ABOUT THE BOOK
Chicago, 1933―Lucia Critelli will do anything for her ailing grandfather, including stand in a breadline to have enough food to make him a St. Nicholas Day meal. When she catches the eye of a goon who threatens her grandfather, she discovers the end of Prohibition doesn’t mean the end of the mafia’s criminal activity.
Retired Marine Scout Giosue “Gio” Vella can find anything, especially if it helps a fellow Italian immigrant, so he has no doubt he can locate his neighbor’s granddaughter, who has gone missing from a local church. Keeping her safe is another matter. Especially when he chooses to hide out with his Marine buddy in Eagle, Wisconsin, the site of a barely-held truce among striking dairy farmers.
Will Christmas bring the miracle they all need or will Gio discover there are some things even he can’t find, particularly when he stumbles upon the most elusive gift of all: love.
As Silent as the Night is the Christmas novella to To Stand in the Breach and A Strike to the Heart.
MY REVIEW
I have been eagerly awaiting this novel for months and it’s finally here!!
Vivid imagery captures your imagination as we zoom into Chicago 1933, the city dealing with organized crime, as well as the end of prohibition, and the holiday season. The tension is palpable as we see that mobsters running the windy city, the fear unspoken but apparent as immigrants try for a better life, but finding out that things aren’t much better in America.
This is where we find Gio Vella, the man who can get anything, and Lucia Critelli, the picture of the perfect girl next door. Lucia only has her grandfather, and she’s doing everything she can to care for him amid unsavory conditions, while also fighting her feelings for charming Gio. Gio feels unworthy of love, but he shows his love for everyone as he fights to feed the cities downtrodden. They both are a pair that have such incredible heart, and are truly perfect for each other. If only it were easy to get these two together, but such is life.
Lucia gets caught up in a mob deal against her will, putting her in a very dangerous situation that is the stuff of nightmares. Her fear rolls off the pages, as she fights to free herself with the help of Gio and his allies in Wisconsin, while hoping to make true change in her community.
I enjoyed being reacquainted with other characters from the Strike to the Heart series as well as this place and time. I’ve always been fascinated with the this post-Depression era, especially when it comes to organized crime, and their rise to power. The influence they possessed and the fear they evoked is nothing short of fascinating, and Danielle does a masterful job of bringing this era to life with her wonderful writing.
As Silent As the Night being set during the holiday season got me excited for our own upcoming celebrations, and adds a sweetness to the story’s air, but you can still feel that tension of the situation, make no mistake. Though a novella, this tale packs a punch of love and suspense, of mystery and celebration, the ying and yang perfectly balanced. Gio and Lucia are two characters that you can’t help but be enamored by their charm, and I loved the added Italian that was sprinkled throughout. It was the perfect touch to a wonderful read!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Danielle Grandinetti is a book blogger at DaniellesWritingSpot.com, focusing on Christian historical romance, romantic suspense, and sweet romance. A Strike to the Heart, her historical romantic suspense (published by Iron Stream Media) releases April 2022. Originally from the Chicagoland area, Danielle lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons. She loves quiet mornings served with the perfect cup of tea.
You can connect with Danielle on her website as well as on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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