I haven't read the book, but that shouldn't matter because part of a book cover's job is to entice readers who know nothing about the book.
I strongly prefer the skeleton whale. It's the clear winner, IMO.
As for which direction it faces, I'd say it doesn't matter a whole lot. Either way is fine, and I doubt the orientation will move the needle in terms of sales. But if I had to choose, I'd go with the whale facing right. Facing left looks more harmonious because it flows with the adjacent text, but facing right is more eye-catching for some reason I can't define. Maybe it's that I don't like it when things look too "matchy." Going against the flow can be more ... aesthetically stimulating, if that makes any sense.
Regardless, it is a fantastic cover. I love the little floating heart. At the thumbnail size most internet webpages will use, you probably won't notice the heart. Still, it's a cute detail for those who do spot it (e.g. on a paperback).
And I'm not saying all this just because I usually religiously suck up to you in a vain effort to please you.