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Cover Reveal! (And a Giveaway)

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Hooray!  It’s one of my favorite days of the year.  Cover reveal day.

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Those of you who like to peek at your Christmas presents early — fine.  Go ahead and scroll down for a look at the new cover.  Those of you, like me, who obediently wait to unwrap your Christmas presents on Christmas morning — kudos!  Read on.

I’ll begin by saying that after I turned in Her One and Only, the final book in my Porter Family series, I did  some serious thinking about what to write next.  Those of you who’ve read all of my books will remember that my debut Christian fiction novel, My Stubborn Heart, was set in Pennsylvania.  Thus, I wasn’t a “Texas” or a “Cowboy” author from the start.  I wrote my Texas-set Porter series starring three cowboy brothers and one sister because that’s what I was inspired to write at the time.  The Porter books are my love letter to my home state and across those four novels, I was able to say everything I wanted to say about Texas and its people.

Post Porters, I knew I wanted to continue writing connected books about families.  And I knew I wanted to continue writing modern day love stories that incorporate faith and humor and are set in small and charming American towns.

What type of family should I write about next?  I didn’t have to look terribly hard or far before hitting on the idea of writing about a trio of sisters.  I’m the oldest of three sisters.

What part of America should I explore next?  That question was trickier to answer.  America is full of beautiful spots that would make terrific book settings.

A year ago, in search of inspiration, His Highness and I took a trip to a place I’ve always wanted to visit, Washington State.

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I grew up in California, just two states south of Washington.  Whenever I’d see pictures of moody, green, gorgeous Washington, I’d feel a tug.  I even recall pitching the idea of honeymooning in the Pacific Northwest to His Highness.  More than twenty years after our wedding, we finally made it there together.

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While in Washington, we hiked and kicked back and saw sights.  This region of the country spoke to my imagination, ladies.  I loved it there.

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I’d found my setting.

I created the fictional town of Merryweather (named after Meriwether Lewis who partnered with William Clark to famously explore the Northwestern territories from 1804-1806).  Then, while burning time online doing research one day, I stumbled on a mention of Thornewood Castle, a real life American castle in Washington.

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Thornewood Castle Photo Credit: Gexydaf Flickr via Compfight cc

A real life American castle!  That was entirely too juicy to pass up.  Thornewood inspired Bradfordwood, the old, historic house my three Bradford sisters grow up in.

True to You tells the story of middle sister Nora Bradford and former Navy SEAL John Lawson.  And here is its cover….

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Leave a comment below letting me know what you think of the cover art!

Now you have the inside scoop on why my publisher opted to highlight a lone woman on the cover (because this series is about sisters!) and why there’s a mansion (Bradfordwood!) and a forested hill (Washington!) in the image’s background.

True to You releases May 2nd, but it’s already up at Goodreads and Amazon.  The back cover blurb is available at both places, should you like more information about the plot.

To celebrate True to You’s new cover, I’m running a giveaway!  A quote of mine is included in Everything Beautiful, an inspirational coloring book for grown-ups that just released.  Along with the coloring book, this prize pack includes a set of pencils and a mug.  Win this and you’ll have all the ingredients you need for a relaxing evening!

coverreveal9 This giveaway is open to USA residents.  Please enter via the Rafflecopter box below by clicking either ‘Log in [with Facebook]’ or ‘Use Your Email’.  Best of luck, everyone!

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Becky Wade

Author at Bethany House
Becky makes her home in Dallas, Texas with her husband and three children. She absolutely loves writing funny, heartwarming, and inspirational contemporary Christian romance.
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Comments

  1. Oh, Becky!!! This story and cover are ticking ALL the boxes for me – LOVE!!! Can’t wait to read!

  3. I really like the cover!! That dress and the colors😊
    Looking forward to reading this series.

    • You’ve hit on two of my favorite aspects of this cover, Mary. That dress! I want that dress. And I think the pale blues, the green, and the pop of red in her clutch purse are lovely together.

    • I was amazed when I saw that Jenny Parker, the cover designer, had found a castle to put in the background that looked exactly like the Bradfordwood of my imagination.

  5. BEAUTIFUL cover! I think getting a first glimpse of my cover is even more exciting than the day my author copies arrive! You got a beauty, and it sounds like a great story, Becky!

