The big day is here!
Today Harlequin did a “Cover Reveal” on their Official Facebook Page. Many of you are familiar with the cover of my book Teatime for the Firefly but they were from the ARC (Advance Readers Copy: the unproofed version). This is the final cover. Yay, yay, yay! The finish and creative detailing of the book is jaw-dropping gorgeous and I am pleased as punch! People I show this book to say “I would buy this book, just because of the cover,” and that makes me really happy! And folks, even if I had not written this book myself, this cover would have called out to me in a bookstore and I would have picked it up in a heartbeat. Seriously.
The art team at Mira Books really captured the essence in the cover of Teatime for the Firefly. We have the bone china English tea-cup alongside the Indian henna patterning and it gives the cover of a cross-cultural feel which is what the story is all about. I have a lovely endorsement from Shilpa Somaya Gowda (NY Bestselling author of The Secret Daughter) that has been exquisitely laid out along the curve of the saucer (so as not to clash with the layered script background). The thoughtfulness and care in putting this book together is the result of a massive team effort at Harlequin/Mira. Writing a book is the simple part: getting the book ready and to market is the bulk of the business. The process is involved, complicated and by and large goes unseen. All the public really sees is the finished book and the writer and not all the munchkins doing the grunt work. It is humbling and I feel lucky to be a part of it all.
There are several events and appearances in the pipeline leading up to the official launch of October 1st. I will be updating the Events tab (above) from time to time. I hope to see you all in person. Connecting with you is the most exciting part. I am always curious to know about you. What do you read? What do you drink? Did I hear you say COFEEE? Eeesh! I will probably try to convince every die-hard coffee drinker to try Assam Tea, failing which, you will still be my friend, simply because you love something so passionately. I admire that over and above my need to win you over.
And thanks for staying with me on this journey – for all your support, kind thoughts, memories and all the funny things you share with me. No, no, no, I am not riding off into the sunset – although I sound like I am, with all the talk of “thanks”, “journey” etc. This is just an important milestone in Teatime for the Firefly and I am happy to share it with you.
So here’s to tea and friendship. And I’ll see you around the corner, soon – yes?
Cheers!:)
Shona
Tea Buddy 
It’s just beautiful Shona! I’m so excited to get my Nook copy! Will write reviews when I’m finished!!!
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Mikko, Thanks so much. I can’t wait to read your review. xx Shona
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Hello Shona,
It’s been two months since I wrote my last blog posting — about “Teatime”– and it’s still as beautiful and memorable as ever. A hard act to follow! I’ve read 11 books since and finally ready to blog about another. Wishing you loads of success as Teatime is officially rolled out. It’s a book to be treasured. Lorraine
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Hi Lorraine,
Thank you for your kind thoughts. Oh my, you’ve read 11 books already since Teatime! You are quite the reader!I still remember you from BEA and I am so happy you loved Teatime. It’s very gratifying. Keep well.Shona
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Woo hoo! Love it.
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Thanks Michelle, I love it too.
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It’s an absolutely beautiful cover, and would certainly attract me to your book even if I didn’t already know what a beautiful writer you were.
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Oh I am so glad you think so, Jenni. Thank you so much!
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Hi Shona !
Your book has an exciting cover which invites all viewers, believers & all those coffee drinkers (!) to check out the wonders of tea. All the best on your book launch.
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Thank you Birendra! I have found most coffee drinkers take easily to Assam tea, perhaps because it is a stronger, heartier brew unlike weak flavored teas or even green tea. So there is hope yet! I try not to sound like I am on a crusade for Assam tea, but I secretly am!!
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Well of course, any book with a teacup on the cover would grab my attention, but this is a truly beautiful design, and I love the henna pattern up the side and on the inside chapter pages. You have every right to be enormously proud of this achievement, not only writing a book and getting it published (which is amazing!), but having such a work of art in the cover detailing. Glorious! Well done, Shona, I’m looking forward to reading what’s inside.
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Well, thank you my dear tea-drinking, scone-eating friend. Your compliment means a lot. You must tell me what you think after reading Teatime. Cheers!
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Dear Shona, It is a very fascinating and unique cover, the colors subtle and bright at the same time. I have recommended it to all my friends and asked them to give the book to family and friends as a b’day present. I will be presenting it to a very close school time friend who lives in Sacramento on her b’day. Harmeet
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Hi Harmeet, I hope your friend enjoys Teatime and thanks for recommending it to others. 🙂 Shona
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I’m a tea drinker! I can’t get through the day without at least 5 cups of tea and sometimes more and I’m grateful for every leaf picked, may I add. The book cover is gorgeous and yes, certainly does make me want to read the story. The inside design is exquisite too. Well done and congratulations.
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Hi fellow tea-drinker! I am glad you appreciate the cover as much as i do. I think it captures a sense of repose, tranquility and bliss – in other words all the joys an anticipated cup of tea can bring (my kettle is singing as I write – and I already have a Pavlovian reflex!). You are an ardent tea lover so I am sure you understand. Cheers!
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What a lovely design! I can’t imagine anyone not being drawn to it – it’s both beautiful and intriguing. Congratulations and all good wishes for the launch!
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Many thanks Jo!
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