Another round of covers and stories to discover and ponder as we wait for the release of these 2014 books from Bethany House.
I have thoughts!! You’re not surprised, I’m sure 😉
I adore Julianna’s – so suited to the genre and time period and the black and read is so striking. While the background of Elizabeth’s is a little white, I like the forward facing model (and she has held on to her head, Aaron!) and the mint green dress.
Melissa’s is a great improvement on her debut release and Becky Wade’s is cute although the angle is a little odd. I love that they have used a real life couple again, as they did in Becky’s first novel in this series. Nancy’s is defintely eye-catching.
I’m surprised at how similar Jody’s is to her previous novel, The Doctor’s Lady and I wished for more from this cover. Karen’s is following the cute theme of all her novels’ covers and while I love the model’s flying hair, I’m not quite certain about her expression. It certainly fulfills the brief of revealing Karen’s book as an historical romantic comedy.
Sarah Loudin Thomas’ cover is different from the ususal CF style so I love that and am looking forward to this novel, along with Victoria’s.
Looking forward to reading nearly all of this batch of books ~ how about you?
~~~~~~~~
Undetected by Dee Henderson
When asked what he does for a living, Commander Mark Bishop is deliberately low-key: “I’m in the navy.”
But commanding the ballistic missile submarine USS Nevada, keeping its crew trained and focused during 90-day submerged patrols, and being prepared to launch weapons on valid presidential orders, carries a burden of command like few other jobs in the military. Mark Bishop is a man who accepts that responsibility, and carries it well. And at a time when tensions are escalating in the Pacific Rim, the navy is glad to have him.
Mark wants someone to come home to after sea patrols. The woman he has in mind is young, pretty, and very smart. She’s a civilian, but she understands life in the navy. And he has a strong sense that life with her would never be boring. But she may be too deep in her work to see the potential in a relationship with him.
Gina Gray would love to be married. She has always envisioned her life that way. But a breakup she didn’t see coming has her focusing all her attention on what she does best–ocean science research. She’s on the cusp of a breakthrough, and she needs Mark Bishop’s perspective and help. Because what she’s told the navy she’s figured out is only the beginning. If she’s right, submarine warfare is about to enter a new and dangerous chapter…
April, 2014
Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin
When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life: “God, if you’re real, I want to know you.”
It’s Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate’s rescue. Nick is handsome, confident, and seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She’s not planning to fall in love with one of the locals.
Nick Sheridan is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn’t expect to be swept off his feet by the car’s occupant. He’s made a vow: no dating for a year. And it’s a vow he intends to keep in spite of his attraction to Kate Darby…
May, 2014
Silenced by Dani Pettrey
A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna’s route leads her face to face with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something sinister? When the case is handed to the overburdened sheriff, he turns to Jake Westin. With Jake’s past now revealed, he’s ready to use his talent for investigation again–but he could never prepare for where the case will take him.
Kayden and Jake soon realize that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is on to them. When strange things begin happening in Yancey, Jake is terrified that once again his world may put someone he loves in danger. But the truth is far worse than he could ever imagine.
May, 2014
Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade
Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school–irresistible. When their paths cross again after college–still irresistible. This time, though, Ty feels exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.
The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia’s ready to be Ty’s wife, but Ty’s not ready to be anybody’s husband. As a professional bull rider, he lives on the road and can’t bring himself to settle down.
Five and a half years pass. Celia’s buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty’s achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the face of the one woman he couldn’t forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.
How much will Ty sacrifice to make Celia’s dreams come true, to win her trust, and to prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?
May, 2014
Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg
Blake Hunziker has played nomad for five years and landed in his fair share of trouble too. But now he’s finally returning to his hometown–the Lake Michigan tourist town of Whisper Shore. Counting on a not-so-warm welcome, he’s surprised at not only a positive reception but also a job offer. Determined to settle down and prove himself responsible, he agrees to the catch that comes with the job offer–coordinating the annual Christmas festival–even though he has no idea how he’ll pull it off.
Autumn Kingsley, inn owner and experienced organizer of the Christmas festival, has always dreamed of traveling the world. Now she has a job opportunity in Paris and a surprise potential investor coming to town who just might take on her family’s inn and finally leave her free to go. The only problem is that she has just two weeks to whip the inn into shape.
