It’s my delight to introduce to you Revell’s mid 2014 covers. As always, this is the place to discuss your thoughts honestly, yet respectfully, regarding some upcoming stories and cover art.
Love seeing two new authors in this group ~ Spencer and Rebecca ~ and both their novels sound intriguing. I love discovering new authors, don’t you? I’m excited for me and for them 🙂
Irene is releasing the second in her contemporary romance series and having enjoyed the first I’m looking forward to this one. Lisa and Sandra’s books feature my favourite genre and Sarah’s World War II books always get my vote!
As far as the covers go, nothing stands out in this batch as really unique although I quite like the twist with Kellie’s – it’s a contemporary novel yet the style of cover, with the woman in a stunning dress, is usually reserved for historical novels.
And there’s been a last minute addition ~ Janice’s A Bouquet of Love. Well, I adore the roses, the gorgeous colours, and the dress but what’s with the blue tiles? It looks like she’s in a bathroom to me, or is it only Australian bathrooms that have tiles like that?!?!
So, have at it, my insightful readers ~ let’s hear your thoughts!
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While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad
After graduating from Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery in 1910, Charlotte Gregory is ready to stir things up. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution–the gas stove–and certainly doesn’t mind that the gas company has hired the handsome Lewis Mathis to perform at her lectures. Lewis encourages her work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made–especially by this outspoken young woman.
When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?
Fan favorite Lorna Seilstad is back with a breezy, lighthearted love triangle that will keep readers guessing. Attention to historic detail adorns the timeless story of a young woman looking for true love and making her way in a rapidly changing world.
May, 2014
One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon
Claire Summers is a determined, independent single mother who is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Keith Watson is a results-oriented workaholic with no time for a social life. As the executive assistant to a local philanthropic businessman, he’s used to fielding requests for donations. But when a letter from Claire’s eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk, everything changes. The girl isn’t asking for money, but for help finding the long-lost son of an elderly neighbor.
As Keith digs reluctantly into this complicated assignment, he has no idea how intertwined his life and Claire’s will become–nor how one little girl’s kindhearted request will touch so many lives and reap so many blessings.
Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, Irene Hannon offers readers this tenderhearted story of family connections that demonstrates how life is like lilacs–the biggest blooms often come only after the harshest winters.
May, 2014
One More Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong
Sarah Cooley has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason–because it doesn’t change. After an engagement gone bad with a man who wanted to change everything about her, Sarah is more than ready for the town whose motto may as well be, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. As the new owner of the Dip ‘n’ Dine, he’s shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his restaurant.
As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance–just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect.
With the same evocative writing and fascinating characters that won fans for her debut novel, Cathleen Armstrong invites readers back to Last Chance for a soul-searching, romantic story of two people navigating the twists and turns of small-town life.
May, 2014
Network of Deception by Spencer E. Moses
Eric Stone left the CIA to start his own spy agency, one that wouldn’t find itself at the mercy of political gridlock. Simone Koole joined Mossad to serve the Israeli people through her own relentless commitment to her faith. When these two passionate patriots are thrust together into a life or death struggle against a common enemy, the sparks and bullets begin to fly. On the surface, they’re engaged in a high-stakes effort to prevent an unacceptable shift of power in the Middle East. But not far beneath, another battle rages. Can they faithfully serve their countries and their God? And will the harsh realities of duty squelch the attraction they’re beginning to feel?
Fast-paced storytelling whisks readers along a globe-trotting glimpse into the hidden dimensions of international espionage in this timely and topical novel.
May, 2014
Fatal Exchange by Lisa Harris
Emily Hunt might come from a family of cops, but she never goes looking for an adrenaline rush. She lives the quiet–well, relatively quiet–life of a teacher and thrives on making a difference in the lives of her students. But she’ll have to draw on a well of strength and savvy she didn’t know she had as student Rafael Cerda takes her class hostage for ransom money to save his brother’s life.
Undercover cop Mason Taylor has been working with Rafael to find his brother and bring the cartel thugs who hold him to justice. Can he talk Rafael down from his impulsive actions? And is there something more sinister at work here than he realizes?
Fatal Exchange draws readers into a complex matrix of intertwining lives and unraveling secrets, where every answer creates more questions. Romantic suspense fans will hardly want to come up for air.
May, 2014
A Woman of Fortune by Kellie Coates Gilbert
Texas socialite Claire Massey is living the dream. Her world is filled with designer clothes, luxury cars, and stunning homes. But her Neiman-Marcus lifestyle comes crashing down when her charming cattle broker husband is arrested for fraud. Suddenly, she finds herself facing attorneys, a media frenzy, and a trail of broken hearts. Betrayed and humiliated, Claire must start over against incredible odds to save her family–and discover a life worth living.
