Sunday, August 8, 2010

Gail Eastwood: An Unlikely Hero


An Unlikely Hero is the last of Gail Eastwood's regencies that was illustrated by Allan Kass. She did write others for Signet. This book has an August 1996 publication date.

This is an interesting story of twin sisters, Venetia and Vivian who are called the Lioness and the Lamb for their personalities. Venetia finds a wonderful man for sweet Vivian, only to realize that he may be perfect for her!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple standing near a gated garden. Our hero is unique in that he has very light, almost white hair. Our heroine is pretty with her blonde hair and regency walking dress. I like the slit sleeves along with the royal blue trim that repeats itself on her bonnet and hair tie. Again, Allan outdoes himself with the little touches: her cameo necklace, the button at the top of her laced sleeves, the flowers over the garden wall and the hint of a bench inside the garden. Great cover that I hope you enjoy!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Gail Eastwood: The Persistent Earl


March 1995 saw the publication of Gail Eastwood's The Persistent Earl. Lady Phoebe Brodfield is a widow living in the same London mansion with the Earl of Devenham, who is recovering from war wounds. She believes that she is immune from his charm since she has decided to never fall in love again, but he is determined to win this lady!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple standing in a bookroom or library. Our heroine wears a pretty yellow day dress with a beautiful strand of pearls. Her black hair is piled high on her head and she wears button pearl earrings. Our hero is classically Kass in his pose and features. I like the details of the painting behind them and the ornate blue Chinese vase. Beautiful cover!!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Gail Eastwood: A Perilous Journey


A Perilous Journey is the next Allan Kass illustrated book by Gail Eastwood. See the nice comment Gail left on this site after my blog entry about her book, The Lady from Spain!

This book, published by Signet in July 1994, is about Gillian Kentwell and her efforts to escape an arranged marriage. She meets up with a man called Rafferty, who is willing to help her!

Allan Kass captures our couple in a playful moment as they rest from their journey. I love the hero's playful antics with the daffodil! Allan paints a lot of details in this cover: from our couple sitting on a tree log, to the daffodils at their feet. I love the ivy growing up the tree and the horses grazing in the background. It's a beautiful, serene cover that I hope you enjoy!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Gail Eastwood: The Lady from Spain


Now we're back to regency romance covers with Signet's publication of The Lady from Spain by Gail Eastwood. Published in September 1997, this story is about a lady named Falcarrah Colburne, who comes to claim a legacy as a daughter of a British noble! Is she who she says she is? Lord Jeremy Danbridge plans to find ou!!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple outside in a public setting. Our heroine wears a Spanish mantilla on her head and a rich red shawl over her white empire gown. Our hero is handsome in a top hat and formal wear with a caped greatcoat over his arm. I like the features of the other couple walking and the carriage behind our couple. Allan is the master of the detail with items like her fan and his cane bringing an elegant touch to this cover.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Margaret Eastvale: As the Sparks Fly


As the Sparks Fly was written by Margaret Eastvale and published by Fawcett for their regency romance line in October 1975. Catherine Woodleigh was glad to leave school and go live with her young guardian, but she finds herself falling in love with him. Unfortunately, he's engaged and his fiancee is throwing her at other men!!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple outside of a coach. Our heroine looks as if she's traveling and our hero is either picking her up or escorting her somewhere. I like the calm scene of the water and grass behind them. Our heroine wears a cloak over her dark green empire gown, which is cut low for traveling. Our hero wears a many caped greatcoat, but what's interesting is his large emerald ring! This is the only book that Allan illustrated for Margaret Eastvale.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Curtis Eady: The Twins


Curtis Eady's The Twins was published by Signet in July 1971. It's a novel about identical twins who decide to pay back the man who has been playing around with both of them! The ultimate novel of two women scorned!

This is Allan Kass's only R rated cover! The red color hides the nakedness of the people. It's an interesting study and a totally different cover than Allan usually did! I think drawing twins would be difficult and Allan did a few covers with twins on them. Well, I hope you're not too scandalized! What do you think??

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Lois Duncan: Down a Dark Hall


Lois Duncan writes a young adult mystery called Down a Dark Hall, published by Signet in September 1975. This is about Kit Gordy, who have been sent to Blackwood, a girl's school, along with three friends, to develop their "psychic talents."

Allan Kass illustrates our schoolgirl running down a hallway of a mansion. We see her plaid skirt and blazer jacket which were typical school uniforms of the 1970's. I love her face and her long strawberry blonde hair flowing behind her. While we don't see anything sinister, it's assumed by her expression and her actions. The darkness of the room and the open window with the purple curtain waving suggest an eerie feeling to the hallway.