It’s time to start those wishlists for 2012! Here’s Revell’s new titles for the first few months of the year 🙂
Chasing Mona Lisa is my favourite cover ~ how about yours? I wish we would see some variation in covers for historical fiction, rather than the just a girl in a pretty dress!
I’d love to hear your thoughts……
Where Wildflowers Bloom by Ann Shorey
The War Between the States stole a father and brother from Faith Lindberg– as well as Royal Baxter, the man she wanted to marry. With only her grandfather left, she dreams of leaving Noble Springs, Missouri, and traveling west to the Oregon Territory to start a new life, away from the memories that haunt her. But first she must convince her grandfather to sell the family’s mercantile and leave a town their family has called home for generations.
When Royal Baxter suddenly returns to town, Faith allows herself to hope that her dreams might come true. Does he truly love her? Or could another man claim her heart? Will she find that following her dreams may not mean leaving home after all?
The characters in Where Wildflowers Bloom jump off the page and into the reader’s heart. Author Ann Shorey infuses her characters with the virtues and quirks that bring them fully alive as they search for contentment and love.
January, 2012
Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot
Though she had planned to spend the summer in Vermont with her sweetheart, Abigail Harding cannot dismiss her concerns over her older sister. Charlotte’s letters have been uncharacteristically melancholy, and her claims that nothing is wrong ring false, so Abigail heads West to Wyoming. The endless prairie seems monotonous, but when her stagecoach is attacked, Wyoming promises to be anything but boring. Luckily, the heroics of another passenger, Lieutenant Ethan Bowles, save the day.
When circumstances–and perhaps a bit of matchmaking–put Abigail and Ethan together, there’s certainly attraction. But Abigail is planning to marry another man and return to life in Vermont as soon as she is finished attending to her sister. And Ethan loves his life in the Army and the wilds of Wyoming. When summer ends, will Abigail go back East? Or will she fall in love with this rugged land herself?
Book 1 of the new Westward Winds series, Summer of Promise is a tale of following your heart to unexpected places. Readers will enjoy Amanda Cabot’s passionate characters and vibrant setting in the beautiful high prairie.
January, 2012
The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Julia Lapp has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. When Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding–again–she knows who is to blame. Perpetual bachelor and spreader of cold feet, Roman Troyer, the Bee Man.
Roamin’ Roman travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. He relishes his nomadic life, which keeps him from thinking about all he has lost. He especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia on a mission to punish him for inspiring Paul’s cold feet, the Lapp farm is looking decidedly less pleasant. Can Julia secure the future she’s always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?
Full of the plot twists and surprises her fans love, The Keeper is the first in a new series by bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher. Through touching family relationships and trials of the heart, Fisher’s vivid characters grapple with yielding to God’s will when it doesn’t match their own.
January, 2012
Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey
It is August 1944 and Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country, stealing countless pieces of art. Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all, the Mona Lisa, as a post-war bargaining chip to get him to South America. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue DaVinci’s masterpiece before it falls into German hands?
With nonstop action, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get readers’ adrenaline pumping as they join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh country chateau, the race is on–and the runners are playing for keeps.
February, 2012
Words Spoken True by Ann H Gabhart
Adriane Darcy was practically raised in her father’s newspaper offices. She can’t imagine life without the clatter of the press and the push to be first to write the news that matters. Their Tribune is the leading paper in Louisville in 1855. Then Blake Garrett, a brash young editor from the North with a controversial new style of reporting, takes over failing competitor the Herald, and the battle for readers gets fierce.
When Adriane and Blake meet at a benefit tea, their surprising mutual attraction is hard to ignore. Still, Blake is the enemy, and Adriane is engaged to the son of a powerful businessman who holds the keys to the Tribune‘s future. Blake will stop at almost nothing to get the story–and the girl. Can he do both before it’s too late?
Set against the volatile backdrop of political and civil unrest in 1850s Louisville, this exciting story of love and loyalty will hold readers in its grip until the very last page. Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart once again delivers an enthralling and enduring tale for her loyal and ever-expanding fan base.
February, 2012
When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason
As a member of the North Cascades Smokejumpers, Alexia Allen always takes care of the equipment that keeps her safe. So when she nearly dies in a fire due to equipment failure, she knows something is up.
Ordered to take time off while the investigation continues, Alexia makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother’s home and attend her high school reunion. Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she’s involved with murder, arson–and a handsome detective. But the conflicts ahead are nothing compared to the ghosts of her past. As she strives to remember and forgive her family history, she must also decide if the secret she’s been guarding for the last ten years must finally come to light.
Chock-full of the suspense and romantic tension readers have come to expect from Lynette Eason, When the Smoke Clears is the explosive first book in the Deadly Reunions series.
