St. Patrick's Day Giveaway for Melinda and the Wild West at Suko's Notebook

Over at Suko's Notebook, you'll find another chance to win a copy of Melinda and the Wild West: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho by Linda Weaver Clarke.

But wait, I've put the cart before the horse (sorry, I couldn't resist). The first thing you're going to find at Suko's Notebook is a review of Elena, Woman of Courage, which is the fifth and final book in this series.

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

While all of the books in this series sound fabulous, and I have Melinda and the Wild West in my TBR pile, as a fan of the 1990's television series, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, the fifth book will probably be my favorite.

Here's a blurb from Suko's review:

"This story features members of the Roberts family and has many of the same elements I enjoyed in the author's previous books; it introduces a strong, independent protagonist, Dr. Elena Yeates, and includes an ardent romance between John and Elena. These books are enjoyable to read...Linda Weaver Clarke is outstanding at presenting the characters' thoughts...and she captures the highs and lows of romantic life rather adeptly."

You can read the full review here.

Check out the review at Suko's Notebook to find details on how you can win a copy of the first book in this historical series, Melinda and the Wild West.


In 1896 Melinda Gamble—a very elegant, very naïve young woman from Boston—decides to give up her life of monotonous comfort for the turbulent uncertainty of the still untamed Wild West. Driven by her intense desire to make a difference in the world, Melinda takes a job as a schoolteacher in the small town of Paris, Idaho, where she comes face-to-face with a frightening bank robber, a vicious grizzly bear, and an intense blizzard that leaves her clinging to her life. But it is a ruggedly handsome and very mysterious stranger who challenges Melinda with the one thing for which she was least prepared—love.


This giveaway ends at 5 PM PST on Sunday, March 7, just in time for St. Patrick's Day (March 17th). "Remember the luck of the Irish! Perhaps your luck will double if you find a four leaf clover. Good luck, everyone!"

Other books in this series include:

Edith and the Mysterious Stranger

With mysterious letters, cattle rustlers, a spunky woman, the liar's fire, Halloween, and young love, there is always something happening. It is 1904 and Melinda is "with child" and threatening to miscarry. Her cousin Edith, a nurse, moves to Paris to care for her. Edith 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 begins to write 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

When Jenny Roberts arrives home from college in the summer of 1908, she yearns to escape her small hometown of Paris, Idaho, and accomplish something remarkable in the world. She develops a promising friendship with Will Jones, a young farmer who is new to the area and has secretly fallen in love with her. Meanwhile, her father, Gilbert, attempts to catch a legendary giant grizzly bear that has devastated the community with its haunting elusiveness and slaughter of the local sheep. In the third installment of A Family Saga in Bear Lake Valley series, Jenny finds herself in the middle of drama, adventure, and romance as she struggles to gain the power of forgiveness and the ability to face new possibilities.

David and the Bear Lake Monster

Deep-rooted legends, long family traditions, and a few mysterious events—Bear Lake Valley is a wonderful home to the Roberts family. Once again the Roberts family is reunited with David trying to solve personal issues and overcome his troubles! Without meaning to, David quickly becomes one with the town and its folk and finds himself entranced with one very special lady and ends up defending her honor several times. After a few teases, tricks, and mischievous deeds, David begins to overcome his troubles and figure out what he needs to do, but will it be too late for David? Will he lose the one thing that will help him get over his worries? Will David be happy again?

You can visit Linda online at www.lindaweaverclarke.com, and if you simply can't wait to own a copy of these books, they are all available at Amazon.com or through Publisher Direct.

Icon & Idols: Pop Goes the Culture by Victor Pross

Icons & Idols: Pop goes the Culture is an eye-popping visual homage and satire of pop culture that is sure to tickle a funny bone. Icons & Idols is comprised of Victor Pross’ “extreme caricatures” of the famous—-such as Elvis Presley, Sylvester Stallone, Marilyn Monroe, George Bush, Albert Einstein—-and others icons from the world of film, music and literature. Victor Pross’ most important works-–over 70 paintings and drawings–-are assembled under one volume to entertain and astound.


Read the Reviews!

