A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California

Apr 05, 2012 Jody Hedlund rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

Keli Gwyn brings the Sierra Foothills to life with rich historical details. She's 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'll breath a satisfied sigh but at the same time wish this lovely story didn't have to end.

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Jul 12, 2012 Holly Weiss rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fictionistas, american-historical-fiction, christian-historical-ficion

Widow Elenora Watkins relocates with her daughter Tildy to the Sierra foothills of California to be an associate in a mercantile. When he find out she is a woman, prospective partner Miles Rutledge refuses to take her on. Her solution? Invest her life savings in her own competing store right across the street. She has spunk enough to know her woman’s touch will turn her fledgling shop into a thriving business. Will woman-sized garden tools, scented soaps and pretty fabrics keep her shop on its f...more

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Feb 21, 2013 Gerri rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is an historical romance, a western, sweet as well as inspirational. The author made it work. The heroine, Elenora, is a widow with a young daughter, nine-year-old Tildy, and they travel out to California so Elenora can partner in a Mercantile. Having worked at her father's Mercantile, she is familiar with the business and has some ideas she hopes to implement. However, once the hero, Miles, sees she is a woman, he withdraws his offer. Refusing to return back to her old home, Elenora starts...more

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Oct 18, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: inspirational-novels

Gwyn’s charming story takes a delightful path to a wedding.

I do remember volunteering to read and review. But I thought I’d had enough of prairie romances for a while, and honestly let Keli’s heroine look at me for a couple of weeks after I received the book, while I tended to other business.

Romances work because they’re formulaic. The reader knows what’s going to happen; the pleasure is how the couple gets there. Gwyn’s story had a lot of fun elements, including the age of the characters: thirt...more

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Oct 01, 2012 Beth rated it 5 of 5 stars

How did I love this book...let me count the ways. The western flavor of the historic setting and period caught my attention immediately. I could tell the author did her research because every detail speaks to the authenticity of that town, in that time and place. A big high five from me. If there's a historical error, I didn't catch it and I usually ferret out these things. For most readers, though, the characters will be the real attention and heart grabbers. By the end of the story, which I pa...more How did I love this book...let me count the ways. The western flavor of the historic setting and period caught my attention immediately. I could tell the author did her research because every detail speaks to the authenticity of that town, in that time and place. A big high five from me. If there's a historical error, I didn't catch it and I usually ferret out these things. For most readers, though, the characters will be the real attention and heart grabbers. By the end of the story, which I parted with on a happy but wistful sigh, wishing there were more, I felt as if I knew these people. They could be neighbors or family. The heroine, widower Elenora Watkins, is a spirited woman, while also being very likable. Not always the case with super strong females. She has genuine issues that ring true, not just angst thrown in there for conflict. Ms. Gwyn could have taken a late 19th century woman's journal and penned this story based on her struggles to gain the respect of the community, especially the man she comes to love, in an era when women were not regarded as capable of running a shop as efficiently as a man, among other things. Most of all, Elenora strives to stand on her own two feet and provide for her young daughter. I understand why Elenora is so driven to succeed after all she's suffered in her life. As to her daughter, Tildy, sometimes in books children are a bit too cutsy, but she's an appealing little girl who adds depth to the story.

I've saved the best for last; I loved the hero, widower Miles Rutledge. I don't know how Elenora didn't succumb to his charms far, far sooner. Wow, what a man. What woman wouldn't want to take him on as they go head to head over how each conducts themselves, or should, according to the other. Again, Miles is battling deep but real issues, raw wounds that Elenora and Tildy help him to heal. Nothing sounded contrived to me in this story. Miles also seems cut from real life. And both he and Elenora are violinists, so the music is a lovely and unique touch. Clearly, Ms. Gwyn is extremely knowledgeable on the subject and that makes the story all the better.

I also liked that while this is a Christian Inspirational Romance, the author didn't preach at me every other paragraph and have the characters endlessly praying. It was a good balance of life and faith struggles and also seemed real. I keep using that word, but it matters. Did I truly feel I was in this time and place with these people? Yes! And I loved them.

