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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?
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?
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Darlene Deluca
14 books222 followersBooks . . . chocolate . . . tea.
These are a few of my favorite things. Combine them with a sunny summer day, and perhaps a beach or pool, and call me happy!
Books have always been a part of my life, and reading has always been a favorite pastime. In my childhood bookworm days, I'd hide away for hours with Trixie Belden or Laura Ingalls Wilder. These days, I read as much as I can, making it a priority to carve out time for my latest book club read. I love curling up with a cup of tea and getting lost in a good story.
A few years ago I decided to sit down at my computer and give voice to some stories that have been rattling around in my head for a long time. That launched me into the world of fiction writing, specifically the world of romance. So far, my completed novels and works-in-progress fall into the genres of women’s fiction, contemporary romance, and mainstream with romantic elements.
My novels are about people and their relationships – what brings them together, what keeps them apart, what brings them joy or annoys the hell out of them. 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.
And just so you know . . . I like a happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 2, 2022
She never expected to see him again after he ghosted her… will love at Christmas heal her pain?
‘Tis the season for holiday romance and this book will tug at your heartstrings. With emotions running high, a beautiful setting, and a festive ambiance, this romance will sweep you away.
The setting and descriptive narration are expertly detailed. Every aspect of Christmas spent at the lodge is described. The reader is able to experience what the characters go through. I liked it so much, I personally would love to spend Christmas at this lodge.
The characters are realistic and easy to relate to. Both Melanie and Tyler are complex characters with internal conflicts to deal with. The attraction is immediate on her side, Tyler took a bit to get there. I liked the dynamic between these two. Both have changed since their teen years and realize they are not the same people.
The romance is sweet and carries the story. I enjoyed the slow-burn, confined-together theme. It allowed the romance to heat up.
If you love holiday romance, I highly recommend this one.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Kris
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
‘Tis the season for holiday romance and this book will tug at your heartstrings. With emotions running high, a beautiful setting, and a festive ambiance, this romance will sweep you away.
The setting and descriptive narration are expertly detailed. Every aspect of Christmas spent at the lodge is described. The reader is able to experience what the characters go through. I liked it so much, I personally would love to spend Christmas at this lodge.
The characters are realistic and easy to relate to. Both Melanie and Tyler are complex characters with internal conflicts to deal with. The attraction is immediate on her side, Tyler took a bit to get there. I liked the dynamic between these two. Both have changed since their teen years and realize they are not the same people.
The romance is sweet and carries the story. I enjoyed the slow-burn, confined-together theme. It allowed the romance to heat up.
If you love holiday romance, I highly recommend this one.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Kris
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
December 8, 2022
Sometimes your first crush is your last crush.
Melanie has been spending Christmas alone for quite a few years, and this year she chose a picturesque resort in Utah. There are lots of fun events scheduled to occupy everyone's time, but what she didn't expect was to get snowed in with her high school crush and now famous actor, Tyler Shaw. Now Melanie is nothing to sneeze at, she is a best-selling author, but most people go crazy when they see actors. I personally would be more gaga over the author!
I enjoyed watching the story evolve over a few days and Melanie and Tyler reconnecting while trying to stay out of the spotlight. Of course, that doesn't always happen, so we get to see how they handle the media response once they are discovered. And as the media is prone to do, they blow everything out of proportion. After all, who would believe the truth? They also have to reconcile over the past and what happened in high school, and how it impacted who they are today. There is also some drama with Tyler's family and how he feels some sort of responsibility to them. But on the flip side, he realizes after this time away from them that maybe he needs to take a new path in his life.
This is a sweet romance with a little action thrown into the mix. It is a great Christmas read, and it just might put you in the mood for the holidays.
We give this book 5 paws up.
Melanie has been spending Christmas alone for quite a few years, and this year she chose a picturesque resort in Utah. There are lots of fun events scheduled to occupy everyone's time, but what she didn't expect was to get snowed in with her high school crush and now famous actor, Tyler Shaw. Now Melanie is nothing to sneeze at, she is a best-selling author, but most people go crazy when they see actors. I personally would be more gaga over the author!
I enjoyed watching the story evolve over a few days and Melanie and Tyler reconnecting while trying to stay out of the spotlight. Of course, that doesn't always happen, so we get to see how they handle the media response once they are discovered. And as the media is prone to do, they blow everything out of proportion. After all, who would believe the truth? They also have to reconcile over the past and what happened in high school, and how it impacted who they are today. There is also some drama with Tyler's family and how he feels some sort of responsibility to them. But on the flip side, he realizes after this time away from them that maybe he needs to take a new path in his life.
This is a sweet romance with a little action thrown into the mix. It is a great Christmas read, and it just might put you in the mood for the holidays.
We give this book 5 paws up.
December 12, 2022
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Readers who are looking for a light holiday romance will find this one delightful and deserving of a second look!
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Readers who are looking for a light holiday romance will find this one delightful and deserving of a second look!
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 1, 2022
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. Reviewed for Still Moments Magazine.
November 15, 2022
Darlene Deluca’s latest book is the perfect story to get lost in as we approach the holidays! I was really rooting for the two main characters and the setting couldn’t be better—I could really picture the beautiful lodge at Christmas time and found myself wanting to go there! This book, plus some hot chocolate or eggnog, would make for the perfect afternoon—highly recommend!
November 25, 2022
In Christmas at Tall Pines, a contemporary romance, Darlene Deluca, explores love between two grown-ups in all its complexities. Sometimes just not finding the right thing to say can make a big difference in a relationship.
November 15, 2022
Beautiful Christmas story! Really enjoyed that magical feel! I love Darlene Deluca’s books!
December 10, 2023
A perfect holiday read! This quick paced book is just what I needed to get me into the holiday spirit. Best selling author Melanie likes to get away for the holidays. Tall Pines Ski Resort offered the perfect Christmas celebration getaway. What she was not expecting was to see a childhood friend she lost touch with in high school. Famous actor Tyler needs a break. Between working hard filming movies and the press always being after him he needs to get away…seeing Melanie again is just a special bonus. Tyler and Melanie had an interesting past, fun banter and undeniable chemistry. This was a very sweet cute read. While at the resort there is a big snow storm…power outage kind of snow storms. This is an adorable story about what happens while everyone is snowed in. This well written book had several great layers which only made the book more enjoyable. With each layer came a new problem and a character with a bigger personality than the last. I really enjoyed several of the side characters as much as I enjoyed the main characters. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the attention to the details. The descriptions of every aspect from the well decorated resort, to the crackling fire or the dry white wine you really felt the full picture while reading this book. I truly enjoyed this authors fast paced writing style and definitely look forward to reading more of her books.
November 17, 2022
This book transported me!
As I read this book, it brought me into the story so far that I was surprised when I looked up from it and didn’t see snow outside! The main characters were so relatable and real. The story’s other characters and plot lines also helped make this more than just a Christmas romance. So good!
As I read this book, it brought me into the story so far that I was surprised when I looked up from it and didn’t see snow outside! The main characters were so relatable and real. The story’s other characters and plot lines also helped make this more than just a Christmas romance. So good!
December 14, 2024
This was the first book I read from this author, and I hope to read more by her. I enjoyed the book and felt like I was snowed in with Melanie and Tyler. A fun, cozy Christmas read about second chances, forgiveness, and love.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews