To Stand in the Breach

Strike to the Heart #0.5

by Danielle Grandinetti

She came to America to escape a workhouse prison, but will the cost of freedom be too high a price to pay?

1933, Wisconsin - Large animal veterinarian Katy Wells takes her patients’ welfare personally, so it’s no surprise when she stands up to angry farmers planning a milk strike or takes in an injured draft horse to save its life.But after a visitor from the past discovers her location and reveals a threat, she must choose between her work and her freedom, and whether to trust a man to keep her safe.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2021

About the author

Danielle Grandinetti writes both historical romantic suspense and contemporary sweet romance. She is an avid reader and her writing has won the University of Northwestern Distinguished Faith in Writing Award. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

TO STAND IN THE BREACH is such an amazing historical fiction story that held my interest until the very last page. At times, I found myself holding my breath, afraid of what was around the corner for this strong and brave woman! This is the story of Katy and takes place in 1933 in Eagle, Wisconsin.

When I read the preview for TO STAND IN THE BREACH, I knew it was going to be an emotional story and I knew it was going to make me cry. I had no idea I would be sobbing and be an emotional wreck after finishing it. Danielle Grandinetti’s debut book, TO STAND IN THE BREACH is the story of Katy who ran away at the tender age of twelve. This brave and determined girl suffered and has to run because she is pretty! I kid you not! Fast forward quite a few years and Katy finds herself in the middle of the Wisconsin dairy strikes.

TO STAND IN THE BREACH will stay with you for a long time after you finish reading it. I have no idea when I will be able to read another book, but right now I can’t stop thinking about this one. There were several times I found myself desperately wanting to keep reading, to find out what would happen next, but I was afraid to turn the page, scared of the possible fates awaiting these characters. Danielle Grandinetti has a magical way of telling dramatic stories about women and what they had to deal with in the 1930’s. TO STAND IN THE BREACH will be sure to strike the reader’s heart and compassion for this brave woman who is willing to do anything in an effort to protect the animals will be strong!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read this ebook from a debut author. It is set in Wisconsin in dairy country, where I lived for 11 years. We had friends that owned a dairy farm.
This story is set in 1933, concerns the dairy strike of that year and contained many interesting facts about farm life and the strike.
I like the heroine, Katy, one of the first female Veterinarians. She is shy, independent, pretty and skittish. She is protected by Joey, a policeman in Eagle. Together they work to try to avert the strike and protect the animals that Katy loves. Additional characters add to the family and community feel.
This was an engaging story, very well told. It moved along smoothly, with a mysterious angle and a dangerous climax. There was a sweet romance that wrapped up nicely and hints of more to come from Lily, best friend of Katy and a twin to Joey.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.”

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veterinarian Dr. Katy Wells has finally found a place to call home after running for much of her life, but when a milk strike puts her patients in danger she must decide who she can trust.

An engaging read with a strong heroine, well researched I thought that the story did a great job of bringing to light the horrible practice of Magdalene Laundries, as well as the plights of dairy farmers during the Great Depression. I admired Joey for his reliable and protective nature, an excellent friend, brother and son. I liked how he is patient with Katy, always putting others first. Joey, definitely was a favorite!

Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a very original historical angle, well written characters and an engaging plot. I loved the idea of a female large animal vet in the 1930's, and for the most part really liked the story. Though I did struggle to give credibility to just how nuts Fergus was, and thought that it took away from the believability of the plot. Otherwise I really enjoyed this story, and will definitely be on the lookout for Lily's story.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful historical fiction story with a side of suspense from this delightful new-to-me author! I really enjoyed To Stand in the Breach by Danielle Grandinetti. Katy Wells, one of the first female large animal veterinarians, is happy in America after escaping the fate of workhouse prisons in Ireland called the Magdalene Laundries. After her beloved grandfather, also a veterinarian dies, she runs away to escape her uncle's plans. She has had to forge her own way in the world in the early 1900s since she was twelve.

After settling in Wisconsin, she has made friends and finds work in her field of expertise, until someone from Ireland catches up with her. This tale includes the Magdalen Laundries in Ireland, early women veterinarians, and the true history of striking dairy farmers, and how hard that impacted the animals. Throw in friendship, romance, and a good mystery and you have all the elements I enjoy in a good story!