Poignant and emotionally gripping, A Woman of Fortune reveals the many ways we deceive ourselves and how resilience of the heart is essential to authentic living. Drawing on her experiences as a legal investigator, author Kellie Coates Gilbert delivers emotionally gripping plots and authentic characters. Readers will love Claire’s unbending determination as she strives to keep her family from falling apart and learns to embrace the kind of fortune that lasts.
June, 2014
A Place in His Heart by Rebecca DeMarino
Anglican Mary Langton longs to marry for love. Puritan Barnabas Horton is still in love with his deceased wife and needs only a mother for his two young sons. And yet these two very different people with very different expectations will take a leap of faith, wed, and then embark on a life-changing journey across the ocean to the Colonies. Along the way, each must learn to live in harmony, to wait on God, and to recognize true love where they least expect to find it.
This heartfelt tale of love and devotion is based on debut author Rebecca DeMarino’s own ancestors, who came to Long Island in the mid-1600s to establish a life–and a legacy–in the New World.
June, 2014
Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard
Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money, and she can’t believe that it came from her sweet neighbor. Or that it lands her in the middle of another one of Detective Tom Parker’s investigations.
Determined to prove her neighbor’s innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue that is far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation–and strikes too close to home for comfort. As family secrets come to light, her world–and her budding romance with Tom–begin to crumble. To Kate, it’s clear that she won’t be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster’s secrets. But is it too late for her and Tom?
June, 2014
The Revealing by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Naomi King, soft spoken, loyal, and easily overlooked, has a gift. She sees what others can’t see. Intuition, she calls it. Others in Stoney Ridge don’t know what to make of it and dismiss her hunches and inklings altogether.
When a young woman arrives at the Inn at Eagle Hill with a shocking secret about Tobe Schrock, Naomi fears the worst. She can’t ignore the feeling that something sinister is at work– something more than a threat to the tenuous love begun between her and Tobe.
As signs mount, they begin to point to Jake Hertzler, the elusive mastermind behind Schrock Investments’ downfall. Soon, events spiral hopelessly out of control and Naomi must decide whether to listen to her head or her heart.
In this riveting conclusion to The Inn at Eagle Hill series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher pulls out all the stops with a fast-paced tale of deception, revelation, and just the right dose of romance.
July, 2014
Love Comes Home by Ann H. Gabhart
World War II is finally over and the people of Rosey Corner are busy welcoming the boys home. The Merritt sisters in particular are looking toward the future. Kate is eager to start a family and live out her dream of happily ever after with Jay. Evangeline wants a beautiful house and encourages Mike to pastor a big-town church. Victoria wants what can never be–a life with a man who will never come back. And little Lorena is growing up and wondering more and more about her birth family.
Through the heartfelt storytelling of bestselling author Ann Gabhart, readers join these endearing characters as they walk an uncertain road. Each sister must learn to hold her plans with a loose hand, trusting that God will guide and strengthen them as they share the joys and sorrows of life in their little corner of the world.
July, 2014
Death Takes a Ride by Lorena McCourtney
Cate Kinkaid arrives at H&B Classic Auto Restorations to give a friend a ride. But, as usual, trouble finds Kate even there–this time in the form of one dead man, one wounded man, and what appears to be a pretty obvious case of self-defense. Owner Matt Halliday wants to hire her, but not for this case. Instead, Cate is charged with finding a man who owns a particular motorcycle Matt would like to buy. As her search progresses, she begins to suspect that the shooting in Matt’s office may not have been as cut-and-dried as it appeared.
Bestselling and award-winning author Lorena McCourtney takes readers on another wild ride of mystery in this clever cozy mystery, part of her popular series The Cate Kinkaid Files.
July, 2014
In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin
Bold, sophisticated, and flirtatious, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.
Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer to where they don’t want to go. Can they confront the fears and misunderstandings in their pasts?
Sarah Sundin seamlessly weaves together emotion, action, and sweet romance into a tale that transcends time and calls us to believe in the power of love.
August, 2014
Bouquet of Love by Janice Thompson
Cassia Pappas has found herself in a nearly impossible situation. She wants to spend her time immersed in her new job at a Galveston Island floral shop, arranging blooms and brightening occasions with her lovely creations. But her huge Greek family–especially her father–has other ideas. They’ve all relocated to Galveston to open up a new family restaurant location on the Strand– directly across the street from the Rossis’ popular pizza place–and they want Cassia’s full participation.
