Hi, Jennifer and friends! Thanks so much for having me today.
So I had my first book release with The Wild Rose Press a couple of weeks ago. And all of the promotion and festivities took place online. No book signings or in-person parties, thanks to Covid-19.
Ditto my real birthday festivities!
Coincidentally, my book released on my 60th birthday! It was a big milestone I had intended to celebrate in a big way! When I hit that 59-and-a-half mark, I cashed out a small IRA to fund my fun times – Girls trip with a few friends. Road trip with my mom who turns 80 next week. Writer’s conference in Hawaii, and a couple of weeks someplace warm and sunny when winter hit the Midwest.
Sigh. Not doing any of it!
I’m trying not to complain too much. I know I’m not alone. A lot of people have cancelled cruises and travel and weddings and have had to skip funerals and graduations.
I’m fortunate. No one in my family or friend group has contracted the coronavirus. I know some people who’ve had it and recovered, but thankfully, no deaths. I totally understand the need for lock-downs and masks and no crowds or events. Still, it makes me sad that the year is so out of whack.
And I’m sad to have to cancel all my plans. I’m to the age where I’m not looking to acquire more stuff. I want to dothings rather than buy things, so travel and spending time with friends are at the top of the list.
Maybe next year. Hopefully by then, I can not only celebrate my birthday and my mom’s, but also celebrate a return to normalcy! That is something I could definitely get excited about!
I probably won’t have another book release, but that was kind of a lot to heap on one day in the universe, anyway. At least this way, I was able to give my full attention to launching the new book! It’s a heartwarming romance that features likeable characters and a happy ending. I hope it offers a little escape from the troubles of the world!
Happy reading and best wishes to all!
Book Blurb:
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?
Book Excerpt:
Reed pulled his keys out of his pocket. In the doorway, he folded his arms and leaned against the casing. “Can I ask you a question?”
Chest pounding, Kristen forced a smile. “Of course.” She took a couple of steps toward him and braced a hand against the back of the sofa.
“Is writing your only reason for being here?”
Heavy, charged air closed around her. How to answer that? Honestly, of course, but…how honestly? “Well, writing is my goal for sure. But—” She glanced around the room before looking at him again. “I’d love to ride my horse, er, Star, and spend some time with…with people I like, too.”
As he pushed off from the door, a slow grin spread across his face. “Sounds like an excellent plan.” He sauntered closer. About a foot away, he stopped. “You’re good with dinner at the main house tonight? Don’t let Dylan bully you. You decide.”
She gave a shaky laugh. That was the plan, right? She couldn’t remember for sure. Her brain was going fuzzy. “I’d love to,” she managed to say.
He leaned closer, his breath warm on her cheek. She braced herself for a friendly peck, but when her eyes fluttered shut, his lips grazed hers. Hovered there, and when she thought her legs might give out, Reed caught her arm and pulled her slightly toward him, his lips covering hers again.
Sparks exploded in her brain, and she grabbed hold of his arm. All of her senses came alive and responded to the unexpected deluge.
A long moment later, he pulled back and brushed a thumb across her cheek. “See you in about an hour.”
Kristen could only nod. As soon as the door closed behind him, she collapsed against the sofa. She ran a finger along her bottom lip. That kiss…Oh, man. The chances of her getting any writing done this weekend just dropped from unlikely to who-said-anything-about-writing?
Buy links:
https://www.thewildrosepress.com/genre/sweet-rom
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-story-between-us-darlene-deluca/1137387092?ean=2940162985785
https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-story-between-us/id1525107147
Author Bio:
Darlene Deluca writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction, and likes to explore relationships – what brings people together or keeps them apart.
Her intent is to bring to life interesting characters that readers can relate to in real-life situations that combine a little fun, plenty of drama (with perhaps a tear or two), and big helpings of friendship, love and self-discovery, and will leave readers either cheering or sighing with a satisfied smile as they turn the final page.
The Kansas City author enjoys getting lost in a good story with a glass of tea, a bit of dark chocolate and a warm, sunny beach.
Social Media Links:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6879809.Darlene_Deluca
https://www.pinterest.com/darlenedelucaau/boards/
https://www.instagram.com/darlenedelucaauthor/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/Darlene-Deluca-282385088481413/?ref=bookmarks
https://twitter.com/darlene_deluca1
Website:
What a beautiful cover. Congratulations! It's nice getting to know you. D. V.🦉
ReplyDeleteThank you! And thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI'm hoping you'll get to take all those trips next year, Darlene! Consider it an extended birthday celebrations. All the best with your new release, too. It sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary! Pretty sure I'll be ready to celebrate in 2021!
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping next year brings you those trips you're planning. Happy dual birthdays :) Wishing you and your book mega success !!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barbara!
ReplyDelete