I’m excited to introduce you to debut author Keli Gwyn 🙂
Keli’s novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, releases this July from Barbour Publishing. Think Karen Witemeyer or Margaret Brownley.
Here’s a bit more about Keli:
Keli Gwyn writes stories that transport readers to the 1800s, where she brings historic towns to life, peoples them with colorful characters, and adds a hint of humor. A California native, she lives in a Gold Rush-era town at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. When she emerges from her fictional world, she enjoys strolling past the stately Victorian houses in her hometown, drooling her way through the Coach factory outlet store, and fueling her creativity with frequent trips to Taco Bell.
Here’s the lowdown on A Bride Opens Shop
in El Dorado, California
An ever-resourceful widow, Elenora Watkins arrives in El Dorado ready to go into partnership with Miles Rutledge. When he refuses, Elenora becomes the competition across the street. Is this town big enough for the two of them?
Miles can’t help but stick his well-polished boot in his mouth whenever he comes face-to-face with Elenora. Can he find a way to win her heart while destroying her business?
Miles’s mother, Maude, is bent on Elenora becoming her new daughter-in-law while Elenora’s daughter, Tildy, thinks Miles would make a perfect papa. How far will these meddlers go to unite this enterprising pair?
Keli shares a favourite paragraph from her novel
The following interchange takes place minutes after Miles and Elenora meet. They’re alone in the backroom of his shop following a tense introduction that leaves her wondering what’s wrong.
Mr. Rutledge grabbed a bentwood chair and placed it in front of her, but he didn’t sit. Instead he strode a few paces away, wheeled around, and held his fisted hands at his sides.
“You’re a woman.”
“You’re observant.”
He inhaled deeply, his nostrils flaring. “You’re going to continue your game, are you?”
“Game? What game? I don’t understand.”
He stalked toward her one slow step at a time, his fists planted on his waist, until he towered over her. “I rarely get upset, Mrs. Watkins, but your charade is…is…contemptible.”
Connect with Keli
Author website: http://www.keligwyn.com/
Author Blog: http://keligwyn.wordpress.com/
Author Facebook Timeline: http://www.facebook.com/KeliGwyn
Author Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/KeliGwynReadersGroup
Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/KeliGwyn
March 16, 2012 at 1:09 am
Can't wait to read this one!!
March 16, 2012 at 7:44 am
Looks like fun reading, doesn't it?
March 16, 2012 at 12:05 pm
OOo-la-la! I love fireworks between couples! Can't wait to read Keli's book!
March 16, 2012 at 12:40 pm
Ah Keli, what a great introduction to these two characters. Love the tension, enjoyed this short excerpt. I wait not so patiently to finally read more of Elenora and Miles 🙂
March 16, 2012 at 2:58 pm
i was just reading about Keli on http://enjoyingthewritingcraft.blogspot.com and this is one novel i will be looking for. Thanks for the review!
March 16, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Oooo I love that little teaser excerpt! If I didn't already want to read this so badly I'd be adding it to my WL after reading it! I love Keli and I'm so excited to be a guest on her blog and feature her on my blog in the future. 🙂
XOXO~ Renee
March 16, 2012 at 4:05 pm
This book sounds hilarious! I cant wait to read it!
I love the paragraph, it cracked me up!;)
March 16, 2012 at 4:16 pm
I've got my copy pre-ordered … and Keli's book will go to the top of my To Be Read pile!
March 16, 2012 at 6:08 pm
Can't wait for Keli's novel!! She's such a wonderful inspiration to me and others with her blog presence and now her book:) Wonderful to see her here with you, Rel. Bless you both!
March 16, 2012 at 10:24 pm
Love Keli and I can't wait to read her book!
March 17, 2012 at 12:09 am
Thanks for the many wonderful comments. You have totally made my day!
And thank you, Rel, for featuring my debut novel. I dreamed of the day I'd "qualify" to be a guest on your awesome blog. What an honor!
March 17, 2012 at 12:41 am
i'm so pumped to read this!! congrats keli!
March 17, 2012 at 8:26 pm
This one is DEFINITELY high on my list to read … one because I flat-out love Keli … and two, because I've read her work and I KNOW it will excellent!!
Thanks for showcasing Kel, Rel … hey, that rhymed!!
Hugs,
Julie