Melinda McRae: A Highly Respectable Widow

A Highly Respectable Widow by prolific author Melinda McRae was published in January 1992 by Signet. Katherine Mayfield was a content widow until she met the rakish Earl of Knowlton. He was looking for sport. She was looking for peace. Neither were looking for love.

This is a nice cover by Allan Kass. We see our couple standing together before dinner and both are dressed for a ball or other evening event. I like the heroine's use of silver that sets off the purple of her gown, which may be a widow's mourning color. The hero holds her hand as they spend a calm moment talking. I'm stumped to describe the black and gold object on the table next to the plate. If anyone knows, leave a message!

Adeline McElfresh: Wings for Nurse Bennett

Wings for Nurse Bennett by Adeline McElfresh, was published by Dell for its Candlelight Romance series in December 1970 (this edition). McElfresh wrote many other nurse romances. Sarah Bennett became a temporary stewardess for Alaska airlines but a hijacking stranded her with a handsome pilot. Now she has a dilemma, pilot or doctor?!!

This is one of Allan Kass's earliest works as a book cover illustrator and a definite find. I have 4 other books that he illustrated for Dell, so let me know if you find others. His signature or "AK" is proof. This specific cover is very 1960's/70's in feel with our heroine in uniform and heavy turtleneck gazing while the hero puts a log on the fire. We see Allan's touch in the detail of her pins and his wings.

Sara McCulloch: Not Quite a Lady

Not Quite a Lady by Sara McCulloch was published by Fawcett in February 1981. It's the only title I can find for this author and it's the story of Angel, who is the ward of Matthew Vail. He had rescued her and now isn't sure what to do but introduce her to society!

I wish this cover was larger because Allan Kass gives us a pretty picture of our couple at a London evening party. We see them standing by the stairway with its carved detail and guests milling in the background. Our hero looks the hero with his military award and sword. He has a Christopher Plummer look to him as he gazes on the heroine, who is pretty in pink with roses in her hair and an elegant emerald necklace. I hope the author was pleased with her only book's cover illustration!

Laura Matthews: A Very Proper Widow

A Very Proper Widow was published by Signet in December 1982 for Laura Matthews. Vanessa Damery is a widow raising her two small children and determined never to marry again until she meets the Earl of Alvescot who is a relative of her late husband and has come to help her with the estate.

We have a picture of a young couple outside of a pretty cottage. Allan Kass creates a scene where they share a comforting moment with each other. Note the gold jewelry on the heroine because this is a Kass touch and seen a lot on some of his earlier covers. It's also interesting that we see a heroine with her hair down since during the regency time, it was proper for grown women to wear their hair up off their neck.

Laura Matthews: In My Lady's Chamber

In My Lady's Chamber was published by Signet in July 1993. It had an earlier publication from 1981. Theodosia is a governess now but was once engaged to Lord Marcus until a lie sent them their separate ways. Now meeting again, she wonders if he plans to marry a lady of the house and is desperate not to lose her heart again!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple in a bedroom where the heroine is sitting on a couch whose upholstery matches the bed hangings and curtains. They are dressed for dinner and it looks like the hero is asking a favor or pleading his cause. My only criticism is that I don't care for the pose where the hero is bending over because we miss some of his face and expression. Otherwise, the detail here is amazing and I'd love a room like this!

Laura Matthews: Lord Greywell's Dilemma

Lord Greywell's Dilemma was published by Signet in January 1983. It's the story of Elspeth Parkstone who at the advanced age of 25 marries Lord Greywell to help care for his infant son but decide to keep it a marriage of convenience.

I think that this is a pretty cover by Allan Kass with our couple strolling on a beautiful estate. I like the use of color here with the sky so blue, the grass so green, and the flowers so pink. Our couple seem to be sharing a quiet moment together and maybe falling into love.

Laura Matthews: The Ardent Lady Amelia

Laura Matthews is a pseudonym for Elizabeth Rotter, who also wrote a Signet Regency under yet another pseudonym of Elizabeth Walker.  She wrote 30 regencies but only 4 were illustrated by Allan Kass.

The Ardent Lady Amelia was published by Signet in February 1984 and is the story of Amelia Cameron who is convinced that Lord Verwood, a nobleman of mystery, is really a spy because he is too good to be true!

Allan creates a cover with our couple in a rich room that looks out onto a summery vista. Our hero is dark and handsome but what is intriguing to me is the heroine. She wears a burgandy gown that almost clashes with her hair. The blue background of the room save the color day! Note the detail in the silver bowl behind them.