I’m excited to reveal the cover for my upcoming novel, Out of the Ruins, the first book in the Golden Gate Chronicles series. The art department at Abingdon Press did a spectacular job on this artwork. It’s such joy seeing a character I have dreamed about for years come to life on a book cover!
Meet Abby Fischer…
While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn’t expect, however, is for God’s answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best.
As they work together toward a cure, Abby’s feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby, even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city?
Out of the Ruins will release May 6, 2014 and is now available for pre-order from these online sources: (Details on the giveaway below)
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| Click Here to Preorder from ChristianBook.com |
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| Pre-Order from Barnes & Noble |
I am so thrilled with this new cover. What do you think of it? Covers often influence how I feel about a book and its characters. I can still picture the artwork from some of my favorite books. I’d love to hear about some of YOUR all-time favorite covers–tell me a little about them in the comment section below.
Now . . . I feel like celebrating! How about a giveaway? Enter below and one winner will receive a free book. If the winner chooses Mistaken, I can ship it as soon as the contest ends–in time for Christmas. If you choose Out of the Ruins, you’ll receive your copy when the book releases in May. A long wait, I know, but hopefully it will be worth it!
This is my first Rafflecopter giveaway–let’s hope it works! There are several ways to enter. If all goes according to plan, the contest will end at 12:00 am Pacific time on November 21st. I can ship prizes to addresses in the US & Canada, only. I’ll announce the winner here, next week.
Great cover, Karen! Since I live in Northern California and am a history buff, it captured my attention. I read the blurb, but I have two questions that weren’t answered it it. Does the story take place after the 1906 quake, and is it a historical romance suspense?
Hi, Keli! Out of the Ruins begins a few months before the earthquake and includes the period of the quake and the subsequent fires. Books 2 & 3 will cover the reconstruction time after the fires, as the people of San Francisco are struggling to rise from the ashes and rebuild their lives. These books are historical romance (not suspense), but they contain a lot of excitement and adventure. Thanks for stopping by, Keli!
Karen, it sounds like an awesome series. I actually prefer straight historical romance to romantic suspense, so this native Californian is all over these. I’ve got Out of the Ruins in my Amazon cart. 🙂
Thank you, Keli!!! I’m more of a straight historical romance girl, too. Though writing suspense is a lot of fun! You ought to try it someday. 😉
I really don’t remember book covers. Isn’t that interesting or weird? A book cover draws me to the book, but I only remember the book itself. I love your covers by the way! 🙂
Thanks, Robbie! I tend to be very drawn to images, so maybe that’s why I remember covers so vividly. It always bothers me when they put new cover art to a favorite book from my childhood. By the way, I love the boots on the cover of your new book, Cecelia Jackson’s Last Stand. I can’t wait to read it!
The book comes out in May and just in time for my birthday, perfect!! : ) Karen your a very talented writer and I can’t wait to read your new book! : )
Perfect, Teddi! I can’t wait to get Out of the Ruins into the hands of readers. The book is very special to me!
Love it! I am a big Stephen R. Lawhead nut, and some of my favorite covers are from his Hood series. But then again it’s hard to beat an old fashioned Nancy drew cover 🙂
I was never a huge Nancy Drew fan, but I adored the Hardy Boys!
Out of the Ruins looks great! Love the time period and can’t wait to read all the twists and turns. I can’t imagine, you know? I have only been in a few hurricanes here in SFL. My favorite cover? Sons of Thunder, Susan May Warren but gosh so hard to pick. I love Out of the Ruins cover. : ) chris_davebures@bellsouth.net
I loved Sons of Thunder! What a great book. I haven’t lived through anything like the SF earthquake, either, but I keep hearing we’re overdue for such a catastrophe here in the Northwest. It scares me to think of it! Thanks for entering!
Great cover and love the SF quake time period! The cover art for Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman comes to mind, about a medieval young girl’s life. I thought the character’s eyes were a different color than the cover art!
