Welcome to the Spring 2014 Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! The hunt has 32 stops and runs from 4/4 (noon MDT)–4/6 (midnight MDT). It’s a great way to discover new books from some of your favorite authors (and maybe meet some new authors you haven’t yet heard of). The grand prize is a Kindle Fire HDX and a $100 gift card, plus two chances at a 32-book prize pack. Some individual stops even have an additional prize, so read each post carefully!
There will be a red clue at the bottom of each post that you’ll need to write down, and that clue will guide you to the next stop. It’s best to begin the scavenger hunt at stop #1, Robin Lee Hatcher’s blog. Then after you’ve gone through all 32 stops and collected all the clues, fill out the Rafflecopter form on Robin’s site. Be ready to provide the completed clue quote within 24 hours of email notification from Robin, or another will be drawn randomly. The contest is open internationally, so everyone is welcome to participate and enter to win!
We have prepared a page with direct links to each author’s post in case a site goes down or a link gets broken. We’ll be working on getting all of the links prior to the start of the hunt, but sometimes there are still issues even after the hunt starts, so make a note of the URL for the Participating Authors & Stops page so you can check back and be able to complete the hunt.
Meet Tammy!
I’d like to introduce you to Tamera Alexander, author of some great historical novels! Tammy is the USA Today bestselling author of numerous books, including A Lasting Impression, The Inheritance, and To Whisper Her Name. Her richly drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her devoted readers worldwide (including me!), as well as multiple industry awards. Tamera and her husband love living in Nashville with their two grown children who live nearby—and with the mansions about which she writes, right down the road. You can connect with Tamera on her website or via Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.
I’d also like to introduce you to Tamera’s latest release, A Beauty So Rare. It should be on your must-read list! Here’s the synopsis: “Pink is not what Eleanor Braddock ordered, but maybe it would soften the tempered steel of a woman who came through a war–and still had one to fight.
Eleanor Braddock–plain, practical, no stunning Southern beauty–knows she will never marry. But with a dying soldier’s last whisper, she believes her life can still have meaning and determines to find his widow. Impoverished and struggling to care for her ailing father, Eleanor arrives at Belmont Mansion, home of her aunt, Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America–and possibly the most demanding, as well. Adelicia insists on finding her niece a husband, but a simple act of kindness leads Eleanor down a far different path–building a home for destitute widows and fatherless children from the Civil War. While Eleanor knows her own heart, she also knows her aunt will never approve of this endeavor.
Archduke Marcus Gottfried has come to Nashville from Austria in search of a life he determines, instead of one determined for him. Hiding his royal heritage, Marcus longs to combine his passion for nature with his expertise in architecture, but his plans to incorporate natural beauty into the design of the widows’ and children’s home run contrary to Eleanor’s wishes. As work on the home draws them closer together, Marcus and Eleanor find common ground–and a love neither of them expects.
But Marcus is not the man Adelicia has chosen for Eleanor, and even if he were, someone who knows his secrets is about to reveal them all.”
They say not to judge a book by its cover—but a cover can certainly inspire me to pick up a book and add it to my must-read list! Ever wondered how a book cover is made? Keep reading!
Behind the Scenes of the Cover Photo Shoot for A Beauty So Rare
What do you get when you combine a gorgeous flower-filled conservatory in Minneapolis and a model garbed in an eye-catching Southern ensemble complete with one of those voluminous hoop skirts?
Well, the cover of A Beauty So Rare, the second standalone novel in the Belmont Mansion series, of course.
Here are some quick behind the scene glimpses. . . .
I’m so grateful Bethany House Publishers shared these photos with me from that day. It was fun, as an author, to see how the cover came together. And now it’s equally as wonderful to share this story that’s set against the real history of the Belmont Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee, and the people who lived there.
As the tagline says on the back of the book:
“Pink is not what Eleanor Braddock ordered, but maybe it would soften the tempered steel of a woman who came through a war—and still had one to fight.”
