Village Romance Book Cover Design (Evoking romance, fear, and faith)

Visuals: A moody, atmospheric cover showing the old village of Gotenhafen under an overcast sky. Florian stands in the foreground, his back turned to the viewer, gazing at the crowd and the distant port with the Wilhelm Gustloff docked. The amber swan is subtly glowing in his hand, drawing attention. Other characters are subtly placed around, their expressions revealing emotions of faith, guilt, shame, and fear, blending into the village scene.

Typography: A serif font for the title "salt to the sea" with an elegant, slightly faded touch to give a historical feel. The author's name, Ruta Sepetys, is in a sharp, modern sans-serif font for contrast.

Layout: Florian is the focal point, standing off-center to the left. The title "salt to the sea" arches across the top, slightly curved. The author's name, Ruta Sepetys, is at the bottom, centered. The rest of the characters form a semicircle around Florian.

Explanation: The cover's visual composition employs a somber color palette, with muted tones to reflect the era and mood of the narrative. Florian, holding the amber swan, symbolizes the connection and burden he carries, making him the significant focal point. The choice of serif font for the title aligns with the historical setting, providing a classic feel. In contrast, the modern sans-serif font for the author's name offers a contemporary touch, showing the timelessness of the themes within. The matte finish further enhances the vintage atmosphere, while the embossed elements draw immediate tactile intrigue and highlight important pieces, ensuring the cover is both attractive and evocative.