Wednesday Waypoints | Four Cozy Historical Romantic Mystery Series Starters

Wednesday Waypoints | Four Cozy Historical Romantic Mystery Series Starters

Wednesday Waypoints

by Danielle Grandinetti | Aug 5, 2026

Today’s Wednesday Waypoints book list features ...

Four Cozy Historical Romantic Mystery Series Starters

To celebrate my 20th published romance, here are four cozy historical romantic mystery series starters that will answer the question: where do I begin reading books by Danielle Grandinetti?

Confessions to a Stranger, the first book in my Harbored in Crow's Nest series, and the book I usually recommend readers begin with in order to set the foundation of my 1930s story world. However, Heart of Beauty is also a good place to begin as it can lead to the Harbored in Crow's Nest series or my international Resistance Romance at Our House series. Perfer Christmas? You'll want to start with The Baby and the Guardian. Or visit the Gilded Age to meet the founder of the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency in Undercover Wish.

I gave the opening sentence to two for each of these four books so you can pick where you would like to begin!

Each week, I share a small, curated collection of books to brighten your day—including recommendations, first lines, and even short excerpts.

What is hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah")? According to Visit Denmark, "In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people."  So grab a cuppa, slow down, and enjoy.

If you'd like to browse my recommended reads, I have an Amazon Affiliate Storefront divided into easy-to-peruse sections. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the storefront here!

Today's Curated Historical Romantic Mystery Series Starters Book List

Confessions to a Stranger

She’s lost her future. He’s sacrificed his. Now they have a chance to reclaim it—together.

Wisconsin, 1930—While fleeing for her life, Adaleigh Sirland’s rescue of a child introduces her to a family who provides her safe harbor. But all is not what it seems in the little fishing town. Danger lurks. And, though hiding under an assumed name, Adaleigh offers her ability to draw out confessions, making her a valuable asset to the police.

First mate David Martins is intrigued by the mysterious woman taken in by his grandmother, but knows she wrestles with a troubled past. When his estranged father is arrested for murder, David enlists Adaleigh’s help in proving his innocence. In return, he’s determined to help her find hope once again.

As the truth becomes more knotted, and Adaleigh’s real identity risks revelation, David must put aside his own struggles to discern which secret threatens Adaleigh before it kills them both.

Welcome to Crow’s Nest, where danger and romance meet at the water’s edge.

Friday, May 30, 1930, Memorial Day
Crow’s Nest, Wisconsin

The caw of a seagull yanked Adaleigh Sirland’s gaze from her worn journal. Her pulse kicked up, and she gripped her mechanical pencil as she searched for the bird. It sat atop the uppermost spire of a boat docked ten feet away. Dark and murky, the water lapped at her shoes.

Heart of Beauty

How can a beauty save a beast?

Blue Spruce, Montana, 1871—When Caleb Orson's prize stallion escapes his ranch, Sal Beauregard rides to the rescue, revealing her true identity as a one of the few eligible females in town. She'd do it again if it meant saving an animal from the cruel retaliation of Brendan Doran. The man has no respect for women or God's creatures.

But the sun's early setting strands her at Caleb's ranch. Worse, Sallie's father unceremoniously leaves her there under Caleb's protection. However, Doran refuses to lose again to Caleb—first a horse, now a woman. He wants Sallie as his wife and not even the reclusive ogre of a cowboy can stand in his way. No matter Sallie's opinion.

Choosing to make the best of a difficult situation, Sallie takes over the gentling of Caleb's stallion. She believes she can reach Caleb as well. Only, the first blush of friendship grows into something ... more. Something that threatens the desires of Caleb's enemy. And if Doran cannot have a beauty like Sallie, neither can a beast.

March 15, 1871
Heart of Montana Territory

"Beware the Ides of March,” Sallie Beauregard muttered as she donned the disguise within her room, tucking her long braid up inside her cowboy hat. In Shakespeare’s day, young men played female roles in his plays. Here in Montana Territory, she dressed as a boy to keep wayward eyes from realizing she was, in fact, a very eligible maiden.

The Baby and the Guardian

A baby in danger, a man in turmoil, and a woman determined to save them both.

Wisconsin, 1929—When her best friend is murdered, Eira Mae Pryce gains guardianship over her friend’s baby. A baby in danger. Charged with the child’s protection, she must outrun a snowstorm, her grief, and a killer to seek refuge with the man who saved her life last Christmas.

All ex-sheriff Casper Yarwood wants for Christmas is to be left alone. With failure ringing in his ears, he retreated to his family’s cabin in the densely wooded portion of his former jurisdiction. But when his uncle’s secretary–and the woman he believes he failed–arrives on his doorstep with an endangered child, Casper cannot turn them away.

