Category Archives: Cover Crush

Cover Crush: The Man In The Lighthouse by Erik Valeur

Posted on by
2

Cover Crush banner

I am not a cover designer but I can agree that cover layouts play an important role in the overall presentation of stories and I must admit, often times I first judge a book by its cover.

The Man in the LighthouseThe Man in the Lighthouse

Pub Date 14 Mar 2017

All his life, Viggo Larssen has been haunted by the same troubling dream, which he calls the Omen—a vision of a woman beckoning to him from the surface of a churning sea. Now, as he broods over his shipwrecked existence in a remote lighthouse off the outermost coast of Denmark, he is about to be borne backward by the current to a past he thought he had escaped forever.

On the Danish mainland, the widowed mother of the nation’s prime minister mysteriously vanishes from her prestigious nursing home. As the police search for clues, evidence mounts that her disappearance is tied to an unsolved crime from Viggo’s childhood. Told through the eyes of multiple characters from Viggo’s old neighborhood, Erik Valeur’s dark, serpentine mystery is a profound meditation on the persistence of memory, the power of dreams, and the secrets we hide from one another—and ourselves.

My Thoughts:

I don’t read a lot of  Scandinavian Literature but I do watch a lot of Scandinavian shows. So when I spotted this story, I thought this would be something to look into. The cover is certainty has a brooding, dark tone feel about it. It shows how at times, the sea can be unforgiving-if you will. Imagine being shipwrecked upon those rocks. This cover is dramatic and I believe fits the premise. Adding this book to my never ending reading pile!

Stephanie M. Hopkins

***********

Cover Crush is a weekly series that originated with Erin at Flashlight Commentary.

Other great book bloggers who cover crush:

Heather @ The Maiden’s Court

Magdalena @ A Bookaholic Swede

Holly @ 2 Kids and Tired Books

Colleen @ A Literary Vacation

stay-calm-and-support-book-bloggers

Cover Crush: The Last Valentine by Felix Alexander

Posted on by
3

Cover Crush banner

I am not a cover designer but I can agree that cover layouts play an important role in the overall presentation of stories and I must admit, often times I first judge a book by its cover.

The Last Valentine by Felix AlexanderThe Last Valentine by Felix Alexander

Published February 13th 2017 by ForeverPoetic

When Olivia Villalobos finds a bloodstained love letter she endeavors to deliver it before Chief Inspector Sedeño finds it in her possession.

A city along the southern coast of Puerto Rico emerges in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War. Olivia, daughter of a drunkard police investigator who never knew the truth behind her mother’s disappearance, finds a bloodstained love letter in the hidden compartment of her father’s coat. Convinced it belonged to the man recently found dead she sets out to deliver it to the Labyrinth of Love Letters. A mysterious place believed to be an urban legend where the transients of forbidden love leave missives for one another. She enlists the help of Isaac Quintero to find the Labyrinth and they soon realize their quest has opened the door into Old Sienna’s darkest secrets—the perils, madness and depth of tragic love

My Thoughts:

I was debating when I should post this cover crush because it would have been perfect for fall time. I recently acquired this book to review on NetGalley so I decided to go ahead and share it. I shall read and write a review for it as soon as I can. I am definitely looking forward to reading the story. As a lover of history, reading about a story that takes place in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War has me intrigued.

The cover has a haunting feel to it but I’m not sure how the cover will relate to the story but I look forward to finding out!

Stephanie M. Hopkins

Cover Crush is a weekly series that originated with Erin at Flashlight Commentary.

Other great book bloggers who cover crush:

Heather @ The Maiden’s Court-Coming Soon

Magdalena @ A Bookaholic Swede

Holly @ 2 Kids and Tired Books

Colleen @ A Literary Vacation

#CoverCrush The Thousand Lights Hotel by Emylia Hall

Posted on by
2

Cover Crush banner

I am not a cover designer but I can agree that cover layouts play an important role in the overall presentation of stories and I must admit, often times I first judge a book by its cover.

The Thousand Lights HotelThe Thousand Lights Hotel by Emylia Hall

Pub Date 13 Jul 2017

THE THOUSAND LIGHTS HOTEL is the gorgeous new novel from Emylia Hall, author of Richard & Judy Summer Pick THE BOOK OF SUMMERS. Set in idyllic Italy, it’s the perfect holiday read, for fans of Louise Douglas and Hannah Richell.

When Kit loses her mother in tragic circumstances, she feels drawn to finally connect with the father she has never met. That search brings her to the Thousand Lights Hotel, the perfect holiday escape perched upon a cliff on the island of Elba. Within this idyllic setting a devastating truth is brought to light: shaking the foundations upon which the hotel is built, and shattering the lives of the people within it.

