Books

I’m Seeing Stars!

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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

Book it to the Smashwords Summer Sale!

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Cheers to summer! Cheers to good books! And cheers to the Smashwords Summer/Winter sale that just happens to coincide with Christmas in July!

Is it hot where you are? Whether you enjoy the summer heat or can’t wait for fall, this is a perfect time to grab a beverage and get away to the snowy mountains of Utah – for just 99 cents! 🙂

Christmas at Tall Pines, a sweet holiday romance, will take you on a festive holiday getaway. It has all the feels — from cozy Christmas decor, to jolly holiday music, to a surprise reunion with a high school crush!

The Smashwords Sale has something for everyone! Don’t miss out on the deals and great summer reads!

click to browse

Christmas at Tall Pines

Melanie Beck is searching for an idyllic Christmas like the ones her small family used to have. Traveling solo and still grieving the loss of her parents, she’s counting on cozy Tall Pines Lodge tucked into the mountains of Utah to provide the elusive holiday feels with merry music, stunning decorations and traditional Christmas feast in a beautiful frosty setting.

But a blizzard turns the winter wonderland into a hazard, and a chance encounter with a now-famous high school crush has her reeling with emotions she’s never quite gotten over.

Tyler Shaw, a Hollywood heartthrob and silver screen star, is so over a grueling film schedule and persistent paparazzi. In disguise and using a fake name, he comes to Tall Pines to escape the spotlight and get some much-needed rest. He’s hoping the adrenaline rush of downhill skiing at the nearby slopes will give him the reboot he’s looking for.

Instead, he’s stuck at the lodge and is shocked to run into an old high school friend that he left behind more than a decade ago. He’s even more surprised to discover how much he’s missed her.

As their past and present collide, can an old flame ignite some Christmas magic?

I hope you’re enjoying the summer and some good books! Happy reading to all!

Darlene

Revisiting a fave place and cast

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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

Cheers to a book anniversary!

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When I started writing the first Women of Whitfield book, I didn’t intend to write a series, but as I wrote, the secondary characters– the good friends–all seemed to deserve their own time in the spotlight.

Today is the publishing anniversary of book three, Barefoot Days. It’s Mary’s story. Mary is happily married to a great guy, with three grown children who are also part of the story.

I enjoyed writing this one. Mary started out as a side character, but readers kept saying how much they liked her. She’s a good person and friend–generous with her time, money and influence.  In Barefoot Days, she hits some unexpected bumps that affect not just her but her family:

–Mary Logan believes in the goodness of people. She believes in grace under pressure. But when the ugliness of human nature touches her family, and a series of seismic events shake up her world, she’s put to the test again and again.

She and her husband are supposed to be enjoying the benefits of early retirement. Their nest is empty. It’s time to travel and re-focus. It’s their time. Then an alarming diagnosis and an unexpected announcement from their daughter change everything. Facing the possibility of heart-wrenching loss, Mary finds herself breaking commitments, forcing smiles, and keeping secrets.

Until now, her cup has always been half full. Will a positive outlook be enough to withstand the challenges ahead?–

Can’t believe it’s been eight years. I’ve written several books since then. But Mary remains one of my favorite characters. If you like character-driven women’s fiction, I think you’ll like her, too!

Here’s what a couple of reader had to say:

–‘Barefoot Days’ is a lovely book! Warm, real, and deeply satisfying.–

–You’ll cheer, cry, and enjoy this journey where you’ll be reunited with these great friends (you met them in the first two books of this trilogy) who remind you of the important role our gal pals play in our lives. Bravo!–

–This author once again struck a chord with me. Compelling story line with characters I could relate to. All set in a town that felt like I could live there. The third in her Women of Whitfield series, but it stood alone. You won’t have to read the others in the series to enjoy this book, but you’ll want to!–

Cheers and Happy Anniversary to Mary and Grant and the cast of Barefoot Days!

Happy Reading!

Darlene

Barefoot Days is available in ebook and digital formats at most popular online booksellers.

 

 

Feel the Love today!!

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Happy Valentine’s Day, friends!

Whether you’re spending the day with gal pals, a significant other or curled up with a good book, I hope you feel the love today! 

