It’s that time of year, dear readers, when we see more cover art releases from Bethany House. Bethany have long been known for their eye-catching covers and for their historical romance novels so it’s no surprise that we are seeing them feature heavily in these 2015 releases.
I’m a bit disappointed to see only one contemporary romance and one romantic suspense in this list. An Amish novel, one Biblical fiction, and the rest focus on historical romance. I’m not disrespecting historical romance – I’m a fan – but I would have loved to have seen a bit more diversity of genre.
As far as covers go, the standout for me is Sarah Loudin Thomas’ – simple and evocative. Love! Dee’s is a trademark Henderson cover and I love the city scape but find the woman’s face a little overwhelming. For an Amish cover, I’m really liking Leslie Gould’s – the Autumn colours are stunning and it communicates clearly what the story is about. The fact that the couple aren’t touching is perfect given the context. Becky’s is well themed with her other novels and has a significant cuteness factor!
As for the historicals, well, I hate to say it but I feel we have seen them all before. And maybe that is exactly what Bethany is going for. The Witemeyer, Connealy, Miller, Hedlund, Jagears, Turano, and Peterson covers ensure readers can see at a glance who has written the story without the need to see the author’s name! That is, if they are as immersed in CF as much as I am and take note of these things 😉 Unfortunately, I’ve never cared for Mary’s covers and that continues with Now & Forever, although her previous cover was the best of her recent ones.
Kate’s is certainly eye-catching and the best of the historical bunch for me and I’m thrilled to see Canadian Susan Ann Mason as a new author to Bethany’s stable. I think the model’s eyes are amazing would have preferred the framing and hat out of the picture! Picky, picky, I know! I’ll add Cliff’s when it comes available – I’m excited Bethany has picked Cliff up as I thoroughly enjoyed his previous novels on David’s Mighty Men from Zondervan. **Now added, and I love it! Perfectly suited to the story and an arresting cover.
As always, I can’t wait for your thoughts, especially as I know some of you will love the ones I don’t! I’m fascinated by our differences in taste.
Finally, story wise, I’m highly anticipating Kate’s, Becky’s, Melissa’s. Sarah’s, and Cliff’s and not doubt will enjoy diving into the rest. Covers aside, Bethany selects their authors carefully and so you are nearly always guaranteed at the least, an enjoyable story.
Phew ~ over to you, book loving friends!
********
onAbducted at the age of sixteen and coerced into assisting the Jacoby crime family, Shannon Bliss has finally found a way out. She desperately wants to resume some semblance of normal life, but she also knows she has some unfinished business to attend to. She has enough evidence to put her captors behind bars for a very long time.
When Shannon contacts private investigator and former cop Matthew Dane to help her navigate her reentry into society, she quickly discovers that gaining her freedom doesn’t mean her troubles are over. For one thing, her brother is the leading candidate in the race for Illinois governor, and news of her escape will create a media frenzy. For another, the ransom her family reportedly paid years earlier appears to have been a scam; no one knows what happened to the money. And then there’s the fact that Shannon’s escape involved faking her own death. If the Jacoby family learns she is still alive, they’ll stop at nothing to silence her.
If justice is to be done, and if Shannon’s life is ever to get on track again, Matthew will need to discover exactly what happened to her–even if it means stirring up a hornet’s nest of secrets.
April, 2015
Until the Harves
t by Sarah Loudin Thomas
When a family tragedy derails Henry Phillips’s college studies, he’s left unmoored and feeling abandoned. Although Henry tries to find escape in bad company, the only things that can tamp down his anger and grief are the family farm, his fiddle, and sweet but unusual pre-teen Mayfair Hoffman.
Unfortunately, Mayfair’s older sister, Margaret, with the freckles and cute, turned-up nose, has the opposite effect. Worse, she’s his grandmother’s housekeeper and helper, so she’s always around and ready to push his buttons. At first he thinks she doesn’t care about his loss, before beginning to understand she’s facing her own struggles. Mayfair’s health and unique gift sit at the heart of those worries, and Henry and Margaret soon find themselves relying on each other as both Henry’s future and Mayfair’s life are put at risk.
