Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Unwrapping the Rancher's Son Cover


“Your Christmas book.” 
For months, that’s how my editor and I referred to my fourth book for Harlequin American Romance.  See, I’d told her the story took place around Christmas time, and she said something along the lines of, “It’d be good for you to have a Christmas book.”  So, even though the most of the story takes place after Christmas, it went on the December schedule.  And, until we decided on a title, we referred to it as “your Christmas book.”
Is it any wonder that when we started talking about cover art, I imagined a Christmas tree and gaily wrapped packages?
 
Months passed.  The story progressed from a one paragraph summary to a ten-page synopsis to a full manuscript.  For weeks, I rode along with Ty and Sarah on a cattle drive through Florida’s version of the Old West while their ties to the little boy abandoned on Sarah’s doorstep Christmas Eve deepened. 
Though we still occasionally referred to it as “your Christmas book,” the story found a great title:  Rancher’s Son. 
Then came the day when the cover art for Rancher’s Son arrived in my inbox.  I clicked on it and instantly fell in love with Harlequin’s Art Department all over again.  Because of all my covers, this is my favorite. 

 
Don't you think the cover perfectly fits the story summary? 
Her job with the Department of Children and Family Services has exposed Sarah Magarity to the worst side of parenting, so much so that the altruistic red-head has vowed never to have children of her own.  Fourth-generation cattleman Ty Parker looks into his childless future and wonders what will become of the ranch he’s worked so hard to preserve.  His answer might be a five-year-old boy abandoned on DCF’s doorstep, but only if the cowboy convinces the jaded social worker that he’s good father material on a two-week cattle drive through Florida’s version of the Old West.
One last thing, Rancher's Son goes on sale November 27th, just in time for...Christmas! With that pretty red bow at the top of the cover, it'll make a great Christmas present, won't it?

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Leigh,

Love your cover. What a great Christmas gift!!

Laney4 said...

Hey there!
What a beautiful cover! I like the attention to detail (and especially Ty!).
Gives new meaning to Ty one on!

Leigh Duncan said...

Laney4 and Tammy,

Thanks for dropping by! I love this cover, too!

Leigh

Kristen Painter said...

It's a great cover and does indeed fit the story perfectly!

Cynthia D'Alba said...

Hi Leigh! It's a great cover. It feels good when your cover matches your story, doesn't it?

Congrats! Can't wait to read it.

Maria Geraci said...

Lovely cover! I agree, it's your best one yet!

Laurie Cooper said...

Leigh, it's a lovely cover. I could just squeeze that little boy in my arms. He's adorable, and I'm only a slightly prejudice because he looks so much like my grandson. Great summary. I'm looking forward to reading the book.

Leigh Duncan said...

Thanks, everyone! It's sooo good to hear that you like the cover as much as I do!

Unknown said...

I worked for DCF for awhile, so I can relate to Sarah's thoughts. But who could resist that cutey on the cover? Nice post!

Amanda Renee said...

I absolutely adore your cover. I look forward to reading Rancher's Son!

Unknown said...

I love the cover. It really catches the feel of the synopsis. And the bow is lovely. It'll make a perfect Christmas Present.

Leigh Duncan said...

Naomi, I have such a burden for kids in foster care that it shows up again and again in my writing. All three of my last books (The Daddy Catch, Rodeo Daughter and now, Rancher's Son) have touched on the subject.

Leigh Duncan said...

Amanda and Karla,

So many people ask how I come up with such great covers. The answer, as always, is that all the credit goes to Harlequin's terrific Art Department.

Anonymous said...

I can't to have this in my hands.