To help in that regard, how about a little romance?! Today kicks off the Oklahoma Romance Writers Guild Virtual Book Fair, So This is Love!

https://www.oklahomaromancewritersguild.com/bookfair

This is your invitation to join in the fun! 
Whether you’re in search of a new book boyfriend to make your heart go pitter-patter or a sweet romance that will leave you with a smile and a sigh, we’ve got a great read for you!
Find love, sparks, romance and happy-ever-after!
Click the link to check out the selection, and while you’re there, enter to win some cool prizes, including a $25 Amazon gift card!

My sweet romance The Story Between Us is one of the books featured in the Virtual Book Fair. It’s a tug-at-your-heartstrings romance with all the feels! 

Her agent warned her not to get attached to a fan. But children’s book author Kristen Hanover is about to break the rules. Kristen meets a young boy who is a victim of a tragic accident and is drawn into the heartbreaking situation.

Six years ago, Reed Armstrong never imagined he’d actually become guardian of his sister’s boy. Now he is, and most days he’s not sure he’s up to the task.

When he and Dylan meet Kristen, Reed downplays his nephew’s crush on the author. But as their lives become unexpectedly intertwined, he finds himself captivated as well. Trouble is, she sells stories for a living. Does she truly care about Dylan…and Reed, or is she using them for her own career advancement?

After you read The Story Between Us, revisit the Armstrong Ranch in book two of the series, Sunset Ledge, a later-in-life romance that proves love has no age limits!

Happy reading, and Happy Valentine’s Day! Crossing my fingers that Spring is on its way!

Darlene

A Ghostly Christmas Honeymoon

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Hello, friends! Today please welcome author Randy Overbeck as part of my holiday guest series featuring talented authors who will share a little about themselves and their books. I asked them each to answer a few holiday-related questions. Let’s meet Randy!

–What’s your favorite holiday tradition and why? When I was in grade school, I attended a special “choir school” where we would prepare music for the church service as part of every school day. We sang at every holiday including Christmas, especially the Midnight Mass service. Even decades later, I still remember being in the choir loft, singing beautiful Christmas hymns with the church looking and smelling like Christmas. A few of my favorite Christmas carols we sang back then can still bring tears to my eyes even today.

–What’s your favorite holiday movie and why? I enjoy several of the classic movies, but I love Christmas on 42th Street, with its unbelieving child and Thanksgiving parade Santa. I’ve seen several versions of the movie and have enjoyed them all, just the child in me, I guess.

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades. He has turned this experience into captivating fiction, authoring the bestselling series, the Haunted Shores Mysteries, winner of nine national awards. This past fall, the Wild Rose Press released his newest work, an atmospheric amateur sleuth mystery, CRUEL LESSONS, the first installment in a new series set in schools, “Lessons in Peril.” He is the host of the podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets. He is also a speaker in much demand, sharing his multi-media presentations, “Things Still Go Bump in the Night,” “A Few Favorite Haunts,” and “Everything You Wanted to Know About Publishing” with audiences all over the country.

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Book blurb: All Darrell Henshaw wanted was to enjoy his honeymoon with his beautiful wife, Erin, in the charming town of Crystal River on the sunny Gulf Coast of Florida. Only a pair of ghosts decide to intrude on their celebration. And not just any ghosts, the spirits of two young Latino children. Unwilling at first to derail the honeymoon for yet another ghost hunt, Darrell finally concedes when a painting of the kids comes alive, weeping and pleading for his help.

When he and Erin track down the artist, they discover the children’s family were migrant workers the next county over. But when they travel there, their questions about the kids get their car shot up and Erin hospitalized. Torn between fear and rage, Darrell must decide how far he will go to get justice for two young children he never even knew.

A favorite line from the book:  “Remember Christmas is for the children…especially the two who need your help.”

Connect with Randy: http://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com

https://www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Crystal-Haunted-Shores-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B09B5Q2GQS

Thanks for sharing with us today, Randy! I’ve been known to get teary over Christmas tunes, too! Happy reading, everyone! Hope you’re enjoying my author guests! How is your holiday prep going?

Darlene

Make it a merry month!

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Hello to all and happy December! It’s officially holiday season! And I’m kicking it off with some guest bloggers talking about holiday traditions, recipes, books and more! Hope you’ll join us over the next couple of weeks and share your thoughts! We love to chat with readers!