Eleanor Braddock is a fighter, which is a good thing. Because pursuing her dream could very well cost her everything she has, and everyone she loves.
Have you ever been to a photo shoot for a book cover or other project? What was your experience?
Watch the trailer for A Beauty So Rare, the second standalone novel in the Belmont Mansion series!
[Tweet “Go behind the scenes of @TameraAlexander’s new book (plus a #giveaway)! @SuzanneWFisher”]
You can purchase Tamera’s novel, A Beauty So Rare, at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD, or your local bookstore.
The Scavenger Hunt To-Do
Thanks for stopping by my site/blog! Before you move on to Stop #30, Tamera’s own blog, to pick up your next clue, be sure to write down this Stop #29 clue: ABOUT.
Bonus Prize!
I’ll also be giving away a $100 gift certificate to use toward the purchase of one of Bill Coleman’s beautiful Amish photos! Use the widget below to enter!
Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.
I have never been to a photo shoot for a book cover. I love the cover of A Beauty So Rare, the model is absolutely gorgeous! Can’t wait to read this novel!
Thanks so much, Lisa! Appreciate that!
I’ve not been to a photo shoot of any kind but it sounds fun. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the drawing.
~Cindi Altman
I have never been to a photo shoot, but it does sound like fun. I am looking forward to reading A Beauty So Rare. Thanks for all the great novels you have written.
Debbie
Thanks, Debbie!
I have never been to a photo shoot of any kind but sounds fun thank you
I’ve never been to a photo shoot, but it sounds like it’d be fun!
Thanks for the fun giveaway! I have never been to a photo shoot, but my photographer sister has made me the subject of some of her work 🙂
I have done photoshoots myself for gradutation, wedding, engagement and just for fun! it was cool. Two different photographers. One my best friend who does the more newer fun poses and the other photographer was one I’ve known my entire life who did my parents wedding as well who does the traditional photos and some fun ones. It was fun. I love doing them!
I have been a part of a photo shoot on a number of occasions for graduation, weddings and other events as well.
I have been involved in a number of photo shoots for various occasions and events. I hate having my pic taken so they are not always fun for me.
I have never been to a photo shoot, except for vicariously in one of the Sookie Stackhouse novels. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com
No, I haven’t but it sound like you had a blast.
I’ve never been to a photo shoot. Unless you count taking pictures in a garden with friends. Love seeing how they created the cover image for this book, so lovely.
Thanks, Katharina! Appreciate it!
I’ve never been to a photo shoot before, but they look like so much fun- and the photos from A Beauty so Rare are lovely! Thanks for the chance to win. =)
Having a blast reading all the updates on all the authors in the scavenger hunt. Thank you.
I like seeing the behind the scenes of the photo shoot! Those kind of things always interest me.
I think it’s fun, too, Heather. Thanks for visiting!
You are so right about not seeing are depressing issues when we volunteer to help others. Another trick is to pray for someone going through much worse than you are.
I’ve never been to a photo shoot for a book cover.
I unfortunately have never been to a photoshoot for a book cover, or anything similar to that. But I’m sure it would be a cool experience!
I’ve never been, but it sounds like fun.
I’ve never been to shoot for a book cover, but as a photographer I’ve been to plenty of regular photo shoots 🙂 Thanks for sharing the pictures and experience!
Thanks, Heidi!
Thanks for taking part in the scavenger hunt. It has been a great way to meet some new authors. I have never book to a shoot for a book cover, but I think it would be very interesting to watch.
Sad to say I have yet to go to a photo shoot. It sounds like an interesting experience.
I’ve never been to an actual photo shoot, unless you want to count all the times with my children, ha! This scavenger hunt is fun and my new reading list is growing!
I don’t think I’ve ever been to a photo shoot for anything except the ones that I have done myself for photography class in college. The most unique was probably either the one I did of people’s feet and also one of old headstones.
