Favorite Covers 2024

November 11, 2024January 6, 20262 Comments

I received complimentary copies of some of these books for honest reviews of their content, which is separate from my personal assessment of their covers here.

I’m not strictly a “judge a book by its cover” kind of reader. Still, I have an appreciation for cover art as a part of the overall reading experience. Here are covers that particularly stood out to me from books I read this calendar year. The books are listed in the order I read them.

Readers:
Don’t miss the additional books to pick up at the end of the list, along with the bottom link to more Book Awards posts.
Authors and Cover Designers:
If you’d like a medal for making this list, head toward the bottom of this post.

Before the Ever After
Jacqueline Woodson
•
Middle Grade Fiction

The young son of a pro football star, and the effects of his dad’s head injuries.
There’s such genius in the illustration of falling autumn leaves, here. The way they’re slipping right through the fabric of the boy’s hoodie. The way the man’s frame, strong in its outline, is made up completely of those fragile, colorful leaves. Poignant imagery reflecting this story of father-son love.

The Healing Summer
Heather B. Moore
•
Women’s Fiction
(Gentle Read)

Two women head to San Francisco to find a hero from over 70 years ago.
Such a calming painting of a seaside sunrise with minimal colors. Distant birds hovering above as the sailboats with translucent sails grace the surface of a reflective body of water. Soothing signs of a healing summer indeed.

Miramar Bay
Davis Bunn
•
Contemporary Fiction
(Gentle Read)

Putting his acting career on hold, he escapes to a seaside town to soul search.
More of the seaside, but now at sunset—amber in its glow as the light glints off that golden key on a shore graced with shells. This isn’t the latest cover of this novel, but it’s still my favorite.

Earth’s the Right Place for Love
Elizabeth Berg
•
Historical Love Story
(some violence; brief language)

He’s in love with the most desirable girl in his high school class. But she has a crush on his older brother.
I love the way the larger-than-life flower petals and leaves partially frame an experience…as a guy and girl of simple, vintage style sit together in just the right place, under the bluish light of a faraway moon.

Embers in the London Sky
Sarah Sundin
•
Christian Historical Romance
(war violence; theme of domestic abuse)

World War II. A BBC correspondent in a burning capital city. And a widow desperate to find her three-year-old son.
No, the London sky—so often painted with heathery clouds ready to rain—isn’t supposed to be glowing deep red with the remnants of fire. But, there it is. Glowing over the dust and rubble created by war, while a mother in danger conveys love to her little boy. Such storytelling in an image.

The Blossom and the Firefly
Sherri L. Smith
•
Young Adult Historical Love Story
(war violence)

He’s ready to die for his country. She feels like she’s died already. And then the two of them meet each other.
That thoughtful look on the face of a young woman in a light, dusty sepia behind a pastel blossom near her ear, above a Japanese warplane diving straight downward: quite the blend of imminent danger, understated emotion, and quiet beauty on this cover.

Whispers in the Valley
Lance Wubbels
•
Christian Historical Fiction
(some war violence)

Her husband is home on leave from the war, but something more must be done to keep their farm going.
I miss the days when Dan Thornberg (yes, I’ve known his name since the ’90s) was the staff artist at Bethany House Publishers, adding wonderful visuals to historical fiction. This illustration of a wife in thought and her husband in observation as they stand amid the gentle hills and their farmland under puffy, white clouds in a blue sky—oh, my. Bring on the nostalgia.

The Lady with the Dark Hair
Erin Bartels
•
Christian Split-Timeline Fiction
(some war violence)

Her family history is on shaky ground as questions arise about her ancestor’s greatest painting.
With only about half of this dark-haired lady’s face visible before those multicolored smatterings of oil paint, this cover art strikes a perfect tone of gorgeous mystery.

Everlasting
Amanda MacLean
•
Christian Historical Romance
(some violence)

A missing gold miner. His twin sister, determined to find him. And a reporter posing as a detective.
Do you know what’s most significant to me about this collage of scenes featuring a romantic couple in vintage style? After discovering this novel back in the ’90s, I couldn’t remember the title, the author name, or the publisher. But the memory of this lovely illustrated cover art, especially the heroine pictured in the center, stuck with me for decades until I found the book again—identifying it by its artwork. Book cover designs indeed matter!

