Friday, June 29, 2012

Party, Party!! It's Keli Gwyn's Debut Release!!

It's Party Time!!!


I am SO thrilled to host a virtual party for my dear friend, Keli Gwyn!!! Her debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California releases in a few days!!

I met Keli online four years ago when I first started blogging. She ran a blog called Romance Writers on the Journey, and I met many of my online writer friends through the interviews Keli hosted. Imagine my delight when, shortly after, she interviewed me! I was never so excited! (My family still thinks it's pretty cool!)

Since then, Keli has been a source of sunshine in my life. She always seems to know when I'm going through a rough patch. She'll come through with an encouraging word or gift, and it will make my day.

When Keli announced she'd landed the fabulous literary agent, Rachelle Gardner, I wanted to fly to California and hug her! Not long after, Keli shared the fantastic news that she'd sold her debut novel to Barbour Publishing. And now, here we are, celebrating the big release! Yay!!

All of you familiar with Keli, understand her infatuation with Taco Bell and McDonald's sweet tea. So instead of the customary coffee and desserts, we're heading south of the border and celebrating with fast food!


Now that you have a snack, let's celebrate Keli!

Earlier this week, Keli and her husband headed to the post office to pick up the shipment of her books. Lucky for us, she caught on video the first moment of holding her book--I dare you not to cry when you watch this!


Look at this gorgeous cover!!


Now you REALLY want to read it, don't you?? Here's what it's all about:


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?
***

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, will be released in July 2012.

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.

To learn more about Keli's books, head to her website, like her Facebook page, follow her on Twitter, and check her out on Goodreads.

***

Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend!!

37 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. I loved this video. I seriously cried with you. I love that you shared this intimate moment with us, Keli! And Jill, you rock for having a big party today! I'd like 2 crunchy tacos with no lettuce and a Diet Mt. Dew! LOL

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    1. Jess,

      Thanks for partying with us. I'm glad you liked the video. I've always wondered what a First Look would be like. Since you and my many other awesome friends have been so much a part of my journey, I wanted to share my special moment with you. I wouldn't be where I am today without the support and encouragement of all of you.

      Crunchy tacos are one of my favorite menu items at Taco Bell. I often drench mine in their new green sauce. Do you have it where you live? It's yummy. Helps keep me spicy. :-)

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  3. Yay, Keli!!!
    Jill, you described her perfectly as a "source of sunshine." LOVE THAT!
    So happy for you.
    Scooch over Jess and I'll sit next to you. I want two soft tacos with sour cream and a bottle of water.
    Let's party!

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    1. Dawn,

      Thanks for coming to the party. It's so good to see you here. I'm looking forward to my upcoming visit at Writer in Waiting. You asked the greatest questions. I had a blast answering them.

      But right now I'll dip another fry in ketchup while you munch out on your soft tacos. Do you need another sauce packet? If so, I'd be happy to grab you one. Mild, hot, fire, or the tasty new verde?

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  4. Crying! I can genuinely say I've seen few things as romantic in real life. Having G. read the dedication on video! Wow! Wow!

    Keli, I don't know how I missed this video, where I've been, but I'm blown away by you and I'm thrilled your day is HERE! You are such a beautiful source of encouragement!
    ~ Wendy

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    1. Wendy,

      It's so good to see you here, my dear sister. Love you to pieces and love the way you s-t-r-e-t-c-h me in so many ways with your wonderful outside the box way of seeing the world. You are a rare gem.

      I'm so glad I was able to get Gwynly on camera as he read the dedication. I knew I'd be moved to tears. After all, I'm a charter member of the Weepy Women's Club. But I never expected him to get as emotional as he did. I love that he let me share the footage. He's such an integral part of my heart, and I'm so glad my friends are able to "meet" him this way.

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    1. Love, love, love, love you, Katie! I'm so glad you're here. The party wouldn't be complete without you and your mega-watt smile. You brighten my world all the time, my friend.

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    1. Loree,

      Great to see you! We'll have to sneak off to side for a few minutes and talk research. I've got my corset on order, and I'd like to hear more about your experience wearing one during your Civil War re-enactments. Naw! That's just an excuse to get some special time with you so I can get to know you better. Sounds like we have quite a few things in common besides our love of history.

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  7. I cried when I watched that video. You're so right. Keli is a true gem, and I've still yet to meet her in person (yay, September!). I cannot wait to read her book. Cannot. Wait.

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    1. Lindsay,

      So glad you're here, my special friend. I'm sooo looking forward to meeting you in person in Dallas. I've got a HUGE hug with your name on it. And just a warning. I really am a mush pot and will likely get all teary-eyed when I spot you, so if you see a short gal with damp cheeks make a beeline for you, brace yourself. Erica can attest to the fact that I can make it across a crowded hotel lobby in no time, which I apparently did last year when I learned that her anthology had made the New York Times Bestseller list.

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  8. YAY! So excited for you, Keli! I love that video, such pure joy.

    Can't wait to see you in September!