Their families have a long history of not getting along, but when Blake comes to Autumn for help with the festival, she actually agrees…in exchange for his help with the repairs to her inn. They may have struck a simple deal, but complications are quick to pile on when the guy who’s had enough of running away and the woman who can’t wait to leave join forces.
May, 2014
Gathering Shadows by Nancy Mehl
Wynter Evans, despite her current position as a promising young reporter for a television station in St. Louis, Missouri, has never gotten over the disappearance of her brother nine years ago. But when she stumbles across a photograph of a boy with an eerie resemblance to her missing brother during an assignment to investigate unusual places in the state, she can’t pass up the chance to find out what may have happened. Under the cover of research for her job, she sets out for the place where the photograph was taken: the primarily Mennonite town of Sanctuary.
Upon her arrival, she meets Rueben King, the town’s handsome young mayor, and together they begin to uncover long-held secrets that could not only tear the small town apart but also change everything Wynter believes about her own life. As the truth of her family’s past hides in the shadows, it soon becomes clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the answers she’s searching for hidden forever–even if the cost is Wynter’s very life.
May, 2014
Truth Be Told by Carol Cox
When Amelia Wagner takes over the running of her father’s newspaper in Granite Springs, Arizona, she vows to carry on the paper’s commitment to reporting only the truth. But Amelia soon learns that even the truth can have consequences. Her father’s revealing articles about Great Western Investment
Company’s business methods have caught the notice of the wrong person, and pressure mounts for Amelia to retract her father’s statements.
Determined to find the truth, Amelia goes through her father’s notes and begins to interview members of the community. She can’t seem to shake Benjamin Stone, a Great Western employee who’s been assigned to keep tabs on her for the good of the company.
The more Ben and Amelia learn, the more Amelia’s father’s claims appear to be accurate. In fact, it’s probably worse than he realized. Even Ben is beginning to wonder if he’s become a pawn in the workings of a corrupt empire. But Great Western isn’t about to stand for a female reporter and one of their own men bringing down their lucrative schemes. Working against time, and never knowing what danger lurks around the next corner, Ben and Amelia set out to reveal all they’ve discovered before Great Western silences them for good.
June, 2014
Stuck Together by Mary Connealy
Tina Cahill, newly arrived from the East, is determined to get the saloon in Broken Wheel, Texas, closed for good. To that end, she pickets outside the place every afternoon. Unfortunately, so far no one has paid any attention.
Vince Yates earned the nickname “Invincible Vince” because of his reputation for letting absolutely nothing stop him. Not his tyrant of a father. Nor the injuries he suffered in the Civil War. Nor the fact that he is Broken Wheel’s only attorney and sheriff yet has no law degree.
But Vince is about to face his biggest challenge yet: his past has just caught up with him. His father, mother, and the sister he didn’t know he had show up in Broken Wheel without warning. His father is still a schemer. His mother is suffering signs of dementia. And his surprise sister immediately falls for one of Vince’s best friends. Vince has a lot of people to take care of, and Tina doesn’t approve of how he’s handling any of them. But with almost all the other men in town married off, Vince finds himself stuck with feisty Tina over and over again. Of course, Tina is the prettiest woman he’s ever seen, so if he could just get her to give up her causes, he might go ahead and propose. But he’s got one more surprise coming his way: Tina’s picketing at the saloon has revealed a dark secret that could put everyone Vince loves in danger.
June, 2014
A Moment in Time by Tracie Peterson
Alice Chesterfield is a woman pursued. Having survived an attack that left her scarred and her father dead, she is never free from the fear and memories of the man who is responsible.
Texas seems to be an answer to Alice’s prayers, and when she has the opportunity to relocate to a ranch near Dallas, a new man captures Alice’s attention. Robert Barnett is unlike any man Alice has ever known: He doesn’t seem to mind the scar she bears, nor does he worry about the obstacles that stand in their way–including Jessica Atherton, the woman he’s supposed to marry.
But there are storm clouds gathering, and Alice’s peaceful sanctuary is threatened when she learns the truth about her father’s dishonest dealings and the mother she thought was dead. Disillusioned, Alice must learn to place her trust in God as she seeks a measure of peace for her future…and for her heart.
June, 2014
Full Steam Ahead by 
Karen Witemeyer
When Nicole Renard returns home to Galveston from an eastern finishing school, she’s stunned to find her father in ill health. Though she loves him, he’s only ever focused on what she’s not. Not male. Not married. Not able to run their family business, Renard Shipping.