The behind the scenes was so much fun. Thank you for letting us in to glimpse a bit of the transformation and artistic ideas necessary to convey the essence of a book!
Thanks for visiting, Marcy. Appreciate it!
I’ve never been in a photo shoot but I had to submit a photo for a quilt magazine. a photo shoot would have been nice though…
One of these days I hope to witness a photo shoot! Sounds like it would be so much fun!
No, never….I’m not that photogenic.. Thanks for being part of the hunt! 🙂
Tamera writes great books!!! She’s one of my favorite authors!
Bless you, Rachael, and thanks!
My sister used me as part of her book cover for Silent Whispers. I got to wear a fancy gothic black gown with a black wig. It was pretty fun to be able to model for her book cover.
I have never been to a photo shoot for a book cover, but that would be so much fun. It would be really neat to see what goes on behind the scenes to create the beautiful covers that we see on some of these books!
This is so much fun! Trying to get it all done in one night because I have to work tomorrow 🙂
I have never been to a photo shoot – it must be fun to see the “behind the scenes” activity!
Love your books!
I have never been to a “real” photo shoot. But one time somebody at our church did a green screen for a fun raiser and that was fun because we could make it into any scene we wanted!:)
I’ve never been to a photo shoot before other than for our wedding. Beautiful setting for a book!
No, I haven’t been at a photo shoot, but it looks like a lot of fun! 🙂
I have not been to a photo shoot.
Nope, never been to a cover photo shoot. I’d love to, though! Hopefully for a cover of one of my own books. 🙂
I have not been to a photo shoot for a book cover but was was with both of my daughter’s senior high photo shoot . . . one in a little town near us . . . fun times . . . the other at Oxbow Nature Area . . . tromping with her bag of shoes etc through the trails in (her not me) high platform shoes . . . hilarious stuff for sure! I am a behind the scenes gal! : ) Thanks for the giveaway!
LOL, Chris. What an adventure. Thanks for sharing!
What a lot of work to do a book cover for a book. It is all worth it with beautiful coverings.
I haven’t been to a photo shoot for a book. But it sounds like a lot of fun to attend!
Never been to a photo shoot this one is beautiful! I love it! We love Nashville, TN.
I have never been to a photo shoot for a book cover.Thanks for the giveaway!
I have never been, but I would love to!
I have never been to a book photo shoot,but would love to.
I haven’t ever been on a cover shoot, but I think it would be really cool. Christian fiction book covers have come a long way over the last few years and I really think it makes a difference in a book’s appeal.
So true, Sheri! ; )
I have taken engagement pictures for my brother and his fiance, so I think that would kinda count as a photo shoot. It was so much fun!
I have never done a photo shoot but I would love to! Thanks for the scavenger hunt so fun!!
I have never been to a shoot, but I do remember you posting about this shoot earlier and though how interesting it was.
I have never been to a photo shoot. Love your books.
I’m trying to remember, but I don’t think I’ve ever been to a photoshoot for a book. I did unexpectedly find myself on the set of a school drama (like Saved by the Bell) in Burma once which was a fascinating experience!
This book you shared sounds wonderful. I’m really looking forward to reading it! Thanks also for being a part of the scavenger hunt. I love online scavenger hunts – totally brings out the kid in me!
I don’t know if you ever participate in linky parties, but if you are ever so inclined, I’d love for you to join our book-loving community at Booknificent Thursdays on Mommynificent.com. We gather every Thursday and share posts about books we’ve been reading or writing and how books are impacting our lives. We’d love to have you join us anytime!
Blessings,
Tina
Thanks, Tina, and hope you enjoy A Beauty So Rare.
I think a book cover photo shoot would be so much fun! Thank you for sharing and for the opportunity to be a winner!!
I haven’t been a part of a photo shoot, but it sounds like a such wonderful experience! I love that more authors and publishers are sharing about the process now, so us readers can get a view behind the scenes. I would love to be one of those cover models and be like Cinderella for a day!
