Thursday, July 19, 2012

That Colorful Character Has a Way of Drawing Everyone's Attention


 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 the Gold Rush-era town of Placerville at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Her debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, set in the heart of the Gold Country where she lives is currently available.

When Keli’s fingers aren’t hovering over the keyboard of her newfangled laptop, she enjoys strolling past stately Victorian houses in her historic town, burying her nose in reference books as she unearths interesting facts to include in her stories, and interacting with other romance readers. Her favorite places to visit are her fictional worlds, the Coach factory outlet store, and Taco Bell.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE:
Right now, Keli is working on another inspirational historical romance and have oodles more story ideas in the works as well.

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?


Love Is Gold in El Dorado, California

Widow Elenora Watkins heads to California with her nine-year-old daughter, Tildy, eager to become a partner in a mercantile. When the mulish owner withdraws his offer because she’s a woman, she opens her own shop. She’s determined to prove herself capable of running a successful business without the help of anyone—including her controlling father, her seemingly distant heavenly Father, and one Miles Rutledge.

Widower Miles Rutledge is not about to get involved with another willful woman like his late wife, especially when she’s his competition. But the beautiful Elenora may be too hard to resist. When another man appears out to claim Elenora’s heart, Miles searches for a way to win her back. . .while putting her out of business.

Meanwhile, Maude Rutledge, Miles’s meddling mother, longs to see her son make a good match. And Tildy is just as bent on gaining a loving papa.

The battle of wills begins, but can anyone win when the competition is more than they bargained for?


The following is an excerpt Keli  
has graciously offered for us to share.

The following interchange takes place minutes after Miles Rutledge and Elenora Watkins meet. They’re alone in the backroom of his shop following a tense introduction that leaves her wondering what’s wrong. His meddlesome mother handled his correspondence and neglected to tell her son that his new partner is a woman. Ellie is unaware that Mrs. Rutledge has withheld that information from Miles.

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.”
She leaped to her feet, her chest heaving, and stared into icy-blue eyes. Mere inches from him, she heard his labored breathing and saw his jaw flex. What could she have done to drive him to such an ungentlemanly outburst?

Keli has a great question for all, and it takes us back to a crucial note in her biography, above. Of course, this is one of those questions so important to all of us! (smile) Be sure to send in your responses and get an opportunity to win a copy of Keli's book.

Keli 's question to you. "I'm a Taco Bell addict and have been since I was a teen. What fast food restaurant is your favorite?"

We can find out more about Keli at the following places:


Facebook Timeline – http://www.facebook.com/KeliGwyn
Facebook Page – http://www.facebook.com/KeliGwynReadersGroup
Twitter – http://twitter.com/#!/KeliGwyn
Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5411901.Keli_Gwyn

6 comments:

  1. Breakfast or brunch at Panera! Love their chai tea latte!! One drawback: we live 85 miles away

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  2. Kathleen, it must be tough to live so far away from your favorite place. I've never tried Panera, but I hear great things about it. There's one in a town half an hour away. Sounds like a good excuse for me to meet a gal pal for lunch. =)

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  3. Shirley, thanks so much for shining the spotlight on my debut novel. I really appreciate it.

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  4. I would have to say subway. I enjoy the lack of temptation to eat something I shouldnt have now that I am diabetic. And hey... The sandwhiches are good tasting as well!

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  5. Lcenlow, Subway is my husband and daughter's favorite fast food restaurant. We eat there quite often. I'm glad they have things that work with your dietary restrictions.

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  6. Ouh, I'm I late?
    Lovely excerpt there and I don't really have a favorite fast food ... I like fries though and a good 7up drink. Yep, a classic for me =)

    Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    Ganise

    ganise_4life (at) hotmail (dot) com

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