Vowing to secure a suitable marriage partner, Nicole sets out with the Renard family’s greatest treasure: a dagger personally gifted to Nicole’s father by the pirate Jean Lafitte. Many believe the legend that the dagger is the source of all Renard Shipping’s good fortune, though Nicole is sure her father’s work ethic and honorable business practices are the keys to their success. Before she can board the steamer to New Orleans, Nicole finds her father’s rivals–the Jenkins brothers–on either side of the gangplank, ready to grab her and steal the dagger. Quickly, she decides to instead travel north, to Liberty, Texas, where she can decide what to do next.
Darius Thornton needs a secretary–someone to help him get his notes in order. Ever since the boiler explosion aboard the Louisiana, Darius has been a man obsessed. He will do anything to stop even one more steamship disaster. The pretty young socialite who applies for the job baffles him with her knowledge of mathematics and steamships. He decides to take a risk and hire her, but he’s determined her attractive face and fancy clothes won’t distract him from his important research.
The job offer comes at exactly the right time for Nicole. With what Darius is paying her, she’ll be able to afford passage to New Orleans in mere weeks. But Mr. Thornton is so reclusive, so distant, so unusual. He can create complex scientific equations but can’t remember to comb his hair. And his experiments are growing more and more dangerous. Still, there are undeniable sparks of attraction between them. But Nicole is leaving soon, and if she marries, it must be to a man who can manage a shipping empire. Darius certainly doesn’t fit that description. And the Jenkins brothers have not given up on kidnapping Nicole and seizing the Lafitte dagger for themselves.
June, 2014
Child of Mine by Beverly Lewis & David Lewis
Jack Livingston has been raising his nine-year-old adopted niece, Natalie, since the accident that took her parents’ lives. While he travels for work, Natalie is lovingly cared for by Laura, an Amish nanny who loves her as her own.
Kelly Maines is nearing the end of her rope. Her baby was kidnapped, the apparent victim of a black market adoption ring, and for eight years, Kelly has tirelessly pursued every lead to its bitter end. Now, there’s one last lead from a private investigator: Just a few miles away lives a girl who matches the profile. Could this, at long last, be her beloved child?
Desperately, Kelly initiates a “chance” meeting with Jack Livingston. It goes really well. So well, in fact, that Jack asks her out. One date leads to another, and before she can come clean with her original motives, Kelly realizes Jack is falling for her–and she for him.
Now how can she tell Jack why she’s really here? And having gotten to know Natalie, what if she isn’t her long-lost daughter, after all? This was all supposed to be so simple.
But nothing in Natalie’s world is simple…
June, 2014
Murder at the Mikado by Julianna Deering
Just as Drew Farthering thinks his life has found smooth waters, Fleur Landis, an old flame, reappears in his life. She’s married now, no longer an actress, and he expects she’ll soon disappear–until she comes to him in dire need. The lead actor in her old troupe’s production of The Mikado has been murdered, and Fleur is the police’s number one suspect.
Drew would love nothing more than to just focus on his fiance, Madeline, and their upcoming wedding, but he can’t leave Fleur in the lurch–even if she did break his heart once. As Drew, Nick, and Madeline dive into the murder, they discover more going on behind the scenes of the theater troupe than could ever have been imagined. Nearly everyone had a motive, and alibis are few and far between. It’s Drew’s most complicated case yet.
July, 2014
A Match of Wits by Jen Turano
Two years ago, Zayne Beckett’s departure from New York City to meet up with his almost-fiance caused Agatha Watson no small amount of grief. So he is the last person she wanted to stumble upon in her travels as a reporter with the New York Tribune. Looking worse for the wear, he clearly needs to be taken in hand and taken back East to his family. Even though she’s over him, Agatha can’t help feeling sorry for him and realizes she’ll have to be the one to get the stubborn man back home.
Zayne has no desire to be taken anywhere. Content to sit and mope over his recent bad fortune and the desertion of his not-quite-fiance, he’s prepared to drag his heels all the way back to New York. That is, until he and Agatha find themselves slipping back into the strangely enjoyable bickering and bantering of their old friendship.
It isn’t until they arrive in New York City that Zayne realizes Agatha’s determined nose for news has earned her a few enemies. When his attempts to repay her for helping him go sadly awry, Agatha proves herself just as stubborn as Zayne. Everyone else may think them a match, but nothing could be further from the truth–until Agatha finds herself in real trouble. Have these two stubborn, too-smart-for-their-own-good people been meant for each other all along?