Jeeves and the King of Clubs
Ben Schott
•
Historical Fiction | Humor
(Gentle Read)

To fight treason, the British government needs the help of an inimitable valet’s hapless gentleman employer! Apparently.
Oh, what a cover of vintage high class: the dutiful valet, standing erect at service, as a shadow stretches from him in the silhouette of a wealthy man at stylish leisure. What a snazzy contrast!

Code Name Butterfly
Embassie Susberry
•
Historical Fiction
(war violence)

1941 Paris. A Black American journalist mistaken for Josephine Baker. And a spy network to resist Nazi occupation.
Below, a woman somewhat in shadow, appearing ready for travel as she faces warplanes flying over the Eiffel Tower. Above, the partial headshot of a serious, even shrewd woman in sophisticated vintage dress, with a telling butterfly brooch pinned near her shoulder. A beautiful cover that speaks perfectly of World War II intrigue.

A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice
Rebecca Connolly
•
Christian Historical Fiction
(brief mild language; brief violence)

The captain of the Carpathia wakes to a distress signal from a ship on its maiden voyage: the Titanic.
It is indeed a brilliant night depicted here, out on the ocean. The sparkling beauty is clear—and what gets me most is the image of the iceberg. Its imposing tip visible over the water’s surface, while the greater mass of it is visible in the darkening depths beneath. The overall imagery brings the brilliance and beauty together with an icy, oceanic omen.

Peace on Earth
Maia Ross
•
Cozy Mystery
(some mild language; brief violence)

This holiday season, a young friend asks the formidable Irma for help with figuring out a financial snafu.
I make it no secret that I absolutely love Christmastime, and I accordingly love the fitting holiday look of this cover. The string of multicolored lights against the blue background, the multicolored dots of light in the word “Earth,” the hint of bokeh lights above it all, the glassiness and snowiness of the snow globe—oh, wait. That beautiful globe is broken on one side. A sign that Irma does indeed need to save Christmas!

*Throwback*
from Favorite Covers 2019

Unscripted
Davis Bunn
•
Contemporary Fiction

An unlikely film project could help a ruined line producer redeem his career.
This cover strikes the right serious tone in clear but unassuming, deftly blended green and gold, with a contemplative hero looking out over Hollywood from “behind Hollywood,” where the lights make a statement without a bright and glamorous feel. Excellent imagery!

Entries for 2024’s Favorite Covers giveaway are now closed, but comments on the post are remaining open.

Giveaway is open to U.S. residents and mailing addresses only in the contiguous U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older. One randomly determined winner will be notified by email on Monday, December 2, 2024. If the winner does not respond by Wednesday, December 4, 2024, a different entrant will be selected. Add p[dot]prospects[at]live[dot]com to your address book to ensure that a giveaway notification isn’t sent to your junk mail/spam box. For additional giveaway terms, see the Blog Giveaways and Giveaway Privacy information on my Policies page. Entering the giveaway indicates your agreement to the terms.

Before I read the homage to P.G. Wodehouse up there, Jeeves and the King of Clubs, I read some of the work of Wodehouse himself. I made a few fan art book covers too. 😀
You may enjoy reading Wodehouse’s classic British humor as much as I have so far. Feel free to click my fan art cover below to grab a free Kindle copy of Book One in the Jeeves and Wooster series,
My Man Jeeves.

The Kindle book cover will differ, but still.

“Our heartstrings are waiting for music we’ve yet to play…”
•
Last year, one of my books got a cover makeover to match the love and music theme reflected through the name of the series: Heartstrings. Take a look at this sweet contemporary love story,
We Were Real.

Congratulations, authors, and thank you for writing your books! If yours has one of my favorite covers this year, you’re welcome to a complimentary medal to display on your website, blog, social media—wherever you wish. If you know the artist who designed your cover, feel free to pass on the word about the award. The artists are welcome to display the medal as well. Click the image below and contact me to receive a full size PNG medal. Thanks again!

