Jun. 27, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by TOSPUBLISHER

The one on the left makes me think of old Disney movies or Spin and Marty with Annette Funicello. www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com

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Jun. 27, 2007 - Cover Choice

Posted by Anonymous

They both look great, SS and Kregel! However, my heart belongs to Number One. The Pinto is saying, "Come for a ride!" The boy cousin looks like he knows a secret, while Andi looks like everything's wonderful. Little does she know... PS If I win, I'll donate my copy to Kay Pluta's church library start-up collection. Stef

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Jun. 27, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by ApplesofGold

I like the one on the left better because it's a better picture of the horse and you can see the kids' faces better. Holly

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Jun. 27, 2007 - I like the one on the left as well.

Posted by Tami

I think it seems more "friendly" to see the children's faces rather than them looking at the horse. Thank you for your comment on my blog about my new store. I am in NC, so I am a bit far away from Seattle. I do have a very active website, if you care to take a look at it. We should talk about me carrying your books, too. Have a blessed day! Tami

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Jun. 27, 2007 - how exciting!

Posted by jenn4him

I like cover number one the best. The kids look happier. Jenn

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Jun. 27, 2007 - My vote!

Posted by Lyric

I vote for the first cover. I just love Andi's (er, Jessica's) smile!

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Jun. 27, 2007 - Book cover

Posted by Cheryl Werda

At first I went with cover #2 because it seemed to go with the title and it looks like they have a secret. Then I looked at your first 2 books and felt that cover #1 goes best with them. So overall, I vote for #1.

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Jun. 27, 2007 - Your Contest

Posted by Anonymous

Hi Susan! I don't have an account here, so had to sign is as anonymous, but it's Miralee Ferrell...fellow Kregel author. Hmmm....this is a hard one. On the face of it, I like #1 better, but the question on Andi's face fits the summary better than the big smile does. Also, the boy looks younger in #2. They both look pretty happy in #1, which doesn't really depict having a family secret. While I like #1 better just as a picture, I'd have to say that #2 fits the book summary better, if that makes sense. They're both excellent pictures though, and you'll have a winner either way! Hugs! Miralee

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Jun. 27, 2007 - Hey

Posted by Kinley

I should win, cause I am from WA!! LOL.. Kristy I like number two, so does my 16 yr old daughter.. Who is also from WA.. Hee Hee.. Edited by Kinley on Jun. 27, 2007 at 2:32 PM

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Jun. 27, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by PlainJane

Hi Susan, From our house, it's 3 votes (2 daughters & I) for Cover #1. Cover #1 looks more warm and friendly -- there is move love there between the children and the horse. Cover #2 they stand off too much - almost like she is saying to the boy, "My, that's a fine horse you have there". Also, being horsey people, the boy in Cover #2 is holding the horse's lead rope wrong like he doesn't know what he is doing. His hand should be down more and give the horse some slack, else the horse will pull back and fight it. The horse doesn't even look like he's looking at the children or having any fun. LOL Oh, and to get the word out, I'd try contacting HSB and see what they can do.

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Jun. 27, 2007 - book cover

Posted by Anonymous

Hi Susan!!! I would have to say cover 2 as it looks more natural than cover 1, but it was a hard decision. I really like the smiles on the kids on cover 1. But I really like the mountains in the background on cover 2, so you see why it was hard to pick. sigh. Carolyn S. Arizona

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Jun. 27, 2007 - I like Cover #2

Posted by Browniesmoke

I think it's less cluttered - the horse's ears are not almost in the script of the title, and there's more room between the cover art and the author's name. I also like that the children are looking at the horse and not at "us." It seems to draw me into the story - whatever the story might be! - and therefore draw the reader into the book. Jill

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Jun. 27, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by ThreeLittleLadies

I like the second picture cover better. It seems more interesting and not as "posed" as the first. Carol www.homeschoolblogger.com/threelittleladies

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Jun. 27, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by quietcajun

My daughter and I like cover #1 the best. The closer view of the faces and the expressions on the faces are nicer. I also like how cozied up to the horse they look!

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Jun. 27, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Cheryl Dunlop

I vote for cover #2. Cover #1 looks like a posed portrait, especially the boy. While cover #1 is initially friendlier, it's also less interesting. Number 2 hints of a story; number 1 just shows a picture.

