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So who are you more likely to trust... a pious bunch of church-goers, led by a sweet-faced white-haired man with pale blue eyes and a cowboy hat...
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or a free-wheeling bunch of bearded, leather-clad bikers led by a bad-ass looking dude on a Harley?
Looks can be deceiving, you know. Could be a... cover story.
What if that sweet-faced church leader clutching his Bible like a weapon were... Fred Phelps? Yeah, that guy.
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The
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I certainly know which of these groups gets my respect... and trust.
Bottom line, when referring to those particular church-goers and biker dudes, one could easily jump to the conclusion that you can't judge a book by its cover. But Whoa, Nelly! Not so fast. Sometimes, you can. Sometimes, we do. Like Joyce O'Neal said, You can't judge a book by its cover, but you can sure sell a bunch of books if you have a good one.
And I'm about to reveal a really really good one. My prediction is it's gonna be holding a really really good book inside, too. How do I know? Because I've read Carol's other books, and they were all terrific. Okay, ready to sneak a peek... ?
Down...
Down...
Down...
Down...
YOWZA!
Isn't that gorgeous??? What's more, the story sounds terrific, too:
By the end of a long evening
working as a special set of eyes for the presidential security detail, all Kat
Marengo wants is to kick off her shoes and stash two not-really-stolen rings in
a secure spot. Plus, maybe sleep with Dave Krizak. No, make that definitely sleep with Dave Krizak. The
next morning, she wishes her new top priorities were so simple.
As an
operative for a covert agency buried in
the depths of the Department of Homeland Security, Kat is asked to participate in a matter of life or death—locate
a kidnapped girl believed to be held in Corpus Christi, Texas. Since the person
doing the asking is the wife of the president and the girl is the daughter of
the first lady’s dearest friend, it’s hard to say no.
Kat and Dave
quickly learn the real stakes are higher
than they or the first lady believed and will require more than any of them
bargained for. The kicker? They have
twenty-four hours to find the girl—or the matter of life or death will become
more than a possibility.
Does that have you salivating like Pavlov's dog? |
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Yeah, me too.
I hate to tell ya, but Secrets of Honor isn't gonna be released until September. Yeah, I know. Bummer.
But don't blame me. Blame this lovely lady for teasing you like this. Blame Carol.
Wanta hear a little something about this talented writer with the 100-watt smile?
Carol writes grocery lists,
texts to her family, new lyrics to old songs for her dogs, love notes to her
husband, and novels for herself. And for you. In between, she blogs weekly at
Under the Tiki Hut and is active on Facebook and Twitter.
She sees mystery and
subterfuge everywhere. And she’s a sucker for a good love story—especially ones
with humor and mystery. Crime Fiction with a Kiss
gives her the latitude to mix and match throughout the broad mystery and
romance genres. Having flexibility makes her heart happy.
LINKS
Once upon a time, there was a
jewel thief. Her name was Katia. She worked for The Government. Yes, that
government. But one day, Kat took something she shouldn’t have. She really
shouldn't have done that.
****
How about you? Are you pretty good at judging books by their covers? Are you as het up to read this book as I am? (And did you find it as ironic as I did that Phelps' family had the audacity to ask the public to respect their privacy after he died...? I swear, bearing spiritual fruit is one thing, but those folks are religious nuts.)
Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.
****
How about you? Are you pretty good at judging books by their covers? Are you as het up to read this book as I am? (And did you find it as ironic as I did that Phelps' family had the audacity to ask the public to respect their privacy after he died...? I swear, bearing spiritual fruit is one thing, but those folks are religious nuts.)
Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.
This is one of the best cover reveals I have ever read. Wow.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I do judge a book by its cover. Not finally, but certainly initially. And sadly (and I am only talking books here) some covers mean I will never investigate the book further. Nubile man being manacled and whipped? I won't be going there...
Fortunately Carol's cover is a stunner. As is her writing. And her generosity to bloggers and other writers.
Thanks. Glad ya liked it. Looks like Carol has another winner on her hands, doesn't it? (Looking forward to getting it in MY hands...!) Her covers... and writing... just keep getting better and better.
DeleteUnless someone specifically recommends a book to me, or I'm already familiar with its author, I'm likely to judge a book by its cover, too. No matter how hard we try, we can't read EVERY book, so we have to make our selections based on something. If a cover doesn't capture my eye, oh well...
