A Spot of Story

“Set your dial to A Spot of Story, where books, history, and the writing life come alive over a steaming cup of tea.” On this episode of the podcast, we are exploring the dramatic history of the French Revolution—an era inspired by the birth of the United States 250 years ago. I’m sitting down with award-winning author and editor Karen Ullo to discuss her historical novel, To Crown with Liberty ....

In this episode of A Spot of Story , we look at the real-world historical research behind the town of Crow's Nest from Confessions to a Stranger . In this episode: * Commercial Fishing: The history of the industry on the Lake Michigan coast during the 1930s. * Sheboygan Boardwalk: The riverfront elements that inspired the town’s architecture. * Two Rivers: Incorporating local coastal charm and ice...

Set your dial to A Spot of Story , where books, history, and the writing life come alive over a steaming cup of tea. On this episode, we are diving into a deep conversation with best-selling, Christy Award-winning author Roseanna M. White about her new dual-timeline novel, The Island Bakeshop . Roseanna returns readers to the coastal setting of Avon, North Carolina, building a beautiful story arou...

Set your dial to A Spot of Story, where books, history, and the writing life come alive over a steaming cup of tea. On this episode of Echoes of History, we step back into the 1930s to explore the true beginnings of the Great Depression. While history often focuses on the stock market crash of October 29, 1929, the reality was a multifaceted building of problems that started long before the bubble...

Settle in for an adventurous, beachy chat about an unexpected genre. On this episode of A Spot of Story , we dive into a dystopian, future-set reimagining of the book of Nehemiah. Megan shares how a year spent traveling in a tiny camper inspired her award-winning debut writing journey , the beauty of coastal settings , and the intricate art of molten glass. Episode Highlights: * A Day in Paradise:...

Grab your favorite cozy beverage and pull up a chair. On this episode of A Spot of Story: Echoes of History , we step back into the 1930s to explore the treacherous waters and rich cultural heritage of Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula. Discover how real-life shipwrecks, a historically “dry” town, and Icelandic traditions came together to inspire the fictional island setting of her romantic mystery, Eyew...

Grab a quiet cup of tea and step inside the whimsical walls of an alternate history library. On this episode of A Spot of Story , we wander outside our usual genre into a charming alternate Edwardian fantasy. Sarah shares the cozy, everyday rhythms of her library-dwelling characters and the massive cultural shifts that inspired her debut novel. Episode Highlights: * The Whimsical Librarian Lifesty...

Settle in for the second half of our deep-dive into literary history. On this episode of A Spot of Story: Echoes of History , we explore how to reshape old stereotypes into an atmospheric romantic mystery centered around justice, privilege, and integrity. Episode Highlights: * Overturning Old Stereotypes: Navigating the negative, underhanded character traits found in the original, pre-1700s versio...

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” resear...

Grab your favorite cozy beverage for a journey far back into literary history. On this episode of A Spot of Story: Echoes of History , we trace the true origins of a classic tale. Discover how stepping completely outside of modern, copyrighted film versions allowed Danielle to anchor her Gilded Age romantic mystery, Undercover Wish , in an authentic reverse retelling. Episode Highlights: * The Rea...

Get full access to The Fireside Wire at danielleswritingspot.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to The Fireside Wire at danielleswritingspot.substack.com/subscribe

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...

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 b...

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 hop...

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 histo...

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-wo...

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 Get full access to The Fireside Wire at danielleswritingspot.substack.com/subscribe

Today on A Spot of Story: Crafting the Tale, I’m joined by Publishers Weekly bestselling author Jill Kemerer to talk about her new non-fiction book Creating a Writing Life: Encouragement and Advice for Authors. Visit the episode page on my website for the show notes: https://daniellegrandinetti.com/post/episode-3-creating-a-writing-life/ Subscribe so you don't miss an episode of A Spot of Story. G...

In this episode, I dive into the history and legends of the Loch Ness Monster, exploring the research that inspired parts of my historical romance,  The Recluse’s Vindication. Get full access to The Fireside Wire at danielleswritingspot.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to A Spot of Story ! In this first episode of our Behind the Book series, we’re delighted to introduce you to The Lady’s Companion by Anna Jensen. Join us as we explore the story of Gwenllian Powys, a young woman with dreams of academic success in 1873 Cardiff. When family expectations redirect her path to become a companion to the widowed Lady Campbell, Gwenllian embarks on a journey full...

Welcome to A Spot of Story Podcast with host and 1930s historical romance author Danielle Grandinetti. Get full access to The Fireside Wire at danielleswritingspot.substack.com/subscribe