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.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Emily Hendrickson: The Scoundrel's Bride


The Scoundrel's Bride was published in June 1994 by Signet for Emily Hendrickson. Chloe Maitland had a problem. She could either accept the aging roue, Lord Twisdale, or the poor but rakish Julian St. Aubyn. What can an obedient girl do?

I like this cover by Allan Kass since it portrays a whimsical moment between our couple! Our heroine uses her fan to flirt and the hero is showing her how to hold it just so! She is richly dressed while our hero is neat in a black coat. The room's colors give off a warm glow and suit the feel of the cover.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Emily Hendrickson: A Scandalous Suggestion


July 1991 is the publication date of A Scandalous Suggestion by popular regency author Emily Hendrickson. Sibyl Eagleton should have been happy since she was engaged to the handsome Lord Buckingham. However, she wasn't and decided to enlist her friend, Robert Medland, for his help!

Allan Kass paints a pretty picture of our couple standing near a low wall which borders a lazy river. It looks as if they are stopping while taking a walk back to the town beyond. Our hero is typical Kass in feature while our heroine is handsome in her orange gown, which has a late Georgian look to it. I like the detail of the mossy wall and setting sunset.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Emily Hendrickson: Miss Wyndhan's Escapade


Miss Wyndham's Escapade by Emily Hendrickson was published in September 1990 by Signet. Marianna Wyndham was branded a thief by another at her finishing school and left under a cloud of scandal. Can Lord George Barringer's plan save her reputation?

Allan Kass illustrates our couple at an easel where we see our heroine painting or drawing. She wears a simple golden gown and has a curious stickpin in her hair holding her bun. Our hero is intent on the easel and looks like he's making a suggestion to the heroine about her work. I like the shawl draped on her chair and the cheery blue walls.