Katherine Vonderhaar - Two Image Covers Co-Chair
Lee Brewer - Two Image Covers Co-Chair and Commentary
The Two Image Cover Category may not have as many entries as other categories, as it is usually more expensive to add art to an inside cover, but at times the two image cover doesn’t include a stepback, but continues the art onto the back cover. This year, five entries had stepbacks and five had art continued on to the back cover. And it’s quite interesting that the five books with art continued on the back cover placed in spots one through five.
And, as happened last year, two authors had two books each in the final ten. This year, the honors go to the artists who created the work on Tracie Peterson and Suzanne Enoch’s books.
THE HEALER'S APPRENTICE by Melanie Dickerson finished in first place with a comfortable margin of votes. Michelle W. gives a good critique: “A tough choice. Several outstanding images. The two Tracie Pearson titles and the Siri Mitchell are lovely. However, this is the best. The look on the heroine's face tipped the balance. So often the faces on covers are simply generic and bland. This girl's eyes are particularly telling, seeming full of uncertainty. The light through the window is beautifully done and falls upon the heroine softly. The title does not impinge upon the figure and the lettering has a colour echo in her sleeves, as well as the style echoing her pose.”
Zondervan
Cover Design and Photography: Mike Heath; Interior design: Publication Services, Inc |
Other voters commented about the light, too. Kimberly M.: “Love the light coming through the window. I like her expression, and the candles and bottles lend an air of mystery.” Elisa Maria: "The lighting and setting draw me. Having had the pleasure of exploring real castles in Europe, this cover is like stepping back in time.” Angela B.: "I just love the style of it. The girl is lovely, with a youthful, understated sort of femininity...something the diffused window lighting seems to gently highlight. The darker but ornate back cover feels consistent with the theme, and entices my curiosity." Other voters wondered about the girl on the cover and liked the back image. Tracy R. said: “It's gorgeous and intriguing. The girl seems to have a secret and I want to know why.” Pam adds: “Lots of emotion in the model's face. She seems very troubled by her ‘gift’. I'm interested in reading about her journey to happiness. Back cover adds to the mystery.” |
Sonia feels: “The woman isn't facing us, she has her head turned, which doesn't make her too approachable, the light from the window is a nice touch and the strong colors blend well. The candles, the details on the walls...it all fits. This is a book with a cover I'd get without seeing the blurb.”
And Taryn E. said what every book artist loves to hear: “Gorgeous cover and inviting back. Love all the emotions on the girls face. Instantly made me want to pick it up.”
Nancy said: “I love the way I want to see out that window with her, and that I can't. And I want to know why she's looking at me and not the window, or who she is looking for. And the back cover builds suspense and intrigue with its iron and candles. Makes me want to read the back! Then depending on how that is, maybe the book, but the cover would make me pick it up.”
Charlotte sums up: “Never heard of this book and now I really wanna read it.”
BLOOD ON SILK by Marie Treanor, finished strong in second place and it is the lone AR cover competing against nine Historical covers this year. This two image cover received lots of comments especially about the dress and the color red, which apparently is Cover Cafe’s Jeanette and Evelyn’s favorite color. These voters’ comments say it all:
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Malvina: “The striking red on gray colours are simply outstanding. The woman is gorgeously attractive even from her back view, the frock is divinely sumptuous... and she's standing among tombstones, with an exhortation to give in to evil! Curious and curiouser. This is the sort of book people buy for the cover. Well done to the artists.” Rachel: “It's gorgeous. I love that the cemetery wraps around the back; it lends great continuity. And the red dress against the monochromatic background stands out beautifully.” Jen B.: “I love the muted background being pushed back by the bright red dress. But, it's the model’s body shape that is so interesting. At first, I thought she was talking to someone or maybe mid gesture getting ready to point at something. Then I saw to full cover and it's kind of spooky that it's all graveyard. I would definitely stop in the bookstore and pick this one up.” Reba loved that: “The red dress catches my eye, and the way the line of her body leads to a puddle at the bottom is wonderfully evocative, especially juxtaposed to the misty graveyard.” |
Penguin Group, USA Cover Design by Oceana Gottlieb; Cover Illustration by Craig White |
I’m sure the publishers would be pleased to know the art work really worked on drawing the reader’s attention, as A.N. said: “I've liked this one since the first moment I saw it. The back doesn't need an additional person or face - the front is strong enough to get your attention.”
