Hope you had a happy Halloween. I consumed copious quantities of carbs. How about you?
If you’re a follower of the blog of the awesome Jill Weatherholt, you know the history behind her debut novel for Harlequin’s Love Inspired line. You can click here to read her blog post on the subject. But for now, feast your eyes on this cover!
Book Blurb
Small-Town Daddy
Jackson Daughtry’s jobs as a paramedic and part-owner of a local café keep him
busy—but the single dad’s number one priority is raising his little girl with love and small-town values. And when his business partner’s hotshot lawyer niece comes to town planning to disrupt their lives by moving her aunt away, Jackson has to set Melanie Harper straight. When circumstances force them to work side by side in the coffee shop, Jackson slowly discovers what put the sadness in Melanie’s pretty brown eyes. Now it’ll take all his faith—and a hopeful five-year-old—to show the city gal that she’s already home.
At the end of the post, I’ll have news about a giveaway. But for now, I asked Jill a few questions about the cover.
El Space: How did you feel seeing the cover of your first novel? Did you have any expectations? If so, how were they met?
Jill: When my editor first sent a sneak peak of the cover in order for me to catch any obvious errors, my hand shook as I moved my mouse to click on the link. Despite having the daughter of my hero as a brunette instead of a blond, I loved it. My editor promptly notified the art department for Harlequin, who operate out of Canada, and they made the change. I’m very pleased with the final cover. Since this is the first book I’d ever written, to say it’s surreal to see the characters I created in my mind when I first wrote the story on a cover is an understatement.
El Space: What input did you have in regard to the cover?
Jill: Since the art department doesn’t read the books published by Harlequin, it’s the author’s responsibility to provide photos and descriptions of both the characters and the setting. I was required to describe three outdoor scenes in my book and provide a photo similar to each setting. The descriptions also included what the characters were wearing at the time.
El Space: What types of covers do you usually like? Some people like covers with photos. Others like illustrations or interesting fonts.
Jill: I suppose it depends on the genre. I’m usually more drawn to a cover that has at least one of the characters if it’s romance or women’s fiction. If I’m reading a thriller or suspense, I prefer to see a snapshot of a dark scene without a character. I’ll admit, while browsing a bookstore, I’m always drawn to a cover with a beach scene, since the ocean is my favorite place to de-stress.
Bio
By day, Jill Weatherholt works for the City of Charlotte. At night, and on the weekend, she writes contemporary stories about love, faith and forgiveness for Harlequin Love Inspired.
Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, but her heart belongs to Virginia. She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University. She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard. Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.
Connect with Jill
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Blog
You can preorder Second Chance Romance here:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
But one of you will receive a preorder of the book. Just comment below to be entered in the drawing. Winner to be announced on November 7.
So interesting to learn about the requirements put on the author for designing the cover. Beautiful book, Jill!
It is interesting!
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks, Luanne! I was so pleased when I saw the cover. It was exactly how I pictured the scene.
You must be so so so excited, Jill!!!
Still kind of in shock! 🙂 But yes, very excited!
WOOT!!!
Thank you so much for your kind words and all of your support, L. Marie. I’m honored to have you be the first blogger to reveal the cover. It’s been quite a journey.
I’m happy to do so, Jill. So proud of you! What a journey. And how exciting to see what your book baby looks like. 🙂
Thank you, L. Marie, not only for the post today, but all of your encouragement when I hit those walls of self-doubt. 🙂
I couldn’t be happier for you, Jill. I’ll be glad when we all have our copies of your book.
❤
Awesome cover. Very eye catching and the brightness has an uplifting effect. I always heard authors get no input to the cover, so it’s great to hear otherwise.
It is nice to know that too, especially to know that they corrected the hair color. I’ve seen covers that didn’t match the characters at all.
Fantasy seems to be filled with covers that don’t match characters and scenes. I remember one that had a woman with pointy ears, but there were no elves or anyone who fit her description in the story.
Wow. I wonder if the cover designer just pulled something off the Web to fit the stereotypical “fantasy” mold.
I wish publishers insisted that cover artists read the book or at least select chapters of the book! I’ve heard of a situation in which the cover was done before the book was through the editing process. Because the artist chose to do his own thing, the author had to change the way the character looked to match the cover. 😦
I’ve heard that some situations are the cover artist only knowing the basic story line and characters. Even if there isn’t a full reading, the author should be allowed to suggest scenes and send character descriptions. That way the pictures can at least come close. I don’t think people always realize that a reader may look at the cover and expect to see exactly that at some point..