Casper and Eira Mae face impossible odds that require facing their pasts, sacrificing their futures, and ignoring their growing feelings for one another. But they’ll do so if it means they keep their charge alive long enough to experience his first Christmas.

One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.

Manitowish Waters, WI
December 18, 1929

“Miss Pryce, a word.” Judge Cavanaugh opened and closed the door to his chambers only long enough to rumble those words.

Fingers flying over typewriter keys, Eira Mae Pryce finished transcribing her notes before smoothing her serviceable gray skirt. The older man could be gruff, especially after an hour spent cloistered away with the woefully young interim Sheriff Wilburn. The man was attempting to replace the judge’s own nephew, Casper Yarwood, the rather handsome man who saved her life last Christmas.

Undercover Wish

Wealth is but an illusion, hers to wield and his to escape.

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?

La Verità con Integrità. Truth with Integrity. The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.

A Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency origin story and a retelling of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp.

CHICAGO, Ill., Sept. 14, 1892—Alessandra Di Stasio dodged three well-dressed gentlemen, two bickering ladies, and one startled cat before she ducked into the first alley that opened to her right. Around debris, over refuse, and under metal fire escapes …

Digging in a trash bin should not cause cops to chase her.

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 me and help keep it free, you can always buy me a tea.

Sunset garden scene with a red mug and white flowers on a tray, overlaid with '4 Cozy Historical Romantic Mystery Series Starters' and the URL daniellegrandinetti.com/articles.

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.

Wednesday Waypoints | Four Cozy Historical Romantic Mystery Series Starters

Wednesday Waypoints | Cozy Christmas in July

Wednesday Waypoints

by Danielle Grandinetti | Jul 8, 2026

Today’s Wednesday Waypoints book list features ...

Cozy Christmas in July: Three Novellas of Holiday Mystery

Welcome to Wednesday Waypoints, your midweek hygge book list. Each week, I share a small, curated collection of books to brighten your day—including recommendations, first lines, and even short excerpts.

What is hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah")? According to Visit Denmark, "In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people."  So grab a cuppa, slow down, and enjoy.

If you'd like to browse my recommended reads, I have an Amazon Affiliate Storefront divided into easy-to-peruse sections. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the storefront here!

About Today's Curated Book List

Today's Wednesday Waypoint highlights a cozy Christmas curation of three historical romance novellas, including my Christmas Cabin novella,  The Robber and the Witness. Escape into these short holiday stories filled with seasonal secrets, whispers of faith, and winter settings around the US. Enjoy these three first lines because ... why not read Christmas in July!

Book cover for 'The Evergreen Bride': woman in a green 19th?century dress stands in a forest, with decorative title and author Pam Hillman.

by Pam Hillman

The Evergreen Bride

Mississippian Annabelle Denson dreams of visiting cousins in Illinois and seeing a white Christmas. In the face of her excitement, Samuel Frazier hides his growing affection for her behind a quiet smile and a carpenter’s lathe. As her departure draws near, Samuel starts to worry that if she goes, Annabelle won’t return. Can he convince her to return to the Mississippi Piney Woods -- and to him?

The Piney Woods along Sipsey Creek, Mississippi
December 1887

Samuel Frazier's heart skittered into double time when Annabelle Denson rushed into the sawmill.

Book cover: a red rocking chair on a wooden porch with snow, pine branches and a decorated Christmas tree in the background; title 'Where Memories Await' by Heidi Chiavarioli.

by Heidi Chiavaroli

Where Memories Await

Can memories of old restore a forgotten love?

Camden, Maine ~ Present Day

Spunky octogenarian Priscilla Martin is a woman with many Christmas secrets. When a beloved niece tempts her to bare her wounded soul, Priscilla must decide whether to share the secret of her sister’s demise—and the reason she abandoned the man she loved in favor of a loveless marriage.

Camden, Maine ~ December, 1957

The only person Priscilla loves more than Ed Colton is her younger sister, Hazel. But when Ed is drafted and Hazel runs away to New York to be with a man she believes will make her famous, Priscilla’s plans crumble around her. Ed’s silence and Hazel’s tragic return leads Priscilla to make a choice she will forever regret.

Can revisiting long-ago memories give Priscilla what she’s longed for all these years?

The ghosts of my past show themselves on Christmas Eve more than any other night of the year.

Christmas Cabin 3 -The Robber and the Witness

by Danielle Grandinetti

The Robber and the Witness

A simple favor, a best friend's promise, and the end of the line.

Wisconsin, 1931—When Gideon Lundgren agrees to escort his best friend's sister to Manitowish Waters, plans go awry when she witnesses a robbery. He thinks he's merely escorting the girl he once knew, but she's grown into a charming beauty.

