Book Review: Shipwrecked Faith by Danielle Grandinetti

Happy Thursday Bookworms!

I have been eagerly anticipating reading and reviewing the novel that I am featuring today since the cover reveal a few months ago and let me tell you...it was worth the wait!

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Historical Romance and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Shipwrecked Faith JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Shipwrecked Faith by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Shipwrecked Faith

Series: Dawning Sisters #1

Author: Danielle Grandinetti

Publisher: Ashberry Lane

Release Date: May 15, 2026

Genre: Historical Romance

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.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | WhiteFire Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

My Review

Shipwrecked Faith is the beginning of the Dawning Sisters series and is a fantastic introduction to the Dawning family. It’s hard not to be charmed by this story, large in part to the characters and their pure hearts and loyalty to their faith and family. The scenes with the family were so heartwarming and some of my favorite moments.

I have to give author Danielle Grandinetti credit for her beautiful imagery, rich characters, and visually descriptive writing. She has a way of putting the reader right there with the characters to where you yourself feel part of the story as you’re reading. I love that immersive experience so much.

While I’m sure this will be a hot take, I actually like the climactic sinking of the ship. I couldn’t help but think about the sinking of the Titanic in this moment and how horrific of a fate it must be to find yourself aboard a sinking ship.

The imagery is spellbinding and really puts the reader right into the action. I was entranced the entire time I was reading. This has to be one of the most intense first meetings that I've read in a while and I loved every moment. With such a strong start, I cannot wait to see what’s in store for the Dawning Sisters next.

My Rating: ★★★★★

Also Available

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Be sure to check out my other reviews of books by Danielle Grandinetti

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.

Tour 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

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