Those of us who write the stories that sit between the front and back covers of books are artists. But so are the people who design the front and back covers of books. Don’t you agree?
I’m endlessly interested in covers! A good book cover is a thing of beauty and tricky to achieve because it has to accomplish several things simultaneously. To me, a book cover should:
- Communicate the book’s tone. Is this a lighthearted read? Is this a nail-biter?
- Communicate the book’s time period and setting.
- Give the reader a glimpse into the book’s plot.
- Jive with or play off of the book’s title.
- Be eye-catching enough to cause a reader to grab the book off the bookshelf and read the back cover blurb.
- Raise questions in the reader’s mind.
- Not cause a reader embarrassment. i.e. I had to read this book on my e-reader because I didn’t want to be seen in public reading a novel with that cover.
The following covers are my favorite Christian fiction covers of 2016 in no particular order. These covers manage to hit some, if not all, of the above criteria. And they’re also beautiful to look at. Bravo, cover designers! (By the way, I purposely selected covers from a variety of sub-genres in order to spread the love. We should all read outside our comfort zone from time to time to “cleanse our palates” between courses.)
The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter
This photo is gorgeous, tasteful, romantic, and modern. I’m enamored with the gray and pink color scheme. The title raises great questions in my mind. “What’s a goodbye bride? Oh, no! These two are clearly perfect together. Why goodbye?”
Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd
This cover tells me that this book is an English-set historical novel with a pensive feel. The glimmer of sunlight makes this image come alive and the title makes me think, “What’s Emberwilde? It sounds posh, like it could be some sort of yummy British estate. Must. Read.”
A Worthy Heart by Susan Anne Mason
This model is so captivating that I find myself unable to look away from her. Those eyes! Also, I love the creative scrollwork around her face. It’s like a see-through picture frame.
The Alliance by Jolina Petersheim
This cover communicates a sense of impending danger at first glance, doesn’t it? It also tells you the setting: either an Amish or Mennonite community. And a little bit about the plot: a plane is going to go down. This makes me wonder, “Will the pilot survive? How will the people who belong to this laundry be impacted by the crash that’s heading their way?”
The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof
I’m a fan of the varied fonts used in this title and the swirls above and below “A Novel”. This design is well-composed and so bright and pretty that it jumps off the screen. It seems that there’s a circus involved in this plot in some way. The title leaves me wondering, “Okay, so there’s the lady. . . who happens to have enviable braiding skills. But who exactly is The Lionheart? And when, exactly, do I get to meet him? He sounds brave. Is he related to Richard the Lionheart?”
Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig
This guy is, ahem, very attractive. He looks like a military operative instead of like a model trying hard to pretend to be a military operative. He seems to be on a covert mission of some sort far from home. For me, this cover very successfully coveys its genre and I think it would appeal to both male and female suspense readers alike.
Can’t Help Falling by Kara Isaac
I can see right away that this is a contemporary romance. The title and image together make me think, “Who can’t help falling? Her? Him? Both? What’s keeping them from falling for each other?” I adore the fonts and fashionable color palette. Also, the male model’s stubble is a definite plus.
The Secret to Hummingbird Cake by Celeste Fletcher McHale
Isn’t this artwork charming? I want to frame it and hang it on my wall. For me, this cover says southern women’s fiction. It leaves me asking, “What’s the secret? And what’s hummingbird cake?” In completely unrelated news, I’m craving layer cake with buttercream frosting.
Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette
Clearly, this is a biblical fiction novel. The storm over the distant mountains is worrisome and foreshadows difficulty. Luckily, this woman looks like she’s strong and resolute enough to meet the challenges that are coming for her.
I spy what looks like the spire of a castle in the mist, which is very promising. The swirls and dots of light lead me to think that this story will have a magical quality. The fonts and the overall style read young adult fiction and the title invites questions. “What blemish? What does it mean to be unblemished? And what product can I buy to unblemish my own complexion so that it looks as milky as the model’s?”
Can you think of a few recent book covers that you’ve loved? Can you think of a book that you bought because the cover caught your eye?
Some writer friends and I are offering a giveaway in celebration of Valentine’s Day! The prize package includes 8 sweet romances, a box of chocolates, a mug, and a red blanket. Have a very happy Valentine’s Day, friends! Click here or click the image below to enter.