Evangeline Whitaker's older brother always warned that her kind heart would be the death of her. It might at that. First, when she's an unwitting accomplice to a robber. Second, when her childhood crush becomes her bodyguard.

With a robber on their trail and a tangle of emotions between them, Evangeline and Gideon detour to his boss's cabin to wait out the ensuing manhunt. However, Evangeline's Christmas spirit might be the death of them both.

One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.

Monday, December 21, 1931
Eastern Minnesota

A gust of snowy air propelled Evangeline Whitaker through the train station door.

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 me and help keep it free, you can always buy me a tea.

Teapot and cup of tea on a wooden surface, surrounded by evergreen branches, pinecones, and cinnamon sticks, with warm festive lights in the background; text overlay reads 'Wednesday Waypoints' and 'Three Novellas of Holiday Mystery'.

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.

Wednesday Waypoints | Four Cozy Historical Romantic Mystery Series Starters

Wednesday Waypoints | Five Frontier Sanctuaries

Wednesday Waypoints

by Danielle Grandinetti | Jun 3, 2026

Today’s Wednesday Waypoints book list features ...

Five Frontier Sanctuaries

Welcome to Wednesday Waypoints, your midweek hygge book list. Each week, I share a small, curated collection of books to brighten your day—including recommendations, first lines, and even short excerpts.

What is hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah")? According to Visit Denmark, "In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people."  So grab a cuppa, slow down, and enjoy.

If you'd like to browse my recommended reads, I have an Amazon Affiliate Storefront divided into easy-to-peruse sections. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the storefront here!

About Today's Curated Book List

These five frontier romances take us to rugged towns with cowboys and damsels-not-quite-in-distress. Whether you are looking for a sweet second-chance romance or a cozy fairytale retelling with a cowboy twist, I highly recommend these reads. In fact, one of them is my own!

Book cover for "Mail-Order Baroness" by Misty M. Beller. A woman with long curly auburn hair, a cream scarf, and a dark teal winter coat leans against a wooden fence in a snowy landscape. In the background, a man leads a brown horse near snow-covered pine trees and mountains.

Misty M. Beller

Mail-Order Baroness

Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…

James Balfour, the charming middle son of an English duke, is determined to prove he’s capable of taking leadership of his family’s Montana ranch as the next deadly winter approaches. With the household stretched to its limits, James crafts a clever plan to hire Rose Prescott—his childhood best friend—and to right an old wrong.

Rose's remarkable singing voice was meant to be her gift, but in Virginia City, it’s become her curse. Forced by her stepfather to perform nightly shows, she dreams of escape and a life free from his control. When a newspaper ad for a housekeeper offers her a way out, she risks everything and flees, hoping her stepfather can’t find her. She never expected to return to the Balfour ranch, nor to see James again, whose charm now reminds her too much of the men who’ve betrayed her before.

James’s desire to protect Rose is shaken when his old friend treats him like an enemy. Winning her trust becomes his greatest challenge yet. As tensions rise on the ranch, old secrets and new dangers threaten everything James and his family have built.

With enemies closing in, Rose must decide whom she can trust—and whether she’s willing to fight for the freedom and love she’s always longed for.

If you love ...

Mail-order bride
Second chance romance
Class differences
Family saga

Book cover for "Toward the Dawn" by Mary Connealy. A woman in a burgundy historical bodice jacket and navy blue skirt stands in a grassy field, looking toward a vintage steam train blowing white smoke. Sharp, snowy mountain peaks rise under a dramatic orange and yellow sunset sky.

Mary Connealy

Toward the Dawn

Despite trials that threaten their path forward, hope dawns for a future filled with love.

Kat Wadsworth and Sebastian Jones never imagined their lives would entwine so closely. Forced to flee on a wagon train from a vengeful uncle and an unknown gunman, they live in a hidden canyon with the family that rescued them. But as the days turn into months, they each have separate reasons for wanting to move back to society, and the best way to the independence they desperately crave might be through a marriage of convenience.

However, settling into their homestead in Cheyenne, Wyoming, reveals a different reality for Kat. Her new husband becomes consumed by his inventions, leaving her feeling lonely and isolated. And just when they think they've left the danger behind, a mysterious attacker lurks in the shadows, threatening the new life they've built. Together, they must confront the perils from their pasts to forge a future with hope and the prospect of love.

If you love ...

Marriage of convenience
Mystery and danger
History of women's rights
A wonderful romantic spark of chemistry and friction

Book cover for "Claiming Mariah" by Pam Hillman. The top features a thoughtful profile of a woman with a thick blonde braid. The bottom shows the dark silhouette of a cowboy on horseback overlooking a winding river valley, pine trees, and sunlit rocky mountains under a golden sky.

