Cover Reveal! Bicentennial Eve: A Wisconsin Novella, Forthcoming May 2026
We’re happy to reveal the cover of our first book of 2026, Bicentennial Eve: A Wisconsin Novella by Julie A. Jacob, slated for release in May!
Cover reveals are a thrilling moment in publishing, building buzz for authors, publishers, and readers alike. More than just a first look, it’s an invitation into the world of the book—its mood, voice, and promise.
At Fresh Water Press, we involve the author in the cover design process to include her vision in the creative process from beginning to end. “I love the cover! I thought it was a fascinating process to see how it was designed going through the rounds of revisions and seeing the idea take shape,” Author Julie A. Jabob said.
For this novella, which is told from multiple points of view in a single day, we wanted a visual that was simple and captured the concept of a moment in time that stays in our memory.
The snapshot was selected as an accurate representation of how moments were captured and saved in the 1970s—polaroids maintained their popularity for several decades and still have enthusiasts today.
The subject of the fireworks over the beach was chosen over pictures of family members, because of how fortunate and unusual it is to be able to see fireworks over a Great Lake.
The title font was selected because it was popular in the seventies, an early viewer commented that the lettering reminded her of bell bottoms! The novella is full of descriptions of cultural artifacts including fashion from the time.
“It was a fun process and really interesting to see how it all came together,” Julie A. Jacob said. “I love it! Yeah!”
Cover Design by: Vagabond Creative Studio
About Bicentennial Eve:
A family and country on the cusp of change celebrate America’s 200th birthday.
Bicentennial Eve: A Wisconsin Novella is a gentle, slice-of-life tale of a family on the eve of the nation’s monumental milestone. As the cast of characters go about their day, each of them struggles with their own passing of time. From Grandma Kitty’s quest for some adventure to young Skylar’s search for a taste of first love, each family member is looking for a little independence of their own against the backdrop of a changing country.
Author Julie A. Jacob’s created a believable world in the fictional Wisconsin Lakeshore community of Middleport. Her writing is impeccable, drawing the reader into the story with great attention to the cultural details of the times. Bicentennial Eve is more than a nice story; it is a testament to the lasting values that make up family and a look into the rural communities that make up Midwestern America.
Those who appreciate the charm of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town will love the character of the small-town view of America in 1976. Julie A. Jacob has found something special that endures through the decades.