July, 2014
Captured by Love by Jody Hedlund
It is 1814 and the British have taken hold of Mackinac Island and its fort, forcing American residents to swear an oath of loyalty to the British crown in order to retain their land. Pierre Durant is a voyageur–a fur trader who left his family home to find freedom and adventure. He’s been gone five years and when he returns, his family’s farm is at the mercy of the British invaders.
Torn between the life he’s grown used to and guilt over leaving his brother and mother, he’s drawn back into the loyalist fight against the British–and into a relationship with Angelique Labelle, a beautiful local girl who’s been befriended by the daughter of the British commander. As tensions mount and the threat of violence increases, both Angelique and Pierre must decide where their loyalties rest, how far they will go to find freedom, and how much they will risk to find love.
July, 2014
With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden
In the shadow of the nation’s capital, Kate Livingston holds a respectable position as a government statistician when she encounters a rival from her past, the insufferable Trevor McDonough. A Harvard-trained physician, Trevor never showed the tiniest flicker of interest in Kate, and she’s bewildered at the way he suddenly seeks her out. Surprising even herself, Kate agrees to Trevor’s entirely unexpected and risky proposal to work side-by-side with him in his quest to rid the world of tuberculosis, a contagious and deadly disease.
As Kate begins to unlock the mysteries of Trevor’s past, she realizes there is much more to him than she could have imagined. His hidden depths may fascinate her, but his most closely guarded secrets and a shadowy enemy lurking in the background carry a serious threat to their future.
When the truth of the past comes out, threatening to destroy everything they hold dear, how will Trevor and Kate ever overcome all that stands in their way?
August, 2014
Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas
It’s 1954 and Perla Long’s arrival in the small town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.
Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor…until he meets Perla. She’s everything he’s sought in a woman, but he can’t get past the sense that she’s hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla’s unique way with food brings both gratitude and condemnation, placing the pair in the middle of a maelstrom of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.
August, 2014
October 31, 2013 at 11:46 am
Okay, of course I have thoughts! 🙂
I adore Becky’s (the angle adds a fun new dimension I feel), Dani’s (complimentary to her entire series) and Melissa’s are both cool – I especially adore the “realness” of Melissa’s as well as Victoria’s. Both look like a genuine imagine of life.
Then – OH MY! I adore Julianna’s. That series is going to be one of my very faves methinks – CANNOT wait for books 2 and 3. Elizabeth’s is gorgeous and while I like Karen’s, I’m with you; the expression is a little odd.
Love these – as always, Rel! 🙂
October 31, 2013 at 1:58 pm
Oooh, I always love your cover previews. There are all so beautiful. I can’t wait to read.
Have to admit that “Mikado” is my favorite cover in the series so far. Who doesn’t love a man in a tux?
And “Meant to be Mine” is just . . . I don’t know. The girl on the cover is so cute and has such personality, it makes me want to read her story.
I always love Karen and Mary’s covers, too. Can’t wait to read these!
Thanks for the wonderful preview!
October 31, 2013 at 11:24 pm
DeAnna Dodson » Yep, Mikado is hands down the best of your covers, and I like the others, too! I agree with you that the girl’s personality shines on Meant to Be Mine. Thanks for dropping by, DeAnna
October 31, 2013 at 11:32 pm
Rissi » Love your thoughts, Rissi – these discussions are so interesting. Thank you for sharing once again!
October 31, 2013 at 12:30 pm
Favorite covers of the bunch: Until I Found You and Here to Stay. I absolutely love the scenes, colors, and fonts!
I also really like Meant to Be Mine and Full Steam Ahead – super fun! – as well as With Every Breath. The dress and colors on FSA are great, and I like the whimsy of the scene and title. 🙂 I really like the colors of the dress and hair on WEB – I sense a hint of Anne of Green Gables in her hair style! – and the overall look is very delicate…but it is almost a little too bright/light. Still, pretty!
Like you, Rel, I’m surprised at how much Jody’s latest resembles The Doctor’s Lady with the color scheme and shawl. It’s still very nice, though! It’s just strange how similar they are.
