As mentioned in the brief session and looking at moodboard attached, I came up with this design. I use a spring color palette that has earthy, warm, and calm feelings composed by using pastel colors.
The character is based from the author's face, in this design, I make the character design stylish and fresh so it will appeal more to young-mid age woman. I used a pose you recommended and your actual face, so everyone who looks at it will instantly recognize that she is the author.
For the kitchen, I take from the actual photo attached and added some greenery as a compliment for your kitchen and the theme of this book without looking 'too much plants'.
and last but not least, vegetables, fruits, and salads that fresh from the garden (a hint from an outdoor hat on the left side) look tempting on the table will make this overall illustration not just beautiful, but informative as a book cover.
So, What do you think?