I think that happens all-too-often, KT. Nowadays, with the power of Photoshop, those mistakes are easy to fix. 🙂
There is no way I can pick just one! Of just the books I’ve read since August, I would list Forsaken Dreams, Against the Tide, No Safe Harbor, Talon, Stranded, A Light In the Window, Once Upon a Prince, Into the Whirlwind, & When Jesus Wept. I would also have to add Tamara Alexander’s books, A Lasting Impression and To Whisper Her Name. I agree about your new cover… it’s beautiful! Definitely draws me in!
Wow! You are a busy reader! That’s a great list, too. I love the cover for Against the Tide (by Elizabeth Camden). And Tamera Alexander’s To Whisper Her Name has got to be one of the most stunning covers out there. I’m dying to read Stranded (by Dani Pettrey). What did you think of that one?
Pick me…pick me!! Just being silly! I am SO excited for your new book, Karen!! Way to go!!! 🙂 Shannon
Thanks, Shannon! And make sure to enter up above. 😀
Wonderful cover and book that captivates me. I have seen many book covers that were striking and dramatic but one that caught my eye was LightHouse Bay. saubleb(at(gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Traveler! I’m not familiar with LightHouse Bay. I’ll have to go looking for it. Thanks for stopping by!
I really love Julie Klassen’s cover for The Maid of Fairbourne Hall. Love the colors, the depiction, and then notice the back cover! There’s something different about the character– which then just arouses suspicion and the more you read, you’ll find out why! Hahah, I loved it. (:
I would love to win Out of the Ruins! So excited!
Do you get my e-mail through the rafflecopter thingy? (:
I do seem to be getting the email addresses. Phew! I wasn’t sure I had everything set up right! 🙂 I love the Maid of Fairbourne Hall cover, too. I haven’t gotten to read that one, but it’s on my Kindle, waiting for me!
I’m going to do a “cop-out” on the favorite cover question….my favorite cover is the one of the book I happen to be reading at the moment!!! Would love to read the new book. I loved “Mistaken”!
I’m so glad you enjoyed Mistaken, Connie!
Im so sorry but book covers dont register for me either
I think your book cover looks great though
God bless you
Chris Granville
granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet
I know many people who feel the same way, Chris. I’m glad God made us all so different!
I love pretty book covers, & it would be hard to pick a favorite – but, an unusual one, that caught my eye, was: When The Clouds Roll By, by Myra Johnson. I love your book cover, Karen, & would love to read your book – sounds so exciting!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Yes, Myra’s cover is cool, isn’t it? It has a very different feel to it. I’d like to read that one.
I like the cover for MISTAKEN…it’s mysterious.
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Thanks Karen! I loved Mistaken’s cover, too!
I don’t have an all time favorite book cover. I like a cover that catches my eye and somehow lets me know it will be a good clean read fishingjan (at) aol (dot) com
Thanks for entering, Jan!
Shattered by Dani Pettrey. I have a thing for winter covers and that is one of my all-time favs. 🙂
I’ve really been wanting to read one of Dani’s books! I’m most intrigued by Stranded’s cover. But that’s probably because I love cruise ships. 🙂
I love the cover, and the summary is so intriguing! There are so many covers I love. Like Melanie said above, Shattered by Dani Pettrey is one of my favorite covers. 🙂
I’m adding this book to my wish list, too! I love reading about Alaska.
The covers of both your books are impressive. One of my all time favorites is Out of Control by Mary Connealy. The way that handsome cowboy is looking over his shoulder is very sigh worthy! I do appreciate lovely or striking book covers; that is one thing I miss about ebooks. Thanks for the chance to win one of your books; it would be hard to choose between them.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
I love Mary’s writing, but I haven’t read this one yet. I just went and took a peek–yes, VERY sigh-worthy! And I feel the same way about ebooks. I love walking the rows at the bookstore and seeing all the pretty covers lined up on the shelves. You don’t get that same experience with ebooks. I still read them, though.
