Beauty on the Backroads

Stories of grace for life's unexpected turns

mckenna family

A cliffhanger of a story: Review of Silenced by Dani Pettrey {plus a giveaway!}

If you’re a reader and happen to think inspirational fiction is limited to cozy, feel-good G-rated romance, can I introduce you to Dani Pettrey and her Alaskan Courage series?

I will confess that until I read Pettrey’s books and fell in love with the McKenna family, I hadn’t a clue about inspirational romantic suspense novels. Hers are among the best! Each novel focuses on one of the five siblings, a relationship and a criminal investigation. (To read my reviews of two of her previous novels, click here and here.)

silenced3dThe fourth book in the series (there are five total), Silenced, releases this month and follows rock-climber Kayden and Jake, whose past, until recently, was a mystery to the McKenna family. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for my review.) When Kayden discovers a body while rock-climbing, she and Jake set out to investigate while uncovering a new side to their relationship. Kayden has always held Jake at arm’s length, suspicious of his motives and his virtual anonymity. She’s also closed herself off to any possibility of love. Jake has harbored feelings for Kayden but knows she’ll run if he makes a move. As the search for a killer intensifies, Jake’s past collides with the future he hopes to have with Kayden.

Pettrey never fails to keep me reading. The mystery and suspense hold up throughout the novel, and I’m never quite sure how it’s all going to end. While not much of an extreme sports/risk-taker type myself, it’s fun to live vicariously through the McKenna family’s hobbies, professions and rescue efforts. If you’re new to this author and series, I think you’ll appreciate it more if you start at the beginning with Submerged. The story continues with Shattered, Stranded and Silenced. (Care to take a guess at book five’s title? It follows the pattern of the others! The title and cover for that one will be revealed on May 23 during a Facebook party on the Bethany House Publishers events page.)

Although it wasn’t my favorite of the four books thus far, I enjoyed Silenced for its plot twists and themes, one of which is about letting our past experiences and hurts control and limit our futures. Not just fun, suspenseful reads, Pettrey’s books are stuffed with spiritual truths that encourage readers to live an adventurous spiritual life and fiercely love those around us.

And if reading her books wasn’t enough of a treat, Pettrey’s also hosting a fun giveaway in honor of Silenced! Between now and May 21, head over to Pettrey’s website and enter to win one of three great prize packages, including an air travel gift certificate, Alaskan art and a romantic picnic pack.

 

Enter the RUGGED ROMANCE Sweepstakes from Author Dani Pettrey!

 

I can’t wait for book five and just might go back and re-read the other books to immerse myself in the McKenna family’s world. (It’s not healthy, but I want to hang out with them!)

Here’s more about the author:

Dani PettreyDani 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, Stranded, and her latest release, Silenced. 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 daughters, son-in-law, and super adorable grandson.

Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, on Twitter and Pinterest. (Warning: her stories and pictures will make you want to travel!)

Another Alaskan adventure {and a chance to win BIG prizes!}: Review of Stranded by Dani Pettrey

Dani Pettrey has quickly become one of my favorite authors with her Alaskan adventures and romantic suspense novels featuring the McKenna family.

stranded3dHer third book in the series, Stranded, is on-par amazing with the first two books in the series. I read it one day. ONE! (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for my review.)

But before I get to the review, I want you to know about this amazing giveaway Dani Pettrey and her publisher are hosting in conjunction with Stranded‘s release. It’s huge. Here are the basics.

Summary:

In Stranded, Book 3 in author Dani Pettrey’s acclaimed Alaskan Courage series, reporter Darcy St. James knows something is wrong when her friend vanishes from her job on a cruise ship. Everyone else believes Abby simply left of her own accord, but something isn’t lining up, and Darcy knows the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby’s position.

Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock in Alaska for a few days of sightseeing. He’s surprised to find Darcy onboard one of the ships, working undercover as a reporter.

Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they dig, the more they realize they’ve only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

To celebrate the story, author Dani Pettrey and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the ALASKAN ADVENTURES Sweepstakes, and your chance to win one of three fabulous prizes connected with the story!

Timeframe & Notifications:

This giveaway starts September 2, 2013 and ends September 19, 2013 @ 11:59 pm (PST). Winners will be selected Friday, September 20, 2013, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.

Alaskan Adventures Sweepstakes Grand PrizeGRAND PRIZE:

BUILD-YOUR-OWN-ADVENTURE PACKAGE

In Stranded, Darcy, Gage, and the McKenna family launch into all kinds of adventures: from high-octane ocean kayaking, to rugged island camping beneath the vast Alaskan skies.

Our grand prize winner will have the chance to build their own adventure, with a $300 adventure gear gift card of their choice from either Eddie Bauer or L.L. Bean.

And what would our hero and heroine do if they won the prize? Gage use it towards one of L.L. Bean’s gorgeous ocean kayaks, while Darcy would go for “Glamping” gear:)

Alaskan Adventures Sweepstakes Grand PrizeSECOND PRIZE:

CULINARY CONQUEROR PACKAGE

Everyone knows Gage McKenna’s campfire cooking is second to none. But in Stranded, Darcy discovers that before Gage was a search and rescue hero, he secretly dreamed of attending culinary school.

Our second prize winner will have the chance to fulfill Gage’s dream with a $200 value, 1-year membership to Top Chef University.

Membership includes over 200 video lessons taught by Top Chef contestants, covering everything from soups to desserts.

Alaskan Adventures Sweepstakes Third PrizeTHIRD PRIZE:

SHIMMER & SHINE PACKAGE

Darcy once gave her missing friend, Abby, a beautiful shell necklace, engraved with a special message that made it one-of-a-kind.

Our third prize winner will receive their very own, one-of-a-kind “Earth & Sea” necklace valued at $100.

Handmade of New Zealand Paua shells, hammered copper, and Tahitian pearls, this necklace is the perfect compliment for a soft sweater and jeans, or a unique finishing touch for a little black dress on a special date night.

How to Enter:

Go to http://www.danipettrey.com/alaskan-adventures-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between September 2 and September 19.

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Sound fun? What are you waiting for?

Now for my review:

Two things I’m usually not into: extreme cold and risk-taking. But Pettrey’s stories are so well-written I want to hop on the next plane to Alaska and do some whitewater rafting. Or kayaking. Or underwater exploring.

In book 3, we follow Gage McKenna onto a cruise ship where he’s reunited with reporter Darcy St. James, who is in the middle of a mystery. Her friend has disappeared from the ship and the explanations don’t add up. Gage and Darcy are fighting their attraction to each other, as well as searching for answers about life, loss and purpose. In typical Pettrey style, there’s plenty of action, mystery and romance.

And I love every word of it.

Partway through, I had a lingering doubt about this style of book. Because, really, how many of us are going to find ourselves investigating a friend’s disappearance in the Alaskan wilderness? But, I think what Pettrey does is offer us some vicarious living, for one, and a reality check on relationships, for another. It’s in these high-pressure, high-stakes situations that her characters realize what–and often who–is important. We might not face the same kind of extreme situation, but it’s a good reminder that we need to cherish our most important relatinships and not let unforgiveness, pettiness or insecurities come between us and those we love.

It’s also just a really good story. Do I need to say it again?

You don’t have to start at the beginning of the series, necessarily, to enjoy Stranded, but all three books are worth your time, and you’ll get more backstory by starting with Submerged, then moving on to Shattered and Stranded. (P.S. There are two more books coming in this series!)