Coming Up:

Favorite Reads 2024
Friday, November 15th
•
Noteworthy Reads 2024
Monday, November 18th
•
Favorite Book Titles 2024
Friday, November 22nd

More Book Awards Posts

Favorite Covers 2023

November 30, 2023February 2, 20245 Comments

I received complimentary copies of some of these books for honest reviews of their content, which is separate from my personal assessment of their covers here.

Authors and cover designers of these books: If you’d like a medal for making the list, see the bottom of this post.

A Duet for Home
Karina Yan Glaser
•
Middle Grade Fiction

Will these children’s families be forced out of the shelter before they’re ready?
The bluish, early-evening tones outside, the warm light glowing from the windows, the smiling faces of neighbors, and the little girl waving down to her returning peers looking up at her… Everything on this illustrated book cover drew me in and made me think of “home.” In more than one way.

Saturday Night
Marjorie Holmes
•
Vintage Young Adult Fiction

This high school junior is hoping to finally have a beau of her own.
It’s Saturday night on main street! The evening streetlamps are on, there’s some bustle down the sidewalks, and the laughing guy and smiling gal here are dressed up to do the town. The small town, mind you. That dusty light blue, lime green, and tones of gray are all this illustrated cover needs, the whole scene giving off plenty of vintage malt shop fiction feels!

Senior Trip
Marjorie Holmes
•
Vintage Young Adult Fiction

The senior class wants to go to D.C.! On a dollar and fifteen cents?
Yup! More vintage YA featuring a smiling gal and guy on the cover. These two are out on the deck of a dinner cruise ship, with dark blue and mauve tones in the starry sky above them and the lights of their nation’s capital city across the water from them. Such an evening has got to be magical!

Deadly Intent
Carolyn Keene
•
Vintage Young Adult Mystery

A kidnapped rock star. A Who’s Who list of suspects. And a music industry conspiracy.
Jump back into the ’80s with The Nancy Drew Files, folks! This illustrated cover drew me just as it would have back in my adolescence, with its red violet tones, the cityscape in the background, and Nancy in the foreground in trendy ’80s fashion, appearing as if she’s either going to burst into suspenseful action or bust a move. I mean, a dance move wouldn’t be inappropriate, ’cause, you know—the whole “rock star” part.

Sky Man
Stacie Johnson
(pen name for Walter Dean Myers)
•
Vintage Young Adult Fiction

Can their team become state champs if their star player flunks out of school?
As you can see, vintage YA fiction has been winning for me this year. The cover of this fifth book in the groundbreaking multicultural series called 18 Pine St. is my favorite of the series. The colors, the triangular shapes, the hair, the clothes, the classroom setting, the characters’ facial expressions: If it doesn’t all shout “American high school kids in the 1990s,” I don’t know what does. That picture of Sky Man gladly refusing homegirl’s serious offer of a textbook looks like it could have been snapped right smack in the middle of a ’90s teen sitcom.

D-Dames
Laura VanArendonk Baugh
•
Historical Fantasy Short Stories

Four women resist the Axis forces with elemental magic in World War II.
I knew I wanted to read this short story collection the minute I saw the title and book cover. The vintage image of a serious woman in uniform, standing at attention, ready to serve, as warplanes fly overhead and the hazy image of a battleground appears behind her. It all effectively sets the tone for stories of valor.

In the Shadow of the River
Ann H. Gabhart
•
Christian Historical Romance

A palatial showboat, and a renewed threat to the life of a young actress.
Repeated appearances of this historical novel’s lovely cover before my eyes urged me to try out this ChristFic author for the first time. I was drawn in by the visual blend of the woman peeking through the red theater curtains, the glimpse of the auditorium beyond, and the showboat at the bottom, gliding on the river. The atmosphere, and the stage, are effectively set.

