“Never judge a book by the cover.”
I know you’ve all heard the saying, and it is excellent advice that is not always something told to you about a book you’re about to read. Instead it might be about something you perhaps are going to eat. A cake that falls apart into crumbs and doesn’t look a thing like those perfect bakery cakes might be the best tasting cake you’ve ever eaten. It could be about a person you might meet who on first appearances seems too cross, too standoffish, too something, but later once you know him or her better might become your best friend. It could be a gift you are getting ready to open. Or it could be just what it says, that book in your hand, on a shelf, or popping up on the computer.
No matter how open we say we might be about what we read, we do judge books by their covers. That doesn’t mean that we sometimes don’t go ahead and give the book a chance even if we aren’t blown away by the cover. But, it is good to be blown away by the cover and then be swallowed up by the story inside that cover.
Authors certainly hope that happens. I certainly hope that happens when you see one of my books. I’m 
fortunate to be published by Revell Books that has a super art department that comes up with fantastic book covers. They have wrapped my stories in some eye-catching covers. You can see th
em all on my website under books. One of my very favorites is Angel Sister because the girl on the cover looks so much like I imagined Lorena. Her face as she gazes up at Kate does make you think that she believes Kate is her angel sister.
I also love my other cover with a little girl pictured. In River to Redemption, Adria is only a child in the first few chapters, but that space of time is an important part of the story. I love the dog on the cover of These Healing Hills. You can read about that cover here when I did its cover reveal.
And now here I am back in the Appalachian Mountains with a new story featuring Frontier Nursing Service history, but this time from a new perspective and at an earlier time. But the cover still has a mountain look and instead of getting a dog on my cover this time, I asked for and received a horse. My main character in the book is a courier, a volunteer who spent time in the mountains helping the nurse midwives with various chores, one of which was taking care of their horses. So a horse is a good fit for the cover. Along with those beautiful rhododendron. It is summer in the Appalachians in the story.
I just got the book added to my website, so if you’d like to read more about it, perhaps read an excerpt, you can check it out here. The book is scheduled to release on June 30, 2020. The start of official summer will be a great time for the story to be available for readers. You can find buy links on the book page if you would like to pre-order the book to be sure to get one of the first copies off the press. I’ll be doing blog visits and writing about the book here too in the weeks to come. I’ll do some giveaways too which always makes things fun.
A New Giveaway
If you leave a comment here, I’ll throw your name in a drawing for one of my already published books. You can pick the book that has the cover you like best. Just tell me what you like or don’t like about the cover and I’ll enter you in a drawing to win a book. This is a fast one. Deadline to enter is next Saturday, April 4, 2020 at midnight EST. I’ll pick a winner Sunday, April 5th and contact that person via e-mail. Remember, you have to be at least 18 years old to enter. But I can’t wait to hear what you think of my new cover.
So, what do you think about the cover of An Appalachian Summer? Would it make you pick the book up to give it a better look?
Comments 54
It’s a very pretty cover. I’m guilty of judging a book by its cover.
Purple whispers home to me. My mother’s favorite color is also one of mine. The horse and barn remind me so much of Granddaddy’s farm and Dan, the horse love of my life.
I will certainly read this new book, Ann, because I love all your books. They transfer me into a different and somewhat familiar place.
Thank you for being faithful to your gift.
Author
Thank you for your kind words, Helen, and for reading my books. I’m glad you like the cover. A reminder of home or childhood places is a good look to pull a person into a story.
I would pick this book up! i love the cover.
Author
That’s great to hear, Judy. I hope many readers agree with you and that the cover does catch their eyes.
It’s the setting that draws me to read a book and the cover is the first clue to what that setting might be. Looking forward to An Appalachian Summer.
Author
That’s interesting, Janice, that the setting draws you into a story. I think sometimes the historical period draws my interest. Glad you think this setting is one that looks interesting. I’ve enjoyed going to the mountains for stories.
I’m not sure about the sober – I feel like perhaps the lady should be a bit smaller so you can see the background a little better. However, it sounds like a great book to read!
I love the cover and am looking forward to reading this book !!!
Author
I’m looking forward to you reading it, Nancy, and do hope you will enjoy riding off to the mountains for another Frontier Nursing story.
I love that cover and it makes me want to read it. Looking forward to it.
Author
I appreciate you stopping by, Ola. So glad you’re looking forward to the story. I can’t wait to hear what you think about my new mountain story.
If the cover & title don’t invite me in -I’m sure I’ve missed some great books. Yes your cover draws me in with both the title & cabin.
Author
That’s why cover art is so important, Betty. That’s the first thing about a book to draw in a reader if they haven’t already read something by the author. I’m glad the cover of An Appalachian Summer does draw you in. I appreciate your comment.