The ones I’d most like to read are the ones whose covers I’ve mentioned, along with Truth Be Told. (Truth be told, I’m surprised I didn’t like that cover more, since I loved her last two covers in the series, and this one has purple on it! I guess it just doesn’t stand out as much in a unique way, and the model’s expression isn’t overly exciting/curious.)
I actually haven’t read any of Julianna’s! I’ve heard great things, though. The covers aren’t overly my thing, but they are pretty cool. 🙂
~Amber
October 31, 2013 at 11:31 pm
Amber S. » Hey Amber – yep, I’m with you on Truth Be Told – the expression seems just this side of boredom!! Like you, I wouldn’t normally go for an illustrated cover but they are perfect for Julianna’s series and I love that about them.
October 31, 2013 at 1:57 pm
Hey Rel,
I agree with you on so many of these. I LOVE the cover of “Murder at the Mikado!” The best of the series by far to me and one of my favorite covers period. It completely captures the period feel while still giving a mystery vibe, which I felt the other two lacked a bit. And the pop of red is the icing on the cake. Elizabeth Camden’s is next for me. I love the background as it is so reminiscent of the government buildings in DC. And her dress is very pretty. Next is Tracie’s cover. I love the expression on the girl’s face and her body position with her arm up. I like everything about this cover except for the title positioning. As with the first one in the series, it just throws it off a bit for me. I really like Jen Turano’s. While not quite at the level of the first, it is a big improvement over the last one to me. I love the not-typical-looking heroine and the color of her hat and dress. I like how Jody Hedlund’s has the appearance of a painting instead of a real picture. This hearkens back to early Bethany covers when Dan Thornberg painted most of the pictures used on their fiction covers. I love the softness and the light accents used. Mary’s is the best of this series to me and Carol’s is nice, but I agree with Amber that it is not quite as good as the first two. I actually like Sarah Loudin Thomas’s cover. The novel seems to have more of a literary feel and the cover reflects that. And while not a full person, which you know I usually want, I like the way this one focuses on the fruit in her apron. As for Karen’s, I am afraid I do not care for this cover. For me it is not just the decapitations. The whole cover seems like it is off-centered a bit. The bottom of the picture with her dress is too highlighted. Her expression is important to the overall look of the cover, yet it is overshadowed as it is at the very top of the cover. And I can’t help but think of the scarecrow of “The Wizard of Oz” when the top of his head is removed to put in his “brains.” The guy’s expression is cut in half, which is odd to me, too. I can’t wait to add the book to my TBR stack, though, as Karen is a great writer! I actually think the same about Bev and David’s cover. It seems to be off a bit. I am not sure why the girl’s bonnet was cut off. And the little girl seems proportionately large in comparison to the Amish girl. For the suspense titles, I like Nancy Mehl’s the best, although I am surprised the Mennonite angle was not shown on the cover. I like Dani Pettrey’s fine, but I do not like where the title is on Dee Henderson’s. It covers up to much of the man’s face to me. Now for the contemporary romance titles. I like Victoria Bylin’s despite the decapitations. Their clasped hands being highlighted is very romantic. I really like Melissa Tagg’s and agree that it is a big improvement over the first cover. It looks like a scene from a Hallmark movie. I love the cover for Becky Wade’s. The unique angle adds so much to this picture to me. And I adore the look on her face and the kiss he seems to be planting on her head. If I read books from this genre, this one would definitely draw me to pick it up, which I may anyway. Thanks so much, as always, for sharing these, Rel. And I LOVED the shout-out!
October 31, 2013 at 2:19 pm
Aaron, you hit the nail on the head about Melissa’s. It DOES look like a Hallmark movie to me! The kind of movie I’d want to watch.
October 31, 2013 at 2:54 pm
Ooo! I love that statement – Melissa’s is so cozy and lovely and just very “real.” I like that it’s an “action” scene and the setting seems as if it’s a true representation of a couple in love. 😉
November 1, 2013 at 12:23 am
I love reading these comments! Ahhh, I just can’t get over the talent at BHP. So thankful for their creative team. Jenny Parker was the artist on mine and ahhh, sigh, I’m still not over the adorable-ness of it. She did an awesome job!
October 31, 2013 at 11:27 pm
Aaron McCarver » You deserve a shout-out, Aaron – you always add so much to these cover art discussion, and it’s no exception today! Thanks for your detailed comments on the covers – so enjoyable to read!
