If I saw these books on the shelves, I would totally want to read them based on their prettiness alone. But a pretty cover doesn't always tell you what the book is actually about, does it?
Initial thoughts: Oooh pretty! I want that dress. And that fan. And that gold shawly-thing. And that headband jewelry thing. And what do I need to do to get my hair to look like that? Want, want, want!
What I expect: Court gossip, scandal, and juicy secrets. Just look at the way she's peering over that fan! She is totally up to something.
Magic? Never would have guessed by the cover alone.
Historical? Oh yeah, that's obvious.
Reality: A light romp through Disney-sweet romances and magical fun. There is court intrigue, but it is not nearly as scathing as I originally expected.Oh, and it's about twin sisters, which I never would have guessed based on the cover.
Initial thoughts: Can I get a print of that to hang on my wall? I could stare at this cover for hours.
What I expect: I have no clue. Fairy tale retelling, maybe? Fairies? A touch of romance?
Magic? Probably, though I'm not really sure what kind. I'm leaning toward the fairy godmother, witches, or fairies type of magic though.
Historical? Maybe, or maybe just the "generic medieval-like village" found in fantasies.
Reality: I don't know exactly since I haven't read the book yet, but it is described as a "Snow White tale filled with magic and intrigue during the early twentieth century in Appalachia," so pretty close to my initial impressions.
Initial thoughts: I like the flowers in her hair, and you can never go wrong with swirly fonts. The colors are pretty. I'm intrigued.
What I expect: She looks a little, erm, loose for an historical gal--is that what's wicked? I don't really know what to expect, but I want to find out more. I get a strong feeling that there will be some kissing going on!
Magic? The branches at the bottom and her eyes make her look a little witchy, but it's a very subtle vibe. The subtitle at the top that says "The Cahill Witch Chronicles" is a bigger tip off.
Historical? Her clothing makes me think no (a skirt that high? That's a little more daring than showing a bit of ankle), but the cover has a "not of this time" feel to it, so maybe?
Reality: Again, I haven't read this yet, but I know it takes place during the 1890s in an alternate New England and includes witches. So a moderately accurate cover, but definitely effective at catching my eye.
Initial thoughts: Pretty purple dress! A pun! I love puns, and purple, and pretty dresses. I'm sold! Also, she looks like Rachel Lee Cook and now I feel like I need to re-watch She's All That.
What I expect: Honestly, I don't. I'm still stuck on the pretty to give much thought to plot. Maybe it's a biography about Jane Eyre, like that movie Becoming Jane was for Jane Austen? Except, Jane Eyre is a fictional character, so that doesn't work. I don't know, can I just keep looking at the pretty?
Magic? Her dress does seem to have a magical glow to it, but no, I don't get strong magic vibes.
Historical? Yep, I fully expect an historical story with all of the balls, courting, and manners that entails.
Reality: Haven't read this yet either, but I do know it's about a modern girl who finds herself sucked into the story of Jane Eyre (and into Jane's body!). I haven't read Jane Eyre yet, but she's a governess, right? So I'm not so sure how many balls there will be, but I do know there's probably a hot brooding guy!
When you look at these covers, what are your first impressions? How do they line up with what the book is actually about?
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