I’m afraid I’ve woken up on the wrong side of the cover art bed! I adore Bethany House as a publisher of integrity and wonderful stories, and a fantastic art department. Those values are continued with these covers and I know readers who love traditional covers, and ones that have a definite Christian Fiction imprint, will find lots to love in this batch. Unfortunately, it’s all more of the same again. Sigh. I love uniqueness, I love covers that are unusual and not run of the mill. Most of these covers, while beautifully rendered, don’t grab my interest.
The couple that I love are Ronie Kendig’s and Connilyn Cossette’s – if you are going to use a cover model then have them reflect the story and have a presence about them. These two covers do that, and then some!
I’m pleased that Tracie’s is somewhat different to her previous covers – without the big title decoration that divides the cover, like Lauraine’s – and the perspective and colours are beautiful. Susan and Roseanna’s models are lovely and certainly catch the eye.
Nancy’s is too similar to Lisa Harris’ new series’ covers and Lynn’s and Lauraine’s are the same as we have seen many times over. Regina’s is disappointing, and for me, looks too similar to Karen Witemeyer’s new cover. Sigh…
The talent of Bethany’s designers and the quality of the covers they produce are top notch, but I’m just not in the market for the current trends for Christian fiction covers that seem to have been current for decades!!
Story wise, I can’t wait to delve into the pages of Ronie’s (well, I already have and it is brilliant!), Connilyn’s, Julie’s, and Patrick’s especially. One thing that is guaranteed from Bethany is a terrific tale.
I’m sure there are plenty of you who love most of these, so do share your thoughts, please. Mine is only one opinion and I’m obviously not the target audience for a lot of these covers!
A Love Transformed by Tracie Peterson
The Riveting Final Story in the Sapphire Brides Series
When Clara Vesper’s husband, Adolph, dies suddenly, Clara is stunned–but not grief-stricken. Her marriage to Adolph had been arranged, their primary interaction revolving around the sapphire jewelry Clara designed and Adolph produced and sold. Widowed and penniless, with two small children, Clara decides to return to her aunt and uncle’s ranch in Montana, the only place she has ever been happy.
Curtis Billingham, injured in a sapphire mine collapse, is recuperating at the ranch of his friends, Paul and Madeline Sersland. But when the Serslands’ niece returns from New York City, Curtis curses both his broken body and his broken past. Clara, the love of his life, has come back to him, but he is no longer worthy of her love.
Clara’s brother-in-law Otto Vesper, Adolph’s business partner, fears that the loss of Clara’s design skills will doom the company’s prospects. Following her to Montana, Otto is prepared to do whatever it takes to get Clara to return with him to New York.
As Clara fights for love and freedom, a dangerous secret in her late husband’s life comes to light, threatening everyone she loves.
September, 2016
A Compelling Story of Friendship from the Top Author in Amish Fiction
Leona Speicher got the “sister” she’d always dreamed of the day Gloria Gingerich and her family moved to Lancaster County Amish farmland. The Arkansas newcomers seem to be everything a devout Plain family should be, and Leona can’t help comparing Gloria’s engaging young parents to her own.
Leona’s cousin shows a romantic interest in Gloria around the same time as Gloria’s older brother expresses his fondness for Leona–it seems likely the two young women will marry into each other’s families, remaining close friends for life. Thus, Leona is shocked when the Gingeriches suddenly pack up and disappear after being expelled from the church for reasons no one will discuss. Despite Leona’s pleas, Gloria goes with them, leaving more than one broken heart behind.
When Gloria unexpectedly contacts Leona after a silence of several years, Leona makes up her mind to persuade her friend to return to Lancaster County and the Amish ways. Leona’s new beau, the deacon’s son, is alarmed when Leona decides to go after Gloria. Will Leona’s dearest wish lead to her own undoing?
