Keli Gwyn's Blog

I’m normally a wordy writer, but as I prepared this post, words failed me.

My decision to retire is the right one for me, a decision the Lord has confirmed many times in many ways. That doesn’t stop the rush of emotions washing over me as I embrace this new chapter in my life.

As I reflect on my writing career, one emotion stands out: gratitude. I’m beyond thankful for each one of you who has come alongside me as I’ve traveled this path, offering me support and encouragement. You’re the best cheerleaders ever!

I’ve been asked if I would consider writing again. My answer is this. I might not be writing novels now, but I’ll always be a writer. Should the Lord call me to put fingers to keyboard again someday, we would have some long talks.

My longtime writing partner, Anne, sent me an encouraging email recently. She suggested I think of writing as “a room in your life that is always there, right behind the closed door.” I’ve taken her wise words to heart.

This post marks the end of my blogging…for now. I’m eager to see what the Lord has in store for me next.

Instead of saying goodbye, as we Americans do, I’ll end by saying auf Wiedersehen, which, translated literally, means until we see each other again. I’m sure I’ll see many of you over on Facebook.

This week I’m shining the spotlight on

Would-Be Mistletoe Wife, a December release from

Love Inspired Historical author Christine Johnson.

Learn more about the story below, and then scroll

down to enter the giveaway for a print copy.

Mistletoe Match

Worried she might lose her teaching job if funding is cut for her boarding school, widow Louise Smythe must consider marriage. But the only prospective groom in town is lighthouse-keeper Jesse Hammond, and he wants children—something she may never be able to provide. While Jesse waits for the ideal woman to make his wife, though, Louise can’t help but long for something more than his friendship.

If he wants to be promoted to head lighthouse keeper, Jesse needs to find a wife suited to his rustic lifestyle. But as he and Louise partner to give the town’s homeless orphans a joyous holiday, he’s drawn to the petite woman. Will the light of Christmas finally inspire them to trust in each other’s hearts?

Copyright © 2017 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Cover art and cover copy text used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited.

® and are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

or its affiliated companies, used under license.

This week I’m shining the spotlight on

The Gift of Twins, a December release from

Love Inspired Historical author Gabrielle Meyer.

Learn more about the story below, and then scroll

down to enter the giveaway for a print copy.

Unexpected Holiday Blessings

Finding twin five-year-old boys on his doorstep isn’t the first surprise Reverend Benjamin Lahaye has faced lately. Emery Wilkes, the new schoolteacher the town has hired, turns out to be a very pretty woman—not the man they’d been expecting. And though the twins and Emmy are only boarding with Ben until Christmas, the arrangement feels all too natural.

Emmy has moved to Minnesota to put loss behind her. Marriage would mean forsaking her position and her purpose, and Ben is an honorable man who understands her refusal to wed. But as he gets closer to tracking down the little boys’ father, Emmy realizes just how much she wants their sweet temporary family to become permanent.

Copyright © 2017 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Cover art and cover copy text used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited.

® and are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

or its affiliated companies, used under license.

This week I’m shining the spotlight on

Once Upon a Texas Christmas, a December release from

Love Inspired Historical author Winnie Griggs.

Learn more about the story below, and then scroll

down to enter the giveaway for a print copy.

Partners for the Holidays

Abigail Fulton is determined to find independence in Turnabout, Texas—and becoming manager of the local hotel could be the solution. But first, she must work with Seth Reynolds to renovate the property by Christmas—and convince him she’s perfect for the job. If only he hadn’t already promised the position to someone else…

Ever since his troubled childhood, Seth yearns to prove himself. And this hotel is his best chance. But what does someone like Abigail know about decor and furnishings? Yet the closer the holiday deadline gets, the more he appreciates her abilities and her kindness. His business ambitions require denying Abigail’s dearest wish, but can they put old dreams aside for a greater gift—love and family?

Copyright © 2017 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Cover art and cover copy text used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited.

® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

or its affiliated companies, used under license.

This week I’m shining the spotlight on

His Frontier Christmas Family, a December release from

Love Inspired Historical author Regina Scott.

Learn more about the story below, and then scroll

down to enter the giveaway for a print copy.

A Family Made at Christmas

After taking guardianship of his late friend’s siblings and baby daughter, minister Levi Wallin hopes to atone for his troubled past on the gold fields. But it won’t be easy to convince the children’s wary elder sister to trust him. The more he learns about her, though, the more he believes Callie Murphy’s prickly manner masks a vulnerable heart…one he’s starting to wish he was worthy of.

Every man in Callie’s life chose chasing gold over responsibilities. Levi—and the large, loving Wallin family—might just be different. But she can tell he’s hiding something from her, and she refuses to risk her heart with secrets between them. Even as they grow closer, will their pasts keep them from claiming this unexpected new beginning?

