One of the joys I receive by working with Mantle Rock Publishing is the continuing relationships I have with the authors. I always love getting to create second and third covers for books in their series. This one is a delight as well, because the author is just delightful!

I created Suzanne Bratcher’s first cover for The Copper Box a few year ago. First covers can be intemidating because you are just building a releationship with an author who is asking you to put a face on their “baby.” I remember it took us a few rounds to get just the perfect cover.

I’ve since had the privilege of meeting Suzanne in person at a couple of retreats. She is just the sweetest! So when it came to creating the cover for her second book, it was truly a joy. Luckily the photo of the mine shaft came up early in my search and it captured the mood.

Next, it was on to find the perfect guy. This guy was a little challenging because he fell in the late 30’s age group. In case you haven’t perused the stock photography sites, guys are either young, muscle-bound 20 somethings or middle aged with graying temples. That late 30’s group is hard to find. Her book is a romantic suspense and would have loved a more somber facial expression. We ended up going with the semi-smile because well, who wouldn’t wants to read his story?

Here is the blurb for The Silver Lode which will be available for ebook preorder on Amazon soon.

Beneath the ghost town that clings to Cleopatra Hill, a maze of abandoned mine tunnels conceals a vein of silver ore mixed with pure gold. Seventy years ago, the discovery of that silver lode caused a murder. Are more coming?

Historian Paul Russell is about to lose his job and the woman he loves, he doesn’t have time to search for the legendary silver lode. But when a student drops a seventy-year-old cold case on his desk, a murder connected to the silver lode, the mystery offers Paul the perfect opportunity to work with Marty Greenlaw and win her back.

As Paul and Marty search for the silver lode, suspicious deaths begin to happen. When Paul’s son disappears, the stakes become personal.