A Match-Made Christmas
Susanne Dietze
•
Christian Historical Romance

Yuletide. An expected betrothal. And a Star of Wonder necklace gone missing.
Ah! That elegant, deep green, off-shoulder gown worn by the serious heroine is quite fitting for this Victorian Christmas romance with a thread of mystery. The glimpse of deep red brocade behind her adds a tasteful touch, right on theme.

Fair Mountain Christmas
Heidi Eljarbo
•
Historical Fiction
(Gentle Read)

Her winter writing retreat becomes an emotionally challenging encounter.
The soft pink and light blue, orange, and purplish tones on this snowy and subtly sparkling book cover may as well be a generous scoop of holiday sherbet. The snow globe with a woman and a mountain cabin tucked among evergreen trees inside is like a Christmas dream, just waiting to be realized.

Entries for 2023’s Favorite Covers giveaway are now closed, but comments on the post are remaining open.

Giveaway is open to U.S. residents and mailing addresses only in the contiguous U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older. One randomly determined winner will be notified by email on Saturday, December 9, 2023. If the winner does not respond by Sunday, December 10, 2023, a different entrant will be selected. Add p[dot]prospects[at]live[dot]com to your address book to ensure that a giveaway notification isn’t sent to your junk mail/spam box. For additional giveaway terms, see the Blog Giveaways and Giveaway Privacy information on my Policies page. Entering the giveaway indicates your agreement to the terms.

‘Tis her season to reclaim her name.
Given that Christmas is, hands down, my favorite holiday, it delights me that the covers of a few of my own books get to represent Christmas! Take a look at this sweet holiday romance,
World of Joy.

Favorite Covers 2022

November 29, 2022June 23, 20232 Comments

I received complimentary copies of some of these books for honest reviews of their content, which is separate from my personal assessment of their covers here.

To the authors of these books, if you’d like a medal (one for you and/or for your cover artist) for being on this list, see the bottom of this post.

Rose of the Night: A Beauty and the Beast Prequel
Hope Ann
•
Christian Fantasy

Even in the midst of a curse, he has the hope of a promise…
I actually read this book years ago, but I just had to feature its latest cover. The white rose petals are a great contrast to the depths of dark blue, and the style of the gilded title (including the extra glint of light flashing from “Rose”) adds a mix of elegance and fantasy with a hint of intrigue. Just seeing this updated book cover renewed my interest in the Legends of Light series.

Night at the Opera
Stacy Henrie
•
Christian Historical Romance

An American heiress. A Secret Service spy. And a kiss in an opera box.
I love the atmosphere of understated drama set by the haze and minimal, muted tones on this gorgeous book cover. The woman’s hairstyle, earring, and collar set the historical scene, while the clouds behind the iconic clock tower that houses Big Ben adds to the suspense of it all.

The Swag Is in the Socks
Kelly J. Baptist
•
Middle Grade Fiction

Maybe upping his “sock game” can help Xavier Moon get into an elite club!
I so appreciate how on point this illustrated cover is, with the novel’s young, tin-grinned hero leaning on the novel’s title and showcasing his lightning-bolted sock game. Swagged out, Mr. Moon.

The Seattle Series
Colleen L. Reece
•
Christian Romance

Bodies are mended and hearts healed at the Shepherd of Love Hospital in the Emerald City.
Okay, so I actually first read this series twenty years ago. When I revisited the series this year, I was captured by the cityscape on the large print editions of the covers. Sometimes changing the color scheme on otherwise identical cover images works great for a series. I still have a copy of the series omnibus from 2002, and I love the soft blue, hazy evening atmosphere and prominence of the Space Needle on the cover. I feel so nostalgic every time I see it.

Daughters of Fortune Series
Susan May Warren
•
Christian Historical Fiction

Two generations of women strive to find their way to destiny, from the Gilded Age to the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Years ago, I’d heard something about this series a time or two, but my attention was officially hooked once I saw these latest editions of the covers. When I dove into this series, I was in the mood for lush historical entertainment dripping with diamonds, and the out-and-out (but not gaudy) glam of these covers set my expectations perfectly. Plus, I’ll never not be a believer in the classic power of the vividly RED LIP in the world of cosmetics.

