Painted Dreams
(Art from the Heart)
By Darlene Deluca
Publication Date: 1st August 2025Publisher: Summer Day Books
Page Length: 330
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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?
Katlyn Andrews has an innate gift that flows through her fingertips and onto the canvas. Fuelled by ambition, she set her sights on showcasing her work at one of the prestigious galleries in New York. Yet, as the holiday season approached, she faced an unwelcome obligation—spending Christmas at home. The thought of family gatherings with her judgmental mother was something she dreaded.
Meanwhile, Nick Summers was on the brink of a breakthrough. He was determined to secure a commission for a custom mantelpiece and a finely detailed bookcase from the affluent Rebecca Andrews. Winning her favour could catapult him into the world of luxury furniture, attracting the attention of other wealthy families eager for unique, handcrafted pieces. Nick was also gearing up for an audition for the television design show “Home Builders.” Success there could change the trajectory of his career, elevating his business to heights he had only dreamed of.
Kat and Nick, though emerging from contrasting social backgrounds, find a powerful bond in their shared passion for art. Each stroke of paint on the canvas seems to echo their vibrant emotions, bringing them closer together in a world filled with colour, creativity, romance, and possibly love. However, how could they nurture their relationship when she was anchored firmly in New York and he was rooted in the serene landscapes of Colorado?
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.
Kat grew up feeling the immense pressure of her mother's expectations, which loomed over her like a heavy cloud. No matter the effort she put forth or the accomplishments she achieved, it always felt like she fell short, leaving her with a lingering sense of inadequacy. In search of the love and acceptance that seemed always just out of reach, she found solace in her beloved Nana Kitty. The story begins with Kat’s reluctant return to her childhood house for the holidays, a season typically bursting with happiness, but for her is cloaked in dread, as she braces herself for the predictable storm of conflict with her mother. Rebecca, a woman fiercely dedicated to maintaining an immaculate image, considers Kat’s choice to pursue a career in the arts an embarrassing deviation from a respectable profession. The palpable tension that simmers between them has intensified since Kat (Katherine) officially changed her name to Katlyn. This choice symbolises more than just a name change; it highlights Kat’s tumultuous relationship with her mother and her profound sense of alienation within the walls of her own home. When the two of them are together, the atmosphere is thick with unspoken resentment, exacerbated by Rebecca’s sharp, critical nature and the passive role her father plays, leaving Kat often feeling like a stranger in her own family. Kat’s relationship with her mother is a poignant spectacle, marked by an aching longing. All she yearns for is a simple, heartfelt acknowledgement that her mother is proud of her, but no matter how hard she strives or what achievements she racks up, the elusive words remain unspoken, creating a chasm filled with disappointment and sorrow. This persistent absence weighs heavily on Kat’s heart, casting a shadow over her spirit and shaping her sense of self-worth in profound and painful ways, making it impossible for the reader not to feel the intensity of her struggles.
At 28 years old, Kat remains tethered to her parents, a reflection of her sheltered upbringing. The very fact that she relies on their financial support speaks volumes about her privileged background. Despite the strained relationship with her mother, Kat’s parents are a safety net, always ready to catch her. Her position at the Museum of Modern Art fills her with a sense of purpose, yet there’s a burning desire within her heart: to see her artwork displayed in one of New York’s elite galleries. Kat dreams that such recognition might finally earn her mother’s approval, a prize she has long sought. In many ways, Kat’s entitlement shines through vividly. She wouldn’t dream of submitting her work to a smaller, less prestigious gallery; the mere thought seems beneath her. She throws money around with an almost carefree attitude, as if it were confetti fluttering through the air, and indulges in the luxury of dining out frequently, relishing the finest culinary experiences the city has to offer. Though Kat is undeniably a charming character, radiating warmth and creativity, this aura of entitlement serves as a stark reminder of her upbringing. If she truly aspires to flourish in the competitive art world, she still has some growing up to do, navigating the tumultuous path toward genuine independence and self-fulfilment. The author has created a remarkably intriguing character, and as the reader follows Kat on her transformative journey, they witness her evolution into the person she was always destined to become. The reader feels deep satisfaction as she grows, admiring her strength and self-discovery.
