Some of you are fans of Tamara Leigh and her fabulous medieval romances! Well, I got to meet her. She's super sweet and fun. I wish I'd had more time to get to know her. Here's a picture of me, her, and Susanne Lakin.
NEED HELP! OPINIONS PLEASE! I just received the comps from my cover designer for possible covers for The Raven Saint. For those of you who haven't read it, I'll post the back cover blurb below. The backgrounds can be swapped, and I believe the hero and heroine can be swapped (have to check on that) So, leave me a comment and pick your favorite one or your favorite two! Thanks!
The Raven Saint
Grace Westcott has spent her entire life serving God and
helping the poor—not to mention trying to save the souls of her two wayward
sisters. But while on an errand of mercy, she is kidnapped by a French
mercenary and told she will be sold to a Spanish Don in Columbia.
Determined to hold on to her faith and see God in every
situation, she believes she must have been sent to help someone find God’s
love. But no one will listen to her please, warnings, and prayers.
When Grace’s situation grows far worse than she could
imagine, she is forced to face her own human weaknesses. But she isn’t prepared
to face her biggest weakness of all—falling in love with the nefarious Captain
Rafe Dubois.
Will Grace discover god’s purpose for this harrowing
journey? And what will she do when she realizes His purpose for her is not to
redeem the captain and his crew, but herself?
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| Mock 1 |
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| Mock 2 |
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| Mock 3 |
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| Mock 4 |
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| Mock 5 |
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| Mock 6 |
Hi, MaryLu. Love the post. And the picture. Sounds like you had a great time and got to meet some exciting people. Re the cover, I favor #1. For the jolt of color in the red dress, and for the look on her face, and the way he's holding her. Seems more exciting to me because it looks more like a kidnapping, and not a consensual hug. :-) Would be super if you could get the beautiful ship in #2 in the background. When is it to be released? God bless. Lynne
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same things that Lynne mentioned above. I really do think that #1 is the best. It caught my eye immediately.
DeleteA kidnapping? Lynne I would be afraid to wander thru your imagination. :) That's just wonderful.
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DeleteI agree with Lynne as well. Red dress for Raven Saint, and add the ship in the background. The guy from #6 would be better though.
DeleteHappy to hear you had such a fabulous retreat. I'm sure you were a huge help to up-and-coming writers. I've heard fantastic things about Tamara Leigh's medieval romances, but unfortunately they are in e-book or audio form only and I'm a book-in-hand kind of gal. Oh well, maybe someday she'll have them available in print.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us voice our opinions on the book cover. I like the female model in Mock #1 the best, but the male model is a little too "Fabio" looking for my taste. I prefer the male model in Mock #3. His clothing looks more "French" to me and I'm a sucker for the smoldering look on his face. I also prefer the ship in the background. Thanks for sharing the covers. I know you won't be able to please everyone, but it was neat to see the options and pick our favorites. So excited for the re-release.
Friday 28th,
ReplyDeleteMorning, MaryLu ... and gals.
Glad to hear your Lake Tahoe writers' retreat was a success, and hopefully seeds were planted, too.
About the cover for "The Raven Saint", Grace's story -- firstly, I remember that she was trying to live as a 'saintly-saint' ... and thought she was better than most. So of the covers they are offering -- my own personal suggestion would be .... to avoid the ones where she is appearing -- sexy, coy, flirtatious, and "too" up-close-and-personal, etc.
My choices would be: Mock 4 or Mock 5 (where the guy is not holding her like they're about to jump-in-bed). Remembering that Grace was also prudish .... she would not have even wanted to be "in" a man's arm, in the first place !
(I do like Mock 1 a lot -- but NOT for Grace's story.) Just my opinions and thoughts.
Thanks for asking ... always fun to partake in a decision.
Take care, and, God Bless, In Him, Brenda H
I like number 5 . It looks sweet, not like other romance novels!
ReplyDelete1 or 4. Is my fave. Headed to Florida next week. Couldn't decide what to take to read.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I've read all your books 3 or 4 times. I think they are definitely a must while at the beach! !!
Agree with Brenda about the girl not looking so flirtatious. So I would choose# 4 or #5 for the pose.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful opportunity to be a part of picking a cover for my most favorite author!!! And Raven Saint was an enjoyable read... so in agreement with a couple of other posters, I'd recommend #4 or #5 ... these seem more in keeping with Grace's more modest temperament while allowing for the rougish gentleman in Captain Dubois. Best to you in this cover selection!!