I highly recommend To Stand in the Breach for all lovers of historical fiction with an element of suspense! Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy of To Stand in the Breach. All opinions are my own!

[Lisa's Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction is my favorite genre and this novella was wonderful! This short book left me wanting more and I’ll be watching for this author’s next book. The story takes place in Wisconsin during the early 1930’s, which was a time of hardship for the dairy farmers who could barely scrape by. A young veterinarian, Katy Wells, had lived a very difficult life and the life she deserved was still not in reach.

At age 12, her uncle threatened to throw her in the workhouse because of her mother’s mistake. She escaped to London and then to America. Little did she know that she was still being followed. Her best friend Lily had a twin brother who was a policeman. Joey wanted to protect Katy and they were falling in love. Between the striking dairy farmers, feuding families, and obsessed foreigners, Katy needed her policeman to protect her.

This story is based on many true events of that time as well as the dilemma of many Irish immigrants. I love how the author used this history to share with us a beautiful story of trust and love.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read anything written by Danielle Grandinetti and To Stand in the Breach is a wonderful introduction to her writing talents. She's created a heroine who is beautiful, courageous, a true advocate for the animals that she treats, and a trailblazer as one of the first female veterinarians in this male-dominated profession. I also loved learning the history behind the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland and the Wisconsin milk strike that occurred in 1933. Grandinetti offers an impressive account of the unrest and violence that threatened Wisconsin during this time, and she offers a stunning portrayal of the farmer's frustration. My husband and I ran a dairy for almost thirty years, so I fully understand the discouragement of watching your livelihood threatened by plummeting milk prices!

To Stand in the Breach has mystery, suspense, romance, and faith, and it's a prequel to A Strike to the Heart, scheduled for release in April 2022. I am looking forward to reading more about Katy and her life in Depression era Wisconsin.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book that was offered by the author. All views expressed are my honest thoughts.

[Jennifer Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle Grandinetti crafts a compelling historical romantic suspense with her debut To Stand in the Breach.

I was very excited to read this story, and Grandinetti did not disappoint! I was hooked from the beginning and had a hard time putting the book down. Thankfully, because it’s a novella, it’s short. However, I was sad when it ended.

For one, Grandinetti does such a great job building her characters. Katy is sympathetic from the start, and Joey immediately proved himself to be a hero worth rooting for. I loved the romantic tension between them, as well.

The suspense thread was well done, and Grandinetti throws a twist I did not see coming (which is the best kind, of course).

Overall, To Stand in the Breach is a fantastic novella historical romance and romantic suspense readers alike will enjoy. And I’m definitely looking forward to Grandinetti’s next book, A Strike to the Heart.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy for review. I was not required to post an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Stand in the Breach is a lovely introduction to a new series by an author that I had not read before. It is a novella, yet the characters and situations and fully developed.

The historical setting of Wisconsin in the 1930’s, during the dairy farmer strikes, was something I had no former knowledge of. The author has set up a very interesting series in a turbulent time.

I really liked Katy and felt so sorry for the tragic and unfair past that she had escaped. And I respected Joey for his kind and patient treatment of Katy. I also appreciated that these two characters tried to work through their problems together, opening up to each other in order to overcome Katy’s fears and other troubles they faced. It was refreshing. I look forward to reading the next book in the series which will follow Joey’s twin sister, Lily.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Meghann Whistler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story for fans of historical romance!

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice introduction to a new author! The story is really more of a 3.5 for me. I don't read a lot of books with Irish characters in them and I wish there were more.

I enjoyed getting to know Katy who has been through so much in her short years. I love that she pulled herself up by her bootstraps, at an incredibly young age, to save herself. She dealt with a lot being a woman, with a career, as well as being a foreigner. Of course, my love of horses (and farm animals in general) made me happy to know she is a veterinarian. She has a lot of obstacles to overcome in this small dairy town.