There are too many book covers that I love to narrow down to one, but some of my very favorites are Amish covers. To me, they are so simple but beautiful.
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Simple is often the best! Very true.
It might not be the most wonderful cover in the world, but it is one that brings back memories….the original Christy Miller series cover of Summer Promise.
I have lots of books like that in my past, too. 🙂
I’d love to read it and review. Fischer is my mil’s last name too.
How neat, Mary! A personal connection. 🙂
Would be thrilled to win a print copy of either of the books. Your choice. momtr3@yahoo.com
Okay, Bonnie! Thanks for entering!
Favorite book cover? Is this a trick question…? 😉 I’ve got so many – to me, what is inside is just as important as the outside because right or wrong, that cover design can be the deciding factor in whether or not a reader picks up a book. The whimsical, pretty or mysterious covers are what draws the eye. I have loved (as Melanie and Jillian raved about) Dani’s, Denise Hunters, Rachel Hauck’s (her newest series is breathtaking!) as well as Melissa Tagg or Krista McGee. So many books! 🙂
I just saw Krista’s new cover on RelzReviewz. Very cool! There are too many beautiful covers to choose from. 🙂
Oh, how would I ever chose? I’ve heard so much about Mistaken! Or to be one of the first to get my hands on your newest book… Either would be a treat! 🙂
You’ve got some time to think about it. 🙂 The contest ends on the 21st. Mistaken has a little more mystery involved and it’s set in the roaring 20s. Out of the Ruins is a historical romance with lots of action and set closer to the turn of the century. Does that help?
I love the new book’s cover! Cannot wait to read it.
penguinn at g mail dot com
Thanks for entering, Becky!
Oh, there are so many I love! As many others have said, I love Shattered by Dani Pettrey. But the two that most recently grabbed my attention (And which I can’t wait to read!) are Bleeding Heart by Amber Stokes and Dani Pettrey’s May 2014 release Silenced
All amazing choices!
I have quite a few favorite covers – my latest fave is the Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall. Those colors are stunning. 🙂
Yes, it does have beautiful colors! Very haunting.
Karen…THIS COVER!!!!! It’s gorgeous!!! Absolutely perfect, in every way. I cannot wait to read this book. <3
Isn’t it beautiful? I’m so pleased with it. Abingdon has done fantastic work with both of my covers. I feel so blessed!
One of the first things I notice about a book, is the cover. I love this cover!! I have too many favorite covers to name just one, so I will just say, this one! 🙂 Looking forward to reading this book!
Thanks, Joy! I love it, too!
Lovely! The cover art totally captures the time and place. Congratulations!
It really does! Her facial expression is perfect, too.
With all the books I’ve read and collected – I don’t think I have a favorite book cover. There’s just too many to choose from! I’m really looking forward to reading Out of the Ruins – it looks and sounds very interesting.
Karen G.
Thanks, MsRubyKat! I have a lot of favorites, too, and it changes daily. 🙂
Oh that’s such a hard question…I have dozens, if not hundreds, of ones I love! But my current favorite…UGH IT’S SO HARD…”Full Steam Ahead” by Karen Witemeyer. That cover just came out, and I know I’ll love the book because Karen is a great author, so. 🙂
That’s a great one! I love the expression on the model’s face!
I really like historical romance, and looking forward to reading this one, i would really like to win, thanks for a chance
Shirley B jcisforme@aol.com
Thanks for entering, Shirley!
I love the cover of your book, I rank it in one of the top covers I like. A couple of covers that I like are Matters of the Heart by Danielle Steel, The Next Always by Nora Roberts to name a few. Thank you for the chance to win.
I’m glad you entered, Angela! Thanks!
Your book looks very interesting.
Thanks, Linda!
My favorite book covers are from the Angel Eyes Trilogy by Shannon Dittemore.
My favorite book cover is The Colonel’s Lady by Laura Frantz.