Comments on: Judging a Book by its Cover

By: Juliette

Juliette — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:10:04 +0000

I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Kari! I’ve felt that ache in my heart about the end of a book, too, and I’m happy Shelter Me was able to provide it. Let me know how you like Deep Down True.

By: Kari Benton

Kari Benton — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:26:42 +0000

I finished Shelter Me tonight and I have an ache in my heart-I didn’t want it to end! I have had it on my book shelf for a year but wasn’t interested because of the cover…I’m SO grateful I read it & while I too was bothered that the picture “didn’t match” the characters I didn’t need the cover to help me imagine the characters. You are an amazing author and I’m so happy I read your book! I’ll be going to the book store tomorrow for your second book!

By: Juliette

Juliette — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 02:35:14 +0000

Thanks, Pamela. It is funny how a scene can rise up out of something unexpected. And I myself am much more forgiving about covers not quite matching the story, now I know the process a little better.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:52:35 +0000

Funny about the covers not being spot-on. I just finished a book by an author I read voraciously, and his opening scene describes a door (which is the cover art) that’s not really like the door on the cover except for the color. Now I’m wondering if it even started out being red! I love the fact that you added a scene to tie in the cover art that ended up getting changed–but left in because you liked it. What a great anecdote!

By: Lauren C.

Lauren C. — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:02:11 +0000

The cover of a book is like the menu- it gets you started, gets you thinking of what’s going to come next. Because the meal is what counts (and positive surprises are always welcomed)! So I never even noticed the whole thing about the hair color or the size of her boy. Once I opened the pages of Shelter Me, I entered that world and when I was done, I hated to leave!

By: Gia

Gia — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 22:16:58 +0000

I have to admit the cover did catch my eye (I happen to also be a closet ‘book jacket’ picker-outer). After I read the book (which I LOVED, thanks!), I noticed the cover really didn’t go with the story. I am disheartened to hear the author doesn’t get to choose the cover themselves. It seems like one of the most important ways to give a glimpse of your book….I am really shocked the cover is just a random (but talented) photographer’s work. Do all books go through this? I feel like it is akin to someone picking out a band’s logo, or their album cover. (please DO NOT tell me someone else picks out musician’s album covers; I don’t think I could handle that, ha ha).

Regardless, I am excited for the release of your next book and want to tell you again how very much I enjoyed this one. It touched me and made me laugh, and I felt good after reading it. I found your characters very realistic and relatable. I feel like I made new friends! Janie’s sarcasm was a welcome change from the usual “woe is me” widow stories. She was someone I would love to know personally. I will definitely recommend this one to my friends and family.

By: Patti

Patti — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:27:27 +0000

It’s funny you say that about the cover, I’m reading the book now and I have looked back at the cover several times trying to figure out if that is supposed to be Janie and her son. The child looks too big and her hair is not curly, which has somewhat bothered me. The book is awesome though, I’m almost done and already hoping you will have a sequel since I would love to know what happens in her life after the first year.