February, 2012
Heart’s Safe Passage by Laurie Alice Eakes
It’s 1813 and all Phoebe Lee wants out of life is to practice midwifery in Loudon County, Virginia. When Belinda, her pregnant sister-in-law, presses Phoebe to accompany her onto a British privateer in order to cross the Atlantic and save her husband from an English prison, Phoebe tries to refuse, then finds herself kidnapped.
Captain Rafe Docherty is a man in search of revenge. His ship is no place for women, but he needs Belinda in order to obtain information about the man who destroyed his family and his life. Between Belinda’s whining and Phoebe’s hostility, Rafe can’t help but wonder if he made the right choice. When it becomes apparent there is an enemy among them on the ship, the stakes are raised. Will they reach the English shore in time? Can love and forgiveness overcome vengeance?
Book 2 in The Midwives series, Heart’s Safe Passage is a stirring tale of love, intrigue, and adventure on the high seas. Readers will feel the salt spray and the rolling waves as they journey with Laurie Alice Eakes’s vivid characters on the treacherous path toward redemption.
February, 2012
Sarai, the last child of her aged father, is beautiful, spoiled, and used to getting her own way. Even as a young girl, she is aware of the way men look at her, including her half brother Abram.
When Abram finally requests Sarai’s hand, she asks one thing–that he promise never to take another wife as long as she lives. Even her father thinks the demand is restrictive and agrees to the union only if Sarai makes a promise in return–to give Abram a son and heir. Certain she can easily do that, Sarai agrees. But as the years stretch on and Sarai’s womb remains empty, she becomes desperate to fulfill her end of the bargain–lest Abram decide that he will not fulfill his.
To what lengths will Sarai go in her quest to bear a son? And how long will Abram’s patience last?
Jill Eileen Smith thrilled readers with The Wives of King David series. Now she brings to life the strong and celebrated wives of the patriarchs, beginning with the beautiful and inscrutable Sarai.
March, 2012
Love’s Sacred Song by Mesu Andrews
Standing in the massive shadow of his famous father, young king Solomon wavers between fear and bravado, wisdom and folly. In the uncertain world of alliances and treachery, Solomon longs for peace and a love that is true and pure–a love that can be his cornerstone.
A shepherdess in the northern city of Shunem, Arielah remembers the first time she laid eyes on Solomon in Jerusalem when she was just seven years old. Since then she has known that it was her destiny to become his bride. When her father, a leader of their tribe, secures a promise from King Solomon to marry Arielah as a treaty bride to help unite the kingdom, it seems her dreams may come true. But how can this simple shepherdess live as part of Solomon’s harem? Can Solomon set aside his distractions to give himself completely to just one woman? Or will he let duty, deception, and the daily routine divide his heart?
Mesu Andrews expertly weaves the words of the Song of Solomon into this touching story of the power of love. Readers will be transported from the glowing fields of Shunem to the gleaming city of Jerusalem as they experience this rich and textured novel from a master storyteller.
March, 2012
Gerard Warner was not only a literary giant whose suspense novels sold in the millions, he was also a man devoted to his family, especially his wife of nearly 60 years. When he dies he leaves his Charleston estate to his grandson, Michael, an aspiring writer himself. Michael settles in to write his own first novel and discovers an unpublished manuscript his grandfather had written, something he’d kept hidden from everyone but clearly intended Michael to find. Michael begins to read an exciting tale about Nazi spies and sabotage, but something about this story is different from all of Gerard Warner’s other books. It’s actually a love story.
As Michael delves deeper into the story he discovers something that has the power to change not only his future but his past as well.
Laced with suspense and intrigue, The Discovery is a richly woven novel that explores the incredible sacrifices that must be made to forge the love of a lifetime. Author Dan Walsh delivers yet another unique and heartfelt story that will stick with readers long after they turn the last page.
April, 2012
June 23, 2011 at 2:17 am
yes i agree that Mona Lisa is the best…unfortunately the rest all just look the same to me…
June 23, 2011 at 2:25 am
Like the Dan Walsh cover!
June 23, 2011 at 2:36 am
I LOVE Suzanne Woods Fisher's Amish stories but all the covers look the same and I have to agree with Deborah, the Mona Lisa cover is the best!
XOXO~ Renee
June 23, 2011 at 4:08 am
Wow, they all sound great. Covers are hard. You're right, historical novels always have the same theme for their covers. Still, I'm looking forward to reading several of these.
2 Kids and Tired Books
June 23, 2011 at 4:15 am
My mom loved Mesu Andrews' last book, so I'm sure she'll be psyched about this one. I have yet to read it (Love Amidst the Ashes? It's about Job.)
June 23, 2011 at 4:40 am
Oh, Rel, you are always so up-to-date with the latest Christian fiction! Thank you so much for sharing these covers and blurbs with us! 😀
I confess that I don't really mind the historical covers with the pretty dresses–at least the color combos are unique. 😉
Suzanne's book sounds intriguing, as well as Dan's! 🙂 And I like the design of Ann Gabhart's cover!
