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The Neighbor and the Gifts by Danielle Grandinetti Review and Giveaway

July 15, 2025 Babbling Becky L

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Neighbor and the Gifts by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Neighbor and the Gifts
Series: A Christmas Cabin Novella
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Genre: Christmas Historical Romantic Suspense

Twelve days. Twelve gifts. One unlikely hero.

Wisconsin, 1930—When Manitowish Waters librarian Olivia “Ollie” Larson finds a package on the library steps, she expects the children’s books she ordered, not a taxidermied partridge. By the fourth gift from her unknown and unwelcome True Love, disappearing to her grandfather’s isolated cabin in the Northwoods is the only way she can escape him.

Deputy Titus Wilburn is happy to escort the lovely librarian to her grandfather’s house on his way to the neighboring Yarwood cabin. After all, he’s been smitten with her since they attended school together, and she needs his protection. However, the plan fails when Ollie’s uninvited suitor discovers her new location.

As the man’s actions become more desperate and his gifts more dangerous, an unexpectedly bedridden Titus decides to free Ollie from this menace, which puts the enemy’s sights directly on him. Ollie refuses to let her injured hero sacrifice himself, but with the days ticking closer to Christmas, she may have no choice but to accept whatever fate her suitor has in store for her if she wants to save Titus’ life.

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

More in This Series

Listen to The Sheriff and the Outlaw audiobook on YouTube

About the Author

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. With a master’s in communication and culture and a passion for intercultural communication, storytelling has been her heartbeat for as long as she can remember. 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.

Connect with Danielle by visiting daniellegrandinetti.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

My Impressions

‘You are my …’ Her voice trailed off as words jumbled on her tongue. Her friend. Her Hero. Her … True Love?”

Do you remember being very young and painfully shy around a handsome young man you wished would look at you with interest? I do! Poor Ollie ( short for “Olivia”) Larsen is 20 and the shy librarian in the 1930s Wisconsin town of Manitowish Waters. Thrilled to see her interest, deputy Titus Wilburn, out and about on a snowy December day, they awkwardly greet each other before Ollie totally embarrassed herself by falling on ice in front of Titus, an old schoolmate.

Refusing Titus’s offer of an escort back to the library, in seconds upon her arrival she wishes she had accepted. There, on the steps, is a dead bird with a note.

What should have been a joyful holiday for Ollie thus begins to slowly evolve into a nightmare as an unknown admirer sends her gifts corresponding to the “12 Days of Christmas” carol. Sheriff Yarwood( whom we met briefly two years ago in The Sheriff and the Outlaw and again in last year’s novella, The Baby and the Guardian) wisely puts Titus, who he knows has a crush on Ollie, in charge of the case.

As more gifts are left on successive days for Ollie, Titus and Ollie both realize that this is not your normal suitor. It is decided Ollie should visit her grandfather’s remote cabin in the mountains. “Right now, he is trying to win you over. But if he suffers from the delusion that I suspect he does, then if you decline his overtures, I worry that he will turn violent.” Titus will stay at the sheriff’s nearby cabin for protection.

I just love the meddlers in this story!! As her hermit grandfather Osborne tells a visiting Titus, “She needs someone to show her what True Love really is.”(Meddlers are always fun, if it’s someone else’s life!)

I love the scene and atmosphere that Grandinetti sets. I could very well imagine being back in time, first in the small town , then in the remote cabin, around Christmas time. I could feel the angst of both Titus and Ollie as they try to maneuver through those awkward first moments, then try to figure out where they stand in the other’s mind and heart. The mystery is well-done, and adds good tension to the story. I also enjoyed meeting Osborne, and getting to peak beyond his crustiness to his soft feelings for his granddaughter.

I heartily recommend this novella series! While this novella could be read alone, it’s better in sequence. I’ll be rereading this whole little series at Christmas time, because all the feels!!

I received a copy of the book from the author, but I also bought my own ecopy and a few paperbacks (this a series to share)! No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“This was the most awkward, horrible love triangle she could imagine.”

“But you’ve made me feel like a hero because of how you see me.”- Titus

“…Ollie’s voice, her closeness, were the best medicine. He had to get better soon so he could be the brawn to her beautifully brilliant brain.”

