Love introducing new covers and here are Revell’s late 2013 releases for your enjoyment and comment!
Plenty of variety in genre with historical, suspense, YA, Amish, and more. I’ll post Ann’s once it is available.
Catching my eye in this lot is Olivia’s, Lisa’s and Irene’s. I think the dress on Olivia’s is gorgeous and I love the ongoing themes of this series – they have all been beautiful. While Lisa’s is pretty plain I always enjoy seeing the male lead get a guernsey on a cover (shout out to Rissi and Amber about “couple covers”!!) and Irene’s is a great improvement on the first in the series but still maintains the themes from the first.
Laura’s is still growing on me – I’m not sure about the blend of colours or the expression on Ellie’s face but I know I will adore the contents, regardless. I feel more could have been done with The Promise – it really is just a contemporary take on the regular historical cover – pretty girl looking over her shoulder – LOL!
Story wise I’m highly anticipating Laura’s, Lisa’s, Olivia’s, Irene’s, and Steven’s. I really enjoyed Serena’s previous story so I’m looking forward to what she does with this one.
Your turn! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts 🙂
~~~~~~~~
Trapped by Irene Hannon
When librarian Laura Griffin’s sixteen-year-old sister disappears on a frigid February day, leaving only a brief note behind, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to track down the runaway teen. That includes recruiting ATF agent turned PI James “Dev” Devlin to help. But the deeper he digs, the more he begins to suspect that something sinister is at work in the girl’s disappearance. And the closer he gets to uncovering the truth, the clearer it becomes that the situation isn’t just dangerous–it’s deadly.
Chilling and at times terrifying, Trapped is the latest thrilling read from Irene Hannon, the queen of romantic suspense. Hannon outdoes herself with this fast-paced tale of fear, deception, and just the right dose of romance.
September, 2013
The Promise by
Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley
For the last five months, Tom Anderson has been without a job, a fact he’s been hiding from his wife Jean–and everyone else. He leaves each morning, pretending nothing has changed, and spends his disheartening day rotating through two coffee shops and the library, using their wi-fi to search for a job on the internet. The stress of keeping this secret is beginning to put serious strain on his marriage and it looks like the legacy that began with his father is still at work, slowly destroying the bond between Tom and Jean. Can their mutual trust–and love–be restored?
Combining the literary talents of Dan Walsh and the relationship expertise of Gary Smalley, The Restoration Series pulls back the curtain of a family that has laid their foundation on shifting sand, but is slowly rediscovering genuine love and the power of forgiveness.
September, 2013
Dangerous Passage by Lisa Harris
When two Jane Does are killed on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, detective and behavioral specialist Avery North discovers they share something in common–a tattoo of a magnolia on their shoulders. Suspecting a serial killer, Avery joins forces with medical examiner Jackson Bryant to solve the crimes and prevent another murder. But it doesn’t take long for them to realize that there is much more to the case than meets the eye. As they venture deep into a sinister world of human trafficking, Avery and Jackson are taken to the very edge of their abilities–and their hearts.
Dangerous Passage exposes a fully-realized and frightening world where every layer peeled back reveals more challenges ahead. Romantic suspense fans will be hooked from the start by Lisa Harris’s first installment of the new Southern Crimes series.
September, 2013
A Simple Christmas 
Wish by Melody Carlson
Rachel Milligan is caring for her seven-year-old niece, Holly, at her home in Chicago when she receives devastating news: Holly’s parents have been killed in a plane crash. Because Rachel is Holly’s only known relative, she assumes that she will be her beloved niece’s guardian. However, custody is awarded to Lydia, a distant aunt who happens to be Amish. Just a week before Christmas, Rachel takes Holly to the Amish community in the hopes of persuading Aunt Lydia to relinquish custody. Instead, Lydia sets out to teach Holly to live according to the Amish way. As family secrets emerge and old wounds are healed, Rachel realizes that she will do whatever it takes to ensure that Holly has the loving family she needs.
Combining an Amish family saga with the anticipation of Christmas cheer and the promise of a budding romance, this newest Christmas story from beloved author Melody Carlson is sure to please.