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Jun. 27, 2007 - Cover #2

Posted by Anonymous

Hi Mom, I like cover #2 best. I think the lighting is better (being that the second pic is outside) and I like the fact that the second one is "different" than the ones on the first and second books. The facial expression is better on the boy in the second pic rather than the first. :) Kristel

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Jun. 27, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

I like cover #1 because on cover number two, it almost looks as though the kids are frustrated with the horse over something. Additionally, being able to look the characters "in the eyes" makes me feel connected to them. Gail Brubaker, Librarian San Ramon Valley Christian Academy gbrubaker@srvca.org

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Jun. 27, 2007 - book cover pick

Posted by b1gjohn@juno.com

I like cover #1 because its a larger picture to be seen easier & also the kids look more friendly. By the way who are the kids anyone you know? Gretchen

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Jun. 27, 2007 - #2 hands down

Posted by 2peter318

Our whole family voted on #2 unanimously, without knowing what each other was thinking. For me it was two things, first I like seeing the mountains in the background. Plus, for a title like Family Secret and reading what it's about, the kids were just a little to "happy" in the first one. If that makes sense. The second one she seems to be "looking" at the boy, looking, trying to figure something out. Well that's what we think. I can't wait to find out which one you pick. :) JoAnn

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Jun. 27, 2007 - Cover Contest

Posted by Scott

Hey Susan, I think I like the first cover better because it grabs my attention when I look at it. The key detail that makes it better is that the two characters are looking out at the reader and it makes me want to know what goes on in the book. The second one does capture my attention because I am curious to know what would be going on in that particular scene, but I choose Cover #1. Good luck! ~Scott G sgrahameas@gmail.com

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Jun. 27, 2007 - Cover

Posted by ladyjane

Hi Suzy~ I would choose cover # 1. My eye was drawn immediately to what seems like a sweet bond between brother and sister. This REALLY says family to me. They look as though they are giddy about a secret they know...that everyone else doesn't! Thanks for allowing me to vote! Pam (ladyjane) Morningstar Academy Ranch

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Jun. 27, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Tiany

I have to go with number 1!!! I think that seems to be the favorite. It tugged at my heart strings :-) Thank you so much for the comment you left on my blog, I agree with you 100% :-)

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Jun. 27, 2007 - Hi Suzy

Posted by bethanyrae

You have 2 votes for #2. I think it looks more intriguing, like something's going on. Her face has an interesting expression on it, and you wonder what she's thinking. Leaves questions in your mind. The hats look better in #2. My 10 yr old thinks the 1st one looks too cute and happy for being a mystery.

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Jun. 28, 2007 - I chose #1

Posted by Gina

#1 instantly seemed to draw me in! While all of the comments here for both covers make very good points, I was just initially drawn to the cover #1... with that said, after reading through some of the comments I do see where #2 probably fits the summary better.

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Jun. 28, 2007 - Cover #2

Posted by kympossible

I like Cover #2 because it seems more like a natural picture, rather than something "posed" By the way, this looks like a series my dd will enjoy reading when she is older (she's not quite 6yo), so I'll be keeping it on my wishlist! Blessings, Kym

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Jun. 28, 2007 - Cover Contest

Posted by Laura Leigh

Dear Mrs. Marlow, I think that # 2 is the best cover. It catches your eye, fits the summary you gave us, and has more depth than # 1. It makes me feel that something interesting is going to happen, when all I see looking at # 1, is that two kids and a horse look happy. In Christ, Laura Leigh misslaura@wildblue.net

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Jun. 28, 2007 - Cover choice

Posted by Anonymous

I like cover #2 - it's like she is looking at the horse and boy to see if she can figure out what the secret is or he's looking like he doesn't know either - E :) -------------- Elysabeth Eldering http://elysabethsstories.blogspot.com

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Jun. 28, 2007 - Cover #2 is Better!

Posted by JewelStuddedPen@aol.com

I believe that cover #2 is better because it is more comical than cover #1. It gives you a peek into the kids' personalities. It makes the book look interesting right off the bat! Julianne Behrend

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Jun. 28, 2007 - I like Cover #1

Posted by Juliestew

`Best.... There is something about the kids looking at the horse that doesn't appeal to me as much. I think I'd be more likely to pass over that cover than the First one. #1 grabs me better especially when I think of looking at them on a shelf of books at that book store. Julie Hope this helps!!! Edited by Juliestew on Jun. 28, 2007 at 11:30 AM

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Jun. 28, 2007 - Cover # 1

Posted by SongOfTheSagebrush

Both are great, but the first just grabs me more! Blessings, Anne-Marie

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Jun. 28, 2007 - At first I chose # 1 but had to switch to # 2 because ...