October 31, 2013 at 2:12 pm
Rel,
I so look forward to your cover reveal posts! When my upcoming cover shows up here, I feel as though that particular book has made its official debut. 🙂
Inside scoop on Meant to Be Mine’s cover: My editor told me that they chose this image, in part, because of the unique angle of the shot. She said that when it was up on the board surrounded by several other options, everyone’s eyes kept gravitating back to it. Overall, I’m very happy with it. The girl on the front looks almost exactly like the girl in my imagination. I’m crazy about the light, bright, and modern color scheme. The tone of the cover is a match for the tone of the story, imo.
For suspense, I think that Dani’s, Nancy’s, and Dee’s covers are all outstanding. Victoria Bylin’s cover is lovely and romantic. Melissa Tagg’s cover is fun and cozy. I think that Sarah Loudin Thomas’s cover and Bev Lewis’s are both beautiful to look at.
As always, I’m a fan of the Bethany House art department! Warmly, Becky
October 31, 2013 at 2:55 pm
That’s neat about your “inside cover scoop,” Becky. Glad you shared that.
PS: Meliessa’s cover is adorable and I am in love with the romanticism of Victoria’s. So gorgeous. 🙂
October 31, 2013 at 11:21 pm
Becky Wade » Love your encouragement, Becky. So appreciate you sharing the story behind the cover. I so agree that the cover is eye-catching – her face is so joyous, too. Can’t wait to read it!
October 31, 2013 at 3:26 pm
Love seeing the upcoming releases from Bethany House! So many of these authors are on my not-to-miss list.
October 31, 2013 at 11:19 pm
Gabrielle Meyer » Bethany have a great line up of authors, don’t they?
October 31, 2013 at 8:04 pm
These are always my favorite posts! And since a lot of my fav authors write for Bethany House your posts on their releases always make me the happiest! 10 of these books are either ones I already have been wanting to read or sound interesting! So from the top:
Undetected-Great cover! It matches her last two releases and I love how the blue corresponds with the fact that the hero is Navy! I was a little disappointed with Full Disclosure and I haven’t read Unspoken but I still plan to give this one a try!
Until I Found You-I love this cover, simple but so cute! I haven’t read anything by this author but this one looks good!
Silenced-LOVE this cover! It’s so perfect for the story and the characters and ties in beautifully with the rest of the series! I cannot wait to read this book since Kayden and Jake’s story has been a long time coming!
Here to Stay-I adore everything about this cover! The colors, the couple, the font, etc. I love how the male model is a perfect image for Blake! I cannot wait to read this book after absolutely loving Made to Last!
Truth be Told-This cover is one that I don’t love but I don’t have any problem with either and I’m looking forward to the book!
Stuck Together-This is by far the best of the series and I actually like it a lot! Can’t wait for this story!
Full Steam Ahead-This cover is definitely a Karen Witemeyer one! And I really like it though I agree with you about not being certain about the girl’s expression! I always completely love Karen’s books and I have no doubt this will be the same!
A Match of Wits-Lovely cover! It fit’s perfectly with the rest of the series and I cannot wait to finally read Agatha and Zayne’s story!
Captured by Love-I agree that this is very similar to The Preacher’s Bride! It’s still a good cover though and I’m so excited to read another of Jody’s amazing books!
With Every Breath-This is an interesting cover and I haven’t quite figured out how I feel about it yet! I do like her dress but not so much the hair and the white-I don’t know. This author just got better with each of her first three books but then I didn’t enjoy her fourth as much so I’m hoping this one is as good as Against the Tide!
So those are my opinions on the ones I’m planning to try to read! Thanks so much for putting these posts together!
October 31, 2013 at 11:18 pm
Abbi Hart » Hey Abbi ~ Unspoken is an improvement on Full Disclosure but still not what I’m looking for from Dee. Love reading all your thoughts on these covers – thanks for taking the time to share your fabulous thoughts. Looks like another great year for readers like us!
October 31, 2013 at 10:50 pm
Thanks for the update Rel. I didn’t realise Dee has a book coming out in April so I will look out for that… looks like she’s changed to a military theme..
Mary’s 3rd book about Vince and Tina story, and Perla’s character in Sarah’s book. Tracie Peterson new book. the only one I knew was Dani’s .book “Silenced” have to pre-order
Trust all is well Rel and the ending of the year isn’t stressful. r & r for Christmas
October 31, 2013 at 11:15 pm
Dianne Sidebottom » Thanks Dianne ~ glad you have discovered a few new books! Wishing you a lovely end of year arrival, too
November 1, 2013 at 12:25 am
Thanks bunches for this post, Rel. So many good books coming up!! I said the same thing above, but I can’t get over the talent of the BHP artists and creative team. Thanks for sharing!!