“…Agatha Christie, has a sleuth named Hercule Poirot and he puts great stock in his little gray cells.” “We are taking detective advice from a novel?” – Ollie, Titus

My Rating

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Superior! This is a Christmas historic romantic suspense novella with all the feels! Don’t miss The Neighbor and the Gifts by Danielle Grandinetti!

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of both The Baby and the Guardian & The Neighbor and the Gifts plus 1 set of series-inspired earrings!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 15, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 22, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

ARC, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Kindle, Purchase

Fugitive Search by Dana Mentink Review and Giveaway

August 19, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Fugitive Search (Security Hounds Book 2)

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: August 20, 2024

A murderer out for revenge…

who is closer than they think.

When the man who killed her father is finally arrested, Catherine Hart thinks it’s safe to come out of hiding…until he escapes and abducts her. But private investigator Garrett Wolfe and his tracking dog rescue her just in time. Now they must work together to escape the criminal on their heels, find Catherine’s kidnapped uncle and stop her sister from walking straight into the fugitive’s path. But when their search yields more questions, can Catherine and Garrett survive the terrifying truth?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.

More from Dana

After dreaming up Wally, the supremely naughty bloodhound, in book one of the Security Hounds series, I didn’t think the next fictional dog could possibly compete in the personality department. Surprise! Pinkerton, the stalwart bloodhound companion to Garrett Wolfe, scrambled onto the scene and into my heart. His faithful dedication and selflessness make up for the streams of slobber he leaves everywhere. He’s also instrumental in solving the latest case complete with twists, turns, and an ending you won’t see coming. (I hope!)

Enjoy this next installment in the series and look out for more bloodhounds in the next three books!

My Impressions

“Despair clawed at the edges of her mind. Her father was dead. Her sister and uncle, gone. And now Stone would have her too.”

My emotions are a whirling mess after reading Fugitive Search by Dana Mentink. I enjoy romantic suspense, especially clean and faith-based novels. Add in canines, and a book has a good start. Mentink takes us on a see-saw of emotions as we identify with her relatable characters.

Mentink brings us the second of her Security Hounds series. I enjoyed Wally and his handler in the first book. Now we are presented with Garrett Wolfe, and his bloodhound, Pinkerton. Garrett bungled an arrest of murder suspect Porter Stone ten years ago, and it cost him his job with the local police. Now, he is thrown into the awkward position of trying to protect the daughter of the murder victim, who blames him for ten years of living under an assumed alias for safety. Garrett’s inner radar says something isn’t right about this case, but his honesty may cost Security Hounds any chance of keeping Catherine and Antonia Hart safe.

Catherine and her sister have suffered severe trauma. Sometimes I liked Catherine. Like when she begins to trust Garrett, realizing that “Garrett hadn’t taken her father’s life. He was simply the one left on whom she’d hung her burden of anger. Him and God.” Starts to reframe thinking and attitudes. How important it can be to evaluate our attitudes in the light of God’s Word and reframe our thinking!

As Catherine begins to trust Garrett, his underlying suspicions come out and Catherine refuses his and his family’s help once again. Both Catherine and her sister have “Lone Ranger” tendencies, very perilous when trying to escape a dangerous psychopath.

I did love how Catherine challenges Garrett about hiding behind a false personality. “If God loves you, then why do you have to cover up who you are?”

Garrett also challenges Catherine. Catherine has turned her back on God, because He didn’t save her father from dying. Garrett explains why that thinking is not valid. “But if we only worshipped a God that gave us what we wanted, He’d be a cosmic vending machine, wouldn’t He? A glorified personal assistant.”

I loved Pinkerton. He is very accepting of Catherine and has a way of comforting her. His tongue seems to be a very notable part of him! He is a great tracker, but also needs a lot of affection.

With plenty of action , the two young people are slowly losing their hearts, yet one pulls back repeatedly. This inflicts emotional damage and possibly leads to many others putting themselves in unnecessary danger. How will this stalking situation end? You will be as surprised as I was when I realized the truth of the situation! Great twists!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive opinion was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Arrested decay. The term made her shudder. A place stuck in the past, like she and her sister.”