May, 2015
Shadow of the Mountain: Exodus by Cliff Graham
Caleb and Joshua Roar to Life in this High-Impact Old Testament Saga
Two men were brave enough to tell the truth about what awaited the Hebrews in Canaan. This is their story. From the slave pits of Egypt to the efforts of an eighty-five-year-old Caleb as he drives out the last of the giants, Shadow of the Mountain is a vivid portrait of two of God’s chosen champions, and a meditation on masculine mentorship and the challenges and blessings of growing older.
For the sake of his new God and his loyalty to his friend Joshua, Caleb will not spend his twilight years resting, but taking the battle to the enemies of God’s people until his dying breath. From his early days as a mercenary forPharaoh in Egypt watching the Hebrews suffer under the yoke of slavery, all the way through a desperate fight with giants in the dark forests of the hill country, this is a story filled with epic battles, gritty intensity, and supernatural events that made Graham’s Lion of War series a hit.Shadow of the Mountain is sure to ignite a love for the Old Testament in popular culture.
May, 2015
A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade
Deeply scarred from a day he wishes he could forget during his military service, Thoroughbred trainer Jake Porter has given up on love. He struggles against symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.
When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, returns to their hometown of
Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake trusts her with his prized racehorse, Silver Leaf, then battles his hopes for his horse against his increasing fear for Lyndie’s safety.
Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake’s will, Lyndie’s sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he’d thought he’d lost returns. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?
May, 2015
Amish Pr
omises by Leslie Gould
When Joel and Shani Beck arrive at their new home on Juneberry Lane in Lancaster, PA, they’re looking for peace. Joel’s recently returned from Iraq and is recuperating, and Shani is just happy to have her family back together. They can’t imagine any trouble with their Amish neighbors, the Lehmans, but things get off to a rocky start when their son accidently hurts Simon, one of the Lehman boys.
Timothy Lehman, a widower, is the family patriarch and demands the Beck boy work in Simon’s place. Tensions escalate, but Shani can’t help but be drawn to Eve Lehman, Timothy’s sister, who runs the household. The two begin to form a strong friendship forged on faith and family, and things seem like they’ve quieted down until Joel’s single and handsome army friend Charlie catches Eve’s eye. Suddenly, life for both families becomes more complicated than any of them could have ever imagined.
May, 2015
Now & Forever by Mary Connealy
Matthew Tucker survives a grizzly attack by jumping over a cliff into a rushing river. Unexpectedly, Shannon Wilde takes the plunge with him. Going through a series of waterfalls and rapids turns into a bonding experience.
By the time they battle their way back to civilization, Shannon has been thoroughly compromised, and only a wedding will do. A mountain man who loves to wander in the wilderness far from other people finds himself hitched to a young woman with a passel of relatives, a homestead, and a flock of sheep to care for.
As they learn to live with each other, strange things begin to happen on Shannon’s land. Someone evil clearly wants to drive them off, but whoever it is apparently didn’t count on Tucker. Trying to scare Matthew Tucker just makes him mad–and trying to hurt the woman he’s falling in love with sets off something even Matthew never expected.
June, 2015
A Worthy Pur
suit by Karen Witemeyer
Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.
Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan’s Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the little girl entrusted to her care after her mother’s death. Charlotte promised Lily’s mother she’d keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.
When the teacher he’s after produces documentation that shows she’s the little girl’s legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he’s been led to believe. Is Miss Atherton villain or victim? She acts more like a loving mother than an abductress, and the children in her care clearly adore her. Should Stone break his perfect record?
Then a new danger threatens, and Charlotte is forced to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone becomes determined to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he’s ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte’s heart.
June, 2015
Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund
After her father’s death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren’t supposed to have such roles, so it’s only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper–even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.
Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He’s been given the post as lighthouse keeper, and the isolation where he can drown in drink and hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s none-too-pleased to be giving up her position. They both quickly realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but Ryan’s unwilling to let anyone close, ravaged by memories and guilt. Caroline’s drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope…and possibly love?
June, 2015
A Bride at Last b
y Melissa Jagears
Silas Jonesey’s life in Salt Flatts, Kansas, has not followed the course he imagined. After his mail-order bride, Lucinda, abandoned him, it was an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices and sour moods. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true; his estranged wife has contacted him after ten years of silence to tell him of her whereabouts.
Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but after realizing she had been deceived about her intended groom she never went through with the marriage. Settling into life as a schoolteacher, she’s spent her spare time the past few years helping her student, Anthony, and his sick mother. When Lucinda passes away, Kate is ready to fulfill the woman’s wish that she take care of nine-year-old Anthony–until a man shows up in town asking about Lucinda and claiming he was married to the woman ten years ago.
Silas and Kate disagree over who should raise young Anthony, who has opinions of his own about his future. After being forced to come together for the good of Anthony, Silas and Kate begin to see another side to each other and the possibility of a united future despite all that stands between them. When Kate’s past comes to light, Silas’s feelings about women who abandon their grooms immediately throw the walls right back up between them. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony’s wounded souls bind them together as a family, or will past hurts and new resentments leave them lonely forever?
July, 2015
After spending her childhood in an orphanage, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm tend to bring about situations that have employers looking askance at her methods. After her most recent dismissal, Millie is forced to return yet again to an employment agency.
Everett Mulberry has suddenly and quite unexpectedly found himself responsible for three children he’s never met. Attempting fatherhood while also pacifying the less-than-thrilled socialite he intends to marry is made even more complicated when the children scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare.
At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance–with each other. Everett is wary of Millie’s penchant for disaster, and she’s not entirely keen on another snobby, grumpy employer, but they’re both out of options. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges and tries to stay one step ahead of them, Everett is more focused on achieving the coveted status of society’s upper echelons. As he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the children’s parents’ death, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?
July, 2015
Refining Fir
e by Tracie Peterson
Militine Scott, twenty-two, is in training at the Madison School for Brides in Seattle, Washington. Though she has no intention of pursuing marriage–believing no man will have her–she has found the school provides the perfect opportunity to hide her unsavory past.
Thane Patton, though fun loving and fiercely loyal to his friends, hides a dark secret, as well. He finds himself drawn to Militine, sensing a haunting pain similar to his own.
Will they finally allow God to make something new and beautiful from the debris of the past?
July, 2015
The Potter’s Lady by Judith Miller
When Rose McKay convinces her brother, Ewan, to invest in a pottery business, she’s determined to assist him in making the venture a success. Having just graduated from the Philadelphia School of Design for Women, she believes she can design pieces that will sell well. In her efforts to help the pottery flourish, Rose reconnects with Joshua Harkness, who oversees his own family’s pottery works in a nearby town.
Rylan Campbell has never liked change, but the new owners of the pottery seem to be the decent sort. He just wishes Rose wouldn’t insist on cleaning and moving everything. But when McKay Pottery starts losing business to the Harkness company, Rylan realizes Joshua might be taking advantage of Rose.
Then Franklin Hotels announces a design contest. Winning the Franklin contract would be exactly the boost McKay Pottery needs, so Rose and Rylan work closely together to create something magnificent. With Joshua’s company as their main competition, can Rylan convince Rose her trust in Joshua may be misplaced?
July, 2015
Irish Meadows 
by Susan Anne Mason
Irish immigrant James O’Leary has spent his life building Irish Meadows into a thriving horse farm and is not about to let hard economic times threaten its success. He intends for his daughters to marry prosperous men–ones who will secure the family’s rightful place in society, and at the same time, guarantee the future of Irish Meadows. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.
Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their father expects them to marry well. Yet despite his wishes, Brianna, the quieter sister, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry–as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards. When stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from college and distant family member Rylan Montgomery stops in on his way to the seminary in Boston, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?
August, 2015
With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover.
Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country’s cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she’ll set off when she hands a feather to Jack.
And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them–or the faith they’ll need to maintain hope.
August, 2015
October 30, 2014 at 10:48 am
Had an inkling this was coming from you, Rel after inadvertently stumbling upon these earlier today – and I’m so excited I was right, girl! 🙂
Let’s see, I really like Kate’s and Sarah’s IS pretty in its simplistic way which is what makes it stand out. Karen’s is cute (great “pop” of color) and so is Becky’s (in love), plus I like that Melissa’s matches her prior two books. As for Mary’s, I agree. Her last book cover was darling but this one… not a favorite. Dee’s seems “different” this time around, more edgy, which suits the genre and likely the story.
Thanks – as always, for putting these together. Loved it. 🙂
October 30, 2014 at 11:25 am
I wondered if you had seen them online, Rissi – you are always with me on these posts!! Always value your comment’s 🙂
October 31, 2014 at 3:49 am
This time it was merely by accident. 😉 I was trying to get together some ideas for Christmas shopping and there they were. Always a fun time of year – and I love that you feature all of these in one place. Wonder what Revell will bring…
October 30, 2014 at 11:06 am
I agree with you, Rel! I do love Susan’s cover though. The cover model seems to look like she actually stepped out of the 19th century rather than a model made up to look 19th century if that makes any sense! 🙂 She looks natural. I think it’s the makeup or lack thereof.
October 30, 2014 at 11:25 am
Yes, I think her face is completely arresting, Renee, too. Thanks for sharing.
October 30, 2014 at 1:18 pm
Thank you! I always love discussing the up and coming covers on your site. 🙂
October 30, 2014 at 11:09 am
Thanks so much for posting this great sneak peek at Bethany’s summer covers, Rel! Since I write for Bethany, I’d seen some of these, but you always include covers I haven’t seen so I look forward to this particular post every fall.
October 30, 2014 at 11:26 am
It’s a pleasure, Becky – so appreciate you stopping by. Soooo, looking forward to Jake’s story, ever since he appeared in Undeniably Yours!
October 30, 2014 at 11:12 am
My reaction overall: Meh. Been there, seen that. I’m sure the stories between the covers are much more thrilling than their cover. Really looking forward to quite a few on the list, especially Jody Hedlund and Kate Breslin.
October 30, 2014 at 11:27 am
We are as one on this, Lydia 🙂 xo
October 30, 2014 at 11:39 am
I’ll admit, when Bethany sent me that cover with the blue bench and eggs I was instantly in love. Nary a thing would I change! It still makes me happy just to look at it. Now I just hope that what’s inside makes readers as happy as the cover made me! Thanks so much for sharing.
October 30, 2014 at 2:32 pm
I see why you would fall in love. I’ve adored the simplicity and unique look of your covers, Sarah – thanks so much for stopping by. And now I’m racing off to edit the post to ensure you get your “Anne with an ‘e'”!
October 30, 2014 at 11:50 am
Wow! So excited to see my cover here. I wasn’t even sure it had been finalized yet. So glad you liked it and that you knew I’m Canadian!!
Cheers,
Susan
October 30, 2014 at 2:34 pm
Oh, Susan, apologies for getting the jump on your cover. Sigh… Regardless, I’m so glad you dropped by. We colonials must stick together, you know! I’m on the other side of the world but just as much a member of the Commonwealth!!
October 30, 2014 at 11:51 am
I LOVE these sneak peak cover reveals you do!!! 🙂
October 30, 2014 at 2:40 pm
Thanks Brittany – so glad you enjoy them, too 🙂
October 30, 2014 at 12:10 pm
I too, had taken note on how the style of a cover seems to stay true to a particular author. I really like Becky and Kate’s covers the best. Dee’s is a little different from her past covers, but I think it suites her style. I know I’ve said it before, but I really do think Bethany house has some of the best covers. Thanks for the sneak peak, now just to make it through winter. Happy Reading!
