Meet and Greet is a regular feature on my blog. Be forewarned…Unlike the typical interview, these brief questions will get to the true heart of my guests…or at least the heart of what’s in their kitchen. Grab a latte (or other beverage of your choice), find a comfy chair, and prepare to make a new friend.
I can’t tell you how excited I am to have Keli Gwyn here today! Keli is a dear, sweet friend whose middle name must be Encourager, because she can encourage like none other. She’s talked me down from the literary ledge more than once, and she’s living proof that persistence pays off. I just dove into her debut novel this weekend, and it is as delightful as she is. (Keep reading for details on how to win yourself a copy. 
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Award-winning novelist Keli Gwyn writes inspirational historical romance. She’s a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America® and is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary. Keli earned her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication/Print Journalism from California State University East Bay and worked as a copyeditor for a small textbook publisher. Her debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, will be released by Barbour Publishing in July 2012.
You can connect with Keli on her website, Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads.
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Welcome, Keli! Let’s get to the questions, shall we?
Opener Question: What seven words best describe you?
I asked my husband and daughter for help. They said: cat-lover, creative, cute, detail-oriented, OC, peppy, and short. While I was tempted to omit a couple of their choices, I resisted, so I’m obviously not quite as OC as they think. Of course, I did alphabetize the list.
Either/Or Questions:
1) African safari or European tour?
Europe. Gwynly and I lived in Germany for four years. We visited a number of countries when my teacher hubby was on summer vacation. There are many places I’d like to see again and some new ones I’d love to explore.
2) Fierce competitor or Cheering on the sidelines?
Hmm. It depends on the game. If we’re talking Scrabble or Bananagrams, I’m right there trying my best to win. If, however, we’re talking team sports, I’m a sideline gal all the way.
3) Coffee or tea?
Tea. Sweet tea year ’round supplemented by hot tea in the winter. I love the smell of coffee, but I never developed a taste for it.
4) On the move or Home sweet home?
I’m a homebody. My family moved every year or two until I was in high school, so I was eager to sink down roots. I love the historic Gold Rush-era town Gwynly and I live in. It’s my first real hometown, and I have no intention of leaving it. Of course, I know the Lord could have other plans. Although I’d be tempted to debate His decision if He were to ask me to move, I’m an obedient oldest child, so I’d do my best to behave.
5) Designer handbags or Functional tote bags?
Coach bags all the way. I began carrying them in the late 80s before they were even popular. They’re pricey, but they are well made and last for years.
6) Caesar salad or Cobb salad?
Tough choice, but I’ll go with Cobb salad. Just had one of these the other day. Yummers!
7) Mac or PC?
Mac! I’ve been an Apple person for over two decades. I have a large Mac desktop model with a sleek aluminum keyboard. I got a MacBook Pro last winter. I’d resisted laptops until then, but I’m sold on mine now. I do have PC-loving friends, though, and we peacefully coexist.
Thanks for having me as your guest, Sarah. What fun to spend time with you and your blog’s visitors.
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My pleasure, Keli! And I learned some new things about you, which was fun. I didn’t realize you were such a loyal Mac user. I’ll admit I haven’t converted yet, but I’ve been tempted plenty of times. And I had to laugh at your OC comment and how you alphabetized the list. I might be known to have my spice rack alphabetized. And I’m much like you when it comes to competitiveness. I’m not overly competitive in sports, but board games? Watch out. (Which reminds me, we still need to engage in a round of Speed Scrabble sometime.)
Thanks so much for being here! It was my honor to host you.
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A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California
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?
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Blog Readers: Let’s talk…Do you have a favorite board game in your family? How about OC tendencies? Anything alphabetized in your house? Come on, ‘fess up, you’re among friends.
*Giveaway Details: Keli has offered to give away a copy of A Bride Opens Shop! All you have to do is leave a comment. (For extra entries, you can Tweet or share this post on Facebook…I’ll add an extra entry for each. Just make sure to mention it in your comment.) Winner will be announced in next Monday’s post. Good luck!
**The winner of last week’s Amazon giveaway is Julie Jarnigan! I’ll contact you this week with details.