Posted by Crystal Writer

I noticed that your first two books didn't have the kids looking at the readers, so it would go with the established pattern. Also, like others have said, the mountains in the background, the "What aren't you telling me?" look on the girl's face, and the smug "I know something you don't know" look on the boy's face, all point to your subject matter the best. IMHO I don't know horses, though, so the info about the lead might be a major consideration. ~Crystal A. Murray Project Creator for "Good Morning Christian Writer" http://morningwriter.blogspot.com

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Jun. 28, 2007 - This is my entry for the contest (hope I'm putting it in the right place)

Posted by GingerForJesus

Submitted by Ginger Tallie HSB: GingerForJesus I chose cover number two as my choice for your book cover. The reason I chose it is because Andi was really angry when she found out that there was a hidden family secret; and you see the anger in her face a bit in cover #2. In cover #1 it almost looks like nothing could ever upset her; she appears so happy-go-lucky. This is just my personal opinion. However, both are really nice covers! I'm an artist and if you ever want an illustration done for a future project I would be happy to illustrate for you. I illustrated 2 children's books for Grace E. Mitchel and was paid outright for them. For you I would do it for free. God bless you Susan! Ginger Tallie Edited by GingerForJesus on Jun. 29, 2007 at 11:12 AM

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Jun. 28, 2007 - Cover contest, Andrea Carter and the Family Secret

Posted by Anonymous

I'm not Anonymous--just not a registered user. I vote for Cover #1, but suggest adding the background landscape from Cover #2 (smile). Actually, both are great! Colleen L. Reece, "Books You Can Trust"

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Jun. 28, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Suzanne

Wow! How neat! This is the first I've heard of your books. They sound fun and exciting! (I went and read about how Jessica became the "model" for the book covers... very interesting!) I like book cover 1 because you can see her face better, and it(her face) is really cute! I'd love to be entered in the contest, and I'll have to let my children see this sometime soon, too, I hope!

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Jun. 28, 2007 - Cover Contest

Posted by servingtheKingofkings

My 13 yo daughter and I picked #2 cover. It's more natural and interesting. It fits the book summary better.

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Jun. 29, 2007 - The first one!

Posted by Godzgirl

I like the first cover best. I think it's cute! Wow! I can't believe I'm posting on a professional author's blog! You know, I love to read and to write. I have a little sister who likes to read horse stories! I'll have to have her check out your books at the library. Merry

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Jun. 29, 2007 - Great Job!

Posted by Mimi Rothschild

Hey there. I think they both look great, but I like cover # 2 more because its a little bit farther away and more intriguing to me. I'm a homeschooling mom with several blogs. Feel free to check them out. Thanks!

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Jun. 29, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Aligirl

I love cover #1! That is the one that gets my attention more. Ali

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Jun. 29, 2007 - book cover

Posted by Anonymous

I like cover #2 better because the kids look involved in doing something, not just posing. Thanks for the fun contest! We have a family of readers and look forward to your newest edition. I don't have an acct here, but you can reach me at carol at envisionprinting dotcom

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Jun. 29, 2007 - I like the first picture best.

Posted by MountainPrincess

You can email me at my mom's email addy if I win: tncgale at plowcreek.org I like it best because the people are looking at me and makes me feel very happy and so calm. Ciara (age 9)

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Jun. 29, 2007 - faces

Posted by housefull

I love to see faces. Whenever I see a book cover that has happy faces it causes me to want to pick it up and look things over... Therefore, I pick the first cover ;) Elizabeth

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Jun. 29, 2007 - Cover Vote

Posted by Oroville Heather

I like cover #2 because it looks less posed and the expression on Andi's face makes me wonder what's going to happen. Can't wait to read it!

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Jun. 30, 2007 - cover choices

Posted by Edna Siniff

Hi Susan. I like the one on the left. I have a problem with both the photos. As an old farm/ranch had that worked cattle in the old way I find their hats looking like they are sitting on a bowl. Any small jolt on the horse or wind would take them off their heads. This contest is a great idea. Look at the prepublicity you are getting. Our event at the Corner Shelf is 4-6 p.m. on July 19. Take care.

