First Line Friday | The Sowing Season

Oct 3, 2025 | First Line Friday | 2 comments

First Line Friday | The Sowing Season

Discover the first line from …

The Sowing Season

{

April 2019
Greenville, Washington

Cow manure spewed from the burst pipe and rained down on him like retribution.

If you’d like to pick up a copy of The Sowing Season you can find it on Amazon.*

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

About The Sowing Season

After he’s forced to sell the family farm he’s labored on his whole life, 63-year-old Gerrit Laninga doesn’t know what to do with himself. He sacrificed everything for the land–his time, his health, his family–with nothing to show for it but bitterness, regret, and two grown children who want nothing to do with him.

Fifteen-year-old Rae Walters has growing doubts and fears about The Plan–the detailed blueprint for high school that will help her follow in her lawyer father’s footsteps. She’s always been committed to The Plan, but now that the pressure to succeed is building, what was supposed to unite her family in purpose, may end up tearing it apart.

When their paths cross just as they each need a friend the most, Gerrit’s and Rae’s lives begin to change in unexpected ways. Can they discover together what really matters in life and learn it’s never too late for a second chance?

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Enjoyed today’s post? You can share it with a friend, pin it to your reading list on Pinterest, or pass it along in your favorite book group. You’re welcome to use this graphic or one of the share buttons below.

I’d love to hear what resonated with you about this book — feel free to leave a comment. I always reply, though if it’s your first time posting I’ll need to approve it before it appears.

And if you’d like to support my blog and help keep it free, you can always buy me a tea.

Ciao, and thanks for visiting!

The best way to stay connected is through my weekly email, Fireside News. You’ll receive cozy updates, behind-the-scenes book notes, and a complimentary historical romance novelette when you subscribe.

Until next time, may your reading bring both light and encouragement.

Happy reading!
~ Danielle.

First Line Friday | The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus

Sep 26, 2025 | First Line Friday | 0 comments

First Line Friday | The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus

Discover the first line from …

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus

{

Bluff River, Wisconsin
August 1928

Life was not unlike the wisp of fog that curled around the base of a grave marker, softly caressing the marble before dissolving into the violet shadows of the night.

If you’d like to pick up a copy of The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus, you can find it on Amazon.*

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

About The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus

1928
The Bonaventure Circus is a refuge for many, but Pippa Ripley was rejected from its inner circle as a baby. When she receives mysterious messages from someone called the “Watchman,” she is determined to find him and the connection to her birth. As Pippa’s search leads her to a man seeking justice for his murdered sister and evidence that a serial killer has been haunting the circus train, she must decide if uncovering her roots is worth putting herself directly in the path of the killer.

Present Day
The old circus train depot will either be torn down or preserved for historical importance, and its future rests on real estate project manager Chandler Faulk’s shoulders. As she dives deep into the depot’s history, she’s also balancing a newly diagnosed autoimmune disease and the pressures of single motherhood. When she discovers clues to the unsolved murders of the past, Chandler is pulled into a story far darker and more haunting than even an abandoned train depot could portend.

Want to Read it Today?

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Share the Tea

Enjoyed today’s post? You can share it with a friend, pin it to your reading list on Pinterest, or pass it along in your favorite book group. You’re welcome to use this graphic or one of the share buttons below.

I’d love to hear what resonated with you about this book — feel free to leave a comment. I always reply, though if it’s your first time posting I’ll need to approve it before it appears.

And if you’d like to support my blog and help keep it free, you can always buy me a tea.

Ciao, and thanks for visiting!

The best way to stay connected is through my weekly email, Fireside News. You’ll receive cozy updates, behind-the-scenes book notes, and a complimentary historical romance novelette when you subscribe.

Until next time, may your reading bring both light and encouragement.

Happy reading!
~ Danielle.

First Line Friday | The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

Sep 19, 2025 | First Line Friday | 2 comments

First Line Friday | The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

Discover the first line from …

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

{

April 1885, London

For want of a properly working pocket watch, Jackson Forge failed to save the world today—or at least the City of London.

If you’d like to pick up a copy of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, find it on Amazon.*

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

About The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

Want to Read it Today?

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Share the Tea

Enjoyed today’s post? You can share it with a friend, pin it to your reading list on Pinterest, or pass it along in your favorite book group. You’re welcome to use this graphic or one of the share buttons below.

I’d love to hear what resonated with you about this book — feel free to leave a comment. I always reply, though if it’s your first time posting I’ll need to approve it before it appears.

And if you’d like to support my blog and help keep it free, you can always buy me a tea.

Ciao, and thanks for visiting!

The best way to stay connected is through my weekly email, Fireside News. You’ll receive cozy updates, behind-the-scenes book notes, and a complimentary historical romance novelette when you subscribe.

Until next time, may your reading bring both light and encouragement.

Happy reading!
~ Danielle.

First Line Friday | The Recluse’s Vindication by Danielle Grandinetti

Sep 5, 2025 | First Line Friday | 4 comments

First Line Friday | The Recluse’s Vindication by Danielle Grandinetti

Discover the first line from …

The Recluse's Vindication

{

Thursday, April 27, 1933 Scottish Highlands near Fort Augustus

Benjamin Ford stood atop a hill cloaked in a mist that hid him from God Himself and his fellow man.

