Elsie Gage: Your Obedient Servant

Your Obedient Servant by Elsie Gage was published by Signet in November 1985 and is the only book she wrote for them. Laura Adams was raised by farmers when she is taken in by Lady Danville, who hopes to marry off the beautiful girl. Instead, she finds three men whose advances and intentions are unclear.

Allan Kass illustrates a pretty cover for this book. I like our heroine's late Georgian/early Regency styled gown with the lace touches. She sits with the hero on a bench and we see the ornate garden wall and beautiful flowers. The hero is intent on showing his affections to her.

Peggy Gaddis: River's Edge

Our last book by Peggy Gaddis is River's Edge, #21 in the Rainbow Romance series. Allan illustrated 5 books for this series that I could find. These are some of his earliest book cover illustrations.

River's Edge was published in September 1970 and is a condensed book. The original title was The Other Dear Charmer. Kate Ryan and her doctor father have moved into the estate called River's Edge. However, this town was wary of strangers and Kate didn't like it there until she met Dr. Scott Etheridge, another newcomer who was destined for another.

This is such a pretty cover by Allan Kass. We see our couple in an embrace as they stand on a path in a wooded area. I love that he uses greens and pinks to soften the darkness of the woods.

Peggy Gaddis: Mountain Melody

Mountain Melody was published by Signet under their Rainbow Romance line in September 1970. This is a condensed book. Cherry and her sister, Loyce, are opposites, but both are drawn to a handsome lawyer named Jonathan Gayle. This story is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Allan Kass illustrates our couple relaxing outside together. We see a bit of the forest where they sit. The heroine holds a guitar and seems dressed up for sitting outside while our hero is dressed suitably for the scene! It's one of Allan's earlier illustrations and I hope you enjoy it.

Peggy Gaddis: Enchanted Spring

We veer off into young adult books with Peggy Gaddis's, Enchanted Spring, published by Signet in August 1982. Lynn Carter isn't impressed by rich Wayde McCuller when he moves into Oakville as the heir to Inspiration Hill. However, when he is charged with murder, it is Lynn who comes to his defense.

Allan Kass shows his skill as an illustrator in this cover of our two young people. Our hero lounges on a stone wall while the heroine leans against it. It looks like an enchanted place of quiet harmony. I like the very 70's knit jumper that the heroine wears and her bouquet of lilies. I have a few other Gaddis books that Allan illustrated which I will showcase next.

Joy Freeman: A Suitable Match

A Suitable Match was published in September 1982 and had an earlier hardcover printing in 1980 by St. Martin's Press. Vescinda Bancroft is thrown together with the Earl of Sherworth by a relative and she, being virtuous, has no time for the scandalous gentleman! Can two such unlikely people find love?

Allan Kass makes a great cover of our couple standing in an elegant room dressed for a ball or gala evening. Our heroine is pretty in yellow and her gold accessories set off her emerald and diamond jewelry. Our hero is dashing in black evening dress and we wonder to what special event they plan to attend! It's a pretty cover and I wish my copy was in better condition!

Merry Christmas!

Joy Freeman: The Last Frost Fair

Joy Freeman wrote two books for Signet Regency and both were illustrated by Allan Kass. The Last Frost Fair was published in December 1985. Madeleine St. Cross needs to marry money and for this reason she is brought to London. During the winter of 1814, London's Thames River freezes over and a fair is built upon the ice. She meets Major John Ashton and is faced with the dilemma of marrying for love or money!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple sitting on a sofa. The hero seems to be entreating the heroine to marry him! It's a colorful scene with the green sofa, red walls, pink and purple pillows setting off her yellow gown and his blue jacket. I like that it's a calm and quiet picture of true love. I'm curious that Allan didn't paint a scene from the Frost Fair of the title, but he often had to illustrate according to the demands of the publishers.

