Linda Weaver Clarke

Biography

Linda Weaver Clarke was raised in the Rocky Mountains of Southern Idaho and now lives among the red desert hills of southern Utah. She is the author of Historical Romances, Swashbuckling/Adventure Romances, Romantic Cozy Mysteries, Mystery Suspense, a Children’s Book, and Nonfiction.

Linda is a missionary at the Family Search Center where she helps people find their ancestors so they can learn more about their heritage. She also teaches a class called Writing Your Family History that is free to the public at the Family Search Center in St. George, Utah. To learn more, visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com.

Smashwords Interview

What inspired you to start writing fiction?
It all started with my family history. I teach people how to write their ancestors’ stories or their autobiography. I travel throughout the U.S., teaching “A Family Legacy Workshop” at libraries. I have been to 17 states and taught over 450 workshops. I believe it’s very important to teach our children their heritage. After writing my ancestors’ stories, I couldn’t stop writing. So I turned to fiction. I have written historical sweet romances, mystery/adventure stories, cozy mysteries, and a children’s book.
What is it like to switch from historical romance to mystery?
The writing process between romance and mystery is quite a change with a completely different mind set. With romance, you plan out the plot around the meeting of a couple. As you write, you develop some sort of charisma between the characters, making the reader feel excited that one day they're going to fall in love. You, as the reader, know the outcome. But with a mystery, the reader is in the dark. The author has to come up with a plot that no one can figure out. In a mystery, you may or may not allow your reader to know who the bad guys are, according to whether it’s a cozy mystery or mystery suspense. In a cozy mystery, the reader doesn’t know who the bad guys are until the end of the book. With mystery suspense, the reader knows who they are and it makes for a more suspenseful outcome.
Read more of this interview.

Where to find Linda Weaver Clarke online

Series

Women of Courage
The women in this series are courageous women who want to make a difference in their community.
Willow Valley Historical Romance
This is a series of family friendly historical romances set in the 1830s. The setting takes place near the beautiful Mississippi River in the United States. It has adventure, romance, and humor.
One Last Dance
Price: $4.99 USD.
Angel's Serenade
Price: $4.99 USD.
A Pleasant Rivalry
Price: $4.99 USD.
Holidays in Willow Valley
Price: $4.99 USD.
The Rebel Series
There was a time when courageous men and women engaged in daring and romantic adventures, those who fought with valor. These brave men and women were looked up to because they defended the people.
The Rebels of Cordovia
Price: $4.99 USD.
The Fox of Cordovia
Price: $4.99 USD.
Amelia Moore Detective Series
A ROMANTIC COZY MYSTERY: Amelia Moore, the founder of the Moore Detective Agency, specializes in missing persons. With the help of her partner, Rick Bonito, the business is flourishing.
A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho
This is a family friendly historical romance series set in southern Idaho beginning in 1896 until 1925. Each of the women have something in common. They have a career they are pursuing: a teacher, a nurse, a writer, a dancer, and lastly a doctor.
Melinda and the Wild West
Price: $4.99 USD.
Jenny's Dream
Price: $4.99 USD.
Sarah’s Special Gift
Price: $4.99 USD.
Elena, Woman of Courage
Price: $4.99 USD.
The Adventures of John and Julia Evans
The Adventures of John and Julia Evans is a mystery/suspense series. In this series Julia is a reporter for a daily newspaper and her husband John is a professional knife maker. Because of her curiosity, Julia gets herself into a bunch of trouble. Before long, she finds herself and her husband up to their necks in danger and running for their lives. The Evans also have three college age daughters, which add a little spice to their life.