September, 2016
The Domino Effect by Davis Bunn
A Financial Thriller That Will Keep Readers on the Edge of Their Seats
Esther Harding, a leading risk analyst at one of the country’s largest banking institutions, is becoming more and more convinced that she has uncovered a ticking bomb with the potential to overshadow 2008’s market crash. And as her own employer pursues “investment” strategies with ever-increasing levels of risk, she becomes convinced she must do something. Yet what can one person really do?
The markets are edging closer to a tipping point–like the teetering first domino in a standing row that circles the globe. And when Esther does sound the alarm, she wonders if anyone will take her seriously. But as public support grows for her ideas, so does the desperation of those whose conspiracy of greed she seeks to expose. With global markets on the brink, and her own life in danger, Esther is locked in a race with the clock to avert a worldwide financial meltdown.
This fast-paced suspense novel will make you wonder where the fiction ends and reality begins. . . .
September, 2016
A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White
White Is Quickly Becoming the Top Name in Edwardian Romance
Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile–even if it’s just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won’t wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.
Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he’s determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won’t budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her–and his daughter–from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?
September, 2016
Love’s Faithful Promise by Susan Anne Mason
A Stirring Story of Love and Faith and America’s Great Promise
When her mother suffers a stroke, medical student Deirdre O’Leary makes the difficult choice to put her career on hold to care for her. Dr. Matthew Clayborne is renowned for his amazing results with patients, but when Deirdre approaches him about helping her mother, she finds him challenging and surly. Deirdre has had enough of complicated men in her life. After her fiancé left her, she vowed never to give a man that kind of power again.
Widower Dr. Matthew Clayborne is devoted to two things: his work with wounded soldiers and his four-year-old daughter, Phoebe. He won’t abandon either of these priorities to care for one older woman. However, when Phoebe suffers a health scare, they’re offered respite at the Irish Meadows farm, where his daughter’s weakened lungs can recover–but only if he cares for Mrs. O’Leary.
Matthew intends to hate Irish Meadows, yet he immediately feels at home, and soon both Mrs. O’Leary and Phoebe are showing improvement. But since he has no intention of leaving his life up north forever, and Deirdre has sworn off marriage in favor of her career, how will they deal with the undeniable attraction between them?
September, 2016
The Cottage by Michael Phillips
Michael Phillips Continues His Sweeping Shetland Islands Saga
When Loni Ford is informed that she has inherited property in the Shetland Islands, she laughs. She wants nothing more than to sell it and be done with it. But when she arrives in the North Sea enclave, she is stunned to find that “the Cottage” is not at all what she expected, nor is David Tulloch, the man most of the islanders believe to be the rightful heir.
The locals could hardly be more surprised that the heir is a woman–and an American. Loni, in turn, finds the islanders quaint and a bit behind the times. Expecting David to be as provincial as the rest of his clan, she discovers that there is far more to the man than meets the eye. And there is something about the peaceful atmosphere of the place–and the character of its most prominent citizen–that soon gets under her skin.
Beneath the peaceful surface, however, change is threatening the island of Whale’s Reef. David’s cousin Hardy Tulloch, whose claim to the inheritance now in Loni’s hands was backed by oil investors, has not been deterred in his aim to control the island. But his co-conspirators have plans of their own, plans that put Loni’s very life in danger.
October, 2016
Austin Returns with a Multi-Generational Historical Novel
Geesje de Jonge crossed the ocean at age seventeen with her parents and a small group of immigrants from the Netherlands to settle in the Michigan wilderness. Fifty years later, in 1897, she’s asked to write a memoir of her early experiences as the town celebrates its anniversary. Reluctant at first, she soon uncovers memories and emotions hidden all these years, including the story of her one true love.
At the nearby Hotel Ottawa Resort on the shore of Lake Michigan, twenty-three-year-old Anna Nicholson is trying to ease the pain of a broken engagement to a wealthy Chicago banker. But her time of introspection is disturbed after a violent storm aboard a steamship stirs up memories of a childhood nightmare. As more memories and dreams surface, Anna begins to question who she is and whether she wants to return to her wealthy life in Chicago. When she befriends a young seminary student who is working at the hotel for the summer, she finds herself asking him all the questions that have been troubling her.
