Except for the moment I hold a brand new book in my hands, I think one of the most exciting moments for me as an author is when I first lay eyes on the cover of a new book. And even more fun: sharing it with my readers. Today is the day I get to do that!
You may recognize this title. The first story in this two-novella collection was first published as a hard-cover gift book from Barbour Books. Playing by Heart was a 2004 Christy Award finalist, my very first Christy nod. That kitty on the original cover was so popular that some readers told me it was the sole reason they chose to purchase my book! So when Ken was designing my new cover, we decided it made perfect sense (and a darling cover) to feature Alex the cat on the cover again!
Fast forward a decade and HarperCollins Christian Publishing bought my novella for their new Brides collections. I added in the wedding of my Art and Maddie from Playing by Heart, and the novella became A January Bride, published separately as an e-book, and then as part of the Winter Brides collection in e-book and print.
Now, fast forward ten more years, and I’m close to finishing a brand new sequel to Playing by Heart called Playing for Keeps. Both novellas will be in the Playing by Heart collection, available this spring in e-book and print (and hopefully, eventually, in audiobook format as well).
A fun side note about Playing for Keeps: I had the idea for this sequel almost immediately after Playing by Heart was first published. Our own Tamera Alexander had just become my writing critique partner and she and our mutual writer friend Jill Eileen Smith brainstormed ideas for the sequel with me. Neither of them were published yet at the time, but they’ve both gone on to be prolific award-winning and bestselling authors! If you haven’t discovered Tammy’s and Jill’s books yet, you won’t want to miss them!
In Playing for Keeps, my characters are now married, so not all of the ideas Tammy, Jill, and I talked about worked, but I am using several of their suggestions, and it was such fun to reread our e-mail conversations! (I’m so thankful I never throw anything away! Ha!)
Here’s a little hint about the setting of Playing for Keeps. It has been a delight revisiting the photos and videos I took during our trip to the City of Lights last fall. I’m having fun plopping my characters into some of the same spots—only amid spring blossoms!
I can’t wait to share this collection with my readers. Watch here for a giveaway after the book releases this spring!
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Thanks for the updates on your writing plans. When the weather breaks, daughter Kari will help me get a Kansas State library card so I can borrow e books and read some more of your books. Love, Evy Hoyt
Bless Kari’s heart. So wonderful that you have her in your life!
You know I love the cover. It has a cat on it!!! Can’t wait to read the book when it releases. I love all your stories :-).
Thanks so much, Pam! I love that cat too.
Hi Deb, I love the new cover. The color of the flowers and the light shining on the cat’s ears is a fun connection in the design. I’m sure it will attract readers!
Awww, thank you for noticing that, Carrie! I actually asked Ken to change the color of the flower to the same color as the cat’s ears, so I’m still learning from my husband! 🙂
That cat cover on top of the pink Paris has to be one of the most inviting graphics I have ever seen. It just makes me want to jump into the story right now.
Awww, I hope you feel that way after you’ve read the story. I sure am having fun writing it! Thanks, Robin! ♥️ (And congrats on your 40th writing anniversary!)
Love this cover! I have read January Bride. Congratulations!
I hope you’ll enjoy the sequel too, Betty. Thanks!
What a STUNNING cover. Ken does SUCH great work. I love it. And can’t wait to read the pages in between!!
Awww, thanks, Lynette! I love it too. I wish the book would be out by the time we sign together next month, but not likely!
Thanks for the sweet mention and oh how I STILL love Playing by Heart. Great premise, great story. And this new cover. Ken knocked it outta the park on this one. Well done both of you. Y’all are quite the little power couple these days!
LOL on you still having all those email conversations as well. I treasure all the exchanges through the years. And all the critiquing you’ve done for me. Thank you, my friend!
I am not exaggerating when I say I don’t know how I would be where I am if it wasn’t for you, dear friend! Thank you for all the critiques (even the ones where you said, “Don’t make me come over there!”) and all the words of encouragement over these 20+ years. It seems like just yesterday we were introducing ourselves at that little conference in Kansas City.
Deb, I love the cover! And I’m not a cat person – allergies. Alex is fluffy and huggable and adorable. Great job, Ken!
I look forward to reading more and hearing when these novellas are available.
Thanks, Carol! You can be sure I’ll let everyone here know when the book releases!