For some odd reason, all the updates I did to this post last night which were live and well when I went to bed, disappeared overnight! Here I am trying again!
This is Revell’s late 2017 lineup and the covers that catch my eye are Bethany Turner’s and debut author, Joanne Davidson Politano’s. While you may be tired of me saying this, I just love it when publishers in the CBA try something different than the standard Christian covers we are so used to seeing.
I do love the colours of Ann’s These Healing Hills and I’m a sucker for the dog! I’m fascinated by Lisa’s cover! While still in the Nikki Boyd series, it is clearly a different direction from the previous covers and is a Nikki Boyd novel, as opposed to the two previous books which were part of the Nikki Boyd Files. Different leading characters, so maybe a new spin off series, but it will reveal the outstanding mystery from the previous two books. Would love your input on this, dear Lisa!
The premise of Bethany’s book is fabulous – I’m excited to see how the story unfolds. And who doesn’t love a debut author, so the covers that intrigue me are the books I most particularly want to read. The other stories will be great, too, as Revell can be relied upon for excellent fiction.
Over to you, my reading friends! Really hoping you now have something to comment on ๐
These Healing Hills by Ann H. Gabhart
Francine Howard has her life all mapped out until the soldier she planned to marry at WWII’s end writes to tell her he’s in love with a woman in England. Devastated, Francine seeks a fresh start in the Appalachian Mountains, training to be a nurse midwife for the Frontier Nursing Service.
Deeply affected by the horrors he witnessed at war, Ben Locke has never thought further ahead than making it home to Kentucky. His future shrouded in as much mist as his beloved mountains, he’s at a loss when it comes to envisioning what’s next for his life.
When Francine’s and Ben’s paths intersect, it’s immediately clear that they are from different worlds and value different things. But love has a way of healing old wounds . . . and revealing tantalizing new possibilities.
September 2017
All She Left Behind by Jane Kirkpatrick
Already well-versed in the natural healing properties of herbs and oils, Jennie Pickett longs to become a doctor. But the Oregon frontier of the 1870s doesn’t approve of such innovations as women attending medical school. To leave grief and guilt behind, as well as support herself and her challenging young son, Jennie cares for an elderly woman using skills she’s developed on her own. When her patient dies, Jennie discovers that her heart has become entangled with the woman’s widowed husband, a man many years her senior. Their unlikely romance may lead her to her ultimate goal–but the road will be winding and the way forward will not always be clear. Will Jennie find shelter in life’s storms? Will she discover where healing truly lives?
Through her award-winning, layered storytelling, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick invites readers to leave behind their preconceived notions about love and life as they, along with Jennie, discover that dreams may be deferred–but they never really die. Based on a true story.
September 2017
Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley
Memphis Cold Case #2
In an effort to get her security consulting business off the ground, Kelsey Allen has been spending a lot of time up in the air, rappelling down buildings and climbing through windows to show business owners their vulnerabilities to thieves. When she is hired to pose as a conservator at the Pink Palace Museum in order to test their security weaknesses after some artifacts go missing, she’s ecstatic. But when her investigative focus turns from theft to murder, Kelsey knows she’s out of her league–and possibly in the cross hairs. When blast-from-the-past Detective Brad Hollister is called in to investigate, Kelsey may find that he’s the biggest security threat yet . . . to her heart.
Crackling with romantic tension and laced with intrigue, this suspenseful story from award-winning author Patricia Bradley will keep readers guessing–and looking over their shoulders.
September 2017
The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner
Becoming a Christian is the best and worst thing that has ever happened to Sarah Hollenbeck. Best because, well, that’s obvious. Worst because, up to this point, she’s made her very comfortable living as a well-known, bestselling author of steamy romance novels that would leave the members of her new church blushing. Now Sarah is trying to reconcile her past with the future she’s chosen. She’s still under contract with her publisher and on the hook with her enormous fan base for the kind of book she’s not sure she can write anymore. She’s beginning to think that the church might frown on her tithing on royalties from a “scandalous” book. And the fact that she’s falling in love with her pastor doesn’t make things any easier.
With a powerful voice, penetrating insight, and plenty of wit, Bethany Turner explodes onto the scene with a debut that isn’t afraid to deal with the thorny realities of living the Christian life.
October 2017
Dangerous Illusions by Irene Hannon
Code of Honor #1
Trish Bailey is on overload trying to deal with a demanding job, an ailing mother, and a healing heart. When a series of unsettling memory lapses leads to a tragic death–and puts Trish under police scrutiny–her world is once again thrown into turmoil.
Detective Colin Flynn isn’t certain what to think of the facts he uncovers during his investigation. Did Trish simply make a terrible mistake or is there more to the case than meets the eye? As he searches for answers, disturbing information begins to emerge–and if the forces at work are as evil as he suspects, the situation isn’t just dangerous . . . it’s deadly.
Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon captures readers with a mind-bending story that will have them doubling back to retrace their steps–and figure out what they missed!
October 2017
Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano
When Aurelie Harcourt’s father dies in debtor’s prison, he leaves her just two things: his wealthy family, whom she has never met, and his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll. Her new family greets her with apathy and even resentment. Only the quiet houseguest, Silas Rotherham, welcomes her company.
