Midnight Marriage Cover Reveal

Hello Dear Readers

T he Roxton Family Saga covers makeover continues! I’m so happy to finally show you the finished artwork for Midnight Marriage, which I hope you’ll agree has all the romance, drama, and lush color palette of a Fragonard painting.

Midnight Marriage was our inaugural cover shoot with the Gene Mollica Studio team. As it is the first book in the series it seemed a logical choice, but it was also because we found the perfect models for Deb and Julian almost at once. And with any “firsts” we had a few teething issues, which paved the way for a wonderfully collaborative process creating the covers for the rest of the books in the series.

The models: Emma Fried and Jonathan Cannaux

Emma exudes Deb’s confidence and no-nonsense approach to life, yet there is a fragility about her, too. She has a fresh natural beauty and honesty shines from her eyes. She could be your best friend.

Jonathan, like Julian, is too handsome for his own good, yet he is not vain or conceited. There is a kindness and sensitivity about him. In fact Julian is rather shy and reticent. But because he is heir to a dukedom and handsome into the bargain, this is often misinterpreted as arrogance. Jonathan is the perfect Julian!

The Setting

The second half of Midnight Marriage takes place in Paris. It is May 1770, and the populace is celebrating the marriage of the future Louis XVI to the Austrian princess Marie Antoniette. Julian and Deb are called upon to publicly acknowledge their own marriage, at a ball at the Duke of Roxton’s Parisian mansion, which is close to the Tuileries gardens. They are dressed magnificently for the occasion, Julian in an ensemble of embroidered silks, Deb in a voluminous wide hooped robe à la française adorned with serpentine box pleating and bows.

The couple have found a secluded spot within the beautiful gardens of the Duke’s Parisian mansion to have a heart-to-heart. Past misunderstandings and months apart have led to this moment in their relationship. They teeter on reconciliation. Both want this arranged marriage to work, for they are secretly in love, but they tread carefully, fearing a wrong move could cause further heartache. It is a turning point, not only for their relationship, but also for the Roxton dynasty.

The Costumes

As mentioned previously, this was our first photo shoot with Gene and his team, so we were all still feeling our way as to what would work, and what wouldn’t. Gene had worked previously with Deborah Gerard of Time Traveler Outfitters creating costumes for fantasy, paranormal and sci-fi covers, and so she was commissioned to create Deb and Julian’s outfits. This may have been Deborah’s first time making such a grand gown, and she really put her heart and soul into the project, for which I am truly grateful.

Deb

The inspiration for Deb’s grand robe à la française are the many portraits of Mme de Pompadour by François Boucher. The open robe gown has serpentine box pleating to the front panels and a train attached to the center back. There are over-sized graduated bows en échelle attached to the stomacher which gives the outfit a sense of theatrical fancy, as does the lace detail to the elbow sleeves. The matching under petticoat is edged with flounces. The stays and pannier beneath the gown are the support structure for the entire outfit, while the cascade of large pink bows and the twists and turns in the 80 feet of box pleating are the bling, or furbelows, giving an air of playfulness and drama.

Julian

The bling to any gentleman’s outfit in the 18^th Century was to be found in the costliness of the fabric, type of buttons, the elaborate embroidery to the waistcoat and frock coat, and the use of gold and silver thread incorporated into the designs. Often on court outfits jewels were sewn into the embroidery for added sparkle under candlelight.

As heir to a wealthy and ancient dukedom, Julian has access to a rich and varied wardrobe and he is expected to dress lavishly. Men were just as much on show as their female counterparts, particularly at social gatherings such as balls and court events.

The inspiration for Julian’s ensemble was in the power dressing outfits worn at the various European courts. Of course we had to be practical—we didn’t have an unlimited budget! So no semi precious jewels, or over elaborate embroidery. Yet Julian is dressed as befits his wealth and position in society, in a shot silk with delicate embroidery detailing which is in keeping with his rather restrained character.

The Roxton Jewelry Collection

Deb wears a pearl choker, bracelet, and earrings. All are available for purchase from Kimberly Walters’ Etsy shop at the Sign of the Gray Horse. Here’s a direct link to the Deb Set.
Profits from the sale of all Roxton Jewelry Collection pieces goes to the upkeep of Kim’s rescue horses, which you can visit here: http://www.kwaltersatthesignofthegrayhorse.com/p/the-horses.html

Fantasy vs. Reality

My eagle-eyed knowledgeable readers know there are nuances peculiar to 18^th Century dress. Neither of these outfits would pass inspection were they to be worn at a re-enactor gathering. Yet they were not made for that purpose, but created to emulate the fantasy displayed in a Fragonard painting. As such, they work very well.

Lessons Learned

A closer look at the BTS video and you’ll notice that the engageants—the lace ruffles at Deb’s elbows—are not quite right. A pair of 18^th Century engageants are cut on an ellipse for good reason. When an arm is raised, the lace falls away and hangs naturally. But if the engageants are cut on the round, as has been done with Deb’s lace ruffles, then they flair out awkwardly. Thankfully we were able to use post-production to minimize this on the cover, but it does make for interesting viewing on the BTS!

Similarly, the buttons on Julian’s waistcoat are positioned not where they should be on an 18^th Century waistcoat. This is not noticeable on the cover, but you may just catch sight of this on the BTS, too.

These small missteps aside, both outfits have gorgeous detailing, and taken as a whole they evoke that sense of Fragonard fantasy we hoped to achieve. So full credit to Deborah the costumier. The outfits are a testament to her dedication and vision.

Post production

Kudos to Gene and Sasha for their directorial vision in coaching and posing the models so that they display the restrained sexual tension between Julian and Deb that is evident in this particular scene in Midnight Marriage. Deb’s gown has been given a fiery glow, and the color now ‘pops’, which is so important for a book cover. And the setting is perfect. The intimate scene between the couple situates them in the wonderland that is an 18^th century French garden. It is a beautifully evocative image for which the team can be justly proud.

*Hardcover dust jacket, divided into the 5 separate panel sections (the white section dividers don’t appear on the printed jacket).*

Enjoy the behind-the-scenes video of the photoshoot

*Example thumbnails from the photoshoot*

The Team

Gene Mollica Studio—Gene Mollica and Sasha Almazan with assistance from Kathleen Burns
Sprigleaf Pty Ltd
Deborah Gerard of Time Traveler Outfitters Costume Design
Kimberly Walters of At the Sign of the Gray Horse Reproduction and Historically Inspired Jewelry

Until next time… Antonia and Jonathon’s Happily Ever After in Autumn Duchess.

Hugs

Lucinda xo

Addendum: It is with great sadness I let you know that Deborah Gerard passed away on November 25, 2019. As well as being a shining light in the cosplay costume world, Deborah was a thoroughly lovely person. Condolences to her family and friends…

Midnight Marriage: A Georgian Historical Romance
Roxton Family Saga Book 1: Julian and Deb’s Happily Ever After

One of the 20 Most Romantic Books Ever, According to BookBub Members
Inspired by real events, a secretly arranged marriage establishes a dynasty.
After years in exile, Julian returns to claim a bride he doesn’t know. To his delight, he discovers she is everything he’d hoped for. Unaware they are already married, Deb is content with her independent life. Julian’s task now is to have her choose him on his merit, even though she has no choice at all. The future of the Roxton dukedom depends upon it.

The eBook is FREE everywhere! https://www.lucindabrant.com/midnight-marriage

The 20 Most Romantic Books Ever—BookBub
B.R.A.G. Medallion honoree
Readers’ Favorite silver medallist