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My Review:<\/h3>\n
If “A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California” is any indication, Keli Gwyn has a promising career as an author ahead of her. Her debut novel is delightful and so well written that if I didn’t know it was her first, I would guess that Keli is already an established author.<\/p>\n
The major characters of this book are well developed and likeable. Tildy is especially entertaining with her incessant talk, her enthusiasm for life, and her humorous observations. Miles and Elenora are both appealing characters. Miles can seem a bit gruff and reserved but has a heart of gold. All he needs is the right woman to help him overcome the unwarranted guilt over something he had no control over. Elenora is strong and spunky with a determination to succeed that can be a bit daunting at times. Events from her past have driven her to prove her independence – especially from men. As you can guess, this is the perfect setup for a romance between Miles and Elenora although neither can see it. Their fierce competition makes for some interesting reading and sometimes a little impatience for them to wake up and see what’s right in front of them. Even with the unwanted help from Miles’ mother and Tildy, they seem determined to ignore the attraction. What will it take to get these two together?<\/p>\n
“A Bride Opens Shop In El Dorado, California” had just the right blend of historical fact, drama, humor, and romance to hold my attention. The dialogue and interaction between characters was natural and quite entertaining. A strong message of faith was present but unobtrusive. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to many more from Keli Gwyn. Looks like I need to make room on my keeper shelves for one more new favorite author.<\/p>\n
This book was provided for review by the author. Widow Elenora Watkins heads to California with her nine-year-old daughter, Tildy, eager to become partner in a mercantile. When the mulish owner withdraws his offer because she\u2019s a woman, she opens her own shop. She\u2019s determined to prove herself capable of running a successful business without the help of anyone\u2014including her controlling father, her seemingly distant heavenly Father, and one Miles Rutledge.<\/p>\n Widower Miles Rutledge is not about to get involved with another willful woman like his late wife, especially when she\u2019s his competition. But the beautiful Elenora and her precocious daughter may be too hard to resist. When another man appears out to claim Elenora\u2019s heart, Miles searches for a way to win her back. . .while putting her out of business.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Maude Rutledge, Miles\u2019s meddling mother, longs to see her son make a good match. And Tildy is just as bent on gaining a loving papa.<\/p>\n The battle of wills begins, but can anyone win when the competition is more than they bargained for?<\/p>\n Note: The story is a sweet romance with hints of humor, along the lines of Margaret Brownley or Karen Witemeyer\u2019s work.<\/p>\n What a delightful debut! A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California<\/em> reminds me of the classic romantic comedies where two stubborn, independent people keep denying what everyone else knows is true: that they were meant for each other. I found myself eagerly turning the pages, wanting to see what was going to happen to Ellie and Miles next.<\/p>\n Amanda Cabot<\/a> ~ author of Summer of Promise<\/em> and Christmas Roses<\/em><\/p>\n With witty dialogue, charming characters, and an attention to historical detail that will make you feel you\u2019re living in frontier California, you\u2019ll love every moment you spend in El Dorado, CA with spunky, resourceful Elenora Watkins and determined, debonair Miles Rutledge. Keli Gwyn\u2019s debut historical romance is a winner!<\/p>\n Erica Vetsch<\/a> ~ author of A Bride\u2019s Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas<\/em><\/p>\n Keli Gwyn brings the Sierra Foothills to life with rich historical details. She\u2019s crafted delightful and unique characters that make a home in your heart. The tender and sweet romance has plenty of sparks to keep you turning the pages. And when you reach the last page, you\u2019ll breathe a satisfied sigh but at the same time wish this lovely story didn\u2019t have to end.<\/p>\n Jody Hedlund<\/a> ~ award-winning and bestselling author of A Preacher\u2019s Bride<\/em><\/p>\n Keli Gwyn is a fresh new voice in Christian fiction. A Bride Opens Shop<\/em> is filled with characters who leap off the pages, a story line that wouldn\u2019t let me go, and historically authentic details that delighted me. I will anxiously await the release of her next novel.<\/p>\n Lena Nelson Dooley<\/a> ~ author of Maggie\u2019s Journey<\/em> and Mary\u2019s Blessing<\/em>, Margaret Brownley<\/a> ~ Brides of Last Chance Ranch and New York Times bestselling author<\/p>\n A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California<\/em> is an effervescent story full of such small town charm that you might think Little House on the Prairie<\/em> had jumped on a stagecoach and headed for the wild west! Author Keli Gwyn\u2019s vivid historical settings and gentle humor will endear her to readers of sweet romance.<\/p>\n Rosslyn Elliott<\/a> ~ award-winning author of Fairer than When Keli\u2019s fingers aren\u2019t 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<\/a>, and Taco Bell<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" My Review: If “A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California” is any indication, Keli Gwyn has a promising career as an author ahead of her. Her debut novel is delightful and so well written that if I didn’t know it was her first, I would guess that Keli is already an established author. 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\n<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\nAbout the Book:<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Love Is Gold in El Dorado, California<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nEndorsements<\/em><\/h3>\n
\nthe first two books in the McKenna\u2019s Daughters series, and Will Rogers
\nMedallion Winner, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico<\/em><\/p>\n
\n<\/em>Morning<\/em> and Sweeter than Birdsong<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n<\/strong><\/p>\nAbout the Author:<\/h3>\n
<\/a>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<\/em><\/a>, set in the heart of the Gold Country where she lives is currently available.<\/p>\n