Pam Hillman

Claiming Mariah

After her father's death, Mariah Malone sends a letter that will forever alter the lives of her family. When Slade Donovan, strong willed and eager for vengeance, shows up on her front porch, Mariah is not ready to hear his truths: her father's farm, the only home she's ever known, was bought with stolen gold. With Slade ready to collect his father's rightful claim and force Mariah and her family out on the streets, Mariah must turn to God for guidance. Though Mr. Frederick Cooper, a local landowner, promises to answer her financial woes if she agrees to be his bride, Mariah finds herself drawn instead to the angry young man demanding her home.

With the ranch now under Slade's careful eye, he unearths more than he ever imagined as a devious plot of thievery, betrayal, and murder threatens the well-being of the ranch, endangering those who hold it dear. As the days dwindle until the rest of the Donovan clan arrives at the Lazy M ranch, Mariah and Slade must rise above the resentment of their fathers and see their true feelings before greed changes their futures forever.

If you love ...

Small Wyoming town
Wonderful characters
Mysterious happenings
A lesson of forgiveness

Book cover for "In Her Sights" by Karen Witemeyer. A woman with dark hair in a straw boater hat, white blouse, and green skirt stands in a vibrant field of yellow daffodils. She wears a leather holster with a pistol at her hip against a soft sunset sky. Includes the "Pink Pistol Sisterhood" logo.

Karen Witemeyer

In Her Sights

He's sworn off love, but she has his heart in her sights and doesn't intend to miss.

Stained by his wastrel father's legacy, Jackson Spivey lives on the fringes of society. Townsfolk tolerate him since he keeps the local hotel supplied with fresh game, but mothers coach their daughters to avoid him. After tasting consistent rejection, Jackson spurns all attempts at courtship. The only things he can count on are his guns and his God.

Tessa James has been secretly in love with Jackson for ages, but trying to gain his favor only pushes him further away. When she learns Annie Oakley is traveling through Texas, Tessa seeks lessons from the famed markswoman. If Jackson's life revolves around guns, taking up shooting might help her engage his interest. Too bad she can't hit the broad side of a barn.

When Annie loans Tessa a custom pistol, however, things begin to change. The lore behind the mysterious weapon fosters hope that Tessa might finally hit the target of Jackson's heart. But when danger threatens, she might be forced to use the pistol for something other than finding love.

If you love ...

Revisiting previous characters
Great dialogue
A fantastic target practice scene
Romance, emotion, and happily ever after.

Hearts of the West Heart of Beauty

Danielle Grandinetti

Heart of Beauty

How can a beauty save a beast?

Blue Spruce, Montana, 1871—When Caleb Orson's prize stallion escapes his ranch, Sal Beauregard rides to the rescue, revealing her true identity as a one of the few eligible females in town. She'd do it again if it meant saving an animal from the cruel retaliation of Brendan Doran. The man has no respect for women or God's creatures.

But the sun's early setting strands her at Caleb's ranch. Worse, Sallie's father unceremoniously leaves her there under Caleb's protection. However, Doran refuses to lose again to Caleb---first a horse, now a woman. He wants Sallie as his wife, and not even the reclusive ogre of a cowboy can stand in his way. No matter Sallie's opinion.

Choosing to make the best of a difficult situation, Sallie takes over the gentling of Caleb's stallion. She believes she can reach Caleb as well. Only, the first blush of friendship grows into something ... more. Something that threatens the desires of Caleb's enemy. And if Doran cannot have a beauty like Sallie, neither can a beast.

If you love ...

Beauty and the Beast
Horses
Origin stories
Grumpy/Sunshine romance

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 me and help keep it free, you can always buy me a tea.

Promotional graphic for "Wednesday Waypoints: Five Frontier Sanctuaries." The top portion shows an atmospheric photo of a brown leather cowboy hat with a studded band resting on a textured bale of golden hay, styled with a torn-paper edge. The bottom half features the titles in blue text on a speckled white background, with the website "daniellegrandinetti.com/articles" at the bottom.

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.

Wednesday Waypoints | Four Cozy Historical Romantic Mystery Series Starters

Wednesday Waypoints | Five Romantic Suspense Recommendations

Wednesday Waypoints

by Danielle Grandinetti | May 13, 2026

Today’s Wednesday Waypoints features ...

Five Romantic Suspense Recommendations

Welcome to Wednesday Waypoints, your midweek hygge inspiration. Each week, I'll share a small collection of things to brighten your day. Whether books I’m loving, favorite blog posts, cozy shopping selections, or even a short excerpt to savor.

What is hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah")? According to Visit Denmark, "In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people."  So grab a cuppa, slow down, and enjoy.

About Today's Curated List

Today on the blog, I’m diving into the high-stakes world of romantic suspense. Whether you prefer the glamorous grit of the 1920s or the fast-paced pulse of a modern-day rescue, this curated list has something for every suspense lover. I’ve pulled together four gripping titles from some of my favorite authors—plus a look at my newest release, Shipwrecked Faith—to help you find your next 'just one more chapter' read.