November 3, 2013 at 1:33 am
Melissa Tagg » Always a delight to share new covers, Melissa – yours is getting lots of love!!
November 1, 2013 at 12:29 am
The title and cover art of Miracle In A Dry Season draws me in! Simply captivating and tells a story on its own.
Then again, there isn’t a single cover shown here that I don’t like. 🙂
November 3, 2013 at 1:32 am
Cheryl » That’s great to hear, Cheryl!
November 1, 2013 at 12:38 am
Wow, I can’t see one I don’t look forward to reading. Love Dee Henderson and Dani Pettrey. Melissa Tagg is also wonderful. Just too many great authors. Beautiful covers.
November 3, 2013 at 1:32 am
Katrina » So agree with you on there being so many great authors!
November 1, 2013 at 12:54 am
Oooooooh I can’t wait to read some of these books! Or all of them. Until I Found You and Here to Stay sound lovely. Of course, I love Karen Witemeyer and Jen Turano so those are must-reads as well. Gorgeous covers!
November 3, 2013 at 1:31 am
Dena » I see you love historical and contemporary novels, Dena! Do you have a preference for one or the other?
November 3, 2013 at 2:20 am
Not really. I love them both and I tend to switch between the two.
November 1, 2013 at 1:10 am
I LOVE Victoria Bylin’s! It’s the best I’ve seen so far!
November 3, 2013 at 1:31 am
Courtney » Thanks for sharing, Courtney – always enjoy hearing what other readers love in covers.
November 1, 2013 at 1:22 am
tie for me: Julianna’s and Sarah Loudin Thomas’ ( incidentally, the Sarah Loudin Thomas is the book I am most looking forward to ). Thomas’ looks a lot like a Sarah Addison Allen cover.
November 3, 2013 at 1:30 am
rachel » Sarah’s sounds fascinating, doesn’t it? Have you been by her website – there is more on the follow up stories as well.
November 1, 2013 at 2:11 am
Would love to have one of each but alas,it is not in the budget.
November 3, 2013 at 1:29 am
Bonnie Traher » Ah, yes, the budget does have to be considered, doesn’t it, Bonnie?
November 1, 2013 at 2:44 am
So many great books coming out! I need to come back later when I have some time to write them all down and the dates of release. Believe it or not, I log all my books into a spread sheet! This way, I know which ones I have read and those I have not. (I have been known to buy a book I have already!)
The covers on these books are outstanding!
Hey, anyone looking for someone to read and review these books ahead of time?!
Blessings!
Judy B
November 1, 2013 at 6:42 am
Fun fact, Judy: if you have a blog that you post reviews on, you can request an ebook version of the books about a month before they release! Check out netgalley.com. (I’m the fiction publicist at Bethany House, so I manage things like this.)
November 3, 2013 at 1:20 am
Amy Green » Thanks for stopping by, Amy, and sharing about Bethany’s reviewers scheme 🙂
November 3, 2013 at 1:28 am
Judy B » Love the spreadsheet, Judy – a good way to keep track of all that reading! Hope you saw Amy’s comment in response to you 🙂
November 1, 2013 at 3:00 am
I love seeing the covers to these books I’m looking forward to! They look fun! I can’t wait to read the story behind them!
November 3, 2013 at 1:24 am
Kate » It’s great fun, isn’t it, Kate! Love sharing books with fellow book lovers.
November 1, 2013 at 3:46 am
Hi Rel! Thanks for posting all these fabulous covers. I’m just finishing up the edits for A Match of Wits right now – poor Agatha’s had to wait a very long time to get her story told.
It was great getting to meet you at the conference and I hope I’ll get to see you again sometime soon!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
November 3, 2013 at 1:23 am
Jen Turano » It was a delight to meet you, Jen! I’ve been longing for Agatha’s story so glad she will be arriving next year 😉 xo
November 1, 2013 at 4:49 am
It’s so great to see my debut novel on someone else’s blog! Thanks for bringing attention to it. The cover is a bit different and I really love it–the abundance of those warm, fuzzy peaches!
