A Dog on the Cover

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, One Writer's Journal 26 Comments

Cover Reveal Time

How do you like the cover on my upcoming September release, These Healing Hills? I know. The cover has been out there on Amazon and other internet sites for a while, but I hadn’t posted it here for you all to see until now. So for me, it’s a cover reveal to you as I count down to the release date of September 5, 2017. That’s only a little over seven weeks away and while I definitely don’t want to wish my summer away, I am excited about this book finding its way out to readers.

I loved following my characters to the Kentucky Appalachian Mountains. I liked finding out more about Mary Breckinridge and the Frontier Nursing Service she started in Leslie County in 1925. It was fun diving into The Wolfpen Notebooks by James Still to get some mountain speak in my ears and my characters’ mouths. And then I have this cover with a dog on it. A dog named Sarge. That’s a bonus for me. I am absolutely sure you dog lovers out there are going to like Sarge and I’m hoping you’ll like my other characters too. Francine. Ben. Woody. Sadie. Becca. Granny Em. To name a few.

I just got the cover and information about These Healing Hills up on my website book pages today. You can check that out here, read the first chapter and find links to where the book is available for pre-ordering if you’re interested in being among the first readers to get the book.

In the weeks ahead, I’ll share some historical information about the Frontier Nursing Service and Mary Breckinridge. I’ve been given permission to post some of the Frontier Nursing Service’s historical pictures too. That is a real treat. I’ll tell you more about Wendover, Mary Breckinridge’s home that is now a National Historical Site. Then maybe I’ll do a post about some of those great mountain sayings or tell you more about some of the characters. I’ve already shared a swinging bridge scene between my main character, Francine, and a favorite mountain character, Granny Em back in May. Here’s the link if you missed it and want to read it now.  Then of course, when it gets closer to September, I’ll have to do some more mystery pictures or something fun here on One Writer’s Journal plus send out a newsletter with a giveaway contest.  Hmm, what can I give away? A puppy? No, I couldn’t mail that. LOL. But I’ll figure out something.

But first, here’s the cover. A good book cover is important in catching a reader’s eye and enticing that eye with a promise of the story between the covers.

Does this cover make that kind of promise to you? What do you like about it?  Would it make you pick up the book to read the back cover copy? Do you want to know more about my nurse midwife and her dog? I hope so.

As always, thanks for reading.

 

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Comments 26

  1. I am looking forward to “stepping up on that porch” and getting to know the family and share in their lives. You cover is extremely inviting! There is small chance of me being disappointed once I go inside!

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      Author

      I’m excited about your getting to step up on that porch with Francine as she treats her mountain patients, Sandi. Can’t wait to hear what you think of the story.

  2. What a wonderful read so far and I am sure more is to come! This latest book of yours may prove to be my favorite yet.

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      Author

      Always good when the latest one is a favorite, Sandi. I supose the story I’m trying to come up with next should be my favorite, but I’m not sure that’s true. That might be because it’s easier to look back at what’s already written than to look ahead to what needs to be written.

  3. I think it’s a beautiful cover, Ann! I’m excited to read your next adventure about midwifery in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky! Congratulations and God Bless, Friend! ~Psalm 139:8~

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      Author

      Thanks, Emily. Always great to hear from you and I do hope you will like the story when you get a chance to read it. Love that Psalm. I like verse 4. “For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.” And verses 9 and 10.

  4. I love this cover. This is my dream cabin in my dream location. I can see myself sitting on the porch reading. With quiet…blessed quiet.

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      Author

      There might be hoot owls and coyotes and jar flies, Joy. Also plenty of bird song. Guess that would be a good accompaniment to your reading. Maybe you need to go rent a cabin for a get away week. Ah, to sit and read all week. Eat peanut butter and apples. Maybe a grilled cheese and some soup. Nothing you had to really cook. And just read and enjoy the country.

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      Author
  5. What I love is the title. I have always been a city girl, now being in Ky for the last 15 years I am having a heart change. Learning that there really is healing in the hills, in more ways than the obvious. Ann, I love the way that you see the good and positive in everything

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      Author

      Well, that’s a nice compliment, Cindy. Not sure it’s always true. I’ve been cleaning the decks this week and couldn’t think of much good about that. Then again, it was good exercise. It did get me out in the sun. The decks will look better if I get the sealant on them. At least I hope so. I like decks but they can be a lot of work. Uh, exercise. 🙂 Haven’t see you at Kroger for a while. I was there today and they were having an ice cream sale. People were getting ready to have some ice cream suppers for sure.

      1. The heat really puts a damper on my outside activities. I get very sick. My illness has been really giving me fits. Holler at me on FB and tell me your heading to Krogers and I’ll head out if possible. 😀

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          Author

          I’m sorry you are having a tough summer with the heat and humidity, Cindy. But shoot, if we’re going to arrange a meeting, let’s head to somewhere more fun than the produce aisle at Kroger. 🙂

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      Author

      Thanks, Evelyn. I think Revell’s artistic crew did capture a mountain feel to the cover, but for people like us, it can be that country feeling too. And of course, I love the dog. I had a collie/shepherd mix once that was yellow and white like the dog on the cover. Maybe I need to do a post on Buster. 🙂

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      Author

      Next, I’d hope the back cover would make you want to read the rest of the story, Melissa. And if you read it, you might even start humming a song or two. Maybe Froggie went a-courting. 🙂

  6. Beautiful, enticing cover!
    I love the title, the setting, the dog, cabin, and just enough of the lady to make me want to know more about her.
    Can’t wait to read the story!

    1. Post
      Author

      Thanks, Marji. Revell did a great job on the cover the way they always do. And I think the title suits the story. I do hope you will enjoy living the story with Francine.

  7. I love the cover, and yes I would definitely pick up this book because of the cover, but I pick up any book with your name on, love your books

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      Author

      You’re my kind of friend, Lois. That’s such a super thing to tell me and I do admit that I’ve felt that way about other writers too. This or that writer’s name on a book is all that it took for me to be ready to crack open the cover.

  8. Beautiful cover.I love the dog.the Autumn colors in the background, the cabin, the woodsmoke , everything! I don’t want to wish a minute away but when Sept. does roll around I will be excited to read this book!

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      Author

      Right, Lisa. We want to enjoy every day of our summer, but I do hope when September rolls around and you perhaps get a chance to read These Healing Hills that you’ll let me know what you think about the story.

  9. Oh Ann, I absolutely love the cover of your newest book. It is so warm and inviting. I think this one will be snatched off the shelves quickly. Congratulations on your beautiful book with its beautiful cover!

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      Author

      Thanks, Melanie. I do hope this book makes its way into a lot of readers’ hands. I had such a great time, and okay, a struggle too, getting this story told. Maybe I should post about that!!

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