Books

A Mississippi Sunset
Series: Women of Courage. Price: $4.99 USD. Language: English. Published: September 22, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Historical » American
Laura is a liberated and courageous young lady who is convinced that she can make a difference in the small town of Willow Valley. Standing in Town Square, she encourages all women to fight for their rights and stand up for their beliefs. Equality is her message.
A Lady of Refinement
Series: Women of Courage. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 35,640. Language: English. Published: September 22, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Historical » General
Reading is Serenity’s favorite pastime, where she can go on one adventure after another. She wonders if anyone can measure up to the heroes in her books. But the adventures soon become real after arriving in America.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Series: Women of Courage. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 34,660. Language: English. Published: October 14, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Historical » American, Fiction » Christian » Historical
Hannah is a young single mother who has had some hardships since arriving in America. But the trials in her life only make her stronger. Hannah realizes she can make something of her life by opening a hot chocolate shop. She soon finds that starting her own business isn’t as easy as she thought. But she will not give up.
Holidays in Willow Valley
Series: Willow Valley Historical Romance. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 55,230. Language: English. Published: September 22, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Historical » USA, Fiction » Holiday » Family
A Collection of Six Holiday Stories: What were the holidays like at Willow Valley in 1840? Find out as you share their experiences. This book is full of surprises.
A Pleasant Rivalry
Series: Willow Valley Historical Romance. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 67,610. Language: English. Published: September 22, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Clean & wholesome, Fiction » Romance » Historical » American
Angelica Davis is surprised when she finds out that an old school chum has returned to Willow Valley to take over his grandfather’s business. Since she writes articles for the Chronicle and Simon Morgan owns the Willow Valley News, they just happen to be rivals. The competition is on.
Angel's Serenade
Series: Willow Valley Historical Romance. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 65,550. Language: English. Published: September 22, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Clean & wholesome, Fiction » Romance » Historical » American
Each day when Emmeline practices the piano, she doesn’t know the doctor secretly sits on his porch to listen to her music. As Emmeline gets to know the charming doctor, Lucas Golden, they become intrigued by her neighbor’s mysterious behavior. Will they discover his secret? And who is the leader of the River Pirates, who is causing so much havoc?
One Last Dance
Series: Willow Valley Historical Romance. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 66,750. Language: English. Published: September 22, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Clean & wholesome, Fiction » Romance » Historical » American
When Felicity meets their new neighbor, a fine-looking bachelor, she soon discovers that he is hiding his true identity. Nicholas Adams is on a quest. But that is not all. When she finds out that someone is after a valuable heirloom…a precious treasure that her father discovered in his attic, her life takes a new turn.
The Fox of Cordovia
Series: The Rebel Series. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 65,570. Language: English. Published: August 21, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Historical » General, Fiction » Adventure » General
In this swashbuckling romance, a sinister plot has just been uncovered and its up to a former patriot and a young nurse to discover who is behind it. Caroline is engaged to the future mayor of Laketown, a man of influence and greatly respected. But all that changes when she overhears a conspiracy behind closed doors. Caroline needs to report her findings, but whom can she trust?
The Highwayman of Cordovia
Series: The Rebel Series. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 66,130. Language: English. Published: November 7, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Action/adventure, Fiction » Historical » General
With the help of a bold highwayman and a pastor’s daughter, they try to save their country from being taken over by a power-hungry leader. As they strive to stop the Kingmen and thwart their plans, Christine finds herself falling in love with Austin Knight. The only problem with their relationship is that she thinks he is her knight in shining armor instead of a highwayman.
The Lighthouse Secret: Amelia Moore Detective Series
Series: Amelia Moore Detective Series, Book 7. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 52,320. Language: English. Published: February 29, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Cozy
Rick Bonito’s uncle supposedly drowned five years ago and his body was never found, but something did not seem right about the report. Uncle Antonio was an excellent swimmer. His disappearance seems quite suspicious to Rick’s father. He never felt the complete truth had come out about his brother. It is now up to Amelia and Rick to find out the truth about his uncle.
Mystery on the Bayou: Amelia Moore Detective Series
Series: Amelia Moore Detective Series, Book 6. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 44,450. Language: English. Published: November 23, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Cozy
While at the beach, Amelia is approached by a woman who is concerned about the son she gave up for adoption sixteen years ago. Millie has been having nightmares that make her fear he is in danger. She petitioned the court to view the sealed records but was refused. Will Amelia and Rick be able to convince the courts to help them? If her son is in danger, will they get there in time?
Her Lost Love: Amelia Moore Detective Series
Series: Amelia Moore Detective Series, Book 5. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 44,090. Language: English. Published: May 1, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Women Sleuths, Fiction » Romance » Action/adventure
Julie Anderson feels a need to find the man she fell deeply in love with during her youth. When Julie went off to college to become a lawyer, she lost contact with her high school sweetheart. She now wants to know what became of Joey and why he stopped writing to her? This is an assignment that intrigues Amelia. The thought of finding a long-lost love seems quite romantic.
The Mysterious Doll: Amelia Moore Detective Series
Series: Amelia Moore Detective Series, Book 4. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 44,450. Language: English. Published: January 31, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Women Sleuths, Fiction » Romance » Action/adventure
