From Karen:

"Do you think Bantam wants to separate you from the series you're writing for a different publisher with a very different look? "

Definitely. ABSENT FRIENDS is a real departure for me, in tone, style, and approach. Bantam wants this book to be seen as standing on its own. Though they're perfectly happy to use whatever reputation I already have, and whatever reviews I've already gotten. But also, the look of the other covers wouldn't have worked for this book, even if they'd wanted to tie them together. Those covers were too literal. This one's more abstract.