ReplyDeleteI think I prefer 5 or 6. The first 3 look a bit too "we're about to jump into bed" to fit the story and characters, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI like 4 best, and maybe 5. Number 2 looks trashy and very out of character for Grace. I love Mock 1, but not for this story.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite of your stories! I still love the original cover- the cover model on that one is how I picture Grace- but to choose a new one, I would say number 4. The girl on that cover is dressed in a way I can imagine Grace dressing, and I think the way she seems to be slightly pushing away Rafe can give the feel that it's not a smooth romance they have. The first 3 are too out there for the modest way Grace is in the story.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Grace M. Mock 4 does the best in capturing Grace's character and modesty. I also love the ship in the background.
DeleteI like Mock 5 and Mock 6 the best. I like 6 because I like how she is staring up at him. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm leaning towards #4, for the same reason mentioned by others... it fits Grace's character.
ReplyDeleteI love your books!
Wow, lots of good choices for the mocks!! My vote is #1 or #5 :) The background on each of them is stunning! Thanks for letting us vote, have a great weekend MaryLu!
ReplyDeleteI like mock 1, if the model had a little less makeup on. Love the action of that scene. My second would be mock 4, though not as action packed. For sure mock 1 for me.
ReplyDeleteI’m so excited that you are including us in this process. :)
ReplyDeleteOn the first look through all the mock-ups, I gravitated to #4. I really didn’t like #1-2 because I felt they were too suggestive. If I saw any of those on the cover of a book, I would avoid reading the book. That is normally my first tip off that a book will have more bedroom scenes and that’s just not what I like reading at all. Also, others had a great point when they mentioned Grace wouldn’t be swooning over the guy. In staying true to the story, they probably shouldn’t have very much physical contact. This definitely makes me love #4 & #5. Between the two, though, I definitely love #4 because it looks like Grace is trying to push him away at the same time she’s fighting her attraction to him.
Addressing some of the other comments, I do love the pop of color that the red dress in #1 provides, but that red is also a bit suggestive. It’s too bold for Grace. She is more demure and the color of the dress in #4-6 is better to suit her. It also seems just a bit more modest than the dress in #2-3. I do like that Grace is looking at Rafe in #6, but I feel like she wouldn’t be so open with those feelings or be that close to him.
As for the background, I really love the colors in #3 & #6, especially with the dress from #4-6, but I also like the ship that appears in #2 & #4. I’m very torn between those two backgrounds, but trying to add the ship to the other background would make it too busy. If I had to choose my favorite of the two, I am probably leaning a bit more to the background in #3 & #6.
I love number 4!! Especially the ship in the background. It's just really nicely composed. I think number 6 is my second fave. Honestly, they're all so nice!
ReplyDeleteI would use #3 and add the ship from #2.......#3 captures the characters perfectly, but ye must have a ship on the cover, Cap'n! But, that's just me humble opinion. So happy you had a good time at the retreat.....but I bet you're glad to be home.
ReplyDeleteOh and doesn't the woman's hair look gray in #4? Just sayin'. ;-)
DeleteI think I like #4 also.. I like the ship in the background too..
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun! Anyway, I like either #5 or #6, love the backgrounds and the dress. Some of the others look a little too much like they are just about to fall into bed. I tend to like the more tropical and historical feel of #5 and #6.
ReplyDeleteThey all look so good! I like 6 best.
ReplyDeleteI like 5 or 6. Number 4 looks like Grace has grey hair. I do like number 1, but for the reasons mentioned above, I'd button up his shirt and tone her down a bit. Overall they are great! Who is the cover designer?
ReplyDeleteHi MaryLu,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you had a great time at the retreat! What a great time for everyone who came. :-)
I think Mock 4 would work if you used the man in Mock 3's face (I like that devious look) & made the girl's hair a different color--it looks dark gray in the photo (like she's very old). She also looks too peaceful & contented--in all the pictures. I like the worry in the face of the girl in Mock 1 (and the man's face in Mock 3).
I hope this helps!!
Hugs,
Lora
I think I like #6 best....it was my first gut-instinct and I always stick with that! Some of the others look like they belong on a secular romance book (yuck)! No offense, Mary! But I DO love that dress on #5 & #6
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, everyone! They are hard choices, aren't they? Seems 4 and 5 are winning at the moment, but time will tell. I appreciate you dropping by to help me!
