Today’s guest post is by Robert and Mildred Marshall, author and narrator of the I’ve Got This: A Love Story (Lucid Books, March 2025).

More on that in a min. So kindly keep your shirt on, Cookie. First, let’s hear what the Marshall have to say about why book covers matter:

The cover of any book is an opening into the heart and soul of the story. The cover will either entice someone to want to read and learn the story. OR NOT.

When choosing the cover of our book, we wanted the picture to be dramatic in color and appearance and yet be an event that could be found in the story. We often said that Jesus had Mildred in his arms and that whenever times got more difficult, HE would pick her up and carry her through the swirling waters and storms. Thus our title, “I’ve Got This: A Love Story.”

The title has to also be short, sweet and dramatic. It has to have as much of an impact as the picture. If the picture and title together can capture the potential reader’s interest and cause them to fixate their stare on the cover, the next step will be to pick up the book. When that happens, the likelihood is they will want to acquire and read the story. At the end of the day, getting people to read our stories is why we as authors publish.

We already know our stories but we want our stories to change people’s lives. That cannot happen if they do not pick up the book.

About The Book:

 

In “I’ve Got This, A Love Story,” Mildred Marshall shares her powerful journey of faith and resilience through a sudden, life-altering cancer diagnosis. What began as a sharp pain one Friday evening in July 2012 quickly escalated into a Stage IV cancer diagnosis, with the odds stacked against her.

Yet, through every painful treatment and each challenging prognosis, Mildred found peace and strength in her unwavering faith. Against all expectations, she was declared cancer-free in February 2014.

Deeply moved by her journey, the Marshalls launched Voices of Hope, a ministry dedicated to supporting cancer patients physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Mildred’s story reminds us of the strength that faith and love can provide, even in the darkest times.

“I’ve Got This, A Love Story” is a testament to the healing power of grace, community, and the guiding hand of the Great Physician.

 

Bob Marshall grew up in a row house in South Philadelphia (Rocky’s neighborhood!) before moving to southern New Jersey and later settling in Virginia Beach in 1980, where he resides today.

He holds a B.A. in Economics and History from Dickinson College and an M.B.A. in Accounting and Finance from Rutgers University. A certified public accountant, he has been licensed in both New Jersey and Virginia and currently serves as a licensed chaplain at New Life Church.

From a young age, Bob developed a deep empathy and resilience through personal caregiving experiences. At age nine when his father was diagnosed with MS, he became a caregiver for him, and by age thirteen he was his primary caregiver until his father passed.

In 1980, Bob married his beloved wife, Mildred, and in 2012 became her primary caregiver during her battle with Stage 4 cancer. Together, they founded Voices of Hope, a ministry dedicated to bringing peace and compassion to those facing serious illness.

Marked by resilience and compassion, Bob continues to share his journey and experiences to encourage others. Through his ministry and writing, he inspires hope, faith, and strength in those navigating life’s challenges.

To learn more about the author visit Robert Marshall.