Rebecca Marsh: Mystery in Nevada

Mystery in Nevada by Rebecca Marsh was published by Signet in September 1970 for its Rainbow Romance line. Katherine Smith is a detective who gets caught up with a visiting celebrity and finds herself suspect in his murder!

This is a very early cover by Allan Kass and it's interesting to see the difference with his regency covers just 10 years later. Our couple are outside and distinct while the background is indistinct and almost fuzzy. Our heroine wears a dress and scarf that look like 1970 while the hero's sweater and collared shirt could be from any date. Kass illustrated a few books for this series.

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.

Joan Garrison: The Castle on the Lake

The Castle on the Lake by Joan Garrison was published in September 1970 for Signet's Rainbow Romance line. This book is numbered #25. It is a condensed romance about Marcella Blaine, who, being promoted to account executive, now has others jealous at her success. Even though she has a career, she is interested in having a husband.

Allan Kass's cover is great. I love how he can dress the people in clothing that doesn't look outdated even nowadays! Our couple stand at a waterfront and the hero looks as if he's telling the heroine something important! I like the sunset illuminating the boats in the water.

Anne Duffield: Tomorrow is Theirs

Tomorrow is Theirs is the last Allan Kass illustrated book I have by Anne Duffield. This copy was published by Berkley in December 1974.

Julie Conroy is swept off her feet in a whirlwind courtship and marriage to Valentine Carrell, a dashing lawyer and heir to a Virginia estate. However, things are not what they seem and Julie finds that only Val's cousin, Fairfax, believes her.

Allan Kass illustrates our couple outside a mansion. It's a pretty house framed with trees and flowering shrubs. Our heroine is pretty in a pink blouse while our hero embraces her in comfort. I like her jewelry: note her necklace and bracelet. Also, the lone light in the window gives an eerie, gothic feel to the cover. I hope that you have enjoyed all of these contemporary couples!

Anne Duffield: Harbor Lights

Harbor Lights, published by Berkley in November 1973, is the story of widow Rose Panton, who is cruising in the Mediterranean to get away from all her sadness when she realizes that she knows the ship's navigator, Maxwell Ramsey, and he's interested in knowing her better!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple on deck during a beautiful sunset. Our heroine is pretty in a bright blue suit while our hero wears a ships uniform. We see a pretty city lit up in the evening and a sunset casting an orange glow across the sky.

Anne Duffield: The Grand Duchess

The Grand Duchess by Anne Duffield was published by Berkley in November 1973. Anna has been orphaned and is bound for Vienna to the home of Sir Charles Tremaine, a friend of her guardian. She meets Captain Kim Forrest, aide de camp of Sir Charles, and likes him, though he is the ex-lover of Sir Charles's wife, Sara. Can they all peacefully coexist in a volatile Vienna?

Allan Kass illustrates our couple outside in a snowy world! We see a mansion behind them and a car, probably with its engine on, waiting for one of them. Our heroine is lovely in a white fur coat while our hero is handsome and passionate. Allan Kass used to draw for Detroit's motor companies, so the car is an interesting addition to this cover.

Anne Duffield: The Golden Summer

The Golden Summer by Anne Duffield was published in January 1974. Lora Russell, an artist, was invited to spend the summer in the foothills of the Pyrenees and serve as hostess to a party of Americans for the owner, the Countess d'Anely de Vaucours. She decides to go, even though she loves the Countess's son, Gervaise.

Allan Kass illustrates this cover with our couple outside near a ruin and lake. Our heroine has been painting, as we see her easel set up in the background. I think the hero is splendid; one of Allan's most handsome ones!! I like that the greens and yellows evoke the feel of summer in this cover. Enjoy!!

Anne Duffield: Forever Tomorrow

Forever Tomorrow is next in the Berkley series by Anne Duffield. This copy was published in October 1974 and is about Lucy, who travels to Spain to visit her sister where she meets a handsome Frenchman, Lys. However, family life at the Casa Isabella isn't happy since her sister's husband is cruel. Can they bring back the happiness?

Allan Kass shows our couple in the corridors of the Spanish home. We see the beautiful tiles on the roof and the Moorish arches. Our heroine is being comforted by the hero and it's a somber and quiet picture.

Anne Duffield: Fiametta

Anne Duffield's Fiametta was published by Berkley Books in November 1974. Fiametta was a glorious garden of romance nestled in the Italian mountains and it's the place where Jack Morell meets Fanny, who is there to discover her missing brothers whereabouts.

Allan Kass illustrates our couple against the backdrop of the sea and mountains. Our heroine is classically Kass as she holds a flower in her hand. Her long hair and beautiful face evoke his regency ladies. Our hero, dressed in 1970's style, is tender and romantic. I hope you enjoy these different covers by Allan Kass!

Anne Duffield: Dusty Dawn

January 1975 was the publication date of Dusty Dawn by Anne Duffield. Laurie had always assumed that she'd marry Jeremy since everyone said that they were the perfect couple. While they were friends, there never was that spark of passion. She travels to the Riviera to be with him and meets Jacques, a Frenchman who will try to make her forget Jeremy!

Allan Kass creates a quaint picture for this book. I like the couple standing tenderly in front of the castle. This contemporary cover has a dated feel due to the clothing of the couple. What do you think?

Anne Duffield: Come Back, Miranda

Come Back, Miranda is the first of 8 books written by Anne Duffield and illustrated by Allan Kass. February 1974 is the publication date from Berkley. Miranda Rendle is in love with Sir Frederick Clayton, but he's a hopeless playboy and she puts him out of her mind until they reunite in Lisbon. Will they fall in love again, or not?

Allan Kass creates a great cover for this story. I love the harbor setting and our heroine's long flowing black hair! The hero's outfit seems dated, but the heroine's is not! Allan used his daughters and residents of Big Sky, Montana as his models and doing a modern cover must have been fun after all of the historical ones!