Claire Rayner: Bedford Row

Switching gears, we come to Claire Rayner's Bedford Row. Published by Signet in August 1979, it is the story of Martha Lackland who left England for the Crimea and worked with the camp followers of the army and how she found love in that war torn land.

Allan Kass created a few Victorian covers and they are always a treat to view. I especially like this one because it is bright and cheery with our couple standing near a park. The heroine's ornate blue gown is edged with lace and tiers most becomingly. Her hair is swept close to her head and she carries a straw hat. The hero is plainly dressed in black but also elegant. It's almost as if he's telling her not to go away.

William MacLeod Raine: Sons of the Saddle

Sons of the Saddle by William MacLeod Raine was published by Signet around 1980. This is a reprint about Gord Stone who was gunning for the cattle king who had framed him.

This is my favorite western cover by Allan Kass. The colors are simply gorgeous as we see the hero descending the mountain on his white horse. I like how Allan uses the whole cover as a frame for the cowboy with the distant mountains and the nearby creek. I just wish my copy was in better shape. Click to enlarge.

William MacLeod Raine: The Six-Gun Kid

William MacLeod Raine's The Six-Gun Kid was published by Signet around 1980. It's a reprint from 1952 about Randy Sloan whose feud with land hungry Anse Cottrell turned into all out vengeance.

Allan Kass shows our hero as determined as he stands on a cliff edge with his guns. Note his signature under the hero's foot. Though not as detailed as his regency covers, note the tree behind him and the greenery as well as the rock formations. Allan really enjoyed creating these covers of a land that he loved.

William MacLeod Raine: Powdersmoke Feud and Clattering Hoofs

Next up in our line of Allan Kass covers is a double story by William MacLeod Raine, a western author. Signet published this book in February 1980. Powdersmoke Feud is about a man on the run and Clattering Hoofs is about a man wrongly accused of murder.

Allan Kass illustrated both photos. He told me in a letter that he was surprised not to have more western covers since he lived in Montana! Powdersmoke Feud shows the hero alone against the elements. It's a calm, quiet cover while Clattering Hoofs shows a group of cowboys riding to possibly find our hero. We can almost see the horses moving and stirring up dust. Kass did a few westerns, so it's a treat to find them. If you know of others, please leave a comment.

Mary Jo Putney: The Would-Be Widow

July 1988 is the publication date for The Would-Be Widow by Mary Jo Putney. Jocelyn Kendal needed to marry in order not to lose a legacy, but when the duke she loved wouldn't marry, she struck a bargain with a dying man. This book by Putney is a prequel to The Controversial Countess.

Allan Kass creates a elegant lady and dashing military hero for the cover of this book. She has a pensive look as she arranges the flowers and he seems to be reassuring her. Note the line of miniatures paintings behind them which are probably family members.

Mary Jo Putney: The Rogue and the Runaway

The Rogue and the Runaway was published by Signet in July 1990 for author Mary Jo Putney. Maxima Collins, an American, was unused to the rigid rules of London and ran away from it all--straight into the arms of Lord Robert Andreville! This book has characters from A Controversial Countess.

Allan Kass gives us a heroine who we know at first glance doesn't fit into regency society by her Indian looking looks, dark straight hair, and turquoise jewelry. The hero is as opposite her as can be and Kass gives us that difference subtly while showing them standing in a library of a great house.  

Mary Jo Putney: The Controversial Countess

The Controversial Countess was published by Signet in January 1989. Mary Jo Putney writes a story about Countess Magda Janos who is the toast of Paris but compelled by the Duke of Candover to pretend to be his mistress in a game of intrigue.

Allan Kass illustrates a romantic cover of our couple. She looks as if she's about to move away from him and not quite sure of his motives. The hero is silently strong as he detains the heroine. There is a definite air of mystery in this portrait.