A heartbreaking story of loss, betrayal, and redemption, told with all the warmth and beauty of an Italian summer.

**********

As I’ve said before,  I am drawn by the ocean and stories that take place near them. I am a Florida native by birth and grew up near beaches and went often. Still do when I get the chance. Those were some of the happiest moments of my life.  The smell of the salty air, the warmth of the sun, the ocean breeze, the sounds of the seagulls and the waves as they break at the shore line. Just to relax in the sun and stare out at the ocean while your mind is reflective. The ocean gives one such a calming effect. When there is not a storm of course! There is a saying for people like me, “I have sand between my toes.” Anyhow, I am getting way off topic here.

As you can tell, I really like this cover and its scenic view. The title is appealing as well. As you have read in the book description, there are sad moments and hopefully happy ones. Will this book make for a good summer read? Well, that is something you will have to find out entirely on your own but who knows, I might pick it up.

**********

Cover Crush is a weekly series that originated with Erin at Flashlight Commentary.

Other great book bloggers who cover crush:

Heather @ The Maiden’s Court

Magdalena @ A Bookaholic Swede

Holly @ 2 Kids and Tired Books

Colleen @ A Literary Vacation

More cover crushes over at indieBRAG!

Cover Crush: Secret Shores by Ella Carey

Posted on by
1

Cover Crush banner

I am not a cover designer but I can agree that cover layouts play an important role in the overall presentation of books and I must admit, often times I first judge a book by its cover.

Secret ShoresSecret Shores by Ella Carey

Expected publication: September 5th 2017 by Lake Union Publishing

In 1946, artist Rebecca Swift’s dreams of love and a life free from convention are crashing like the waves of the Australian coast below her. And it’s into those roiling waters that she disappears.

Forty-one years later, Tess Miller’s dreams are crashing, too. The once-successful New York editor has lost her most prestigious author to the handsome new golden boy of publishing. Meanwhile, she’s stuck with Edward Russell, a washed-up Australian poet writing a novel about some obscure artist named Rebecca Swift. But Tess may have underestimated Russell. His book is not only true—it’s a searing, tragic romance and a tantalizing mystery set in a circle of postwar modernists. When Tess uncovers a long-hidden secret, she’s drawn even deeper into Rebecca’s enigmatic life and death.

As Rebecca’s past intertwines with the present, Tess finds herself falling for the last man she thought she’d ever be drawn to. On the way, she discovers the power of living an authentic life—and that transcendent love never really dies.

************

Today I have a special guest with me as a co-host to this stunning cover! Neither of us have heard of this author before. Meghan Holloway pointed the cover and the author out to me this week on Facebook. It is so much fun discovering new authors and stories!

Meghan said, “I love that washed out blue tone with the eye-catching splash of red with her beret.”

I would have to agree with her and the title and premise sounds great!

Be sure to check out Meghan’s website and her guest post with me here at Layered Pages about her male protagonist.

Thank you, Meghan for the discovery of this beautiful cover!

**********

Cover Crush is a weekly series that originated with Erin at Flashlight Commentary. Her latest cover crush here.

Other great book bloggers who cover crush:

Heather @ The Maiden’s Court

Magdalena @ A Bookaholic Swede

Holly @ 2 Kids and Tired Books

Colleen @ A Literary Vacation

More cover crushes over at indieBRAG!

stay-calm-and-support-book-bloggers

Cover Crush: Empress of the Fall by David Hair

Posted on by
1

Cover Crush banner

I am not a cover designer but I can agree that cover layouts play an important role in the overall presentation of books and I must admit, often times I first judge a book by its cover.

Empress of the FallEmpress of the Fall

Pub Date 09 Mar 2017

The Emperor is dead – long live the Empress!

Emperor Constant is dead and his rivals are scrabbling for power – but any misstep could plunge the land, already devastated by the shocking outcome of the Third Crusade, into a calamitous civil war.

The Imperial throne is not the only one in jeopardy. Two brothers, imprisoned veterans of the Crusades, finally return home to find their father’s kingdom being plundered – but the price of regaining their birthright will have far-reaching implications for the entire empire.

In the East, Sultan Salim, peacemaker and visionary ruler, faces his greatest challenge as his people demand an invasion of the West in retribution for the Rondian Crusades

And lurking in the darkness, orchestrating both the power struggles and the inevitable conflicts, is a shadowy group threatening to destroy civilisation itself.

***********

This cover captured my attention straight away! It really pops! I love it! I believe the design and title depicts what the story is about perfectly. Adding this book to my reading pile!

**********

Cover Crush is a weekly series that originated with Erin at Flashlight Commentary.

Other great book bloggers who cover crush:

Heather @ The Maiden’s Court-Coming Soon!

