Oh, I deeply love getting an e-mail attachment from my editor when they’re working on cover art for my book. It’s really the first time you get to “see” your book as something other than scribbles on a page. Here’s the setting you created, or the mood, and sometimes even the characters. The versions below will be tweaked a lot before the book is ultimately published in February 2008, but here’s a sneak peek.

First, a version (also subject to change) of the back cover copy of the paperback:

Can a single moment change your entire life?

International lawyer Sophie Bellamy has dedicated her life to helping oppressed people in war-torn countries. But when she survives a violent hostage situation, she remembers what matters most–the children she loves back home. Haunted by regrets, she returns to the idyllic Catskills village of Avalon on the shores of Willow Lake, determined to repair the bonds with her family.

There, Sophie discovers the surprising rewards of small-town life–including an unexpected passion for Noah Shepherd, the local veterinarian. Noah has a healing touch for anything with four legs, but he’s never had any luck with women–until Sophie.

Snowfall at Willow Lake speaks from the heart about all the loves that fill a woman’s life, and all the ways that love is tested and made to grow. It’s the story of what comes after a woman survives an unspeakable horror and finds her way home, to healing and redemption and a new chance at happiness.

“With the ease of a master, Wiggs introduces complicated, flesh-and-blood characters into her idyllic but identifiable smalltown setting, sets in motion a refreshingly honest romance, resolves old issues and even finds room for a little mystery. The result is as appealing as the heroine’s Polish Apple Strudel, the recipe for which is thankfully included.”

–Publishers Weekly starred review for The Winter Lodge

 And here are two versions of the art. Opinions here! I would love to know what you think:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The changes to the above are subtle. I love a work-in-progress!

Also: By popular request, I’m adding links to the recipes in some of my books:

Italian recipes from SUMMER BY THE SEA by Susan Wiggs

Summer recipes from LAKESIDE COTTAGE by Susan Wiggs

Bakery recipes from THE WINTER LODGE