Excellent book promotion and yes, the cover art is arresting. My best wishes on Carol Kilgore's latest effort! Regarding your question: Beyond a few banners of condolence and positive suggestions, I recall the public was quite happy to respect the privacy of the Phelps family, and will doubtless continue to do so. Most of the public is comprised of decent people who hope the Phelpses get even more private.
ReplyDeleteThanks. It's easy to promote a cover that looks that good.
DeleteIndeed. The public upheld the Golden Rule a heckuva lot better than the Phelps family and other members of their church ever have.
Or the bikers were those committed to protecting children, support abused children going to Court to give evidence etc, or that priest were the abuser ...
ReplyDeleteNo tears were shed here when that nasty man died! As for the bikers, they always used to act as bodyguards for The Stones, and always did a good job.
ReplyDeleteNone here, either. I hope his little congregation disbands now. Yeah, bikers have done a lot of good things, but some people still regard them with fear and distrust.
DeleteWow...now THAT'S a cover release.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Now THAT'S a cover!
DeleteYes, a book cover often is one of the deciding factors when I buy a book. However, I do look further and the story and the author play a larger part in my decision. That is also the way I look at people. There is much more between the covers of everybody, but sometimes you can see the good or evil in the first chapter, others take more reading.
ReplyDeleteThose worse than horrid people from that church should be banned.
Wow, what a great way to put it. Hopefully those people with unpleasant first chapters can turn things around before their stories end.
DeleteLike those horrid people from that church...
It is sad when we judge a book by its cover like that. I think we're all guilty of it sometimes. I wonder where it comes from. I notice that a lot of people judge "goth" people, but I met a group once and they were some of the kindest people I've ever met. Taught me a lesson about judging, thats' for sure.
ReplyDeleteAnd as a follower of Carol's blog for quite some time, how wonderful of you to host her cover on here :-)
Have a great weekend my friend!!
I think judging a book by its cover may be a deep-seated part of human nature. At one time, survival depended on a person's ability to make quick assessments as to whether someone was friend or foe. Unfortunately, some of us haven't yet evolved beyond making set-in-stone judgments based on first impressions and stereotypes, and that IS sad.
DeleteYou have a terrific weekend, too!
Wow, Susan! What a great cover reveal. Thank you. It's extra special because one of the themes of this story is that things are not always what they seem.
ReplyDeleteWow, Carol! What a great COVER!
DeleteMy pleasure. I'm tickled to have inadvertently highlighted one of your themes. Cool. (As they say, even a blind hog sometimes finds an acorn...)
Happy weekend!
Can't judge a book by its cover indeed, I'd trust the bikers over some nut juob like that any day.
ReplyDeleteYou and me both.
DeleteJudging people before having evidence of their character is one of the oldest human pass times.
ReplyDeleteYep, and jumping to hasty conclusions is the only exercise some people get.
DeleteIt's a bad habit of mine - judging books by their covers and making decisions on first impressions. I think it's from a childhood spent moving and then 28 years of marriage with moves nearly every year until we came here - it was a bit of a self-defense thing.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the underlying reasoning for making snap judgments about people is based on survival instincts, and that isn't necessarily a bad habit. It's only when we get stubbornly attached to those initial assessments, even when they're wrong.
DeleteNaughty naughty naughty... you kept is on the line till your reveal.
ReplyDeleteWell done !
Being an artist I will pick a book up if I like the cover then read what it is about and if interested will keep it. So I guess I don't judge a book by it's cover I wait till the information starts.
cheers, parsnip
Yep, I've got a naughty streak as wide as the Mississippi.
DeleteSo your head can be turned by a pretty cover, but it takes good substance to keep your attention. Sounds about right to me! For both books and people.
So much beauty and truth in your post. I totally agree with you on judging a book by its cover and the perils of it.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
Thanks. Great minds obviously DO think alike.
DeleteGreetings back atcha.
Dear Susan,
ReplyDeletebefore I read the whole post I looked at the photos and your question: Whom would you trust? and I thought: the bikers.
I often judge a book by its cover, but I put it away if it doesn't please me. I know that the expression is meant in a second way - well, I have to confess that I am impressed by a nice cover here too, but if content is missing, a fine cover it is not enough :-)
Dear Britta,
DeleteYou have good instincts, and you're right: a nice cover isn't enough. Superficial good looks without worthwhile substance is never gonna be enough.
great cover and teaser blurb. As far as judging books, the saying rings true. And I"m suspicious of anyone speaking with a bible in his/her hands. Sadly so many charlatans have ruined it for "sincere" folks. So, yes I have my bias. It is easy to jump to conclusions. In regards to literature, I"ll admire a cover, but it's the blurb or opening paragraph that clinches it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think Carol's cover and blurb are terrific.