Magdalena @ A Bookaholic Swede

Holly @ 2 Kids and Tired Books

Colleen @ A Literary Vacation

More cover crushes over at indieBRAG!

stay-calm-and-support-book-bloggers

Cover Crush: Number Game by Rebecca Rode

Posted on by
Reply

Cover Crush banner

I am not a cover designer but I can agree that cover layouts play an important role in the overall presentation of books and I must admit, often times I first judge a book by its cover.

**********

Numbers Game by Rebecca RodeNumbers Game by Rebecca Rode

Category: Science Fiction – Dystopian/Young Adult

Published March 10th 2015 by Diamond Patch Press

A citizen girl someone’s trying to kill. A hot military slave with a mysterious past. A dangerous game that changes everything.

In futuristic America, everyone wears a number. Treena’s as ready for Rating Day as anyone can be—she’s a top contender in Level Three school and has a highly-rated boyfriend. But when her number is announced, it shocks everyone.

To get her life and boyfriend back, Treena must go undercover and expose a military spy. Doesn’t sound too hard, except that someone wants her dead. And then there’s Vance, the mysterious soldier with a haunted past and gorgeous brown eyes. Together, they discover a dark numbers conspiracy, one that shatters the nation’s future. Treena must join up with Vance if she is to survive the dangerous game of numbers—and the terrible war that rages within her heart.

For Divergent, Selection & Hunger Games fans, from a #1 bestselling author.

***********

I haven’t been posting much of late so here it goes! I decided to post about another young adult book. This genre is popping with book covers lately it seems and I do love a good science fiction read. While, I don’t read a whole lot of young adult books, I have to admit I might give this a try so I can recommend it or not to my younger readers.

I think this is a great layout and I like the graphics used for this. The layers are perfectly displayed.

Feel free to share your thoughts on this cover!

Stephanie M. Hopkins

**********

Cover Crush is a weekly series that originated with Erin at Flashlight Commentary.

Other great book bloggers who cover crush:

Heather @ The Maiden’s Court

Magdalena @ A Bookaholic Swede

Holly @ 2 Kids and Tired Books

Colleen @ A Literary Vacation

More cover crushes over at indieBRAG!

Cover Crush: Collide by Michelle Madow

Posted on by
2

Cover Crush banner

I am not a cover designer but I can agree that cover layouts play an important role in the overall presentation of books and I must admit, often times I first judge a book by its cover.

**********

Collide by Michelle MadowCollide by Michelle Madow

Young Adult/Fantasy

Published February 9th 2017 by Dreamscape Publishing

I should have died when I was shot at the Halloween dance.

Instead I woke up—one week earlier, in a parallel universe where my mom’s fatal car accident six months ago never happened.

A world with my mom still in it was all I ever wanted. But in this timeline, everything is different—my grades, my friends, and even my boyfriend. I’m a stranger in my own body, and I don’t like who I’ve become.

But one thing is the same—that shooting will still happen at the end of the week.

I’m the only one who knows. Which means I’m the only one who can stop it.

But first I need to convince someone—anyone—that I’m telling the truth… and then get them to help me.

**********

This cover really appeals to me in a number of ways. I love the vibrant colors used and the dramatic flare of the girl’s dress. Not only that but the picture of the clock in the background. The way the girl is facing it and how her dress flares out around her shows movement. The title Collide is perfect for this cover and I look forward to finding out how it connects to the story. Great cover for a fantasy story!

**********

Cover Crush is a weekly series that originated with Erin at Flashlight Commentary.

Other great book bloggers who cover crush:

Heather @ The Maiden’s Court

Magdalena @ A Bookaholic Swede

Holly @ 2 Kids and Tired Books

Colleen @ A Literary Vacation

More cover crushes over at indieBRAG!

Cover Crush: The Book Store by Deborah Meyler

Posted on by
2

Cover Crush banner

I am not a cover designer but I can agree that cover layouts play an important role in the overall presentation of books and I must admit, often times I first judge a book by its cover.

**********

the-bookstoreThe Bookstore

Pub Date: August 20, 2013

A witty, sharply observed debut novel about a young woman who finds unexpected salvation while working in a quirky used bookstore in Manhattan.

Brilliant, idealistic Esme Garland moves to Manhattan armed with a pres­tigious scholarship at Columbia University. When Mitchell van Leuven— a New Yorker with the bluest of blue New York blood—captures her heart with his stunning good looks and a penchant for all things erotic, life seems truly glorious . . . until a thin blue line signals a wrinkle in Esme’s tidy plan. Before she has a chance to tell Mitchell about her pregnancy, he suddenly declares their sex life is as exciting as a cup of tea, and ends it all.

