Between The Pages - Painted Dreams

Painted Dreams

Darlene Deluca 

August 2025 

Katlyn Andrews is a talented artist on her way to fulfilling a dream—her own show at a New York City gallery. Focused on her career, she’s ditched her hometown of Denver for the bright lights of the Big Apple. When she’s drawn back to check on her beloved grandmother, she finds a surprise—Nick Summers, a woodworker bidding on a job at her parents’ upscale home. Nick’s gorgeous smile and easy-going manner charm Kat. Too bad he lives in Colorado. 

Nick adores the mountains of Colorado, but NYC is on his radar. He’s auditioning to be a guest host on a home-builders network there. Since that’s a long shot, he’s still pounding the pavement closer to home to secure jobs like the high-end Andrews project. Meeting his client’s intriguing daughter has his thoughts going in other directions. Too bad she lives in New York. 

But distance can’t dim their undeniable attraction. Unfortunately, it turns out dreams can be shattered. While Nick’s career is on an upward trajectory, Kat’s unexpectedly takes a big hit. Devastated, she struggles to find a path forward. Nick fears her family’s status and wealth keep her from seeing reality—is she reaching for the stars before paying her dues? 

In her heart, Kat knows he’s wrong about her…but could her heart be wrong about him? 

Between The Pages 

This book was a sweet read. The main characters were well-matched. Katlyn was career-driven and sometimes blinded by wanting to take New York by storm, but her character grew, and a lot of that growth was thanks to Nick, whose character was captivating. Their romance had chemistry. The cast of secondary characters was equally enjoyable, with Katlyn’s adorable grandmother and a tense relationship with her mother. A recommended read of fun, drama, the artistic scene, and a heartwarming romance rolled into one. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Sunset Ledge

Sunset Ledge 

Darlene Deluca 

June 2024 

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. 

Between The Pages 

This story is a charming read. Both widowers, Jack and Caroline, aren’t looking for love but their connection is undeniable. The characters are well-developed and interesting. The secondary cast is enjoyable and adds an element of family connection. The reader gets a great visual of the story through the author’s descriptive voice and Caroline’s camera lens. Sunsets on a ranch and a set-in-his-ways cowboy equals a win-win read.

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Christmas At Tall Pines

Christmas At Tall Pines 

Darlene Deluca 

November 2022 

A blizzard at Tall Pines mountain lodge puts Melanie Beck within arm’s reach of an old high school crush and in danger of losing both her idyllic Christmas and her heart. 

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? 

Between The Pages 

This story was a delightful read. The setting, though storming, was charming inside the lodge from the decorations to the music and holiday cheer, as well as the fireside warmth. Melanie and Tyler have great chemistry. The storyline is realistic with a budding romance colliding with being in the spotlight. A bit of family drama adds interest to the read. A great read to get into the holiday spirit. This book would make a good Sunday evening holiday movie special. Grab a cup of hot cider and get cozy by the fire with this heartwarming story. 

Rating 

5 Stars