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

Romantic Suspense Reccommendations

Book cover for Lost Cause by Susan Sleeman showing a woman's face in profile above a misty island and forest scene.

Susan Sleeman

Lost Cause

Working together is a challenge…
Detective Burke Ulrich is known for his unyielding dedication to justice and his methodical approach to solving crimes. When a valuable family heirloom is stolen from a recluse’s rundown estate on mysterious Ravenhook Island, Burke is called in to investigate. Despite the theft appearing straightforward, Burke senses there is more to the case, especially given the homeowner’s mysterious history.

But catching a killer is their priority.
Enter former sheriff Abby Day, a sharp and resourceful Lost Lake Locator hired by the recluse to find the missing heirloom. Abby’s involvement immediately irritates Burke, who is wary of private investigators interfering in police work. However, as the investigation progresses, Burke and Abby uncover a complex web of deceit involving long-buried family secrets, and a string of unsolved crimes connected to the estate, ultimately uncovering a murder. Burke orders Abby off the investigation to protect her, but will she listen, or will she risk her life and a potential relationship with Burke to catch a killer?

I loved Lost Cause! The beginning sets the perfect atmospheric suspense, on lonely island no less. From there, the mystery twists and turns, with such fascinating detail. You won't want to miss this lastest installment of the Lost Lake Locators series.

Book cover for Anchoring You by Robin Patchen featuring a woman looking out at a turquoise ocean with a yacht in the distance.

Robin Patchen

Anchoring You

On the glittering waters of the Caribbean, a yacht captain’s fight for survival forces her to rely on a man she swore she’d never trust.

A fiercely independent yacht captain, Kenzie Wright has spent her life disregarding her family’s expectations. She thrives on freedom, charting her own course, and never staying in one place—or with one person—for long. But when a routine voyage thrusts her into the crosshairs of a deadly drug cartel, her carefully crafted agenda is blown apart. Her last hope to save herself and her crew is the partying playboy, Jaz.

DEA informant Jasper Aylett has spent years hunting the cartel leader known only as the Ghost. The mission has cost him everything—his family, his reputation, and his chance at redemption. When a beautiful yacht captain gets caught in the Ghost’s web, Jaz risks his life to rescue her. It’s his last chance to secure the information he needs to take his enemy down—and get his life back.

Kenzie is forced into hiding with Jaz, and now two cartels want her dead. With their lives on the line, Kenzie and Jaz must work together to unravel the Ghost’s network before it’s too late. But the closer they get to the truth—and to each other—the more their past wounds and buried fears threaten to tear them apart, leaving them vulnerable to an enemy who won’t stop until they’re both destroyed.

Pirates in the Caribbean? Fantastic banter with layered characters? Mobster-like drama and undercover situations? If you're like me, you say yes to all of these! Anchoring You is the perfect combo of forced proximity and high-stakes boat chases. I highly recommend it!

Book cover for Blind Trust by Natalie Walters featuring a woman's face and blue technical architectural blueprints.

Natalie Walters

Blind Trust

Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for impulsivity, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can't stop herself from going all in to find out why he's coming after her. Unfortunately, she's going to need the help of the one person who questions her reckless choices more than anyone else.

Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolás Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous--to both the mission and his heart.

Natalie Walters closes out her SNAP Agency series with a bang with this nail-biting story of a deadly government conspiracy, an unlikely couple, and an ending that will leave you breathless.

Blind Trust is an absolutely amazing, incredible, wonderful story! The characters come to life, the action keeps the pages turning, and the way everything comes together at the end? Excellent! If you're like me, you'll laugh, you might even cry. This book has it all!

Book cover for The Mobster’s Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel featuring a woman in a red vintage coat and cloche hat in a 1920s city setting.

Rachel Scott McDaniel

The Mobster's Daughter

The one man who could help her must never know her name.

If Kate Chamberlin can’t reveal her true identity to the world, she must settle for sharing only her talent. Hired as a musician for KDKA radio, Kate plays everything from sponsors’ jingles to complex sonatas. As long as the whispers around the broadcasting room refer to her as “Killjoy Kate” and not “Catarina the crime boss’s daughter,” then her life is safe from danger.

Or so she thinks.

When anonymous violent threats surface, Kate is wary of accepting protection from the handsome private investigator, Detective Jennings. His save-the-world attitude is as charming as his manners, but no one, especially him, can know the gruesome realities of her birth.

The 1924 Pittsburgh underworld is as complicated as it is elusive, and though the dealings of the Salvastanos have dwindled, Rhett Jennings is certain the man responsible for his father’s death is still at large. But his personal hunt for justice must be set aside when his day job requires him to investigate threats directed at a young radio broadcaster with enamoring brown eyes and secretive behavior.