Ellen Fitzgerald: An Unwelcome Alliance

An Unwelcome Alliance is the last of Ellen Fitzgerald's books published by Signet and illustrated by Allan Kass. This copy was printed in March 1989.

Lady Belinda marries Lord Gerald even though they both love others. Can this marriage of convenience become a love match?

Allan Kass creates a pretty cover of our couple at a outside ball. Our heroine is lovely in a turquoise gown and a very elegant tiara. I like the up close pose and it's nice to see the beautiful touches of pearls on the gold lady's dress and the trim on another.

According to Fiction DB, Ellen Fitzgerald wrote regencies under other names: Lucia Curzon, Pamela Frazier, and Zabrina Faire. She also wrote gothics under the name Florence Stevenson, which Allan also illustrated.

Ellen Fitzgerald: A Streak of Luck

A Streak of Luck was published by Signet in July 1987 for Ellen Fitzgerald. Rachel Villiers thought good fortune had found her when Gervais Fenton proposed! However, after they are wed, she finds out that he lost a wager with her father and had to marry her. Now she wonders if a marriage built on game of cards can become a streak of luck for her?

Allan Kass creates a pretty illustration of our couple at a pretty lily pond. They stand near an ornate stone wall and we see a beautiful pagoda on the island behind. I love the colors of blue, green, and pink he uses which echo in her purple dress. Their pose is interesting since we see more of the heroine than the hero. I like that it's a tender moment they are sharing and think this is another of Allan's best outdoor covers!

Ellen Fitzgerald: Romany Summer

Romany Summer is another Signet Regency Romance authored by Ellen Fitzgerald and illustrated by Allan Kass. This book came out in October 1987. Felicity Carruthers was once young and naive, but no more. She doesn't plan to lose her heart to a rake like Sir Lionel Graves!

Allan Kass paints a delightful outdoors scene of our couple with a beautiful view of rolling hills and farmland behind them. Our couple stand near a stone wall on the edge of a road looking at the scenery. Our heroine's hair is loose and she holds some wildflowers that match her golden dress. Our hero is enamored of her and we see a caravan in the background which we presume they have been traveling. If you like scenic covers, this is one of Allan's best!

Ellen Fitzgerald: Rogue's Bride

Rogue's Bride was published by Signet in January 1986 for Ellen Fitzgerald. Ariadne Caswell-Drake is caught between different men: her husband, Sir Iden Peverell, who she married to avoid scandal, and Sir Robert Heath, attentive and charming! Who will she choose in the end?

Allan Kass paints our couple outdoors relaxing near a river. We see a rowboat in the water and assume that it is their mode of transportation. Both wear casual clothing for the era and our heroine has brought a basket to pick some fresh flowers. I like her ballerina shoes, which would be stylish nowadays!

Click to see an enlarged version of the cover.

Ellen Fitzgerald: The Player Knight

July 1989 saw the publication of The Player Knight, a Signet regency by Ellen Fitzgerald. Arabella Ashmore knows that a lady never performs on the stage, but is intrigued with the idea when she sees her best friend become an actress and also meets the dashing actor, Julian Sherlay!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple outside during sunset on a cold day. Our heroine wears a dark blue cloak, which has figured in a few of his illustrations!! Our hero's dark green jacket must have also been a popular color choice for the dashing regency buck! I feel as if this elegant pair doesn't belong, but are visiting, the setting where they stand.

Ellen Fitzgerald: Lord Caliban

Lord Caliban is another regency written by Ellen Fitzgerald and illustrated by Allan Kass. This book was published by Signet in March 1985 and Clemency is saved from injury when Lord Rodger Colbourne rescues her from a collapsing tower. Now he is determined to marry her, but she is concerned about his reputation as "Lord Caliban".

Allan Kass creates a classic cover with our couple taking a walk. Our hero is obviously infatuated with the heroine and she is summery in her yellow gown, which blends with the outdoors. I really like the ornate gate behind them. The trees make a shady spot above where they linger. Beautiful cover, which you can click to enlarge.

