Welcome to the 2023

Christmas Scavenger Hunt.

If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to collect the clues through all the stops, in order (beginning here at Stop #1), so you can enter to win  our grand prize!

The hunt begins on Friday, 12/8 right here on this page!

There is NO RUSH to complete the hunt–you have all weekend. So take your time, reading the unique posts along the way; our hope is that you discover new authors/new books and learn new things about them. The hunt ends on Monday, 12/11 at midnight EST.

Submit your entry for the grand prizes by collecting the CLUE on each author’s scavenger hunt post and submitting your answer in the Rafflecopter form at the final stop. Many authors are offering additional prizes along the way!

Meet the Author

My name is Danielle Grandinetti. I’m an inspirational romance author fueled by tea and books, and the occasional nature walk. My historical romances take place during The Great Depression. I also have one Love Inspired contemporary romance.

This past year, I was a Finalist in the FHLCW Reader’s Choice Award and won the CROW National Excellence in Story Telling Award. Fun, right? Especially so because both were awarded to As Silent as the Night, the book I’ll share with you in a moment!

My educational background includes an M.A. in Communication and Culture and I spent two decades in the field of education. One of my favorite topics was teaching a collegiate course on intercultural communication. I’ve since “retired” to be a write-from-home mom. But I occasionally teach a writing workshop, such as “Writing Conflict Without Words” and “Writing Other Cultures.” I love it!

Originally from the Chicagoland area, I now live along the Wisconsin shoreline of Lake Michigan with my husband, our two young sons, and our Labrador puppy, Penny. If you subscribe to my newsletter, you’ll see more of Penny because she hosts my newsletter giveaways. I’m also a 2nd generation Italian-American (on my Dad’s side), which is why As Silent as the Night is hold a special place in my heart. Here’s a bit more about the story ….

As Silent as the Night

He can procure anything, except his heart’s deepest wish.
She might hold the key, if she’s not discovered first.

Chicago, 1933?Lucia Critelli will do anything for her ailing grandfather, including stand in a breadline to have enough food to make him a St. Nicholas Day meal. When she catches the eye of a goon who threatens her grandfather, she discovers the end of Prohibition doesn’t mean the end of the mafia’s criminal activity.

Retired Marine Scout Giosue “Gio” Vella can find anything, especially if it helps a fellow Italian immigrant, so he has no doubt he can locate his neighbor’s granddaughter, who has gone missing from a local church. Keeping her safe is another matter. Especially when he chooses to hide out with his Marine buddy in Eagle, Wisconsin, the site of a barely-held truce among striking dairy farmers.

Will Christmas bring the miracle they all need or will Gio discover there are some things even he can’t find, particularly when he stumbles upon the most elusive gift of all: love.

Christmas Traditions

I love Christmas traditions. I especially love learning about how Christmas is celebrated around the world. In As Silent as the Night, my characters interact with several different traditions, from those celebrated by Italian immigrants in America to Wisconsin-specific traditions, to one practiced for centuries.

One of my favorite historic traditions is Santa Lucia. It’s probably most connected with Sweden and Swedish immigrants, like Kirsten from the American Girl collection. However, it is originally an Italian story.

As with many ancient stories, fact mixes with legend, making it difficult to tease out the true story of Saint Lucy. Lucia of Syracuse was a young woman who lived around the end of 3rd century. She dedicated her life to serve those hiding in the underground catacombs during Emperor Diocletian’s persecution of Christians. However, when she refused to marry a man who did not share her beliefs, she was executed.

While it is not a feel-good story, I have always loved hearing stories of her dedication to the poor and abused. For one so young, she lived up to her name and was a light during a dark time in history. This is why I named the main character in As Silent as the Night after St. Lucia.

What is your favorite Christmas Tradition?
Leave a Comment Below

Don’t want to wait to see if you’ve won a copy of As Silent as the Night?

Stop #5 Basics

Clue to Write Down: the real reason

BUT WAIT! There’s a bonus giveaway below.

Link to stop #6, the Next Stop on the Loop is Linda Wood Rondeau.

Thank you for joining me!

Bonus Giveaway

Win this Buon Natale Christmas mug by entering the bonus giveaway below.

US addresses only. Winner will be contacted by email provided through giveaway. See other giveaway details here.

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