Friday, November 9, 2012

Fiona Hill: The Wedding Portrait

The Wedding Portrait was published by Berkley in June 1975. Hill wrote a few other regency romances. Laura is about to be married and enjoying all of the festivities surrounding the event until Baron Lowland's son Ashley comes to paint her portrait and she wonders if marrying a man she's known forever is the right choice romantically!

Our hero is definitely dashing in this cover by Allan Kass! He paints the heroine in this scene and she is garbed in an elegant white gown with creamy accessories. I like seeing his painting equipment sitting on a nearby table. Allan always gets his details correct.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Fiona Hill: The Trellised Lane


The Trellised Lane was published by Berkley in April 1975. Julia was anxious to travel, so she coerced her brother Fitz to take her to London where she was to find adventure and love!

This cover by Allan Kass is interesting to me because it could almost be a modern day couple with a few tweaks of clothing and hairstyle. There is a 1960's feel to the colors and styles of the clothes or maybe it's the white picket fence that has the modern touch.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Fiona Hill: The Practical Heart

The Practical Heart was published by Berkley in August 1975. Gillian Spencer is a governess for the Viscount Sherbourne's two lovely daughters. As she teaches and guides them to become ready for their London season, she wonders if she's too old herself to marry?

Allan Kass shows our elegant couple standing in a pensive pose. Our heroine is dressed simply but her hair is braided prettily. She holds a rose to her face while the hero embraces her. His greatcoat is almost overwhelming on him and a focal point of the picture.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Fiona Hill: Love in a Major Key

Fiona Hill's Love in a Major Key is the first of four books illustrated for her by Allan Kass. This book was published by Berkley in January 1976. Daphne has left home for London and the season and the only man that she is attracted towards is a pianofortist!

Allan Kass creates a cover within a circle. We see a very elegant heroine with the hero behind her. She is the most striking element in the picture with her brunette hair and plain yellow gown but Allan adds other details that make you feel as if you've intruded into the room!

Monday, November 5, 2012

Georgette Heyer: Venetia

Venetia by Georgette Heyer is a Berkley publication dating September 1976. Venetia Layton's life has been quiet and secluded due to her stern father. The arrival of their nearest and most scandalous neighbor, Lord Dameral, brings excitement and romance to her world.

I like this cover by Allan Kass. We see the rakish Dameral worried about Venetia, who is elegant in her riding habit of gray. Unlike some of the Berkley covers, this one is pretty close to the characters in the novel.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Georgette Heyer: The Unknown Ajax

The Unknown Ajax by Georgette Heyer was published by Berkley in February 1974. Hugh Darracott emerges as the heir to Darracott Place and unknown to the family as his father was a black sheep! He realizes quickly that the family is planning on marrying him to his cousin Anthea in order to smarten him up and neither of them are excited about the prospect!

Allan Kass portrays our couple taking a break from their riding. They sit on a stone bench near a church and we see a fountain nearby. I like the heroine's severe riding dress and wonder which horse is hers! She and the hero seem to have come to an understanding.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Georgette Heyer: The Toll Gate

The Toll Gate by Georgette Heyer is a Berkley publication from June 1973. John Staple is a veteran of the wars and finds an adventure when he reaches a toll gate to discover that the keeper has disappeared. He stays to help his son only to find love with Nell Stornaway along with his adventure!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple in a vehicle which is appropriate since we read a lot about the toll road and gate in this novel. Our hero is well dressed in evening wear which is unlike most of the story and our heroine pretty in a light dress. I like that we see his concern about her evident problem.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Georgette Heyer: These Old Shades

 These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer is one of my favorite books! If you've never read a copy, find one immediately!! This is the story of the rakish Duke of Avon and the beautiful French girl, Leonie, who masquerades as his page for half of the book. Set in Georgian France and England, it's a story of treachery, revenge, and love.  The Signet copy is a January 1988 publication while the Fawcett dates from December 1983.