Ellen Fitzgerald: Lessons in Love

Lessons in Love was published in July 1986. Diana Forsythe falls for Sir Sabin Mallory and hopes he will do the same. Instead, he asks her for help in winning the heart of the most beautiful girl in London! She hopes their lessons will turn his heart towards herself!

Allan Kass paints a beautiful cover of our couple outside on a snowy day. The sunset reflects on the pond behind them and illuminates our heroine's purple winter coat and our hero's heavy green one. The trees in the background seem a fitting frame for this regency couple. Sometimes as I pull these books off of the shelf, I forget how pretty and elegant these covers really are! Signet books was smart to keep the lettering light and let the illustration shine!

Ellen Fitzgerald: Julia's Portion

April 1988 saw the publication of Julia's Portion by Ellen Fitzgerald. Julia was a new heiress and while others had ideas how to manage her fortune, she had her own ideas of freedom that included Lord Alysford!

I really like this cover by Allan Kass! It shows our couple on board a ship in a rough shoreline. Note the house on the cliff! Could it be our heroine's house? I like the heroine's pink gown which seems to brighten the cover. I wonder if they are on a pleasure cruise or traveling somewhere? Allan did a few illustrations on board ships and they are interesting to compare.

Ellen Fitzgerald: The Irish Heiress

The Irish Heiress was published by Signet in July 1985 for Ellen Fitzgerald. Sheila Corbett is intrigued by Lord Rande, but after his dealings with her brother, she knew that she should avoid him, but is tempted by something that may be love!

Allan Kass creates an outdoor scene near an old castle where our couple seem to be embracing. I like the splash of color that the heroine's purple gown make against the stone wall and her long black hair is unusually flowing! Our hero is handsome and elegant in his red coat. Allan's daughter said that many times he painted himself as the face of the heroes and after seeing a photo of him, I concur!

Ellen Fitzgerald: The Heirs of Bellaire

The Heirs of Bellair is next in our Signet regency romance series by Ellen Fitzgerald. This book was published in January 1987. Pamela Caldwell plans to marry childhood friend Tom Bellair until Sidney Questered arrives on the scene. She is intrigued by him and marries him not knowing that he is really Arthur Bellair, one of the heirs of Bellair!

Allan Kass shows our couple sharing a tender moment in front of a large fireplace. She wears jade jewelry against a pink gown while our hero is formally dressed in black. Allan gets the details correct with the grandfather clock and engraved fireplace hearth. Enjoy!

Ellen Fitzgerald: The Gambler's Bride

The Gambler's Bride was published by Signet for Ellen Fitzgerald in January 1988. Caroline Dysart agrees to elope with the very handsome Charles Montague. She thinks it's because of love, but others whisper that he needs her fortune. After she's married and hears those whispers, she decides to find out the truth.

Allan Kass illustrates our couple sitting outdoors on a low wall in a small park. Our heroine has a fashionable short hairdo and is very pretty. Our hero is rugged and handsome. Allan is great at portraying faces and human physique. I like the setting of the statue and small pool behind them.

Allan is unique in that both his outdoor poses and indoor covers are both wonderful. When one takes the time to look deeper into the cover, you can find a wealth of color and detail, which is unusual with other illustrators.

Ellen Fitzgerald: The Forgotten Marriage

The Forgotten Marriage by Ellen Fitzgerald, was published in April 1986 by Signet. Alicia Delacre happily marries Lucian Morley, only to have him fall in love with Lady Barbara Barrington. Can she win back her husband's love?

This is a pretty outdoor scene by Allan Kass. I like the placement of our couple outdoors, where we see the fields and a rainstorm in the distance. Our heroine blends in with her eggplant dress and basket of yellow roses. Our hero is handsome in a burgandy coat. I like the details of the ornate wrought iron fence and the wisteria growing up the wall.