Highly recommended to anyone with a heart. (less)

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Aug 21, 2012 Lisa Johnson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Title: A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado California
Author: Keli Gwyn
Pages: 320
Year: 2012
Publisher: Barbour Books
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo.... Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988
Elenora and her daughter Tildy are on their last leg of a journey to El Dorado, California, with the hopes of becoming partners in a mercant...more Title: A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado California
Author: Keli Gwyn
Pages: 320
Year: 2012
Publisher: Barbour Books
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo.... Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988
Elenora and her daughter Tildy are on their last leg of a journey to El Dorado, California, with the hopes of becoming partners in a mercantile shop. The time frame for this story is 1870, when travel to the west took a long time. As they are approaching their final destination, the stagecoach is held up. Elenora has a large sum of money she is bringing with her to buy into the business.
Tildy has been looking forward to new adventures with new people, unlike being with her grandfather, who was unresponsive to her. Elenora has been a widow a long time. She had spent time working for her father, who kept a tight rein on his daughter. When they arrive in El Dorado, life for the mother and daughter begins to take an interesting turn of events when they meet the owner advertising for a partner.
Mr. Watkins is surprised to see that E. F. Watkins is a female, and he is firm about not partnering with a female. His mother was the one who wrote the letters, and somehow neglected to tell her son of his future partner’s gender. When all attempts at the start to work with Mr. Watkins fail, Elenora must do what she can to provide for herself and Tildy. What is her solution to the refusal of Mr. Watkins?
Mr. Watkins has been married before to Irene, who brought nothing but pain into the marriage, and in time brought deep sorrow to her husband. Mr. Watkins, therefore, is unwilling to trust another woman who might do nothing but tell him what to do with his business. Yet, his mother takes some steps that seem to disagree with her son and change the outlook of El Dorado, but what does she do? Then, there are the concerts. What about the quality of these concerts? Are these just fiddling type tunes or a concert with an orchestra? Do Miles and Elenora share an adversarial relationship or is that just a cover for what is underneath?
A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado is a very relaxing, enjoyable book with a well-written story. No reader would be disappointed at the other events, actions, and other characteristics presented by the author.
My rating is 4 stars.

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Jul 25, 2012 Lara M. Van Hulzen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Elenora Watkins and her daughter, Tildy, travel from Omaha, Nebraska to El Dorado, California hoping for a new start. Widowed, Elenora hopes to become a partner at Rutledge Mercantile. Having worked most of her life at her father’s mercantile, she knows she’s more than qualified for the job.

Unfortunately, when she arrives, the owner of the mercantile, Miles Rutledge, is stunned to find that she is a woman, and accuses her of deceiving him. He vows to not ever share his business with a woman, eve...more

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Jul 14, 2012 MaryBeth Magee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Author Keli Gwyn recreates the world of post-Civil War California with her new romance “A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California.” The novel features Elenora Watkins, a widowed mother and storekeeper from Omaha. Mrs. Watkins and her young daughter come to the town of El Dorado to become partners in a general mercantile store run by Miles Rutledge. Sparks fly when she arrives and learns he expected a man.

Gwyn has filled her story with wit and adventure. Mrs. Watkins forges a path into a male d...more

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Jul 15, 2012 Angela Bycroft rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-to-re-read-again

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...more

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Jul 11, 2012 Jessica R. Patch rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you're looking for a book that makes you giggle, smile, sigh with satisfaction and learn a valuable lesson, or a few, then Keli Gwyn's debut novel is one you want to read.

Her characters were well developed, each with a unique personality. If I closed my eyes and heard the lines read, I would know who was who. Her main character, Elenora, was independent but teachable which is a great lesson for all of us to learn. Her hero had faults but worked hard to overcome them. And the spunky daughter,...more

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Jul 12, 2012 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Miles Rutledge’s mercantile carries everything a home in 1870 needs. He is looking forward to meeting his new business partner, confident that he will be an asset to the thriving business. Miles’ mother is not opposed to seeing him take on a partner; she just knows something Miles does not.

E. Watkins, also known as the widow Elenora Watkins, is eager for a fresh start for her 9-year-old daughter Matilda and herself. Her recently remarried, overbearing father has made it clear that she is no long...more

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Dec 22, 2012 Paula-O rated it 5 of 5 stars

A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado California by Keli Gwyn

I loved the characters of Elnora and Miles, they shone like stars throughout this story-you are in for a treat with this story.

Widow Elnora Watkins was an independent type woman and had helped her father in his shop but when he took his step-son on as partner and she thought she would have had that privilege all these years of working for him-it was the last straw and she started looking for another store and another place to live.
Miles Rutl...more

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Jul 27, 2012 Robyn Leatherman rated it 4 of 5 stars

I pre-ordered this book based on the fact that I'd already come to like Keli from Twitter. On release day, I perched by the mailbox until it finally arrived, and although it took me a total of 5 nights to read it (hectic schedule so I only read at bedtime) - I enjoyed the book very much.

