Phyllis A. Whitney: The Mystery of the Gulls

May 1974 is the Signet publication of Phyllis A. Whitney's young adult mystery entitled The Mystery of the Gulls. Taffy Saunders was new to Mackinac Island where her mother has inherited a hotel! Sunset House is scaring guests and her mother has to manage it for the summer in order to claim ownership! Can Taffy figure out what's happening?

Allan Kass illustrates our young couple near the lake where the hero is protective of the heroine as they search for clues on a stormy day. I like their large collars and sweaters which seem very 1970's. Otherwise, both are just too cute for words. It's neat, too, seeing Allan's illustrations of teenagers. Enjoy!

Phyllis A. Whitney: Mystery of the Golden Horn

July 1974 is the publication date for Mystery of the Golden Horn by Phyllis A. Whitney. Vicki Stewart was spending the summer in Istanbul and was told by a gypsy that a golden horn was the key to her fortune! She and her friend Adria end up searching all over the city for clues to the mystery!

Allan Kass illustrates the two teenage girls with the shadows of Istanbul behind them as they climb onto a roof of a castle. He shows them being physically active and imaginative. I like their colorful shirts and jeans which is perfect sleuthing clothing!

Phyllis A. Whitney: Mystery of the Black Diamonds

Mystery of the Black Diamonds by Phyllis A. Whitney was published in May 1974 by Signet. Angie and Mark were given a map to buried treasure. Now they needed to figure out the symbols to figure out where it was!

Allan Kass shows our young couple in a ghost town. I like the creepy feeling we get along with the tinge of romance as we see our pair holding hands as they walk down the deserted street. It's neat to see Allan Kass illustrate modern dress. I hope you enjoy!

Phyllis A. Whitney: Mystery of the Angry Idol

August 1974 is Signet's publication date for Whitney's Mystery of the Angry Idol! Jan Pendleton was visiting her grandmother for the summer and was prepared for a long dull vacation until she met Neil, Patrick, and saw a stranger lurking nearby! It all had to do with a strange Chinese idol in the house and Jan was determined to solve this mystery!

Allan Kass gives us a picture of a stormy day with our young sleuths as they walk along a dock and look for clues. I like that the boy carries a flashlight and we see an indistinct man on the boat that looks very mysterious!

Phyllis A. Whitney: Linda's Homecoming

Phyllis A. Whitney was a famous author of young adult books and gothic mysteries. Linda's Homecoming was published by Signet in October 1971 and is the story of Linda who has moved with her newlywed mother from Manhattan to a small town called Cedarhill.

Allan Kass told me in a letter that this series of young adult books were some of his favorite to read and illustrate! I hope you enjoy all of the covers. This one shows our young hero and heroine sitting in a lush green glade. I like the purple of her skirt and am always amazed at how this cover would fit a book published now in 2014!

Margaret Westhaven: Yuletide Match

Yuletide Match was published by Signet in December 1993 for author Margaret Westhaven, who wrote other regencies under this line. Signet was one of the first to market Christmas stories and had a successful short story series for many years.

This book is about Caroline Percival who is governess in the Brangley household and is dreading the Christmas season because of the unwanted attentions of Lord Marchton and her desire for his half brother, Guy.

Allan Kass gives us a ballroom setting for this cover which shows our heroine getting some attention from a handsome hero! I like the sage color of her gown and the wreath of flowers in her hair.

Margaret Westhaven: Four in Hand

Four in Hand by Margaret Westhaven was published by Signet in January 1993 and is the story of Jane Averham, a widow who was happy never to be wed again but her lover was ever hopeful. Can a widow reveling in her freedom trade it for love?

Allan Kass gives us a more mature couple for this cover and one who cares for each other. I like the formal dress and especially the jewelry of the heroine. The hero is enthralled and dashing in his almost purple coat. Click on the photo to enlarge.

Margaret Westhaven: Country Dance

August 1991 was the publication date for Margaret Westhaven's Country Dance. Marianna Chapin's mysterious new neighbor had the whole area talking but she decided that she wasn't going to set her cap for him like her stepsisters!

Allan Kass paints a rural scene for this cover with our heroine in country attire picking flowers in a little walled garden. I like that she seems unaware of the hero! The setting is also lovely with the river flowing gently in the background.

Sheila Walsh: The Wary Widow

The Wary Widow is the last of Sheila Walsh's books illustrated by Allan Kass, but she wrote many others for this series. Published in September 1985, this is the story of Charlotte Weston, who is in Vienna after the death of her husband and meets two very different men!

I like the unusual pose of our couple on this Allan Kass cover. The heroine is lounging against the cabinet while the hero looks down. Both are dressed for dinner and in a room that is very elegant. There is a suggestion of intimacy in their relationship which is sweet.

Sheila Walsh: The Sergeant Major's Daughter

August 1978 is the publication date for The Sergeant Major's Daughter by Sheila Walsh. Felicity was orphaned during Waterloo and became a governess to have a place with her cousin. However, she is attracted to the owner of Cheynings and wonders what her lot in this life will end up being?