When danger surrounds them, will the truth of Kate’s past become the key to their survival?

The Mobster’s Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel is everything I love in a book. It has a historical setting, lots of suspense, and a sweet romance. Not to mention the main character is Italian like me. I highly recommend The Mobster’s Daughter and hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!

Book cover for Shipwrecked Faith by Danielle Grandinetti featuring a woman in a green 1920s dress with a steamer ship caught in a storm on Lake Michigan.

Danielle Grandinetti

Shipwrecked Faith

Chicago, October 1929—Kellan O’Roark is running on borrowed time. After handing over his cousin’s incriminating bootlegging ledger to the police, he intends to vanish before the mobster exacts revenge. His destination: the SS Wisconsin, a steamer headed for Milwaukee, upon which he’s secured work despite his fear of the water.

But despite his pressing need for escape, Kellan faces obstacles while leaving Chicago—including one who may break open his heart. Sadie Dawning, desperate to return to her family’s Wisconsin farm and ailing father, escapes a kidnapping attempt at Chicago Union Station when Kellan steps in and offers to smuggle her aboard the Wisconsin. His decision turns nearly fatal when an autumn storm capsizes the ship.

Washed ashore, the pair arrive at Sadie’s family farm to find new storms brewing on land. While Kellan hides his past to continue evading his cousin, Sadie fights for her place among her sisters while the farm battles the beginnings of the Great Depression. Caught between duty, a dangerous past, and a budding love, Kellan and Sadie must rely on their newfound faith in each other and renewed faith in God to weather the growing storm.

Shipwrecked Faith is my latest 1930s historical romantic suspense. If you enjoy forced proximity, small-town homecomings, family sagas, mafia danger, and a historical shipwreck ... you won't want to miss the first book in the Dawning Sisters trilogy!

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 me and help keep it free, you can always buy me a tea.

Stormy sky over a road; cover text reads 'Five Romantic Suspense Recommendations' for Wednesday Waypoints.

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.

Wednesday Waypoints | Four Cozy Historical Romantic Mystery Series Starters

Wednesday Waypoints | Five Historical Romances with Adventure

Wednesday Waypoints | Five Historical Romances with Adventure

Today’s Wednesday Waypoints features a moment from ...

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Welcome to Wednesday Waypoints, your midweek hygge inspiration. Each week, I'll share a small collection of things to brighten your day. Whether books I’m loving, favorite blog posts, cozy shopping selections, or even a short excerpt to savor.

What is hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah")? According to Visit Denmark, "In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people."  So grab a cuppa, slow down, and enjoy.

About Today's Currated List

Today on the blog, I'm sharing five historical romances with adventure and why I recommend them. I love historical romance, but I'm especially drawn to those with plenty of danger. Here are four historical romances, plus one of my own, that have that delightful mix of romance and mystery while set in a time past.

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

I received complimentary copies of these books and was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Five Historical Romances with Adventure

Mail-Order Duchess cover

by Misty M. Beller

Mail-Order Duchess

A marriage born of duty. A love neither expected.

When Enoch Balfour’s eldest brother tragically dies, the weight of family responsibility falls on his shoulders. Now this Montana rancher must train for his role as the next Duke of Clarence—and marry the mail-order bride his brother sent for. Hardened by loss, Enoch has no intention of opening his heart to a stranger, but duty demands he produce an heir.

Mandie Beaumont is a desperate young widow fleeing the sinister advances of her brother-in-law. After arriving in the Montana Territory to marry a man she's never met, an accident leaves her robbed of her recent memories—memories that conceal a devastating secret. When she discovers she's carrying a child conceived through betrayal and violence, Mandie fears rejection and ruin. Yet, in Enoch, she finds an unexpected protector whose fierce gentleness makes her long to trust again.

Though Mandie’s charm and resilience begin to thaw Enoch’s guarded heart, he struggles with his fear of loss. When Mandie’s past resurfaces, Enoch must risk everything to save her. If he fails, Mandie will be torn from him—and the love they've begun to embrace could be lost forever.

Mail-order Duchess was a fantastic opening to this new series from Misty Beller. I thoroughly enjoy family sagas and I especially love a rugged hero who's softer side is drawn out by his compassion. Mandie deserves every ounce of that protective empathy so that I rooted for them the entire story. If you enjoy romantic adventures set in the Rockies, you won't want to miss this first-in-series.

The Spice King cover

by Elizabeth Camden

The Spice King

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building his very successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before it spirals out of control, he returns to his ancestral home to save his brother and sister before it's too late.

As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.

Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?