Sandy agreed about the cover's impact: "I usually go for the really romantic covers, but ever since I read this book I've been in love with this cover. And it's perfect for the storyline, though you don't realize how much until you have read it. I love a cover that tells me the story, intrigues me, along with being gorgeous."
Lindsey D. probably said what many of us were thinking: “I wish I could wear that dress and look that good.”
And Laurie W. concurred: “Fantastic atmosphere with the grey cemetery and her red silk dress is smashing!”
In third place is SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY by Siri Mitchell. Who loves a beautiful dress? Apparently Dana: “I'm a sucker for a great dress!” And Elyse: “Simply love the dress!” And Carissa M.: “I loved the dress.” And Maria: “Ultimately it is because I love the dress.” And Lena ND: “I love the dress, and the cover really fit the story.” And Elaine R.: “Liked the dress - seemed true to the period and not falling off. The model is attractive and made me interested in the book.” And Hannah “I love her dress!!! Both images are just gorgeous.” And to sum up, Sara S. “I love that dress!”
Bethany House Publishing Cover Design: Jennifer Parker; Cover Photography: Mike Habermann Photography, LLC |
Lots of voters commented on the back of the dress being on the back cover. Jillian K. said: “The colors and contrast of the dancing couple and the beautiful back cover of the dress. Awesome!” Julie B. mentioned: Gorgeous! Love the idea of the back of the dress for the back!!” Wes W. commented: “Great visual clarity and I like the use of the dress on the back cover.” Stacey Z. noted: “I love that the back of her gown is the back of the book! I also like the color of her gown.” Jessica P. stated: “So pretty! Love the shot from the back. Really different than the usual.” Gina W. raved: “The gown captures the elegance of the time period. The superimposition of the blurb on the heroine's back symbolizes the game the blurb talks about. Yes, you see her, but what is she not revealing. Very enticing cover!” Suzanne agreed: "...The dress is gorgeous, but the face on the front cover is worth looking at--caught in a fleeting moment, you wonder whether it is a look of happiness or satisfaction and triumph. VERY unconventional!” |
And for even more in-depth comments, we have Cover Cafe’s Mary Ellen: “This was a tough call for me between Blood on Silk and She Walks in Beauty. I opted for the latter because I can clearly see the woman's face on the front cover, and that's become a rarity nowadays. And I love the way the back cover copy is shaped to fit the proportions of her body. That's strikingly different and interesting. Kudos to Blood on Silk for great continuity from front to back cover and great use of the color red to attract attention. But the warm brown, gold and yellow of She Walks struck the right tone with me, and overall, this one gets my vote.”
Lee S. felt: “I thought this was the most beautiful cover I'd seen when I reviewed this book and I haven't changed my mind. That gown is so gorgeous! The model, backgrounds, font, even the design on the bottom - so perfectly fit the mood and time of the book that it helps usher you in to this gilded age. Every time I see the cover, I'm right back in that incredible story.”
MORNING'S REFRAIN was the first of two Tracie Peterson books to make the finals finishing in fourth place.The flute caught the attention of many readers, including Carol H.: “It's refreshing and the flute catches my attention because it is unusual on a cover.” And Jen: “Love the flute - it's very different.” And Crystal M. adds: “I love the way the flute is part of the cover and then also another scene is on the back of her back. Gorgeous colors and scene. The model used is also so beautiful. Really conveys the mood of the book and intrigues me to want to read it.” Holly G. said: “I like the touchy-feely of the flute and that the model is looking at us and SMILING!” And mom Amy H. contributed: “My daughter plays the flute so I am partial to this one.”
