Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Robber and the Witness by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: The Robber and the Witness
Series: Christmas Cabin Historical Romance Novellas #3
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press
Release Date: July 21, 2026
Genre: Christmas Historical Romance/Mystery
Christmas … a time of reunions and unexpected surprises.
A simple favor, a best friend’s promise, and the end of the line.
Wisconsin, 1931—When Gideon Lundgren agrees to escort his best friend’s sister to Manitowish Waters, plans go awry when she witnesses a robbery. He thinks he’s merely escorting the girl he once knew, but she’s grown into a charming beauty.
Evangeline Whitaker’s older brother always warned that her kind heart would be the death of her. It might at that. First, when she’s an unwitting accomplice to a robber. Second, when her childhood crush becomes her bodyguard.
With a robber on their trail and a tangle of emotions between them, Evangeline and Gideon detour to his boss’s cabin to wait out the ensuing manhunt. However, Evangeline’s Christmas spirit might be the death of them both.
One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.
A sweet 1931 Christmas mystery featuring a closed-door romance between a protective bodyguard and the woman who witnessed too much.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
More in This Series
My review of The Robber and the Witness
The Robber and The Witness by Danielle Grandinetti is the latest novella in her Christmas Cabin series. In this case, much of the action revolves around trains rather than the cabin. The cabin is the ultimate destination for Evangeline Whitaker, who will be spending Christmas away from her brother Evan for the first time. However, business takes Evan to New York, and he can’t bring Evangeline with him.
Evan feels confident that he can count on their childhood friend Gideon to keep her safe, and he certainly is able to do so. After all, he’s a deputy in Manitowish, WI, and he’s taking her to the sheriff’s and his wife’s cabin for a cozy Christmas. Things go sideways when Evangeline kindly says yes to a stranger who asks her to watch his bag while he uses the privy. This means she’s one of very few witnesses who saw this man…a man desperate enough to steal a logging company’s payroll.
I thought that this was a fun twist on the Christmas Cabin series. I’m one of those people who romanticize train journeys….like the sleeping quarters would be lush and comfortable. I’m sure the one I could afford would be much like second class traveling arrangements in the 1930s! That’s how Gideon and Evangeline are supposed to be getting to Manatowish. “Supposed to be” being the point. A huge snowstorm has hit the area, and though the robber doesn’t appear to have gotten on the train, they worry that he may find a way on regardless. From this point, there is a lot of action and Gideon faces the moral dilemma of choosing Evangeline’s safety or that of the many other passengers (including babies and young children).
As with Grandinetti’s other 1930s novels and novellas, I loved The Robber and The Witness. Her descriptions of battling blizzard-like conditions on foot made me feel that biting cold (while it’s currently 95 degrees F here!) and the sharp pain of ice-like snow blowing in my face. I’m not a fan… Of course, they find relief when they reach the cabin. What happens with the robber? You’ll have to read to find out! The next novella is going to be about Evan, Evangeline’s brother, and I can’t wait! I loved Evangeline and Gabriel’s happy ending! If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll fly through this page-turning novella!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romantic mystery and suspense. She is the 2026 Holt Medallion winner and a second-generation Italian-American. Fueled by tea and nature, she crafts hope-filled historical romance novels exploring immigrant heritage, found family, and cozy Midwest traditions. Find her at daniellegrandinetti.com.
Tour Giveaway
(2) winners will each receive a signed paperback of The Robber and the Witness, a notebook/pen set, and a wooden ornament!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 22, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 29, 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!