Jessica, the homeschooled daughter of my friend, never considered herself the modeling type. But one snapshot changed all that. It was a "Let's show the publisher what my 'Andi' character looks like, so they can draw a nice cover" experiment. I took a couple of quick digital shots, never dreaming Kregel Publications would actually use one of the photographs for the first book, Long Ride Home. Jessica and I were surprised when we saw the cover of the book!

But once Long Ride Home came out, we were in a race against time. Jessica wasn't getting any younger, and there was a good chance the publisher would want sequels to the first book. Yikes! Kids grow fast!

I made a Victorian dress (which Jessica hated), but she's a good sport and allowed a few shots for Andi's "forced lady mode." Jessica was pretty relieved when they chose a more western look for the second book, Dangerous Decision.

Being a "cover girl" has been an experience for Jessica and her entire family. She's been featured on the front page of her hometown newspaper, the Orting Gazette. Friends from as far away as Canada have said, "I saw your picture on a book at the store." Young readers who meet her come up and say, "I read your book!" It doesn't bother me that they think Jessica wrote the book. I'm just glad everybody's having a good time.

Some fun shots for possible future books!