Allan Kass created both covers and the first one for Signet is a favorite. We see our older hero with his enchanting heroine, both in Georgian garb, but very elegant. The heroine's fiery red hair is curled and ornamented with pearls and ribbons, which echo her elaborate gown of blue and rose. The hero wears a powdered wig and long burgandy coat with a gold waistcoat underneath.

The Fawcett cover shows our heroine in an ornate ball gown of green with rose decorations and the hero in red. They steal a minute away from a grand ball. This edition is harder to find, but beautiful.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Georgette Heyer: The Talisman Ring

The Talisman Ring is a Fawcett publication dating from approximately 1976. It is the story of Sir Tristram and Eustacie who are being forced into marriage by Tristram's uncle. Eustacie runs away and he goes after her but they both find other people to love during this adventure!

Allan Kass creates a unusually plain cover for this book of our couple. Our hero is astride and injured on this winters day with our heroine on foot holding a pistol. She is definitely the focus of this cover as she stares behind looking for a villain!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Georgette Heyer: Sylvester

Sylvester, by Georgette Heyer, is another Berkley paperback published in November 1975. This is the story of the proud Duke of Salford and his mother's ward, Phoebe Marlow, who she wishes him to wed. Can two people who hate the idea of a arranged marriage change their minds, especially after the publication of a novel written by the heroine?

This is an interesting cover by Allan Kass. Again, it feels muted and I'm not sure if that's the printer's fault or just the way he designed this painting. Our couple stand in a sylvan glade and we see a swan swimming on the lake behind them. Our heroine is pretty in white and wears interesting green fingerless gloves which match her ribbon.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Georgette Heyer: Sprig Muslin

Sprig Muslin, by Georgette Heyer, was published in this edition by Berkley in November 1972 and is the story of Sir Gareth Ludlow, who has made up his mind to propose to Lady Hester Theale, but on the way to do so finds Amanda and has the devil of a time convincing everyone that he's not in love with this young runaway!

Allan Kass displays a tender scene from this novel where our heroine comes to care for the injured hero. We see them share an embrace while sitting in a window seat. There is almost a muted feel to this picture, as if we are to gaze from a distance.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Georgette Heyer: The Spanish Bride

Georgette Heyer's The Spanish Bride is the story of the real Harry Smith and the Spanish girl he wed while a soldier in the Napoleonic Wars. Published by Signet in December 1984, this story tells of the quick marriage between the young, aristocratic Juana and the dashing officer that could only happen in wartime.

Allan Kass's cover shows our hero in his military uniform embracing a dark beauty in a quiet courtyard. Her purple gown is embellished with a darker lace and we see a black cloak hanging over her arm. I like the moss dangling from the tree branches above them and the potted plant, which give this a semi tropical feel.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Georgette Heyer: Simon the Coldheart

Simon the Coldheart is another of Georgette Heyer's historical novels. Set in medieval times, young Simon of Beauvallet has risen from his birth to be a page, squire, and now a lord of the land. He cannot love and that has earned him the name of Coldheart until he meets Margaret of Belremy. This book is a prequel to Beauvallet! Published by Fawcett in December 1984.

Allan Kass probably loved the idea to create a medieval romance cover! I love all of the detail from the roaring fire to the stained glass and crests above the fireplace. Our heroine is beautiful with her heavy braids and rich red gown. She has a jeweled belt and carries a dagger, as if to ward off an enemy. Our hero looks like a knight of old with his outer robe and crest to the chain mail underneath.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Georgette Heyer: Royal Escape

Royal Escape by Georgette Heyer is one of her historical novels portraying the escape of Charles Stuart from Worcester to France during the time of the Cromwell's republic. He was the rightful king, but a time of civil war had pushed his father off the throne and many wished for a republic instead of a monarchy. This story tells of how he was helped, with some romance along the way, as he made his escape.

Allan Kass breaks from his regency covers and shows us the rich and elegant garb of the 1660's in this cover. Our heroine is wearing a blue outer robe covering a white under or night dress while the hero is richly clad in lace and a slashed gold and cream coat. My copy has some bleeding due to a stamp on the inside cover, but I hope you can see the beauty anyways.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Georgette Heyer: The Reluctant Widow

The Reluctant Widow by Georgette Heyer was published in March 1975 by Berkley paperbacks. Elinor Rochdale is a governess who, stepping into the wrong carriage, embarks on a great adventure which involves housebreakers, a deathbed marriage, French spies, a great shaggy dog, and romance!