Ellen Fitzgerald: The Dangerous Dr. Langhorne

Next in line are a treat of illustrations for Ellen Fitzgerald's regency stories! Allan Kass did a number of them, which I will display in the next posts.

The Dangerous Dr. Langhorne was published by Signet in October 1985 and is the story of Lady Vanessa Ventriss, who is intrigued by Sir Philip Langhorne, a physician, who is rumored to be dabbling in mesmerism.

Allan Kass creates a pretty outside pose for this cover near a gated wall, which yellow roses bloom. I like that the color mimics the heroine's dress! Look at her Egyptian bangle! The hero is a handsome blond and the details of the stairway into the door, along with the stone wall, is wonderful. Allan's work done in the 1980's is some of his best!

Marjorie Farrell: Miss Ware's Refusal

April 1990 is the publication date of Miss Ware's Refusal by Marjorie Farrell. Judith is too proud to accept the Duke of Sutton's proposal, but he is as proud to open his heart to pity after his war wounds render him blind. Can two stubborn people find love together?

Allan Kass illustrates our couple in a sitting room. Our heroine wears a typical regency day dress of pale yellow while our hero is in a dark russet coat. I like this pose of intimacy in a crowded space!

I apologize again for the length between blog posts. I have been treasure hunting and have found more Allan Kass book covers which I am sharing immediately on Facebook and here, eventually.
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Marjorie Farrell: Lady Barbara's Dilemma

Lady Barbara's Dilemma was published by Signet in March 1993 for Marjorie Farrell. Lady Barbara Stanley has her choice of three very different men and in choosing the Marquess of Wardour, she begins to wonder if she's made the correct choice after all?

Allan Kass illustrates our couple at a country fair where our heroine carries a basket of wildflowers and our kilted hero holds a violin. The tents and wagons add to the festival atmosphere of the cover while our heroine wears a very pretty blue day dress and our very Kass hero a plain white shirt with his red kilt.

Marjorie Farrell: Autumn Rose

Back to some Regency Romance covers! Marjorie Farrell wrote regencies for Signet. I have three that Allan Kass illustrated. Signet published this book in January 1991. Honora Dillon is a romance novelist who is raising her daughter, Miranda, alone. When she meets Marcus Vane, she realizes that he could be her perfect match!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple near a river with an ornate bridge that looks like the one in Bath, but this book is set in Hampstead. Our heroine is beautiful in her blue day dress and I love the opaqueness of her parasol! Our hero is clearly besotted and the cover gives us vibes of a happy outcome between them!

Caroline Farr: Witch's Hammer

Witch's Hammer is the last of the gothic romances by Caroline Farr that I have illustrated by Allan Kass. March 1967 is the printing date for this book.

Samantha Crawford travels to Witch's Hammer, home of the stage idol Peter Castellano, to write his memoirs. She and photographer, Richard Mansfield, soon realize that evil inhabits the castle in Maine!

Allan Kass illustrates our heroine from a ledge outside of an iron doorway. We wonder if she is trapped there? This cover is interesting since we see no landscaping or castle in the background, but an up close picture of our heroine in distress. I like the purple light of the castle wall exterior that echo the color of her gown.

Caroline Farr: The Towers of Fear

The Towers of Fear, written by Caroline Farr and illustrated by Allan Kass, was published by Signet for its gothic romance line in August 1972. Ali Cavanagh arrives at Storm Towers to visit her college friend, Joan. She soon realizes that a web of mystery surround Joan and her family and she doesn't know who to trust.

Allan Kass illustrates our heroine with a backdrop of a splashing wave and the ominous mansion behind her. She wears a pink coat thrown over her shoulders while she waits in the twilight. Note Allan's signature in the lower right corner.

Caroline Farr: Terror on Duncan Island

Terror on Duncan Island was published in May 1971. Lisa Duncan returns from the big city to her family's island, hoping for peace but she finds herself caught up in the mystery of strangers living there who have brought evil to the island.