The Talk: Conversations about Race, Love & Truth
Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson (editors)
•
Young Adult/Middle Grade Nonfiction

Young people. Racism. Identity. And self-esteem.
Words. The artwork of words. With bold shades of color set against a black background, and brushes of texture adding further character to the title. Sometimes well-done words, just words, get the job done with no need for additional images.

In Search of a Prince
Toni Shiloh
•
Christian Contemporary Romance

If she’s to be crowned as queen in Ọlọrọ Ilé, she’ll have to marry.
I’ll gladly excuse the sound of your jaw dropping straight onto the floor as you take all of this in. The light blue of the sky, the fresh green of the trees, the creamy yet stately sight of the palace and the stairway leading up to it, the embellishments framing the central feature of the regal heroine in her long and lavish gown adorned with iridescent embroidery… There isn’t anything about this book cover that isn’t positively exquisite.

A Second Chance
Walt Mussell
•
Time Slip Fantasy Fiction

A career-driven woman wakes up in 16th-century Japan—as mother to the young son of a samurai.
What a controlled splash of a book cover this is: moving as liquid and sharp and clear as glass. The glimpse of clouds in the dark sky above adds depth, and the small bubbles dotting most of the image add to the sense of motion. But it’s the direct, dark-eyed stare of the heroine right above the water’s wavy surface that most gives this cover its excellent haunting quality.

Carved in Ebony: Lessons from the Black Women Who Shape Us
Jasmine L. Holmes
•
Christian Biography/Memoir

Their names are often left out of American and church history.
This cover does just enough, bringing a blend of loveliness and dignity as it combines the past and present through illustrations of two Black women who may be praying, may be dreaming, or both. The artwork is a wonderful match for what this book represents: the realization of legacy. The cover of the children’s edition of the book does the same, depicting a woman of yesterday and a girl of today.

They Can’t Take Your Name
Robert Justice
•
Legal Fiction

She’s determined to get her innocent father off death row.
This cover sets the tone for the novel’s haunting rhythm and imagery, with its red and teal tones and half a serious woman’s face on one side paired with the bold title running down the other side, cutting through a gritty cityscape. It puts my psyche somewhat off-kilter while making it stand at attention at the same time.

Take My Hand
Dolen Perkins-Valdez
•
Historical Literary Fiction

1973 Alabama. A new nurse. And poor Black girls put on birth control.
If you know the song the bold title represents, you know. And even if you don’t, you can feel its essence through the profile of the heroine with her closed eyes in the foreground, and the two girls holding hands in the background facing a sunset, all surrounded by those warm and golden leaves on branches. Seeing this cover stirred an aching kind of hope in me.

Entries for 2022’s Favorite Covers giveaway are now closed, but comments on the post are remaining open.

Giveaway is open to U.S. residents and mailing addresses only in the contiguous U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older. One randomly determined winner will be notified by email on Saturday, December 10, 2022. If the winner does not respond by Sunday, December 11, 2022, a different entrant will be selected. Add p[dot]prospects[at]live[dot]com to your address book to ensure that a giveaway notification isn’t sent to your junk mail/spam box. For additional giveaway terms, see the Blog Giveaways and Giveaway Privacy information on my Policies page. Entering the giveaway indicates your agreement to the terms.

Given that Christmas is, hands down, my favorite holiday, I’m delighted that the cover of my new release gets to represent the holiday! Take a look at this sweet Christmas romance,
World of Joy.
’Tis her season to reclaim her name.

Favorite Covers 2021

December 1, 2021February 2, 2024Leave a comment

I received complimentary copies of some of these books for honest reviews of their content, which is separate from my personal assessment of their covers here.

To the authors of these books, if you’d like a medal (one for you and/or for your cover artist) for being on this list, see the bottom of this post.

