The latest cover art from Revell! Revell finishes up 2018 with a Christmas story, Amish and Quaker novels, an historical based on real people, some romantic suspense, a contemporary romance, and a speculative novel, so there really is something for everyone 🙂
Susie May completes her Montana Rescue series with Pete and Jess’ story, one readers of this series have been impatiently waiting for! Pete’s lost his man bun for those paying close attention, so there’s a story there 😉 Exciting to see Lisa return with a standalone romantic suspense (the model looks a little like Nicole Kidman to me), while Irene and Lynn add further instalments in their series. Liz Johnson commences her Georgia Coast series with a cover change. You may have seen a previous cover for this novel, but it was deemed a little too historical in appearance so Revell went in a different direction which makes good sense.
Jane, Suzanne, and Jan’s novels reflect the traditional covers expected for their stories and Ted’s themes with the first in his Beyond the Circle series. Melody’s is cute and will catch the eye of Christmas story lovers.
Nothing stands out to me in this group as artistically unique, but it’s a solid grouping of anticipated designs. Which covers/stories catch your eye?
*****
Everything She Didn’t Say by Jane Kirkpatrick
In 1911, Carrie Strahorn wrote a memoir entitled Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage, which shared some of the most exciting events of 25 years of traveling and shaping the American West with her husband, Robert Strahorn, a railroad promoter, investor, and writer. That is all fact. Everything She Didn’t Say imagines Carrie nearly ten years later as she decides to write down what was really on her mind during those adventurous nomadic years.
Certain that her husband will not read it, and in fact that it will only be found after her death, Carrie is finally willing to explore the lessons she learned along the way, including the danger a woman faces of losing herself within a relationship with a strong-willed man and the courage it takes to accept her own God-given worth apart from him. Carrie discovers that wealth doesn’t insulate a soul from pain and disappointment, family is essential, pioneering is a challenge, and western landscapes are both demanding and nourishing. Most of all, she discovers that home can be found, even in a rootless life.
With a deft hand, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick draws out the emotions of living–the laughter and pain, the love and loss–to give readers a window not only into the past, but into their own conflicted hearts. Based on a true story.
September 4, 2018
A Christmas by the Sea by Melody Carlson
When Wendy Harper inherits her family’s beachside cottage in Seaside, Maine, she sees it as a way to finally pay off the debts that have mounted since her husband died. But before it can be sold, the neglected property must be renovated. She and her 12-year-old son Jackson move in–temporarily, she reminds him–in order to do the work themselves, even though Christmas is coming. The charming town, along with local craftsman Caleb Colton, pulls on both Wendy and Jackson, who even registers himself for school in a bid to get his mom to move them there permanently. Wendy knows that the most responsible thing to do is to sell the cottage and return to Ohio, but the lure of the sea is hard to resist.
Join award-winning author Melody Carlson for a Christmas story that will warm your heart and have you dreaming of your own enchanted seaside holiday.
September 4, 2018
The Sound of Distant Thunder by Jan Drexler
The Amish of Weaver’s Creek #1
Katie Stuckey and Jonas Weaver are both romantics. Seventeen-year-old Katie is starry-eyed, in love with the idea of being in love, and does not want to wait to marry Jonas until she is eighteen, despite her parents’ insistence. So much can happen in a year. Twenty-year-old Jonas is taken in by the romance of soldiering, especially in defense of anti-slavery, even though he knows war is at odds with the teachings of the church. When his married brother’s name comes up in the draft list, he volunteers to take his brother’s place. But can the commitment Katie and Jonas have made to each other survive the separation?
From the talented pen of Jan Drexler comes this brand new Amish series set against the backdrop of the Civil War. She puts her characters to the test as they struggle to reconcile their convictions and desires while the national conflict threatens to undermine and engulf their community.
September 18, 2018
A Secret to Die For by Lisa Harris
Psychologist Grace Callahan has no idea that she has a secret–one worth killing for. But when she finds out one of her clients has been murdered, she quickly realizes that the computer security specialist wasn’t simply suffering from paranoia.