Allan Kass shows our heroine running through the tall grass fleeing the fog enshrouded house on the cliff. She wears a cute olive skirt and brown blouse that would be stylish even today! Her clothing echoes the colors of the outdoors. What's most noticeable about this is her bracelets hanging on her right wrist!

Caroline Farr: Secret at Ravenswood

Caroline Farr wrote Secret at Ravenswood in April 1980. Alicia Baker has journeyed to Ravenswood, an English Manor house, to catalog a valuable collection of manuscripts. Ravenswood is reputably haunted by the Black Baron and Alicia believes now that it may be true!

Allan Kass shows our heroine outside in front of the house. The sky is darkening and our heroine seems to be leaving the property. I like her medieval trimmed gown of pink and her pretty bracelets! In an article written for a magazine, Allan Kass stated that he took yearly vacations to England to photograph the outside and inside of period houses to have as input for his work.

Caroline Farr: The Scream in the Storm

The Scream in the Storm is next in our gothic romances by Caroline Farr. November 1975 is the publication date and Gwenefa Carnarvon travels to Fiddler's Tower as secretary to author Margrath Manan. She soon realizes that there is danger that threatens her as a long ago Gwenefa drowned at Fiddler's Tower!

Allan Kass illustrates our heroine climbing down stone stairs as she flees the tower. She wears a white gown with a cream colored coat over it. We see her pause in mid-step as she leaves the area. The sky behind the tower almost has a wood grain look to it! I do like how all the colors are harmonious in this picture.

Caroline Farr: Mansion of Menace

Mansion of Menace was published in June 1976 by Signet for Caroline Farr. Irene Demar arrives at a premier art school in Cimaroon. The mansion which houses the art school is interesting until mysterious things begin to happen and Irene feels herself to be in danger!

Allan Kass does a great job illustrating this gothic novel. Our heroine is wearing a very 1970's halter top dress while escaping the building behind her while the waves crash along the shore and the dark clouds move in. I like her curly hair, which is a departure for Allan!

Caroline Farr: House of Valhalla

House of Valhalla was published in July 1978 by Signet for Caroline Farr. Valhalla is the home of Johann Richter, an old man writing his autobiography. Lorna Mitchell arrives to help translate it but there are people who are trying to stop the publication of his work at any cost!

Allan Kass shows our heroine fleeing a mansion in a snowy setting off the coast of Maine. She is fashionably dressed in a brown cape and sensible boots with an sweater and skirt outfit underneath. I like the touches of jewelry and belt Allan gives her. We get a feel of impending doom and snow with the total bluish white of the background. Enjoy!!

Caroline Farr: House of Treachery

House of Treachery was published by Signet in February 1977. Kirsten Willard is drawn back to Quilty, her grandfathers home, to his dying bedside. She is terrified of the evil which seems to claim new victims of her family and is getting closer to her!

Allan Kass illustrates our cover with our heroine fleeing the home near the sea. I like the lighthouse in the background, which may be part of the house or just on the land. Our Kass heroine wears a robe which looks as if it's been thrown on in order to flee. I like the waves crashing behind her on the shore. Click on picture to enlarge.

Caroline Farr: House of Secrets

House of Secrets was published by Signet in February 1973. Leonie Glendenning finds out that she is an heiress to Inverness, the stone house were her mother still lives and can she figure out the mysterious circumstances of her father's death?

Allan Kass illustrates our heroine standing dangerously close to water while she flees the house on the cliff. Note her gold bracelet which is a Kass element! It looks as if she's trying to move carefully over rough and steep terrain. I almost think the cover has a cluttered feel, which is unusual for Allan's work.

Caroline Farr: The House of Landsdown

The House of Landsdown was published by Signet in November 1977 for Caroline Farr. Sally Lane saw the demon that lived at Landsdown who swore to kill her if she told what she saw. Could anyone in the house, her employer or his handsome nephew, save her?

