Frances Lynch: The Fine and Handsome Captain

The Fine and Handsome Captain by Frances Lynch was published by Fawcett in 1975 (though I believe that the paperback copy is closer to 1977/8). Hester Malpass was an orphan working at a railway restaurant. She meets a balloonist who knows about her past and soon she is on a quest to confront its secrets.

Allan Kass illustrates a very Victorian cover with our couple standing near a balloon launch. Our heroine is dressed in the latest fashion with her bustle gown and umbrella to guard against the sun's rays. It's as much fun looking at the detail of the other people on this cover. The colors seem muted and almost faded.

Frances Lynch: A Dangerous Magic

Next we have two books by author Frances Lynch. The first is A Dangerous Magic and this book was published by Fawcett in October 1979. Bridie Tantallon travels to Scotland to help her aunt write her memoirs. However, she doesn't realize that her aunt holds the key to a terrible secret that could plunge her whole family into scandal!

Allan Kass outdoes himself with this depiction of an Edwardian couple! I love our heroine's outfit: the white blouse, long straight skirt and buttoned shoes. The hero could almost be from any time period in the 20th century. It's a creative and romantic cover which I really like!

Emilie Loring: Hlltops Clear

Hilltops Clear by Emilie Loring was published by Bantam in February 1971. Prudence Schuyler was starting up a farm and hoping to forget the tragedy in her life when she realizes that she has to partner with a handsome neighbor to keep her farm's timber from being seized by another more ruthless man.

Allan Kass illustrates our couple in the snowy woods. They are dressed for the cold as they share a tender moment in the snow lined trees. What's curious to me is that, as far as I know, this is the only Loring cover that Kass illustrated and one I found through his daughter. Click on the cover to enlarge.

Enrique Hank Lopez: The Seven Wives of Westlake

June 1974 is the publication date for The Seven Wives of Westlake by Enrique Hank Lopez. This kind of book is a departure for illustrator Allan Kass since it's a nonfiction expose about housewives in the mid 1970's and their love lives.

However, more important is the cover by Allan Kass! I really like that he shows our ladies in the large lapels fashions of the 1970's. My only criticism is that I wish the picture was larger.