Tag Archives: Dani Pettrey

Audiobook Review: Stranded

15 Jan

209841When Her Friend Goes Missing,
Every Minute Counts

Darcy St. James returns to Alaska to join a journalist friend undercover on the trail of a big story. But when Darcy arrives, she finds her friend has disappeared. Troubled by the cruise ship’s vague explanation, Darcy uses her cover as a travel reporter to investigate further.

The last person Gage McKenna expects to see during his summer aboard a cruise ship leading adventure excursions is Darcy. And in typical Darcy fashion, she’s digging up more trouble.

He’d love to just forget her–but something won’t let him. And he can’t help but worry about her as they are heading into more remote regions of Alaska and eventually into foreign waters. Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they push, the more Gage fears they’ve only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

 

dpettrey3smDani Pettrey is a wife, mom, grandma, and the acclaimed author of the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, and Silenced, and upcoming release, Sabotaged. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award nomination, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award, among others.

She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves—the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, a son-in-law, and a super adorable grandson.

 

My Impressions:

Looking for an attention-keeping book for your daily commute or exercise routine? Then check out book 3 in Dani Pettrey’s Alaskan Courage series, Stranded. This audiobook is perfect for the woman on the go who likes a suspenseful slant to her romances.

The McKenna family, along with their friends, are back for more adventure when they sign up to lead extreme excursions for a cruise line. Darcy St. James is also on board trying to determine what happened to her friend and fellow investigative reporter, Abby. Sparks fly between Darcy and Gage as they rub each other the wrong way, as well as develop a deep attraction. The story turns sinister as evidence points to more missing women.

Pettrey has great characters in her McKenna family. Each is his/her own person with definite opinions and attitudes. The family’s interactions are interesting and believable. In this book, Gage McKenna is front and center in his reluctant relationship with reporter, Darcy McKenna. At the beginning of the book, Gage is a non-believer who blames God for the death of his infant son. But Darcy’s witness and events force Gage to reevaluate his stance. Characters who are believers — Piper and Darcy — are not afraid to share their faith, yet are never in-your-face. Their’s is a natural witness lived out in both words and actions. Prayer plays a large role in the book, with God’s interaction in the characters’ lives crucial for the story’s progression and the characters’ growth.

Because this is book 3 in a 5 book series, there is plenty more to develop between Gage and Darcy, and, I hope, between Jake and Kayden McKenna. I am definitely looking forward to more from Pettrey and her McKenna family.

Recommended.

Audience: older teens and adults.

(I purchased the audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Book Review: Shattered

10 Dec

209833Piper McKenna couldn’t be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed–but despite the evidence, Reef swears he’s innocent. And Piper believes him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he’s also sworn to find the truth. Piper is frustrated with his need for facts over faith, but he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth may mean risking Landon’s career.

With Piper waging her own search, the two head deep into Canada’s rugged backcountry–and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.

5275947Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, and latest release, Stranded. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

My Impressions:

I have to admit that I was reluctant to start Shattered by Dani Pettrey. You see, although numerous bloggers have loved Dani Pettrey’s books, I was less than impressed with the first book in this series, Submerged. And while I didn’t hate it, the book just didn’t grab me. But Shattered had been sitting on the shelf too long and I really needed to get a review out about it, so . . . . Boy am I glad I picked it up! I loved it and think you will too.

The McKenna family is back in the second installment of the Alaskan Courage series. In Shattered, long absent brother Reef has been accused of murder. There is overwhelming physical and eyewitness evidence that makes his case look open and shut. But Piper believes he is innocent and sets out to prove it. Joined by long time family friend Landon, the two set out on an adventurous trip to discover murder victim Karli’s secrets and to uncover the real killer. Their efforts are met with silence, hostility and real threats.

I would say Shattered is an edgy romantic suspense novel. Pettrey does not shy away from the physical attraction of the characters, nor real life doubts and fears. The characters are a mix of McKenna siblings and others they have let into their family circle. Some are believers; others are openly skeptical or adamantly opposed to God. This allows for interesting conflicts and discussions between them. The romantic element is front and center, but the suspenseful turns of the story keep it in balance. And while Shattered wrapped up its story line, there is definitely more material for future books. Shattered is book 2 in the series, but can be read as a standalone. The back story between the characters is covered and doesn’t get in the way of the main plot.

Shattered is set in December and there is plenty of ice and snow to capture the feel of the season. I began it on a balmy 80 degree day here in the Deep South, but the shivering soon started! Grab a cup of cocoa or cider and curl up with a blanket, as you enjoy Shattered.

Recommended.

(Thanks to Bethany for a review copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase a copy of this book, click on the image below.

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Book review: Submerged

14 Aug

A sabotaged flight. Two murdered divers. A single clue—a grainy image of sunken treasure.

Dive Rescue Captain Cole McKenna has never worked a case like this, but who he’s working with may prove more dangerous than the assignment. It’s been a lifetime since Bailey mangled his heart. Now she’s back in town and he needs her expertise to track down the illusive treasure.

Professor of Russian Studies Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey again, but when her beloved aunt dies, she has no choice. Her plan of attack is simple: return for Agnes’s funeral, get the family business ready for a quick sale, and then put Yancey and all the heartbreaking memories wrapped up in it behind her for good.

Cole walking through her door, asking for her help on a murder investigation, wasn’t part of her plan, neither are the feelings he’s resurrecting—feelings best left dead.

Bailey agrees to help for the sake of the victims, and travels with Cole across Alaska’s rugged terrain and deep beneath its coastal waters. As the case escalates, so do their feelings for one another. Unfortunately, not everyone is willing to let go of the past and just when Bailey thinks she can’t take it any longer, the case shifts in a new and extremely personal direction, fastening her in for its duration.

Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Cole and Bailey fight to find the treasure and uncover the hidden history at the root of it all. But will they be too late?

Excerpt

 

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

 

My Impressions:

I was somewhat disappointed by Submerged, the first novel in the Alaskan Courage series by Dani Pettrey.  I had read several reviews that sung its praises and the cover boasts a quote by Dee Henderson promising that the suspense will keep you up at night.  I did not find that to be the case.  While there is definitely an element of suspense, the story really is centered on the relationship of Bailey and Cole.

Bailey Craig left Yancey, Alaska 8 years ago, never to return, until the death of her aunt calls her back.  Yancey holds no fond memories for Bailey.  Instead it reminds her of the many mistakes and failures that surrounded her teen years. And she fears how Cole McKenna, her one time boyfriend, will react when she gets to town.  While a few townspeople seem to remember her teen indiscretions, most welcome her back as family.  Soon Bailey is drawn into the McKenna family and, try as she might to resist, her attraction to Cole.  Several murders and her own aunt’s death team Bailey and Cole in an investigation that leaves them and the whole McKenna clan in danger.

The strongest part of the novel is its examination of what it means to be a new creation in Christ.  While Bailey openly states that she is now a Christian and that God saved her life, she does not quite believe that He really has forgiven all that she did in her past.  I know many struggle with the grief and guilt of past actions even after accepting the cleansing forgiveness of God.  I think Pettrey got this part right in her portrayal of Bailey’s struggle with who she now is and who she once was.

I think this book will definitely appeal to those who like romance with a touch of suspense.  I wish there had been a bit more though.  And if you like series, Submerged opens up a few more romantic plot lines for future books.

 

(I received Submerged from Bethany in return for a review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

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