Then there's Joey. He's a police officer whose family owns a dairy farm. With all of the struggles the dairy farmers are going through, Joey somehow has to hold down the peace. Unfortunately, his growing feelings for Katy doesn't give him a moment of peace. Katy's past doesn't give him much room to show his care and concern for her.

I liked how the author wove in true historical accounts into this story. Things I'd never heard of. She did it in a way that made sense and helped move the story along. There was definitely some tense moments that had me holding my breath!

I'm looking forward to Lily's story, Joey's twin sister. I have a feeling it's going to be full of strong wills and gumption. Lily was fun to get to know in this novella.

*I received this ebook for review. This is my personal opinion.

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such an interesting read to me, not only from a storyline standpoint, but the history. I actually found the historic tidbits Grandinetti included to be fascinating, and found myself googling some of it to find out more information. And how about the fact that we have a female veterinarian!!! That was almost unheard of for this time period, and I love how Grandinetti wove that into the storyline. You could see from the way different townspeople treated her how forward thinking they were (or weren't!).

Grandinetti did a great job of holding my attention, especially when a certain someone came to town looking for Katy and brought some interesting news (Don't want to say who - spoilers!). I actually found his character to be a little creepy lol, but that added to the depth of the storyline. Joey, on the other hand, was a character I could get on board with. His protective nature was endearing, and I felt he was a great match for Katy.

To Stand in the Breach is a great introduction to what I think will be a great novel released by Grandinetti. I can't wait for it to come out! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

** 3.75 stars! **

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Katy Wells, an Irish veterinarian immigrant, has been on the run since she was 12 years old. She has finally found a home and friends in a small town in Wisconsin when her worst fear is brought to life: her uncle has found her. Katy’s uncle wanted to send her to the Magdalene Laundries just because her mother had her out of marriage and she was a beautiful child. She chose to run away instead.

In the midst of a dairy strike that will hurt the animals she cares for, she has to protect herself from her uncle and another man who has become obsessed with her. Will her best friends brother, Joey, be able to help her? A local policeman who has always tried to protect those who needed help. Joey proves to be a good friend indeed to Katy….and maybe more.

This story has events that happened in real life, which is always fascinating to me. I end up googling and learning more. Apparently this is part of a series but I did not feel lost reading it without having had read the others in the series. It was a quick read and good, almost four stars for me. It was missing something that I can’t really pin down, but I think that may be details that are in the other books. Reading those would probably increase my stars actually. I think others would enjoy this historical fiction.

[Amanda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this delightful novella immensely! Novella's can be hit or miss with me, since it can be hard to get the full range of a story in such a short book. Danielle Grandinetti did a wonderful job of bringing the story together, with a lot of tension from the setting of the Great Depression, as well as Katy Wells being an Irish immigrant and the difficulties that it brings. I loved the history, since I have a lot of Irish ancestors, and I found the EPIC museum in Dublin an excellent museum on those who migrated from Ireland.

This was an enjoyable novella and I look forward to reading the full length novel that comes after it!

I received this book from JustRead. This is my honest review.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good novella. I didn’t know about the dairy strikes in 1933 and I found that to be an interesting bit of history. I also liked how this story was written and how it capture how life would have been l like for a female Irish immigrant trying to make her way in the world. I liked the characters and how Joey was willing to be patient with Katy until she felt like she could have a romantic relationship with someone. I liked this book and I look forward to the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own. 

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Stand in the Breach
Strike to the Heart #0.5
By Danielle Grandinetti

Katy Wells does as little to draw attention to herself as possible, but with the threat of a strike looming she needs to take a stand for her patients. Most wouldn't think of speaking up for cows but Katy treats them when they have health issues arise and with the low price of milk hurting the local farmers she knows she must speak up. But her concerns are brushed aside, after all, she is but a woman and most likely highly excitable, especially where political and financial concerns are being discussed. Welcome to 1933 Wisconsin, whose problems surprisingly are similar to those facing dairy farmers in 2021.

Katy has come to Eagle, Wisconsin, to hide from her uncle, a man who sought to lock her away for life. When she receives word that her uncle has managed to track her from Ireland to her current home - she has a choice before her, flee as she has done in past or stand firm in the face of open hostility? She's never placed her trust in many men but to survive the threats coming her way she may have to trust Joey Moore, a deputy with the police. But trust means vulnerability and that is something Katy never wants to appear.