“Pross’ portraits are frequently funny and striking in their grotesque exaggeration, but always powerfully able to reintroduce us to that which we take for granted. Pross’ talent leaps from the frame.” —William O’Higgins, arts writer

“Victor’s caricatures, aside from being clever in their own right, also convey an intelligence and knowledge of his subjects that is sometimes absent in similar sketches.” –George H. Smith, author of Atheism: The case against God

“Victor Pross’ portraits examine in subjective—sometimes hideous, often hilarious—detail the faces of those who’ve shaped our times.” —Edward Keenan, media writer and editor for Toronto’s Eye Newspaper

“Pross is a caricaturist, but that term does not nearly do justice to the art he creates. These are not line drawings of political figures published in a newspaper to poke fun, and then be forgotten the next day. Pross takes caricaturing to another level making powerful—if entertaining and exaggerated—canvasses of famous people.” —Paul J. Henderson, the Times

“Victor, like his art, is larger than life. He tackles the big issues and puts them right in your face. I knew that making caricatures was about exaggerating the features a little. Little! Victor manages to exaggerate them a whole lot while keeping the essential personality clear. He does not walk the safe and simple path, but like hisforebears walks the lonely path of seeking truth without flinching.” —Ray Thomas admirer



Victor Pross is a professional artist born and raised in Toronto, now residing in British Columbia. He is known for his "extreme caricaturing".

He has many high profile commissions to his credit including painting Ron Howard’s caricature portrait as a gift for the famous director, as well as, painting various agents of the William Morris Agency. He has rendered numerous International celebrities and Canadian media personalities for commercial and private purposes. Victor Pross has been interviewed on television shows such as: Canada AM, Breakfast Television, News at Noon and has been pegged by Canadian Media as "Canada’s foremost caricature artist".

He has worked on various posters, comic books and CD covers bringing to each work his own unique style. He is currently instructing an art class as well as offering his services as an editorial caricaturist. Victor’s first book, Icons & Idols, features a collection of the artist’s paintings and drawings and is now available. You can visit his website at www.victorpross.com.

The Words Every Writer Longs to Hear

I completed my next article that is due to my editor this week. I have to admit to being a tiny bit nervous. I wasn't quite sure if I had written exactly what she was looking for. It ended up being shorter than my normal articles, so I wasn't certain if I explored each topic in enough detail.

After reading it through several times and making a couple of changes, I composed my email to her, reviewed the article two more times, made one more change, and then sent it off.

I received a quick response, which only heightened my level of anxiety. I took a deep breath and opened the email, which read:

"Cheryl, it’s absolutely perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing."

Phew! Now I can go back to breathing normally.

Truth, Next Exit by Michele Paiva

Have you struggled with weight, wellness, addictions, relationships or work? This spiritually based book is set up with the idea that when you begin reading it, it will lull you comfortably into motivation and creating changes “now”.

Essentially, when you open the book you are on a journey, and as you read you have opportunities to “drive” or apply these ideas into your life. The book is set up as a no-excuses approach; if you say you believe in scripture you can’t pick and choose when to apply scripture to your life; it’s immediate connection, which also, helps take immediate action. You may be comfortably motivated but it may bring upheaval and some hard truth to swallow, so be prepared for no-excuses scripture to change your life.

Read an Excerpt from Truth, Next Exit: No Excuses Scripture as your Personal Trainer and Life Coach!

…Abraham has three guests; one states that Sarah will have a son. She mocks him and then God announces that he will destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot and his wife flee, are warned to not turn back, the wife turns back to view and turns to a pillar of salt.

Later, Abraham is asked to sacrifice his son, he makes all intention to do so, as much as bringing the knife above the boy on the alter he has made, and an angel appears to him to stop him; God responds with a promise to Abraham and in exchange for his obvious obedience, “All ye nations of earth shall bless themselves by your descendants”. Jacob collects statues and accuses others of stealing his idols.When we practice idolatry, we are really placing importance on something as it if were more important than it is. We do this with entertainers, celebrities; vain attempts at our external image and more. We also do not place the correct weight upon honesty.

…Some of us use truth in ways meant to hurt others; telling someone that they are inexperienced in spite of their good ideas and motivations because perhaps we fear them rising above us. Is it true that they may lack experience? Yes. But should that truth be used, or manipulated, to hold against them? Pick your battles and focus on truth and it’s part in peace. If you use truth as a weapon it loses authenticity.

These passages from the Torah or Bible can teach us so much about us and others. It is wonderful that Sarah welcomes visitors and drops what she is doing to feed them. We have food shelters now, but how often would we welcome people into our home in the same breadth?

We have lost the luster for personal relationships and outreach has become more contrived. When we say we volunteer we are correct; when we say we help others, we do so, but more superficially.

Our world has become idol worship focused and we show this even in outreach. We brag about helping others and it is an “event” to help others. How many of us help others in silence, without public reward or group effort?

We focus on the beauty around us; we want to look beautiful. We want our children to look beautiful. We buy jewelry and fancy clothes and cars, and continue to focus on the beauty of our homes and lives in almost every way.

