by Keli Gwyn
Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance
Available July 2012
Barbour Publishing
320 pages
About the Book
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?
My Thoughts
Elenora Watkins arrives in El Dorado, California with her precocious daughter Tildy, ready to start a new life and planning to become a partner in the Rutledge Mercantile. When Miles refuses to take her on as partner, she decides she will open her own shop and prove to everyone that women can run successful businesses. The more they get to know one another, though, the more they fight the mutual attraction that seems to draw them together time and time again. With pasts that continue to haunt them and competitive natures that threaten to destroy their friendship, will Miles and Elenora overcome all that stands in the way of their happily-ever-after?
A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California is Keli Gwyn's debut novel. And what a debut! The story started off with a bang as Elenora and Tildy arrive in El Dorado, and I found myself loving these two from the very first pages. As Miles and Mrs. Rutledge and the other quirky characters of El Dorado were introduced, I found myself falling in love—not just with the characters, but also with the town!
Keli has a writing style that many strive for but few achieve. The writing is tight and full of action. She successfully moves the story along with each scene, without giving in to the temptation to have long "thought" monologues from the main characters. She delivers humor in all the right places (that had me chuckling aloud!) and poured just the right amount of emotion into the story to connect readers with the characters.
I was impressed with A Bride Opens Shop from beginning to end and was sad to reach the last page. I can't wait to read Keli's next release. (Maybe another visit to El Dorado? Hint, hint!) I'll be honest, though, if this is her debut, she has set the bar pretty high for whatever's next! [4.5 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Elenora Watkins arrives in El Dorado, California with her precocious daughter Tildy, ready to start a new life and planning to become a partner in the Rutledge Mercantile. When Miles refuses to take her on as partner, she decides she will open her own shop and prove to everyone that women can run successful businesses. The more they get to know one another, though, the more they fight the mutual attraction that seems to draw them together time and time again. With pasts that continue to haunt them and competitive natures that threaten to destroy their friendship, will Miles and Elenora overcome all that stands in the way of their happily-ever-after?
A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California is Keli Gwyn's debut novel. And what a debut! The story started off with a bang as Elenora and Tildy arrive in El Dorado, and I found myself loving these two from the very first pages. As Miles and Mrs. Rutledge and the other quirky characters of El Dorado were introduced, I found myself falling in love—not just with the characters, but also with the town!
Keli has a writing style that many strive for but few achieve. The writing is tight and full of action. She successfully moves the story along with each scene, without giving in to the temptation to have long "thought" monologues from the main characters. She delivers humor in all the right places (that had me chuckling aloud!) and poured just the right amount of emotion into the story to connect readers with the characters.
I was impressed with A Bride Opens Shop from beginning to end and was sad to reach the last page. I can't wait to read Keli's next release. (Maybe another visit to El Dorado? Hint, hint!) I'll be honest, though, if this is her debut, she has set the bar pretty high for whatever's next! [4.5 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Author
Award-winning novelist Keli Gwyn is a California native who lives in a Gold Rush-era town at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Her stories transport readers to the 1800s, where she brings historic towns to life, peoples them with colorful characters, and adds a hint of humor. She fuels her creativity with Taco Bell® and sweet tea. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two skittish kitties.
Keli Gwyn Online
I'm just reading this one now! It's a sweet story and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all turns out :)
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