Allan Kass shows our couple relaxing in a quiet room. Our heroine lounges on a sofa and wears a pretty bronze dress with a simple hairdo and shawl. Our hero is clad in an older fashion with a lacy cravat and red waistcoat. The paneling and pictures show the country estate of a gentleman.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Georgette Heyer: The Quiet Gentleman

The Quiet Gentleman was published by Berkley in November 1972. Drucilla Morville is a guest of Lady St. Erth and is present when the new earl arrives to live in his ancestral home. When she realizes that Gervase is in danger, she is willing to help him find out who is behind it but this very quiet man has his own game to play in love and war!

This is a charming cover by Allan Kass of our couple sharing a private moment together. He is very simply dressed and she wears a pretty blue day dress accented with pink ribbons. The room is also simple and might be an office or servants room.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Georgette Heyer: Pistols for Two

Pistols for Two, published by Signet in November 1984, is a collection of Georgette Heyer's short stories. They are tales of love and romance set during regency times and it's fun to read them and wonder how a longer story would have flushed out. My favorites are Pink Domino and A Husband for Fanny.

Allan Kass illustrated a scene in one of the stories also called Pistols for Two. We see the heroine embracing the hero while interrupting a duel with another gentleman. Note the early morning sunlight in the wooded area since duels were against the law and done in quiet, obscure places.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Georgette Heyer: The Nonesuch

Georgette Heyer's The Nonesuch was published in the late 1970's by Fawcett. It had an earlier paperback publication date, but this copy is a newer edition.

Sir Waldo Hawkridge has inherited Broom Hall and the locals are excited to have an eligible bachelor in their area! Especially the young and beautiful Tiffany Wield, who has yet to attach the man of her choice! Unfortunately for her, Waldo's eye falls on her governess/companion, Miss Ancilla Trent!

This is a gorgeous cover by Allan Kass! We see our sporting hero with his red coat and whip looking down at the heroine, organizing flowers in the church. It's as if he's interrupted a quiet, pensive moment as she twirls a flower in her hand. The dark brown stone of the church is a pleasing setting to this quiet introduction.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Georgette Heyer: The Masqueraders

The Masqueraders, by Georgette Heyer, is a Georgian romance and adventure about two siblings, Prudence and Robin Lacey. They masquerade as the opposite sex in order to foil political enemies, but the fun begins when they fall in love with others under this masquerade.

Allan Kass shows us one of the "couples" with our heroine dressed as a man and presumably the hero is the man with whom she has fallen in love. Note the bright yellow and red colors which wouldn't have been used in men's dress during the regency, unless it was part of a uniform.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Georgette Heyer: Lady of Quality

Lady of Quality by Georgette Heyer was published by Signet in August 1992. Annis Wynchwood is happy being a Bath spinster until she helps out Oliver Carleton's niece, Lucilla, and realizes that there may be more to life than being a maiden aunt!

This cover by Allan Kass is just beautiful. I love everything about it: the colors, the couple, and the detail. The couple look just as I imagined them to be and I like the blue/gray color of the heroine's dress, which blends into the blue painted room. The orange flowers give an exotic look to the cover.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Georgette Heyer: An Infamous Army

An Infamous Army, by Georgette Heyer,  has two copies which Allan Kass illustrated. The Signet edition is dated September 1984 and the Fawcett edition is from approximately 1977.

Lady Barbara Childe is a beautiful, scandalous widow who shocked all Brussels by accepting the hand of Colonel Charles Audley on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo. After a disastrous first marriage, she is wary of his love and really wonders if what she feels for him is love.

My favorite is the first cover done for Signet. I think it captures the beauty and elegance of our heroine while showing us our dashing hero. We almost feel as if we've intruded onto an intimate scene.

