National Park Week is here—a time to honor the wild places that inspire awe, reflection, and a deep sense of wonder. To celebrate, I’m offering a special 2-day flash sale on two of my national park novels that are especially close to my heart.
🌲 Where Trees Touch the Sky — Set in the towering majesty of Redwood National Park, this novel follows one woman fighting to protect the ancient trees and another striving to protect her family legacy.
🪨 When Stone Wings Fly — Set against the misty backdrop of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this story weaves together two generations of women searching for purpose, connection, and faith in the face of change.
For just $2.99 each, you can journey through these rich landscapes and immerse yourself in powerful, nature-infused storytelling.
📚 2 days. 2 books. $2.99 each. 📅 Sale runs April 22–23, 2025 📍 Available at your favorite ebook retailer
Whether you’ve already explored these parks in person or dream of visiting someday, I hope these stories bring you closer to the beauty of God’s creation and the proud heritage of our national parks.
Happy Earth Day, Happy National Park Week—and happy reading!
Sweet Savage Flame’s Covers of the Week #130 features romance books from the 1990s and early 2000s with artwork by the talented artist Aleta Jenks-Rafton.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Sweet Savage Flame earns a small percentage from qualifying purchases.
NOTE: Apologies for the late posting. We uploaded Covers of the Week #130 featuring Aleta Jenks-Rafton on Tuesday, January 24, 2024, instead of Monday morning.
Artist: Aleta (Jenks) Rafton
For Covers of the Week #130, we celebrate the artistic brilliance of Aleta Jenks-Rafton, a name synonymous with captivating and emotionally resonant book covers.
Aleta Jenks-Rafton, born Aleta Jenks, is a prominent figure in the field of cover art design in various genres, including romance. She is especially noted for her stunning digital artwork.
Her artistic journey began during her childhood in California, as her mother was also an artist. She continued her art education under Helen Brainerd, which solidified her passion.
Rafton studied Fine Arts at the University of California at Berkeley, followed by studies in illustration in Boston and at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. This comprehensive education laid the foundation for her diverse and expansive career.
Jenks-Rafton’s break into book cover illustration came when she was hired by Pinnacle Books. Her first assignments included a romantic mystery, westerns, and adventure series. She was particularly notable in the 1980s and early 1990s for her covers for children’s and young adult books, such as the Nancy Drew series, where she worked with a young Colleen Gruber.
The Secret of the Scarlet Hand, Carolyn Keene, Aleta Jenks Rafton
The artist’s portfolio spans across fantasy, romance, landscapes, and still life, reflecting her adaptability and love for varied artistic challenges.
In addition to book covers, Jenks-Rafton painted several limited edition collector’s plates of the film “Gone With the Wind,” which showcase her traditional artistry. Jenks-Rafton’s talents also extend to print ads, greeting cards, and even conceptual work for television shows.
Her art is not limited to commercial projects, however, as Rafton also paints portraits and still life.
On her website, Rafton has described her artistic approach as flexible and client-focused, adept in various genres and styles. Her work for many bestselling authors exemplifies her ability to bring fictional visions to life.
Thus, for the past twenty years, she has been one of the most sought-after cover artists in the industry.
The Covers
For the week of Monday, January 22, 2024, to Sunday, January 28, we highlight four romance covers with artwork by the renowned illustrator Aleta Jenks-Rafton.
Your Opinion
What do you think of this week’s featured artist, Aleta Rafton (formerly Aleta Jenks)? Which of the selections do you like the best, and what about them appeals to you?
Do you have suggestions or requests for future Covers of the Week themes you’d like to see on Sweet Savage Flame? Let us know, and we’ll do our best to create a gallery of stunning art!
Sweet Savage Flame’s Covers of the Week #131 showcases some vintage romance novel covers featuring the legendary model Steve Holland.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Sweet Savage Flame earns a small percentage from qualifying purchases.
Theme: Cover Model Steve Holland
Covers of Week #131 shows off four vintage romances with the famous “illustrator’s model,” Steve Holland. Holland was a 20th-century icon who modeled for comics, magazines, pulps, and mass-market paperbacks.
Steve Holland was more than just a model; he was a phenomenon. Beginning in the 1950s, his career spanned decades, and he became a fixture on bookshelves everywhere.
With thousands of covers bearing his face and form, there is no genre with which he is not associated.
Holland’s ability to convey both strength and sensitivity through a single expression made him the ideal hero for these sweeping romantic adventures. His legacy is etched not just in the annals of modeling but also in the hearts of romance readers who adored the characters he portrayed.
I remember him as a fireman on posters in my old elementary school.
The Covers
Known for his intense gaze and powerful build, Steve Holland was more than just a handsome face; he was a muse for artists and a fantasy for readers.
For the week of January 29, 2024, to February 5, 2024, we highlight four romance novel covers featuring the legendary cover model.
What do you think of this week’s covers? Are you familiar with Steve Holland’s covers, or was he before your time?
Which of our selections do you like the best, and what about them appeals to you?
Do you have suggestions or requests for future Covers of the Week themes you’d like to see on Sweet Savage Flame? Let us know, and we’ll do our best to create a gallery of stunning art!
