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Simple Truth – Cover Reveal
By Carol / December 20, 2017 /
I’m pleased to share the cover of my upcoming novel, Simple Truth. The design is the work of Jenny Toney Quinlan, the talented designer who created the first edition cover of Go Away Home.
A cover that works for me, a cover that makes me pick up a book and look further, is one that tells a story about what I’ll find inside. I believe this cover does that. The young woman is professional and confident, yet her expression is wary. The foggy landscape reveals layers, but we know there’s more than we can see. The typeface is clean. Almost. Even there, there’s a hook.
Each of us sees something different in a picture. Each of us looks for something different in a cover.
What do you think? What do you see in this cover?
Simple Truth will be released in early 2018.
SIMPLE TRUTH – Talented, ambitious public relations expert Angela Darrah is a pro when it comes to pitching her clients’ stories to the media. But managing the fallout from a product recall for one of Iowa’s largest poultry packing plants does more than put her skills to the test. The experience challenges her to face her own prejudices and to examine her career and herself in ways she never imagined.
Having landed a career-making assignment, Angela is stymied when the CEO who hired her resists her advice. Worse, he defers her to his right-hand man who keeps Angela off balance as he alternately supports and obstructs her efforts. When Angela finds an unexpected ally in a handsome Salvadoran plant supervisor, her professionalism wavers in the face of undeniable attraction.
As Angela immerses herself in the company and the town, she is faced with challenges similar to the company’s immigrant workers. How will she navigate a new system and succeed in the face of obstacles and injustices she doesn’t understand? Then, when she discovers corporate actions that are unethical, possibly illegal, Angela must confront the conflict between her duty to her client and her growing passion to fight injustice. Ultimately, she must decide: What is she willing to sacrifice to help someone else?
Simple Truth is a thought-provoking story intertwined with risk, retaliation, and reward.
Two things came to my mind: the first was Angela’s expression and “almost” smile. A Mona Lisa smile. Very engaging. The second was the windmill in the back ground. As I travel back and forth through Iowa, I love to see the windmills. They turn in a lovely, lazy rhythm; but the power they generate! I look forward to reading your book, Carol! Good luck with the launch.
I had not thought of her expression as a Mona Lisa smile, but there is definitely that ‘I-know-something-but-am-not-saying-what’ impression, Nan. As you can see, others agree with your characterization. Thanks for your well wishes. It’s exciting to be at this point.
At first glance I thought she was in an earlier time. I agree with Nan above that she has a sort of Mona Lisa smile. I don’t think she looks wary. To me, she kind of looks like she has a pleasant secret. But it’s a lovely cover. Congratulations, Carol!
Thanks, Merril. Interesting that your first impression was of an earlier time. The misty background? My previous novel? Hmm. ‘Wary’ may not be the right word. As I read the reactions, Sharon’s suggestion of ‘enigmatic’ feels more accurate.
Congratulations on another book, Carol – you’re great. I think the cover you have is very pretty. I agree with the other comments. It is Mona Lisa-esque, both in terms of the woman’s smile and in the misty background.
I really like the plot of the book… I find it very appealing. That said, to me, this cover does not reflect the tensions/dangers (in terms of health) associated with that plot.
To be publishing another book is surprising, David. When I started this journey, I didn’t imagine myself here. You make an interesting point about whether the cover conveys enough tension. I hope the cover will get people to pick it up and then the description will build on the complexity of the story. We shall see. I appreciate your honest assessment.
Enigmatic is the single word that best describes my sense of this cover and the story it holds. I want to know what challenges she’s about to face. How will she be tumbled around? Your synopsis been adds to the mystery. I can’t wait to read this book!
Enigmatic is an excellent word, Sharon. I’m latching on to it. I’m glad you’re intrigued enough to want to read.
Romantic, was my first impression, Carol. The future is foggy, mysterious. She looks behind her, questioningly. Does she want to go there, or not? So maybe enigmatic, but that could also be romantic. Intrigue is definitely there.
Congratulations on a beautiful cover
Thanks for sharing your first impression, Elfrieda. I’m pleased you ‘read’ the questioning in her face. Go there or not? Yes. The romantic aspect is a balancing act, in both story and cover. Readers will have to tell me how deftly I walked that line.
I first noticed the title and her looking over her shoulder with a knowing smile. She definitely is not running away from anything. She displays the confidence of someone who has survived a transformation and gained wisdom. Congratulations, Carol.
Thank you for sharing your assessment, Billie. I like it.