Detective Nate Quinn has just been cleared for active duty after a bombing killed eighteen people, including his partner, and left him dealing with PTSD. His first case back on the job involves the murder of Stephen Shaw, and his only lead turns out to be an old friend, Grace Callahan–and her life is in grave danger. Someone believes Shaw gave his psychologist information before he died. Information they are willing to kill for.
With her signature pulse-pounding suspense, Lisa Harris takes readers deep into the heart of fear in this race against the clock.
September 18, 2018
The Light Before Day by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Nantucket Legacy #3
After three years on a whaling voyage, Henry Macy returns to Nantucket to news that his grandmother has passed, bequeathing her vast fortune to him and his sister, Hitty. And it was truly vast. But Lillian Coffin was no fool. The inheritance comes with a steep cost, including when they should marry and whom–a Quaker in good standing, of course. But if they relinquish the inheritance, it all goes to Tristram Macy, their father’s thieving business partner.
As Hitty and Henry seek a way to satisfy the will’s conditions, they’ll be faced with obstacles on every side–and it may be that Lillian Coffin will have the last word after all.
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher surprises and delights with this story of hope and renewal, love and redemption, arriving just when most needed.
October 2, 2018
Code of Honor #2
As teenagers, Kristin Dane and her two best friends took a vow to make the world a better place. Twenty years later, she’s fulfilling that pledge through her fair trade shop that features products from around the world. All is well until, one by one, people connected to the shop begin dying.
Detective Luke Carter, new to the St. Louis PD, wants to know why. Before he can answer that question, however, the FBI weighs in and Kristin suddenly finds herself in the middle of international intrigue–and in the sights of the ruthless mastermind behind an ingenious and deadly, scheme. Can this cold-blooded killer be stopped before more people die . . . including Kristin?
Three-time RITA Award-winner and “queen of inspirational romantic suspense” (Library Journal) Irene Hannon doesn’t disappoint in this edge-of-your-seat thriller that will have readers up late as they rush toward the explosive conclusion.
October 2, 2018
The Rise of the Mystics by Ted Dekker
Beyond the Circle #2
Some say the great mystery of how one can live in two worlds at once died with Thomas Hunter many years ago. Still others that the gateway to that greater reality was and is only the stuff of dreams. They are all wrong.
Rachelle Matthews, who grew up in the small town of Eden, Utah, discovered just how wrong when she dreamed and awoke in another world. There she learned that she was the 49th Mystic, the prophesied one, tasked with finding five ancient seals before powerful enemies destroy her. If Rachelle succeeds in her quest, peace will reign. If she fails, the world will forever be locked in darkness.
In The 49th Mystic, Rachelle found the first three of those five seals through great peril and mind-altering adventure. But two seals remain hidden and the fate of both worlds hangs in their balance.
As Rachelle Matthews sits deep in a dungeon, Vlad Smith is just getting started. Thomas Hunter’s world is about to be turned inside out. The mystics say that there is no defense against the Fifth Seal–but finding it will cost Rachelle everything.
So begins the final volume of high stakes in one girl’s quest to find an ancient path that will save humanity. The clock is ticking; the end rushes forward.
Ready? Set?
Dream.
October 2, 2018
A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson
Georgia Coast Romance #1
Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan’s great-grandmother was a guest at oil tycoon Howard Dawkins’ palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie’s great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage–and the fortune that might be hers. When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate’s private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . .
Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight as two charming characters get caught up in the adventure of uncovering the past and finding their way to an unexpected future.
October 16, 2018
In Too Deep by Lynn H. Blackburn
Dive Team Investigations #2
When the dive team is called in to recover a body from a submerged car, they aren’t prepared to find an encrypted laptop–or an unsettling connection between investigator Adam Campbell and the dead accountant.