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Cover Cafe’s Mary stated: “This is beautiful, romantic and the ‘floating head’ actually works! The back cover, showing her playing the flute, lends an ethereal touch to this cover. Is she summoning, or serenading someone? Will they appear, or will they just stand in the far mist and listen to her lovely song?” Linnette didn’t stint in her praise: “I love the warmth of color, the scenes fading in the background. The beauty and innocence of the woman, the way the flute is incorporated. It is just a very well put together menagerie of pics that so completely matches the title of the book. It beckons you to open it up and enter its world. There's peaceful yet lonely solitude that makes me wonder what this girl's story is and if she'll remain lonely forever. Who is the special man waiting in the shadows? Beautiful work!” Yuri praises the publisher: “Bethany House is doing something right with its covers, because Morning's Refrain just beats She Walks in Beauty for my vote. I love the heroine looking straight out at the reader and she just looks so mischievous. I really want to know who she is - plus the colours are gorgeous and the cover reinforces the setting and the title.” |
Bethany House Publishers Cover Design by Jennifer Parker; Cover photography by Mike Habermann Photography, LLC |
Hannah was a fan of the bow and the flute: "Her hair with the bow at the end on the back of the book is very cute. I adore how they incorporated the flute on the front and then her playing it on the back. I also love the landscape on both the front and the back!!! Wonderful job!!!"
More readers loved the colors: Meg M. “It has a misty, dreamy quality but the lake looks crystal-clear, making me want to dive right in.” And Terri H. “I love the blue colors and the setting on the water and mountains. It is a peaceful feeling that draws you in.” And Christine L. “Love the blues, the sea, and the coastline setting lures me in more than a pretty face.”
Anita S. sums up: “I love the hundred hues of blues, the gorgeous northwest scenery, the girl's face, and the back of her playing flute. Simply gorgeous.”
TWILIGHT'S SERENADE is the second of Tracie Peterson’s books to make the finals finishing in fifth place. Ah, fans of violins came out in force. Kaye stated: “I like both of Tracie's entries for this category. But this one edge out, only because I love the violin.” And Lynn: “The connection between title and the image of violin and flowers is a wonderful combination -- the heroine is at a crossroads and we can feel how she makes decisions... it makes me want to go find the book to see what she does...”
Bethany House Publishing Cover Design: Jennifer Parker; Cover Photography: Mike Habermann Photography, LLC |
And Margaret: “The gentle face, the warm colors, the anticipation of hearing violin music.” And Kay M. “The sunset background with the female playing the violin certainly illustrates the title.” And Denise M.: “Love the color scheme with the violin and flowers. And the lake is very romantic.” And Robyne F.” “It's breathtakingly beautiful, and I love the pic on the back with the violin, as well as the violin pictured near the bottom of the cover. Great blending on the cover!” And some voters would pick up/buy and/or read the book because they loved the overall design. Adienne D. commented: "The cover is so pretty and looks historical and being as how that is my favorite type of book, I would at least pick it up to see what it was about.” Author Cheryl St. John stated: “The colors are beautiful. I get a good sense of the story. The cover is tasteful. Overall visual appeal: I would buy it.” Finally, Julie G. said: “I can hear the music and the mountains speaking to me. It’s telling me read this book!” |
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Brandy W. summed it up well: “I love the contrast. A proper lady turning improper.” And Karen M. felt: “I love the contrast from fully covered, gloved, proper attire, to misbehaviour. It's startling and subtle - very clever.” And BevQB said: “I love that they used the same dress to show the *proper* miss versus the *naughty* miss. A true before-and-after!” Kelly M. made me smile when she wrote: “It's fun, and it makes me giggle. She's all "proper" on the front with her hat box and her gloves, and then on the back she's getting decidedly improper with Mr. Yummy there. It's like the mullet of book covers.” Joannie summed up my feeling: “I love the title on the hat box. Too cute!” And Cynthia N. gives a shout out to the artist: “Jon Paul does amazing work.” Lisa said in a different vein: “It is like she is on a mission and in page two she found the object of her mission.” |
Harper Collins Publishers Cover Design: Patricia Barrow; Cover Illustration: Jon Paul |
Laura H. went further in her comment: “. . . I especially like the true painterly feel of this cover. The heroine may be trying to keep a lid on her behavior but even before she meets the guy on the inside cover, she is a little undone with that bit of pink ribbon sneaking out underneath the title, which is brilliantly arced around the hatbox. Then you open up the page and HATS and GLOVES are OFF! Lush, drapery and nice retro hair blowing makes me think of my favorite romance covers from the past.”