When Aurelie decides to complete her father’s unfinished serial novel, writing the family into the story as unflattering characters, she must keep her identity as Nathaniel Droll hidden while searching for the truth about her mother’s disappearance–and perhaps even her father’s death.
Author Joanna Davidson Politano’s stunning debut set in Victorian England will delight readers with its highly original plot, lush setting, vibrant characters, and reluctant romance.
October 2017
Vanishing Point by Lisa Harris
During Garrett Addison’s first week on the job as a criminal investigator for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, his team is called out to a murder scene of a young girl. She’s the third victim in a string of disappearances with one thing in common–a Polaroid photo of each victim left behind at the crime scene.
The FBI is pulled into the case to help, and Garrett finds himself working with Special Agent Jordan Lambert, the woman he once loved. When yet another girl dies–number six–Garrett blames himself and believes he doesn’t have what it takes to be an agent. What he’ll discover is that, while he may be done with the killer, the killer is not done with him–or Jordan.
Bestselling and award-winning author Lisa Harris unveils an unforgettable story of a case that has haunted the public and law enforcement for more than a decade. Fans of the Nikki Boyd Files will thrill to finally discover what actually happened to Nikki’s sister, Sarah. New readers will become instant fans after devouring this chilling tale.
November 2017
March 7, 2017 at 8:12 am
LOVE (lovelove) Bethany’s (colors/whimsy) and Joanna’s (intrigue like nobody’s business!). Plus, I’m SO excited to read these this fall as they’ll be new authors to me. Excited to read more Nikki stories from Lisa, and of course, I’m always glad to see a new series by Irene. ๐
March 7, 2017 at 9:01 am
I’m so head over heels in love with the colors I can’t even tell ya’! ๐ Thanks for the love! I can’t wait for you to meet Sarah Hollenbeck!
March 7, 2017 at 11:11 am
Thought those two would appeal to you as well, Rissi! Thanks for dropping by xo
March 7, 2017 at 9:00 am
Rel, thank you so much for your enthusiasm for The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck! I’m with you 100%…I love when publishers take chances, and Revell is the best at that (in my humble opinion)! ๐
March 7, 2017 at 11:13 am
I may have squealed a little when I first read the synopsis, Bethany ๐ Excited to read it! Revell changed things up a bit in the historical romance world when they tool on Julie Lessman’s debut novel, A Passion Most Pure, so I may just agree with your there on them taking some chances.
March 7, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Ooh! Squeals are good! ๐ Thanks again for the mention!
March 7, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Hey Rel,
I confess I am a bit torn with this group of releases. Many of the stories sound so intriguing, but I am a bit underwhelmed with the covers. Joanna Davidson Politano’s sounds fantastic! I love how the word “Disappears” is disappearing. I do wish it was a bit brighter though. I agree with you, Rel, about the colors in Ann Gabhart’s. Plus, they remind me of my home state of Tennessee. I like the dog, too, as it reminds me of a dog from my childhood, Buttons. However, the dog, cabin, and woman seem wrong proportionally to each other. Also, from what we see of her clothes, they appear too modern. And oh, the decapitations continue. Jane Kirkpatrick is a fantastic writer, but this cover just doesn’t stand out to me. I am not a huge fan of graphic-type covers, but I do love the hearts coming from the typewriter, signifying writing romance, on Bethany Turner’s cover. And the story sounds very intriguing! While contemporary is not my first choice, as you know, this one may have to be added to my TBR pile. I like Irene Hannon’s cover ok. It is a bit James Bond-ish to me when his silhouette is seen at the beginning of each movie. With you, I am a bit confused with the change for Lisa Harris’s cover style. Maybe they want it to work as a bit of a standalone even though it answers that mystery. As for Patricia Bradley’s cover, this one is fine, but I prefer the first in the series. So for me, many intriguing and fantastic-sounding stories even though the covers don’t necessarily stand out. But the stories are definitely the most important part! Thanks as always, Rel.
March 8, 2017 at 1:48 am
‘The decapiitations continue’… Thanks for the morning chuckle, Aaron;) I’m thinking you might add mine to the list soon though not sure till the final come June. I’m anxious to see what you think, aye or nay. Cover art can sure change quickly though there are some stubborn trends. I’ve recently endorsed 2 of these beauties here for Revell & readers are in for a treat! Thanks for the great cover coverage, Rel!.
March 8, 2017 at 1:49 am
Autocorrect typos! Grrr๐…
March 8, 2017 at 4:09 am
Thanks Laura. I am ALWAYS excited to see a new book from you! I do hope if it is a decapitation it is done for a good reason. I always use Deeanne Gist’s fist cover with Bethany for this. That is a decapitation of sorts, but the cover is zeroing in on the woman’s crossed fingers behind her back. That says so much with so little. So sometimes they work. I look forward to seeing your new one soon!
March 8, 2017 at 10:59 am
Aaron McCarver ยป Deeanne’s is such a fun cover ๐
March 8, 2017 at 11:06 am
Laura Frantz ยป Pleasure, Laura! Can’t wait to see yours and share it here, as always.