Determined to master everything from Degas to diapers, Esme starts work at a small West Side bookstore, finding solace in George, the laconic owner addicted to spirulina, and Luke, the taciturn, guitar-playing night manager. The oddball customers are a welcome relief from Columbia’s high-pressure halls, but the store is struggling to survive in this city where nothing seems to last.

Note: Reviews are mixed on this one….

**********

Hands down, readers are going to love book covers with the title, The Bookstore and with books displayed. I am digging everything about this cover. The colorful books and how they are presented by the person holding them. The dark flowery dress of the lady for contrast gives it a great stand out. This is an eye catcher! Kudos to the design team.

**********

More Great Cover Crushes!

 Cover Crush is a weekly series that originated with Erin at Flashlight Commentary.

 Other great book bloggers who cover crush:

Heather @ The Maiden’s Court-Coming soon

Magdalena @ A Bookaholic Swede-Coming soon

Holly @ 2 Kids and Tired Books-Coming soon

Colleen @ A Literary Vacation-Coming soon

More cover crushes over at indieBRAG!

Cover Crush: Island of Secrets by Patricia Wilson

Posted on by
2

Cover Crush banner

I am not a cover designer but I can agree that cover layouts play an important role in the overall presentation of books and I must admit, often times I first judge a book by its cover.

**********

island-of-secrets-by-patricia-wilsonIsland of Secrets by Patricia Wilson

Pub Date 18 May 2017

As I remember, the story started at about six o’clock in the morning on the fourteenth of September, 1943…’

All her life Angie 37-year-old London-born has been intrigued by her mother’s secret past. Now, planning her own wedding she feels she must visit the remote Cretan village her mother grew up in, despite her objections.

Unbeknownst to Angie her elderly grandmother, Maria, is dying. She wants to unburden herself of the terrible story that she will otherwise take to the grave. It’s the story of the time of the German occupation of Crete during the Second World War, of horror, of courage and of the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her children and of how you learn to go on in the aftermath of tragedy. And it’s the story of bitter secrets that broke the family apart, and of three enchanting women who come together to heal wounds that have damaged two generations.

If you loved Victoria Hislop’s THE ISLAND and the novels of Santa Montefiore and Rosanna Ley, you will fall completely in love with this novel.

**********

Most of you by now have figured out that I am drawn to  pictures of water. Secrets on an island as part of the premise adds to the allure of this book cover. Everything about this cover including the title gives us a fascinating look at what this book holds. I have not read the story yet but I look forward to sometime in the near future.

**********

More Great Cover Crushes!

 Cover Crush is a weekly series that originated with Erin at Flashlight Commentary.

 Other great book bloggers who cover crush:

 Heather @ The Maiden’s Court

 Magdalena @ A Bookaholic Swede

 Holly @ 2 Kids and Tired Books

 Colleen @ A Literary Vacation

 More cover crushes over at indieBRAG!

 

Cover Crush: Everything You Do Is Wrong by Amanda Coe

Posted on by
2

Cover Crush banner

I am not a cover designer but I can agree that cover layouts play an important role in the overall presentation of books and I must admit, often times I first judge a book by its cover.

**********

everything-you-do-is-wrongEverything You Do Is Wrong by Amanda Coe

Pub Date 19 Oct 2017

Do You Know This Girl?’

Harmony’s teenage craving for drama is answered when a body is discovered by her aunt Mel on Evensand beach. But the naked, lifeless young woman turns out – problematically – to be alive. Unable to speak or remember where she came from, the woman is named Storm by her nurses.

Surrounded by doctors, psychiatrists and policemen, Storm remains provocatively silent. Harmony is desperate to fill in the gaps in Storm’s story, while the responsibility Mel feels for the woman she rescued begins to skew the course of her own settled life. Their efforts to solve the mystery clash with the efforts of rookie constable Mason, assigned to the case and determined to help this damsel he feels to be very much in distress.

Will any of them be able to find out who Storm really is? And what if the distress belongs to everyone but her?

Everything You Do Is Wrong is a compelling exploration of how this enigma sets a family’s good and bad intentions crashing into each other, with unforgettable consequences.

**********

I believe this cover fits the book description nicely. I don’t often read young adult but this looks good and I love thrillers. The red scarf is a nice touch. Love the colors used and the scene it portrays. It gives a sense of foreboding doom. *Not to be morbid or anything*

More Great Cover Crushes!

Cover Crush is a weekly series that originated with Erin at Flashlight Commentary.

Other great book bloggers who cover crush:

Heather @ The Maiden’s Court

Magdalena @ A Bookaholic Swede

Holly @ 2 Kids and Tired Books

Colleen @ A Literary Vacation

More cover crushes over at indieBRAG!