Lovely Books // Covers & Titles

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That awkward moment when…blogging inspiration is at a bare minimum.  See, the problem is, I want to blog, but there are two problems:  1.) School/other responsibilities aren't exactly leaving the field of time wide open, and 2.) whenever I get a chance to sit down and blog, my mind blanks.  What should I post?  I think.  Another random life update one?  I just did one of those.  Another review?  Ain't got time yet.  And on it goes…but anyway, this shall all pass and I'll get more time/more inspiration, I'm certain :)  In the meantime, I'm here to provide my selections for a splendiferous link-up that I first discovered via Mary's answers (have you been over to Mary's blog yet?  You should--the girl is amazing).

ANYWHO.  You can check out the original link-up post on Tracey's blog, here.  Tracey has kindly left  it open until March 5 so that latecomers like myself can enjoy her idea! :)  (Speaking of which…PEOPLES IT'S MARCH!!!!  I am so flippin' excited, you don't even know.  Or maybe you do, if you've got spring fever like me.)


For this edition of the link-up, we're supposed to rave about all the scrumptious covers and exciting titles we love.  So here I am!

First of all, about half of these books I haven't read yet, so I can't vouch for their content.  As to the ones I have read, some of them I endorse and some I don't, okie-day? ;)  I've also forced myself to limit my choices in each category to one per author, if that makes sense.  Oh, and I'm one of those people who likes movie covers for books, even though I've only included one in this list.  (Sometimes.  For some reason, I don't like them for Jane Austen novels.  Isn't that weird?)

Enough ado!  Here we go, a by-no-means-comprehensive smattering of lovely books.

~ Covers ~

Fairest by Gail Carson Levine

I love this cover.  Like a whole lot.  I love the ingenuity of hiding the face behind the mirror, and the Renaissance-y tapestry behind her, and how I can never decide whether the black behind her neck/back is part of the tapestry, or her hair with things in it. 

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson

This one might not look like so much on the computer screen, but in person it's awesome.  The colors are vivid, and it's just so homesteader and wholesome and perfectly fits the story.  And it provides the inspiration for what Hattie looks like ;)

Brave Enough by Nicole Unice

Again, this looks rather barebones.  But that's because you can't see the back, and the picture is a bit faded, so you can't see how she incorporated the beautiful sea-foam color into the font and the arrow and the stuff on the back.  A bit simpler than I normally like, but beauteous. 

Illusionarium by Heather Dixon

I've never read this, but after seeing it on three different answer lists for this link-up, I think I'll have to fix that.  (Apparently the story is as good as the cover.)  This one is a wee bit dark for my taste, but other than that, 'tis gorgeous.  I mean…I don't even know what else to say.

Dragon's Breath by E. D. Baker

I haven't seen this book in years, but I remember positively loving the cover.  It just takes you back to childhood, don't it? :D  The color scheme is cheerful and cohesive, and I like the sidebar details.  Plus, if you haven't noticed, that dragon is danged adorable.


Storming by K. M. Weiland

This cover really appeals to me, and I don't even know why xD

Victoria:  The Royal Diaries Series by Anna Kirwan

I was originally going to include the cover for the Marie Antoinette diary, but then I noticed the one for Victoria.  Isn't it pwetty?  So soft and relaxed.  I love the gentle light streaming in at the window, and the muted cream of her dress, and the dog sitting next to her. 

Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas

This one is so country (in a good way).  It just makes you feel okay inside.  The peaches in the apron look like Southern hospitality and warm, sunny, leafy days.  

Out of the Silent Plant by C. S. Lewis

For some reason, this cover makes me really peaceful, relaxed, and happy.  Maybe because it's so fantasy--it looks like another world (which it is, if you haven't read the book).  The color of the water makes me feel adventurous and settled all at once.  I can't really explain what this cover does to me, because I don't really understand it myself.  It just quietly exhilarates me for some reason.

The Two Towers by J. R. R. Tolkien

Sheeeeeeeeesh, it's so beautiful.  Just…yes.  Her billowing sleeves, her expression, the clouds, the color scheme…seeing as it's my least favorite of the trilogy, this cover is one of my favorites I've ever seen for LotR.

