For today’s Sunday Dinner author interview, I’m here to talk about Relying on the Enemy, the next installment in my Harbored in Crow’s Nest historical romantic suspense series.

Danielle Grandinetti is an inspirational romance author fueled by tea and books, and the occasional nature walk. An award-winning author and FHLCW Reader’s Choice Finalist, her stories span from the Great Depression to present day. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com.

Sunday Dinner is a traditional (noon) meal served after church on Sundays. Whole families, including extended family, would gather over a large meal to celebrate a day of rest. Multiple cultures enjoy this Sunday Dinner tradition. In my experience, I know it from both my Midwestern farm family as well as my Italian-American family. Now, I’d like to bring Sunday Dinner virtually to you. So, pull up a chair as we invite various guests to join us each week!

This or That Quick Takes

*Author’s choice is in bold.

Ten Questions

Tell us something interesting readers would enjoy learning about you.

Gilbert Blythe is one of my favorite classic fictional heroes, which made this story extra fun to write because it’s a marriage of convenience historical romance with a twist of Anne of Green Gables.

Can you tell us about your latest novel?

She’s protecting her children. He’s redeeming his past. But there’s nothing convenient about saving their patchwork family.

Wisconsin, 1931—All widowed mother Marian Ward wants is to provide for her girls. However, she faces the dead of winter with no income and dwindling resources. Then she overhears a nefarious conversation, putting her life and that of her children in immediate danger.

Aiming to make amends to the Wards, Gilbert steps in when the threat to Marian escalates. It costs him dearly. Either lose his career or marry her, and be tied to his past until death do them part.

He leaves the decision to Marian, who will do anything to protect her girls, even marry the son of the man who ruined her family. How will their fledgling trust prove strong enough to fulfill their vows as winter tightens its grip and desperation stalks at the door?

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

In what city is your story set and why did you choose to set your novel there?

Crow’s Nest, Wisconsin. This story is set there because it is part of the Harbored in Crow’s Nest series

Describe your setting. And, if it’s a real place, have you visited?

Crow’s Nest is set on the western bank of Lake Michigan. And yes, I live near where the story is set!

What research was required to set a book there?

One aspect of research in this story required researching into the symptoms of stroke, and the treatment in the 1930s. Like other industries, the medical field went through dramatic growth between the World Wars. However, much is still being learned about conditions like stroke.

I attempted to show the effects of what we now call a transient ischemic attack (TIA) and ischemic stroke through the lens of the 1930s, including the diagnosis and treatment. For example, the angiogram was first developed in 1927, but it would not have been available to someone in Marian’s mother-in-law’s position.

With the economic trouble of the early 1930s, the elderly, especially those with health issues like Elaine Ward, were among the most vulnerable. As part of the New Deal, the government began the Old Age Assistance program in 1935.

What does a day in the life of one of your characters look like?

Marian is a mom, so even in the 1930s, her day would have looked like many a mom’s day looks like now. Getting her children to school. Taking care of the house. Being a caretaking of her mother-in-law. Searching for a job …

Were resources easy or difficult to find on these topics? Do you have a favorite resource?

Research was both easy and difficult to come by. Because the story is set in the 1930s, there is more information to be found, but it requires digging. Some of my favorite sights are medical history archives, though the wording can be quite technical at times. I also love archived newspapers, which is how I find prices for things like aspirin.

What is one piece of your research that you couldn’t include in the book, but wish readers could know?

I wish I could have delved into more of the medicinal treatments available at the time. It’s fascinating!

Do you have another book in the works? What can you tell us about that book?

Yes! The next book is Sheltered by the Doctor, the romance of Mindy Zahn and Dr. Nick Matrone. It releases in May. Preorder availability will begin rolling out soon, but you can preorder now through my website!

A fake relationship might keep her safe, but will it break their hearts?

Wisconsin, 1931—Mindy Zahn can’t understand why her parents deserted the family farm, leaving her mute younger sister in her care. Until her mother’s cryptic warning to keep her sister safe becomes a life-threatening task.

Searching for that elusive something to ease his weary heart, Dr. Nick Matrone is drawn to the cheery Mindy. He would never presume to bring such a sweet woman into his beleaguered past, so friendship is all he can offer. Except, he doesn’t expect needing to save her life.

As the danger grows, they both must battle through physical and emotional wounds to have a hope of their counterfeit relationship becoming true.

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

Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?

If you love Anne of Green Gables and/or marriage of convenience like I do, then I hope you’ll especially love this story.

The Wrap-Up

The afternoon is slipping away, so we have to draw the stories to an end. Thank you for joining us today!

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If readers would like to purchase a copy of your book, where might they be able to do so?

Amazon | Direct from the Author | Goodreads

If readers would like to learn about you or your other books, how might they find you online?

Website | Amazon | BookBub

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Question for Readers

*Answer in the Comments!

Who is your favorite classic fictional hero?

Over Sunday Dinner next week author ___ will be joining us. See you then!

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