I have never been on a photo shoot, I am not sure I would like it
I have never been to one and I bet it is lots of fun !
Linda Finn
Never been on photo shoot but have been interviewed for a book to give feedback on my job.
Thanks for joining the hunt
No, I have never been to a photo shoot. I think it’d be very interesting. 🙂
Never been on any type of photo shoot. Sounds like fun to watch.
I’ve never been, but would love to go.
I would love to go to a book photo shot, I think it would be very neat.
Never been but sounds like fun. Very interesting process.
I have never been to a photo shoot, but it looks very interesting.
I have not had the chance to but it looks like it would be an experience.
I’ve been to other sets involving weddings, but I was a wedding photographer who shot for those who couldn’t afford the high prices of other photographers. Once, I had a friend go with me for a shoot after a wedding. We went to a beautiful garden and I knew I would get some memorable photos there with help. Afterward my friend asked me why so involved for what little I was getting (paid). Experience was part of my answer but I also loved what I did. Then I turned to her and said, “why shouldn’t they have the best (that I can give) just because they can’t afford a higher priced photographer?” I don’t shoot anymore, not professionally but I still love the art.
I have never been to a photo shoot 🙁 Would think it to be an interesting thing to do.
I have been a model before in a photo shoot, which was something I really enjoyed doing. However I must say the photo shoot for A Beauty So Rare looks like a lot of fun! Especially since the model was dressed in 19th century clothing. I cannot wait to read this novel 🙂
Thanks so much, Kristene. Would love to hear from you when you’re finished. Appreciate you taking these journeys with me.
I haven’t but all the lovely covers and book trailers have made me thought how I would pick the setting, clothing, and models for my own novel series, but first to finish writing all four.
I have never been to a photo shoot for anything except family pictures….lol. However, I think it would be very fascinating to watch and then read the book.
I’ve never been to a photo shoot, but it sounds like lots of fun.
I’ve not had such an experience. I imagine it would be really cool to see the process from beginning to print, though.
No, I have never been to any kind of photo shoot. My brother just modeled for a book cover though!
Unable to enter on Rafflecopter, but would love to be apart of the drawing!
I have never been to a photo shoot but if I was I would love to go to one like Tamara’s book because I would love to wear the dresses! 🙂
Aren’t these Southern gowns gorgeous, Lisa! I love them too. In fact, I’ve just interviewed the gal that sewed this dress (the dress for A Beauty So Rare). I’ll share the interview next week on my blog and FB Page. Very interesting.
I love the cover – thanks for sharing the photo shoot process!
No, I haven’t but looks like fun!
I’ve never been to a book cover photo shoot. That would be amazing fun!
no I have never been to a photo shoot
I’ve never been to one, but I’d love to!
I’ve never been to a photo shoot, but I believe it would be fascinating from what I watch. I think I would love it, but I’m sure it’s hard for the workers.
Thank you for participating in the scavenger hunt and for the opportunity of the giveaway.
I have never been to a photo shoot. Thank you for showing what goes into a cover photo.
I’ve seen your name quite a few times and it is strange because Susan Johnson is my maiden name!
I have never been , but I imagine it would be very exciting!!
Suzanne,
I’ve been clicking around your website. I like your goal of “trying to do less, but do it better.” I think we could all benefit from doing that. Sometimes we allow our lives to get so cluttered.
You wrote that you live in the Midwest. I grew up in Indiana. Indiana has it’s fair share of Amish. My grandmother used to take me down to Metamora to look at Amish wears. As a kid it was more about spending time with her than about taking in the culture.
I haven’t read any Christian books in the Amish genre but my roots tell me that I would probably enjoy them.
Thank you for being a part of the scavenger hunt.
Amanda
I have never experienced a photo shoot other than when you are watching TV and see it being done. The model and the cover are lovely.