To Stand in the Breach is a quick read that is an introduction to A Strike to the Heart which releases in April of 2022. This novella sets the stage for us allowing a glimpse into a time and place struggling for survival. Farming is a hard unrewarding life and the barely-there prices that farmers are getting for their milk is driving them from their farms, seeking better prices the only way they can - by threatening to strike. But strikes have a history of solving little while costing much. It was interesting to get a glimpse into a world that has the same issues facing it today. I'm interested to see how everything plays out in A Strike to the Heart.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Stand in the Breach wasn’t at all what I was expecting, but that isn’t a bad thing. I can honestly say I enjoyed this quick read, and loved that I learned about topics I did not know about before.

So much of this novella was steeped in history! From where Katy graduated from veterinary school to the harsh treatment of Irish immigrants, the disrespect for women during those times, to the very real Magdalene Laundries in Ireland, and the Wisconsin Dairy Strikes of 1933. Even though this is a shorter story, I appreciate the work that went into making this novella as historically accurate as possible.

A very character-driven tale, To Stand in the Breach focuses on Dr. Katy Wells, a large animal veterinarian, and police officer Joey Moore. Katy is a strong and stubborn woman that isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in, a heroine I greatly appreciate, and Joey is one of those men that fights for those that he loves, regardless of the cost. They are both sweet characters, but I struggled to connect with either of them, especially at the beginning of the story.

Once the strike heats up, and the weaseling Fergus comes into town, the story picks up considerably, and the flow was fluid, and that connection I had been lacking started to gel.

I enjoyed what little bit I got to see of Katy’s best friend, and Joey’s twin sister, Lily, and can’t wait to see her featured in A Strike to the Heart, releasing April 2022. Seeing what she struggled with in this story, as well as Katy’s major struggle, tugged at my heartstrings, and are tales I’m sure many can identify with.

I will now be impatiently waiting for A Strike to the Heart to come out next year, and can see this being a wonderful historical fiction series with a great start like this.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katy Wells has done all that she can to escape her past. Yet it keeps catching up with her.

In 1933 small-town Wisconsin, Katy is actually Dr. Wells. She has the high honor of being one of only a few women graduating Cornell University as a doctor of veterinary medicine. She cares for the animals of the dairy farmland around her, focusing especially on larger ones like cows and horses. She has made it as clear as possible to the men around her that she is all business, and has no interest in flirtation. To that goal, she has striven to make her appearance as severe as possible. For Katy wants to avoid her mother's fate.

However, Katy's past has kept her moving; even fleeing, from nation to nation, town to town. There are those from her past who have made it their mission to find her, even if it costs her life.

She does have friends in the town; Lily (who's also an animal lover) and her twin brother, Joey. (Who has the most beautiful eyes.) There are farm families who respect her. But being a single woman during the Depression, even though she is a doctor, can be difficult. There is little respect for Katy. She has to strictly conduct her behavior (no men in the house!) so that her reputation remains spotless, and her practice continues to grow.

But all it could take is one person from her past to spoil everything.

Danielle Grandinetti's novella offers readers a glimpse of America (not to mention a peep at the British Isles) during the lean Depression years; when strikes were growing in popularity as negotiation between business interests and farmers failed. Katy is an inspiring heroine, yet even with her exceptional skills, one is reminded how precarious the position of a single woman was at that time. You'll root for Katy to beat back her past...and find a future of hope and love.

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Kelsey Gietl · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Stand in the Breach is a quick read, but packed with action, well-rounded characters, and memorable moments. The story follows Dr. Katy Wells, one of the first female veterinarians in the small town of Eagle, Wisconsin who, although highly intelligent and able to stand with the best in her field, is often underestimated by the dairy farming community. Her best efforts to prove her worth are met with one roadblock after another through labor strikes, an inheritance battle, and navigating her blossoming romance with police officer, Joey Moore.