The Fawcett cover shows the ballroom and its occupants talking about our couple. The heroine looks a bit more dashing with her green eyeshadow and low cut gown while our hero is elegant in his military uniform. It's an interesting juxtaposition of the different scenes in a ballroom.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Georgette Heyer: The Grand Sophy

The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer is a Berkley publication dated May 1976.  Sophy Stanton-Lacey is sent to live with her London relatives while her diplomatic father travels to Brazil. Once there, she begins to turn this family upside down as she solves problems and makes matches. It is one of my favorite books and definitely one to track down and read if you haven't given yourself the pleasure!

This cover, by Allan Kass, looks like something Sophy would have worn while driving or traveling. Our heroine is dashing in her fur lined driving coat and matching muff. In the distance we see our hero and the grounds of an estate. I like the subtle variations of color in the sky and that the heroine is prominent on this cover.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Georgette Heyer: Friday's Child

Friday's Child, by Georgette Heyer, is a paperback Berkley edition from May 1975.  Lord Sheringham, jilted by a beauty, vows to marry the next female he sees, which is his childhood friend, Hero Wantage! Their runaway marriage is the talk of the town and this romance is an amusing tale of friends, family, and love.

Allan Kass's cover shows our heroine shopping in the fashionable part of town and wearing a dashing bonnet and carrying a bandbox on her arm. We see a gentleman watching her, but he doesn't look like the youthful Sherry of our story! The background shows St Paul's Cathedral and a riding coach.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Georgette Heyer: The Foundling

The Foundling, by Georgette Heyer, was published in paperback by Berkley in April 1974.

This is the story of Gilly, the Duke of Sale, who ends up with an enchanting foundling named Belinda on his hands and asks for help from the one sensible lady he know and admires: Harriet! Can plunging into a dilemma help a man find his true love?

This cover by Allan Kass shows our young couple standing in an elegantly furnished room. The hero seems enamored with the heroine and I feel like both her fan and the large Chinese jar clash with the pose of this cover. We miss some of her dress's detail because of the size of her fan and how it's being held. I would rather have seen the front of the heroine as she plays with her pearl necklace.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Georgette Heyer: False Colours

 False Colours, by Georgette Heyer, has an exciting treat in store for the reader: 2 different Allan Kass covers! The first, by Fawcett, is a 1977 printing, while the Signet is dated October 1984.

Cressida Stavely is a young heiress with a dilemma: which brother to choose? She has accepted Evelyn, the Earl of Fancot but is enamored with his brother, Kit, after he masqueraded as Evelyn and fell in love with her!

The Fawcett cover shows our two brothers, dressed identically, glaring at each other over the chair of the heroine. What strikes me as interesting is the lack of any detail on this cover, other than the people and the chair. It's very unusual for an Allan Kass cover.

The Signet version shows more detail to our heroes and heroine. We see our identical brothers but one leads away the heroine while she glances at the other. Her yellow gown is richly embroidered and decorated. I love her headpiece! Note the detail of the room in which they stand. I hope you like seeing two different illustrations by Kass for the same book! It's apropos, I believe!!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Georgette Heyer: Cousin Kate

Cousin Kate by Georgette Heyer is a Fawcett novel published in May 1976. Orphan Kate Malvern is invited to live with her aunt because she wishes Kate to marry her son, Torquil. However, Torquil isn't quite sane and his cousin Philip is more attractive....

Allan Kass's cover is one of his best. Our heroine is exceedingly elegant and the hero seems pensive as he gazes down at her. They sit in a richly decorated room with the painting over the fireplace being the focus. I really like how the heroine plays with her strand of pearls and her lilac dress is ethereal.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Georgette Heyer: Cotillion

Cotillion, by Georgette Heyer, is a Berkley paperback from February 1973. This is a great story about Kitty Charing, who will inherit her guardian's fortune if she marries one of his grand nephews! She wants one, but chooses another and the cotillion (a dance) begins!

Allan Kass creates a pretty cover of our couple dancing in an elegant room. The hero is bright in his red coat while the heroine is pretty in yellow. What's more interesting is seeing the reflection of the other dancers in the mirror behind them. I wonder if this doesn't depict Freddy at all, but Jack!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Georgette Heyer: A Civil Contract

A Civil Contract is a Berkley paperback dated June 1974 and written by Georgette Heyer.