Neither Geesje nor Anna, who are different in every possible way, can foresee the life-altering surprises awaiting them before the summer ends.
October, 2016
From This Day Forward by Lauraine Snelling
Revisit Old Friends in Blessing in This Heartwarming Series Conclusion
Deborah MacCallister, head nurse at the Blessing hospital, has loved Toby Valders since her school days, but she’s had enough of their on-again, off-again relationship. Toby truly cares for Deborah, but he’s never felt like he could commit to marriage or a family.
When Anton Genddarm, the new schoolteacher, comes to town, the young women of Blessing seea chance to force Toby’s hand with a little strategic matchmaking. But real sparks fly between Deborah and Anton, and she finds herself in an even more complicated situation. The attention she gets from Anton makes Toby do some serious soul-searching, but is it too late?
Then Deborah receives an invitation to study the latest advances in nursing at a hospital in Chicago, and she faces a hard choice. To leave or stay? Should she give up on the dream of Toby and accept the interest of Anton?
October, 2016
Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette
In the Depth of the Storm’s Shadow, Only Truth Can Light Her Way
Having escaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mt. Sinai, upon which rests the fiery glowing Cloud containing the shekinah glory of God. When the people disobey Yahweh and build a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to learn the arts of midwifery. Although her mother wishes for her to continue in the family weaving trade, Shira’s gifts shine brightest when she assists with deliveries. In defiance of her mother, Shira pursues her heart’s calling to become an apprentice midwife.
When a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself bound to a man who betrayed her, the caretaker of three young children, and the target of a vengeful woman whose husband was killed by Shira’s people, the Levites. As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira will come face-to-face with the heartbreak of her past that she has kept hidden for so long. How can she let go of all that has defined her to accept the love she’s denied herself and embrace who she truly is?
October, 2016
Mehl Ramps Up the Suspense in This Brand-New U.S. Marshals Series
Mercy Brennan followed in her father’s footsteps in a law enforcement career, but she has no interest in any other connection to him. A U.S. Marshal in St. Louis, Missouri, she’s assigned to a joint task force with the St. Louis PD that puts her back into contact with her father and in the sights of St. Louis’s most powerful gang.
When the gang has reason to believe Mercy has possession of some highly sensitive and incriminating information, her boss assigns Mark St. Laurent–a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Mercy’s ex-boyfriend–to get her out of town until they can guarantee her safety.
Initially unaware of the danger she’s in and uncomfortable working with Mark, Mercy’s frustration escalates when she discovers the extent her boss and Mark have been keeping her in the dark. It isn’t until a freak ice storm hits, stranding them at a remote location and out of contact with the district office, that the full severity of their situation becomes clear. As the storm worsens, the forces of nature combine with a deadly enemy closing in to put their lives at imminent risk. Can they survive long enough for help to arrive–if help is even coming at all?
November, 2016
The Shattered Vigil by Patrick W. Carr
Award-Winner Carr Delivers Latest in Fantasy Saga
Victory over the dark forces during the feast of Bas-solas should have guaranteed safety for the continent. Instead, Willet and the rest of the Vigil discover they’ve been outsmarted by those seeking to unleash the evil that inhabits the Darkwater. Jorgen, the member of the Vigil assigned to Frayel, has gone missing, and new attacks have struck at the six kingdoms’ ability to defend themselves.
Just when the Vigil thought they had quenched the menace from their enemy in Collum, a new threat emerges: assassins hunting the Vigil, men and women who cannot be seen until it’s too late. The orders of the church and the rulers of the kingdoms, fearing the loss of the Vigil’s members altogether, have decided to take them into protective custody to safeguard their gift. On Pellin’s orders, the Vigil scatters, leaving Willet to be taken prisoner by the church in Bunard.
In the midst of this, Willet learns of the murder of an obscure nobleman’s daughter by one of the unseen assassins. Now he must escape his imprisonment and brave the wrath of the church to find the killer in order to turn back this latest threat to the northern continent.