October 30, 2014 at 2:41 pm
Hang in there over winter, Rebecca! It probably doesn’t help to know I’ll be enjoying our summer while you do 😉
Appreciate your thoughts on these covers.
October 30, 2014 at 12:12 pm
I am sooo eager for Kate’s new book I can hardly stand it. For Such a Time is definitely making my top ten list this year! Much fiction to be excited about this year. Love these lists, Rel. But you know that already. 🙂
October 30, 2014 at 2:42 pm
Yes, yes, yes, and yes!!! Thanks for sharing, dear Casey xo
October 30, 2014 at 12:20 pm
I love Sarah’s cover and I really like the colors on Becky’s and Kate’s books. Story wise, I can’t wait to read a lot of these…but cover wise? I’m sorry but I agree with Lydia. MEH.
I realize that there’s branding going on, series to continue, and what not but to be honest, the books that I DO want to read are because I have read the authors’ previous books and enjoyed them. If I had no idea who these authors were and I was just looking to find a new book, I would think they all look the same. Again not trying to knock on the actual stories or even Bethany House in general. It’s just….this is Christian fiction. You know your market very well…but what about everyone else?
October 30, 2014 at 2:43 pm
I hear you, Deborah, and I don’t think you are alone in your thoughts. So, tell me, what’s the sort of thing that draws you to a particular cover? What are you looking for that isn’t here in this bunch?
October 30, 2014 at 12:41 pm
Kate Breslin wins this round. But she won the last round, too.
October 30, 2014 at 2:44 pm
I don’t really care about whether Kate’s covers are good, bad, or ugly – I just want to devour the insides – LOL!
October 30, 2014 at 12:47 pm
I am so excited for so many of these books! My favorite cover-wise is definitely Kate Breslin’s, it’s gorgeous! Becky’s cover is really cute and I like how it matches the rest of the series! I’m with you on not being a fan of Mary’s more recent covers and this one is no different. Jen’s, Melissa’s, Karen’s, and Jody’s while they are, like you said, similar to their other books are still decent covers! And all of the covers I just commented on are the ones I can’t wait for story-wise! These are some of my favorite authors and I am so excited for their new releases!
October 30, 2014 at 2:45 pm
Thanks for sharing, Abbi – there’s certainly lots of good reading to be had in 2015, isn’t there?
October 30, 2014 at 12:54 pm
Hi Rel, I love seeing the new covers from Bethany! I pinned several of my favorites on Pinterest. They all sound great, and I’m very excited to read Susan’s and Kate’s novels. I’m writing a WW1 novel right now, so Kate and I connected on Facebook and talked about that a bit. I do think it’s interesting to see the way the designers give each author’s books a unique looks so readers will connect a series or particular author. Becky’s cover is cute. I love the colors. Thanks for showing them to us!
October 30, 2014 at 2:46 pm
Hi Carrie – great to hear you are writing a WWI novel. I love that era, especially from an Australian perspective, and it’s not one that gets featured a lot in fiction. Looking forward to it.
October 30, 2014 at 12:55 pm
These covers are fantastic! I can already see 2015 will be some happy reading for me! Looking forward to diving into some wonderful stories 🙂 Thanks for releasing these gorgeous covers but they are making me too anxious NOW!!!!!
October 30, 2014 at 2:47 pm
Apologies for the anxiety inducement, Valri! Hope you can hang in there – hehe.
October 30, 2014 at 3:26 pm
Of course I will hang in there! Part of being a book addict is waiting (impatiently!) for your favorite author’s next book! That’s just the way it goes!!!!
October 30, 2014 at 1:18 pm
Oh, Rel, thank you for showing off our book covers! Bethany House does such a great job. I’m still turning cartwheels over the artwork for Not By Sight. I do hope everyone enjoys the contents just as much. 🙂
October 30, 2014 at 2:48 pm
Kate! How could we not enjoy the contents – I’m HIGHLY anticipating Not By Sight and I’m sure it will be one of my 2015 highlights 🙂 No pressure, of course!