DeleteThe Bible-in-hand crowd makes my skin a little itchy, too, even though I know that isn't always a fair assessment. I just don't like people trying to force THEIR version of truth down MY throat.
great story and promotion. i am not really into spy crime but my friend sam would die to read something like this. i will tell him about it. i go 50-50 with being able to judge a good book. usually, though, i have to get bitten by a few snakes before i get someone good. no question i would absolutely trust the bikers over them - ill hold my tongue and be respectful. have a fabulous weekend. cheers!!
ReplyDeleteAll right! Another vote for the bikers!
DeleteAs for getting bitten by a few snakes, the trouble with identifying someone as a snake is some of those snakes are actually beneficial. Being to tell the difference is key.
Cheers!
I love Carol's cover, and I appreciate the Patriot Guard. I would never defend the Phelps, but are you sure they asked people to respect their privacy? I read that the mayor of Topeka asked people to leave them alone when Fred died. He might have been afraid of a riot. According to Shirley, the family spokesperson, they didn't have a funeral for Fred because they'd don't "worship the dead." Some people hoped that Westboro would die with Fred, but it won't. The remaining family members are too committed, and they should be committed.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
No, I'm not SURE. I mean, the family didn't send me a personal message or anything, but when he died, an article in our newspaper reported that to be the case. I heard that reason for not burying him, too.
DeleteThat last sentence is perfect. Love it!
Happy weekend!
With regard to the first part of your post, looks and first impressions can often be deceiving.
ReplyDeleteAs to the second part, Carol's cover is great and the book sounds like a real winner!
I have to agree with you on both counts.
DeleteHave a terrific weekend!
Those church members were here in Lakeland last year to protest at several high school graduation ceremonies. I remember a sign at a sports bar in town: We love everyone except Westboro Baptist. Heh.
ReplyDeleteThat book cover is perfect. An interesting, good-looking heroine and then the line that reels you in...Once upon a time.... Who can resist now?
I would've wanted to stop in that bar for a drink out of appreciation for their sign.
DeleteYeah, I know! I'm certainly not gonna resist
Susan I like how you posed the question, I know we as people can be too judgmental when someone looks a certain way which is usually wrong, we really need to start looking deeper...
ReplyDeleteGreat way to introduce the book cover, have a really great weekend :)
Thanks. Absolutely. If we automatically dismiss people simply because of the way they look, we risk missing out on getting to know some mighty terrific people.
DeleteYou have a super weekend, too!
A great post Susan! You've got my interest in your friend's book via both the cover and the blurb! Will keep an eye out for it in September!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend!
I love the frog sculpture!!
Thanks, Wendy! If you don't wanta wait until September to check out Carol's new book, you can always get one of her earlier books now...
DeleteYou enjoy your weekend, too. Thanks. That sculpture is at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.
The Patriot Riders are an amazing bunch of guys. That preacher is a nut job.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Carol!
Yes... yes... YES!!!
DeleteThanks for stopping by.
At first I was thinking of making some sort of joke like, "Did Carol get permission to put my Mom's picture on the cover of her book?"
ReplyDeleteBut then I read down just a little further and discovered the character name Kat Marengo.
OK, what I'm about to write is NO JOKE!
The most involved relationship I ever had with a woman in this lifetime was with a lady named... Kat Manganaro.
First my Mom, and then my best girlfriend!
Is it getting weird in here, or is it just me (who's weird)?
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Woo ooo oooo... yeah, getting a little weird. Guess you have no choice but to read Carol's book when it comes out, so you can see if your name is in it...
DeleteSo, Stephen . . . Have I been channeling you, or what? It's getting a little woo-woo in here.
DeleteHi, Susan!
Love Carol's new cover!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'll take those bikers over those Westboro idiots any day of the week.
Me, too!
DeleteAnd again... me, too!
So original...
I didn't know they guy leading The Westboro church had a family requesting privacy. There's irony in that... ;) I don't wish anyone harm, but I do oftentimes wish they'd come to their senses. It's too bad when it's too late for it to happen, which is def. the case w/him.
ReplyDeleteThe cover on Carol's book is pretty. GL to her w/the release and sales.