March 8, 2017 at 11:04 am
Aaron McCarver ยป I never see a decapitation without thinking, “Oh, dear! Aaron’s not going to like this one!” Appreciate all your thoughts on these covers.
March 7, 2017 at 10:54 pm
I like Joanna’s and Bethany’s covers the best. Patricia’s cover is appealing too.
I look forward to reading all three of them. I also plan to read Lisa’s and Irene’s, however, am not crazy about either cover.
March 8, 2017 at 11:02 am
Staci ยป Always value your thoughts, Staci.
March 8, 2017 at 12:46 am
Great covers! Naturally, The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck appeals to me ๐
March 8, 2017 at 11:02 am
Tamara Leigh ยป Naturally! It brought to mind your fabulous Stealing Adda ๐
March 8, 2017 at 11:18 am
๐
March 10, 2017 at 2:52 am
Tamara, you’re awesome! For making this comment and, you know…just in general. ๐ Thanks!
March 10, 2017 at 3:07 am
Aww, thanks, Bethany! You’re awesome, too. Looking forward to your debut!
March 8, 2017 at 1:16 am
Hey Rel and everyone! I have to say that as an author one of the most exciting emails I receive is always a new cover. And I simply love a good cover in general no matter whose book it is. ๐ So about Vanishing Point. . .One of the over arching threads in my three Nikki Boyd File books was the disappearance of Nikki’s sister about ten years earlier. It’s what gave her the motivation to do what she does and at times makes her job very personal. After finishing Nikki’s stories, I was asked to write a book on Sarah’s disappearance. What happened to Sarah and who is the Angel Abductor believed for so many years to have abducted her. So while it isn’t technically a part of the Nikki Boyd Files, it is definitely connected and Nikki is in the book, just not as a main character. Instead it’s a look into Garrett and Jordan’s lives who are greatly affected by their years searching for the Angel Abductor. Telling their story–for me–was the perfect ending to this series that I’ve loved writing. (And will miss!) Thanks for sharing these covers!!!
March 8, 2017 at 11:01 am
Lisa Harris ยป Thanks so much for sharing those details, Lisa! I’m sure everyone is very happy they will discover the truth behind Sarah’s disappearance. Looking forward to it!
March 8, 2017 at 2:09 am
Rel,
You’ve done it again……Introduced me to some new to me authors and now added books to my ever growing to be read pile.UGH! My New Years resolution was to read “down” my list NOT add to it! I’m really having a hard time with this!
Thanks for the recommendations!
March 8, 2017 at 11:00 am
Marylin Furumasu ยป Sorry! I know your pain ๐
March 10, 2017 at 1:44 pm
Marylin, you say this as if reading lots of books is a BAD thing! ๐ I’m with you, though. A reading stack that’s longer than the hours in a day. ๐
March 8, 2017 at 2:38 am
Not an ugly one in the bunch! My fall reading list has taken an upswing.
March 8, 2017 at 10:46 am
I’m not even going to rave about the covers. I’m in love with the premise of Bethany Turner’s book. Her book is so relevant to women and Christian romance authors, alike. I’ve read the testimonies of a few Christians authors who have either left the secular publishing industry or who have simply stopped reading secular romance, in general. Aside from the relevance it also just sounds like a great book.
March 8, 2017 at 3:07 pm
You truly touched my heart with this, Terrill! My prayer for this book is wrapped up in everything you said. And I truly hope that you enjoy reading Sarah Hollenbeck’s story later this year. ๐ Thanks for your encouraging, exciting words! You can consider my day made.
March 10, 2017 at 1:46 pm
AGREED! I can’t wait to see how she digs into this issue. Even in Christian fiction, sometimes romance novels can be a hotly debated issue.
March 8, 2017 at 3:31 pm
Really like Bethany’s cover a lot. And adore the premise.
March 10, 2017 at 2:50 am
Jenny B. Jones just typed my name! #fangirlgoals ๐ Thank you!
March 17, 2017 at 11:45 am
Always fun to see the covers of coming books and great to have one of mine among them. I like the cover of These Healing Hills and actually although, as Aaron points out, the clothes may look modern, they are almost exactly modeled on what the Frontier Nurses actually wore on their rounds in the Appalachian Mountains in the 1930’s and 40’s. After all, they were riding horses or walking up mountain trails to their patients. But that’s part of the fun of covers – to see how much they can mirror the stories. I’ve read that one reason for the decapitation covers is so the reader can form their own image of the heroine. I think it sometimes works. I’m always pleased with the great covers Revell comes up with for my books. They’ve designed some winners, but my all time favorite of my books is still Angel Sister. This time, I’m really glad they let Sarge, the dog make an appearance on the new cover.
March 23, 2017 at 6:55 pm
Ann H Gabhart ยป So love that you dropped by and shared, Ann ๐ Love the pooch on your cover, but we have a mutual love of dogs, don’t we?! Angel Sister has a gorgeous cover.
June 29, 2017 at 3:00 am
How did I miss this post!!! Oh, I know–I was on a cruise and I never caught up. lol Thank you so much for sharing my cover. It’s such an honor to be here. I always check out Rel’s post, but don’t often have time to comment.