Copyright © 2017 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Cover art and cover copy text used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited.

® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

or its affiliated companies, used under license.

Because only four Love Inspired Historicals are released

each month, I plan something different for the fifth Fridays.

Since November will be my last month to post LIH spotlights, when

I’ll showcase the December titles, this will be my final Fifth Friday post.

November also happens to be the month when my final book releases.

I think that calls for some serious fun. And what’s more fun than giveaways?

In honor of this final Fifth Friday post and my final book’s release,

I have five prize packages up for grabs. How does that grab you?

Look below the pictures to find out how to enter the giveaway.

Prize Package Number 1

A wooden Christmas ornament and a

copy of Their Mistletoe Matchmakers.

Prize Package Number 2

A Christmas-themed adult coloring book

and a copy of Their Mistletoe Matchmakers.

Prize Package Number 3

A copy of my first and last novels:

A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California

and Their Mistletoe Matchmakers.

Prize Package Number 4

My one and only novella, “A Heart Returned,” in the

Seven Brides for Seven Texans Romance Collection

and a copy of Their Mistletoe Matchmakers.

Prize Package Number 5

An elegant Origami Owl Christmas-themed locket

and a copy of Their Mistletoe Matchmakers.

This elegant locket deserves a closeup.

Note that the tiny crystals go inside the locket.

I removed them so the charms would show more clearly.

If you’d like a second chance to win an Origami Owl locket,

I’m offering a family-themed locket as one of seven prizes

in the giveaway that’s part of my guest post in Seekerville today only.

(The Seekers added three more to what I’m offering.)

You can access that post here.

Here’s a closeup of that locket.

This week I’m shining the spotlight on

A Child’s Christmas Wish, a November release from

Love Inspired Historical author Erica Vetsch.

Learn more about the story below, and then scroll

down to enter the giveaway for a print copy.

A Baby for Christmas  

The only Christmas gift Oscar Rabb’s four-year-old daughter prays for is one the widower can’t provide: a baby sibling. And when his neighbor’s house burns down, he’s willing to open his home to pregnant and widowed Kate Amaker and her in-laws—but not his heart. Even if his little girl’s convinced Kate’s unborn child is the answer to her wish.

Kate quickly sees the generous but aloof Oscar has little interest in growing closer to his houseguests. Still, she intends to make the coming Christmas a season to remember for his daughter. And as Oscar starts to open up to her, Kate can’t help picturing just how wonderful the holidays—and a future together—might be.

Copyright © 2017 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Cover art and cover copy text used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited.

® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

or its affiliated companies, used under license.

This week I’m shining the spotlight on

Their Mistletoe Matchmakers, a November release from

Love Inspired Historical author Keli Gwyn. Yup. That’s me.

This week I’m shining the spotlight on

Mail-Order Christmas Baby, a November release from

Love Inspired Historical author Sherri Shackelford.

Learn more about the story below, and then scroll

down to enter the giveaway for a print copy.

The Rancher’s Special Delivery  

The “package” is addressed to him, but rancher Sterling Blackwell certainly didn’t order a baby! More scandalous still, he and the town’s pretty teacher are named as parents. With gossip running wild, only a marriage of convenience can protect little Gracie and their reputations until her real family is found.

Heather O’Connor is content to be the spinster schoolmarm of Valentine, Montana…until Gracie’s arrival stirs her heart. She can’t keep the adorable child without Sterling’s help, though she promises not to interfere with his life. But staying aloof from her handsome husband isn’t easy with a tiny matchmaker in tow. A mistake brought them together, but love might just make them a family by Christmas…

Copyright © 2017 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Cover art and cover copy text used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited.

® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

or its affiliated companies, used under license.

This week I’m shining the spotlight on

A Lawman for Christmas, a November release from

Love Inspired Historical author Karen Kirst.

Learn more about the story below, and then scroll

down to enter the giveaway for a print copy.

The Gift of Family  

Committed to her spinsterhood, Isabel Flores isn’t about to trust a man with her hard-won independence or her heart—especially not lawman Ben MacGregor. But when a little boy is abandoned on her property, the so-called “Debonair Deputy” of their small Tennessee town helps her care for the child. And Isabel begins to hope he might be more than just a handsome flirt.

Ben is well aware of Isabel’s aversion to love and has his own secret reasons for avoiding relationships. But as he and Isabel do their best to make the holiday special for their young ward, Ben wonders if he could be a family man after all. Will this Christmas be the first of many for Isabel and Ben’s little instant family?

Copyright © 2017 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Cover art and cover copy text used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited.

® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

or its affiliated companies, used under license.