November, 2016
The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen
First Series from Bestselling Author Julie Klassen!
On a rise overlooking the Wiltshire countryside stands the village of Ivy Hill. Its coaching inn, The Bell, is its lifeblood–along with the coach lines that stop there daily, bringing news, mail, travelers, and much-needed trade.
Jane Bell lives on the edge of the inn property. She had been a genteel lady until she married the charming innkeeper who promised she would never have to work in his family’s inn. But when he dies under mysterious circumstances, Jane finds herself The Bell’s owner, and worse, she has three months to pay a large loan or lose the place.
Feeling reluctant and ill-equipped, Jane is tempted to abandon her husband’s legacy and return to her former life of ease. However, she soon realizes there is more at stake than her comfort. But who can she trust to help her? Her resentful mother-in-law? Her husband’s brother, who wanted the inn for himself? Or the handsome newcomer with secret plans of his own?
With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane struggles to win over naysayers and turn the place around. Can Jane bring new life to the inn, and to her heart as well?
December, 2016
For the Record by Regina Jennings
Jennings Offers Another Delightful Blend of History and Romance
Betsy Huckabee might be a small-town girl, but she has big-city dreams. Writing for her uncle’s newspaper will never lead to independence, and the bigger newspapers don’t seem interested in the Hart County news. Trying a new approach, Betsy pens a romanticized serial for the ladies’ pages, and the new deputy provides the perfect inspiration for her submissions. She’d be horrified if he read her breathless descriptions of him, but these articles are for a newspaper far away. No one in Pine Gap will ever know.
Deputy Joel Puckett didn’t want to leave Texas, but this job in tiny Pine Gap is his only shot at keeping his badge. With masked marauders riding every night, his skills and patience are tested, but even more challenging is the sassy journalist lady chasing him.
December, 2016
Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig
Kendig Ratchets Up the Action in Her New Suspense Series!
Four years after a tragic mission decimated his career and his team, Cole “Tox” Russell is persona non grata to the United States. And that’s fine–he just wants to be left alone. But when a dormant, centuries-old disease is unleashed, Tox is lured back into action.
Partnered with FBI agent Kasey Cortes, Tox has to pull together a team to begin a globe-spanning search for answers–and a cure. As their quest leads them from continent to continent, it slowly becomes clear they’re not just fighting a plague–but battling against an ancient secret society whose true goals remain hidden.
With time running out and opposition growing on every side, the key to everything may rest in an antique codex,the Crown of Jerusalem–but will Tox and his team be able to trust each other enough to break this century-spanning conspiracy of silence?
December, 2016
King’s Blood by Jill Williamson
Jill Williamson’s Fantasy Saga Continues!
In the second volume of Jill Williamson’s Kinsman Chronicles, a remnant has escaped the destruction of the Five Realms and now lives on several hundred ships adrift at sea. As a flock, they sail north into the unknown in hopes of finding land that might become their new home.
As the king’s illness worsens, Sâr Wilek takes authority over the expedition and struggles to rule the disjointed people, while assassination attempts, vicious serpents, and dark magic endanger his life.
One prophecy has come to pass, but another looms dauntingly in the future. Who is this Deliverer? And if the Magonians have him, what might that mean for the realm of Armania?