I read a lot of historical fiction, so I like when I read about an area of history with which I’m unfamiliar. To Stand in the Breach had many of these moments. I was unaware of the Wisconsin dairy strikes and unfamiliar with the concept of the horrific Magdalene laundries where Katy’s mother was sent and she herself constantly fears going as well for her striking beauty being too tempting to men. Danielle Grandinetti gives us an introduction to Irish culture in the 1930’s and what it meant to be a female Irish immigrant during that time. Unfortunately, we really only start digging into the depth of these characters when the novella ends, and I’m looking forward to finding out more in the next novel.

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to advance read To Stand in the Breach. This book is the introduction to her full-length novel, A Strike to the Heart, which will release on April 12, 2022 from Heritage Beacon Publishing.

Please note: I was not required to provide a positive review in exchange for a free copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

To Stand in the Breach is a debut novella by Danielle Grandinetti. The series will continue with A Strike to the Heart coming April 2022. The stories are centered around the Magdalene Laundries and the Wisconsin dairy strikes of 1933.

I love the cover of this novella, it represents the story well. While I normally feel that novellas are too short, this story had good depth to it and read like a full-sized novel. I enjoyed learning about this time in history as I had never heard about it before. I can appreciate that Katy is a veterinarian trying to make her way during turbulent times. Not only is she dealing with her past, but having to learn to trust, while making her way in a male-dominated field, during the Wisconsin dairy strikes.

While the story talked about Katy and Lily being best friends that had very few interactions in the book. Katy interacted more with Lily's twin brother, Joey. I am a reader who enjoys more dialogue than lots of details and I would have enjoyed this story having more dialogue. It had a lot of details, but I felt it was missing some details that I would have liked. For instance, more time devoted to Katy and Lily's friendship.

To Stand in the Breach was a quick read and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Thank you to JustRead Publicity Tours for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the great things about a novella is that it allows you to sample an author’s work in one sitting. With this busy season in my life, this is a good thing. I can say that after reading To Stand in the Breach by Danielle Grandinetti, I’m looking forward to the full-length follow up book coming out in April 2022.

As a large animal veterinarian in Wisconsin in 1933, Katy is a woman in a man’s world. She’s had to fight for where she is from a young age, and she’s crossed an ocean to do it. As soon as I read how Katy cared for her patients, I liked her. And the more time I spent with her, the more I appreciated how far she’d come and the battles she had to fight.

Grandinetti does an excellent job of weaving historical facts (like the 1933 dairy strike and the Magdalene laundries of Ireland beside some tense moments while also managing introduce readers to the heroine in her next book. I’m already looking forward to reading Lily’s story this coming spring.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Stand in the Breach by Danielle Grandinetti is a prequel to the authors book that is coming in Spring 2022. I was intrigued by the Synopsis and cover of this book, and the fact that the Author is a debut author.

I really enjoy Historical Fiction as I feel I am learning something new as I read the books. The setting is 1933 in Wisconsin for this book. I truly did learn something about the History from that time, the Dairy Farmers were planning a Milk Strike. Katy Wells is the main character of this book and as a Veterinarian for Large Animals, this really disturbs Katy. Katy is new to Eagle, WI coming from Ireland to escape her uncle who was threatening her. Katy turns to Police Officer Joey Moore, who is the brother of her best friend Lily. Joey Moore wants to help keep Katy safe and as he is protecting her the pair strike up a relationship. I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow. I admired how Katy stood firm and strong when she discovered her uncle had tracked her down. The book is a novella and an easy read, but VERY Enjoyable. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance Fiction!

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Stand in the Breach, written by Danielle Grandinetti, is an engaging look into her new series Strike to the Heart. This quick read caught my interest early on and held it to the end. I liked the characters. Katy is strong and determined, working to make a future for herself as a veterinarian in a Wisconsin dairy community. And then the past shows up on her doorstep--will she have to run away again? I enjoyed watching the growth and development of Katy's relationship with Joey, a man she so wants to trust. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and Grandinetti has done a great job incorporating the history of the 1930s into the novella. The details regarding the Irish Magdalene Laundries, the disrespect for women during this time, and the dairy strikes added a lot of interest to the story. Readers who enjoy historical fiction and romance will not want to miss To Stand in the Breach.
I read a complimentary copy of the book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions are my own.