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    1. Erica,

      What a delight to have you here, my Bride book buddy. I love that we're writing for the same publisher and the same line. Can't believe I'm in such great company. You really set the bar high with A Bride's Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas. I loved that story and can't wait until November when I finally get to read A Bride Sews with Love in Needles, California.

      I so enjoyed spending time with you in St. Louis last year and am eager to see you in Dallas in September. I hope we can get some time together. I'd love to hear more about the many wonderful museum visits you've enjoyed this year.

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  9. Welcome everyone!! Tacos for everyone!! Ha!

    I'm actually typing this in my new house!!! The Internet guy just set me up. Woo-hoo! Granted, I have no furniture and I just finished scrubbing a toilet and tub...but I'm still pretty pumped!

    Thank you SO much for coming by and supporting Keli! She's amazing and I can't wait to read her book!!

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    1. Jill,

      Congratulations on your new house! What fun. Well, all except the toilet scrubbing, of course. :-)

      I like seeing that you have your priorities straight. Internet connection first, even before furniture. Keeping in touch with our special friends is sooo important.

      Thanks again for throwing such a great party. I'm having a blast.

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  10. Keli, you're amazing! I hope you're enjoying your big moment...because you deserve it! I'm certain my world will cease to exist when your book arrives in my mailbox.

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    1. Lacie,

      My dear sweet friend, it's so good to see you here at Jill's awesome party. What fun to celebrate with you.

      And it's not long until we'll be together at my local launch party. Things are coming together nicely, but I really must touch base with you. I could use some more of your great party planning expertise. I'll drop you a line later today to set a time to meet.

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  11. So excited about this debut! Keli is generous, supportive, enthusiastic, funny, sweet....and I'm running out of adjectives. She has done so, so, so much to support Christian writers through her blog and her amazing social connections, and I can't wait to give back a little of the love :)

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    1. Sarah,

      Wow! What fun to have another of my favorite authors join the party. Thanks for sharing in my excitement.

      Gwynly and I so enjoyed your launch party last summer. It was great to see you and share in the fun. As I plan my release party, we keep talking about the great job you did at yours.

      Meeting Rachel Kent and Michelle Ule from Books & Such at your release party was awesome. I loved that they came to help you celebrate. Who knew I'd end up as a fellow Bookie? How cool is that?

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  12. Jill,

    What a wonderful party! You are a wonderful hostess and know just what I like. Fast food and I are firm friends. I'll start off with a serving of Mc Donald's fries. Not to worry, though. That's just an appetizer. I'll grab a Taco Bell tostada later. And I grabbed a glass of sweet tea as I walked by. I'm sure that delightful drink is what flows in my veins.

    I greatly appreciate the support and encouragement you've given me through the years. You've been there for me through all the ups and downs of my journey. So many times when I need a smile, I open my email, and there's a message from you. You've let me cry on your shoulder, as I did when I got my osteoporosis diagnosis last year and learned about my Dad's dementia this year. And you've rejoiced with me, just as you are now. I treasure the gift of your friendship and can't wait until the day I'm doing one of my scare-the-cats-half-crazy happy dances for you. Soon, my friend. Soon.

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  13. Keli,

    I LOVED your video...looking forward to reading your debut novel :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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    1. Karen,

      Thanks. I really wanted to share my special moment with the wonderful friends who have supported me for so many years. I hope you enjoy Miles and Elenora's story.

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  14. Keli's book looks like a great story. That was a very moving video.

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    1. Nancy,

      Thanks for your kind words. You made this writer smile. =D

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  15. Keli! I cried from the moment you showed that computer screen declaring your books were ready for pick up, until the very last scene. How amazing!! I was especially touched because my seven year old daughter, Ellis, wants to be a writer and she came into the room and watched the video with me. When you said this was something you've been dreaming of since you were seven she turned to me and blessed me with one of her grins. Thank you for sharing and congratulations on this much deserved day!

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    1. Gabrielle,

      Oh! I love that story. Thank you for sharing it with me. Please tell Ellis I think she has a wonderful dream and that I hope she follows it at a much younger age than I did. And to gi give her hope that young writers can make it, let her know that I have a seventeen-year-old friend who has been writing for years and got an agent just a few months ago. Some of the best writers are young. =)

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  16. Congrats, Keli! So so so proud of you!

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  17. Oh Keli, I'm on this end of the computer, crying. Just SO EXCITED for you. I honestly cannot think of a better person this could have happened to. Seriously. You are so amazing and wonderful and I can't wait to squeeze the life out of you at ACFW...right after I buy a copy of your book! :D

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    1. Casey,

      Thanks for sharing in my excitement. The party wouldn't be complete without you. Of course I find myself wondering if there will be any chair dancing going on. Hmmm? =)

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  18. Time to party with some sweet tea!

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  19. I can't wait to read Keli's book! I've only "met" her online, but I have a feeling her sweetness is even sweeter in person. :) Celebrating!!

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  20. Thanks, Jill, for featuring Keli! Many congrats, Keli, on the release of your novel! Keep up the good work, ladies!

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  21. Thank you all for coming over and celebrating!!

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