My debut novel Strains of Silence has an actual cover! A cover that will be on the front of a book that I wrote. That I (and you, if you like) will get to stare at in person in less than a year.
Friends, it’s completely surreal. I started this book eight years ago. When I signed the contract with Harbourlight (an imprint of Pelican Book Group) in April, I knew it would be a while until it felt like a genuine book. I prepared myself for the long haul.
And we began the edits. As a professional editor myself, I found the process from the other side of the table enlightening and pretty enjoyable. I learned where to relax and release my story to the trusted editor and where to say This matters to me.
I grew. And Strains of Silence, my very first book, got a little closer to done.
Then came the cover. Nicola Martinez heard me, heard my heart for my story. The imagery communicates everything I needed it to. There’s a long, lonely road ahead of Kasia Bernolak, but she’s walking it. And she doesn’t have to feel alone.
Ready? Here it is…
(Scroll down. The suspense is killing me.)
Strains of Silence releases on July 21, 2017, and I hope you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s up for pre-order even now, at this exact moment. (Pardon the gushing. I’ve never said that before.)
Music was her driving passion and the truest expression of her faith, but three months before her wedding, twenty-year-old Kasia Bernolak can’t even pick up her guitar. Feeling like a fraud who will ruin her dad’s pastoral reputation, she can barely meet his eyes. When Kasia finds the strength to break off her engagement, she still doesn’t realize the dangerous truth: Blake Hamilton isn’t ready to say goodbye. And he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her.
Alexander “Zan” Maddox has seen what a domineering man can do to an unsuspecting woman, and Zan is sick of injustice. He gave up a college baseball scholarship so he could protect his sister from her abusive husband. When he rescues Kasia from her ex-fiancé, he instinctively appoints himself her personal bodyguard. Now, all he has to do is keep from falling for her himself.
Kasia and Zan become fast friends, but true healing and justice might cost more than either of them is willing to pay.
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Shout at me in the comments. What do you think?
Love the cover and especially the WORDS. Traps you in an instant. So proud of you and I CAN’T WAIT!
Thanks, Mom! You’ll always be my very first fan. Love you mucho.
It’s awesome, Bethany. And I don’t use that word often. I’m putting it on my Amazon wish list.
Well, thanks, Emily. That’s super encouraging. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Nicely done! And color me surprised to find my quote on that sweet cover! <3 — Congratulations, Bethany!
I know! I was surprised and delighted too. You’re kind of a big deal. <3
It’s stunning. I love it, and I love the tag lines. Cant wait to see it in real life. Counting down….
SO stinking excited. Thank you!
“Je me souviens”. Pere
Je t’adore.
So happy my cousin, Morgan tagged me in her fb post about you and your book. It sounds like it’s my kind of book, romance. I’m looking forward to it’s release. Good luck!
I hope you truly enjoy it, Gwen. Let me know!
Sounds like a wonderful book. Can’t wait to read it.
I adore those words, Melannie. 🙂 I can’t wait FOR you to read it.
Looking forward to reading it ! So proud of you!!
Yay! Thank you, friend!
Bethany, so excited for you! How delightfully beyond all words, really. It’s great to ‘gush’ , you have been diligent and should enjoy all the excitement! Can’t wait to have it in hand . Blessing the Lord with you. Janet
Thank you, friend! I couldn’t have finished without your sanctuary. May God bless you for your hospitality and friendship!
HaPpY dAnCiNg for you, Bethany! That’s a wonderful cover and your story sounds so good, too!
Thank you times a bazillion. I keep coming to see it again. I bet it’s still as amazing when you’ve done it a few times, eh?
I love the cover! I can’t wait to read. This looks like my kind of story…
Hooray! I hope you love the characters. They’re my friends. 😉
Absolutely beautiful! Bursting with happiness for you! *tosses cheese confetti*
*catches it* #nomnomnom And thank you.
Okay, here’s my complaint. I had to wait a long time to read my way to the actual cover. 🙁
BUT the reward is WONDERFUL. “I love it.” She said with some insight. 😉
M-hm. That, my dear friend, was by design. Why read the post when you can see the pic for free? (I think that’s how it goes.) 😉 I’m glad you love the cover, especially considering your insight.
I love it, Bethany!! I’m so happy for you!! Congrats 🙂
Thanks, Annette! It’s exciting.
So excited and proud of you!!
Thanks, friend. Let’s visit sometime.
How thrilling!!!! Kudos to you for sticking with it. Can’t wait to read it.
Yay!!!!!!!!
It absolutely lS thrilling. Still a bit surreal sometimes. I hope you’ll love it.