Allan Kass shows our couple at a stagecoach stop where the heroine looks to be leaving and the hero urging her to stay. This cover is interesting because while the people and coach are detailed, the background isn't. This is one of Allan's earlier regency covers, too.

Sheila Walsh: The Runaway Bride

The Runaway Bride was published in October 1983. Consuela Vasquez was visiting England from Spain and found a freedom that she lacked at home. So when it came to returning and marrying, would she go?

Allan Kass creates a picture of our couple in a casual pose near the seaside which seems foreign to the blurb on the back cover and makes the reader wonder if the heroine found the freedom she was seeking? I like the colors and the pink wildflowers nearby.

Sheila Walsh: The Rose Domino

The Rose Domino, another Signet Regency by Sheila Walsh, was published in October 1981. Marissa was the sensation of London but a young lord was determined to marry her. A friend of the family, Gervase Maxwell was sent to distract her and found himself unsafe from the beautiful singer.

Allan Kass creates an elegant cover here with our couple outside during a masquerade. Here we see the rose domino of the title and the beauty of the heroine. The hero seems enamored while the setting is simply elegant. I really enjoy Allan's earlier covers and feel that this is one reason why the Signet Regency Romance line was so popular.

Sheila Walsh: The Pink Parasol

The Pink Parasol was published by Signet in March 1985 for popular author Sheila Walsh. Cecily Merton was willing to marry to pay off her father's gambling debts but the question was whom to choose?

Allan Kass illustrates our couple out on a walk in a park. The heroine is warmly but elegantly dressed (love that bonnet) while the hero is handsome and dapper! I like the little details like the rose in her hat and the lamp on the phaeton.

Sheila Walsh: The Perfect Bride

October 1994 is the publication date for Sheila Walsh's The Perfect Bride. This Signet Regency is about Serena Fairburn who was engaged to the Duke of Cornwall but was attracted to his cousin, the Earl of Lynton. In the days before a wedding, can a bride switch the groom?

Allan Kass creates a romantic cover for this book with our couple happily together. The reader doesn't know which man she's chosen and that makes us curious to read this story. I like the heroine's jewelry but am not sure of the lace cuffs!

Sheila Walsh: The Notorious Nabob

The Notorious Nabob was published by Signet in June 1989 and Sheila Walsh writes a story about Lady Olivia who needs to marry to regain her social status after her father's indebtedness. However, the only man she is attracted to is mysterious Damien St. Clair, newly arrived from India.

I like this cover by Allan Kass where our couple is standing on the main street of an English village. We see the stagecoach leaving and wonder if one of them just got off or didn't get on? I like the fact that the hero and heroine share a pensive, intimate moment that is as elegant as it's quiet.

Sheila Walsh: Madalena

Madalena by Sheila Walsh was published by Signet in May 1977 for its new Regency romance line. Madalena de Brussac was intrigued with the Duke of Lytton even though she wasn't sure if he was a traitor to his country!

Allan Kass shows our couple in an embrace in this illustration that has a feel of the gothic about it! Our hero is dark and in the shadows while the light of a candle illuminates the heroine. Is it a clandestine meeting?

Sheila Walsh: Lord Gilmore's Bride

Lord Gilmore's Bride by prolific regency author Sheila Walsh, was published by Signet in April 1979 and is one of the older in this line of regency romances. Pilar was a member of a traveling band of gypsies until Lord Gilmore impulsively marries her and then seems to regret it.

Allan Kass illustrates our couple in Georgian dress as they stand in a dark hallway. The heroine is young and pretty; the hero dangerous looking. We get a menacing feel from this cover which the dark detailed wood enhance. The garment thrown onto the chair gives the scene a bit of normality.

Sheila Walsh: Lady Aurelia's Bequest

Lady Aurelia's Bequest was published in September 1987 and is the story of American Cordelia Darcy, who travels to London to claim her legacy and embarks on a season in society where she meets the aloof Earl of Wyndham, who has taken a marked dislike to her.

Allan Kass places our couple in an elegant ballroom for this cover. I like the richness of detail on the heroine's gown and jewelry. The hero wears the required black evening dress and it's fun to see the others waltzing in the background and their clothing. I'm not sure but it looks like the heroine holds a bracelet in her hand.

Sheila Walsh: The Incorrigible Rake

The Incorrigible Rake by Sheila Walsh was published in October 1984 by Signet and is the story of Charis Winslade who met Major Hammond during a thunderstorm and disliked him but when she meets him again in Brussels, she begins to change her mind!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple near a river or lake and in an intimate position for this book! I like the casual feel of this cover which is emphasized by the hero's lack of a coat and the heroine's flowing hair and lack of jewelry. She looks as if she was sketching, which was a popular accomplishment for Regency ladies.

Sheila Walsh: The Incomparable Miss Brady

The Incomparable Miss Brady was published in June 1980. Sheila Walsh wrote many books for Signet's regency romance line besides these listed that Allan Kass illustrated. This book is about an American girl who visits Paris!

This illustration is what I call Allan Kass's older style. Still elegant and full of detail, this cover gives us a scene from the story and is pretty enough to hang as a painting! I like that our couple seem alone as they pause on the bridge for a kiss.