So neat to see behind the scenes for the makings of a book cover! Also to be reminded there is so much more to your creative process than writing 🙂
I’ve never been on a photo shoot for a book, but I made all of the costumes for a high school production of “Little Women” (and I directed it, too)–what a hoot to make dresses from that era! They use prodigious amounts of fabric.
I have not been for a book, but I have been for our company brochure and calendar. The photographer just took photos while I was working so luckily I did not have a goofy grin or eyes shut.
No, I haven’t been to any photo shoot except for a family one. I would love to go to one for something like this though.
never had the opportunity to be at a photo shoot for a book cover! I think it would be awesome to see! Thank you so much for being part of the hunt! Love learning more about authors!
I never have had the opportunity to attend a photo shoot. But I loved seeing the pictures that Tamera shared. Thanks for being a part of the scavenger hunt this time. I’m having a lot of fun on it.
I’ve never been to a photo shoot, but both my parents love taking pictures and make us pose for them all the time…if that counts
No but I think it would be a blast!
No I have never been to a photo shoot, but we did see one on a beach from far away once
No, i have not. it would be interesting though,
I have never been to a photo shoot, but it looks like it would be fun to be part of.
I’ve never been to a photo shoot but I’ve done some for my own personal projects. I love to photograph, going to school for it and have done several wedding, family photos, a couple engagement sessions, and so on. I absolutely love it!
I’ve never been to a photo shoot for anything like that but I think it would be really awesome to do that!!!
No, I haven’t
I’ve never been to a photo shoot but it looks like it would be fun and interesting. Love the cover of A Beauty So Rare! And covers can definitely draw you in!
I have never been to a Photo Shoot. I would imagine that it would be very interesting to try to find the right models and location to try to match the story.
I noticed that the widget does not match the giveaway you mentioned above it. $100 gift certificate to purchases Bill Coleman’s Amish Photos. The rafflecopter says $50 gift card for Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Both are great prizes.
I have never been to a photo shoot for a book cover. I don’t think I’m photogenic.
I’ve personally never been to one but I do think it would be fun.
Yes I have. It was great. alot of work goes into the shoot to make it just right.
I love that these scavenger hunts introduce me to “new” authors I can’t wait to read. Thanks for participating ladies!
I have never been to a photoshoot, but it looks like quite an experience! Thanks for participating in this fun scavenger hunt!
I have never been to a photo shoot of any kind but it could be fun. Would love to go to one for a book cover. I am entering under the name of Virginia
I’ve never been to a photo shoot, not a professional one anyway. I love that you share these basic pictures with us.
I have never been to a cover shoot, but I think it would be exciting to see what goes into one.
I have never been on any type of photo shoot but one for a novel looks like it would be so much fun! Thanks for sharing. I can’t wait to read the novel!
I have never been to a photo shoot, but it sure looks like fun to either be in one or see one!
Thanks for being a part of the hunt!
I have never been but I think it would be very fun!
No, but I would love to experience that!
Well I was a bridesmaid for my aunt, but I was only in a couple of pictures, so I don’t know if that counts or not!
No I have never been to a photo shoot but I would think it would be amazing. I am one of those people who judges a book by it’s cover. Unless a book comes recommended or is a classic, I usually don’t pick it up if the cover doesn’t catch my attention. I am trying to change but…..
I am always looking for new authors of Amish Books. I loved the pictures you posted on the backstage you had done. My daughter and I are history fans and read alot of historical fictional and non fiction. I am trying my hand at writing a Christian historical fiction but things are moving slowly.
I’ve never been to any kind of a photo shoot, but it looks like it would be fun.
I’ve never been to a photo shoot but they look awesome.
No I haven’t. I’ve designed book covers before, but the design shop I worked at only used stock images. I’d love to see a real photo shoot!
Never been on a photo shot for a book cover but went on one for a billboard ad and love it
I’ve never been to a photo shoot, but always thought it would be fun and interesting. I am very interested in reading your new book. Thank you.
Thanks for doing a giveaway.