Nick Summers emerges as a charming and enigmatic figure, effortlessly captivating those around him. A skilled craftsman, he possesses a remarkable talent for woodworking, creating exquisite, bespoke furniture pieces that speak to his artistry and dedication. Should he earn the opportunity to work with Rebecca, he will transform her space with an elegantly crafted mantelpiece and intricately designed bookshelves that evoke both warmth and sophistication. At first glance, Nick perceives Kat as merely a “pretty little rich girl.” Yet, as their paths intertwine, he finds himself drawn to her and falls for her with an intensity that surprises him. Despite his growing affection, he is acutely aware of her imperfections, and, much like anyone grappling with their flaws, Kat struggles to accept his gentle criticism. Nick is a genuinely kind-hearted, easy-going man with a likeable demeanour that makes him immediately approachable. He possesses an undeniable charisma, enhanced by his rugged good looks, embodying the quintessential qualities of a great romantic lead. In stark contrast to Kat’s sheltered existence, Nick has diligently ascended from humble beginnings, and after years of perseverance and hard work, he is finally beginning to reap the rewards of his labour, finding success and fulfilment in his passion for crafting extraordinary creations.
Nana Kitty radiates warmth and affection, enveloping Kat in a love that feels more maternal than grandmotherly. Their bond is incredibly tight-knit, a vivid contrast to the often cold and distant relationship Kat shares with her mother. In Nana Kitty’s presence, Kat’s heart finds solace, as if she has stepped into a sanctuary where she truly belongs. Nana Kitty, with her gentle smile and unwavering support, becomes a driving force in the story, ready to move mountains for her granddaughter’s happiness. She is determined to ensure that every moment spent together is filled with joy and love, proving that the strongest ties can often bind generations together.
The romantic tension between Kat and Nick is nothing short of electrifying, and an undeniable chemistry sparks to life the instant their eyes meet. Yet, as they navigate the complexities of a long-distance relationship, their journey is laden with challenges that tug at their hearts. Throughout the novel, readers are drawn into the emotional rollercoaster, fervently hoping for a way for their love to triumph against the odds. While there are a few intimate scenes that add a layer of allure, the story remains beautifully tender, emphasising the depth of their connection rather than the explicit detail of a love scene. The romantic moments are vividly portrayed, wrapping the reader in a warm embrace of emotion that feels remarkably real and relatable. Each exchange, each stolen glance, and each sweet gesture resonates with authenticity, making their story all the more enchanting.
“Painted Dreams (Art from the Heart)” by Darlene Deluca unfolds as an exquisitely crafted love story, artfully blending emotion and artistry. Readers are transported into a world where each character comes to life with depth and authenticity, their dreams and desires echoing throughout the pages. The settings are painted with vivid brushstrokes, immersing the audience in lush landscapes and intimate moments that resonate long after the last page is turned. This enchanting novel is an absolute treasure for anyone who cherishes romantic fiction.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion
Pick up your copy of
Painted Dreams
(Art from the Heart)
Darlene Deluca
My novels are about people and their relationships - what brings them together, what keeps them apart. My intent is to bring to life interesting and 'real' characters that you, the reader, 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 you either cheering or sighing with a satisfied smile as you turn the final page.
With a degree in Journalism, I began my writing career as a newspaper reporter, then moved into corporate communications, writing and editing for business-related employee, company and industry publications. I launched into fiction writing just a few years ago, and published my first novel in 2013.
So far, my completed novels and works-in-progress fall into the genres of women's fiction, contemporary romance, and mainstream with romantic elements.
Books have always been a part of my life, and reading has always been a favorite pastime - from my childhood bookworm days when I would hide away with Trixie Belden or Laura Ingalls Wilder, to my busy parenting days when I forgo laundry, housecleaning and sleeping to carve out time for my latest book club read. I love curling up with a cup of tea and a bite of dark chocolate, and getting lost in a good story.
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