Eva Romance Book Cover Design (Evoking romance, fear, and grey)

Visuals: The cover features a somber, yet captivating scene set in Gotenhafen. In the foreground stands Florian, facing the viewer with a determined expression. Beside him are Emilia, Joana, and Ingrid, positioned to reflect their bond and shared journey. Behind them, Eva, Heinz, and Klaus are slightly obscured by shadows, hinting at their inner struggles. The Wilhelm Gustloff looms in the distant background, partly shrouded in a mist that embodies an atmospheric tension. The color palette is moody, dominated by greys, blues, and muted pastels, alluding to the prevailing emotions of faith, guilt, shame, and fear.

Typography: A serif font with elegant, flowing lines is used for "salt to the sea" to convey romance and depth. The author's name, "Ruta Sepetys," is in a slightly bolder, yet complementary sans-serif, signifying presence and authority.

Layout: The characters are centered at the bottom third of the cover, leaving ample space for the sky and the looming ship. The title is placed at the top, curving slightly to mimic the shape of an archway that the characters seem to be under. The author's name is set at the bottom, aligned to the right.

Explanation: The visual composition centers on Florian's perspective, echoing the narrative's focus on individual and collective fate within the backdrop of war’s chaos. The ethereal yet dark mist around the Wilhelm Gustloff captures a sense of impending doom while heightening the sense of fear and uncertainty. The characters' arrangement underscores their emotional states and relationships, allowing readers to anticipate a story rich in character development. Typography is crucial in melding the romantic elements with more somber tones, providing an intriguing contrast that invites reflection. Using matte paper enhances the cover's tactile appeal, giving it a classic, almost timeless feel, perfect for a historical romance.