Caitlyn
I have never been on a photo shoot before – I bet that is a bit surreal! How much fun to do one for a book cover! Thank for participating in this scavenger hunt!
I’ve never been to a photo shoot for a book cover. But I really enjoy reading about and watching the videos about the models and the reasoning behind the covers. Thanks for participating in the scavenger hunt
I’ve never been to a photo shoot for a book cover. Thanks for chance to win.
I have never been to a photo shoot. Suzanne, you said a $100. gift card and the widget says $50. Confused. Would really love to get this prize. I have already subscribed to your FB, newsletter, and blog. Thanks for a chance to win. Tamera, I love the cover on your new book. Maxie
Never been to photo shoot. Wouldn’t be comfortable at one. Getting my picture taken feels like having ‘before and after’ shots taken…and it’s always the ‘before’ photo to my mind. Funny thing…I liked a photo my niece took of her me and my sister during a time of sadness for us (my father was in his last days and family was there). We all smiled in the picture, and yet I remember how fragile I was feeling in those moments. Enjoyed your book with the woman photographer…one of my favorites of your books.
The only photoshoots I’ve ever been to are typical after-wedding ones and my husband & I’s engagement/wedding shoot on the beach. That one was pretty fun. 🙂
I haven’t but it sounds like it could be a lot of fun.
I have never been to a photo shoot for a book cover or any other project but I would find it interesting especially, if it was as beautiful as the cover of “A Beauty So Rare” Thank you for participating in the Scavenger Hunt!
I have never been to a photo shoot for a book cover. It would be a fun experience I think. Thank you for being a part of the Scavenger Hunt. It is fun to meet new authors and hear more about the ones who are familiar to me.
I never have been to that sort of photo shoot! I’m married to a photographer, but that’s not the kind of photography he does. I’ll bet it would be amazing to see first hand how much goes into a book cover!
We did several book shoots when I was going through photography school and they are fun, challenging and tiring. Thank you for the great giveaway and being apart of the scavenger hunt. Been introduced to allot of great authors and their books.
I’ve never been to a photo shoot–I’d be more interested in the fabric/construction of the garments!
I have not been to a photo shoot but I have read about them!
I haven’t but I want to. 😀
Thank you!!
No I’ve never been to anything like that. Thanks for the giveaway!
I’ve never been to a photo shoot of any kind, but it sure sounds like it would be interesting! This book has a beautiful cover, and it sounds like a great story. Thanks for participating in the scavenger hunt and for offering this extra giveaway!
No never been to a photo shoot.. but it looks like it could be fun. Thanks for the giveaway!
Nope, never been to a photo shoot for a book or anything, but it looks like it’d be interesting and fun! 🙂
I have never been to a photo shoot of anything beyond high school pictures. Thanks for the look!
I’ve never been to a photo shoot. What a beautiful spot for your book cover shoot!
I’ve never been to a photo shoot of any sort before, except family pictures and taking pics for random people who want their picture taken.
i have never been to a photo shoot of any kind. Sounds like work
I can’t say that I have ever been to a photo shoot per se. It would be a lot of fun though.
Not yet, but I hope to one day with my husband who is an amateur photographer and loves watching how professionals do lighting and setups
No, I ever never been to a cover shoot.
The closest thing to a photo shoot I have been too was my graduation photos.
I’ve never been to a photo shoot-I bet it’s more involved than I can imagine
Hi Suzanne and Tamera! I have never been to a photo shoot, but I do love it when authors post the pictures of their shoots! It is so much fun to see how the covers come to be!
No, I have not.
I haven’t been to any kind of photo shoot….
Tamera,
I’ve been following you on social media for awhile…I LOVE the settings/insight you give us for your books!
Thank you both for being in the scavenger hunt!
you’re actually a excellent webmaster. The website loading velocity is
incredible. It seems that you are doing any unique trick.
Also, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a great job on this matter!
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this site.
I really hope to see the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well.
In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get
my own site now 😉