Review of UNDERCOVER WISH by Danielle Grandinetti

On February 11, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

BN ID:2940182650380

Publication date:02/10/2026

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

CHICAGO, Ill., 1892—Stunt reporter Ali Di Stasio will risk anything to expose the truth and protect her fellow orphans, including rummaging through trash bins and putting herself in the crosshairs of the dangerous elite. After living on the streets, she knows every corner of her city, which means she can stay one step ahead of the cops, the powerful men who’d love to silence her before she can reveal their secrets, and the occasional wealthy bachelor wandering through her alleyways, lost and in danger of being mugged.

Griff Moorland, heir-apparent to his father’s shipping enterprise, is summoned home to Chicago’s wealthiest neighborhood for one purpose: marriage. Worse, his choices are to marry the conniving daughter of his father’s business partner or an heiress with a sizable dowry. If he doesn’t comply before the contract to bring in steel for the Columbian Exposition ends? His ailing mother will be stranded across an ocean, homeless.

Caught between keeping his mother alive and his father’s questionable business practices, Griff needs a way out of the bind his father has put him in. When Ali swoops in like a knight in shining armor, she insists the pen is mightier than a sword. But with the Chicago World’s Fair fast approaching, sinister forces conspire against them. Will love prove only a mirage, or will it be strong enough to set them free?

My Thoughts

The prequel to the new Ali DiStasio series drew me into the story immediately with its realistic portrayal of children in an orphanage, local corruption in Chicago, and an intrepid female reporter who goes undercover to expose secrets and lies. Ali is courageous, foolhardy at times and always faithful to those who are downtrodden and need her help. In this prequel, she meets Griff Moorland, a young man who needs help investigating what is going on with his father’s business, but he has no idea how to accomplish the task until Ali leads him into a dangerous plan. The characters were delightfully realistic, portrayed with heart and whimsy as Ali and Griff rush to save the funding for the orphanage and Griff’s future inheritance. The story was a fast-paced and engaging story that had me absorbed in the tale of taking on the giants of corruption without thoughts about encountering death or danger. I am really looking forward to the first book in the series that will tell more about Ali and Griff’s adventures together.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning author of 1930s historical romance, where mystery and suspense intertwine with hope. Her work has received recognition, including a Distinguished Faith in Writing Award, two National Excellence in Storytelling Awards, and finalist honors in the FHLCW Reader’s Choice, Selah, Holt Medallion, and Daphne du Maurier contests.

A second-generation Italian-American rooted in Midwest traditions, Danielle draws inspiration from tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature. Holding a master’s in communication and culture, and driven by a lifelong love of stories, she crafts tales that celebrate resilience, diversity, and belonging. Danielle lives along Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan shoreline with her husband and two sons. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com.

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Review: The Recluse’s Vindication by Danielle Grandinetti

On September 15, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781956098549

Publisher:Hearth Spot Press

Publication date:09/12/2025

Pages:254

Synopsis from Amazon:

Bieldfell. Scotland, 1933—Falsely accused of murder sixteen years ago, American cowboy Benjamin Ford has chosen to hide out in the Scottish Highlands. Reclusive and not afraid to die, he rescues children out of an increasingly dangerous Germany. When his childhood best friend appears at his door, he’s not the boy she remembers.

Eleanor Finch’s life ended sixteen years ago. In one horrible day, she lost her dreams, her reputation, and her heart. However, she never gives up the hope of finding her friend, so when she learns of Ben’s whereabouts, she leaves all that is familiar to convince him to return home.

But Eleanor isn’t the only person searching for Ben. Hunters follow her trail. The thin veil of gossip and rumor may be their only chance of a future … unless the Loch Ness Monster is real after all.

My Thoughts

Eleanor Finch has had a difficult life, and the only bright spot in it was her best friend Ben Ford, the man who defended her and then disappeared from her life. When the story begins, Eleanor is on a quest to find Ben and to have a chance to reestablish their friendship. Traveling with an elderly man named Hiram who had also known Ben, Eleanor is surprised by what she finds when she gets to Scotland. This book of historical fiction is combined with romantic suspense and all woven together seamlessly into the tapestry of an engaging and compelling story. With a theme of sacrifice and forgiveness, this story is one that held me enthralled with the past insults suffered by Eleanor and the way that Ben has created a new life for himself, rescuing others. The characters are relatable and realistic and the plot rolls along at a fast pace. I enjoyed the entire story, especially the surprise at the end.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning inspirational romance author fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature. Her stories combine romance, mystery, and suspense against the backdrop of the 1930s to tell the tale of finding home and hope in hard times. With a master’s in communication and culture and a passion for intercultural communication, storytelling has been her heartbeat for as long as she can remember. Married to her hero, Danielle is a second-generation Italian-American, a dairy farmer’s granddaughter, and a boy mom from Chicagoland who now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline. (Biography from Amazon). For more information about the author and her books, please visit the author’s website: https://daniellegrandinetti.com/

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Author’s Website

Review: The Neighbor and the Gifts by Danielle Grandinetti

On July 15, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781956098464 Publisher:Hearth Spot Press Publication date: 07/15/2025 Pages:166

Wisconsin, 1930-When Manitowish Waters librarian Olivia “Ollie” Larson finds a package on the library steps, she expects the children’s books she ordered, not a taxidermied partridge. By the fourth gift from her unknown and unwelcome True Love, disappearing to her grandfather’s isolated cabin in the Northwoods is the only way she can escape him.

Deputy Titus Wilburn is happy to escort the lovely librarian to her grandfather’s house on his way to the neighboring Yarwood cabin. After all, he’s been smitten with her since they attended school together, and she needs his protection. However, the plan fails when Ollie’s uninvited suitor discovers her new location.

As the man’s actions become more desperate and his gifts more dangerous, an unexpectedly bedridden Titus decides to free Ollie from this menace, which puts the enemy’s sights directly on him. Ollie refuses to let her injured hero sacrifice himself, but with the days ticking closer to Christmas, she may have no choice but to accept whatever fate her suitor has in store for her if she wants to save Titus’ life.

My Thoughts

This book is a quick read that combines romance, danger, faith, and a mystery all in one super package of delight. Ollie is a quiet and reclusive librarian, preferring the companionship of books rather than the discomfort of being around a lot of people. When she finds a package outside the library, her reaction to the contents is to scream, bringing Deputy Titus Wilburn running to her side. This begins the gifts from the “Twelve Days of Christmas,” unwanted gifts from an unknown sender who claims to love Ollie and is determined to claim her for his wife. Titus, who has had a crush on Ollie since elementary school, is equally determined to keep her safe no matter the cost. The story focuses on the developing relationship of trust and mutual respect between these two while they deal with the danger that is stalking Ollie. I really enjoyed the romance, the characters that stepped into my heart and the history that Ollie provides about the Twelve Days poem. This story is one that is perfect for Christmas in July or anytime anyone wants to read a tale with an uplifting message of courage, sacrifice and family devotion. I loved every minute I spent with this story, especially getting to know how a shy young woman can blossom in the right hands and for the right reasons.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning inspirational romance author fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature. Her stories combine romance, mystery, and suspense against the backdrop of the 1930s to tell the tale of finding home and hope in hard times. With a master’s in communication and culture and a passion for intercultural communication, storytelling has been her heartbeat for as long as she can remember. Married to her hero, Danielle is a second-generation Italian-American, a dairy farmer’s granddaughter, and a boy mom from Chicagoland who now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline. For more information: https://daniellegrandinetti.com/