Is it a spoiler to mention that there are 13 discussion questions at the end of the book? (The reader may or may not wish to go through them before reading, based on whether or not a preview of the book is wanted...more I pre-ordered this book based on the fact that I'd already come to like Keli from Twitter. On release day, I perched by the mailbox until it finally arrived, and although it took me a total of 5 nights to read it (hectic schedule so I only read at bedtime) - I enjoyed the book very much.

Is it a spoiler to mention that there are 13 discussion questions at the end of the book? (The reader may or may not wish to go through them before reading, based on whether or not a preview of the book is wanted.)

The first character I fell in love with was Tildy. She is the main character's 9-year-old inquisitive, energetic, bold, talkative daughter whom you can't help but want to place a hand on her head and encourage her to just sit down for a whole five minutes and be quiet haha. Tildy will find a way to keep you grinning from page to page!

There are definitely parallels between relationships concerning the other characters around Ellie and her relationship with God; the main character, Elnora (AKA Ellie), is a strong personality-she has to be for her own self-preservation. But Ellie also has a softer side that she is a little apprehensive about allowing some people (mostly men) to see in her, due to past relationships with the male gender. This negative male influence affects Ellie's perception of her relationship - or lack of - with God, and she struggles with this fact throughout the book.

On page 266, Ellie says something that maybe many females have felt at one time or another ... "I've never done things quite the way you expect, have I?" Ellie is a character we can identify with, especially if we're thinking about the single-parent household raising children. She's determined to be financially stable and provide for her daughter, while still being able to balance a personal life.

There's actually a few layers to this book; I'd recommend taking a look at those discussion questions - whether you choose to do it before of after reading the book.

Would I recommend this book to someone else? I actually have already done that and it's currently being loaned!

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Aug 02, 2012 Jill Kemerer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, inspirational

What a delightful read! From the minute I picked up A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California until the moment I finished it, I was swept away to the late 1800's California. The characters jumped off the page--so much that I felt Ellie, Tildy, and Miles were old friends by the time I closed the book. Ms. Gwyn excels at writing heartwarming characters. Yes, Ellie and Miles both struggled with pride, but they also displayed selflessness, loyalty, and courageousness, and I sympathized with the ch...more

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Jul 21, 2012 Catherine Richmond added it

When Elenora Watkins's father refuses to make her a partner in his mercantile, she accepts an offer from a storekeeper in California. But when she arrives, Miles Rutledge turns her down because she's a woman. To his dismay, Elenora sets up shop across the street and proves to be way more capable than he'd expected.

It's so easy with a child, especially one as cute as Tildy, to let the child run away with the story. Author Keli Gwyn did an excellent job keeping the focus on the romance while spri...more

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Aug 13, 2012 Brianna Soloski rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-in-2012, fiction, reviewed-for-blog

A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California by Keli Gwyn
313 pages
3/5 stars

I’m learning to like historical fiction. It’s one of the few genres I didn’t really read, with the exception of Ann Rinaldi’s books, until I became a writer. Now I try to read books in every genre in order to better learn and understand the art and craft of writing. A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California falls under historical fiction, romance, and Christian fiction. I don’t typically read Christian fiction, since I’m...more A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California by Keli Gwyn
313 pages
3/5 stars

I’m learning to like historical fiction. It’s one of the few genres I didn’t really read, with the exception of Ann Rinaldi’s books, until I became a writer. Now I try to read books in every genre in order to better learn and understand the art and craft of writing. A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California falls under historical fiction, romance, and Christian fiction. I don’t typically read Christian fiction, since I’m Jewish, but I’ve been following Keli’s blog for a while and was offered a review copy.

A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California tells the story of Elenora Watkins and her daughter Tildy, as they head toward California. Elenora has been offered a partnership in a mercantile there. What she doesn’t realize, though, is that her future partner didn’t realize she was a woman and will be rescinding his offer. Despite this, Elenora rallies and makes a success of herself, despite the obstacles thrown in her way, including her potential partner, Miles Rutledge.

I started out really enjoying this book, but about halfway through, I got bored. I really, really don’t like giving books poor reviews, but I also like a book to suck me in and keep my turning pages. A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California didn’t really do that. The characters were strong and I liked them, but some of the scenes were lacking the oomph and action they could have had.

There were times I wanted to tell Elenora to get over herself and accept the help Miles was offering. I felt like she was not very nice to him, even though he was only trying to help her succeed. She was so intent on proving herself to him and to the townspeople in El Dorado that she didn’t really care how destructive she was to those who got in her way.

I can’t say too much more without spoiling the story, but the ending left me a little disappointed. I wanted more fanfare when Miles proposed, because it was obvious from the middle of the book (after they went to Sacramento City for their buying trip) that he was eventually going to propose. It was just a matter of when. The whole town should have been there, but instead it was a private moment. In the film version (if there was one), that scene wouldn’t have played out well.