Adam turns to his friend Dr. Sabrina Fleming–a professor at the local university with unparalleled computer security and forensics skills–to recover the files from the laptop. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier the investigation becomes. When evidence uncovers a human trafficking ring and implicates members of Adam’s own family, he and Sabrina will have to risk everything to solve the case.
The truth could set hundreds free–but someone is willing to do whatever it takes to silence anyone who threatens to reveal their secrets. Award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn invites readers back to Carrington, North Carolina, where everything is not as it seems and sinister elements lurk behind the idyllic façade.
November 6, 2018
Wait for Me by Susan May Warren
Montana Rescue #6
Pete Brooks can’t believe he’s waited an entire year for Jess Tagg to return to Montana, only to have her break his heart by getting engaged to her ex-fiancé. Worse, a series of mistakes on the job have cost lives, and Pete isn’t sure he wants to continue to work in Search and Rescue. Maybe if he can just get over Jess, he can figure out how to move forward.
EMT Jess Tagg has returned to Montana to finally give her heart to Pete, but it seems he’s no longer interested. When a terrible fight between them sparks an impulsive decision, she finds herself crashed on the side of a highway along with Esme Shaw. And just when she thinks things couldn’t get any worse, she and Esme are taken captive and into the untamed Montana wilderness–with murderous intent.
Now Pete and the other PEAK Rescue Team members are in a race against time, the elements, and the actions of a vengeful man. Pete will have to use everything he’s learned to find Jess and Esme–and pray that his past mistakes don’t cost him the life of the woman he can’t stop loving.
November 6, 2018
March 26, 2018 at 11:17 am
Pete and Jess nearly broke my heart, so I am one of those hoping that there is a “happily ever after” in their future. I loved Lynn Blackburn’s first novel, so of course I will feed my suspense muse and read “In Too Deep”. My favorite cover has to be Liz Johnson’s; creatively unique.
March 26, 2018 at 11:34 am
You are not alone on the Pete and Jess front, Rebecca!! I’m sure SMW will keep everyone happy in the long run 🙂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
March 26, 2018 at 9:41 pm
Rel, first I thought about :Lisa’s cover – Nicole Kidman. Ha! Excited to read it and Ted’s.
March 28, 2018 at 12:02 pm
Great minds, my friend!
March 26, 2018 at 12:59 pm
Hey Rel,
I agree this is a solid group of covers, but while I like many, none really just jump out at me. I do really like Suzanne Woods Fisher’s new Quaker cover. The colors in the sky and the backdrop are nice. I like Jan Drexler’s cover, but it is very typically Amish, which is great for marketing I’m sure. Melody Carlson’s Christmas novella has a great cover! I love the blue of the sky and the blue of the water “framing” the winter scene. I see Jane Kirkpatrick’s in the cover grouping, but I guess it got “cut” from the list, sort of like the decapitation! 🙂 I do like the cover, but…well, you know, Rel. I saw the other cover of Liz Johnson’s you mentioned, and it did look very “historical.” I did like it better, but I agree this one is better for the type of book. It has a similar design to her Prince Edward Island Dreams series. I also much prefer this one to the cover in the online catalog on Revell’s website. I like Susie’s cover, and it works well with the series. Lisa Harris’s cover is nice, especially with the different colors. The same with Lynn Blackburn’s. It is a bit plain to me, but the blues and greens look great with the yellow in the “crime tape” series title and the letters of Lynn’s name. While I still prefer Irene Hannon’s earlier covers, I do like the eery look and feel of this one with the figure in shadow. Ted Dekker’s does work well with the previous title, but almost too well. The title is the only distinguishing factor. Thanks for sharing another set of covers, Rel!
