In this Beyond the Book episode, I’m joined by Tasha Hackett to discuss her contemporary romance, Planning for Nickie. Tasha shares the hilarious and heartfelt origins of her hero Mark—a man so committed to efficiency he lives in a hotel and has his entire search for a wife mapped out on a spreadsheet.

We discuss the shift from writing historical to contemporary fiction, the “need to know” research process, and the deeper themes of anxiety and control that surfaced as the story unfolded.

Join us for a conversation about the beauty of shared human experiences and the reminder that we don’t have to navigate life alone.

✨ Read the transcript on my blog.

In this Echoes of History episode, I uncover the real events and cultural threads that inspired my prequel novella, Undercover Wish. While many of us know the musical versions of Aladdin, the original public domain story—and the complicated history surrounding it—provided a unique backdrop for Ali Di Stasio’s origin story.

Join me as we step back to 1892 Chicago, explore the height of stunt journalism, and look at the “underbelly” of the White City’s construction. This is part one of a two-part series on how fact, fiction, and a little bit of magic lamp inspiration built the Di Stasio Agency.

✨ Read the transcript and show notes here.

Every story begins with truth.

In this Echoes through History episode, I uncover the real events that inspired my novella His Boss’s Little Sister. Set in 1931 Wisconsin, the book grew out of research into Depression-era economics, dairy politics, and the unexpected crime of margarine smuggling. These fragments of real history shaped the world, tone, and tension that bring the story to life.

Join me as we look at how fact becomes fiction—and how a little butter war helped build a fairytale.

✨ Read the show notes and join my Fireside News at:
https://daniellegrandinetti.com/post/episode-9-the-real-history-behind-his-bosss-little-sister/

In this Behind the Book episode, I’m joined by author Dienece Darling to talk about her Broader Regency novella, A Heart to Treasure.

The vicar’s son and the draper’s daughter have fought against all odds to be together—but when a storm of pride and doubt threatens their love, they must rediscover what it means to trust God and each other.

We explore Dienece’s inspiration for writing beyond the ballroom, crafting stories of faith and honesty, and imagining the world of Jane Austen’s youth—England at the cusp of change, where class and conviction collide.

✨ Read the show notes and join my Fireside News at:
https://daniellegrandinetti.com/post/episode-8-a-heart-to-treasure-dienece-darling

Why the 1930s?
This decade sits at the heart of my stories — a time of courage, resilience, and quiet hope. In this Echoes through History episode, I share what draws me to write 1930s historical romance: the tension between hardship and faith, prejudice and belonging, mystery and redemption.

Discover how the echoes of this era continue to shape my characters and their journeys toward love and hope.

✨ Read the show notes and join my Fireside News at:
https://daniellegrandinetti.com/post/episode-7-why-i-write-1930s-historical-romance

Step into the seaside tea room of the 1920s with author Lori Soard as we go Behind the Book of Meringue Melody. A retelling of The Little Mermaid set against the backdrop of Portland, Maine, this Apron Strings Tea Tales novel blends faith, music, and hope in the midst of family expectations and daring choices.

Listen in to discover how Lori wove together a touch of fairy tale, a spoonful of history, and a teacup of hope.

✨ Read the show notes and join my Fireside News at: https://daniellegrandinetti.com/post/episode-6-meringue-melody-lori-soard/

Welcome to A Spot of Story! In Episode 5 of Echoes of History, we step into 1933 — the year Germany changed course and the world shifted with it. It was a year of turning points: rising fear, new laws that endangered children, and the first quiet acts of courage that foreshadowed the rescues to come.

Show Notes: https://daniellegrandinetti.com/post/episode-5-echoes-of-history-1933-the-year-the-world-shifted/

Today on A Spot of Story: Beyond the Book with Lenora Worth. We talk about her newest release The Sweetheart Deal and the inspiration behind it.

Find out more at daniellegrandinetti.com/podcast