Again, we focus on false idols. We say we don’t but we give a lot of time, energy and money for celebrities to live honored lives while we actually as a whole, give far less to those who are hungry.

So, we take something not beautiful. Dust and dirt. We try to rid ourselves of such. But without dirt, we would have no gardens, yards, playgrounds, and acres of forests. Dirt is really, more beautiful than a diamond.

So, in your worst moments, realize that you may be looking at the wrong focus, the wrong idol, and that maybe you are much more amazing than you think. Maybe the very people you should be focusing on, are the very people you’ve ignored.

When you look at yourself, before you leave your home, how much about you do you change? Or, how much do you wish you could change?

What are areas of your life you are 100% happy with?

When you think of things you feel are beautiful, what are they? Would you rather have a garden to feed you endlessly or riches to show off to others?

What are ways you can begin to see the light within yourself without comparing yourself to others?

What can you do, to create more personal relationships even while volunteering? How can you help those you volunteer for, to be touched by your generosity?

Read the Reviews!

“This book asks many questions and slyly leads one to understand that the only one who can answers these questions is you. It reminds you that there is a higher power who can help you through your life challenges, yet shows you that you need not believe in organized religion to believe in that higher power. It poses questions that, if you are honest enough to answer them, can help guide you to the self realization that your problems are not insurmountable and can be dealt with. This book is an easy read and extremely helpful. Thank you Michele for this wonderful book and for the inspiration to improve my life through the principles you have discussed." -A. Timothy Fowlar


Much like the patchwork of a quilt, Michele Paiva’s experiences seem topically eclectic but are sewn together by a love of empowerment, justice and spirituality. A former broadcast news anchor, broadcast reporter, telesales spokesperson, television choreographer, print journalist, editor, yoga therapist, dance and yoga studio owner, myoskeletal therapist and legal advocate; Paiva has been dedicated to bringing a voice to others and helping others achieve. A former Mrs. Pennsylvania, a title won on a dare and at first in jest, Paiva is down to earth and approachable, and credits her diverse background as a way that she reaches wide demographics. Paiva enjoys collecting I Dream of Jeannie memorabilia, cooking, spending time with family and friends and honestly, being a couch potato when not being a yogi or hiking. Paiva lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with her family and three rescue dogs who have taken over her world.

Paiva can be reached at www.michelepaiva.com where there are also free downloadable recipes and more.

Working through My TBR Pile

I'm trying to stay focused on book reviews so that I can open this site up again for new books at some point. Between this blog and TC&TBC, I've been whacking away at my TBR list, but it hasn't been easy. I've taken on a few more books as part of virtual book tours, and I mistakenly went to my daughter's book fair at school where I found a book I simply had to have. I admit it--I have no self-control when it comes to books. The worse part is that my daughters know it. Between the two book fairs and two regular Scholastic orders, I've spent close to $150 on new books since the beginning of the year.

Now back to the infamous list. The bolded ones are those I've read since the beginning of the year. I keep hoping the list will shrink, but I would have to stop requesting to review books or buying them in order to make that happen.

Cabal of the Westford Knight by David S. Brody
Reunion by Therese Fowler
Against Doctor's Orders by K.M. Daughters
Rose of the Adriatic by K.M. Daughters
The Last Child by John Hart
American Lion by Jon Meacham
Fear the Worst by Linwood Barclay
Undone by Karin Slaughter
Shadow of Betrayal by Brett Battles
The Spies of Warsaw by Alan Faust

The Target by J.P. Hauptman
Embracing Your Freedom by Susie Larson
Real Men by Greg Middleton
Corrigan's Pool by Dot Ryan
Prairie Tale by Melissa Gilbert
Tarnished Halo by Don Stephens
Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez***
Rizzo's War by Lou Manfredo (Amazon Vine)
Planet of the Dogs by Robert McCarthy (For TC&TBC)
Castle in the Mist by Robert McCarthy(For TC&TBC)

Truth Never Changes: Earth Changes by Michael Kilday
WWII Hereoes of S. Delware by James Diehl
Melinda and the Wild West by Linda Weaver-Clarke
The Case of the Mystified M.D. by A. K. Arenz
Daughter of Liberty by J.M. Hochstetler
Native Son by J.M. Hochstetler
Exiles on Main Street by Lisa Kleinholz
Asking for Murder by Roberta Isleib
DeadMistress by Carole Shmurak
Mother's Day Murder by Leslie Meier