Daughter of Venice by Donna Jo Napoli

It's just so Venice, y'know?  I love her dress, I love her hair, I love that there are gondolas...

Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie

GAAAAHH.  Guys, this picture does this cover no justice whatsoever.  I just--oh my.  Where do I even start?!  I saw this at a bookstore once, promptly shrieked a little, and persuaded my mom to buy it for me in advance of Christmas.  Okay, okay, SO:  it's got the title all nice and big (IN SILVER SPARKLES), and then--and then--it has quotes from the book embossed around its impossibly beautiful faux leather cover.  And y'all I can't.  Just wow.  

The Traitor's Wife by Allison Pataki

Can't.  Can't.  The sheer epicness, people!  I mean…whew.  Can I just make it clear that this cover is amazing?  The font is perfect, the dress is perfect, the flag is perfect, the backdrop is perfect…aaaahhh.  

~ Titles ~ 
Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald

In My Father's House by Ann Rinaldi

Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle

Dandelion Summer by Lisa Wingate

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

Mossflower by Brian Jacques

Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard 

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent


I like titles that "reference" other books (no duh there), like In My Father's House or Vanity Fair.  I also like the whimsical titles that sweep me off on childhood adventures and hours happily spent, like Mossflower and The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood.  And then I like the ones that just roll off the tongue, like Tuck Everlasting :)

There you have it!  Okay.  I'm going.  
















Comments

  1. m a r y l i zMarch 2, 2016 at 2:25 PM

    Aaaahhh, you did the linkup!!! *is happy* You picked some fantastic covers and titles! And...and you included Illusionarium! Gah, do I love that cover!

    Ooh, I like the cover for Fairest. So much detail :O

    Oh my gosh, that dragonnnn! He's so cute! I just want to hug him. XD

    Some of my other favorites are the covers for Brave Enough and Out of the Silent Planet. But of course, you made lovely selections for all of them. ^_^

    I loved this post, Olivia! I really like some of the titles you mentioned, too. (Especially Mossflower and Catching Moondrops.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. m a r y l i zMarch 2, 2016 at 2:28 PM

      Oh, one more thing: THANK YOU SO MUCH! You are the sweetest thing for mentioning me <333 Like, how are you so nice?? *tackles you in a hug*

      Delete
    2. OliviaMarch 10, 2016 at 11:43 AM

      Eeeeee, yes!

      Isn't the dragon adoooooorbs?! Like, how.

      Aww, thanks :) (Yes, aren't those titles gorgeous?!)

      *returns tackle hug* Dawwwwww *blushes* Well, I meant it!

      Delete
  2. Emma JaneMarch 2, 2016 at 5:45 PM

    HA. Wanting to blog, but having your mind go blank on you as soon as you sit down to begin something? Well THAT sounds familiar!

    The Hattie Big Sky cover has always been one of my favorites. ;-) I also love the cover of the second one, because it has her FACE (plus the hat is so adorable I could eat it whole).

    OH!!! Have you read the Traitor's Wife, girl?! The cover is only the tip of the iceberg. That book is awesome sauce. And I raaaaarely use that term.

    Tuck Everlasting -- I need to read that sometime, if only for the gorgeousness of the title. By the way, did you know there's a new musical of it coming out this spring? In fact, it may have already opened. Isn't that wild? ;-P

    ~Emma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OliviaMarch 10, 2016 at 11:39 AM

      Haha, glad I'm not the only one! ;)

      Isn't it darling?! Yes, the second one is adorable, too! For some reason, though, I still prefer the first one. Maybe it's the nostalgia?