September, 2013
Love’s Awakening by Laura Frantz
Ellie Ballantyne, youngest child of Silas and Eden, has left finishing school. But back at her family home in Pittsburgh, Ellie finds that her parents are away on a long trip and her siblings don’t seem to want her to stay. When she opens a day school for young ladies, she begins tutoring the incorrigible daughter of the enemy Turlock clan. The Turlocks are slaveholders and whiskey magnates, envious of the powerful Ballantynes and suspicious of their abolitionist leanings. As Ellie becomes increasingly tangled with the Turlocks, she finds herself falling in love with an impossible future–and Jack Turlock, a young man striving to free himself from his family’s violent legacy. How can she betray her family and side with the enemy? And will Jack ever allow her into his world?
Masterful storyteller Laura Frantz continues to unfold the stirring saga of the Ballantyne family in this majestic tale of love, loyalty, and the makings of a legacy. With rich descriptions of the people who settled and civilized a wild landscape, Frantz weaves a tapestry of characters and places that stick with the reader long after they turn the last page.
September, 2013
The Invention of Sarah 
Cummings by Olivia Newport
Sarah Cummings has one goal in life–to break into Chicago’s high society. Desperate to stop serving dinner and to start eating at society tables, Sarah alters cast-off gowns from the wealthy Banning women to create lustrous, flattering dresses of her own. On a whim at a chance meeting, she presents herself as Serena Cuthbert, weaving a fictitious past to go with her fictitious name. But as she gets closer to Simon Tewell, the director of St. Andrew’s Orphanage, Sarah finds that she must choose between the life she has and the life she dreams of. Will she sacrifice love to continue her pretense? Or can Simon show her that sometimes you don’t have to pretend for dreams to come true?
Olivia Newport brings us back to Prairie Avenue to explore the place where class, social expectations, and romance come together. Readers will enjoy following the intrepid Sarah as she searches for true love in a world of illusions.
September, 2013
Christmas at Harmony Hill by Ann H. Gabhart
It is 1864 and the nation is still torn apart by civil war when Heather Worth discovers she is with child. She has been working as a laundress with her husband’s army unit, but when the army gets orders to march south to Tennessee, Gideon insists Heather go home to have their child under safer conditions. Heather agrees, but returns home to another kind of devastation–deaths in the family and a father who refuses to forgive her for marrying a Yankee. With nowhere else to turn, Heather seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, where her great aunt Sophrena lives. There, after many peaceful years at Harmony Hill, Sophrena is having doubts about her Shaker path. Both women are in need of love and forgiveness–whether given or received. With Christmas coming, can the miracle of new life fill their hearts with unexpected joy?
Ann H. Gabhart’s many fans will be thrilled to return to Harmony Hill at Christmastime for this stirring story of healing and hope.
September, 2013
Perfectly Matched by Maggie Brendan
Anna Olsen knows it’s time to leave her sister’s increasingly crowded house and start a life of her own. Following her sisters’ examples, she becomes a mail-order bride, and after a short correspondence with clock maker and jeweler Edward Parker, she moves to Denver to become his wife. Almost immediately it’s painfully apparent that Anna and Edward are very different. Anna is a free spirit who would rather be painting and enjoying the company of friends than cleaning house. Edward is a consummate perfectionist who, on their wedding day, hands Anna a list of chores that need to be done around the house daily.
Can this mismatched couple see past their differences to a harmonious future? Or will their disparate passions create obstacles neither is willing to surmount?
Maggie Brendan closes her Blue Willow Brides series with a heartwarming tale of true love despite misunderstanding, showing readers that God’s timing is always perfect.
October, 2013
Under A Blackberry Moon by Serena B. Miller
Just a few days after she gives birth alone in the Northwoods, a recently widowed young Ojibwe woman stumbles into a nearby lumber camp in search of refuge and sustenance. Come summer, the camp owner sends Skypilot, his most trusted friend, to accompany Moon Song and her baby on the long and treacherous journey back to her people. But when tragedy strikes off the shore of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula wilderness, Moon Song and Skypilot must depend on each other for survival. With every step they take into the forbidding woods, they are drawn closer together, until the tough questions must be asked. Will she leave her culture to enter his? Will he leave his world to enter hers? Or will they walk away from a love that seems too complicated to last?
