Here’s a sneak peek at a few of Thomas Nelson’s titles to be released later this year.
There is significant discussion going on at the moment about CF covers and their similarity, especially books by female writers.
What are your preferences for covers? Characters shown or not, something different or familiar? Do you buy or not buy a book based on cover alone?
I’d love to know your thoughts!
Love, Charleston by Beth Webb Hart
An inspiring, heart-warming novel set in romantic Charleston, South Carolina.
“Stay and wait.” Anne Brumley heard these words years ago in the bell tower at Saint Michael’s Church in Charleston. She’s certain they were from God and has been waiting for true love ever since. But her sister, Della, and their cousin, Alicia, have their doubts. Could Anne have misunderstood His calling?
Saint Michael’s new rector may be the answer to Anne’s prayers. Good-old-boy and widower Roy Summerall can’t believe he’s been called to pastor such an historical and a decidedly rich congregation. He can’t possibly measure up to their expectations.
It will take a miracle of extraordinary love to provide a happy ending for each of these four Charleston friends.
August, 2010
A Suitor for Jenny by Margaret Brownley
When looking for a husband, it’s best to go where the odds are in your favor.
And that would be Rocky Creek, Texas, 1880. But Jenny Higgins’s plan to find husbands for her two sisters hits a snag when enthusiastic applicants fail to meet her stringent requirements.
Rejecting her sisters’ choices for mates and riding herd on her growing feelings for Marshal Rhett Armstrong, she refuses to give up.
Jenny thinks choosing a husband is not a job for the heart. It’ll take one strong and handsome marshal to convince her otherwise.
September, 2010
Immanuel’s V
eins by Ted Dekker
This story is for everyone–but not everyone is for this story.
It is a dangerous tale of times past. A torrid love story full of deep seduction. A story of terrible longing and bold sacrifice.
Then as now, evil begins its courtship cloaked in light. And the heart embraces what it should flee. Forgetting it once had a truer lover.
With a kiss, evil will ravage body, soul, and mind. Yet there remains hope, because the heart knows no bounds.
Love will prove greater than lust. Sacrifice will overcome seduction. And blood will flow.
Because the battle for the heart is always violently opposed. For those desperate to drink deep from this fountain of life, enter.
But remember, not everyone is for this story.
August, 2010
Seek Me With All Your Heart by Beth Wiseman
A groundbreaking series that takes amish readers where they’ve never gone before . . . to Colorado.
Emily Detweiler’s family abruptly moved to Colorado after tragedy struck in Ohio. But Emily can’t get far enough to escape what happened there.
David Stoltzfus is not happy when his family relocates from Pennsylvania to Colorado. Nevermind that they haven’t told him why. David struggles not only with this unwelcome move, but also with the fear that a health condition could keep him from living his life in full.
Emily and David each struggle with a past that follows them, testing their faith and resolve. Then they make a shocking discovering that draws them together and allows them to see past their own worries. Will they step onto the path God has chosen for them?
October, 2010
The Lightkee
per’s Bride by Colleen Coble
A thrilling romantic mystery set in the lush Victorian age.
Central Operator Katie Russell’s inquisitive ways have just uncovered her parents’ plan for her marriage to wealthy bachelor Bartholomew Foster. Her heart is unmoved, but she knows the match will bring her family status and respectability.
Then Katie overhears a phone conversation that makes her uneasy and asks authorities to investigate. But the caller is nowhere to be found. Mysterious connections arise between the caller and a ship lost at sea.
Against propriety, Katie questions the new lighthouse keeper, Will Jesperson. Then a smallpox epidemic forces their quarantine in his lighthouse. Though of low social status, Will’s bravery and kindness remove Katie’s suspicion and win her love. Katie and Will together work to solve the mystery of the missing girl and the lost ship as God gives the couple the desire of their hearts.
November, 2010
March 4, 2010 at 11:24 pm
As far as faces on covers, I 'prefer' that the person isn't looking directly into the camera, but it doesn't always turn me off – I think it depends on the genre.
I do think some genres seem to have more look-a-like covers than others (think bonnet fiction).
I really like the covers for Love, Charleston and The Lightkeeper's Bride. I think Colleen has gotten such gorgeous covers with this series, don't you think?
One publishing house that really has eye-catching covers is Abingdon. The cover designers just seem to have a knack for looking at things outside the box. ๐
Enough of my opining…can't wait to see what others are thinking. ๐
March 4, 2010 at 11:44 pm
I look at the covers after I've bought the book. It's not what draws me to the book, it's the authors I've become familiar with. Can't wait until all these books are released.
March 4, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Oh my, more beautiful covers! Amazing – all of them in their own way. Thanks so much for sharing! So many books, so little time:)
March 4, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Of these covers, I think Colleen's is the most beautiful. Very striking (and the gal reminds me of Captain Janeway from Star Trek: Voyager). Dekker's cover is the most intriguing. Just from that image I want to know more about the book.
As a rule, I prefer covers with faceless people (you know, when they show their backs, or only part of their body but not the whole face). Quite often, the picture in my mind of the characters doesn't match the cover model. However, having a face on the cover would never stop me from buying the book.
Have to agree with Jenny about the Abingdon covers. (Yes, I'm one of their authors, but I'd feel this way even if I wasn't.) They've come up with some very unique, eye catching pieces of art. Great job!
March 5, 2010 at 1:40 am
Really only like Ted Dekker's cover: so enticing. Fits the premise.
The others might be "attractive", but seem so common these days.
March 5, 2010 at 3:07 am
I love people covers. I think they help me relate to the books quickly, like a great character does. They just seem more alive to me. So many without people seem flat to me. I do agree that it usually does depend on the genre. I actually really like all of these covers. I used to work in a Christian bookstore and I saw that one company in particular sold books simply on having covers that were recognized as being from that publisher. This was Bethany House. They set the standard that is still being followed by many today. I see why as I LOVE what they do with covers.
March 5, 2010 at 1:29 pm
I really like Love,Charleston and The Lightkeeper's Bride covers, they are beautiful and magical. The cover for Ted Dekker's book is creepy to me, not something I am drawn to.
March 5, 2010 at 4:30 pm
I think Merry's comments demonstrate the choice of genres we prefer to read. I'd pick "creepy", thriller (sometimes with a touch of horror depending on the author and only CBA), suspense and the like over any kind of "Bonnet Books" or historical novels, lits, and category romances. Because of that, the covers which clearly show those kinds of novels don't appeal to me even if/when they're well done.
March 5, 2010 at 8:56 pm
I'm definitely drawn by covers in my preferred genre. Since I don't like thrillers, Dekker's cover holds no appeal, whereas Hart's and Coble's covers make me want their books right now!
Another blogger recently compared the original and re-release covers of Parsons' "In the Shadow of the Sun King" and I was shocked at the difference. The new cover, while targeting a group that I would be included in, actually repelled me. Go figure!
Thank you for always being quick to post upcoming releases, Rel.
March 5, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Appreciate and value all your comments ๐
I do agree with Merry and Nicole about readers often liking covers from their preferred genre.
Thanks Aaron for your input from a bookstore perspective ๐
March 9, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Love Charleston & The Lightkeeper's Bride = seriously gorgeous cover!
A Suitor for Jenny = sounds adorable!