ReplyDeleteSounds really GOOD!
ReplyDeleteOkay I'm drawn to Mock 1! The actress is beautiful, I LOVE the red dress, and the pirate looks like I could have pictured him.
I don't like Mock 2 or 3: The actors aren't like I pictured from reading the description and their poses aren't quite right either....
The description talked more like she's maybe interested in him first or realizes first maybe so I don't think Mock 4 fits quite right.
But I do like Mock 5 and 6.
For me I think either Mock 1 or Mock 6. Though 5 is nice also! :)
Hugs, Amada
I really like #6 I don't know if it's the color of the background, but it's the one that is saying to me this is a book that looks good and is calling my name. Haha!!
ReplyDeleteMock 6
ReplyDeletenumber 6! it's stunning :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely Mock 6, although the others are very nice as well, but just don't grab me like 6.
ReplyDeleteThese are all pretty amazing, but I like #4 the best; shy vs. direct.
ReplyDeleteMock 5 or Mock 6. The innocence in both of them is more in touch with Grace's character.
ReplyDeleteI've always heard that one should go with her/his first instinct - mine the models, clothing, & pose of #6, but with one of the ship backgrounds.
ReplyDeleteGlad the retreat turned out well - praying re: those "planted seeds"!!
Love, hugs, and prayers - MaryLu!!
I like #1, but with the #2 guy. I like how #1 guy is protective and fierce looking and the positions of #1 people. :-)
ReplyDeleteSo glad the Retreat was a success! What a great time of learning and just having fun! Praying that the seeds left behind take root in the hearts of those who weren't Christians. Wonderful photo of you three ladies!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! All of the examples above are beautiful! My favorite is Mock 1. It has an adventurous, intriguing look about it. Second favorite is Mock 2.
Have a wonderful weekend, MaryLu! :)
I Think that the model on Mock #4 is the best representation of Grace's personality. The simpler hair and clothing are more like the character's modest personality and her wish not to attract men that I seem to recall from the earlier publication of the book. But can the color be changed? It blends into the background a bit. I also like how she is not being clingy or flirtatious. I also love the ship in the background.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I really don't like the male model on that cover. He doesn't look at all like I imagined Rafe. The guy on Mocks #2 and #3 look more like I imagined him.
I like Mock #1 minus the red dress. Mock #1 says that this woman was taken by this guy, who is now having to protect her against someone else. He's holding her against him because he doesn't want her to escape, not because he is going to take her to bed. Her reaction is more of shock/fear/uncertainty -- her face and the position of her arm both speak that to me. She's not embracing him or smiling up at him like she's smitten.... she's not sure what to do... she doesn't want the man that is holding her, but she also doesn't want the man he's holding his sword towards to get ahold of her either. He might not be as gentlemanly. I don't think the RED dress fits the character of Grace. ("Grace Westcott has spent her entire life serving God and helping the poor—not to mention trying to save the souls of her two wayward sisters."). I do like the dress in Mock #6. Very pretty as well as modest and pure.
ReplyDeleteI love 4 & 6 :)
ReplyDeleteI definitely like the woman better in Mock 4-6. She looks like she has more backbone. :) The guy is pretty hot too.
ReplyDeleteI like the last one the best..Mary Lu!!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like the retreat was wonderful. Great people and great surroundings as well as opportunities to share.
ReplyDeleteI like Mock 4 and Mock 6. I really love the background of 2 and 4. Surely a ship has to be in the picture with the captain. I like the man in Mock 6. I agree with many of the things that Savannah shared. In Mock 4, Grace looks like she is trying to push Rafe away while fighting her attraction to him. In Mock 6, she is still reserved but obviously drawn to him. (The color of her hair is better in Mock 2.) Mock 4 an d 6 seem to be more in character for Grace than the others. Sometimes, I find myself turning back to the cover to see if I have a clear picture of what the characters look like.
I don't believe I would purchase a book with Mock 1, 2, or 3 on it if I were not familiar with the author. They seem more like sensuous secular romance - books that I do not enjoy. The woman does not fit the character of Grace either.
I look forward to reading Raven Saint and seeing which cover you have chosen!
God bless you.
