Cover Reveal: Hazelby Priors
I have big news! As my email subscribers are already aware, SAW Publishing is excited to be launching a new release this month.
Hazelby Priors will be coming out January 30, Lord willing.
This 150-page novella combines two of our favourite genres at Sheep Among Wolves: historical fiction and homeschooling fiction. Contrary to the popular conception, home education is not a modern idea! And in my opinion, we need more historical novels showcasing homeschoolers of the past.
With just over two weeks to go, it’s definitely time for the Hazelby Priors cover reveal! And in addition to the cover unveiling, here’s an introduction to the novella itself:
Hazelby Priors
By Courtenay Burden
She didn’t want a governess at all. Now she’s forced to hire TWO, just because they both expect it?
With her husband leaving for a transatlantic voyage, Helen knows she isn’t “qualified” to teach six high-energy students in his place. That doesn’t vanquish her urge to try. After all, who could love her children more—or grasp Frank’s vision better—than Helen herself?
A pair of prestigious teachers with diametrically-opposed philosophies are about to threaten her rosy ideal. Neither of them seems to grasp the one educational principle Helen and Frank actually care about. But neither has anywhere else to go if Helen turns them down.
Will rival governesses tear her schoolroom to pieces? Does Helen have the courage to reach out with compassion—and still hold onto Frank’s original dream? And when an unforeseen disaster puts their anchor to the test, will a motto about God’s glory be enough to steer her children through the storm?
Combining the classic vibes of an authentic 19th century novel with a squeaky-clean content rating and a loveable cast of characters, Hazelby Priors is the story of a Victorian family dedicated to Christian home education, over a century before the modern homeschooling movement began.
Creating the Hazelby Priors Cover
I have to admit, working through the cover design process is NEVER my favourite part of a story.
In fact, it ranks in my top three activities-that-make-me-irrationally-grumpy. (The other two are accidentally banging my head, and getting hungry at the end of the afternoon, for those who are curious!)
The Hazelby Priors cover design process has had its share of ups and downs. Capturing a vibe that’s both historical and fresh can be a pretty complex challenge. But in the end, I got very excited to watch it come together. I had a fabulous designer! And I’m so glad we got to incorporate a genuine Victorian image as the centerpiece.
January 30: Save the Date!
Hazelby Priors will be ready to launch in just over two weeks.
I can’t wait to share it with all of you!
For now, if you love historical fiction—and homeschooling fiction—and clean, character-driven fiction—all rolled into one . . . then save the date.
Because launch day will be here before we know it!
Looking for more homeschooling novellas from SAW Publishing? Grab a copy of our previous release:
When catastrophe threatens to bring their Christmas plans crashing down, the Matthews and Halls are left with a choice. Can they choose to find blessing in the steps of a medieval king, or will the real lesson behind the story of Wenceslas be lost?