December, 2016
February 26, 2016 at 11:14 am
Hey Rel,
My favorites of this set all have some similarities, even though each represents a different genre. I love Julie Klassen’s historical cover, Michael Phillips’ contemporary cover, and Patrick Carr’s fantasy cover. I love that they show people yet they still highlight the backdrops in each one. I like all of the fonts for these too, except for the title font of Phillips’. It is too small and too unclear at first glance. I also love the ivy “framing” Julie’s cover. Another set of three make up my next choices, Tracie’s, Susan Anne Mason’s, and Roseanna White’s. Of the three in this series of Tracie’s, I like this one the best. I think the brown frame blends well with the colors of the picture, unlike the other two. I also like the red with the gray in Susan Anne Mason’s cover and the blurred candlelight in the background of Roseanna White’s cover. I do love Connilyn Cossette’s cover. The bottom picture is much better than that on the first cover. I like Lauraine’s cover, but I still say the bottom picture on each of the series would have served better as the lone picture of the cover, including this one. I do really like Bev Lewis’s cover. The different shades of the dresses work well with the backdrop. I also like the juxtaposition of the two women to each other on the cover. I really like two of the suspense covers here. Ronie Kendig’s is great and should appeal to both men and women. I agree, Rel, that Nancy Mehl’s is a bit familiar, but I love the frost effect on the side along with the “frosty” colors. I am not sure about the yellow though. That also seems to be a trend now. I am not a fan of Davis Bunn’s cover. It is too nondescript to me, and the title font does not work at all in my opinion. I am also not a fan of Jill Williamson’s cover. It is extremely similar to the first in the series, and actually to Ronie Kendig’s fantasy covers from Enclave. As I mentioned about those, I am sure these books are fantastic, but the covers do not grab me. And now the inevitable decapitations… (Sigh.) As a concept, I prefer Lynn Austin’s of the two, but I am not a fan of either. As I have said many times, it only works for me when something is else is being highlighted. At least in Lynn’s the diary is being shown, even though I still think it would look better with the full face. And Regina Jennings’ definitely needs the full face here. The quirk of the mouth brings some interest and points the book as being of the type of humorous historical that Regina Jennings pens, but I think the eyes would have added so much more to this expression. Again, I am certain of the quality of the stories as you mentioned, but I just wish the decapitations would be cut out, so to speak.
By the way, Rel, you may have already heard, but Gilbert Morris passed away last week. I just wanted to pay a little tribute to the gentleman who got me, and many others, started in CF publishing. He definitely earned the title that many gave him, the Grandfather of Christian Historical Fiction. Prayers to his family in the days to come.
Thanks again, Rel.
February 26, 2016 at 11:51 am
Thanks Aaron for mentioning the passing of Gilbert Morris – I’m sure you particularly feel his loss having written alongside him. He truly was a pioneer in the industry and his contribution will always be felt.
Of course, cover wise, as soon as I saw Regina’s I thought of what you would say!! So I take it you don’t mind the sameness of the historical romance covers. I know there are a lot of readers who want to recognise from the cover alone who wrote the book and what the contents will be.
As you know, I’d rather be surprised a little more!
Thanks for sharing, Aaron
February 26, 2016 at 12:18 pm
When it comes to traditional covers versus new, I would say I like a little of both. I do like a new twist on a classic. That is what drew me to Julie’s. The lady is there but in the village setting. As you know, I am very much a genre reader, with historical number one, and I like the cover telling me the genre. So I don’t mind some of the familiar. It is like finding a trusted friend in a sea of newcomers. But I do like those friends dressed up a bit. That is what I like about covers like this one by Susan Anne Mason. The red and gray highlight a different type of dress and era than what is typical, hence familiar yet slightly different. What can I say? I have always leaned toward being a traditionalist in most areas. I think it goes along with teaching English somehow. 🙂
February 26, 2016 at 11:31 am
I agree with you. I like that Cossette’s cover is plain and lighter at the top to balance the scene at the bottom. I’m definitely not a fan of the exaggerated expressions like on Jennings’ book. I’m drawn to the cover of The Cottage, it looks like a setting I’d love to read about.
February 26, 2016 at 12:55 pm
I like beautiful background scenery in my covers, too, Heidi. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂
February 26, 2016 at 5:58 pm
Funny – I like the Regina Jennings cover best of all, and think Julie Klassen’s looks too much like a 90’s throwback. And while I’m looking forward to reading Nancy Mehl’s book, I think the girl on the cover looks almost artificial, and I’m not a fan of the block italics.
February 26, 2016 at 3:39 pm
Ooo, there are some sweet ones in this batch. I have to confess I do like Sarah’s (maybe more because of the time frame it looks like the story is set in) and Regina’s is cute (and kind of “sassy”). Nancy’s is more eye-catching than her last series, but I see what you mean about the similarities.