October 30, 2014 at 1:49 pm
Wow, some really pretty covers there. Until The Harvest caught my eye. I wonder if the ‘olde worlde girl in a dress’ has had her day and if we will see more of these newer covers, minus the heroine in her finest or brightest.
October 30, 2014 at 2:49 pm
I do so hope we get to see some out of the box covers in the new year, too, Dotti. What usually catches your eye for a cover you love?
October 30, 2014 at 7:47 pm
For a long time I’ve been drawn to the heroine in period dress. Still some lovely covers out there with this design, but I think I’m ready to be thrilled by something new. Sarah Loudin Thomas’ covers do that for me. Great to see something off centre. Appeals to the history lover in me. 🙂
October 30, 2014 at 2:36 pm
I love Bethany covers overall, even when they’re “meh,” they’re not rotten eggs.
I don’t necessarily think Susan’s is the prettiest cover I’ve ever seen, but I find it highly intriguing/different. That wild bright blue velvet juxtaposed by the light sky I think is arresting! I’d definitely pick it up.
Becky’s model is ADORABLE.
The Amish one with the guy in such normal clothing …..well if I were to ever attempt reading an Amish contemporary, he might make me think about it….
And I love Tracie’s model, she looks….worn. She’s pretty and yet she’s real….Maybe because I feel about as exhausted as she is, I identify! Ha. My model has a flaw on her cheekbone and I begged them to leave it (yay, they did!) just gives her a touch of realness I think.
And hands down, Kate wins for me, then after reading what’s up with the feather in the blurb, yep, that’s the top of my TBR for this season!
October 30, 2014 at 2:39 pm
Melissa Jagears » Loved these comments, Melissa – thank you! So agree with you on your “rotten eggs” theory and the Amish cover – that it is different from the norm is what makes it intriguing. So appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
October 30, 2014 at 4:33 pm
Thanks for sharing these, Rel. I am a bit (okay, a lot) anti bonnets and women standing in fields when it comes to covers, but this is more of a reflection of being over the same old same old covers on the same old same old books. The two that jumped out in this batch were Until the Harvest (simple and appealing) and Taken (arresting). Other than that, I’ve seen it all before. Of course, Bethany are not stupid. They know that these are the books readers are buying, but there is a desire from more than a few Christian readers/authors/publishers for books that are different (and don’t require bonnets, fields or period costume).
October 31, 2014 at 2:39 pm
Yes, I agree with you, as you can see from my initial comments. Hopefully, we will see some changes in dominant genres and covers soon 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
October 30, 2014 at 5:14 pm
It’s cruel to show us these covers when we’re not going to get to see the books for another six to ten months. Just cruel, I tell you.
I’ll be looking forward to the Becky Wade title (lovely cover which continues the theme branding, and features the character I most wanted to know more about in her last book).
I’m also intrigued by Irish Meadows and Not by Sight – new-to-me authors, and the suggestion of something different.
I’ll read Karen Witemeyer and Jen Turano, because I love their humour. Again, their covers are nice and consistent with their brands, but it’s the author name that’s selling me, not the cover.
And while I like the cover of Taken well enough, I’m still not sold on the “Full Disclosure” series. Too much of an O’Malley fan, I guess.
October 31, 2014 at 2:42 pm
Apologies for the pain, Iola!
Great thoughts on all the books you mentioned. Here’s to a great 2015. Maybe another Iola visit in person, too?!?!
October 30, 2014 at 8:50 pm
I am guessing that by “Summer 2015” you mean USA summer n not Australian summer Rel? Yes they are novels to look forward to. Just because they are authors I read wouldn’t matter the cover page. But they look excellent hopefully to catch readers who aren’t already fans.
October 31, 2014 at 2:43 pm
Yep, you’ve got it. American summer. Australian winter 😉 Thought adding that in would make the title too long!
Thanks always for sharing your thoughts.