On Dec. 21, I’ll draw a prize winner from everyone who’s commented or shared the holiday guest posts on this page! But first, I’m visiting author Liz Flaherty’s Kitchen Window blog today. Link is below. Stop on over and say hello!

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https://windowoverthesink.blogspot.com/2023/12/snow-magic-or-havoc-by-darlene-deluca.html

It’s such a fun season. And whatever holidays you celebrate, I hope you are surrounded by festivities and people you love! Hope to see you throughout this merriest month!

Darlene

 

Who’s Feeling Lucky?

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Do you enjoy discovering new authors? Have you ever been hesitant to try a new author? Maybe your budget doesn’t allow you to try all the authors you’d like. Well, here’s a super opportunity for you! While this weekend might be all about shopping, here’s one thing that won’t cost a dime––enter for a chance to win eight books from a group of Kansas City authors. It’s a multi-author, multi-genre opportunity!

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One lucky reader (U.S. only) will win all eight books. The books will be mailed in December after the close of the contest. Keep them for yourself, or give them as gifts! You can visit the Of Books and Nooks website to check out the individual authors and their work. 

While we all write individually, the group has teamed up to offer you a glimpse into the lives of writers, travel adventures, recipes, book reviews and more! Come along and follow us!

Don’t miss this opportunity.

Good luck and happy reading to all!

Darlene

Holiday Giveaway

Happy New Year to All!

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Wow! That was a fast year! For me, it was full of ups and downs, but mostly ups. My daughter got married, and my son got engaged! We had showers and a bachelorette get-away and a fabulous wedding and reception. Lots of special memories were made.

I published a holiday novella with The Wild Rose Press and finished a full-length romance novel that’s now in the editing phase. Just completed the rough draft of a short story for an anthology, and getting back to a women’s fiction novel I started a few years ago. It promises to be a busy year ahead!

Of course not everything was rosy in 2021. I lost a brother-in-law to cancer. And we didn’t end the pandemic. We didn’t get to travel freely. To kick off the new year, I’m supposed to go on my first ever cruise this month. Sadly, that might not happen. While it’s frustrating, I’m trying to do my part to follow guidelines and science and get through this.

Come on, 2022! Let’s make it a good year!

Wishing you all a peaceful, prosperous and happy new year with books to read and time with all your favorite peeps in all your favorite places! Cheers!

Darlene

House calls and Christmas cookies …

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I know, I know, it’s still Halloween season. But I’m excited about the upcoming release of my newest story and helping to get YOU in the Christmas spirit!

“Cookie Collision” releases November 3, and is now available to pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble online and Apple. See? By the time it drops onto your reading device, it’ll be the perfect time to snuggle up with a holiday read!

“Cookie Collision” is a heartwarming novella set at Christmastime in Kansas City. It’s part of a collection of holiday stories offered this year by The Wild Rose Press.

Here’s a peek:

House calls and Christmas cookies . . . a sweet combination or recipe for disaster?

Before she can let up and enjoy some holiday cheer, real estate agent Alana Drake has work to do. With Christmas moving in fast, she has clients to meet with, houses to show, and cookies to bake. Every open house deserves her special touch—homemade and hand-decorated sugar cookies for a warm welcome. And she needs several dozen for upcoming holiday events and open houses.

But a poorly timed stop at the grocery store could upend more than her bag of groceries. Running into Doctor Justin Teague—literally—shakes up Alana’s tidy world. The chance encounter leaves her with a bum ankle, forces her to reconsider some dating ideals, and reveals new information about a longtime nemesis.

When all she wanted was to bake some cookies…

A few words from an early reviewer:

In relatively few pages, Darlene Deluca again works her magic with realistic, relatable characters and a story that draws you in and leaves you smiling. The story starts with a bang … almost literally. It features an unexpected twist that I won’t reveal here, but let’s just say I made peace with the woman I vehemently disliked. It’s such a fun holiday story and I highly recommend it!

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Apple

Buy on BarnesandNoble

Whether you’re not ready for the holidays to begin, already shopping or anxious to get started, I hope you get some time to yourself to relax and enjoy the season — and maybe a book or two!

Happy reading to all!

Darlene