Publication Date: August 31, 2026
Her husband fails. Her marriage fails. Does that make Emily Sherridan a failure?
With high hopes and rose-colored shades, Emily Sherridan leaves her family and friends to build a new life with her screenwriter husband in sunny Los Angeles. There, she learns that love conquers all…until the rent is overdue, the rejections pile up, or the test is positive.
As months, then years, go by and Eric’s career fails to launch, Emily is determined to hold everything together. But when he brings danger into their lives, it’s over. When the cops arrive at her doorstep, anguish mixes with anger. She wonders how low they can go-until one of the officers hands her the number to a women’s shelter.
Broke and broken, her dreams are dashed and her confidence is shaken. With Eric’s taunt about running home pounding in her ears, Emily pushes forward though she’s unsure of her direction. She cannot give up. Her daughter deserves more.
From rosy dreams to real-life roadblocks, Hard Lemonade is a compelling story of friends, family, and fierce sheroes.
A young woman discovers her new life isn’t quite what she expected, forcing her to start over.
Author Darlene Deluca delivers an emotionally gut-wrenching novel about good people caught up in bad situations with Hard Lemonade.
Emily’s marriage and subsequent move to Los Angeles take her far away from the comfort of her family. Time after time, she sacrifices so her writer husband can concentrate on sending out fodder for more rejection letters.
It’s not until an unexpected surprise alters Emily’s viewpoint about putting her husband first. When danger comes knocking, she gains the courage to navigate a harsh world by herself.
Emily’s mother, Julia, provides much-needed support and wisdom as the main character evolves into a strong woman ready to help others.
Hard Lemonade serves up an enlightening story about resilience and dealing with the complications of life.
Darlene Deluca writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction that explores relationships – what brings people together or keeps them apart. 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.