    • I agree, Deb. The first-glimpse-of-a-cover day is even more exciting for me than the day the author copies arrive. I’ve been SO eagerly awaiting this particular cover. I kept wanting to pester the folks at Bethany House for a peek, but managed to keep quiet and pretend patience. 😉

  6. Hi Becky, I’m so happy you’re setting a new series in the NW. I’m from Oregon and will look forward to reading stories set there! I love the cover. They only think I might add would be a snowcapped mountain in the background. Her dress is so lovely! Sisters! I’m super excited.

    • Thanks, Carrie! I didn’t realize that you were from Oregon. What a stunning part of the country.

      We could definitely see a snow-capped peak from where we stayed on the Hood Canal in Washington. I think it may have been Mount Olympus in Olympic National Park.

  7. OH, I absolutely LOVE the cover ! Stunning. I can’t wait to read the story that goes with the cover!! The colors. . WOW!
    Congratulations.
    Becky

  8. Oooh, the cover is stunning! Just the cover inspires me to pick up the book, but the story behind it makes it all the more exciting. (And now I want to go visit this Thornewood castle…I love castles).

    • If you’re on Pinterest, type ‘American Castles’ into the search bar and check out all the fascinating pins and articles and pictures that come up! I love castles, too. The Biltmore is nationally famous, but there are several others that I didn’t know existed that I’d love to visit.

  9. What a great cover! I am sure that the story will be awesome and do we really have to wait until next May?! Congratulations, Becky!

    • Thanks, Caroline! I’ve already turned in the revised manuscript for True to You, so my part in the creation of the story is just about complete. Traditional publishers keep books in the pipeline for quite some time because they sell books to booksellers at least six months in advance. Then they work on editing, formatting, printing, and distribution. The sales conference for Summer 2017 is coming up shortly!

      ….That’s my long way of saying, yes. We really do have to wait until May. 🙂

  11. I think the cover is beautiful. The color of her dress keeps her from blending into the background.

  14. Ahhhhhhh! I love Washington too!! And I got excited reading the summary of the setting and character. Can’t wait!!

  15. Those shoes! Wow. I am going to be thinking about getting a pair of those for a long time. Lovely cover, Becky! I am looking forward to the new series. Happy Fall!

    • I was waiting for someone to mention the shoes! I know a lot of us love shoes and that pair — WOW. The bows on the toes! I have a cute picture of my editor trying on those shoes at the cover shoot that I’ll share in the spring when I put together a ‘making of the cover’ blog post.

  16. This cover is gorgeous, I love it. I have read all of your books and loved everyone of them. I am so excited for this book as well as the series.

  19. Hi Becky, the cover is so beautiful! The dress..! I love it. So eager to read the book and serie!!

      • It’s in the Tillicum area of Lakewood (south of Tacoma) right on American Lake. The area surrounding it is a bit shady (don’t go by yourself at night), but the castle is beautiful. I used to live nearby on Fort Lewis….part of the post is also on American Lake (sometimes you can spot bald eagles at the lake). I was lucky and had a view of Mt Rainier from one window in my Army house. If you take a short drive to Steilacom you will be right on the Sound and you can get a view of the Olympics on a clear day. Washington is a beautiful state especially in the summertime…the other 9 months of the year it’s chilly and drizzly. 😀 I have enjoyed reading all of your books and I’m looking forward to your new one! Keep up the great work, Becky!

  22. Hi Becky! The cover is absolutely beautiful! The detail,down to her perfectly painted toenails , is superb! A winner already!

  24. It’s beautiful Becky! Love it! I can’t wait to read about this sister and a Navy seal. I may be swooning already.

    • Thanks! “Classy” is the same word that keeps coming to my mind to describe this cover, Amy. It almost has an Audrey Hepburn vibe. Classy and classic.

  28. Gorgeous photos above! Absolutely love that giant leaf. Never seen one like that! Guess I’ll have to talk hubby into traveling to the Northwest! 😉

    • That leaf was truly giant! That photo is one of my favorite from the trip because it captures the minutae of how remarkable that place and those hikes were. I couldn’t get over the beauty — everywhere I looked. Right, left, up, down.

  29. Can’t wait to read this next book! I love the old castle/mansion and navy seal together..it’ll definitely be an interesting book!

  30. Love, love, love everything about the cover! And love your pics! Looking forward to this with great anticipation!

  33. Becky, this cover is just beautiful. That house reminds me of an English country estate. I noticed that the model has red hair. Does each sister have a different hair color or are all three redheads? I like how we can see all of her and not just a close-up of her face. The setting behind her helps to tell the story and makes me want to read this book even more.

    • Sylvia, each sister has a different hair color. I, too, like how the model is visible from head to toe on the cover. And her pose is so cute!

  34. Becky!!! I am beyond excited about your new series, lady!!! The cover is gorgeous. I’m in love with the Pacific Northwest, specifically northern Idaho. We’ve been twice now and I’d love to move there permanently. The air, the mountains, the water… it’s intoxicating!

  35. Beautiful, lovely, …..I want the dress. The red on the purse makes everything pop. Congratulations!

  36. It looks amazing! I just know I can find room in my heart for the Bradford family, the Porter family can share space. There’s just something about the Porter family. However, I’m sure I will love the Bradford’s just as much.

    • Yep, there really was something about those Porters. They were typical determined Texans who let me know they wanted to have their story told first and let me know what they wanted me to say and how they wanted to be. 🙂

      I loved writing them! They’re going to have to move over, though, and share space. Scoot over, Bo! Ty! Jake! Dru! You and your one thousand spouses, kids, relatives, and friends grew to be a big bunch.

  37. Beautiful…the setting, the dress, the shoes…I love the red clutch! And, she’s a redhead, quite the opposite of you and your sisters. 🙂

    I love castles. I’ve always wanted to travel to see the ones in Germany. I’ve sang many times at our own Benedict Castle, but I’ve never toured it. If I’m remembering correctly, he had it built for his wife.

    Looking forward to it already!!

    • That’s true, Ronya! My sisters and I are all blondes. Well, we started out blond. Nowadays we stay blond with a little help. Shhh. Don’t tell the other two I said that.

  38. The cover is absolutely amazing! The first one without a guy & gal, right? I can’t wait to read it! Especially since I live in the Pacific Northwest myself! Looking forward to getting to know the Bradford sisters!

    • Yes, this is the first cover I’ve had without both a guy and gal. Since you live in the Pacific Northwest, Valri, I now know who to contact with questions. 🙂

  39. O my goodness! STUNNING COVER! YES, a must read for me now..well, any of yours is a must read, but this one…look at the GORGEOUS cover. I NEED THIS BOOK!

  40. Oooh. I want that dress….and that book. Okay, I actually want the book more, but if I had a chance at the dress I’d be tempted. =)
    BTW, LOVE the giant leaf picture!

  42. Wow, Thornewood Castle looks a lot like the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, MN. Built around 1900, I’m guessing? Come to think of it, the Congdon family also had a “summer home” in Washington that was almost twice as big as their mansion in Duluth, though I’m guessing it wasn’t Thornewood.

    I adore the cover model’s dress–love, love, love the detail and neckline. do you know, is it vintage ’50s, or just designed to look it?

    • The Congdon family sounds fascinating! I’ll have to look into their story and their mansions.

      The dress isn’t a vintage 50’s dress. It’s a brand new dress with a 50’s flair.

  44. I too am the oldest of two sisters. I love the cover of this book. Who comes up with all these great ideas?

  46. Wonderful cover! Love the new family series about three sisters set in the great Northwest…so looking forward to the May release!

  54. Beautiful artwork with gorgeous colors. However, I will miss the making of the cover shots you always posted. Can’t wait for the book. Thanks for the giveaway!

    • Never fear, Linda! I’m still planning to provide ‘making of the cover’ shots. That post will come out in the spring. There won’t be a cute guy model involved this time around, but hopefully it will still be fun to get a peek at the cover photo shoot.

  55. Becky, this cover is STUNNING! I love it that the model is a redhead (I’m one too). The details are exquisite. I am so excited about your new series! 🙂

  56. Such a gorgeous cover, Becky! And I’m certain the story inside will be even better. Congratulations on penning a new series! I look forward to meeting the Bradford sisters. 🙂

  57. Love it! It is so different from the others. I can’t wait to read it and hopefully be a part of your influencer team again! I love books set in America. I enjoy reading books that show the beauty of this blessed land and the people and places that make up our country. One day my dream is to visit all 50 states! Thank you for taking us there in your stories.