If you’d like to pick up a copy of The Recluse’s Vindication, you can find it here.*

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

About The Recluse's Vindication

Our House 2 Heather Wynd The Recluses Vindication

The Loch Ness Monster isn’t the only recluse seeking a Scottish haven.

If you love pre-WWII historical romantic suspense, you’ll be sure to enjoy The Recluse’s Vindication.
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.

Fans of Danielle Grandinetti’s 1930s historical romances will recognize the hero’s grandparents from Heart of Beauty, spot familiar faces from the Harbored in Crow’s Nest series, and follow the continuing Resistance story from The Italian Musician’s Sanctuary.

Want to Read it Today?

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Buy on Amazon

Share the Tea

Enjoyed today’s post? You can share it with a friend, pin it to your reading list on Pinterest, or pass it along in your favorite book group. You’re welcome to use this graphic or one of the share buttons below.

I’d love to hear what resonated with you about this book — feel free to leave a comment. I always reply, though if it’s your first time posting I’ll need to approve it before it appears.

And if you’d like to support my blog and help keep it free, you can always buy me a tea.

Ciao, and thanks for visiting!

The best way to stay connected is through my weekly email, Fireside News. You’ll receive cozy updates, behind-the-scenes book notes, and a complimentary historical romance novelette when you subscribe.

Until next time, may your reading bring both light and encouragement.

Happy reading!
~ Danielle.

First Line Friday | Turn to Me by Becky Wade

Aug 29, 2025 | First Line Friday, Writing Spot | 8 comments

First Line Friday | Turn to Me by Becky Wade

Discover the first line from …

Turn to Me

{

Finley Sutherland’s father had left her several things in his will, the most surprising of which was a clue.

If you’d like to pick up a copy of Turn to Me, here’s where you can find it on Amazon.*

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

About Turn to Me

His promise will cost him far more than he imagined.

Guilt has defined Luke Dempsey’s life, but it was self-destructiveness that landed him in prison. When his friend and fellow inmate lay dying shortly before Luke’s release, the older man revealed he left a string of clues for his daughter, Finley, that will lead her to the treasure he’s hidden. Worried that she won’t be the only one pursuing the treasure, he gains Luke’s promise to protect her until the end of her search.

Spunky and idealistic, Finley Sutherland is the owner of an animal rescue center and a defender of lost causes. She accepts Luke’s help on the treasure hunt while secretly planning to help him in return–by coaxing him to embrace the forgiveness he’s long denied himself.

As they draw closer to the final clue, their reasons for resisting each other begin to crumble, and Luke realizes his promise will push him to the limit in more ways than one. He’ll do his best to shield Finley from unseen threats, but who’s going to shield him from losing his heart?

Want to Read it Today?

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Buy on Amazon

Share With a Friend

Enjoyed today’s First Line Friday?

Save it for later or share it with a fellow reader.

And be sure to let me know below the first line, title, and author of the book you’re ready today!

Ciao, and thanks for visiting!

I hope you enjoyed this bookish stop—and maybe even discovered your next great read.

If you’d like to catch new posts as they go live, you can follow along on social media or sign up below for instant blog notifications.

The best way to stay in touch is through my weekly email, Fireside News. You’ll receive cozy updates, behind-the-scenes book news, and a complimentary historical romance novelette when you subscribe.

If something in today’s post resonated with you, I’d love to hear about it. Feel free to leave a comment below.

Thank you again for spending a few moments here.

Happy reading!
~ Danielle

First Line Friday | Her Secret Son by Linda Goodnight

Aug 22, 2025 | First Line Friday | 0 comments

First Line Friday | Her Secret Son by Linda Goodnight

Discover the first line from …

Her Secret Son

{

Cold, wet and weary, Harlow Matheson slouched low in the saddle and let Burr have his tawny equine head across the south pasture of Matheson Ranch.

If you’d like to pick up a copy of Her Secret Son, here’s where you can find it here (affiliate link).

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

About Her Secret Son

To protect her child…

She concealed the truth

The last person rancher Harlow Matheson expects to meet while out on horseback in a rainstorm is injured—and barely conscious—NFL star Nash Corbin. Four years ago, Nash betrayed Harlow’s family. Now she must nurse Nash back to health while concealing the truth from him—that he is the father of her son. But as the two grow close, how much longer can Harlow keep her secret?

A SUNDOWN VALLEY ROMANCE

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Want to Read it Today?

*as an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Buy on Amazon

Share With a Friend

Enjoyed today’s First Line Friday?

Save it for later or share it with a fellow reader.

And be sure to let me know below the first line, title, and author of the book you’re ready today!

Ciao, and thanks for visiting!

I hope you enjoyed this bookish stop—and maybe even discovered your next great read.

If you’d like to catch new posts as they go live, you can follow along on social media or sign up below for instant blog notifications.

The best way to stay in touch is through my weekly email, Fireside News. You’ll receive cozy updates, behind-the-scenes book news, and a complimentary historical romance novelette when you subscribe.

If something in today’s post resonated with you, I’d love to hear about it. Feel free to leave a comment below.

Thank you again for spending a few moments here.

Happy reading!
~ Danielle