diff --git a/pyWebLayout/layout/ereader_manager.py b/pyWebLayout/layout/ereader_manager.py
index ae368b2..6c4848c 100644
--- a/pyWebLayout/layout/ereader_manager.py
+++ b/pyWebLayout/layout/ereader_manager.py
@@ -453,6 +453,12 @@ class EreaderLayoutManager:
         # Special case: if at the beginning of content and there's a cover, go back to it
         if self._has_cover and self._is_at_beginning() and not self._on_cover_page:
             self._on_cover_page = True
+            # Restore the canonical cover position. Being on the cover must have a
+            # single representation: a fresh load sits at block 0 with the cover
+            # showing, so returning to the cover has to land there too. Leaving the
+            # position at the first content block saves a position that reopens past
+            # the cover, silently losing it.
+            self.current_position = RenderingPosition()
             self._notify_position_changed()
             return self.get_current_page()