Allan Kass illustrates one of my favorite gothic covers with this book! I love the auburn haired heroine in her purple gown or robe as she runs from the haunted house behind. She wears Kass's traditional gold jewelry: hoop earrings and a gold bangle bracelet!
Again, the touches of fog and cliff show why Allan was a great cover art illustrator! Enjoy!!

Caroline Farr: House of Dark Illusions

August 1973 saw the publication of House of Dark Illusions by Caroline Farr. Megan Marshall visits her aunt at the House of Ferrari, her mother's family mansion. She senses evil as her aunt begins acting strangely and feels as if the house holds a dark secret.

Allan Kass shows our heroine fleeing the house on the cliff. She wears a purple dress that contrasts with the green of the sea. Her necklace, swinging as she climbs, is a Kass feature! What captures me is the contrast of light because the longer you stare at this cover, it seems to be getting lighter, like the sun is rising!

Caroline Farr: Heiress to Corsair Keep

March 1978 was the publication date of Heiress to Corsair Keep by Caroline Farr. Elizabeth Lagrange returns to the castle where she had almost died in a fire as a child. Now that she has inherited, she plans to live in this tropical paradise until an ancient evil threatens her.

Allan Kass creates an interesting image for this cover. We see the spooky castle set on an island with the palm trees in the distance. Our heroine is fleeing wearing a pink evening gown. Note her bracelets---a Kass touch! Somehow I don't think you'd see a Gothic castle on the shores of a Caribbean island, but isn't imagination a great thing?

Caroline Farr: Dark Mansion

Dark Mansion by Caroline Farr was published in February 1974 by Signet. Tracey visits Castle Glamis to live with relatives and realizes that someone wants her dead. Even the town's doctor, Peter McDonald thinks that what's happening is no accident!

This is a different cover by Allan Kass. In fact, except for the signature, I don't know if I would have caught it. His sense of motion with our heroine running is spot on, but I'm so accustomed to seeing his characters face forward, that it makes this pose highly unusual. We see the heroine running from the distant castle in either a twilight or sunrise. The red and pink make nice variations in the water and sand.

Caroline Farr: Castle of Terror

Castle of Terror by Caroline Farr was published by Signet in August 1975. Megan Wentworth arrives with her employer to Storm Haven, a castle owned by the mysterious Count Rienzi. Can Shane, her employers son, keep her safe in the castle of terror?

Allan Kass illustrates our heroine fleeing the castle. This cover is unique because our heroine is pictured smaller than usual, enough so that it's hard to see her features. The castle, trees, and rocks loom bigger that our heroine. I like her purple robe or coat over the pink gown. Hopefully she blends into the night!

Caroline Farr: A Castle in Canada

October 1972 is the publication date for A Castle in Canada, another gothic romance by Caroline Farr. Darleen Tracy visits the Montaigne family chateau in anticipation of seeing her fiance, Raoul, but he has vanished and his family, who will inherit if Raoul doesn't marry, is hateful.

Allan Kass illustrates a typical gothic cover with our heroine, in her nightdress, fleeing the dark mansion. What I really like about this cover is how Allan uses the woman's dress and hair as movement and motion. He's dead on in her pose and we feel her next move. The castle's reflection of itself in the water is creepy, too!

Caroline Farr: Brecon Castle

Brecon Castle is the first of many Caroline Farr gothic romances that Allan Kass illustrated. This title was published by Signet in October 1976.

Gillian Owen was hired to serve as nurse to David Brecon's young daughter, but quickly realized that the villagers were right and Brecon Castle harbored some kind of evil which threatened her and her young charge.

Allan Kass illustrates one of my favorite gothic covers here! I love the heroine: her dark flowing hair, her emerald green gown and wrap and her beautiful face! She blends into the shadowy scene of the castle and landscape as she walks along the stone wall near the water. I think it's one of Allan's best gothic covers and I hope you agree!!