October 30, 2014 at 10:53 pm
To try and recap our brief Twitter discussion from yesterday…Bethany knows their market and I feel like these covers reflect that. Yes, there is a lot of “sameness,” but I think most of that is due to a desire to “brand” an author’s appearance on the shelves and what (seems to be) a small-ish pool of design houses that get utilized in CBA fiction. However, there are moments of very progressive designs which I LOVE, like Thomas’s (reminiscent of Sarah Addison Allen’s) and Breslin’s (which is gorgeous and I’d stand against any mainstream historical).
The covers I’m really “meh” about are Miller’s and Conneally’s — the design/photoshopping elements just seem forced to me, lacking some of the polish I see on other covers if that makes sense. And they seem about 10 yrs old. BUT…could it be argued (I suspect) that this is what sells, so this works for the publishing house? Personal preferences aside if this is working from a business standpoint I can’t knock them for that, you know? 🙂
I think it has to be such a struggle to find balance between remaining fresh and relevant and true to your core market…and if the core is continuing to deliver sales, I get why, when covers are submitted, those who approve these things are gonna want to go with what works, you know? I think that is one of Bethany’s strongest suits historically, they know their market and they are good at delivering on that…so while I love seeing the covers that really pop IMO (like Breslin’s or Graham’s), I also kinda have a hard time dinging them for sameness when trying to look at a business standpoint…if that makes sense…
Just thinking out loud here. 🙂 Does that about cover what we started to talk about, Rel? 🙂
October 31, 2014 at 2:46 pm
Yes, my friend, it totally does! Thanks for taking the time to comment here.
Obviously, those covers sell well, I agree. Publishers are smart folk and risk taking is not something that is an easy thing to do in today’s economic climate. I do imagine though that with risk there is also reward so it would be great if the balance of those two was right 😉 Not an easy thing to gauge, I’m sure.
October 31, 2014 at 12:14 am
I just love the Until the HarvesUntil the Harvest cover.
October 31, 2014 at 2:46 pm
Me, too!!!
October 31, 2014 at 7:22 pm
Me too!
October 31, 2014 at 3:12 am
I always love your cover posts, Rel. I know what mine looks like, but until your post, I don’t know what most of the others look like. What a treat. It’s also so helpful to hear people’s reactions. The whole branding vs. originality debate is fascinating and one that I don’t think will ever have a definitive answer.
I think my two favorites of the bunch are Becky’s and Leslie’s. Just love the playful expression on Becky’s model’s face and the fall colors are too gorgeous to ignore of Leslie’s. From an author who is historical through and through, picking two contemporaries feels a little disloyal, but there you go. 🙂
October 31, 2014 at 2:53 pm
Hello, lovely Karen – thanks for joining in. It must be kind of strange for authors to have readers pick their “babies” apart, whether it be the cover or the insides. I really value authors, like yourself, who are able to appreciate the differences we all have which leads us to like this and not like that. I agree there is no definitive answer and authors and publishers are in danger of being torn in two if they try to keep every reader happy!
And an historical romance writer picking out contemporaries? Love it! xo
October 31, 2014 at 3:49 am
Sarah Loudin Thomas’ cover is fabulous. I’d pick that book up in a heartbeat. So nice to see something different for a change! Leslie Gould’s is beautiful–love her Shakespeare/Amish stories. Thanks for the great display, Rel. xo
October 31, 2014 at 2:54 pm
I’m with you, Ann – thank you for stopping by!