Eden Hill by Bill Higgs

Christian Historical Fiction

Two competing service stations may upset the easy order of this 1960s town.
Okay, so it’s actually been a few years since I read this novel, but the cover has grown on me more and more. The classic car, the cover’s overall tone and texture, the retro feel to the typography, and the little illustration of the throwback gas pump above the title—it’s all spot-on for nostalgic small-town fiction. And what a “novel” license plate!

Arcade and the Dazzling Truth Detector by Rashad Jennings

Christian Children’s Fantasy

Answers about the Triple T Token are finally revealed!
And this cover of the fourth and last book in The Coin Slot Chronicles is indeed dazzling, what with the shining Token around Arcade’s neck and the cover’s golden rays of light bursting down and around from the top. Arcade’s and his sister Zoe’s poses rightly promise action and mysterious adventure as this series closes with a bang.

Nicole by Sarah Monzon

Christian Romantic Comedy

She’s raising a child and saving the planet. No time for dating!
The expressive and vibrant illustrated cover on this rom-com, with a bespectacled and stylish heroine I heard is a plus-size gal, convinced me right away to pick up this third book in the Sewing in SoCal series. I especially love the bursts of red on Nicole’s diamond-printed top and the second tier of her earrings, plus her nail polish and glossy lip color to match. Such thoroughly fun and girly artwork!

The Samurai’s Honor by Walt Mussell

Christian Historical Fiction

Sen’s curiosity could lead to her death.
Even if I hadn’t already been into The Heart of the Samurai series, my “fascinated with samurai-related Japanese history” self would have had trouble resisting this novella’s book cover. The suggestion of artistry, honor, and danger presented by the sword, juxtaposed with delicate cherry blossoms, set against the faint background of Japanese architecture. Gorgeous.

The Butterscotch Bride by Parker J. Cole

Christian Historical Fiction

What if escaping to freedom means leaving love behind?
Oh, how this soft, bright, buttery book cover immediately drew my eye. Granted, there are serious reasons why I don’t often gravitate toward historical fiction with lovely plantation land pictured on the front, but a main character in this story sees what many others like him would see when looking up at that big house: “the beautiful façade of [a] two-storied prison.” There’s much behind an eye-catching image like this, and it matters.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep

Christian Historical Romantic Mystery

He’s a constable under fire. She’s a savvy swindler. And they need to find a cabby gone missing.
Besides the great blend of cloudy and grainy texture and dashes of soft light in the pelting rain here, this cover is all about showcasing the hands-on-hips interplay of the couple. The confident stance (and scheming look?) of the heroine especially says so much. And, of course, the iconic clock tower that houses the iconic Big Ben stands tall in the background of this glimpse of Victorian London. It all works!

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

Christian Historical Romance

Two Americans strike up a scheme against the Nazi regime in 1938 Germany.
This novel’s cover has a relative stillness to it, with a single airplane and a woman’s slow walk on an empty street—creating a sense of foreboding without needing to make the cover too dark. Stars are spread through the twilit sky, blending seamlessly into the faint, handwritten script running through the background. Vintage, suspenseful, beautiful.

The Comeback by E. L. Shen

Middle Grade Fiction

Being a figure skater and a middle schooler is hard—especially when you’re bullied because of your heritage.
Now, if this sparkling cover doesn’t reflect the quintessential, graceful artistry and magic that is figure skating, I don’t know what does. Color, warmth, and the essence of ice and light are captured in this image that all but twirls on its own. Oh! And the illustrations of the young heroine continue on the inside of the novel too, in black and white.

Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor

Africanfuturistic Science Fiction

Sankofa never asked for this fearsome, deadly power.
Such bold and fitting imagery here. (I won’t give away all the reasons why, plot-wise, but still.) Because this headshot of the heroine with a shaved head and hoop earrings and a doleful expression depicts a tree glowing green in her neck and flourishing in her face, the image coupled with the style of the title’s text positively screams, “SCI-FI.”

Rain by Dana McNeely

Biblical Fiction

The son of a high priestess. A prophetic curse. And a notorious queen bent on revenge.
Just look at this. The emotive image of pouring rain, the sun breaking over the horizon of the landscape of hills and valleys, and the soaring raven effectively set a mystical tone for this story inspired by legendary events in Scripture. Can a cover get any closer to palpable drama?