    • You’re right, Emilee, this cover is quite different from my others. I adore all my prior covers, but I was ready to switch things up a bit and try something new. Like you, I enjoy reading books that highlight the beauty of the USA!

  58. Ooooh, this looks like it’s going to be another wonderful book. Can’t wait to read it!

  59. I just love the beautiful blue dress & the majestic house. The story should be just as intriguing! Thank you for offering the giveaway, it would be so relaxing to color & enjoy a warm mug of hot chocolate.

  61. The dress is breathtaking and the background is beautiful. It is definitely an eye catcher. No one would be able to walk by without picking up this book. Great job and congrats on the new book.

  62. The cover is so intriguing! I wonder what she is thinking? Is she dressed up for anything special? So beautiful! So is the story line! You have me hooked! I am anxious to read it!

    • “Is she dressed up for anything special?” Yes! During the course of the story, the three sisters host a fancy 80th birthday party for their grandmother at Bradfordwood. I’d originally dressed Nora in gray for the party. But once I saw the dress and shoes on the cover, I did an outfit swap. 🙂

  63. That cover is to die for! I love that it’s set in Washington. My mom was born in Tacoma and her parents were born and raised in Washington. My gran was from Bremerton and my gandpa is also from Tacoma. So Washington is basically in my blood. 🙂

  64. The cover is really lovely. It sounds like another great series. I’m looking forward to reading more of your books. Thanks for the giveaway.

  65. I LOVE the cover! And love getting a behind the scenes peek into how you picked the setting…Washington state is gorgeous and it’s fun as a reader to get to experience an area very different from my own (Florida). Why can’t May be here already? 🙂

    • I agree! For me, part of the charm and appeal of reading is found in exploring the setting through the story. I think settings add a great deal of richness to a novel!

  66. Oh my goodness that cover is gorgeous! The color of her dress is beautiful. I love pictures of historic homes. I would love to visit that castle.

  67. Becky,
    What a beautiful cover!😍 The setting and story line look to be awesome as well. Looking forward to reading this book 📚!

  68. Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures.

    Congrats on your new series. The cover is amazing!

  70. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures of your trip.I was amazed at the size of that leaf in front of your feet.Wow must be some really big trees.I love the cover of your new book and the story sounds very interesting I look forward to reading it when it comes out.

  71. It was hard to bid farewell to the Porter family, but this post about your new book eased my pain. Looking forward to meeting these ladies.

    • Amy, I know how you feel because it was hard for me to bid farewell to the Porter family, too. But True to You has eased my pain. A new family! New loves. New beginnings.

  74. I love the cover! It makes me feel like I am there with the beautiful scenery and the lovely young lady.
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

  77. Becky, congrats! This cover is beautiful and I’m all the more excited about this story. It sounds like a kind of contemporary “fairy tale” that I’m sure to find as charming as your Porter series. Sounds like a fabulous series. Looking forward to meeting, Nora and her sisters. Thanks for sharing this backstory. 🙂

  78. Beautiful cover Becky, and I cannot wait to read your next book. I’m thinking a reread of my Stubborn Heart is in store. 😉

  79. Oh I just love this cover! And MAY WNd??? Are you TRYING to torture us?? I can’t wait to read it!!

  81. I’m new to your blog and found that I am definitely going to enjoy it! The cover is beautiful and makes me want to pick it up and find out what the read is all about….can’t wait!

  82. The cover is so nice, but it’s a tease…I have to wait for release now.
    Your pictures of Washington State are beautiful!

  83. Love the cover! The scenery in the background reminds me of the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina! The lady has on a very elegant dress! I would love to win!

  84. Love the cover! And I have sisters! And I want to visit all those places
    pictured in the photos! One little question – is it a contemporary novel?
    Set in current times?

  87. I love the cover. Her dress is beautiful. I love the garden area with the brink paths makes me want to just go for a stroll or sit there with a good book. Love the castle as well. I am looking forward to this book!!

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