Customer Reviews

David and the Bear Lake Monster: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho

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Sometimes when realizing one's roots, one goes through the process in the strangest of ways. "David and the Bear Lake Monster" is another entry in Linda Weaver Clarke's Bear Lake Valley series. David has returned to his family after a long absence, and it seems that he can find love in his small hometown. But love is never easy, and David must overcome many obstacles to finally claim his beloved. "David and the Bear Lake Monster" is another fine entry into Clarke's work, highly recommended.

To be honest, I am not much of a fan of Western movies. John Wayne was a great actor, and there are some classic Western films, but I was never terribly interested in watching cowboys and bank robbers riding around on dusty old plains. That being said, though, I couldn't wait to continue my adventures in the "wild West" and read the fourth book in the historical fiction series by Linda Weaver Clarke, David and the Bear Lake Monster: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho, published in 2009. These books are so enjoyable to read! The characters come to life and keep me engaged and entertained. Once again, I ventured back in time, to the 1920's, when the land was vast and untamed, and life seemed full of promise and possibility. It was also the time of the Indian legend of the Bear Lake Monster.

"When the settlers arrived here in 1863, the Indians told them all about the Bear Lake Monster. It had captured and carried off two braves who were swimming. The monster was described as a serpent-like creature with legs about 18-inches long, and could crawl out of water, scurrying along on land. The Natives warned the pioneers to not go near the lake to swim. This legend still lives on today."
~David and the Bear Lake Monster, Linda Weaver Clarke


To David, the central character in this book, the monster sounds like a joke, but many people in town believe otherwise. As readers, we're not sure if the monster is fact or fiction. David's feelings for his deceased mother, however, are real and clear. He's upset and wishes he'd spent more time with her before she died, and regrets putting his freight business before his relationship with his mother. He comes back to visit the Roberts family in Paris, Idaho, to sort things out. While visiting, he becomes fascinated by a dainty and graceful dance teacher he meets at the town social, Sarah, and defends her honor a few times. Respect for women was very high in the West, and any man who hurt a woman could expect to be hunted down by other men. (Perhaps it's time to give Western movies another try!) But David holds back his true feelings for Sarah. The story also features other romance. While the marriage between Melinda and Gilbert Roberts is not perfect, their children are thriving and the couple's love endures.

Like the other books in this series, this novel is a lot of fun to read. But these books also have a serious side, and would help middle school and high school students learn about the history of the West, and the issues of the day, such as women's rights. These were the true pioneer days for women, when American women were slowly obtaining the right to vote, to attend college, and to become professionals. In David and the Bear Lake Monster, there's even a hint about the next book in the series, as Melinda wishes she could see a woman doctor.

Book synopsis:

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 figures out what he needs to do, but will it be too late for David? Will he lose the one woman he adores?

Review:

The fourth entry in the Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho is just as engaging and fun to read as the last 3 books were!! I love that David returns back to visit with the Roberts Family, after moving away to find himself. He soon realizes that you can find things you're missing in your life without even looking for them.

The author, Linda Weaver Clarke, has a way with showing in her writing the true love and laughter a man and a woman can have for one another. Whether married for years (Melinda and Gilbert) or just meeting one another (David and Sarah), the respect and longing for another person is deep and to the heart in these 2 story-lines. We are introduced us to a strong, educated woman, Sarah, who happens to have a disability. David is smitten with her, but unsure he wants to get involved with someone. The 'romantic friction' between David and Sarah is central to a story that will have you cheering for them to get together!

The fun part of "David and the Bear Lake Monster" is wondering if there is truly a 'monster' in the lake. It makes for an interesting adventure, with a surprising ending to the 'tale' of the monster. I love that the author based the monster on a local folklore of such a monster in that area in Idaho.

"David and the Bear Lake Monster" is heart-warming story of finding that right person to live the rest of your life with. It teaches us that people with disabilities are just like any other person who have dreams for their life. So, if you want to laugh, learn and live in the life of some wonderful characters....read this book and enjoy the journey!!!