Let’s talk book covers. I LOVE book covers. A picture really is worth a thousand words. So I wanted to dig in a little deeper and give you some of my thoughts on the cover for Be Still My Soul.
I’ll never forget the first moment I saw the cover. I opened my email and there it was. My heart swelled at seeing my characters. WaterBrook/Multnomah did an amazing job. I was thrilled at how well they captured the details of this story. Seeing the characters come to life for the first time, was an incredible moment.Â
Characters:
In the front, you see the heroine–Lonnie Sawyer. She’s shy, and quiet but with a strong faith. I love that you can’t quite see into her eyes. Can’t quite tell what she’s thinking. She comes from a poor, mountain family, so her dress isn’t too refined or elegant. It’s pretty. Simple pretty. And very Lonnie. I was also taken by the subtlety of her hands. The photographer has an amazing way of drawing out emotion in the little details.Â
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You’ve probably spotted the man in the background. That’s Gideon O’Riley. The hero of the book. I know…it’s not very heroic to be walking away. But it’s very Gideon. He’s cocky, confident and this handsome man has quite a way with the ladies. A trait that’s going to change his life right in chapter one. You’ll find out there’s many layers to his story. I’m going to touch more on both Lonnie and Gideon in the next two weeks. I hope you’ll drop back in!
Setting:
I write Appalachian Romance, and the story takes place in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. I absolutely love this culture from the music to the people to the gorgeous views. So this cover won my heart. The backdrop with the hills and rich sky, blew me away. I love the contrast in colors and the simple elegance of it all. My agent commented on how the sun is just peeking over Lonnie’s shoulder, almost as if something is coming on the horizon. I thought that was perfect.
If you want more of a behind the scenes look at Be Still My Soul, here’s a short video about some of the research that went into making the story.
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The book comes out this October. I can’t believe it’s only a few months away! In the meantime, if you would like to pre-order the book, you can do it here and select from a variety of booksellers. Pre-ordering the book is GREAT for several reasons:
1. You get a good deal because the pre-order price is less than the cover price (Very cool!)
2. Presales encourage booksellers to stock the book on their shelves (*Happydance!*)
3. When October 2nd rolls around, you will be one of the FIRST to have the book appear in your mailbox (Why hello, awesome!)
I’d love to hear your thoughts! What types of covers do you like? What is it about a cover that draws you in and sparks your curiosity about the story?
Wow, it’s so beautiful, and I love how you broke it down here and explained the smaller meanings behind everything. So excited for you!
Hi Lindsay! Thanks 😀 It was fun to break it down. Even more fun to see the email with the cover arrive in my inbox. It was such an amazing moment! My cheeks hurt from all the smiling!
I love it, It’s beautiful. Can’t wait to read it.
Glenda Parker
Thanks Glenda! So glad you stopped by!
Great cover, Joanne! I grew up in Virginia and love the Blue Ridge mountains. Your cover captures the beauty of the scenery and gives a hint of the conflict driving the story. I’m looking forward to reading it!
Thank you Cathy!! And I must say that the cover for Through Rushing Water is absolutely stunning. It evokes so much emotion. The title, too is so poetic. It really draws you in.
Beautiful cover – so excited to read the book. I have pre-ordered a couple of copies – one for a gift and am SO excited to know that come the first week of October, I will be delving into the story! Blessings to you as you continue to tell your stories for us who don’t have the gift but love to read.
Thanks little lady! You are the pre-order queen, do you know that?!
Beautiful. I love the detail your agent pointed out about the sun coming up over her shoulder; I’m a sucker for symbolism and I wouldn’t have caught that! What a great post, Joanne!
Hi Amanda! I’m a sucker for symbolism, too! All the more reason why I can’t wait to show the cover for book 2! I saw your name and instantly thought of baby Isaiah. So excited for you guys and will keep praying for health, safety and a wonderful experience for all!
Beautiful, beautiful. 🙂 I love all kinds of covers, but I especially like the ones with faces on them. Sometimes the faces are cut off (know what I mean) but I just love being able to look into a character’s face (whether it’s a side profile, they’re looking down, whatever)!
Huge thanks Rachelle! I love faces too, and I think the model pulled of the emotion and personality of Lonnie so very well…the shyness and heartache, but there is hope coming 🙂
Just tweeted this post! LOVE this cover (you know I love those mountains!). I think the dude looks ripped! Hee. Seriously, very appealing cover art!
Heather, you are so funny!! There’s something about those bad boys, right?! LOL
She looks sweet and kinda shy with a hint of a smile like she is remembering something special or hopeful of things to come. I love the mountain view. I was born and lived in Virginia till I was 5 when we moved to Maryland. Love the Blue Ridge Mountains. I still have family there so we visit as often as we can.
This is the kind of cover that grabs my attention and I have to pick it up to see what the story is about. Will check to see if the book club I belong to has this listed as coming soon so I can pre-order it.
Blessings, Tina
Thanks for stopping by, Tina! I love your assessment 🙂 It’s so fun to learn the details people pick up on. Feel free to email me if your book club is ever interested in reading Be Still My Soul. I have some extras I can send you. Great meeting you!
I love the cover of your new book! The colors, the rolling hills and trees and the characters all work together beautifully.
The story sounds wonderful, I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
Thanks, Cathy =) I hope you enjoy it! So glad you stopped by!
Gorgeous! Congrats.
Hi Julie! Thank you =)
Joanne, this cover is beautiful. I love having the author’s thoughts on it. I enjoy a cover that has a strong sense of the characters and the setting – this does both. I’ve never preordered a book before, but I just did yours! I will be counting down the days until October 2nd – as I’m sure you’re doing, too. 🙂
Gabrielle, I do too! I’m always admiring the new covers that pop up and I love the new designs that the photographers and different houses keep coming up with. And THANK YOU for ordering the book! That just makes my day!
Such a gorgeous cover. Perfect for the story, and I’m so curious now!!!
I love the thoughtful breakdown in this post. I Pre-ordered mine!! Even though I won an ARC. Can’t wait to post my review!
Ashley
Hi sweet friend! I was so glad you came to the twitter chat party! Also so glad you won!
Simply. Gorgeous. You know I love it!!!
Thanks you so much Julie! Hugs!
Ha, ha. We both had book covers on the brain today! 🙂 Love yours, especially all that greenery on the mountains. Gorgeous.
I know! LOL. I saw yours and thought the same thing! It’s so surreal seeing those covers for the first time, isn’t it? 😉
Wow. That is really beautiful, and I love the model they used. Congratulations!
Thanks, Miriam! My editor told me the words “model” and “photo shoot” and I was so excited. Would have loved to be a fly on the wall for that. And congratulations on your cover as well…it’s stunning!
Thanks for stopping by to read my review of “Life, In Spite of Me”, and for the comment! Looking forward to reviewing your book when it comes out! It looks great!!
Micah, your blog is so darn cute…I had fun poking around 🙂 Thanks for dropping in yourself! I hope you enjoy the book!!
Is the girl on the cover a real person?