Pauline Jones is confused why her boyfriend took off without telling a soul where he was going. But that isn’t all. Sam Whitaker is accused of stealing a valuable porcelain doll from the museum. His disappearance makes him look guilty, but Pauline is convinced he is innocent. When Amelia finds Sam, she realizes they need to prove his innocence. Where is the antique doll and who has taken it?
The Missing Heir: Amelia Moore Detective Series
Series: Amelia Moore Detective Series, Book 3. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 44,370. Language: English. Published: September 20, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Women Sleuths
Dell Murphy has passed on and left a fortune to his nephew. He wants his nephew to continue his work at the orphanage in Mexico, but there is one problem. Neal Woods is missing! If Amelia and Rick can’t find him soon, the fortune will be turned over to Dell’s brother and sister who intend to close down “Uncle Dell’s Orphanage.” If that happens, where will the children go?
The Shamrock Case: Amelia Moore Detective Series
Series: Amelia Moore Detective Series, Book 2. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 42,850. Language: English. Published: June 23, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Women Sleuths, Fiction » Romance » Short stories
When Amelia is hired to search for her client’s grandparents, the case takes them to Ireland. Kate must learn about her heritage. Who are her grandparents and could they still be alive after all these years? Why did her parents leave Ireland suddenly and move to America? Is there more to this case than meets the eye?
The Bali Mystery: Amelia Moore Detective Series
Series: Amelia Moore Detective Series, Book 1. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 42,760. Language: English. Published: April 24, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Women Sleuths
When Mrs. Brody hires Amelia Moore and Rick Bonito to find her missing brother, they find themselves in Bali, Indonesia. They are mystified why her brother quit his job, put his home up for sale, and ran off to this mysterious and exotic island without telling a soul.
The Rebels of Cordovia
Series: The Rebel Series. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 56,550. Language: English. Published: April 17, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Historical » General, Fiction » Adventure » General
(4.33 from 3 reviews)
Daniel, a rogue and a leader of the Freemen, doesn’t realize that the sweet feminine woman he has met and is falling for happens to be the leader of Robin’s Rebels. Realizing the importance of uniting all the rebel groups, Daniel tries to recruit Robin’s Rebels but they refuse. Now he has to find a way to convince them. When he finds out the leader is actually a woman, what will his reaction be?
Sarah’s Special Gift
Series: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho, Book 4. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 54,740. Language: English. Published: December 4, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Historical » General
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.
Jenny's Dream
Series: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho, Book 3. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 53,240. Language: English. Published: December 4, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Historical » General
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.
Edith and the Mysterious Stranger
Series: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho, Book 2. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 52,590. Language: English. Published: December 4, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Historical » General
In this Inspirational Historical Romance, Edith is a nurse and has gone home to assist her cousin who is “with child.” 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 starts writing to her. For the first time, she gets to know a man's inner soul before making any harsh judgments.
Melinda and the Wild West
Series: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho, Book 1. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 60,340. Language: English. Published: December 4, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Historical » General
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 but it’s a rugged rancher who challenges Melinda with the one thing for which she was least prepared—love.
Elena, Woman of Courage
Series: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho, Book 5. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 66,750. Language: English. Published: September 24, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Historical » General
(5.00 from 1 review)
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.
Montezuma Intrigue: The Adventures of John and Julia
Series: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans, Book 3. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 63,020. Language: English. Published: September 21, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » General
When a leather parchment of Montezuma’s map is found in great-grandfather Evans’ old chest, April and the twins know this summer is going to be a memorable one. The girls want to search for it but their father is against it for some mysterious reason. With Julia’s help, she and the girls convince John to go on a treasure hunt. Is Montezuma’s treasure a legend or reality?
Mayan Intrigue: The Adventures of John and Julia
Series: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans, Book 2. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 60,580. Language: English. Published: August 30, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » General
While on assignment for the newspaper, John and Julia Evans try to enjoy a romantic vacation among the Mayan ruins. When Julia sees a couple suspicious men exchanging an item, she quickly turns and leaves but it is too late. The men have seen her. As a reporter, Julia does not easily give up and her curiosity gets them in a mess of trouble.
Anasazi Intrigue: The Adventures of John and Julia
Series: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans, Book 1. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 62,050. Language: English. Published: August 22, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » General
When a devastating flood takes out several homes in a small town, they are shocked by the news of also a possible poison spill that kills many of the fish and neighbor's pets. Julia, the town's newest reporter, begins her investigation but realizes the story is much bigger and more dangerous than she thought!
Desert Intrigue: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans
Series: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans, Book 4. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 57,430. Language: English. Published: March 8, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » General
(4.75 from 4 reviews)
When Julia’s brother announces that his dude ranch is haunted, she believes that someone is trying to sabotage his place and force him to sell. The mysterious happenings have to do with Superstition Mountain, the lost Dutchman’s goldmine, and the great Thunder God. Is it possible that the legend of the Thunder God is actually true? After a terrible thunderstorm, everyone begins to wonder.