Adam Deveril has inherited Fontley Priory after the death of his wastrel father. He decides that his only hope of keeping the priory is to wed an heiress, Jenny Chawleigh, a wealthy financier's daughter. This is one of Heyer's quiet stories, quite heart wrenching at times. I must admit that it's one of my favorites!

Allan Kass's cover, while beautiful, isn't suited to this story. I like the idea of Jenny and Adam taking a picnic lunch to a lake, but unless they went on their honeymoon, this isn't a good representation of the story.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Georgette Heyer: Charity Girl


Charity Girl was published by Signet in March 1988. Charity Steane was dependent on relatives but didn't think that the handsome Viscount Desford would or could be interested in her after he decided to help the runaway return home.

This is a pretty cover by Allan Kass. I like the setting of a park on an estate. The heroine is wearing a simple purple day dress with only a ring for ornamentation. The hero is enamored of her and we feel as if we've intruded on an intimate scene.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Georgette Heyer: Behold, Here's Poison


Behold, Here's Poison is a mystery by Georgette Heyer, set in the 1930's and published by Fawcett in November 1979. Heyer wrote mysteries along with her Georgian and Regency romances.

Elderly Gregory Matthews has died and his family assumes it's old age. But no! He has been poisoned! Now everyone in the family is suspecting each other as the murderer!

Allan Kass illustrated only one of Heyer's mysteries and I think it's a nice departure from his usual subjects and time period! Our heroine has a short and flirty haircut and looks very modern while she stands in an ancient hallway. The hero looks suitably British with his pipe and suit jacket! I like the detail in the stairwell and wooden door frame.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Georgette Heyer: Bath Tangle


Bath Tangle by Georgette Heyer was published by Berkley in January 1975. Serena and her young stepmother decide to take a house in Bath for the season, flying in the face of advice given by the Marquis of Rotherham, her father's executor and Serena's jilted fiance!

I think this cover by Allan Kass is gorgeous. I love that the heroine's dress is almost the same color as her hair. I pictured the hero a bit older, but they make a charming couple. The room in which they stand seems to be a fitting display for our heroine!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Georgette Heyer: Arabella


Arabella, by Georgette Heyer, is a Berkley paperback edition published in July 1972. Arabella is one of a large family of a vicar and is given the opportunity of a London season! On her way there, her carriage breaks down in front of a house owned by Robert Beaumaris, a man of the ton. She lies about her family and situation and he is charmed with the new beauty and determined to get to know her better in London!

Allan Kass creates a cover of our couple reading outside during a fine spring day. Our heroine's dress is more Georgian in style but pretty in a sunny yellow color that mimics the hero's waistcoat.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Georgette Heyer: April Lady


We turn to one of my favorite authors. RUN and find any copy of her regency romances! She is the standard that all others use!

April Lady by Georgette Heyer was published by Berkley in September 1972. This is the story of Nell, a young bride, who gets into a crazy scrape and feels that she can't tell her husband, Lord Cardross. Add a gambling brother and romantic sister-in-law and you have a fun plot!

Allan Kass illustrated this early series by Berkley, but I feel like this one had the wrong cover put to the wrong book! This cover shows a highwayman with his arm around the heroine, but in this story, the highwayman in Nell's brother and there is no romance in the scene! I do like the clothing on our couple and the necklace is a gorgeous ornament to her pretty gown while the hero looks suitably dashing in his disguise!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Elizabeth Hewitt: The Worth Inheritance


Last in our list of Elizabeth Hewitt books illustrated by Allan Kass is The Worth Inheritance, published in July 1986. Lady Phillipa Worth was an heiress with a dilemma: two brothers wishing to marry her!

Allan Kass creates a very elegant and intimate cover with our hero fastening an emerald necklace around the heroine's neck. Her green gown is a perfect match and we get the impression that these may be a family heirloom or a gift. I like the juxtaposition of the mirror and how we seem to get a glimpse of this moment. The heroine's hair is beautifully curled while the hero is very handsome.

