Old, But New by Merrillee Whren

The three books in my Village of Hope series were originally published by Harlequin Love Inspired. I have received the rights back to these books and will be reissuing them over the next few months. I already have the new covers as you can see above. The books are old, but new. They have new covers and a few changes inside although fewer changes than some of my other reissues because they were more recently published. I still can't believe it has been seven years since their first publication. The times goes so quickly. 

Annie's Hope, the first book in the series, is available now for preorder. The book will be released on September 27, 2022. Here is the back cover blurb.

Annie Payton Hopes for one thing—to regain custody of her children. She believes the Village of Hope’s lawyer will give her that chance until she learns that lawyer is Ian Montgomery, her ex-husband.

Since Ian has turned from his life of substance abuse, he’s all about helping others, but he doesn’t know if he can help his former wife. Her betrayal still brings him pain, and most people at The Village don’t know about his past relationship with Annie.

As Annie and Ian's lives intersect, can she show him that she's clean and sober and wants a second chance not only with her children but with him?

 

The Village of Hope: A community built on service and love

 I love the new cover for this book because of the fountain in the background. It is muted, but I can see that it is a tiered fountain just like the one I imagined when I put a fountain in the book. The original cover had a fountain, but not a tiered fountain, even though I sent several pictures of tiered fountains when I filled out my art fact sheet for the cover. That's why I love having complete control over my covers now. 

Here's a small excerpt from the story featuring the fountain.

Ian puzzled over Annie’s declaration about church and her faith. Was she trying to reassure him ahead of this meeting that she was ready and deserving of having her children back? He wished he could let go of his doubts, but they hung there in his mind like rotted curtains at a window. They reminded him of the dismal state she’d come from and her numerous relapses. “I have to be honest, Annie. I’m still skeptical. I don’t doubt you have good intentions. I just need to see you carry them out.”

Her eyes blinked rapidly as her lips quivered. She didn’t say anything until they reached the fountain. She stopped in front of it. Water spilled from level to level, sparkling in the sunlight. “I know I have a lot to prove. Do I have time to stop at my apartment before the meeting?”

Ian checked the time on his phone. “Yeah, but don’t be late.”

“I won’t be.” Annie sprinted across the quad as if something was chasing her.

Glued to the spot, Ian watched her until she disappeared inside her building. He’d done it again—almost made her cry. Why had he been so blunt with her? Being honest with her made both of them unhappy, but he couldn’t sugarcoat what he thought. She would either prove herself or not. He should be more supportive, but he knew the pitfalls of recovery. None of it was easy. He’d been through it himself.

Should he be more sympathetic? No. Annie didn’t need sympathy. She needed support that was straightforward. He would give her that and nothing more.

You can preorder Annie's Hope at these links.

Amazon

Apple 

B&N 

Kobo

Do you like covers that present a scene from the book, or do you like covers that give an overall concept from the book?

 

Merrillee Whren is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award presented by Romance Writers of American. She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of forty-plus years, and has two grown daughters. Connect with her on her Facebook page and sign up for her newsletter.