Seal of the Sand Dweller by R. Rushing

Biblical Fiction

The Egyptian courtiers around him are waiting for his downfall.
The deep teal of the background above and below this cover’s panoramic image has a jewel-toned effect, and the Egyptian hieroglyphs are a striking complement to the theme. The image itself has a bold, dramatic feel, and what most gripped my attention here: the image’s unambiguous conveyance that the people here are people of color. A fitting, refreshing way to represent the period and place where this biblical story unfolds.

Simulated by Nova McBee

Young Adult Suspense

A (former?) mathematics genius goes after a sims hacker who may be an ally—or an enemy.
I’m quite a fan of blue when it comes to suspense, and the dark blue tones on this suspenseful cover are effective. The yellow accents cracking through the top and bottom add gritty texture and intrigue, and what I like most about this cover is the vertical cityscape with cultural architecture running down the side and the dark sky holding numerous stars.

Never Miss by Melissa Koslin

Christian Romantic Suspense

They’re on a race to prevent a worldwide bioattack.
This novel pulled me in with its multicolored but ominous cover with typography both atmospheric and sharp. The atmosphere compounds with escaping smoke near the bottom and the wind breathing through the bronzy heroine’s hair as she stares intrigue straight into her audience’s eyes.

A Lowcountry Bride by Preslaysa Williams

Sweet Contemporary Romance

Returning to Charleston presents her with business—and romantic—prospects she may not be ready for.
Well, this lovely cover with its minimal collection of soft colors falls right in line with the story’s message of authenticity, from the palmettos in the background and the cobblestones under the Blasian heroine’s feet, to the heroine’s natural curls and the touch of pattern and color around the waist of her flowing white dress. A fitting representation of grace and culture.

Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar

Biblical Fiction

The journey to find her Cushite father becomes a dangerous one.
The power of the image on this biblical fiction cover is in the angle of the shot and the poetic pose of the woman representing the novel’s biracial heroine. We see that curly hair of hers, and the red and brown of the cover’s earth-toned theme fits wonderfully with the story’s connection to roses and cinnamon. Ahhhh, yes.

The Christmas Miracle of Maria Potter by Charles Adkins, illustrated by Alina Besanidou

Christian Children’s Historical Fiction

A sad loss after war. New neighbors in town. And a special Christmastime request.
This book is a special pick, not only because of the book cover…

…but because I adore the illustrations inside the book, from the soft and cold feel of the snow outdoors to the warm firelight indoors. What’s more, the thoughtful detail the artist uses to convey emotion in closer images of the characters’ faces—especially Maria Potter’s—adds such dimension to this heartwarming tale of friendship.

Lost and Found by Jessica Marie Holt

Contemporary Fiction

Grief. Compassion. Changes of heart. And hope.
This cover matches its short story in a contemplative and understated way, with the lonely but peaceful image of a single boat near the shore and the soft sweep of blending colors in the sky. The title adds gentle texture and emotion, enhanced with a hint of shadow and the word “lost” slightly off center, as it isn’t too lost to be found.

Giveaway

Entries for 2021’s Favorite Covers giveaway are now closed, but comments on the post are remaining open.

Giveaway is open to U.S. residents and mailing addresses only in the contiguous U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Two randomly determined winners, one for each book, will be notified by email on Saturday, December 11, 2021. If a winner does not respond by Sunday, December 12, 2021, a different entrant will be selected. Add p[dot]prospects[at]live[dot]com to your address book to ensure that a giveaway notification isn’t sent to your junk mail/spam box. For additional giveaway terms, see the Blog Giveaways and Giveaway Privacy information on my Policies page. Entering the giveaway indicates your agreement to the terms.

Author and Book Lover Nadine C. Keels

A fictional world. An era for historic change. And the people who bring it.
More of my favorite book covers are from my Eubeltic Realm series. I’ve been envisioning the main characters for years! You can pick up copies of the books at Amazon, or read them with Kindle Unlimited.