I loved reading The Spice King. Elizabeth Camden has a masterful way of turning an ornery recluse into a man readers want to see succeed. Annabelle was a perfect counterpoint with her sunny hopefulness. This story epitomizes what I love about historical fiction.

The Number of Love cover

by Roseanna M. White

The Number of Love

Three years into the Great War, England's greatest asset is their intelligence network--field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren't enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy who just won't give up. He's smitten quickly by the intelligent Margot, but how can he convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life's answers lie in the heart?

Amid biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save themselves from the very secrets that brought them together.

The Number of Love was my first book by Roseanna M. White, and I was instantly hooked. Margot is a fascinating individual who feels deeply though she hides behind her incredible mind. I loved how Drake was courted Margot as slowly and uniquely as she needed. If you’re looking for a book that wraps itself around you like a London fog, grab yourself a copy of this story.

Far Side of the Sea cover

by Kate Breslin

Far Side of the Sea

In spring 1918, Lieutenant Colin Mabry, a British soldier working with MI8 after suffering injuries on the front, receives a message by carrier pigeon. It is from Jewel Reyer, the woman he once loved and who saved his life--a woman he believed to be dead. Traveling to France to answer her urgent summons, he desperately hopes this mission will ease his guilt and restore the courage he lost on the battlefield.

Colin is stunned, however, to discover the message came from Jewel's half sister, Johanna. Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence, found Jewel's diary and believes her sister is alive in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust begins to grow between them.

When their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot, danger and deception turn their search for answers into a battle for their lives.

Kate Breslin does a fantastic job of casting Colin and Jo in real colors. We can feel Colin’s fear and Jo’s loss, their questions and determination. Then there is the setting. From Hastings, England, to Paris, to Barcelona, these places are brought to life through sounds and smells. A spy thriller at its heart, the plot doesn’t disappoint And since the results of the quest are personal to Colin and Jo, they become personal to the reader as well. If you love history or romance or spy novels, Far Side of the Sea has it all.

Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency 1 Eyewitness Sketch

by Danielle Grandinetti

Eyewitness Sketch

Finding love at Death's Door might destroy them both.

CHICAGO, Ill., 1931—Gabriella Salatino, an illustrative journalist for the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency, never planned to return to her island home at the tip of Wisconsin's Door Peninsula. Nor did she plan to witness a murder. But when her life is threatened, she has no choice but to hide out under the protective care of the man she left behind.

Deputy Andri Jóhannsson has been coming to Gabby's rescue his entire life, but having her in his secluded home tests the limits of his patience. The woman has no sense of self-preservation, and he has a smuggling ring to ferret out. Except, her skill with sketchpad and pencils might be the very investigative tool he needs in order to catch the bootleggers.

With a murderer on her trail and criminals evading detection, Gabriella and Andri must set aside the past or risk its eruption. Because this time, the collateral damage might include more than losing their friendship. It might cost them the lives of those they love.

La Verità con Integrità. Truth with Integrity. The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.

Since this is my book, here's my take on why I think you might enjoy Eyewitness Sketch. It's set on an island during Prohibition. The reunion romance is between an artist heroine and policeman hero. Plus there's a K9 named Freya! If you enjoy cozy mysteries with deep themes and a 1930s midwest setting, I think you'll enjoy this story!

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 me and help keep it free, you can always buy me a tea.

[dsm_perspective_image src="https://daniellegrandinetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Wednesday-Waypoints-Pin-1-11.png" align="center" _builder_version="4.27.6" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="et_body_layout" title_text="Wednesday Waypoints Pin 1 (11)" sticky_enabled="0"][/dsm_perspective_image]

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.

Wednesday Waypoints | Four Cozy Historical Romantic Mystery Series Starters

Wednesday Waypoints | Five Novels with Dogs

Wednesday Waypoints | Five Novels with Dogs

Today’s Wednesday Waypoints features

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Welcome to Wednesday Waypoints, your midweek hygge inspiration. Each week, I'll share a small collection of things to brighten your day. Whether books I’m loving, favorite blog posts, cozy shopping selections, or even a short excerpt to savor.

What is hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah")? According to Visit Denmark, "In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people."  So grab a cuppa, slow down, and enjoy.

About Today's Currated List

Today’s curated list explores the unwavering loyalty of canine companions. From the elite protection dogs of modern security agencies to the K9 bodyguards and dedicated trainers of the 1930s, these stories follow characters who find hope and safety through the bond of a four-legged friend.

In these novels, you’ll meet heroes like Andri Jóhannsson from my historical romantic mystery, Eyewitness Sketch, who uses his home as a sanctuary for a woman in danger. You'll also meet Lily Moore from my historical romantic suspense A Strike to the Heart, a dog trainer caught in a violent conspiracy.