It’s SO much fun to see everyone’s covers and then go to Pinterest and dream about the next one. Which will probably look nothing like I imagine, but it’s fun to let the creativity flow.
November 3, 2013 at 1:22 am
Sarah Thomas » Love the peaches, Sarah ~ and the premises of all your stories! I’m really looking forward to what you do with those miracles 😉 Thank you for dropping by and sharing.
November 1, 2013 at 8:07 am
I’m having a blast reading all the comments and am thrilled that readers love the cover for Until I Found You as much as I do. The entire batch of covers is just gorgeous. Becky’s jumped out at me right away, and so did Melissa’s. Definitely a Hallmark feel in the best kind of way. And the historicals . . . they’re stunning, especially that white dress on Elizabeth Camden’s. Every cover makes me curious in a different way. Awesome!
November 3, 2013 at 1:19 am
Victoria Bylin » Glad you’re having fun, Victoria! I’m very intrigued by your book and have been by your website to learn more about your stories – all sound fabulous. Appreciate you taking the time to comment here.
November 1, 2013 at 9:51 am
Most of these books are on my TBR list for the author’s name alone — but some of these covers sure do give them an extra boost! I only wish they’d done a little more with Jody’s cover. While it’s a throwback to her original “brand” with “The Preacher’s Bride” and “The Doctor’s Lady,” it’s too similar for me, and not nearly telling enough for the story. I mean, this is Mackinac Island! Soooo much more could’ve been done with that cover in regards to the Great Lakes setting. But as I’ve told Jody on more than one occasion, her books could come wrapped in a brown paper bag and I’d still be first in line to buy them! So no matter what’s on the outside, I know it’s a story I’m going to love — same with a lot of these BHP authors who are my favorites! (I’m looking at you, Karen, Becky, Dani… 🙂 )
November 3, 2013 at 1:18 am
Amy Drown » I agree with you about Jody’s cover but like you still can’t wait to read it ~ always love her stories 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Amy.
November 4, 2013 at 8:22 am
I’ve been looking forward to reading many of these books already, but I’ve put some of the others on my to-read list. I love ALL of these covers! I think they’re all gorgeous. 🙂
November 5, 2013 at 1:23 pm
I’m impressed with all of them!
Even the ones in genres I don’t read (Amish) look good.
I’m looking forward to these the most: Dee, Becky, Dani.
Until I Found You may be my favorite of all the covers here, and I’ve never heard of that author….going to look her up now. 🙂
November 9, 2013 at 8:14 am
My first thought when I saw Dee Henderson’s cover? “Please tell me that’s not Kim Kardashian!” But, alas, upon closer inspection it is not her nor her look alike. Thank God.
Victoria Bylin’s story seems as sweet as the cover. I love the light and fade the photographer used and think it gives an overall warmth to the picture. Looking forward to reading this one. Nancy’s cover has a really cool atmosphere about it. Murder at the Mikado just makes me giddy!! A wonderful step back in time and perfectly suited to the genre.
I’m obsessed with the McKenna family saga and Dani Pettrey’s Silenced is at the top of my 2014 reading list. Just looking at the cover gives me anxiety! Awesome pops of colour and it fits in perfectly with previous three books.
I know Becky Wade’s book is gong to be awesome but I’m not blown over by the cover, same with Melissa Tagg’s. If I didn’t know and love their writing I would have accidentally glanced over these books. They kind of resemble the covers of self-published ebooks that use stock photos.
Elizabeth Camden (definitely a new favourite author of mine) has usually erred towards warmer colour tones with high contrast so this will look quite different in her line up. I’m not sure how crazy I am about it–it may be one of those covers that looks quite different in person.
Jody’s is VERY similar to Doctor’s Lady which may be confusing. A quick tone adjustment on the colours may help but don’t think that was a good idea even if they were striving for continuity.
Full Steam Ahead Looks funny but the other two comedies in the line up don’t really excite me as far as cover goes. Probably because I have a strong aversion to the colour peach LOL!
November 9, 2013 at 8:56 am
Lydia » I love reading your insightful comments, Lydia – thank you for taking the time to share them. I’m with you on Jody’s, Victoria’s, and Julianna’s covers. THe best thing with the majority of these books, though, and I think you will agree, is that they sound fabulous and can’t wait to read them 😉
November 26, 2013 at 1:07 pm
Sarah and Julianna’s are my favorites here. Julianna’s is a bit different, I love the retro feel.