“Give yourself a break. You’re a work in progress without—” “A completion date,”

“God is worthy of my devotion, not because He answers my prayers the way I want Him to, but because He’s God. He loves me, all of us, and He made us to love Him back, no matter what.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! Ready for the next Security Hound!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 20

Lily’s Corner, August 20

The Avid Reader, August 21

She Lives To Read, August 21

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 22

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 22

Devoted To Hope, August 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 23

Stories By Gina, August 24

Texas Book-aholic, August 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 25

Betti Mace, August 26

EmpowerMoms, August 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 27

Blogging With Carol, August 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 28

Because I said so- adventures in parenting, August 29

Simple Harvest Reads, August 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, August 30

Blossoms and Blessings, August 31

Labor Not in Vain, August 31

Holly’s Book Corner, September 1

Pause for Tales, September 1

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, September 2

Lights in a Dark World, September 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5419

BLOG, New-to-Me Author, Purchase

January 14, 2021 Babbling Becky L

Decoy Valentine by Shannon Kent

About the Book

Title: Decoy Valentine

Author: Shannon Kent

Publisher: Kindle Edition

Released: January 2021

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense, Mystery

FROM FAKE RELATIONSHIP TO TRUE LOVE

A broken engagement drives Susanna Kelly back to her hometown of Sweetheart, Texas and the arms of its quirky, lovable citizens. But her peaceful return to her roots is shattered when heart-shaped notes with sinister messages start appearing. The support of Daniel Sheppard, Asian American bestselling author and her childhood friend, gives her a much needed ally amidst the turmoil. He offers to play the role of her boyfriend to discourage the stalker, but Susanna resists. Pretending to be a couple? And with Daniel of all people? Who would buy it?

The note writer’s mind games force her to reconsider. Susanna accepts Daniel’s crazy plan, but her heart acts up whenever she’s near her decoy valentine. Comfortable, uncomplicated Daniel has turned into a full-grown man who makes her senses spin. As she tries to sort out her feelings, the make-believe romance has the opposite effect intended. Harmless notes turn into life-threatening accidents, and Daniel and Susanna must find out who’s behind the chaos before they can decide if their temporary relationship is a heaven-sent gift meant to last forever.

My Impressions

Susannah Kelly is having a bad day. Or a bad three weeks, at least. Plus an unwanted suitor who can’t take a hint. How should she protect herself from the all-too familiar paper heart notes sent by a stalker, plus the wannabe boyfriend? Daniel Sheppard, Susannah’s best friend who has become a best-selling author in his three years away from Sweetheart, Texas, thinks he has the solution. Just be his valentine.

“It will never work,” she said. “No one will believe it. They’ll know we’re faking.” “We’re not faking.” Daniel met her on the porch, stuck his hands in his jacket pockets, and leaned against the railing. “You didn’t want to lie. Remember? We’re an honest-to-goodness couple.”

Author Shannon Kent sets Decoy Valentine in a small Texas town, preparing for their annual Candy Hearts Festival. The trope of (best) friends to couple is combined with a sprinkle of mystery, suspense, and humor. The little town seems chock-full of quirky characters that by turns are very fun to know or very irritating. I would enjoy seeing more of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, including Lannette and Elise. While this was not a chiller, there were certainly some scary vibes going on, and Kent does a great job portraying realistic, flawed, lovable and unlovable characters. Now that Daniel and Susannah have their act together, I hope we see another lovelorn couple from this town.

Fave Quotes:

The Bible says I have to forgive you, but I don’t have to hug you.

Daniel was determined to go through with this crazy charade. She squeezed her eyes shut and prayed under her breath. “Please, God. Don’t strike us both with lightning.”

She was so tired of being the strong one. Why couldn’t someone else save the day for a change?

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

My Rating

Magnificent!

About the Author

When Shannon Kent earned an M.A. in Journalism, she never imagined her first published work of fiction would be inspired by TV shows from a faraway land. She loves the wacky, romantic world of Korean dramas and likes to share her opinions with fellow fans under the pen name Dramarookie at the Dramas with a Side of Kimchi blog.