Elizabeth Hewitt wrote other regencies under Signet's line.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Elizabeth Hewitt: A Sporting Proposition


A Sporting Proposition by Elizabeth Hewitt was published in July 1983 by Signet. Widow Ancilla Martin was stunned when she realized that Lord Devin Langley considered her little better than a mistress! She decided to turn the table on this proud and handsome lord!

Allan Kass creates an intimate scene with our couple in a passionate embrace while standing in an elegant bedchamber. I like the touch of the heavy bed curtains, which give the room an opulent look. Allan gives the hero's shirt fullness and definition while the heroine's hair is long and flowing. Nice contrasts and a romantic cover.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Elizabeth Hewitt: A Private Understanding


A Private Understanding by Elizabeth Hewitt was published by Signet for their regency romance line in January 1990. Claudia Taverer wagered her hand in marriage to Lindsay Allister, a man she didn't love but whose fortune her family needed. He, in turn, needed a wife. All was well until his rakish cousin shows up and decides to convince Claudia that she loved him!

I like this cover by Allan Kass because it is so colorful! Our couple are at an outdoor party and while the hero wears the colors of nature, the heroine is very pretty in purple and green! She accents these colors with a pink fan and rose. The pagoda in the background along with the other couple demonstrate Allan's attention to detail, which was always better than most romance illustrators.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Elizabeth Hewitt: Marriage by Consent


Marriage by Consent, by Elizabeth Hewitt, was published by Signet in June 1985 for their regency romance line. Willa Drake was lovely, but poor, and two different suitors wish to make her their wife. Can she identify true love and make the right choice?

Allan Kass creates a beautiful cover for this book with our couple standing near a window. Our heroine's green gown is a perfect match for her coloring and I like the touch of the lighter green shawl and emerald ring. The gold of her jewelry and dress trim echoes the light in the room. The hero is enraptured with his heroine and it's a very romantic cover to post on Valentine's Day!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Elizabeth Hewitt: A Lasting Attachment

April 1989 is the publication date for A Lasting Attachment by Regency author Elizabeth Hewitt. Emily Hampton is caught in a compromising position with Galen DeVere, who proposes. She says no. He thinks she's mad! She wants love. He speculates whether he can make her fall in love with him! A fun romantic story!

Allan Kass show our couple on board a boat. Our hero looks attractively nautical while the heroine has a cape thrown over her day dress. He seems to be earnestly caring for her in this picture. She doesn't seem quite as convinced of that fact.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Elizabeth Hewitt: The Ice Maiden


The Ice Maiden, by Elizabeth Hewitt, was published by Signet in June 1988. Cassandra Tilton was picky in her choice of husband but had finally settled on one when she met the handsome and scandalous Lord Adrian, who decided that he wanted her!

In a lot of ways, this cover by Allan Kass is unique. Our hero stands almost full facing the front and we see a very handsome man, indeed! The heroine is absolutely lovely and her golden gown matches the color of her hair. Her face is striking! I like the use of jade gems as an accent. The screen behind them is almost garish in relation to the couple but I like the peacock on the chair!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Elizabeth Hewitt: The Fortune Hunter


Elizabeth Hewitt's next book is The Fortune Hunter. It was published in November 1983 for Signet. Tessa Bellamy is a level headed young lady but Jonathan Hartfield is a fortune hunter whose late wife apparently died at his hand! Tessa wanted to disregard the rumors when she looked into his eyes!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple in a relaxed but intimate moment near a large fireplace. Both are dressed for dinner, but our heroine's hair looks as if it has escaped her hairdo! She looks happy in the hero's embrace. Note the exquisite detail on the chair and the statuette.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Elizabeth Hewitt: Captain Black


Captain Black, by Elizabeth Hewitt, was published by Signet in November 1984 for their Regency Romance series. Miss Catelyn Fitzsimon is sent to Wales after her scandalous season in London. While she toyed with all the London bucks, now she falls for a rugged man of mystery against her father's wishes!