~Amber
June 23, 2011 at 8:03 am
Hey! I'm a brand new follower and may I just say WOW! You really have the inside track here. I'll be sure to check back with you often. I write reviews on christian fiction too. I got really excited about these books you gave us a little blip about. 🙂
June 23, 2011 at 12:35 pm
wanted to add that it wasn't until i read the description of Amanda Cabot's book that i realized it was supposed to be an 1800s historical. the cover model looks more like a debutante from the 1950s or 1960s with that hair, dress and jewelry and the gloves.
June 23, 2011 at 3:17 pm
Love the Mona Lisa cover too – looking forward to it, Lynette Eason's and the Dan Walsh – thanks for sharing
June 23, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Omigosh! I love Lynette Eason's new cover. It's gorgeous and striking. Tricia & Mike's is pretty cool too.
June 23, 2011 at 3:59 pm
I am not really keen on the covers that are more like a photo. I like to create the character in my own minds eye as described by the author. Not that they are not beautiful! My favorite would have to be the Dan Walsh one, who does not love a beautiful garden! I like the Lynn Eason one as well. Those two books would be my first picks to read too! Thanks for all your articles Rel!!
June 23, 2011 at 4:00 pm
Love all the covers! Ann Gabhart's and Dan Walsh's are especially eye-catching.
This is a great line-up of books to look forward to. 🙂
June 23, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Guess I should add, I love the cover for my new novel, Where Wildflowers Bloom, too! Revell's art department rocks.
June 23, 2011 at 6:54 pm
Um, I guess the 21st century faces on historical women just don't fit, but then I rarely read historicals and think the market is overwhelmed with bonnet books: no offense to you gifted authors who write them!
Some great artwork here but I'm afraid they don't grab me. But that's just me. Covers are so important. One of the best I've ever seen is on K. M. Weiland's The Man Called Outlaw. It's so striking I broke my own rule to read it: a Western, no less! Good story. Truly the cover sold it.
June 24, 2011 at 12:11 am
Mona Lisa gets my vote for best cover, too…but I do like Where Wildflowers Bloom's cover as well. Looks like my my TBR list is going to be increasing again. 😉
Thanks for sharing.
June 25, 2011 at 2:25 am
Gals, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I agree, covers are really important, although for me, even if a cover doesn't appeal the author's name will draw me in for the most part.
Welcome, Candy 🙂 Lovely to have you drop by. Thanks for your encouragement.
Amy ~ my book club is doing Mesu's book next month. We always select a Biblical Fiction story for the year.
Hugs xo
June 25, 2011 at 2:26 am
Mark! Just saw you had dropped by, too – thanks.
I like Lynette's as well. Like seeing a female in uniform for a change – LOL!
June 26, 2011 at 3:32 am
I like seeing girls in a pretty dress but I prefer for the emphasis to be on the dress and for the cover to evoke a feeling of wistfulness or longing. These all depict fairly happy women and the dresses aren't that great, lol.
June 28, 2011 at 3:11 pm
Wow, Rel! What a gift this morning! I'm way behind in my blog reading… You are a wonder!
June 28, 2011 at 3:48 pm
For many years I dreamed of seeing my book cover in the pages of CBD (Christian Book Distributors) not only because of my writing passion, but because Christian fiction has been represented by such beautiful covers almost since its inception. And every time I think I'm tired of seeing another pretty girl in a Victorian gown on the front, another cover comes along that captivates me.(Here's a new one I like — reminds me of my next book which doesn't have a cover yet: http://dorothylovebooks.com/books/ ) That said, I really love the cover for my historical, The Green Veil, which is human-image-free. I think it conveys the idea of the story really well.
Blessings~
Naomi
June 28, 2011 at 5:38 pm
Thanks so much for posting these beautiful covers! They all look so beautiful and I see some of my writer friends' books up there, which is neat! God bless you for all the work you put into this book ministry!
July 5, 2011 at 3:20 pm
It's always fun to see the new books on the way. Enjoyed reading everybody's comments too. I like my cover although it didn't get many comments. But I think the city skyline behind the character is good since the story deals so much with what's going on in Louisville in 1855. Revell does great covers that hold out the promise of the story. I do like it when the covers are different. Thanks for posting them, Rel. I'm always way behind on reading blogs, but you do a lovely one.
July 6, 2011 at 5:31 am
For some reason "Word Spoken True" really leaped out at me. I loved the face and the dress so it was my favorite. And I live only an hour or so from Louisville so that is neat to me – but really it was the face and dress that made me prefer it to the others.
July 6, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Thanks for your kind encouragement, Laura, Ann and Carrie 🙂
I agree with you, Amy, with the focus on the dress.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Naomi and Amy B 🙂