Mary Balogh: The First Snowdrop

The First Snowdrop was published in September 1986 by Signet and written by Mary Balogh. Alexander Stewart marries Anne Parrish in haste and leaves her to resume his hedonistic life in London. The twist and turns of their relationship are the plot of this book.

Allan Kass creates a striking room for our couple. I can't tell if there is a great window or a picture in the background with the lake and pagoda. The heroine seems to be imploring the hero for something. She is dressed in a fine golden yellow that sets off her auburn hair. Note her bracelets and earrings. Our hero is stark in a black jacket and beige trousers. He wears an ornamental watch fob on his waist. The room is simply, but elegantly furnished with an Aubusson carpet and extra chairs. This could be a dining room; note the ornate chandelier.

I am fortunate to have 2 of Allan's paintings in my possession and the originals are so beautiful that it's hard to express their loveliness. One of the reasons I love book covers is that it is an inexpensive way to "own" art! Unfortunately, publishers have gone the way of photoshop and canned pictures to illustrate books nowadays and it is a shame. Hopefully others will appreciate the great illustrators and their work of the 1970's-1990's!