With evocative descriptions of a breathtaking landscape, Under a Blackberry Moon will sweep readers into a wild realm where beauty masks danger and only the truly courageous survive, even as the sweet love story along the way tightly grips their hearts.
October, 2013
A Reluctant 
Courtship by Laurie Alice Eakes
Honore Bainbridge has been courted by two men, one of whom turned out to be a traitor, the other a murderer. Banished to her family’s country estate, where she will hopefully stay out of trouble, she finally meets the man she is sure is exactly right for her: Lord Ashmoor. Tall, dark, and handsome–what more could a girl ask for? But he too is under suspicion because of his American upbringing and accusations that he has helped French and American prisoners escape from Dartmoor Prison. For his part, Lord Ashmoor needs a wife beyond reproach, which Honore certainly is not. Amid a political climate that is far from friendly, Honore determines to help Ashmoor prove his innocence–if she can do so and stay alive.
From the rocky cliffs of Devonshire, England, comes the exciting conclusion to the lush Daughters of Bainbridge House series. Award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes thrusts her readers into high drama from the very first sentence and keeps them on their toes until the final page.
October, 2013
The First Date by Melody Carlson
Five high school friends have one thing in common as they start their sophomore year: none of them have ever been on a “real” date. With homecoming looming, they make a pact and start a secret club they call the DG (Dating Game). They’re sworn to secrecy–and to purity–but the club is their way to set each other up on their first dates so they can report back to the DG. Of course, they all make different choices about how to deal with their parents and how to act on their dates, and they discover that they all have totally different experiences. Still, the things they learn about boys and dating will stick with them throughout high school.
Bestselling author and teen favorite Melody Carlson starts off her newest series with a good dose of fun, tackling two topics teen girls love to read about–friends and boys.
October, 2013
Singularity by 
Steven James
When his friend is murdered, illusionist Jevin Banks is determined to find out what really happened. Drawn into a web of conspiracy and top-secret research on human consciousness, Jevin won’t stop digging until the truth is revealed. Soon he uncovers a dark secret–one that could change the very fabric of human life on the planet.
Bristling with mystery, suspense, and intrigue, Singularity is the second riveting book in The Jevin Banks Experience. Readers will devour this scientific thriller, flipping pages late into the night until the final shocking page.
November, 2013
March 1, 2013 at 8:16 am
Okay…
Love Irene’s! Agree with you too, Rel – it’s cooler than the first book yet still retains the same “image” of this series. Saw Maggie’s and Olivia’s today and am particularly fond of the latter – how stunning is that one!?
Melody’s is sweet – may have to give that series a try. 🙂
Don’t love Laurie’s like I thought.
Thanks for the S/O. <3 Couple covers are so cool – not only do I like Lisa's (H) cover fine but the story sounds fabulous! Just the kind of suspense book to pique both my mother's and my interest. 🙂
As always, thank you bunches for sharing these, Rel! It's way too much fun to chat about – and state at them. 😉
March 1, 2013 at 11:50 am
Hey Rissi – love your comments. I’m really interested in how Olivia makes the reader like Sarah in her book. She drove me nuts in Charlotte’s story – just wanted to give her a good taking to!
Lisa does write a good suspense. Have you read Blood Covenant and Blood Ransom?
March 1, 2013 at 3:18 pm
As am I, Rel. Sarah was such a silly thing (or annoying works too *grin*) in Charlotte’s book. The cover has her looking quite grown up, so there is hope yet…
No, I’ve not read any of Lisa’s books. Thanks though – now I will have to check into them. Love some good suspense. 🙂
March 1, 2013 at 8:24 am
The Promise looks super boring; at least the historicals in this vein have pretty dresses! The Steven James book look good! 🙂
March 1, 2013 at 11:51 am
I agree, Hannah. Really surprised by the Walsh/Smalley covers as I’m sure they will be marketed as flagship books so they could have done something that would make them stand out.