One final note: for being Christian fiction, the references were not too overt. Obviously, there were numerous mentions of G-d and going to church, but that stuff doesn’t really bother me. To me, the religious aspect is secondary to the plot. It’s like having a character love a certain kind of food – it’s just icing on the cake. It’s more important to me that the plot holds up for the entire story.

I did enjoy learning the history of Sacramento. It’s an area I’m somewhat familiar with, so I could picture what the towns might have looked like. I imagine Placerville hasn’t changed much from the 1800s. I would definitely read more books by this author.

Disclaimer: I received this book directly from the author. I was not compensated in any way and all opinions are my own.

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Aug 22, 2012 Ganise rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

Lovely debut! (4.5 glittering, gold stars!)

First, my, what a cover! Gorge-ous! The back of it, makes me want to escape to El Dorado.
A Bride Opens Shop was a pleasure to read. Gwyn has crafted interesting characters and has included sweetness and fun in the story. Miles and Elenora's struggle with pride- and their pasts- was realistic and the story has a ending that made me sigh...
In addition, not only is this book carefully penned, it also smoothly unfolds with humour (get ready to laugh at lea...more

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May 03, 2012 Ashley E rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, owned

Elenora Watkins goes to California for a fresh start and hoping for a partnership with Miles Rutledge, proprietor of Rutledge Mercantile. But when she arrives, they're both in for a surprise: Miles's mother didn't let him know that his new partner was going to be a woman.

So starts A Bride Opens Shop, a somewhat misleading title as she's certainly not a bride at first. Elenora, left with few options in the face of Miles's rejection, opens her own mercantile across the street, and the competition...more

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Jul 16, 2012 Fedora rated it 5 of 5 stars

A completely delightful debut by Ms. Gwyn--raced through it in one day and cannot wait for more!

In this historical, the widowed Elenora Watkins heads west with her daughter to become a partner in a mercantile. She's thrilled to have the opportunity to escape her controlling father and looks forward to using what she's learned from helping to run his store to make her own way. Unfortunately Miles Rutledge was expecting a man, and caught entirely off guard, withdraws his offer.

Determined to make a...more

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Aug 09, 2012 Sandra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Elenora Watkins worked for years to prove to her father she was capable of running his mercantile. When he gave a valued position to an undeserving stepson, Elenora realized it was time to leave Omaha and remove her daughter Tildy from the likes of cold-hearted men such as her father and her late husband. She accepts a partnership in a mercantile and travels to El Dorado, California.

When Miles Rutledge discovers E. F. Watkins is a woman, reminders of his wayward late wife cause him to withdraw h...more

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Feb 03, 2013 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-books, favorites

Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R227GQ3T...
Review on my blog (to be posted 1/11): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...

A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California was a fantastic read! I can hardly believe it is the author's debut novel! The story kept my attention throughout the entire book and I loved how Elenora and Miles competed at pretty much everything... I chuckled a lot because of things done/said.

I loved the characters - my favorites are Miles, Elenora, Tildy, and Mil...more

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Aug 07, 2012 Sherrinda rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved A Bride Opens Shop by Keli Gwyn! This book had everything I love in a well-woven story. As a debut novel, it was a stand out, surpassing my high expectations for Keli Gwyn's debut.

In the book, widow Elenora Watkins is an independent woman. After being under the rule of a mean husband and then an overbearing father, Elenora wants some freedom. She packs up, heads across the country, and puts her savings into becoming a partner in a thriving mercantile owned by Miles Rutledge. Only he does...more

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Aug 06, 2012 Marji Laine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, favorite, historical, romance

What a delightful story; three crying opportunities! LOL!

This book is propelled by its characters. And such characters! A widow/single mom with bull-dozing determination insists on proving her capabilities. A fastidious widower harboring a guilt-filled secret refuses to revisit the vulnerable position in which affection places him. An adoring mother whose meddling ways instigate complicated interaction. A talkative nine-year-old with the sincerity and wonder of one much younger, but the intellec...more

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Jul 10, 2012 Casey rated it 4 of 5 stars

A book for the heart. “A Bride Opens Shop…” has a cast of characters to adore, situations to inspire conflict and a love romance that will blossom in the heart of even the most reticent of participants.

