“Debut” seems to be the word of the month around here.
And I’d like to keep that going — but turn the attention to someone else.
Keli Gwyn is one of the nicest, kindest, most encouraging persons
I’ve met as I’ve traveled the writing road. As a matter of fact, I could have filled the previous sentence up with a lot more adjectives about Keli and not been exaggerating. That’s a photo of Keli at last year’s ACFW conference. She wore a beautiful period costume.
Here’s the fun thing: Keli’s a debut-author-to-be! Her novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California releases July 1. I preordered my copy months ago and can’t wait to read it. Here’s a glimpse into what Keli’s novel is about:
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?
In Your Words: I’ve preordered Keli’s book and I hope you do too! What books are in your To Be Read (TBR) pile?
Comments 23
I agree… Keli is one of the kindest souls I know…and I haven’t even met her in person yet! I’ve got 2 copies if her book preordered. Already have friends I want to give it to. 🙂 When July comes, you can bet I will be screaming her praise from the rooftops!
I’ll be on the rooftops with you, Lindsay.
This sounds like a great book. Going off now to check it out!
I read a brief excerpt and liked what I saw …
Wow, what an interesting premise. Thanks for introducing and blessings today!
I agree, Dee. I like when heroes and heroines with strong personalities so that sparks fly.
I have lots of books in my TBR pile. Her Daughter’s Dream, by Francine Rivers, Deep in the Heart of Trouble, by DeeAnne Gist (Spelling?) and Yashua’s Bride, by Sandra Rog. I have dozens of others, but these three are close to the top. I look forward to reading Keli’s book, too! 🙂
Wow, we may have to share TBR piles, Jeanne!
I’ve got a big pile, including Rachel Hauck’s The Wedding Dress and I can’t wait to read Keli’s book, which I’ve ordered!
Oh, you’ll love The Wedding Dress, Roxanne. It’s a good thing it’s on the top of your pile!
Just finished it. LOVED IT!
Keli’s was one of the very first blogs I came across when I started blogging in February. There are so many things I love about her, but her kindness and willingness to befriend others is at the top of my list.
I am so excited to read A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California – it’s at the top of my TBR pile, along with Wish You Were Here and Wildflowers from Winter.
I agree – Keli is absolutely one of the most encouraging, gracious souls I’ve ever met. Above my computer in my office, among the scattered notes & pics of those I love, are tacked a couple of sweet congratulation cards Keli has sent me over the years and I keep them there as valuable encouragement. Any writer will tell you there are days we need a little whisper (or several, and well above a whisper, to be honest) of affirmation to keep us going.
Keli is a rare heart! For that reason (& because it sounds delightful) I can’t wait to read her book! Can’t wait to get into the heart of characters birthed in the heart & mind of such a gracious soul. Don’t tell Keli, but I secretly hope by reading it, some of her grace will rub off on me. Selfish, yes, but hey, at least I’m honest. 🙂
🙂
I won’t tell Keli your secret, Camille …
Oh, my gosh! What a wonderful surprise this is. I’ve been hibernating the last few days as I work with my awesome web designer on the redesign of my blog and website, which will be merged into my gorgeous new cyber home. (I can say that because Jason Walker of Website Ministries came up with the design, after making sense out of the mishmash of ideas I sent him. He’s AMAZING!)
I had no idea you were planning this post, Beth. When I saw a Google alert for my book i my inbox and popped over here, I teared up immediately. In fact, I’m typing this comment with tears in my eyes and a BIG smile on my face. Thanks for featuring me and my book on your lovely site and for all your kind words. And then there are the wonderful comments from your visitors, many of whom are treasured friends of mine, too, and others I hope will become friends as well. Thank you all sooo much!!! You have no idea how much your support and encouragement mean to me. I had a major disappointment last week, and this is just what I needed. You’ve blessed me BIG time, and I’m ever so grateful. =)
Keli,
I am so glad you were encouraged by this post. It was so, so fun to post about you and your book — and I can’t tell you how excited I am for your debut!
And so are a lot of other people!
🙂
Had to come read the blog that brought Keli to tears!
Phew – they were the good kind of tears.
What a lovely tribute to a lovely lady. Thank you, Beth. Add me in as one of those waiting to cheer Keli’s debut.
🙂
Keli is a treasure to many, many people.
Keli is one of those friends whose encouragement buoys you when life’s storms threaten to envelope you in the rain. She’s a wonderful friend who always makes time for others.
🙂
I agree with your last comment that Keli is a treasure! I try to play along with her fun Victorian Friday posts. I’m learning a lot. My TBR pile keeps growing. I’m ignoring it for the moment as I’m doing revisions on the memoir manuscript. It’s a sea of bloody red marks and a neon highlighting mess. Fun.
Keli is a precious gem! She has such a gift for making people feel welcome and special. I have a TBR pile the size of…well I don’t know, but it’s big! 🙂
🙂
I think I shall become the prez of Keli’s fan club … want to be a charter member?