Hey Marylu! I am torn between mocks 6 and 1 but I am leaning towards 1. I have always had a special place in my heart for the "bad boys" and Rafe looks especially roguish in 1. However, I like the look out heroine is giving him in 6. I agree with several of the others that the ship needs to be in the image. No matter which one you go with, I cannot wait to read it!!
ReplyDelete#1 is the only one that looks like "The Raven Saint" to me :) I wish the guy had a different facial expression, though, more like in the 4th one.
ReplyDeleteI think Grace's body language is best portrayed in #3--lots of inner and outer turmoil. I think if she's clinging to Rafe, it's indicative of the conclusion of the book, rather than the original premise, so I like how she's turned away from him in #3. Backgrounds are cool. Her dress really stands out in #1, but it makes me think more of The Red Siren instead of The Raven Saint, so I liked her dresses in either #3 or #4. I like his wild and dashing outfit and persona in #1, but not that he's embracing her protectively. His expression in #3 is also good (a bit sinister, which really fits him as the "villain"); his outfits are all good--it just depends on how you wish to portray him (wild, refined, or professional). I don't know if you are able to "mix and match" with these mock ups, but if you are, those are my two cents. Of course, whatever you choose will be wonderful, I know.
ReplyDeleteAnd I had a marvelous time at the retreat and can't thank you enough for all your time, hard work, advice, and kindness.
I like # 6
ReplyDeleteHi Marylu! So glad you enjoyed your writing retreat! Oh, to have been a fly on the wall. I love the young lady and especially the her dress in #1 but I really like the models' poses in #4. The rest of the covers are either "too damsel in distress, too frou frou or too Harlequin romance looking, but from the non-christian romance novel covers! :-P
ReplyDeleteHi Marylu! So glad you enjoyed your writing retreat! Oh, to have been a fly on the wall. I love the young lady and especially the her dress in #1 but I really like the models' poses in #4. The rest of the covers are either "too damsel in distress, too frou frou or too Harlequin romance looking, but from the non-christian romance novel covers! :-P
ReplyDeleteHi Marylu! So glad you enjoyed your writing retreat! Oh, to have been a fly on the wall. I love the young lady and especially the her dress in #1 but I really like the models' poses in #4. The rest of the covers are either "too damsel in distress, too frou frou or too Harlequin romance looking, but from the non-christian romance novel covers! :-P
ReplyDeleteI like Mock 6 best. Rafe is holding Grace as if he treasures her, while she looks up at him with love. A relationship in which nothing is rushed, but is rather developing slowly over time. They look like two people whose hearts are softening toward each other.
ReplyDeleteHi, I haven't read everyone else's comments yet, but here are mine for what they're worth. Any of the backgrounds will pretty well all work. If I had to choose one couple above the others, I would have to go with Mock 4. I am sorry but the hero in Mock 1 looks maniacal. Something is off about the heroine's eyes in Mock 6. Grace Westcott as I remember her would NOT be clinging to Captain Dubois as in Mocks 1,2, and 3. And NONE of the heroine's clothes are right (IMO of course). I wonder, do the designers read the books? Grace was on an errand of mercy when she was kidnapped--these girls are wearing party gowns and white gloves! I just don't think so... Maybe she wouldn't be in pioneer calico, but something a little simpler as in the original cover?
ReplyDeleteExcept for the model's gray hair, I like Mock 4 the best. :)
ReplyDeleteI meant #4 not #3.
ReplyDeleteI love #1. Reminds me of Johnny Depp. Love the red dress.Immediately caught my eye.
ReplyDeleteI really like 5 and 6. The others don't appeal to me , I would probably skip by them if I was browsing for a Christian book. covers usually have to draw me in somewhat.
ReplyDelete1! It is really expressive.
ReplyDeleteOh my word! 1 has my vote. It tells a story all over it!
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much!! Looks like 4, 1, and 6 are currently in the lead!! You are all such huge helps!!!
ReplyDeleteI like 4 or 5. I'm going to echo several people's opinions by saying that the couple in those look the least likely to jump into bed together. To me, 1 says that he is protecting her, not kidnapping her. "Grace" looks more like a "saint" in 4 and 5--trying to keep him at a proper distance (especially 4). I like the models, though I'm not especially keen on his clothes. Hers look perfect for a proper woman trying to keep her sisters in line--not too flashy.
ReplyDelete