Ronie’s is far and above EPIC. Bethany House did a fantastic job with it. 🙂
Thanks SO much (as always) for sharing these, Rel.
February 26, 2016 at 3:41 pm
Ps; forgot to mention one of my MOST favorites. Connilyn Cossette’s is absolutely breathtaking. What a stunner.
March 1, 2016 at 8:46 pm
Always love it when you drop by, Rissi! Thanks for sharing xo
February 26, 2016 at 6:05 pm
I love Julie’s new cover! It’s charming and looks so inviting. I agree about Regina’s. If I hadn’t seen her name, I would have assumed it was Karen’s newest. The layout of Lynn’s looks a bit like Elizabeth Camden’s recent book… Tacie’s, Susan’s, and Rosanna’s are very similar. Interesting how the trend used to be cutting off the heroine’s head, and now their heads are front and center! 🙂 Yes, the covers leave a bit to be desired, but the content will be stellar! I love Bethany House books. It’s fun to get a sneak peek.
March 1, 2016 at 8:47 pm
You are I are in agreement, Gabrielle 🙂
February 27, 2016 at 1:11 am
My favorite cover is Connilyn Cossette’s. Stunning. I also like Susan Anne Mason’s cover.
As far as story line, I especially look forward to Love’s Faithful Promise, Waves of Mercy and The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill.
March 1, 2016 at 8:47 pm
Good choices, Staci!
February 27, 2016 at 1:44 am
I’m squealing–you know I’ve long loved your fabulous “What’s Coming From…” features, and now–YAY!!–my cover is included. What delight! And you know from all my dithering when they released the cover to me that i’m OVER-THE-MOON excited about this cover. It’s PERFECT for my story and hero. HOOAH!!
One of my favorite covers is Julie Klassen’s because it has this vintage feel to it that is so alluring. And while it is very reminiscent of Lisa Harris’s covers, and even to a degree similar to Lynette’s, I really like Nancy’s cover. Then again, those cool blue tones have always been a favorite of mine for romantic suspense novels. I have mixed feelings about Davis’s cover. It tells about the story, but it feels rather generic for a Bunn cover. It is, however, clearly a suspense/thriller cover, so I’m drawn to it for that reason alone, since that’s my favorite genre.
March 1, 2016 at 8:48 pm
Love that your AMAZING cover (and story!) are once again on the blog, dear Ronie. Always value your insights, too xo
February 27, 2016 at 1:53 am
true story: i saw julie’s and thought it was a lawana blackwell.
honestly, i was too excited bouncing my chair over the new Lynn Austin book to care about any covers.
NEW LYNN AUSTIN BOOK
March 1, 2016 at 8:49 pm
Twins!!! I had exactly the same response to Julie’s thinking it was a vintage Lawana cover 🙂
Knew you’d be gaa gaa over Lynn’s regardless of cover!
February 27, 2016 at 2:46 am
What a line up! Here are my favs to look for: continuation of Susan Anne Mason’s Courage to Dream series; Julie Klassen’s new series ~ just in time for Christmas!; Lynn Austin’s multi-generational; Regina Jennings, always a delight!; and a new one for me, Michael Phillips The Cottage caught my eye ~ sounds like a great premise.
Thank you for this Bethany review coming soon in paperback! YaY! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
March 1, 2016 at 8:49 pm
Great to have you share your thoughts, Kathleen!
February 27, 2016 at 3:17 am
Don’t get me wrong I’m excited to read many of these books but based on these covers, I think Christian fiction has just given up on diversity.
March 1, 2016 at 8:50 pm
It appears so with this batch, Deborah xo
February 27, 2016 at 3:43 am
Love your cover reveals as always. Wonderful!
March 1, 2016 at 8:50 pm
Thanks DeAnna xo
February 27, 2016 at 5:44 am
I totally agree with what Rachel said, I saw Julie’s and thought of Lawana Blackwell. This is one of my favorites of the bunch though and I’m so excited to read it! I like that it’s a little bit of a twist on the normal historical cover. I completely agree with Aaron about the covers that highlight the backdrops and not the cover models.
