It’s a Birthday Bash!!

Woo-hoooo! Welcome to the bookish world, Emily, Eric, Julia, Chloe, and all the cast of HARD LEMONADE, my new women’s fiction novel releasing today!

It’s always a bit of a nerve-wracking day, but also so fun to finally release a new book to the world! I could talk about it all day, but I think I’ll let some early reviews speak for me! 🙂 I’m so grateful to these reviewers for their time, thoughtful comments and so many stars!!!

–Women’s fiction at its finest, this novel speaks to every woman at any age:  the young college student, the empty nester of a mother [or, like me, a grandmother missing her firstborn grandchild]. Then when the trials and tribulations begin—and we know they always will—the pain and fear and heartache of how to help someone we love without taking over or playing know-it-all. This is a jewel of a story. Well told and heart wrenching.

On a scale of 1-5, Hard Lemonade merits a solid 8.

**Kat Henry Doran, a Wild Women Review

–What I loved most was the reminder that starting over isn’t failure. Sometimes it’s a redirection toward a better life.💛
There were so many moments that made me stop and think: What would I do in Emily’s situation?
A thoughtful read with plenty to discuss, especially for a book club. The characters, relationships, choices, and life lessons give you a lot to unpack.
⭐ A memorable, emotional story about love, family, second chances, and starting over.

**NANA’S Book Reviews

–‘Hard Lemonade’ is a beautifully written and deeply absorbing novel about marriage, motherhood, ambition, friendship and resilience. Deluca has created a wonderfully believable protagonist in Emily, a young woman whose determination to build the life she imagined takes her on a journey she could never have anticipated. Thoughtful, moving and filled with memorable characters, ‘Hard Lemonade’ is women’s fiction at its finest. A beautifully realised and ultimately uplifting novel that is thoroughly deserving of five stars.

**Review by Mary Anne Yarde

 

Description–HARD LEMONADE

Her husband fails. Her marriage fails. Does that make Emily Sherridan a failure?

With high hopes and rose-colored shades, Emily Sherridan leaves her family and friends to build a new life with her screenwriter husband in sunny Los Angeles. There, she learns that love conquers all…until the rent is overdue, the rejections pile up, or the test is positive.

As months, then years, go by and Eric’s career fails to launch, Emily is determined to hold everything together. But when he brings danger into their lives, it’s over. When the cops arrive at her doorstep, anguish mixes with anger. She wonders how low they can go—until one of the officers hands her the number to a women’s shelter.

Broke and broken, her dreams are dashed and her confidence is shaken. With Eric’s taunt about running home pounding in her ears, Emily pushes forward though she’s unsure of her direction. She cannot give up. Her daughter deserves more.

From rosy dreams to real-life roadblocks, Hard Lemonade is a compelling story of friends, family, and fierce sheroes.

HARD LEMONADE is available in ebook or paperback from most online retailers!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HKYLG44G/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hard-lemonade-darlene-deluca/1151481308?ean=9798997543419

https://books.apple.com/us/book/hard-lemonade/id6817955336

Happy Reading!!

Darlene

 

I’m Seeing Stars!

It’s been a month since I published my newest novel, Painted Dreams. It’s always a bit of an anxious time, like waiting for a courtroom verdict. Will people buy it? Will they like it? Will they leave a review?

Takes a long time to write, edit and polish a book, and after your baby goes live, anyone can weight in! And the truth is, people are more likely to report a negative experience than a positive one, which makes reviews a tricky thing.

I’m happy to say that early response to Kat, Nick, Nana and their story has been great! Whew! So today I’m sharing  a few of the kind words from some of the wonderful people who took the time to read and review the book. I’m seeing stars!!! 🙂 

Darlene Deluca has penned a captivating romantic novel that enchants from the very first page. Titled “Painted Dreams (Art from the Heart),” this heartwarming tale transports readers to a place in which love and creativity intertwine seamlessly. It is a feel-good story that wraps you in warmth and hope, inviting you to explore the depths of romance and the beauty of art. — Yarde Reviews

A recommended read of fun, drama, the artistic scene, and a heartwarming romance rolled into one. — Still Moments Magazine

This is a lovely story about two people who have a shared love of art, but come from two different backgrounds. It is a deep romance that shows a lot of conflict between the two until they can put their differences aside and let love conquer all. — Sparkling Book Reviews

Painted Dreams is a sweet and inspiring romance between two artists from very different backgrounds…

If you’re in the mood for a clean, heartfelt romance with emotional depth and relatable characters, this one is worth picking up. — Nana’s Book Reviews

Darlene Deluca has penned an unputdownable story that is part romance, part women’s fiction. The plot is filled with emotional triumphs, failures, and success. I got so caught up while reading, I became the characters.

If you’re looking for a book to take over your life and leave you with a book hangover, read Painted Dreams. Highly recommend. — N.N. Light Book Reviews

Whether you’re in the mood for a happy-ever-after, a new book boyfriend, or a heartwarming family drama, look no further! Painted Dreams is available in ebook and paperback formats.

Happy Reading to all!

Darlene

https://books.apple.com/us/book/painted-dreams/id6749023069

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/painted-dreams-darlene-deluca/1147882921?ean=2940181700840

Revisiting a fave place and cast

I’ve moved on and currently have a new book in the editing stage, a new book almost ready to release, and another book I’m writing. But I’m taking a little time to revisit and celebrate one of my faves! Today is the one-year publication anniversary of Sunset Ledge, a sweet later-in-life romance published by The Wild Rose Press.

It’s a stand-alone novel, but also a sequel to an earlier book, The Story Between Us. When I first wrote The Story Between Us, I hadn’t planned on a second novel, but the characters and the setting seemed to want more! And I have to say, I love these characters. It was fun to bring back a young boy who’d lost his parents and let readers see how he’d adjusted in his new life with his uncle as his dad. 

It was also fun to give the curmudgeonly grandpa from the first book his own story — to  dig deeper into his backstory and see if he could get unstuck and move to a better place. It just took the right woman to bring him back to life. 

Set on a fictional ranch in Texas, the landscape combines beautiful open fields with nature’s critters and stunning sunsets. It’s a place worthy of another visit! Happy anniversary to Jack, Caroline and all the cast of Sunset Ledge!

Darlene

Jack Armstrong lives like a recluse on his Texas ranch. In the difficult years after his wife’s death, he goes through the motions of life and wants to be left alone.

Caroline Tate, a widowed ecology professor, arrives at the ranch for a much-needed break and to take nature photos for her sabbatical project. But relaxing is a challenge when she finds herself at odds with the curmudgeonly cowboy who owns the place.

Jack generally steers clear of the guests, but this time, it’s not so easy. Vivacious Caroline doesn’t fade into the background. This city gal comes with pearls around her neck, a big red flower on her floppy hat, and way too many questions. Her self-assured, adventurous spirit gets under Jack’s skin, and she soon stirs feelings long dormant inside him.

Sunset Ledge is available at most online booksellers.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/…/sunset…/1145247176…

https://books.apple.com/us/book/sunset-ledge/id6497954022