Write from the Heart by Leslea Newman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
Deceptive Promises by Amber Miller
Copper and Candles by Amber Miller
Escape in Passion by Shiela Stewart
Mercy in Passion by Shiela Stewart
The Cutting by James Hayman **
The Strand Prophecy by J.B.B. Winner
The Judge Who Stole Christmas by Randy Singer
Forever Christmas by Christine Lynxwiler
The Lighthouse and Mr. Tinfish by Chris Wardle (TC&TBC)**
Mr. Choli's River Trip by Chris Wardle (TC&TBC)**
Iggy the Iguana by Melissa Williams (TC&TBC)**
Summer League: An Iggy the Iguana Book by Melissa Williams (TC&TBC)**
The Saphire Flute, Book One: The Wolfchild Saga by Karen E. Hoover (TC&TBC)
Rocky Bluff P.D. series by F.M. Meredith: Bad Tidings, Final Respects, Fringe Benefits
Deputy Tempe Crabtree series by Marilyn Meredith: Deadly Trail, Deadly Omen, Intervention, Unequally Yoked, Wing Beat
Murder on the Low Down by Pamela Samuels Young
Preaching to the Corpse by Roberta Isleib
Silenced Cry: A Sam Harper Mystery by Marta Stephens
Wishin' and Hopin' by Wally Lamb
Set Apart: A 6-week Study of the Beatitudes by Jennifer Kennedy Dean
...And Night Falls by Tommie Lyn
Main Street: Tis' the Season by Ann M. Martin (TC&TBC)
Rhett Butler's People by Donald McCaig
Alphatudes: The Alphabet of Gratitude by Michele Wahlder (*)**
The Big Picture: Essential Business Lessons from the Movies by Kevin Coupe & Michael Sansolo**
A Very Dangerous Woman: Martha Wright and Women's Rights by Sherry H. Penny & James D. Livingston
* Rock Stars: The Rise, Fall, and Rise of 80's Glam Frontmen into Pop Culture by David S. Grant**
* America's War on Medicine: A Veteran Doctor Offers a Cure for What Ails America's Health Care System by Dr. Michael Pryce, M.D.

Newly added titles:

Capturing Karma by K.M. Daughters
Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider by Ellen C. Maze
Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James Swanson
Murder in Baker Company by Cilla McCain**


Stay tuned to The Book Connection because things are going to be busy around here, especially as we get closer to the release of my first children's picture book, Little Shepherd.


* Currently reading

** Reading as part of a virtual book tour

*** Recently mentioned in O Magazine as one of Oprah's Top 10 Picks of the Month

World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware by James Diehl - Book Review

World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware by award-winning journalist James Diehl is an engaging and inspiring look into the contributions made by regional members of the United States Military during World War II.

In profiling these men and women, Diehl has shared the stories of many reluctant heroes whose efforts during World War II helped the Allies win the war. While the ranks, the locations, and the level of action varies, there is no doubt that every person mentioned in this book deserves to be honored for his or her contribution to the war effort.

In his Introduction, Diehl shares how this project came into being, the impact speaking to these brave men and women had on him, and how saddening it is to know that we will soon lose the ability to talk to our World War II veterans. Five veterans profiled in the book died prior to its publication. I think it is also important to note, as Diehl mentions in his Introduction, that none of these people saw themselves as heroes. They were simply doing what they had to do.

Each of these stories is moving in its own way, and Diehl offers you the opportunity to really get to know what it was like for these men and women during their years of service. Also included are other personal tidbits, which provide small glimpses into these people's lives.

Among the many things I learned while reading World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware, is that the 261st Coast Artillery of the Delaware National Guard was responsible for protecting the mouth of the Delaware Bay from the Nazis during the war.

In the special Fort Miles Insight section at the back of the book, Diehl shares the story of Horace Knowles of Lewes, Delaware, a member of the 261st, and the efforts of the Fort Miles Historical Association to return portions of the fort to their original condition. As a lover of history, I find it very discouraging to read of historical sites being sold and developed in the name of progress. I honestly believe there can be some type of balance between the two, and stories of this type of restoration encourage me to keep believing it is possible.

World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware by James Diehl is a book I would highly recommend to history lovers, those who enjoy reading about World War II efforts, and anyone who is inspired by heroic stories. Even without ties to the area, there is so much to learn from reliving the memories alongside these brave men and women.


Title: World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware
Author: James Diehl
Publisher: DNB Group
ISBN-10: 0615322565
ISBN-13: 978-0615322568
SRP: $19.99

Happy Valentine's Day!

We wish all our readers a Happy Valentine's Day!

Make sure you enter this month's giveaway for a copy of The Things That Keep Us Here by Carla Buckley. In the past two weeks it's already gotten some great reviews during Carla's virtual book tour.

Look for more great features and giveaways, coming soon!