Becky Wade
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I bought Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund, in part, because of the cover. The ship, the storm… the girl waiting, watching and wondering…..all of it stirred me to learn more about the story the cover depicted. It was a compelling story inside and out.
Yes! The cover of Newton and Polly is stunning. I agree. Her hair style, as I recall, was intricate and lovely. I’m always drawn to romantic dresses and pretty hairstyles!
Oh my goodness. Now you have me extremely curious about several of those. I’d better go look them up in Goodreads!
And um, bake a two layer cake with buttercream frosting! LOL
Yes, look them up on Goodreads! And please do bake a cake with buttercream frosting… for the two of us to share. 😉
I’ve definitely been drawn to books because of their covers! A couple of my recent favorite covers are “A Beauty Refined” by Tracie Peterson and Robin Lee Hatcher’s “Keeper of the Stars”. I’m always drawn to Karen Witemeyer’s covers because I think they have a fun flair to them and I like the covers of Rachel Hauck’s Royal Wedding Series.
Even though each of Tracie Peterson’s series is given a slightly different look, her covers are always recognizable as Tracie Peterson covers. Which is admirable! The branding of her covers helps her readers spot her books on the shelves and promises her readers the kind of novel they’ve come to expect from Tracie.
I really like Robin’s Keeper of the Stars cover, too. That wintry blue and white color scheme is so appealing! The modern and candid quality of Rachel’s Royal Wedding series covers definitely suited my taste. And Karen’s covers are some of the most recognizable in her genre because of the fun flair you mention. Of Karen’s books, my two favorite covers are Head in the Clouds & A Tailor-Made Bride.
A Tailor-Made Bride is my favorite cover AND my favorite book of Karen’s!!!
I loved song of silence by Cynthia Ruchti
The deep purple and vibrant green of that cover strike a lovely contrast!
I loved reading Unblemished! The cover is what caused me to pick it up and I’m glad I did. Thank you for putting this together. 🙂 I love looking at book covers. And I might be buying a few of these after seeing this…. Haha
I’m so happy to hear that you loved reading Unblemished, Megan. It sounds like the cover designers accomplished their job. They inspired you to pick the book up and take a chance on it… and the chance you took paid off.
I really enjoyed this post, Becky. I love your sense of humor. May I send you my covers during the planning stages so I can glean your insights?
Certainly, Lynn! My consulting fee is very reasonable. 😉
I think I am a book cover snob. If I don’t like the cover, I don’t buy the book! I found Karen Witemeyer because of the cover of Head in the Clouds. I liked the cover so much that I bought two books, one for my BFF and one for me. That was a very good decision. To me, a cover makes or breaks the book.
Rosie, your comment sheds light on how very important book covers are! No matter how excellent the content, if a novel is saddled with a bad cover then its chances of success are very, very slim. Covers are especially critical for new authors. Dedicated fans might buy a book with a bad cover if it’s written by an established author they love. But, in my opinion, readers unfamiliar with an author are highly unlikely to buy a book with a bad cover.
A few of my favorite covers are:
“Back in the Saddle” by Ruth Logan Herne
“Falling like Snowflakes” by Denise Hunter
Chesapeake Valor series by Dani Pettrey
The above are complete eye-candy for me. I confess there’s something about a scruffy look man on the cover that “speaks” to me – wink! wink! Not to be totally shallow, I really like Lynette Eason’s “Elite Guardians” covers as well. Women bodyguards who look great while packing some heat?? That’s not your average Christian fiction and it drew me in.
Thanks for sharing some of your favorites! I’m glad you mentioned Ruth Logan Herne’s cowboy covers. Another reader commented on them via my FB post today. You’re both right! Her covers that feature cowboys with horses or children or a big sky behind them are lovely to look at. Yes to Denise’s, Dani’s, and Lynette’s, too. Lynette’s Elite Guardians covers are bright and fresh and all about girl power, which I love.
Such a lovely post! I love book covers, being a visual learner, they pull me in like a magnet. One of my favorites that was not on your list was “The Confessions of X”. That red, the gorgeous hair, the obvious beauty in the midst of pain. It’s haunting and perfectly conveys the kind of Shakespearean tragedy within its pages. “Forest Child” by Heather Gilbert was another favorite. It’s bold, it’s beautiful, it’s enchanting, it’s historic ; all key elements surrounding the woman whose story is told.
You’ve named two gorgeous covers, Rebecca. Thank you! Those two covers are both so striking and evocative.
Loved this post, Becky. You gave me some LOL moments!