Steve’s books always look good, right?!
March 1, 2013 at 8:50 am
I have to agree with Word Lily, the cover makes me sleepy. Having read the blurb posted, the cover doesn’t match at all. I think it would have worked better to have a man on the cover if there HAD to be a person on the cover at all. LOVE all the other covers though. Laura’s cover is actually my favorite. I love the mint green dress! 🙂 I always love reading everyone’s thoughts on these covers.
xoxo,
Renee C.
March 1, 2013 at 11:53 am
Glad you love Laura’s, Renee 🙂
I think you are right about having a guy on the The Promise – it’s an interesting gamble to have them so plain. I’m sure they will sell well regardless but still…..
xo
March 2, 2013 at 3:14 pm
I’ve never actually read anything by Gary Smalley. Are his other covers like that? Maybe that’s why I haven’t picked any up! I’m sure he’s a wonderful writer though, the book DOES sound interesting. Hmmmm maybe I’ll have to give it a try. 🙂
xoxo
Renee C.
March 2, 2013 at 11:26 pm
Renee C. » Gary is a non-fiction author and marriage/family counsellor. His first foray into fiction was with Karen Kingsbury and her Redemption series that started the Baxter family saga 😉 You haven’t read any of those?
March 1, 2013 at 10:58 am
Hey, Rel. Thanks for posting this. There are several I really like. I think Olivia’s is my favorite. As you said, I have loved all of the covers for this series, but this one really stands out to me. I do love Laura’s, as I do anything she does, but I do love the first of the series better. (If you see this, Laura, sending love and hellos to you, dear friend!) I really like Laurie’s, as I love most covers of anything Regency. I really like Maggie’s, but doesn’t the lady look like the lady on Serena’s last cover? I do like this cover of Serena’s and applaud Revell on picturing the different ethnicity on the cover. I confess I am a sucker for cute kids and Christmas scenes so I love Melody’s Christmas cover as I do her Christmas stories. I understand what you mean with Dan’s and Gary’s but I think they are going for a similar look to the blockbuster Baxter series, the first five books being coauthored by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley. I really like Lisa’s cover. It actually makes me a little interest and I am not a huge lover of suspense. I do think Irene’s is a HUGE improvement over the first in the series. I have really like her other covers with Revell, but “Vanished” was a disappointment IMO. This one showcases the suspense with the night, the girl in the distance, and the menacing shadow in the foreground. I also like the snowy scene. Steven’s is just a standard male-written suspense cover to me. And as for Melody’s teen cover, well…you know what I think about that one, Rel. By the way, have you seen the changes in cover and title for Brandi Boddie’s book coving from Realms in October. I know like me you find it interesting when a cover is changed. This struck me as I can’t remember when a book has changed titles, after one was released to the public, before the book even comes out. And, if you get a chance, I would love to know what your readers think of our next cover for “Jasmine.” Barbour wanted something a bit different than the typical while still looking like a historical. Diane and I like it, but I was just wondering. Thanks again, Rel, for keeping us informed of the latest in Christian fiction.
March 1, 2013 at 11:59 am
Hey Aaron ~ yep, I’ll get Jasmine posted soon, for sure 🙂
I’m sure you’re exactly right about the Kingsbury connection – just seems a missed opportunity to me for something different, unique even!!
I’d seen Brandi’s cover but hadn’t realised it was an update, let alone a title change!
Love that Irene’s cover is tempting you, even a little, to read suspense 😉
March 1, 2013 at 11:57 am
I really like Irene’s and I’m so stinkin’ excited for Lisa Harris–and I love her cover!! I think Laura’s is gorgeous, yet again.
March 1, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Hey Ronie – I’m thrilled for Lisa, too 🙂 You are always so encouraging of your fellow authors, girl. One of the many things I think is fabulous about you!
March 1, 2013 at 1:30 pm
Your comment was my favorite Ronie. 🙂 Those we the two book covers out of this batch that I created with a great team of models and stylists. Great post on Revell’s new titles.