Connilyn’s is absolutely STUNNING and my favorite of the bunch! The storm immediately draws my eye and sets a great tone for the story. I had the absolute pleasure of reading her first in the series early and it was wonderful. I’m so looking forward to the continuation.
I did notice that Tracie, Susan and Roseanna’s all look very similar but this is a style that has always appealed to me so I’m perfectly happy with that. They’re all gorgeous and I know I’ll get a great story with these authors.
Ronnie’s is spot on and I’m thrilled to get a new series. I love the use of real life heroes and you know you’ll always get a phenomenal story.
Jill’s really stood out to me because of the pretty blue tones. I know it’s very similar to the previous book but that’s okay with me. I really rather favor series with themed or similar covers.
Regina’s is pretty and I like the red but it does really look like a Karen Witemeyer cover.
March 1, 2016 at 8:51 pm
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Liz – so glad you mentioned loving the’familiar’ style covers. There’s no doubt they are very popular with many readers or publishers would do more differently 🙂
February 27, 2016 at 6:18 am
I agree with you, Rel, regarding the sameness of covers year in and year out. After a time there’s nothing about the cover to make me want to pick up the book. Having said that, though, I’m excited to see a new Lynn Austin book even with a same-old cover! Also like Ronie Kendig’s cover. It promises a gripping story.
Love your cover previews. Thank you so much for your hard work. 🙂
March 1, 2016 at 8:52 pm
Thank you, dear Ann – love it when you stop by xo
February 27, 2016 at 7:17 am
You know me – I’m not a fan of models on covers ;), but for my favorites authors, I will definitely be reading them (from this list: Lynn, Julie and Elizabeth!).
So I noticed this with the Prophetess (but not with the Crimson Cord of the same series) and now Shadow of the Storm (which is one model cover I love the concept of!), but I don’t understand why they don’t use models who fit the culture. With recent covers, this has stuck with me more than before. At first glance I wouldn’t think the story is about a Hebrew/Israelite woman of the Old Testament. Just some random thoughts!
I also can’t wait for Patrick’s next one!! I’m really enjoying that series 🙂
I’m beginning to realize that I’m not the target audience either with these covers, but I’m okay with that. I’m glad the stories are amazing to read! Thanks for these post, love discussing them and adding them to my Goodreads TBR list 🙂 🙂
March 1, 2016 at 8:52 pm
Yes, to your last paragraph! And pretty much all your random thoughts, Jamie xo
February 27, 2016 at 11:31 pm
Connilyn Cossette’s cover is my fave by far. I’d grab that one off the shelf in a heartbeat. I also like Susan Mason’s cover, but more as part of her series than on its own. Those three books together, with three unique heroines, are stunning.
Gorgeous covers for sure, but I agree that they have a familiar feeling. Maybe we’re on the cusp of change, like when the decapitation / body part covers came into vogue. That’s either exciting or scary, or both!
Such a fun post, Rel. It’s the next best thing to seeing the books in a store.
March 1, 2016 at 8:53 pm
Love your thoughts, Victoria – thank you! Glad you enjoyed the post xo
February 29, 2016 at 8:25 pm
My name is Terrill and I am biased “Book Cover Lover.” So many of these books are continuations or conclusions, so my bias shifts and I might enjoy a cover just because I’m excited for that particular release. For example, Susan Ann Mason’s, Love’s Faithful Promise is the third book in a series that I adore. It’s a gorgeous cover in its own right, but it doesn’t come close to my favorite book cover of 2015, Irish Meadows. Shadow of the Storm is a beautiful cover, as well. Ronie Kendig’s Tox Files and Quiet Professionals are always favorite covers, because of the story behind her models. I appreciate her effort in staying true to her story and acknowledging and honoring real military personnel.
March 1, 2016 at 8:53 pm
Great insights, Terrill 🙂