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Jun. 30, 2007 - cover choices

Posted by Edna Siniff

Hi Susan. I like the one on the right. I have a problem with both the photos. As an old farm/ranch hand that worked cattle in the old way I find their hats looking like they are sitting on a bowl. Any small jolt on the horse or wind would take them off their heads. This contest is a great idea. Look at the prepublicity you are getting. Our event at the Corner Shelf is 4-6 p.m. on July 19. Take care.

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Jun. 30, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by sharity

I like #1 better as a picture but I'd have to say cover #2 seems to go better with the description of the book. #1 just seems a little too cheery for the "secret - puzzling - mystery" story line. Although my internet service doesn't allow me the best view of pictures, cover #2 looks like they are puzzling over what the secret might be or trying to figure something out - I like the hand on her hip. Best Wishes! Sharity

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Jun. 30, 2007 - Book Covers

Posted by Judy (Librarian)

I like the one on the left--showing both children's faces. This has more kid appeal.

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Jul. 2, 2007 - Contest Cover

Posted by Leslie Susan

I like Cover # 1 the best. It's uncomplicated and friendly and Andi appears more youthful and fun.

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Jul. 2, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by eclecticeducation

I like book cover # 1 the best. I think it looks more open and friendlier.

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Jul. 3, 2007 - My vote is for #1

Posted by christinejoy

I definitely chose #1. It feels more intimite. You can see their faces clearly and it makes them seem real. It is almost like the pair is welcoming me into the book by leaning into the horse and gazing out at me the reader.

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Jul. 4, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SammyJo

Hi! I'm msmarla's daughter and I LOVE reading horse books!! She thought that I ought to try yours out! I think that you should go with the 2nd one cause: 1.on the other covers it dosn't look like Andie is looking at the camera(even on the cover of your first book; it loooks like she's propped her arms on the fence watching someone or something). 2. I like to see the whole horse. I guess that that's all you need. Bye! SammyJo ps: do you have any encouraging words for a 12 yo writer whose close to the end of her book but half of her dosn't want it to end and the other half does but it can't find an ending? I started it a couple of years ago; and I'm sick in bed right now and I wanted something to do (instead of pearling and knitting all day!!!! It's about to drive me nuts!!!!) so I thought that I should go ahead and finish it!!!!('cause I have a whole bunch of boolks in line waiting for an ending too!) pss: I don't know if my mom told you this, but: we're going to be up in Washington for a couple days in August.

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Jul. 4, 2007 - Wow~ what fun!

Posted by ReviewsbyHeidi

I just happened upon your blog and was excited by this fun contest! We are a family of big-time readers and these books look great! My choice for covers would be #1~ I read what some others said about it maybe not fitting the title as well~ but I just love the close-up and the expressions on the kids' faces~ just too cute! I do book reviews and my 13-year old daughter loves to help me. Let me know if you ever need a review of your book(s). Heidi

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Jul. 4, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

I chose cover number two because it looked more like they are going about as usual and not posing for the cover. It makes it look more personal and interesting to me. This is what I think. There is more of the house shown and I love horses. http://reutersramblings.wordpress.com/

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Jul. 5, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

I like cover number 2. I like how there is a little mystery/curiosity as to what they are wondering, im more likely to pick it up. The 12 year old daughter agrees. Carey www.sunnydaysatthebeach.blogspot.com crygibb at yahoo . com

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Jul. 6, 2007 - I would say Cover #2

Posted by Anonymous

I think Cover #2 better fits the title and with the mountains in the background and the horses ears back it makes you think there is something going on there. Also it looks as though the children are trying to figure something out. I just love these books and will have to get them for my girls, they are all into horses and horse stories and love an adventure. Looking forward to this one coming available. Cindy www.homesteadblogger.com/highhopesacademy

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Jul. 6, 2007 - Hmm....

Posted by TrainingHearts

Well...my daughter is our horse lover and caretaker for our horses and reads every books that she can on horses so I asked her what she thought. She read the title and immediately chose Cover #2 on the right. Now she wants books 1 and 2 before #3 comes out! ~Tamara www.TrainingHearts.com

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Jul. 7, 2007 - Cover choice

Posted by Calamity Jan

I'm for Cover #2 because it's not posed; a natural picture with more energy (the secret?). Great cover designs, but in my opinion, not even close as to which is the best! Wagons Ho, Susan!!!!