Smashwords book reviews by Linda Weaver Clarke

  • Call of the Herald on Dec. 15, 2010

    The Dawning of Power - a fantastic fantasy! Legend says that a Herald will be born who will save the land of Godfist from invaders. This Herald will fight for their freedom. To some it is only a legend but to others it is a prophecy, waiting to be fulfilled. The Zjhon are ancient enemies and are planning an attack but no one takes heed of these warnings until it is too late. Now it is up to the Herald to save them. The question is... will the Herald realize her destiny in time to save Godfist? But that’s not all…the Zjhon believe in the prophecy and have given the order to search for the Herald and do away with her. This is an intriguing fantasy and is hard to put down. The description of scenery is so well written that I could imagine it in my mind. The characters are believable and well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The Dawning of Power is a trilogy, which includes Call of the Herald, Inherited Danger, and Dragon Ore. I would recommend this book for all ages. Written by Linda Weaver Clarke, author of the new mystery series “The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.”
  • Into the Mist: Silver Hand on March 09, 2012

    I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy, which was so true to life as I read about Gabe and his problems. There were a lot of things I could relate to because I knew bullies at school and special needs kids that had problems. His parents reminded me of the “good cop” and “bad cop” scenario. His mother was extremely protective and the father was a good buffer for the mother. He would help her relax a bit and give the kid some space. I was glad that Gabe had a neighbor friend, Ellie, who believed in him and didn’t think he was wierd. I also loved the Welsh connection since my ancestors are Welsh. Steve Finegan’s descriptions were so good that the imagery for me was vivid and I could see the graves, the crosses, the well, and all the characters in Gabe’s fantasy adventure. I was very much a part of the story. Was it his imagination or was it real? You be the judge!
  • Small is Beautiful on Aug. 21, 2013

    Small is Beautiful is such a delightful short story. You always hear that opposites attract. Well, Judy and Brad are complete opposites. She is quiet and reserved while Brad is outgoing. She is very intelligent and he is struggling a bit and needs a tutor. Brad is six foot five and Judy is five foot one. I had to smile inwardly because this story reminds me of my nephew who is over one foot taller than than his wife…the top of her head actually comes to his shoulder. Was this story believable? Absolutely. This sweet story was fun to read.