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Cover Reveal

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The cover for the third book in the Hanger’s Horsemen series is here!

Luke Davenport’s story is one step closer to publication! I’ve been polishing up the revisions this past month, and I can’t wait to share Preach’s story with you. While we wait for the book itself, I’m excited to reveal the cover art. The Bethany House team did another stellar job. This cover is very reminiscent of the first cover in the series with the hero front and center. What do you think?

This cover went through a few small revisions in its journey to perfection. Below on the left is the original cover my publisher sent me. I liked the model and the background was gorgeous, but it didn’t really tell a story. It was a little too static. So I asked if there were a way to create more of a sense of movement and story. They came back with Version 2. Seeing more of the hunky model was a plus, but what really got my attention was the addition of the three cowboys in the distance. Such a small thing, but it was genius. Exactly what this cover needed. Are they the other three Horsemen racing to join Preach in his fight for justice? Or are they the gang of rustlers causing havoc in Madisonville, TX? Could be either one. You decide!

The last change I asked for was in the color of his vest and hat. In the current version, the brown vest and light tan hat are nearly identical to the ones worn by the model for the first book in the series. I wanted the men to feel distinct and carry their own personalities. So in the final version, you will see that the vest is blue and the hat is a darker shade of brown. Just the type of change I was looking for! They also added a bit more vegetation in the foreground for an extra pop of color. I’m so pleased with the final product!

My inspiration for Preach’s physical appearance was a cross between two football players—one from my generation and one who is actively playing. Howie Long and JJ Watt. I think the model they found pairs well with the image I was envisioning.

Now that the series is complete, I thought you would enjoy seeing all the covers side-by-side.

They look good together, don’t you think? Which cover is your favorite of the series?

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Karen Witemeyer

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and gospel hymn singer who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she's on deadline. Learn more about Karen and her books at: www.karenwitemeyer.com.
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Comments

  1. This proves that an author can “art direct” her own cover better than anyone else! Even when we’re not artistic or designerly by nature, we know our own story and we know when the cover has captured it perfectly. This cover started off great but your suggestions moved it to a whole new level! I think this is my favorite of the three and you’re so right that the blue vest and darker hat really set this character apart from the others! Congrats, Karen!

    P.S. Cover shoot/cover reveal posts are my very favorite ones on this blog! So interesting to see everything that goes into arriving at a final cover!

    • Thanks, Deb! I love that you and Ken get to work so closely together to create perfect cover art for your stories. I’m definitely not a designer, and I’m amazed by what those artistic folks can do, but I do like being able to add some of my perspective and ideas. I think it makes for a good partnership. 🙂

  3. I enjoy hearing the story behind a great cover. It doesn’t just happen. I’m glad that they took your suggestions and perfected the cover. I remember the “corset cover.” 😉

    • Seeing the cover for the first time is one of my favorite parts of the publishing process, but also the one that makes me the most nervous. I was so thankful that they were willing to listen to my suggestions and make changes. It really is a team effort.

  5. I love hearing cover stories and your inspiration. I love all the covers but The Hearts Charge is my favorite.

  6. I think I like The Heart’s Charge cover the best because of the action of the horses. But they are all amazing! I can’t wait to read this one and then try to squeeze it into my overstuffed bookshelves!!

  7. Oh, man. I have to say that I definitely love this last one the best. When I saw that it included the three others (yes, I truly believe those are the other Horsemen right there ready to help him), this cover screamed the best to me. Though each one has all their strengths, seeing they’re all together made me happy. Can’t wait to read this one, Karen! <3

  8. Thanks for the preview, Karen. That is a perfect cover, especially with the three other Horsemen riding up in the background. I’m looking forward to getting my own copy and reading it.

  9. Karen, you made great adjustments to the original version of the cover and this model looks SO MUCH like the inspiration photos you shared! Bravo!

  11. I think the cover model exhibits Preach’s personality very well, especially in the final pose. Love the cover and can’t wait to read the book!
    The three horsemen in the background resemble the other three horsemen, but it is a little hard to tell.

  12. Oh really, I love all 3 covers! But if I absolutely HAD to choose, I’d pick number 3–In Honor’s Defense. I can’t even quite describe it, but I think you caught the perfect angle of the man’s face, and the young man looks as though he’s reflecting on something important that might be tugging on his heart. Maybe all three covers address a sense of longing and honor, but this one just makes be look at it over and over.

  13. It’s so fun to see variations of upcoming book covers! I absolutely love the final version, but the behind-the-scenes look at the other covers is so much fun. Seriously, the design team at Bethany House is incredible!
    Can’t wait to read Preach’s story! I love that all the covers have some blue in them- really draws your eye & makes the series look cohesive.
    When are we able to share the cover for “In Honor’s Defense”? ☺️

  15. I really like all of these covers but am partial to Matthew on At Love’s Command. That book stayed out on my coffee table for quite awhile, even after I’d finished reading it. Quite a handsome cover! The others are worthy rivals though. I like the trend of having the men on the covers rather than women.

  16. I think I like the first cover the best but they all are gorgeous. I love the books lined up together.

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