October 31, 2014 at 3:52 am
PS: great thoughts, Ruth – and I like what you say about sticking with the “sameness” if that’s what sells (good for them if they know their market too). It doesn’t always matter what the outside looks like because depending on our favorite authors, we’ll read their books no matter what! Loved reading through your insightful comments. 🙂
October 31, 2014 at 4:09 am
What a great selection of covers, though I agree–more contemporary would be nice 🙂
October 31, 2014 at 2:55 pm
Says the medieval romance writer 😉 xo
October 31, 2014 at 7:29 am
Hello Rel. I see I am late to the party this time. Well, I am probably in the minority on a lot of these. I loved Sarah Thomas’s first cover, but I do not care too much for this one. It has no warmth to me, nothing to draw me in. It looks like a sill life painting in a museum, definitely pretty but just not for me. As a historical lover, I do love most of these! I do love Cliff Graham’s biblical, even down to the mountains in the M! I love the colors and well everything in Jen Turano’s! I do love Susan Mason’s, too, especially the eyes and the frame concept. The book sounds right up my alley, too. Jody Hedlund’s looks good to me. I love the plaid dress and the wildflowers, and of course the lighthouse theme carried through in the background. This is one of my favorite Tracie Peterson covers! I love the fire in the background and the expression on the lady’s face. I really like Judith Miller’s, especially the backdrop. I like Melissa Jagears cover ok. I actually like Mary’s cover a lot. The girl reminds me of Cindy Williams who played Shirley Feeney. I love the expression on her face. And I do like Kate Breslin’s, even with the decapitation. 🙂 I love the feather, which I am sure is significant and the dress and the house look great. I like the concept on Karen Witemeyer’s, but the decapitations here bother me a lot I am afraid. I do not understand just cutting off the top of her head, but I really do not like that we cannot see the man’s face as his expression at being “shut out” would say a lot. I like the contemporaries, too. I really like Dee Henderson’s with the city, the man’s back turned, and the pops of red. I think it is her best since the O’Malley and Uncommon Heroes covers. Becky Wade’s is very cute and Leslie Gould’s is absolutely beautiful! Hers is one of my favorites of the entire group! But I am a sucker for walking in the woods in the autumn! Thanks again, Rel.
October 31, 2014 at 2:58 pm
Aaron – I was looking forward to your comments. In fact, I almost put in my blurb that my tip for the one you would love the most would be Jody Hedlund’s! Wasn’t far off, was I?
Loved the mountain in the ‘M’ and the autumn colours on Leslie, too, so we agree on most things!
Hope you are keeping well, friend.
November 6, 2014 at 3:11 pm
Hey Rel,
I happened to go to Bethany’s site this evening to look around, and when I clicked on “catalog” and looked through the “fiction” section under “Summer 2015,” I saw a book that I had not seen anywhere else, including Amazon.com, as releasing in June 2015. It is “The Midwife’s Tale” by Delia Parr, a first in a new historical series. I thought you might want to show it when you get the other covers from Revell. Have a blessed day! And thanks, I am doing well.
October 31, 2014 at 2:24 pm
Eek! I just love Bethany’s covers! I do agree we are seeing more of the same, but understand for a series, this is often a good thing in that they match the others in the series. And until this post, I hadn’t really thought about the branding side of things, but now it’s becoming obvious 😉
Being a lover of historical fiction I do love all the covers, so I’m in the minority, but having seen so many covers over the years I do know trends only last for so long and I’m sure in time there will be a shift. And like always, I still think Bethany does the best on the block! My hat goes off to Dan Thornberg, who has kept the Bethany standard high over the years and continues to produce covers full of character (and relevant to the story within the pages, may I add). The new cover artists have been blessed to have his example to follow and excel on. I do look forward to seeing what will come next 🙂
I do love all the covers, they each have something unique about them, but if I have to pick a favourite it would be Kate Breslin’s.
October 31, 2014 at 3:00 pm
Thanks, Ellie, for coming back and reposting after the downtime on the blog! Appreciate you 🙂
I am so with you on covers being relevant to the story. I’m reading a novel at the moment where the cover is whimsical and comedic and yet the contents are neither of those things. It has distracted me throughout the story as I keep thinking the funny lines are coming and they aren’t. It’s more bothersome than I imagined!
October 31, 2014 at 7:30 pm
My Oh My! What a great choice of books coming next year. And the covers of the books all have their own character. Love all of them! Looks like I’ll have to start saving for these upcoming reads. Can’t wait!
November 6, 2014 at 8:46 am
I am really looking forward to “Tried and True” by Mary Connealy and “In Good Company” by Jen Turano! The rest look fantastic as well! I can’t wait!