Yeah, not only was their request for privacy ironic, it was the height of hypocrisy, too. Not sure if they'll ever change, because they seem to actually believe they're right.
DeleteI'm looking forward to reading Carol's newest!
ReplyDeleteSo am I!
DeleteYes, ma'am, we sure do. Thanks so much for visiting.
ReplyDeleteMay the Westboro church fade into obscurity & may their hatefulness vanish forever.
ReplyDeleteThat book you just recommended? I was about to order it up on my reader (sounded like a great vacation read), but then...oh you meanie you.
Well said. I agree.
DeleteHA! Hey, I'm not the meanie here... blame it on Carol. She's holding out on us.
Congratulations, Carol! I've seen this cover making the rounds, and it is absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteJudge a book by its cover? I admit I have done so. Sometimes writing has taught me to alter my thinking.
In my last book, I don't know what possessed me to make Riley Pendare a motorcycle-riding, dagger-wearing tough guy with tattoo sleeves. That is NOT the type of hero I am usually drawn to. He came out of nowhere, proved himself, and encouraged me to look at people differently.
Last week in the doctor's office, I was intensely aware of a big, muscular, tattooed guy in motorcycle gear who was waiting behind me at the receptionist's window. I had to change an appointment, and I explained it was due to a conflict with a retirement party they were throwing me at work. It took way too long for the receptionist to wrangle the computer into changing the appointment, and when it finally surrendered, I stepped aside with relief.
"All yours," I told the scary guy behind me.
"Thank you," he said politely. "And congratulations."
I beamed. In my head, I chalked one up to Riley.
Hurray for the Patriot Guard Riders.
How neat that in the process of creating your characters, they kinda ended up "teaching" the teacher. Great anecdote.
DeleteI have rarely trusted religious men, the one exception being the minister wo married me and my first husband. I've always trusted bikies because I've never known a bad one.
ReplyDeleteAs for books, I'm attracted by covers, but don't buy unless the blurb on the back appeals also, sometimes I'll flip through and read a bit here and there before deciding.
Carole's book sounds like it will be a good read and I'll add it to my list.
I'm glad you've never known a bad biker. Come to think of it, I haven't either. (Matter of fact, my hubby used to be one.)
DeleteGreat! I have a feeling we'll both enjoy it.
The lunatics in this country have taken over the asylum.
ReplyDeleteSadly, some days, that does seem to be the case.
DeleteLooks can be very deceiving. I've met people who look very put together, and they're the worst people to know, and vice versa. I love Carol's cover.
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right about looks.
DeleteYeah, me, too. I can hardly wait until her book comes out.
Hi, Marie. Much to my surprise, I think I actually got the gist of that. Thank you so much for stopping by and signing on as a new follower. I'd be happy to visit your blog. It will be interesting to see how much I can understand.
ReplyDeleteWelcome aboard!
Only you could find a clever way to tie this all together! A+ for creativity! Thank goodness that you're a wonderful person inside and out! That's probably why you and Carol get along so well! Congrats again to Carol!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Thanks, but geez, no need to suck up... I ALREADY like you. We both yam what we yam.
DeleteYeah, what Susan said :)
DeleteVery awesome cover! And I have to agree that that Phelps guy was a definite nut--a rotten one at that.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is!
DeleteYour comment about a rotten nut made me think of a song we used to sing as kids: "Found a Peanut." (a rotten one, of course...)
what a fantastic intro!! yay for carol! excited about her new release coming up!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Glad ya liked it. With so many bloggers helping spread the word about Carol's cover reveal, I hope a LOT of people are excited about her book.
DeleteWhat a great intro and reveal post! Carol's cover totally rocks and so do you. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie. I think this is her best cover yet, and I can hardly wait to read what's in between the covers.
DeleteA thought provoking post! I never buy/judge a book from its cover. I guess the moral of the story is deeper. We should never judge by the outer cover- be it a book or a human being. Isn't it?
ReplyDeleteYes, you're right. We should never judge a book or person by cover alone, but in the case of Carol's book? As much as I love that new cover, I'm judging how good the book is gonna be on her other books. (That gal can write!)
DeleteI love Carol's cover!
ReplyDeleteIt is easy to make a snap judgment based on a cover, but it helps to read a bit further to see the real person ... or book. :)
Me, too!
DeleteAbsolutely. First impressions may draw us in, but without substance to keep our interest, those snap judgments don't last.