Author Danielle Grandinetti is a new author friend of mine. We’re both in Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers, and the group recently launched new mastermind groups. Danielle and I ended up in the same mastermind along with Lenora Worth and Cynthia Cooke.
It’s been such a joy getting to know these gifted authors, and I’m excited to help spread the word about Danielle’s newest release.
Author Interview
Tell us about your new release.
Heart of Beauty is a 1870s western retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
A fearless horse gentler turns her skills on the reclusive cowboy protecting her.
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.
A Tale of Tenacity, Romance, and Peace
What are you most excited about it?
I’m excited about this story because it’s my first fairytale retelling. Following that romance and recreating the characters that fill the original tale, was such fun.
What was the inspiration for it? Any behind the scenes stories about it?
Late 1800s is not my usual era—1930s is—so when I agreed to be a part of this multi-author collection, I had to think outside my comfort zone. At the time, I was working on Refuge for the Archaeologist, book 2 in my Harbored in Crow’s Nest series. The hero in that story is a cowboy who used to work at a ranch in Montana. Inspiration struck, and Heart of Beauty became the origin story for the ranch.
Since this is part of a series, how does this tie in with the other books in the series? Can it be read as a standalone?
The Hearts of the West series is made up of stand-alone novellas. The only aspect that ties the stories together is that they are set in the late 1800s, west of the Mississippi.
What is the spiritual takeaway with this book?
I hope readers will see that inner beauty shines like a lantern to dispel the darkness.
As a Christian author, how important is it to you to incorporate your faith in your books? What inspires you to write Christian fiction?
I like to say I’m a Jesus follower who loves to tell stories. 🙂 Some of my books, like this one, are more overtly Christian, and some are less so. I see it this way: I love Jesus, and that worldview permeates my writing. My characters, however, have their own walks of faith. Like in real life, what that looks like is different for each one.
What is your favorite Scripture?
Micah 6:8: He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Who is your favorite woman in the Bible?
Ruth is one of my favorite stories. Her selfless willingness to do whatever it took to protect her mother-in-law. I also love the story of Rahab and her determination to help no matter the cost.
What are you currently working on?
My current work-in-progress will release in September! It’s the story of Ben, the grandson mentioned in the epilogue of Heart of Beauty.
Anything else?
Joining my weekly newsletter is the best way to keep in touch. Sign up at https://daniellegrandinetti.com/firesidenews/
About Danielle Grandinetti
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.
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. With a Master of Arts in Communication and Culture, Danielle spent two decades in education, including tutoring writing and teaching collegiate-level intercultural communication.
Danielle has won a Distinguished Faith in Writing and a National Excellence in Storytelling Award. She has also been a finalist in the FHLCW Reader’s Choice, Selah, and Daphne du Maurier Awards. Lynette Eason of the Steve Laube Agency represents her. Learn more at daniellegrandinetti.com.
If you enjoyed this interview with Danielle Grandinetti, check out my other author interviews HERE.
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