Tildy. Oh. My. Goodness. What a little girl. She had me giggling by the first time I met her and sharing her witty tidbits with my family. Elenora is a very determined woman. Nothing is going to get in her way, especially Miles. Her drive at times got her into trouble, physically and emotionally....more

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Jul 03, 2012 Renee rated it 5 of 5 stars

It's not often that so many debut novels impress me but so far this year I've read a ton (probably a ton, literally!) that I loved and would highly recommend for any romance readers. This latest debut, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, is making my list of awesome first books and has earned its spot in my permanent library. Going into this book I knew that I'd probably enjoy it simply because I've really enjoyed all the "destination" romances that have been published by Barbour but th...more It's not often that so many debut novels impress me but so far this year I've read a ton (probably a ton, literally!) that I loved and would highly recommend for any romance readers. This latest debut, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, is making my list of awesome first books and has earned its spot in my permanent library. Going into this book I knew that I'd probably enjoy it simply because I've really enjoyed all the "destination" romances that have been published by Barbour but this one is by far my favorite.

Elenora Watkins left her old life behind with the hopes of starting a new life for herself and her daughter, Tildy as a junior partner in Rutledge Mercantile of El Dorado, California. Miles Rutledge's new partner, E. F. Watkins, is not quite what he was expecting especially since she's a Elenora and not an Edward. Unwilling to return to her old life Elenora takes her meager savings and starts her own little shop across the street.

Never before has the lyric, "Anything you can do I can do better..," come to my mind while reading a romance but it certainly fit with this story. I absolutely loved the back and forth competition between Miles and Elenora concerning everything from their shops, their violin playing, to shooting a gun all while watching them grow closer together. I was a little worried about Miles at first since he admitted to being something of a dandy but as the story unfolded he began to remind me of a certain Austen hero (yeah, that Darcy fellow) we all know an love. He was a bit cold at first but boy does he warm up! As for Ellie she is the perfect heroine. She is probably the most stubborn woman that I've ever come across in a book but it's not off-putting at all. Sometimes hardheaded heroines definitely make for some serious eye roll moments in a book but not so with Ellie! She definitely does not give in easily and she goes for EVERYTHING with gusto.

Between Miles and Ellie alone I didn't want their story to end but throw in her precocious daughter, Matilida aka Tildy, and you definitely have a winner. Hopefully Tildy grows up and gets her own story. She is a bundle of energy and never quits gabbing so I think I'd like her to meet a man whose ears she can talk off. ;-)

A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, is a fine debut that was worth the wait. Keli Gwyn is a truly talented writer who has a knack for writing an engaging and fun story that's perfect to read on a sunny summer day. Bring on the next book Ms. Gwyn!

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars *A Favorite!*

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.* (less)

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Aug 30, 2012 Sarah Sundin rated it 5 of 5 stars

A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California deftly balances romance, humor, and a thoughtful message. Keli Gwyn has a marvelous knack for dialogue, banter, and humor. But I was even more struck by the message of not letting pride destroy relationships. Both Elenora and Miles long to best the other and prove themselves, but they each learn that being respectful and kind is far better. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to more from Keli Gwyn.

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Dec 27, 2012 Dawn Alexander rated it 4 of 5 stars

I truly enjoyed this book. I don't read much in this genre. I loved how Keli made the characters seem absolutely real. I had never thought about the basic day-to-day lives of people in that time period. I was drawn to the small touches she incorporated, like the hero's friends teasing him or the women gossiping over laundry and cooking. I could see a set of friends just like my own in these characters. A very enjoyable read.

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Jul 26, 2012 Joanne Bischof rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: readers of all ages

Shelves: christian-romance

This colorful cast of characters will endear themselves to fans of sweet romance and Keli Gwyn’s fondness for the Victorian era comes across as warmly as the sunny California setting of this tender debut. With fun twists and turns, tongue in cheek humor, and an enchanting musical atmosphere, A Bride Opens Shop is as chockfull of goods as Rutledge Mercantile. A tale of trust and new-found faith, this whimsical tale set in historical El Dorado will warm readers’ hearts.

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Mar 23, 2013 Rachael rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-lit

I loved this book! Kelly did such a good job developing her character and setting. I couldn't put it down! I think I finished it in one day. Mercifully, this book doesn't preach Christianity at the reader, it just merges wonderfully into the story! Highly recommended!

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Mar 09, 2013 Nichole rated it 3 of 5 stars

Eh. So-so. It was a good story line and I really enjoyed the historical aspects, but I didn't care for the "fainting female" aspect of the main character. Just didn't seem to fit Elenora's character. Very strong, opinionated and independent lady, yet often with her "hands clasped to her heaving bosom" in others. Just didn't mix well. Miles Rutledge's character was good. Strong and opinionated, also, but willing to learn and bend.

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A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California (Destination Romances)

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