reichardt –
What a gem this story is! I fell in love with Melinda and Gilbert and their journey to love. Melinda is heading west and finds herself in Bear Lake, Idaho. She is the teacher and finds the kids for the most part good, but Jenny Roberts is one that the others like to put down. Melinda sees something good in Jenny and takes her under her wing and helps to increase her self confidence. But that is not all! New in town, she finds herself in the midst of everything…a bank robbery, a bear attack and a blizzard that will change her life. Stuck in the Roberts home, Gilbert, Jenny’s father and Melinda get to interact. She finds herself not only in love with Jenny ,but she falls for Gilbert too! But is Gilbert willing to give his heart away again? Linda Weaver Clarke writes a beautiful story of love with the history intricately woven in. It’s historically accurate and full of little nuggets we get to hear. I love the interaction between Gilbert and Melinda. He is a broody man, and he really is a lot of fun to get to know. The reading of Black Beauty is one of my favorite parts! Carolyn Kashner does a wonderful job bringing this story to life and she has a great voice for stories in this time periods. I enjoy her singing of the hymns giving the listen a little infusion of the times. Melinda’s story is a great start to Bear Lake, Idaho and I can’t wait for the others in the series.