Deb Kelly’s Book Delivers on its Lovely Cover Promise

My first introduction to Deb Kelly came through the Debutante Ball, and my first introduction to Kelly’s book came from its lovely cover. Let’s take a moment and savor that image, shall we?

kellybook

 

Kelly’s cover–and her book–highlight one of my favorite aspects of reading fiction: the beauty of art and words that work together to tell a story.

Not all books deliver on the promises their covers make. Many a gorgeous novel seems unrelated to its cover, and vice versa. But sometimes, when we’re lucky, a beautiful cover sparks an image that enhances and magnifies some part of the novel.

When that happens, it’s magic – and it happens with Kelly’s book.

The lovely coastal image features a house overlooking a tranquil, beautiful shore – the kind of place where a person like me could imagine living “happily ever after.” The dream house prize in Kelly’s novel fits perfectly into this image. In fact, I found myself envisioning the house on the cover as I read (though with more foliage, partly because apparently my reading brain LOVES TREES – and partly because Kelly did put the landscaping in there).

Kelly’s book is full of rich descriptions, not only about the dream house but also the characters and their culinary (and personal) adventures. Her novel, like its cover, offers a lush and inviting experience–I want to live in that house and to eat the food that both of Kelly’s Janine Brown characters cook there. I want to climb down the cliffs and explore with Nean, and although I could pass on a naked octogenarian in my swimming pool I admit that Kelly’s description made me laugh out loud (in an airport, drawing odd looks from people around me).

I take a special delight in books that relate to the cover image, and even more in the ones where the cover so perfectly matches something that appears in the story. When the author’s language generates vivid images that put me into the setting, that joy is magnified.

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but in this case you can. THE GOOD LUCK GIRLS OF SHIPWRECK LANE has a beautiful cover that promises lovely settings, vivid descriptions and a perfect dream house (with slightly less than perfect inhabitants, though that just makes it all the more like home). Deb Kelly’s prose delivers on that promise. And that is a delightful thing indeed.

Have you ever loved a book because of its cover? I’d love to know!

To celebrate the launch of Deb Kelly’s book, we are giving away one copy of THE GOOD LUCK GIRLS OF SHIPWRECK LANE – all you need to do for a chance to win is comment right here on the blog.  Also – if we reach 50 comments, Kelly will be giving away an artisan baker’s set, consisting of a high end 18 gauge half sheet pan, a chrome cooling grate, a silicone baking mat, and a cover. 

Also!!! The fun doesn’t stop there. Help Kelly get to 500 Likes on her Facebook Author Page, and you could win a lobster dinner for six, flown in FRESH from Maine.

9 Replies to “Deb Kelly’s Book Delivers on its Lovely Cover Promise”

  1. (Sidenote: Love the site’s redesign!)

    If I saw Kelly’s novel on a bookshelf, I’d immediately have to lay hands on it. Some covers just invite you to handle the book. I’m looking forward to reading it. I’m happy to share over on Facebook.

    A cover that attracts me definitely predisposes me to liking a book. In CostCo one day, I picked up CEMETARY GIRL because of the cover. I have a thing for white covers these days–go figure. I ended up loving the novel.

    If you’re curious about the cover, it’s right here:

    http://lisaalber.wordpress.com/2011/10/05/cover-art-and-costco/

    1. Wow, that baby pops! I’m with you on the laying hands on really inviting covers. And especially when at Costco and my defenses are down as it is!

      Glad you like the new look! Your comments and share are so appreciated!

  2. I love the cover too, Susan! Thank you for such a lovely essay. You had me grinning ear to ear as I thought of you scampering around my imaginary house with my imaginary friends.

    1. You had such vivid imagery – I actually made a sad noise at the point where something … “fowl” … happens to the kitchen. Again, people staring in the airport. You did a great job with putting the reader (ME!) into the story, and making the house and its surroundings very easy to get lost in. I love when a written world becomes fully three-dimensional and vivid – that was definitely one of my favorite parts of your book!

  3. I judge books by their covers…I love cover art. To me, the biggest drawback to e-readers is I can’t see the cover art when I put the book down. The cover invites me into the book. It’s the first glimpse into the world I’m about to enter.

  4. I’m already a fan of her page! I would la la LOVE to win and read this! It’s been on my “to read” list since I first heard about it!

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