To make matters worse, as Cassia is trying to develop a strong professional relationship with Galveston’s premier wedding coordinator, Bella Neeley, her own father is intent on stealing all of the Rossi family’s faithful customers. Not exactly the best way to get into Bella’s good graces!
Still, at least Alex, that hot delivery guy from the nursery, is always hanging around the flower shop . . .
Fan favorite Janice Thompson gives readers one more romp with Bella, Galveston, and the bustling wedding biz in the final installment of her popular series. Anyone who loves quirky families, loads of laughter, and tender romance will find themselves hooked.
August, 2014
October 25, 2013 at 6:59 am
Lovely covers all, but I’m most intrigued by the A Woman of Fortune cover, and the blurb sounds interesting as well. One Perfect Spring is also different. I tend to go for different cover art. Thanks for sharing!
October 31, 2013 at 11:45 pm
I’m with you on loving different cover art, Heather 🙂
October 25, 2013 at 7:05 am
Have loved every one of Sarah Sundin’s covers and this one is no exception. Cannot wait to read the final book in this series! The cover and plot that stand out a mile to me is for the A Place In His Heart. Absolutely stunning cover art! The synopsis is right up my alley too. Definitely going to be reading that one.
October 31, 2013 at 11:44 pm
Sylvia M. » Yay!
October 25, 2013 at 7:09 am
Oh. My! Aren’t these early 2014 releases pretty!? Love it.
Lorna’s is “light & airy” and despite it being “safe,” I like how well it pairs with the first novel in this series. Cathleen’s is also complimentary of the first ‘Last Chance’ novel (plus I am curious to see what book 2 is like). Lisa’s is (again!) nice against “Dangerous Passage” and of course, being a HUGE fan of that novel, I’m eager to read ‘Exchange.’
Then… WOW! You are so right! Kellie’s is lovely. That “twist” makes this contemporary stand out – and the story sounds compelling also! 🙂
Love these – as always, Rel. Been anxious for one of these on Relz Reviewz.
October 31, 2013 at 11:44 pm
Rissi » Love your encouragement, Rissi – always enjoy your ‘Cover Candy’ posts, too!
October 25, 2013 at 7:41 am
Favorite covers: While Love Stirs, A Woman of Fortune, and In Perfect Time. The first is so delicate with gorgeous colors and a sweet expression. 🙂 I agree with you about the second – love the dress and “feel” of the cover, with the movement and the perspective. And the third has a great color scheme!
Stories I’m most interested in: While Love Stires (sounds so fun!), A Woman of Fortune, and The Revealing (although that isn’t my favorite cover of the series…).
~Amber
October 31, 2013 at 11:43 pm
Amber S. » Good thoughts, Amber!
October 25, 2013 at 9:09 am
Hey Rel,
Love these posts as always. My favorite is Rebecca DeMarino’s. I love the sepia tone in the background and the fade-in of the ships at the bottom. The only thing I don’t really like about this cover is very minor. The man and woman looking in different directions is a bit strange to me. I’m not sure why exactly. I think it might be because she is looking so directly at “the reader” that it stands out. Still love it, though, and I will definitely have this one in my TBR pile as I love the time period. Next for me is Kellie Gilbert’s. While not my favorite genre, the cover is very striking with the colors, the dress, and her hair. Then I like Lorna Seilstad”s. As with the first in the series, I love the hat! I like Sarah’s as I have the others in the series. The lady’s hair color makes this one stand out as different. Lisa Harris’s cover gets my attention with the clothes of the people. Her trench coat and his dark jacket add to the overall suspense feel of the cover. I love the autumn look of Cathleen Armstrong’s cover, too. Irene Hannon’s is ok, but where just the feet over the water on the first one definitely said summer, this one is more nondescript instead of saying spring. Sandra Orchard’s is great for the genre but seems a bit too much like the first to me, as do Lorena McCourtney’s and Suzanne Fisher’s. Spencer’s is nice, too, but I think it is a bit too muted. Thanks so much for sharing these, Rel. I love the discussion as always!
October 25, 2013 at 10:34 am
Funny what you get in your own head at times. I looked back at Irene Hannon’s “Summer” cover and there are no feet. The lady is kneeling beside water. I still like the first cover better.
October 31, 2013 at 11:43 pm
Aaron McCarver » I knew you would love Rebecca’s, Aaron!
October 25, 2013 at 11:14 am
This post got me squealing quite a bit! I was already excited for One Perfect Spring, Fatal Exchange, and In Perfect Time but after reading the blurbs and seeing the covers I’m a thousand times more excited! Also A Place in His Heart looks and sounds so good! Thank you so much for sharing-I love these posts!