WICKED INTENTIONS, by Elizabeth Hoyt is our seventh place cover. Cover Cafe's Katherine, who is a TIC co-chair, had this to say: “It's the perfect Two Image Cover because it has a great front cover and a great stepback. I love the front cover. I like the positioning of the main character; it looks like she is fleeing and checking to see if anyone is following. Definitely intriguing. I also like the buildings and the fog in the background. It just adds to the mystery. I prefer a traditional stepback that showcases the hero and heroine and this one delivers. The hero is very attractive and their position on the couch is risqué. It screams romance-which I like.”
Grand Central Publishing Cover Design by Diane Luger; Cover Illustration by Alan Ayer; Handlettering by Ron Zinn |
On that same topic, Merrian said: “I like how the front cover suggests the usual heroine running away and the second cover shows us what she is running towards. I also like how the colours suggest a Georgian world with the palate of teal and gold.” And more about running away from Keri S.: “It was a close call between this and James's book. I like an old-school, opulent clinch and the questions raised by the front covers (what are they running from?). But it came down to colors--this palette was slightly more appealing to me.” And Katariina O.”: “I like the foggy view and movement in the picture. The way she runs from the left forward. Why is she running? What does she see behind? Is she scared? Is she escaping and from whom? The right page is also beautifully done and very hot. I like how the moon shines in and wind blows.” And Mary Anne L. felt: “The artist conveys well an air of danger and intrigue. The model's pose and the expression on her face indicate there's a lot going on! The unusual color scheme and the effective use of perspective also make this a most memorable cover. I can't say I care for the second illo [illustration]. I just don't go for erotica. But a lot of readers do, so my opinion won't matter.” |
And there were fans of both the front cover and stepback. Christina: “I love the colors and the atmosphere evoked by the front cover plus the second image is passionate and not at all awkward.”
And Gayle B.: “The front is so very different from the usual historical fare - it just makes you ‘feel’ the cold night fog and the intrigue. But behind those cold closed doors - hot, hot hot!”
TIC Co-Chair Lee's vote went to the cover finishing in eighth place, THE FORBIDDEN ROSE by Joanna Bourne. Lee felt “The front cover is intriguing and then once the page is turned, you see a gothic type setting and just want to keep reading.”
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Many readers appreciate Notre Dame. Kim T. said: “It's not often that recognizable landmarks are used on romance covers. The Cathedral of Notre Dame looks great there and fits the series perfectly.” Anita correctly noted: “The second image looks like Notre Dame Cathedral...that catches my interest immediately.” Zazie felt: “The crimson and gold colors set off the elegant script, the cathedral with the ghostly rose--marvelously atmospheric, and makes me want to know more.” Gothic/dark romance fans had their say: Cover Cafe's Heather: “I like the gothic feel and the color combinations of bold and red.” Sabrina W: “I must admit I found it difficult to pick just one in this category. This return to the old Gothic style is a personal favorite of mine. I would buy this book in a moment!” Karyn: “I really like that the cover relates strongly to the title, and the red colour is duplicated in her dress. But the back cover truly caught my fancy - Gothic architecture instead of (sometimes) raunchy poses. It makes you wonder if the events take place in a convent or some other haunted place. Moreover, it almost looks more like a historical than an actual romance on the inside cover.” |
Penguin Group, USA Cover Art by Lott Reps; Cover photo by Shutterstock; Cover design by Springe Design Concepts LLC |
Nikki H.: “While the title The Forbidden Rose is a little innocuous, the cover foreshadows the darkness of the novel. One can tell by the cover that this isn't a light, frothy romance, but one with a bit of grit.”