March 1, 2013 at 1:32 pm
Oh and in case you’re interested, stop by this post to see behind-the-scenes of Love’s Awakening. Not trying to spam, just share to those who may be interested. Great site! http://alturl.com/inccr
March 1, 2013 at 1:48 pm
I am so glad you ditched the window and gave it the “shining.” It’s just stunning! That model almost looked too perfect–as in, she almost doesn’t look real. What a china-doll face she has!
Well done on the covers, Brandon!
March 1, 2013 at 1:50 pm
Thanks! Yes, great site! As an avid reader, I’m always curious about what goes on behind the covers. Maybe some day you might write a book about your photography behind book covers. I would love to see all your book covers (finals and alternates) put together in a coffee table book… It would make a terrific gift book!
March 1, 2013 at 2:55 pm
Jan Thompson » Good idea, Jan
March 1, 2013 at 2:51 pm
Hey Brandon – no problem at all. You won’t find me precious about that! I appreciate you dropping by and sharing immensely. Might I say, I adore your portrait work and love checking out your website for new photos you have taken. I love the one of Will Ferrell – how you have captured the deep thinker behind the funny man is fabulous.
I’m with Ronie on ditching the window – the final cover is much more appealing.
Thanks for sharing the link to the story behind Laura’s cover – I think readers will enjoy it a lot.
March 1, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Great collection of covers this fall. I love Laura’s cover, just wish the lines of the heroine’s face wasn’t quite so sharp and angular, but the colors and scenery are so sensory! (I think. 😉 Not any one really stands out, except for maybe Laura’s and the pop of the purple on Olivia’s cover. I love seeing new covers!! 😀
March 1, 2013 at 3:01 pm
Casey » For book lovers like us, Casey, there’s nothing the like the joy of new cover art, is there?! Love hearing your thoughts, as always!
March 1, 2013 at 1:43 pm
So many gorgeous covers! Revell does great work & the model for Perfectly Matched looks like what I envisioned my Anna, the youngest sister in the series. I just received word the cover was released today, so haven’t had a chance to put it on my website. Looks like a great line up for fall reading! Now if I could just find some extra hours in the day. 🙂
March 1, 2013 at 2:59 pm
Maggie Brendan » It must be lovely as an author to feel like the cover captures your character or story, Maggie. So pleased for you 🙂
March 1, 2013 at 2:18 pm
Wow! Several books are being added to my list, but top spot on my list is reserved for Laura’s book. I can’t wait for it to be released! There are so many great books and so little time. 🙂
March 1, 2013 at 2:54 pm
Stacey Zink » Laura’s books are special, aren’t they? Thanks for sharing!
March 1, 2013 at 5:52 pm
As a reader, I’ve always loved Revell’s covers. As an author, I’m so excited to see mine in the mix. Thanks so much for sharing, Rel. Lots of great covers. I really was drawn to Olivia’s and Steven James’ has that edgy, suspense feel that works well to me.
Brandon, love the behind the scenes info for Laura’s book. Thanks for sharing the link. Sounded like you worked on mine as well? I absolutely love it. One day I would love to be a mouse in the corner from photo shoot to final tweeking. Fascinating process.
March 1, 2013 at 10:22 pm
Lisa Harris » Lovely to have another story of yours to anticipate, Lisa. Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂
March 3, 2013 at 12:40 pm
Hi Lisa, great to connect to you. Yes you’re correct, I shot and completed the digital illustration for Dangerous Passage. The story seemed fantastic from what I was able to read. Yeah we’ll have to do another, I will eventually be putting together a behind-the-scenes blog on your cover as well. Here’s a portrait of Avery which can be found in my Portrait gallery too. My models were great to work with and they really focused in on becoming your characters during the shoot.