Allan Kass shows our couple on the steps of an ornate garden, which looks set on a great estate. It must be a cool day since both wear heavy capes over their clothing. The hero is mysterious and sardonic and seems to have enraptured the heroine. I think the dark setting is suitable for this cover.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Elizabeth Hewitt: Broken Vows


Next in our list is Broken Vows, which was published in May 1982 by Signet for author Elizabeth Hewitt. Clarice was relieved when her rakish husband died at sea and was about to embark on a second marriage when he comes back quite alive!

I love this cover by Allan Kass. We get a glimpse of St Paul's Cathedral from an office window where our couple stand. It looks as if the hero is stealing a kiss from the reluctant heroine. I like his purple coat which is echoed in the color of the curtains and blends well with the heroine's olive green gown. It's the details of the picture which is Allan's strength. Enjoy!!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Elizabeth Hewitt: Airs and Graces


Regency author Elizabeth Hewitt's book Airs and Graces was published in September 1990. Widow Lady Julia Halston didn't need to seek out a second marriage, but enjoyed flirting with Sir Royden to the disgust of Dominic Sales. Why did Dominic's reaction bother her so much??

Allan Kass creates a beautiful cover of our couple at the opera. They sit in an ornate box and are finely dressed for the occasion. I love the heroine's elaborate hairdo and fan that she holds. The hero is suave in black evening dress. We feel as if we have a glimpse of their discussion of the evening's entertainment!

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Candice Hern: A Change of Heart


A Change of Heart by Candice Hern, was published by Signet in December 1995 and is part of a series of books called the Regency Rakes. This is the only book that Allan Kass illustrated for Hern.

Lady Mary Haviland knew she wouldn't wed because she was older and plain. So she laughed at the rumors about her and the Marquis of Pemerton, her friend! He was one of the biggest rakes in London and definitely not for her. Or so she thought!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple outside taking a walk. We see a grand house in the background and a pretty countryside. It may be an early spring day since our heroine is well wrapped in a blue pelisse and gloves. Our hero is bright in his red coat and striped waistcoat! I like the little touches of flowers on the hat and the lace drops on the umbrella.

For more information on this author: http://www.candicehern.com/

Friday, January 27, 2012

Charlotte Herman: Just We Three


Now a change of pace from the regency covers with a young adult story by Charlotte Herman called Just We Three, published by Signet in November 1975.

This is the story of 2 friends, Myrna and Louise, who befriend beautiful Arabella, a new student from New York, and find that being a trio can be a lot of fun when you're growing up!

In this cover by Allan Kass, we see 3 teenage girls, all in casual play clothes, posing on a big tree stump. They look to be about 13 or 14 and enjoying themselves as they play in the fresh air. We get the impression that this may be a favorite meeting spot. I like the details on a t-shirt and jeans, which make this cover feel authentic!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Emily Hendrickson: The Wicked Proposal


The last book by Emily Hendrickson illustrated by Allan Kass is The Wicked Proposal, which was published by Signet in May 1992. Lady Penelope Winthrop is avoiding a match with her cousin and just wishes to find a spouse that will leave her alone. She enlists the Earl of Harford to help her, not realizing that he may be her perfect match!

This Allan Kass cover shows our couple taking a break from the ride they were on and pausing at a scenic place near a river. Our heroine is gorgeous in a purple driving dress with a matching hat. Our hero's green coat compliments her gown and accessories. It looks like a cool day, but our couple seem pleased with one another.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Emily Hendrickson: The Unexpected Wife


Emily Hendrickson's The Unexpected Wife, was published by Signet in October 1998, making this one of Allan Kass's last covers.
Juliet Winterton runs away from the mess of an arranged marriage to the empty property of the Viscount Hawkswood and pretends to be his wife. It's a good plan until he arrives, also running from a husband hunter! Can they survive joining forces?

Considering that Allan Kass was in his early 80's when this cover was made, it's an excellent depiction of our couple, especially when you note the pattern in her gown and the detail of the background. The couple are lovely, the children charming, and the setting blooming. It's a shame that he retired in 1998.