      I haven't yet! We bought it at the library sale rack not too long ago, so I'm just waiting to read it. I noticed on Goodreads that you'd rated it highly, so that made me happy. It confirmed it was going to be good :D

      You really do. Isn't the title just like the most beautiful thing you've ever heard in all your living life? NO WAY. There is?! Haha! I…don't quite know how I feel about that xD

      Delete
  3. Rosie McCannMarch 2, 2016 at 5:55 PM

    Daw, that gif at the end is adorable!!! And I like the Storming cover too :) The girl is just plain CUTE :)

    P.S. PEACHES!!!!!!! 'Nuff said :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OliviaMarch 10, 2016 at 11:26 AM

      Aww, glad you noticed, Rosie! That gif makes me really happy for some reason :)

      Yes! Agreed ;)

      Delete
  4. FaithMarch 2, 2016 at 7:36 PM

    Wow! Illusionarium and The Traitor's Wife are absolutely stunning. Though I don't think the picture captures all of the awesomeness of the Peter Pan book, the pic and your description make it sound so coo. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OliviaMarch 10, 2016 at 11:17 AM

      Yes!! It really is a fantastic cover; the picture doesn't do it justice at all. It's sooooooo beauteous :D

      Delete
  5. Katie HannaMarch 2, 2016 at 9:26 PM

    I love the Two Towers cover. Eowyn is lovely--no? (Am I right that that IS Eowyn? I don't know quite as much about LotR as I should.)

    My favorite book title is probably "The Man Who Was Thursday." I mean, like. LIKE, I MEAN. You can't get much more enigmatic and awesome that that. (And the book is just as fantastic as the title.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OliviaMarch 10, 2016 at 11:15 AM

      Isn't it beautiful, Jessica?! (Yep, you're right! That's Éowyn.)

      I forgot about that title! But you're right. That is basically a flawless title. Gaaaahhhh. I need to read that book! You've recommended it to me, so it must be good ;)

      Delete
    2. Katie HannaMarch 10, 2016 at 5:00 PM

      I'm afeard my Goodreads review won't be very helpful--I basically screamed "Y'ALL NEED TO READ THIS RIGHT NOW" and signed off. It's one of those books where you just CAN'T do a plot summary, unfortunately. You just have to read the thing and bask in the awesomeness. ;-) Although, I mean . . . of course I can't PROMISE you'll like it. You might think it's really weird. (It is.) But . . . I love it. So yeah.

      Delete
    3. OliviaApril 6, 2016 at 6:29 PM

      Haha, hey, sometimes those are the only kinda of reviews it's humanly possible to give. I get that ;D Sounds great!

      Delete
  6. UnknownMarch 2, 2016 at 11:01 PM

    That Royal Diaries cover is stunning (and I love that book), the Daughter of Venice cover is amazing (I also love that book), and the Peter Pan cover is beautiful (and I LOVE that story).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OliviaMarch 9, 2016 at 10:57 AM

      Eeeeeee, yes! Peter Pan forever! *fist bump*

      Delete
  7. AnonymousMarch 3, 2016 at 12:20 AM

    Wow, these all look ssooo pretty! *happy sigh*
    Let's see... my favourites... "Illusionarium" (and yes, it does look a BIT dark, but it's still gorgeous - HER DRESS)! "Victoria: The Royal Diaries Series" is so sweet and tranquil and pretty! Yes, "Miracle in a Dry Season" looks beautiful -simple, but still touching. :) I've never read "Out of the Silent Planet", but yes, that water and the whole atmosphere is very intriguing!! AAHHH THE TWO TOWERS!! I love that book. :D It's SO good. And Eowyn is awesome. The LoTR movies were basically cast PERFECTLY. Wow, "Daughter of Venice" is so dainty and pretty! I love her dress and her hair, and the gondolas - just as you said. ;D Oooohh, the Peter Pan book looks really cool. :D I love how they have quotes on the front cover like that! And sparkles - I love sparkles. :D "The Traitor's Wife" is quite a captivating front cover!
    Thanks for the eye candy. :D
    ~Miss Meg

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OliviaMarch 9, 2016 at 10:57 AM

      Thanks, Miss Meg! Oooh, you should read OotSP. I think you'd like it :D

      Yes, they WERE! I just…ahhhhh. Those movies. Those books. That STORY!

      The sparkles make me soooooo happy xD

      Delete
  8. Miss MarchMarch 3, 2016 at 9:41 AM

    I can totally relate to the problem of going blank when you sit down to write a blog post! Happens to me far too often! And yes, life is busy, too, which doesn't help. But like you said, time and inspiration will come, and until it does posts like this are quite fun, too! :)

    I like the blue feather on Brave Enough. That's such a scrumptious color. And Out of the Silent Planet! Wow! THE WATER!! I love your description of how it makes you feel.