Elisabeth Fairchild: The Rakehell's Reform

The Rakehell's Reform is the last Elisabeth Fairchild book that I have illustrated by Allan Kass. She did write other regencies for Signet.

February 1997 is Signet's publication date. Selina Preston's father wanted his wealth to buy his daughter a noble husband. His choice, Jack Ramsey, had the worse of reputations and he was definitely not her first choice!!

Allan Kass paints a elegant cover for this book with our couple standing outside near a doorway surrounded by flowers. I love the hero's blue almost purple jacket because it goes so well with his red hair! The heroine is complimentary in green with purple trim and she holds a bunch of yellow roses. You can tell that they like and maybe even love each other!

Next blog will feature more of Allan's gothic romance covers!

Elisabeth Fairchild: Marriage a' la Mode

December 1997 was the publication of Marriage a' la Mode by Elisabeth Fairchild. Lord Hay hears Melody Bainbridge in a crowded London scene, and is intrigued by her laughter. However, she is in the process of being divorced from an abusive husband and is not looking for another relationship.

Allan Kass paints a calm scene with our couple feeding a deer that is in the park behind the mansion. Our hero carries the feed while the heroine feeds the deer. This would be one of Allan's last illustrations, but he still concentrates on the details like the garden and the animal. I'm not too sure about the heroine's red coat with her complexion, though!! Enjoy this bucolic cover!

Elisabeth Fairchild: The Love Knot

The Love Knot by Elisabeth Fairchild was published by Signet in November 1995. Aurora Ramsay is determined to catch Lord Walsh as a husband, so she asks Miles Fletcher to help her captivate him. Soon she learns that her teacher may be her true lover in fact!

This cover by Allan Kass shows our couple playing archery. I love the autumn outdoors and our heroine's warm green dress. They seem in a playful mood as she helps him with his aim! Note the temple in the background and another target full of arrows!

Elisabeth Fairchild: Lord Ramsay's Return

Lord Ramsay's Return is a March 1996 Signet publication by Elisabeth Fairchild. Miss Prudence Stanhope is in danger after meeting the enigmatic Lord Charles Ramsay, who has recently returned from India and is handsome and charming. Brighton is the setting for this story and is a beautiful seaside location in England known for the Prince Regent's Pavilion.

Allan Kass illustrates our couple among Oriental treasures. Our hero is dressed as we would consider typical Eastern costume with white shirt or tunic and a bright purple sash. Our heroine is pretty in a blue day dress. This cover pops because of the detail of the statue and ornate light behind the couple.

Elisabeth Fairchild: The Counterfeit Coachman

November 1994 saw the publication of The Counterfeit Coachman, a Signet Regency Romance by author Elisabeth Fairchild. This is the first of five books that Allan Kass illustrated for Fairchild.

Fanella Quinby needed to marry quickly and well, but after meeting Mr. Ford, a coachman, she wonders if it will be as easy as she thinks to marry a stranger!

Allan Kass creates a superb cover for this story! I love the up close portrait of our couple with the coach behind and the inn further behind! Our hero is handsome in his drab overcoat and our heroine is very smart in her blue traveling gown and accessories. Again, we see touches of detail: the man loading the coach, the heroine's lace trimmed cuffs and embellishment on her reticule. Even the lighting suggests a warm afternoon for traveling.

Rachelle Edwards:The Thieef of Hearts

The Thief of Hearts by Rachelle Edwards was published in 1973 by Fawcett, but I think this is a later copyright edition of around 1977/78.

In this last book by Edwards that I have illustrated by Kass, she tells the story of Sara Auden, a sensible girl who is held up by a dashing highwayman, who happens to visit her family as the Earl of Melford!!

Allan Kass creates a pretty cover for this book as our couple stand in a brick walled garden surrounded by foilage and a birdhouse with pretty white birds floating around it. Our couple stand in an embrace and their clothing mimic the colors of the outside. This is a tender moment that Allan captures on canvas and another great cover!