Great observations about the allure of book covers (or lack thereof). My friend will put painter’s tape over the cover of a book if she doesn’t like the look of the “model”.
I find that I will read my favorite authors whether I like their covers or not, however.
Painter’s tape! Now you’ve given ME a LOL moment, Sandy. 😉
Sorry but I never read outside my comfort zone unless it is a book study. We need to be out of our comfort zone for that kind of reading because of the challenge . If we were too comfortable with the book study we would be reading what we already knew . As far as reading for leisure I want to read Christian Fiction. There or lots of difference genres within the walls of Christian Fiction and I enjoy not having sex or cuss words in my books I read.
Sorry but better answer with my favorite book cover lately. Worth the Wait by Karen Witemeyer. I liked the mischievous look on the young lady’s face. Downloaded immediately.
“As far as reading for leisure I want to read Christian Fiction.” It was a treat to showcase so many of the sub-genres within Christian Fiction in this post!
The mischievous look on the model’s face on Worth the Wait’s cover is darling. 🙂
I had to pop in here to say FIRST – THANK YOU for including Conspiracy of Silence. It is by far one of my favorites of my covers. But I had to mention–that guy’s not a “model.” He’s truly done what my hero does–the guy on the cover is a Special Forces veteran. The real deal. And he’s married. Just in case anyone was wondering. hehe.
I’m with you on the other covers. The Lady & The Lionheart is a captivating cover to me. I adore it!! And Kara Isaac’s covers are stunning and serene.
You’re welcome, Ronie! The fact that the guy’s not a model explains why he doesn’t look like one. 🙂 I know you’ve had other military vets on previous covers, which I think is awesome. The authenticity shows!
So many beauties. Sara Ella’s, Joanne’s (her behind-the-scenes for this one is stunning), and Denise’s were among my favorites! 🙂
I think you have great taste, Rissi, so I feel honored that some of our favorites overlap!
These are beautiful covers! I enjoyed your commentary about them, too!
It’s always a treat to see my friend Jill in cyber space. Thanks for stopping by!
Becky, Thank you for the smile and the giggle! You had me rolling over the “enviable braiding skills” LOL. The model did her own hair based on a Pinterest picture. When she showed up at my house for the photo shoot, I was so impressed!
These are such gorgeous covers. I’ve always been struck by A Worthy heart and the one for the Alliance is so unique but breathtaking. Covers are such a fun part of books!
I agree! Covers are SUCH a fun part of books. Congrats on a gorgeous cover, Joanne!
These are some gorgeous covers! Some of them are my favorites, too. I adore A Worthy Heart and The Lady and the Lionheart, as well as both of Kara Isaac’s covers. Another one that makes me smile is Pepper Basham’s A Twist of Faith.
Yes! Pepper’s cover makes me smile, too.
I liked Dawn at Emberwild, as well as The Innkeeper at Ivyhill by Julie Klassen A moon bow night by Laura Frantz and A note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander.All beautiful covers.
Yes! Thanks for spreading the cover love, Diana.
A book cover is what draws me toward the storyline and the author. I have been introduced to new authors that way because I have found a book and something on the cover drew my eye in and said to me “pick me up”. Actually that is how I got introduced to the books by Diann
Some of my faves are:
The Elite Guardian’s series by Lynette Eason
Seer Series by Rachelle Dekker
Chesapeake Valor series by Dani Pettrey
Men of Valor Series by Irene Hannon
Waves of Freedom Series by Sarah Sundin
Amish Beginnings by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Also several of the books you mentioned made my read list.
Thanks for stopping by, Elizabeth! You’ve mentioned some outstanding covers. I appreciate you for taking the time to list them. 🙂
As always I’m late to the party (it’s a semi-permanent state of affairs at the moment 🙂 )
Thank you so much for including Can’t Help Falling alongside such other gorgeous covers! I have zero visual creative abilities so I’m in awe of cover designers who create such amazing works of art for the front of our books!
I’m loving the two covers (so far) of Dani Pettrey’s Chesapeake Valor series since they are doing something different by only showing the heroes (and what nice rugged-looking heroes they are!) and I’ve loved all the covers of Denise Hunter’s two most recent series. And, of course, the cover for True To You is gorgeousness personified 🙂
Ahem. Her One and Only by someone named Becky Wade 🙂
Love, love, love the cover of “The Lady and the Lionheart”!