New Cover Alert - Spellcrossed by Barbara Ashford

Now that a cover has been released for Barbara Ashford's Spellcrossed, I wanted to be sure to highlight it. After discussing the subject with Nat and Tori we agreed that the cover of Spellcast didn't entice readers to pick it up. Spellcast was one of my top 5 Picks of 2011, as well as Nat's, and it made lot of other book blog lists. So why so little hype? I have yet to meet someone who hasn't gushed over this book. The only logical conclusion is the unassuming cover and description, neither of which really give you any idea what all the book is about. As much as I get annoyed with hot nekkid dudes on the covers of Romance books, the nekkid hot cover dudes... sell the books. With Spellcast, all you're given is a barn... And it's so much more than a barn with a sign, people!!! There is fantasy, drama, romance, all the good stuff. Don't just take my word for it, here are some links to my fellow book bloggers' reviews of Spellcast:


Wicked Lil Pixie *5 Stars
The Bookaholic Cat *5 Paws
My Bookish Ways *5 Stars
Parajunkee *4.5 Skulls
Smexybooks *B+
A Buckeye Girl Reads
Spinecracker *5 Stars


So without further ado, here is the cover of Barbara Ashford's follow up novel, Spellcrossed:

I know it looks a little Holiday-ish with the holly and the red, but holly plays an important role in the story and mythology. I am quite pleased with the cover, as we get a view of what we can only assume is one of the characters from Spellcast who shall remain nameless, to avoid spoilers. I know I speak for all of us fans of Spellcast when I saw OH MY GOD IS IT JUNE YET?? And oh yeah, Spellcrossed has a release date of June 5th. More information is available at Barbara Ashford's website.


UPDATE on 3/6: Barbara stopped by to tell us more about this cover!


"Thanks for the post, Pamela! I've been so engrossed in page proofs that I didn't even know the final cover had been revealed. This one is very close to the concept I sent my editor. (I even included a dreadful line drawing to show what I wanted - thank you, Miss Control Issues.) The "holly" is actually white roses and leaves climbing up the red stage curtain - you can see that better on the actual cover - and references The Secret Garden, one of the musicals they're doing. And the "forest" references Into the Woods, another of the shows. Thanks for sharing with everyone - and for your great comments about Spellcast. Three months till Spellcrossed's release day! YAY!"