Rachelle Edwards:The Smithfield Bargain

August 1981 saw the publication by Fawcett of Rachelle Edwards's book, The Smithfield Bargain. Annabel Haygarth is unjustly dismissed from her governess position and immediately becomes involved in a scheme with the daughter of the house to help her run away to be married. She then meets Lord Cranbourne and falls in love with her friend's fiance!

Allan Kass illustrates our Georgian couple in a dark forest. Our hero wears a tricorn hat decorated with a red cockade and a red overcoat over his red dress coat. Our heroine is young and pretty in her pink dress and purple cloak. Her long, unbound hair gives her the illusion of youth. I like the lace details, which was common in the dress of that period. It's a dramatic scene of confronting a villain and another melodramatic book that falls under the Coventry regency line!

Rachelle Edwards: Miranda's Folly

Miranda's Folly by Rachelle Edwards is a 1978 publication from Fawcett. Miranda runs away from home dressed as a boy, only to be discovered in that disguise by Lord Dornford, who decides that this may be the woman for him!

Allan Kass shows our couple sitting on the edge of a pool in a very pretty avenue. Our heroine is wearing a blue overdress slashed with olive and decorated with pearls while our hero wears what looks like 18th century shorts with hose underneath! Probably they are knee britches, but I guess they would look shorter when sitting! His long hair in is a queue tied with a ribbon. It's a pretty scene and one that I hope you enjoy!

Rachelle Edwards: Lord Heathbury's Revenge

Lord Heathbury's Revenge was published by Fawcett in July 1980 for their Coventry Regency Romance line, which ran from 1979-1982. These were clean, slightly melodramatic, fun, and easy reads to while away an afternoon!

Lavinia Merridew is a young, foolish girl who mocks a man she hasn't even met, until she finds herself falling in love with him and he decides to take revenge against her!

Allan Kass illustrates a scene from the story of two men duelling. Our heroine is trying to stop the duel. She wears a long red cape and bright pink dress underneath. Both men stand in their shirtsleeves and looks like, which denotes relationship in this book. The carriage and horses are in shadow.

Rachelle Edwards: Fortune's Child

November 1981 saw the publication by Fawcett of Rachelle Edward's Fortune's Child. This is a story about a couple who were engaged 9 years ago. Can Lord Rossington convince Louisa Farnham that she is his perfect match?

Allan Kass illustrates our couple standing at the bottom of a stairwell. Our hero is dressed for riding in his red coat and visible crop. Our heroine is pretty in a blue day dress. She fiddles with a gold locket as she looks at the hero. This is one of Kass's earlier illustrations and typical of those he did during this time. Click on the picture to enlarge.

Rachelle Edwards: Devil's Bride

Devil's Bride by Rachelle Edwards is the first book by this author illustrated by Allan Kass. Fawcett published this book in 1976. Auriol Stanford is promised in marriage to the Duke of Hampden, but she loves another and plans a runaway match. The duke intercepts the couple and ends up with his betrothed.

Allan Kass illustrates our couple in an embrace while standing in a bedroom. Our heroine is pretty with her long red hair and our hero has a sardonic look to him! Someone was writing a letter and we notice details like the candle's smoking, as if just blown out. Enjoy!

Robert Eckert: The Duke's Gambit

I have not been recently blogging due to some volunteer work this summer. Thanks for your patience!

January 1987 saw the publication of The Duke's Gambit by Roberta Eckert, the only book Allan Kass illustrated for her. Andrea Howard has the number of the Duke of Haverford, and he's a womanizer in her book. She saves her cousin from a misstep with him, but wonders that she could be his next victim!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple sitting on a garden bench while a ball takes place in the room behind. Our hero wears black evening dress while our heroine wears a very low cut gown and simple silver trimmings. I like her bracelet and buttons, which give her gown a very Grecian appearance! Note the dancers in the crowded room along with the ornate windows and doors. Allan is the master of detail and I hope that you enjoy this picture! Click to enlarge!