I certainly expect to see what the cover depicts. I’m not crazy about spoilers on covers either, especially if the cover shows a significant decision a character will make in the book, just because the artist decided that scene is the most exciting. Why should I read the book if the cover tells me what will happen?
A lot of YA fantasy covers at one point showed a girl in a prom dress running. Ninety-nine percent of the time that cover had nothing to do with the action of the book.
Never saw a cover with spoilers on it, but I guess you can pull nearly anything from specific scenes. I know fantasy loves having battles or beautiful landscapes, which tend to be rather safe. Pretty funny about the prom dress thing. Were there even parties or dresses in there?
Nope. Here’s an article that shows some of the covers: https://www.bookish.com/articles/27-prom-dresses-gowns-inspired-by-our-favorite-ya-novels/
I was a little nervous that they might not change it, but when I opened up that second link, I was sooooo happy. 🙂
Aw…thanks so much, Charles. Coming from you, the king of awesome covers, I’ll take that as a compliment. 🙂 Yes, Harlequin does allow their authors to give quite a bit of input on their covers, which is nice.
Thanks. I really got lucky with my covers. Would never have met Jason if I didn’t marry his cousin. 🙂 Really cool that Harlequin does that.
How nice to have an artist in the family. 🙂 He does great work!
Beautiful cover! Many congratulations, Jill!
I’m thrilled for her! Such a great cover!
Thank you so much, Marie! You’ve been hanging with me from the get go…thank you for that. I’m thrilled you’re participating in NaNo too!
You’re welcome, Jill. Your journey has definitely been an inspiration for many. We’ll see how I do with NaNo. At this point, I haven’t written anything 😉
That’s nice to hear, Marie…thank you.
Ack! Get writing, girl! 🙂
Reblogged this on 1WriteWay and commented:
Here’s two of my favorite writers in one post. L. Marie hosts a brief Q & A with Jill Weatherholt about Jill’s soon-to-be-released first novel. If you enjoy romance novels, especially those that warm your heart and lift your spirits, then head over to L. Marie’s blog and leave for a comment for a chance to win a preorder of Second Chance Romance!
Thank you for the reblog, Marie. I agree that this book will lift the spirits. 🙂 It’s just like Jill. 🙂
Aw…what a sweet thing to say…thank you, L. Marie! 🙂
Indeed, she’s a bright spot in my life 🙂
😀
Thanks for the reblog, Marie!
Thanks for the sneak peak, L. Marie, and best wishes to Jill Weatherholt. I like the cover. It is crisp and inviting and timely at this time of year.
Isn’t it though?? This is the season for apples! 🙂 I can’t wait to see it in print!
Thanks so much for your kind comment! I hope the apples are still crisp come, February. 🙂
Woo Hoo! Love the cover . . . A scene that draws readers in and urges them to take a big bit of the “proffered apple.”
Thanks for promoting Jill’s debut novel, Linda ~ you both rock!
I’m glad to do so, Nancy! And yes, the cover makes me hungry for an apple. Good thing I have some!
Aw…thanks, Nancy! Being the healthy eater that you are, I thought you’d like it. 🙂
You’re right…Linda rocks!
So excited to see this happening for you, Jill! And thank you, L. Marie for your wonderful interview. Hope all is going well for you!
I’m excited for Jill also, Carrie.
Things are getting better. Hope you’re doing well.
Aw…thanks so much, Carrie! I’m excited for everything that’s happened with your writing. Word Press has been good to us, eh? 🙂 Thanks for your support!
You’re welcome, and thanks for the recent retweet. 🙂
My pleasure, Carrie! Enjoy your weekend!
This cover is BEAUTIFUL!
Totally agree, Alison!
How is your writing going?
Thanks so much, Alison! I love the little girl in her jeans. 🙂
The cover is delightful and the blurb reveals a story worth exploring. I like second chances, it makes me imagine a theme of redemption, which I love. So the title is inviting to me.
I do too, Timi. As a person who has been given a second, a third, and a fourth chance, second chances are wonderful. 🙂
Roger that!
🙂
Thanks so much, Timi. Like you and L. Marie, I’m a fan of second chances, especially when someone has committed to change.
So awesome! Fun to hear about the behind-the-scenes cover art business as well. Can’t wait to buy my copy, Jill.
