Customer Reviews

Jenny's Dream: A Family's Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho

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There are those in small towns who always yearn to be larger than their town can contain. "Jenny's Dream" is another entry in Linda Weaver Clarke's 'A Family Saga in Bear Lake Valley' series of books, focusing on Jenny Roberts, a small town girl who wishes to be anything but. Romance, however has other plans for her. "Jenny's Dream" is a charming novel of small town America at the turn of century, highly recommended.

This is a rosy love story that demonstrates the building blocks of healthy relationships with some adventure thrown in. It's set in 1908 when the railroad system was relatively new in the West. There is romance brewing in 2 different generations of the Roberts family. Gilbert and Melinda have been married 11 years, but they still are as affectionate as newlyweds. Jenny and Will are young adults and their relationship is just beginning.

While initially reading the first few chapters I was concerned that the characters were too picture-perfect and perhaps a little dull. My concern dissolved as the insecurities and challenges of the main characters unfolded. The story demonstrates solid family values and promotes the importance of having a dream for which to live. There are snippets of poetry included in the book. I especially liked "My First Best Friend" on pages 138-140. My grandfather was born in the Bear Lake Valley in 1913 and I enjoyed the book being set in that area. Fans of the "Little House on the Prairie" series will enjoy this book.