Giving a Series a Makeover

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From time to time, it is necessary to give book covers a fresh look.

I recently concluded my Pendleton Petticoats series (all 11 books) needed a makeover.

It wasn’t something I particularly wanted to do.

And it wasn’t the first time I’d given the books a new “face.”

I thought you might like to see the evolution of the first book, Aundy.

Back when I first published the book in 2013, I was working with zero budget for buying nice book covers. So I made my own despite my lack of experience with them.

The woman who appears to be running off the cover was me, wearing an outfit my mom had made for me years ago. I photoshopped in the background and the lamb.

That finished the book. And I wrote a few others in the series.

Then I decided Aundy and the other books REALLY needed an upgrade.

By then, I could afford to spend a little on book covers and used images I found on a stock photo website I subscribed to.

I’m not sure if this cover is better or worse!

 

The next cover was much, much better (my skills had improved and I had access to better images).

Yet, it was still time for an update.

I am so, so pleased with the way Aundy turned out. And I love that Garrett is now on the cover as well!

If you are unfamiliar with the series, Aundy is the first book.

A widowed mail-order bride.

A stubborn rancher.

An unexpected second chance.

Aundy Thorsen crossed the country to become a mail-order bride … only to find herself a widow days later. With nowhere to turn and no intention of going back to Chicago, Aundy sets out to build a life for herself in Eastern Oregon. But forging a future on a rustic homestead is harder than she imagined, especially when it means wrangling unruly chickens, tending sheep, and proving she can manage on her own. The last thing she wants is help from her infuriatingly handsome neighbor.

Garrett Nash has spent his life working the family ranch and understands just how unforgiving the frontier can be. When tragedy leaves Aundy alone, the steady, protective cowboy offers his help out of obligation. Admiration for the brave, determined woman soon turns into something far deeper and richer.

However, Aundy has already risked her heart once and paid the price. She refuses to make that mistake again. But Garrett isn’t offering to rescue her. He’s proposing a true partnership.

In this sweet and wholesome historical western romance, a slow-burn love story unfolds between a strong heroine and the rugged rancher next door. Filled with warmth, gentle humor, and hard-won hope, Aundy is a moving story of second chances, found family, and a love powerful enough to take root in the wild, untamed West.

Welcome to Pendleton, Oregon, where courageous women, steadfast cowboys, and a close-knit community build lives filled with hope, humor, and lasting love. Each story in the Pendleton Petticoats series delivers a heartfelt romance, rich western charm, and a deeply satisfying happily-ever-after.

Start the journey today—and discover the story that began it all.

And here is what all the covers (in order) look like.

Which book cover (or book) in the series is your favorite?

Post your answer for a chance to win a digital copy of Aundy and a $5 Amazon Gift Card!

 

 

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After spending her formative years on a farm in Eastern Oregon, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield turns her rural experiences into sweet historical and contemporary romances filled with sarcasm, humor, and hunky western heroes.
When this USA Today bestselling author isn’t writing or covertly hiding decadent chocolate from the other occupants of her home, Shanna hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

64 thoughts on “Giving a Series a Makeover”

  3. All the covers are so beautiful! I would say Dally is my favorite because I am drawn to animals on the cover!

  9. welcome today. all the covers are wonderful. I love how they show interest in the other person.

  13. Awesome new covers. Love the series and the new covers do the stories justice. Hard to choose just one though I’d pick Aundy and Ilsa.

  14. I love these covers, too. I’ve been getting my earlier books re-edited and then doing a new cover, but I think you are right and some of my older titles will need new covers soon. Great blog.

  15. I love the second cover cause that the one I saw when I first purchased it, but love the new cover as well! Great to see Garret there too! My favorite of the series is a tie between Aundy, it being the first I read, and Millie and Marnie 🙂 But seriously the whole series is great! I love to re-read them when I can’t find any new book to read

  23. Dally is my favorite. I have a weakness for Palominos, and I actually had a dog named Dally when I was a teen!

  26. All the covers are Beautiful, I really love Aundy and Caterina the Best. Have a great day and a great rest of the week.

  27. The covers are all beautiful. I like Luna the best. The effect of the sun in the background appeals to me because we have such beautiful sunrises and sunsets here in Eastern Washington and Oregon.

  30. The new covers are so beautiful!! I had a hard time picking my favorite – but I think it is Bertie:) I love the way her dress is flowing out and her hair cascading down her back and of course the cowboy with his hat add the final touch!

    Thanks,
    Patti

  33. The new covers tie the series together and look really nice. That being said, I do like the first cover that you made.

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