I know, right?? I’m so proud of Jill. I also can’t wait to have a copy in my hands!
Aw…thank you so much, Phillip. Like so many others, we’ve all been around for the long haul which makes it even more special to share it with you. I never imagined I’d have any input on the cover…pretty cool.
Pingback: Cover Reveal | Jill Weatherholt
It was my pleasure, Jill! 😀
How exciting! I love the cover, Jill. The book looks like a fascinating read. Since the beach is your favorite place, we need to give you a tour of Corolla sometime!
I love it too. 🙂
Thanks so much, Dianna! Ah…Corolla..one of my favorite places. I always love when you and MM share your trips.
Good on you Jill! Lucky you are observant and noticed the little girls hair colour. Congratulations it is a wonderful achievement publishing a book.
Kath.
I’m glad she caught that error. 🙂
Thanks so much, Kath! Well, the hair kind of jumped out at me. 🙂 I appreciate your support over the years. ❤
Beautiful cover and your book sounds great too! It must be fun to see your characters come to life like that.
I agree. What a great feeling to see others take seriously what you’ve worked on.
Thanks, Sheila! It is fun to see characters who were created many years ago, live and in living color. I appreciate you stopping by.
Awesome. I’m so excited for you, Jill.
Aw…thank you so much, Lori! I appreciate that. ❤
Me too!
Gorgeous cover, Jill! I wish much success to you. Thank for being there for Jill, L. Marie. I know how much it means to have someone in your corner.
Thanks so much, Susan! L. Marie has kept me “sane” the past year. When I’ve been riddled with self-doubt, she’s lifted me up. She’s a gem!
It was my pleasure. I’ve been waiting for this cover!
An apple orchard is such an inspiring place to show off the characters–nice work clothes, baskets full of apples, green grass, and both of them smiling down on the little girl. Perfect!
I like how the adults are smiling down on Rebecca too, Nicki. I just love her little jeans too. 🙂 Thanks so much for your continued support.
I agree, Nicki. A very warm, inviting cover. Plus apples are always great to show!
Now suddenly, I want apple pie.
Really great cover! I’m a sucker for beach covers too, especially in the summer. This one looks homey.
Thanks so much, Kate! The cover does remind me of home. The settling is based on the Shenandoah Valley, which will always be home to me. Oh my, I can pass up a beach cover…especially one with the Adirondack chairs. 🙂 Thanks for your support over the years.
It does, doesn’t it? Makes you want to grab a copy of this book!
Oh Jill! This is so exciting! Congratulations! 😀
It certainly is! I’m very thrilled for Jill. (Hey, that rhymes.)
Aw…thank you so much, Lynette! ❤
Pre-ordered!!
😀
Aw…thanks so much, Jolyse! It’s so nice to see your pretty face. xo
Great!
Hearty congrats to you Jill and to L. Marie for hosting your newest book. I love the sound of it. As soon as it’s available, I’ll be ordering it.
I love the sound of that!
Thank you so much, Jacqui! I know you’ve got books coming out of your ears. 🙂
Jill, a lovely eye-catching cover! Congratulations!! 😀😀. I had no idea that the art department would be separate from the publishers so thank you for sharing your experience how this was put together with the various input – mainly yours. Wishing you best of luck with your book – I love the blurb and am already hooked!
Me too!
Aw…thank you so much for your kind words, Annika. As for the cover, I had no idea I’d have that much say in the design. It’s very generous of Harlequin.
Many congratulations Jill, it’s very exciting to see it in the flesh 🙂
It truly is!
Thanks so much, Sheila! The entire experience has been a wild roller coaster of excitement. 🙂
L Marie, this was a special honor and tribute to Jill’s new book cover and publishing! The great questions were ones I would have either asked or wished to know the answers to!
Jill, this is a warm, attractive and enticing cover and so glad, again, Jill for your first book to have much beauty and hope demonstrated. 🙂
Thank you for your kind words and all of your support, Robin. ❤
😀
Thank you for stopping by to honor Jill. 🙂
Hi L. Marie! Hi Jill! I am so sorry for missing this post, I just saw it pop up in my email browser all these days later! No wonder you were shaking when you saw your beautiful cover for the first time, it must have been an incredible feeling! Great blurb too…So happy for you my friend, huge congratulations, can’t wait to read your book! xo
Thanks for stopping by, Sherri. We’re all thrilled for Jill!
Thanks L Marie…and yes we are! 🙂 xoxo
😀