My writer friend,
Keli Gwyn, graduated to author with the release of her first novel this month—
A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California. This historic romance takes place in our own backyard.
Keli held her book launch and old fashioned ice cream social in Shingle Springs, a rural community mentioned on page one of her novel. Just down the road is the historic town of El Dorado, where the story takes place.
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| Period Pictures, Games and Companion Book Display |
Before opening the door to the event, I heard singing. Inside the hall, people bustled about buying books, entering a drawing for prize-filled baskets (romance movies, candy, candles, musical items, etc.), viewing the other books in the Bride series from
Barbour Publishing, waiting in line to have Keli sign their book and building an ice cream sundae.
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| Ice Cream Sundae Buffet |
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| Keli's husband Carl and Daughter, Audrey, in Victorian Dress |
While Keli obliged her fans lined up to get a signed book, a continuous performance of music took place on the stage behind her. The entertainment reached a peak when the
Gold Rush Barbershop Chorus performed historic tunes topped off with their version of the Beatles "When I'm 64."
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| Keli and Fan |
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| Gold Rush Barbershop Chorus with Gwyn Victorian Family |
Keli wore a stunning purple dress with matching hat. The outfit, similar to the one worn by the heroine Elenora Watkins at the end of the book, was appropriate for evening wear in the Victorian era.
One more thing. Lest you think this book is for wimps and tells stories of limp characters. On page one, the stagecoach carrying Elenora and Tildy, her daughter, are held up at gun point. You'll have to read
A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado to find out what happens.
I left thinking Keli really knew how to do a book launch party right.
Have you been to a fun book launch party lately?
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Chris, thanks for the excellent write-up about my launch party. The best part of the whole event was sharing it with wonderful people like you who have been such a source of support and encouragement as I've traveled the path to publication. I'm so glad you were able to attend.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have missed it!
Delete"When I'm 64" ~ I love that song; so bouncy!
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to have been at your signing. Such fun and you all look so beautiful. Here in the Ozarks, we say, "y'all."
Y'all would have been welcome, Kathleen. I reckon you'd have enjoyed the folk music. Gwynly actually played banjo in public for the first time--and enjoyed it. So did many of the guests.
DeleteI'm delighted to see all the photos. Just wish I could have been there in person because I know it would have been a great time. Your whole family looks stunning, Keli!
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed a gala event!
DeleteI wish you could have been there, Carol. You'll get a good idea of what the shindig was like, because I hired a talented videographer. I'll be sharing the video he's putting together in a few days.
DeleteDidn't Gwynly look dashing? And Adri was loverly. She rented her outfit just to wear to the party. Is that the sweetest thing, or what?