Each Friday one of the members of The Indie Exchange will be showcasing one of their covers and telling us the story behind it. This week’s featured cover is from Family Ties by Louise Behiel. The cover was designed by Su Kopil at Earthly Charms.
Louise Behiel says: “This is my first book and I had a very clear idea of what I wanted. But since I have no graphic genes, I knew I’d be working with a professional. I wanted to help but to make a long story short, I couldn’t find the images to make my vision a reality.
I contacted several cover artists and Su responded immediately. I told her what I wanted and she went to work. But she had no more success finding my perfect images than I did. We went back and forth a bit, talking about the book. I was amazed at the questions she asked and her willingness to work with me to come up with the perfect cover. She was interested in getting to the kernel of the story and its nuances. After an exchange of emails, she offered to put together some ideas for me – something totally different. When I got her samples, I was amazed. It proved my tenet that I don’t know anything about graphic design. As soon as I opened this one, I had a visceral reaction and knew she’d designed the perfect cover for my first book.
Ironically, it is nothing like my vision, but the hero and heroine are brought together when one of her children comes through the old, broken fence between their yards. And the fence surrounding my hero’s heart has to be taken down before he can love the heroine. Su caught the theme of the book in her artwork in a way that I could never have imagined.”
Grayson Mills realized long ago that he’s unable to establish and sustain meaningful relationships – especially with women. He’s constructed a lifestyle that leaves him alone and his sexy new neighbor isn’t going to change his decision – especially since she has a horde of kids running around. Child psychologist Andie Bowen has four foster children, all with high emotional needs. Andie’s committed to the children and she’s not going to upset them by getting involved with a man who could never accept her family.
When six year old Chloe breaks into Gray’s home, Andie is appalled, until she realizes that Jamie, her clinging youngest child, has left her side for the first time in months. He’s looking at one of Gray’s treasures, a model car. As Gray realizes the importance of the boy’s behavior, he knows she will race out to buy a model but won’t have any idea how to build it, so he offers to help.
When an unknown assailant starts tormenting Andie’s family, Gray steps in to protect his neighbor and her family. At the same time, he has to confront the nightmares from his childhood that have returned with a vengeance. Together Andie and Gray will face his past while he struggles to keep Andie and her children safe.
Why not share your thoughts about the cover?
**Please note that guest posts and columns reflect the opinions of the individual author and not The Indie Exchange as a whole. Also note, The Indie Exchange uses affiliate links to offset the costs of hosting etc.**
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Louise, it's a fabulous cover and from your description the artist drilled right to the symbolic core of the story. The lesson I'm taking from your experience is, if we hire a professional, it’s a good idea to let them do what they do best.
You are so right, Brenda. what was I thinking? Given my genetic challenges, I should have know better.
I love the book cover, and now that I know the story behind it, I love it even more. How cool that the artist was able to pinpoint this symbolism in the book and run with it. An awesome cover to go with an awesome story. Congrats, Louise!
Thanks Lynn. It was a most interesting process and only after it was done did I see the theme of the book and cover. amazing.
Wonderful cover and great story synopsis, Louise. Congratulations.
thanks so much for stopping by Lynette
The imagery, the fonts, the balancing of elements – great cover Louise!
Thanks so much. I think Su did a great job.
Su did a marvelous job on capturing the important aspects of Family Ties (I know this because I read the book last weekend and loved it!). I also love the cover. I think it's gorgeous. :)
thanks so much Kristy. and you posted a great review. many thanks for that too
Hi Louise,
Lovely cover – seems to capture the story well as per the synopsis!
Good luck with sales! I would pick this book up I reckon if I saw it on the shelves .. the cover would command me to!
Susan, thanks so much – you've made my day because that's the goal of a cover – create interest and the desire to pick it up. cheers
Beautiful cover! I have a thing for flowers along fences, anyway! lol
there is something special about blossoms sharing over the fence. very inviting, isn't it?
A great cover for a great story and now, knowing the story behind the cover, even more remarkable.
Thanks so much Vicki. I'm so glad you feel that way.
The cover looks great. I haven't read it yet, but I'm eager to.
Roxy, hope you enjoy it. thanks for stopping by.
I love what the cover so poignantly conveys. Lovely, colorful and idealistic, yet broken and flawed—like most of us. :) Congrats, Louise! Can't wait to read it.
August thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I am most appreciative for your feedback
The cover is gorgeous and really draws the eye. I'm looking forward to reading the book, which is slowly creeping to the top of my TBR pile. :) Congratulations on such a lovely job, Louise!
Thanks Sheila. It's hard to get through everything in the TBR pile/file, isn't it? I look forward to your comments.
It's a beautiful cover. The colours, the images, the beauty and the broken parts. Su did a superb job.
Thsnks for stopping by Suzanne. now get rest and get well.
It's a great cover, definitely one that catches my attention. And since I read and enjoyed Family Ties–I can say the cover is a perfect fit for the story!