[Courtney | Soul of a Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly loved the way the author seamlessly pulled actual historical events into the story. I learned so much from reading this novella. Learning about events in the past is actually one of the reasons I adore historical fiction so much!

With that being said, I struggled with the pacing of this novella. I don't know if I was just in a funk or what, but I was invested in the beginning and invested toward the end. I struggled in the middle. I also lost a little bit of footing in the timing as some chapters continued the very moment the last chapter left off and other chapters experienced a significant time jump.

But I loved Joey and Katy! They both seem like such multi-faceted characters. I'm very intrigued by Lily because she seems like she'd be a fun character to explore. Overall, I'd certainly recommend this novella for fans of historical romances who enjoy genuinely learning about lesser known aspects of history.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author. All expressed opinions belong to me.

[Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once in a great while I come across a novella that has so much going for it, that brings together unexpected elements that fit so perfectly and help to shape a setting, a character, a slice of life - and that is what Danielle Grandinetti has done with To Stand in the Breach, the prequel novella to her novel A Strike to the Heart.

Veterinarian Katy Wells has moved to Wisconsin to escape her past in Ireland, though she carries the emotional burden with her. When she is under threat from local unrest as well as Irish visitors, a local deputy is quick to offer assistance, but the shame of her past has her keeping him at arms length.

To Stand in the Breach is a story of conflicts, faith, and overcoming. Author Danielle Grandinetti brings to life the struggles of dairy farmers in Wisconsin during the Great Depression, bringing additional tension and depth to this Romantic Christian Suspense novella that somehow feels larger that its 154 pages. Highly recommended.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably a 4.5 star story. Katy is a large or farm animal veterinarian, and right now she is in dairy country in the 1930's. Women just weren't vets in the 1930's, but the farmers in her area don't have another choice. This is a time when the dairies just aren't paying the farmers enough for their milk to take care of their families so they are talking about striking, which would cause fighting to consume the area. One of the farmers wants to buy a tractor and he wants to sell one of his horses to do it, but the horse is injured, so she offers to buy the horse. She brings him home to be a part of her other animals that she has taken in and cared for. Katy has found a safe place to be after she leaves her home, but someone from her home has found her and now she must decide if she will run again or stay and fight - fight with the kind deputy who has been helping her.

This is a clean read.

[Patricia Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned Something New

As a former dairy farmer and the daughter . Granddaughter. great granddaughter of dairy farmers. I had never heard of the Wisconsin Dairy Strikes. This story made me want to know more so I researched the topic. Very interesting, especially the fact that one of the negotiation points was that local grocery stores would stop processing the milk themselves, Cutting into farmer profits.
That is odd since a big name superstore now has their own dairies and make it near impossible for family farms located near them to find a fair market. Things that make you go hummmmmmm……

[Crystal Caudill · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fascinating and wonderful read

The dairy strikes were really something I’d never had any real knowledge of and this story brought a piece of history to life that is easily forgotten. I really appreciated the view of both sides and the stress everyone insured. I’m not sure what I would have done. I loved the romance between Joey and Katy and the slowness of waiting until she was ready. The danger Katy faced was intriguing and enjoyable, and I look forward to following Joey’s sister in the next story, A Strike to the Heart.

[Joy Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful prequel novella! It drew me in right from the first line and has me eagerly waiting for the full length novel releasing this year. It introduces the reader to Eagle, Wisconsin in the early 1930s, a period of time I haven’t read much about so it was educational in that regard. Katy is a feisty Irish immigrant who was so easy to like. It’s endearing that her accent thickens when she’s upset. And Joey, ever the protector!

I recommend this to fans of historical romance.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author to me, and I was impressed. The story sucked me in right away, and I wanted to know what happened to the characters. I liked the idea of a woman veterinarian in the 30s. I look forward to reading more from Grandinetti.

[John J. Lomicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

New beginnings

Magdalen Laundries. Escape from brutality. Achieving independence through education,while following your heart in your career. An independent Irish woman,who fulfilled her goal.