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Jul. 7, 2007 - I Choose Book 1

Posted by Anonymous

I like book one because the characters are looking at me, the reader. I want to connect with them. The second one shows them looking at each other and seems less personal. I like the close up of them and the horse. Jennifer Hudson Taylor www.authorjenniferhudsontaylor.com

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Jul. 7, 2007 - cover

Posted by Robinsnest

I think cover #2 fits the summary better. I read chapter 1. Now I can't wait to read the rest!

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Jul. 9, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Ruth

I think cover number 2 goes best with the book description. Since, strange things are happening I think the way the kids look on this cover fits best. It looks like they just found something strange. Ruth

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Jul. 9, 2007 - Cover

Posted by Messenger

I like choice #2. You're able to see the relationship between Andi and Levi and how she's trying to teach him how to ride and handle the horses. Messenger (Sorry, Caitlin. I just HAD to edit your comment--changed Caleb to Levi--because my editor wanted the boy to have a different name. The "C" in his name was too close to Andi's older brother Chad. I do what my editor tells me!) This way other readers will not become confused in the event they read the book and wonder where "Caleb" is. :-) Edited by SuzyScribbles on Jul. 9, 2007 at 12:13 PM

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Jul. 9, 2007 - Cover contest

Posted by Ellamae

l like cover number one the best because I think it goes better with the first chapter I read. You can email my Mom (Heather) if I win.

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Jul. 13, 2007 - Kids Vote for #1

Posted by whirlwind

Our kiddos answers to why they like that one, "They are smiling." (DS) and "I like how the are hugging the horse." (DD) Their mama likes how it is more centered and fills in better than the second. Also goes with the theme that families stick together.

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Jul. 14, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by JustGiveMeStarbucks

Well, I wanted to pick the first one, since they look happier, but as the title is "Family Secrets," the look of consternation on Andi's face is fitting. So...I guess I pick the second cover. Sally

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Jul. 15, 2007 - hard choice

Posted by teresafromsugarloaf

I like both covers but I think #2 fits more with Andi's character. #1 is cute, #2 looks more interesting.

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Jul. 15, 2007 - Thank you...

Posted by Suzanne

...for putting my name in your hat! Enjoyed the photo of the two cats with the three birds. :)

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Jul. 17, 2007 - cover vote

Posted by Anonymous

My almost 7 yr. old granddaughter wants to vote for cover number one because she said the horse looks so cute. She is already reading what she calls chapter books so I gave her my copy of Long Ride Home. When she finishes it I will give her Dangerous Decision. My daughter and I also want to vote for cover #1 because it gives us a good look at the characters we will be reading about. Everyone looks much happier on this cover and we like books that make us feel good. So that's 3 votes for cover #1! Thanks so much for writing books that are historically correct. What a great way to learn about the past.

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Jul. 21, 2007 - I Choose #2

Posted by Anonymous

I like #2 because the two are looking at each other and showing a little attitude. It makes me want to pick up the book to find out what's going on between them. The other one looks like they're posing for the camera.

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Jul. 21, 2007 - Uh....folks

Posted by SuzyScribbles

Some of you did NOT leave any contact info at all. Especially the Anonymous voters. Unfortunately, if I pull out an anonymous without so much as a HINT to who it is and no e-mail address, I'll have to toss it back.

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Jul. 24, 2007 - My Opinion :D

Posted by Solomiyka

Hi Susan! I must say that both of the covers are beautiful. As I saw the first cover (without reading the summary) I pictured it a happy story, and the family secret was-they got a new horse. On the second cover- though the same characters, I saw something a lot different. I pictured it a story or mystery, adventure but most of all...suspense! So my vote goes to the second cover. Love your books! God Bless!

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Jul. 25, 2007 - Howdy

Posted by Oh, the Western World

Congratz....I wish I voted but I guess I came too late, lol. I don't get it though if it was to be a raffle then what was the point answering the "Why you chose that cover" question?

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Sep. 30, 2007 - cover 1

Posted by momofboyz

I like the cover that shows the close up of the kids because it is different. I feel I could identify more with the kids, since I can see them better. Cover 2 could be any other book with any horse and 2 kids.

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