Sheila Walsh: A Highly Respectable Marriage

Published by Signet in October 1982, Sheila Walsh's A Highly Respectable Marriage was a story of Pandora Carlyon, who finds London different after the battlefields where her father died especially when she meets the Duke of Heron to interview as governess to his wards!

Allan Kass creates a very pretty cover here showing our couple seated outside. The heroine is elegant in her light pink gown and matching parasol while the hero young and handsome sits behind. I like how Kass portrays her holding the parasol and the turn of her wrists. One reason I was drawn to his illustrations is because of the correct physical dimensions he gives to his characters. No awkward neck turns or heads that don't fit bodies here!

Sheila Walsh: The Golden Songbird

The Golden Songbird was published by Signet in July 1975 and is the story of Lucia Mannering who escaped her stepfather's house for that of Hugo, Marquis of Mandersely, who takes her in but not as a wife!

Allan Kass shows our couple in front of a decorated pianoforte. We figure by the title and setting that our heroine is musically talented and the hero is a music lover. I like the muted colors used and wonder if it's purposely done to give us a shadowy feel.

Sheila Walsh: Bath Intrigue

May 1986 is the publication date for Bath Intrigue by Sheila Walsh. Perdita Grant was the talk of Bath after she came to the aid of an injured duke and everyone from his son to her friend was courting her because of her great fortune.

Allan Kass illustrates a pretty heroine who has possibly just accepted the hand of the hero she's with. I like her elegantly coordinated outfit which looks like a walking dress and suits her complexion and hair. The hero is also dashing and this is a good example of Allan's talent. I think his work through the 1980's was especially good.

Sheila Walsh: The Arrogant Lord Allister

The Arrogant Lord Allister is the first of many books by the prolific regency author Sheila Walsh that Allan Kass illustrated. Published in August 1990, it is the story of Charity Wynyate, who was bound to have the Duke of Ashbourne take charge of her niece and nephew.

Allan Kass gives us a romantic cover with our hero embracing the heroine and her expression one of dawning love! I like the outside setting and think the heroine is daring wearing such a low cut gown! It's a pretty cover and one I hope you enjoy. Click on the photo to enlarge.

Elizabeth Walker: The Loving Seasons

The Loving Seasons by Elizabeth Walker was published by Signet in April 1989. Emma Berryman had two suitors vying for her attention! Would she choose the handsome Viscount Dunn or the seductive Sir Nicolas? Elizabeth Walker also wrote regencies under the name Laura Matthews!

Allan Kass illustrates our dark beauty in an embrace. The hero is passionate and the colors simply gorgeous. Unlike some of Allan's illustrations, this one is deceptively simple in background detail but a beautiful cover for all of that!

Elizabeth Walker: The Lady Next Door

May 1981 is the publication date for The Lady Next Door by Elizabeth Walker. Part of the Coventry Romance series by Fawcett, it is the story of Marianne and her love for her neighbor, Lord Latteridge.

Allan Kass gives us a beautiful heroine for our cover. I really like how her red hair is dressed high with one long curl lying on her shoulder. Her Georgian style gown is simple but pretty with long lace sleeves. The hero seems to be seeking a response from her and it's as if we've caught a moment in time.

Elizabeth Walker: A Curious Courting

A Curious Courting by Elizabeth Neff Walker is a regency and was published for Fawcett's Coventry Romance line in November 1980. Gareth Rushton asks Selina if she'll sell some land to him for a hunting box. She refuses and that begins this romance!

Allan Kass shows our couple standing in a pretty room where the hero seems to be asking the heroine for something! He is Kass handsome and she is pretty in a white gown. I'd imagine he has come to call about the hunting box land yet again!

F. van Wyck Mason: Three Harbours

Three Harbours by F van Wyck Mason was published by Berkley in September 1975 as part of its Bicentennial series. Rob Ashton was a Yankee skipper who was looking for wealth until the revolution began and he joined forces!

Allan Kass creates a dark cover with our privateer, his ship, and his love as he fights for freedom and a new country! Allan, as in all the books in this series, makes the hero prominent and the focus figure of his illustration. Definitely different than his later regency covers but I hope you enjoy seeing them.

F. van Wyck Mason: Stars on the Sea

Stars on the Sea is a historical novel by F van Wyck Mason which was published by Berkley in October 1975 as part of a Bicentennial series. Tim Bennett is fighting for his new country as they gain freedom from Britain.

Allan Kass creates a great collage cover here with our hero and heroine prominent and a background of ships at war. Definitely a Kass heroine there! Enjoy!

F. van Wyck Mason: Proud New Flags

This edition of F Van Wyck Mason's book, Proud New Flags, was a Berkley Bicentennial Edition published in December 1975. Sam Seymour is a naval officer during the time of the Civil War and in love with his brother's wife!

Allan Kass gives us a collage of scenes that depict this story. We see our hero, his love, the confederate flag, a ship, bombings, etc. Not my favorite style and since Kass didn't create many of these, probably imposed by the publisher. Still fun to see, though.