    And ooh, yes. That Victoria cover. Definitely soft and relaxing. And so sweet and beautiful. And the Peter Pan book! I've never seen a book cover with quotes from the book on it like that, but it's such a cool idea!! :D I'm glad your mom bought it for you!

    I like the color scheme of Daughter of Venice, too. The colors are so deep and...colorful. ;) And there's that delicious blue water again!! :)

    ~Miss March

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OliviaMarch 9, 2016 at 10:54 AM

      The struggle is so real! Aww, thanks for the encouragement; I appreciate it :)

      It really is a gorgeous color! And thanks, yeah; OotSP really does something to me.

      Yes! THE PETER PAN ONE IS SO BEAUTIFUL YOU SHOULD SEE IT :D

      Exactly! I'm actually reading DoV right now and not quite sure what I think of it...

      Delete
  9. NatalieMarch 3, 2016 at 9:24 PM

    What a fun post idea!

    Have you read "Fairest"? It is SO good! Not quite as good as EE....but it's my second favorite of G. C. Levine's books. :)

    Well, I'll tell you why the cover of "Storming" appeals to you. Because it's an amazing book. And it's calling out to you because you need to read it! haha ;)

    I love so many of these other covers, too!! :D

    And the titles. :) They're gorgeous!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OliviaMarch 9, 2016 at 10:53 AM

      Isn't it, Natalie?!

      I have! And I quite agree--not as good as EE, but definitely the second best ;D Which heroine do you like better, Ella or Aza, do you think?

      Hahaha! Yes, I'm sure that is why ;D I can't wait to start reading K. M. Weiland!

      Yay!

      Delete
    2. NatalieMarch 11, 2016 at 11:48 AM

      Hmm, I'm not sure. It's been a little while since I've read them both. I want to say Ella, but I'd have to read them again to see. :)

      Delete
    3. OliviaApril 6, 2016 at 6:28 PM

      Cool cool :)

      Delete
  10. AbigailMarch 4, 2016 at 2:09 PM

    I loved this!!!

    Don't you love it when a book has a delicious cover?

    And beautiful elegant names are da best. End of story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OliviaMarch 9, 2016 at 10:51 AM

      Aww, thanks, Abigail! Glad you enjoyed it :)

      Yuuussss, it's just the best. Books in general are just the best, right? ;D

      Delete
  11. MeredithMarch 10, 2016 at 4:46 PM

    I have the same Out of the Silent Planet copy, and yes, it's so pretty! I love the bluish color and sci-fi feel(partially created by that little lizard thing running across the bottom). :) And did you notice that the waves look exactly like they're described in the book?

    Mmmm, "The Wind in the Willows" really is a lovely title. It captures the spirit of the book well, too.

    Speaking of intriguing book covers, the "Phantom of the Opera" cover I got from the library is really cool. It's a picture of a man looking into a mirror, but half of the mirror is covered in shadow so all you can clearly see is the back of his head and half of his face. Isn't that so clever??

    ReplyDelete
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    1. OliviaApril 6, 2016 at 6:27 PM

      Meredith, isn't that cover fabulous? And yes--I love the detail of the lizard and the waves :D

      It really does--almost regretful, beautiful, safe & sage...ahh... ;)

      Ooh! Me likey the sound of that cover! (Even though the book PotO disappointed me :P) It sounds awesome!

      Delete
  12. Chloe the MovieCriticNovember 10, 2016 at 8:11 PM

    I just got Fairest and Hattie Big Sky at the library and then they are the first two listed!
    Lovely blog!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OliviaNovember 11, 2016 at 3:41 PM

      Haha! I hope you like them both--you'll have to tell me what you thought :D

      Awww, thanks so much! Your comment brightened my day :)

      Delete
    2. Chloe the MovieCriticDecember 27, 2016 at 5:04 PM

      I finished them and they were spectacular!

      Delete
  13. Roshan JhaDecember 3, 2020 at 5:01 AM

    Thanks for one marvelous posting! I enjoyed reading it; you are a great author. You can also check our blog : premium printed diaries

    ReplyDelete

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