JPaulette F. sums up: “Dark, mysterious with a hint of danger.” And touché to Cate: “The cover actually -GASP- matches the story for a change.”
Harper Collins Publishers Artist: Unknown |
Harper Collins Publishers
Cover Design: Patricia Barrow; Cover Illustration: Jon Paul |
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A KISS AT MIDNIGHT by Eloisa James, is our ninth place cover. Cover Cafe's Karen W. really liked the stepback cover: “The front cover evokes Cinderella perfectly, and for once it seems to make sense for the heroine to be raising her skirt to show a bit of leg. The inside cover is that lush, romantic image that we expect from a stepback, but it doesn't cross the line into tacky as so many of them do. Many other readers (Sherie L., Kim, Lori H., and J.S.) felt what Diane H. called “the Cinderella vibe.” Karen H. agreed: "A twist on the classic story of Cinderella, the beautiful heroine leaving her glass slipper behind is perfect. Add to that a stunning ball gown and a "Prince Charming" that is to die-for, makes this the perfect cover for the story! Kelly L. said: “The front cover is classic fairy tale with a touch of naughtiness in her revealed leg--and inside is hot but just as lushly romantic.” Other readers commented on the artwork: Debra stated: “Reminds me of the old covers, loved the colors.” while Suzy in AZ said: “The cover images are more impressionistic than realistic, and invoke a dreamlike quality.” and Manda C. felt: “The colors pop and that gown is gorgeous. The hero's not too bad either!” Toni B. agreed about the dress: "That dress is beyond beautiful." Judy mentioned: "The color of the cover, then the way she is laying down with her hair fanned out, very nice." Finally Nora H. cheered: The outside cover combines a traditional romance heroine with the imagery of the fairy tale it re-tells. The inside cover is pure, unabashed romance novel material. Yay!" |
In tenth place is RULES OF AN ENGAGEMENT, the second of Suzanne Enoch’s books to make the finals. Author Suzanne Enoch says it all: “It's my favorite cover, ever!!” The parasol caught a lot of voters’ eyes. Annie A. says: “The parasol injects a note of fun flirtation and the step back is sexy without being over the top.” Meghan adds: “I love both of Suzanne Enoch's covers, but the playful parasol picture on the front of Rules of Engagement is my favorite.” Zoe M. chimes in: “The parasol really sets a tone - and I love that it's on the second cover too – continuity!” Maria pointed out: “I don't think I've ever seen a cover with a parasol in such a prominent role before! It's playful and sexy without being explicit, and the inside cover shows the couple in a great romantic pose. Winning combination!” And the praise continues for the stepback. Cover Cafe’s Karen H. weighed in: “I love the painterly look (of course, it's actually done by a painter) and I like the somewhat unusual setting and pose on the stepback. It was a hard choice between this and A Lady's Guide to Improper Behavior but the outdoor scene tipped the balance. But I also like how they're gazing into each other's eyes.” Camille continues in that vein: “Just love the pose- it's so refreshing! In the meadow with a sexy half naked rake (because really, look at him - what else can he be?!) surrounded by yellow blooms *sigh*. Points for the gorgeous lace umbrella too; overall just a tasteful and aesthetically pleasing two-image cover.” Ellen M. has an artist’s eye: “I like this couple's spontaneous nature! Notice how his cuff constricts his wrist. Her hair's all mussed. Looks like we've interrupted something…” |
