shipwrecked faith | excerpt + giveaway

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about the book

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.

publisher: ashberry lane

release date: may 15, 2026

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excerpt

Holy Father. The prayer came unbidden, an echo of his ma’s prayers beside his bed as a child when fear would keep him from sleep.

His heart hammered as if it competed with the thunder. Oh yes, he was afraid now. He didn’t want to die. He wasn’t ready to meet God face-to-face. He had too much on his conscience. He’d done too little to stop the evil he witnessed.

Forgive me, Father.

Peace, My son.

Kellan raised his eyes to the cutting rain. Something in his chest unknotted, as if his chest could expand for the first time since the last shipwreck. The sense of home that was his ma’s arms, the sense of security that was his da’s hands on his shoulders... If he died tonight, he would see them. The two people who loved him most in this entire world.

They would tell him God loved him more than they could, his da declaring his favorite Irish blessing on him: May all God’s blessings descend upon you, May peace be within you.

Go raibh maith agat. Thank you.

From the recesses of memory, his ma’s voice seemed to fall from the swirling clouds, singing lyrics from a folk song he’d thought long forgotten.

I’m just a-going over Jordan.

I’m just a-going over home.

Then a wave, larger than all the others, washed over the deck, jerking his grip from the rigging.

about the author

Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romance filled with mystery, suspense, and hope. She is a second-generation Italian-American rooted in Midwest traditions. Fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature, her stories explore love and belonging in hard times.

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

giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Shipwrecked Faith, paperback journal, and Danielle Grandinetti tote bag!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 19, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 26, 2026. 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 the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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