It’s official! Here’s the new cover for The Waiting, book #2 in the “Lancaster County Secrets” series, which will release October 1st.

Covers are far more complex than you might think. I’m grateful to my publisher, Revell, for putting so much care into getting details right. The model is wearing a cap that is true to Lancaster-style prayer caps–it has a heart shape in the back. The model’s hair color is important in this story, too. The main character, Jorie King, has coppery colored hair. The fence was my brilliant editor’s idea–it acts as a metaphor for the reader. The reader is crossing into another world.

Titles are a challenge, too. The Waiting was chosen because when we meet Jorie (whom you’ll love!), she is at a point where her life is on hold. This story is set in 1965, and Jorie is waiting for Ben Zook to return from serving as a Conscientious Objector in Vietnam. She’s waiting for Ben to settle down and join the church. She’s waiting to marry him.

Until the past collides with Jorie’s tenuous future.

On other title news, I found out this morning that Book #3 in the “Lancaster County Secrets” series will be officially titled The Search. That book will be available in January 2011 (though it will probably start trickling into stores in December).

As for yesterday’s winner for the giveaway: Congrats to Syndi! Your book is already in the mail.

Thanks to everyone who sent your heartwarming memories of raising your wonderful children. Each comment and e-mail made me smile! It’s good to take time to remember.

Tomorrow’s blog will be an interview with author Philip Yancey, graciously shared by Amy Sondova from her fascinating blog, Take 5. Tune in tomorrow!