Whether they are providing emotional support for a veteran or helping a father reconnect with his secret son, these dogs are central to the characters' journeys toward healing and home.

Enjoy these first lines!

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

Five Novels with Dogs

Eyewitness Sketch

Danielle Grandinetti

Finding love at Death’s Door might destroy them both.

CHICAGO, Ill., 1931—Gabriella Salatino, an illustrative journalist for the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency, never planned to return to her island home at the tip of Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula. Nor did she plan to witness a murder. But when her life is threatened, she has no choice but to hide out under the protective care of the man she left behind.

Deputy Andri Jóhannsson has been coming to Gabby’s rescue his entire life, but having her in his secluded home tests the limits of his patience. The woman has no sense of self-preservation, and he has a smuggling ring to ferret out. Except, her skill with sketchpad and pencils might be the very investigative tool he needs in order to catch the bootleggers.

With a murderer on her trail and criminals evading detection, Gabriella and Andri must set aside the past or risk its eruption. Because this time, the collateral damage might include more than losing their friendship. It might cost them the lives of those they love.

La Verità con Integrità. Truth with Integrity. The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.

CHICAGO, Ill., Saturday, March 7, 1931—They say curiosity killed the cat, which is why Gabriella Salatino preferred to let the cat keep her tongue. Silence was golden, as the saying went. However, she’d never managed to rein in her curiosity, which meant tonight might kill her.

A Strike to the Heart

Danielle Grandinetti

She’s fiercely independent. He’s determined to protect her.

Wisconsin, 1933—When a routine mission becomes an ambush that kills his team, Craft Agency sniper Miles Wright determines to find the persons responsible and protect the woman he rescued. But the fierce independence that led Lily Moore to leave her family’s dairy business for the solitary life of a dog trainer and the isolation of her farm don’t make that easy. Neither does his unwanted attraction to her. Meanwhile, escalating incidents confirm that she’s far from safe.

Lily fears letting the surprisingly gentle retired marine into her life almost as much as she fears whoever is threatening her. As Wisconsin farmers edge toward another milk strike, one that will surely turn violent, it becomes clear that the plot against Lily may be part of a much larger conspiracy. When the search for her abductor leads close to home, she must decide whether to trust her family or the man who saved her life.

Friday, October 13, 1933
Northern Wisconsin

Miles Wright pressed his eye to the A5 telescopic sight attached to his Springfield long-range rifle.

Unseen Danger

Jerusha Agen

This woman and her K-9 protect others. Now who will protect them?

After a brutal attack, it took Nevaeh Williams six years to rebuild her life. Now a security specialist at the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency, she faces danger nearly every day. But when an old friend is targeted, her fragile stability begins to crumble.

Celebrity bodyguard Branson Aaberg could lose more than his career if he fails to end the mysterious threat against his client. Soon he’s more concerned with rescuing the tough but vulnerable woman who joins his security team.

Nevaeh is there to protect her friend, but what if she needs protection? What if the feeling she’s being watched isn’t the result of her traumatized imagination? If the danger is real, Nevaeh's only hope for survival may be the God powerful enough to defeat her worst enemy—the one she doesn't see before it's too late.

The building quaked, helpless against the pounding onslaught. D-Chop was famous for his ear-blasting hip-hop concerts, but Nevaeh Williams was glad she wasn't back-
stage at the moment.

The Father He Deserves

Lisa Jordan

An unexpected reunion may mend a broken heart and complete a family in this heartwarming second chance romance.

Injured in a kayaking accident, champion Evan Holland returns home to train rescue dogs. But his unexpected partner is the woman he left behind, Natalie Bishop. And she has a secret: a son Evan never knew he had.

Now, Evan must prove he can be a real father. But earning Natalie's trust back will take hope, forgiveness—and risking everything on forever . . .

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

Evan hated returning home a failure.

The Veteran’s Vow

Jill Lynn

Could his biggest fear
be what he needs to heal?

After a traumatic brain injury, military vet Behr Delgado refuses the one thing that could help him—a service dog. But Ellery Watson is sure the perfect pup will change Behr’s life and offers to work with him one-on-one. As Behr sets about overcoming his fears, Ellery’s surprised to find herself opening up about her troubled nephew. Will family obligations force them to deny what’s in their hearts?

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

Ellery Watson's job description did not include tracking down veterans at their homes to investigate why they hadn't shown up for training, but when she realized her no-show lived in her town, she'd been unable to resist.

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 me and help keep it free, you can always buy me a tea.

[dsm_perspective_image src="https://daniellegrandinetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Wednesday-Waypoints-Pin-1-10.png" align="center" _builder_version="4.27.6" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="et_body_layout" title_text="Five Novels with Dogs Wednesday Waypoints Pin 1 (10)" sticky_enabled="0"][/dsm_perspective_image]

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.