March 28, 2018 at 12:02 pm
Thanks for the input, Aaron. I’ll be interested in your thoughts on Jane Kirkpatrick’s now I have added it to the line up, thanks to Marissa wondering where it was! Another decapitation for you 😉
March 28, 2018 at 4:25 pm
Yes, another decapitation. I like the design and especially the stagecoach, but I am still not a fan of cutting off the head for no other reason than to cut off the head. As much as I like people on the covers, I would rather have a landscape or “still life” type of cover than this. There is an interesting article in “Christian Retailing” magazine on “behind the scenes” of cover design called “Jacket Required” by David Carlson, a graphic designer and art director who works with a firm that specializes in cover design. The article takes mostly a general approach to designing any cover but does offer some aspects of designing fiction titles such as: “A shadowy figure or scene suggests something about a character without saying too much.” This is probably the reason for these types of covers, even though I think decapitations like this one still reveal hair color and some features, which perhaps frustrates some readers, like me. There is a very interesting section in the article about the growing importance of spine design as limited shelf space means a lot of books are only seen by the spine when in actual stores. If you get a chance, check out the article. As always, thanks for posting, Rel.
March 28, 2018 at 4:28 pm
By the way, it is the April-May 2018 issue of ” Christian Retailing” I was referencing.
March 26, 2018 at 1:08 pm
None really “stand out” to me either. That said, I love seeing the use of so many colors. That alone makes the covers “pop.” 🙂
Must confess… I really liked Liz’s alternative cover. It was so pretty.
March 28, 2018 at 12:01 pm
Ditto, my friend!
March 26, 2018 at 11:00 pm
Not crazy about any of the covers. I do have a few I look forward to reading, especially Wait for Me…finally get Pete and Jess’ HEA.
March 28, 2018 at 12:01 pm
Pete and Jess’ story has been a long time coming. No doubt it will be worth it 🙂
March 27, 2018 at 2:04 am
I am so excited for these upcoming books! I love that Susie May Warren’s book had water on it! I expected the mountains or a forest. Can’t wait to read all of these!
March 28, 2018 at 12:00 pm
Fabulous, Becky!
March 27, 2018 at 2:33 am
I have to admit, it was that gorgeous previous cover of A Sparkle of Silver that caught my attention and had me reading the blurb. But then, I tend to favor historical novels, and it’s the historical connection in the story that has me putting it on my to-read list (though I am well aware it’s contemporary). And in the catalog on Revell’s website, they have a THIRD cover for the story! And a different cover for Lisa Harris’s book, but I think this one conveys the suspense better. I guess they’ve been making a few changes since the catalog released.
March 28, 2018 at 12:00 pm
I agree with you, Rachael – the historical looking cover was eye-catching, but was misleading which wouldn’t have been good for the novel. Liz’s books are fabulous so keep it on your list even if it is contemporary!
Publishers acquire feedback on their covers when they send out their catalogue’s to buyers and retailers, so there is often a change or two from catalogue to appearance on Amazon and other retail sites.
March 27, 2018 at 4:04 am
Thanks for showing us the latest books from Revell!! So much good stuff right here! 🙂 I really look forward to reading Lisa Harris’ book. Also Lynn Blackburn’s. And Irene Hannon’s. (do you see a pattern here–I love new suspense novels…lol) I also have enjoyed Susan May Warren’s series, so it’s great to see the next one coming soon!
As far as cover appeal…the one that appeals to me most is… A Secret to Die For, with In Too Deep right behind it.
March 28, 2018 at 11:57 am
I do see the pattern, Rosalyn! Revell are having quite a focus on Romantic Suspense novels so I think you will see lots of books releasing over the next 12 months and more that you will enjoy 🙂
March 27, 2018 at 5:57 pm
I love book covers and think they are so important, so I always love reading reactions to the new ones. Thanks for posting, Rel and for all the comments!!
March 28, 2018 at 11:56 am
Hi Lisa – love that you have dropped by. Thanks so much!
March 28, 2018 at 2:52 am
Who is the author for Everything She Didn’t Say? I see the picture of the book in the compilation of books at the top, but not below in the list of books! That was the one I was interested in 😉
March 28, 2018 at 11:56 am
Oh, my! Good pick up, Marissa 🙂 Obviously, I didn’t notice I’d failed to add Jane Kirkpatrick’s novel in the line up. Rectified that hiccup now – thank you for noticing and letting me know!!