October 31, 2013 at 11:42 pm
Abbi Hart » I love putting them together, Abbi!
October 25, 2013 at 12:09 pm
I love love love Kellie’s cover!!!
And boy-howdy, Spencer’s book and description sound AWESOME! One of my favorite genres, so I can’t wait to get this one (and one of my twins has the Spencer name, so it’s gotta be a good book, right?!?!?)!
October 31, 2013 at 11:42 pm
Ronie » I hope so…can’t wait!
October 25, 2013 at 1:49 pm
Oh, I just saw Janice’s cover. I like it fine. All the covers from this series are pretty good except for The Icing On the Cake. There is no cake on the cover at all. The large print version of that book looks nicer.
October 25, 2013 at 1:52 pm
They are all beautiful, but you’re right, Rel. The twist with Kellie Gilbert’s cover is FANTASTIC. Thanks for posting!
October 31, 2013 at 11:41 pm
Elizabeth Ludwig » Welcome – thanks for sharing!
October 25, 2013 at 2:08 pm
They are all pretty awesome! I love Kellie’s the most!
October 31, 2013 at 11:41 pm
Andi » Kellie’s is certainly a favourite!
October 25, 2013 at 2:22 pm
Oooo … Spencer’s debut looks a beauty.
October 31, 2013 at 11:41 pm
Ian » Doesn’t it?!
October 25, 2013 at 2:27 pm
Janice’s is interesting. Not a huge fan of the orange and bright blue either. It doesn’t so much remind me of bathroom tiles as it does what we might put behind our stoves in some American homes.
Kellie’s is absolutely gorgeous, but does look like a historical novel for sure. Sarah’s is very keeping with her brand and I like it. Can’t wait to get to that story, they just keep getting better!
I vaguely recognize Rebecca’s name and the cover is gorgeous. Will have to keep an eye out for that one. Lorna’s is beautiful! My favorite of hers yet, I think! Thanks so much for sharing, Rel!
October 31, 2013 at 11:40 pm
Casey » Thank you for giving us your thoughts, Casey xo
October 25, 2013 at 3:07 pm
I can’t wait to read Rebecca DeMarino’s debut novel! The cover is stunning–the green dress, the heroine’s bold stare, the hero… Sigh. And I love Sarah Sundin’s cover, also. The orange banner, the ringlet curls–it’s exactly how I picture Kay.
Sandra Orchard’s cover is mesmerizing!
I always love Revell’s covers. Their art department is amazing.
October 31, 2013 at 11:40 pm
Karen Barnett » It looks intriguing, doesn’t it, Karen. Nothing like discovering a new author with a book that takes your fancy, right?!
October 25, 2013 at 3:24 pm
Revell has some great books coming out. I really like Lorna’s cover. It’s a lovely shade of purple, which I’m partial to, and the model has such an intriguing smile. Kellie’s cover really pops. The first time I saw it on FB, I had to stop and read the blurb because it looked like a historical at first glance, to which I gravitate, but upon closer inspection had a contemporary feel. As you said, Rel, that’s an interesting departure from the norm. Sarah’s cover fits well with her latest series. I’m so eager to read Kay’s story. It’s sure to be excellent; Sarah’s a masterful storyteller.
October 31, 2013 at 11:39 pm
Keli Gwyn » Appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts, Keli – thanks!
October 26, 2013 at 12:47 am
Awesome covers from so many authors I know and love!
October 31, 2013 at 11:38 pm
Beth Goddard » 🙂
October 26, 2013 at 2:36 am
Great covers…I always love Sandra Orchard’s covers and this one is no exception. Love The Revealing and One More Last Chance. And the blurb on Irene Hannon’s One Perfect Spring drew me in.
October 31, 2013 at 11:38 pm
Patricia Bradley » Love hearing your thoughts, Patricia
October 26, 2013 at 7:22 am
These covers draw me in before I even read the descriptions. I want all of them, lol. You’ve shown me some of the 2014 offerings that I haven’t heard of yet. I write reviews for The Christian Manifesto so I’ll have to take notes from here and add to my list.
October 31, 2013 at 11:37 pm
Susan F » Thanks for dropping by, Susan ~ there’s always such a great crop of new books releasing.
November 5, 2013 at 1:26 pm
Irene and Janice’s are my two favorite from this batch as far as covers go.
However, several of the books look good!
I’m so behind on my reading….and these cover reveals are just adding to the pile!
November 26, 2013 at 1:09 pm
Irene is probably my favorite. But as for authors I most want to read here: Sarah Sundin and Lorna Seilstad.
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