Click this link to see a portrait of ‘Avery’ that really stuck out so it’s in a new addition in my portrait gallery. http://alturl.com/gq974
March 2, 2013 at 2:42 am
Love Laura’s cover! The colors are lovely. This one will go on my pre-order list–I never miss one of Laura’s books. 🙂
March 2, 2013 at 1:37 pm
Like Rissi said, thank you for the S/O! 🙂 How fun! I’ve discovered that Romantic Suspense is really not my genre of choice, but I do love the “couple” cover for Dangerous Passage! And I am curious about the story…
I’m excited for another Laura Frantz book, the dress on Olivia Newport’s book is quite something, and I love the colors on Serena Miller’s book (the story sounds fascinating, too)! 😀 Have you seen the cover for Serena Miller’s upcoming release with Howard Books? I have to say that, as much as I’ve come to enjoy her writing, that cover kind of turns me off. 🙁
http://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/13260651-hidden-mercies
It kind of looks like a Love Inspired book, and baby/medical stories don’t normally attract me… (Hope that doesn’t sound horrible!)
As always, thanks for sharing these covers, Rel! 🙂
~Amber
March 2, 2013 at 2:29 pm
Amber S. » So, I’m just fanning myself as how can Romantic Suspense not be your fav?!?! Can we still be friends?? LOL!!! Of course, we can 🙂
Loved your thoughts, Amber, and as for Serena’s Howard covers – I’m with you sister! Oh dear, they do leave a lot to be desired. It’s a shame as Serena is an excellent writer and I think there will be people who won’t buy the books because of the covers.
Hugs xo
March 2, 2013 at 2:56 pm
Hahaha, so glad we can still be friends! 😉 When I was younger I enjoyed Dee Henderson’s books…but I’ve found that Contemporary Romantic Suspense just isn’t my favorite, generally speaking. Maybe I should give it more of a chance…but an embarrassing incident a while back with one of Irene Hannon’s books has made me doubt my relationship with the genre. 😉 (You can read about it here: http://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2011/01/revell-blog-tour-my-review-of-fatal.html) There have been some books that could fit into that genre that I’ve enjoyed, though (ex: Submerged by Dani Pettrey and Under the Cajun Moon by Mindy Starns Clark)!
Anywho, yes, even the last Serena Miller Amish cover (An Uncommon Grace) from Howard Books didn’t really fit well with the story! Don’t know if this one fits well or not, but unfortunately, it doesn’t attract me at all. 🙁 That is certainly a shame, especially because Howard Books has had some other pretty covers! I like her Revell covers, though. 🙂
~Amber
March 2, 2013 at 8:36 pm
I have to be honest and say The Promise didn’t grab me at all. In fact, the longer I looked at it, the less I liked it. I really loved Olivia’s and Lisa’s 🙂
March 2, 2013 at 11:22 pm
Kara I » you’re not alone with either of those opinions, Kara! Thanks for sharing.
March 3, 2013 at 1:51 am
Glancing down the page, the thought struck me: “It’s easy to see which of these are women’s fiction,” which would probably turn off a male reader and prevent his ever picking up the book.
Not sure what the answer is, though. Thanks for sharing the covers, the book descriptions, and–as always–great information.
March 3, 2013 at 3:40 am
Cover hits for me – Newport, Hannon, and Harris. Nothing overly exciting about the rest of them, and none of them turn me off, but I will say with the Walsh/Smalley book, it does look like a little reminiscent of the KK/Baxter brand (yawn). I think a better choice would have been to have something more unique for this collaboration or at the least something similar the the DW brand.
Christmas books are a given for me and I do read a lot of Melody Carlson’s YA stuff if I need a quick read.
Lots of good choices this time and my wish list has gotten a bit longer. Thanks for sharing, Rel. =)
March 3, 2013 at 12:13 pm
Irene and Steven’s caught my immediately with the bold typeface and moody colours. I think these two are the most compatible with their book descriptions. Most of the others are a wash for me. Laura’s is a guaranteed great read but I agree that the the model’s expression is a little off. I thought I liked Olivia’s cover but upon closer examination I noticed that the background looks like a weathered photograph and it doesn’t blend well with crisp exposure of the model. It almost looks like a bad Photoshop job or a picture you would take infront of hanging backdrop at museum with a dress up trunk. Very excited for Lisa Harris’ new release. Her cover looks like a new series promotion for television (ala Beauty and the Beast/Grimm).