Book Review of Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey

Fantastic book! Pettrey rounds out her series within another victory.


Dani Pettrey, author of the Alaskan Courage Series presents the final book in the series and the final McKenna sibling to find love. And it was definitely Reef's time!

If you've been following the series you will probably agree that it was time for "bad boy" Reef to settle down. If you're new to the series, you might find a hard time understanding the full extent of the love story. However the plot of the story could probably stand alone, the cast of characters might feel overwhelming. So, I recommend reading more than one. If you are just starting out with the Alaskan Courage and you don't want to read all four previous stories, try starting with Shattered. It is book 2 but it introduces the kind of person that Reef is ... was. Love can change any heart.

Here is the Publisher's blurb:

Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey’s search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light.

Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits. Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing. Frank’s daughter has been kidnapped. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper’s bidding or she will die.

Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl’s life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

My thoughts on this book are quick and painless today. I really enjoyed the story. The plot was fantastic and exciting. I enjoyed the ticking time bomb of the race ending equaling disaster. Then as each hour and day passed the suspense was ramped up further. The setting of the Iditarod was unique and fun. I have never read a story from that perspective. Overall I am filled praise for the final chapter of this family saga. A great read.

My only concerns are few and perhaps a little petty. I found a lot of repetition in the wording. I assumed it was because the couple drives, flies and traverses over alot of ground in the short time of the story which made for a lot of "he held the door for her" kind of repetitive statements. Also the massive amount of travel made it hard to keep the setting straight and where each of the characters actually was.

As for the romance of the book, I really enjoyed the story of Reef and Kirra. It was nice to see Reef mature into a strong and capable partner for Kirra. He lost his 'black sheep' persona and was able to present himself as a great hero.  Sometimes the slow brewing of a love story from characters who have know each other for a very long time is a deeper, more mature form of love story. I really liked it.

However my best point for Pettrey's story was the handling of the sensitive topic imbedded into the plot. I do not want to add a spoiler here, so you won't know what I truly mean unless you read the story, but Pettrey does an amazing job. Sometimes, as a writer you want to portray the deep anguish a characters feels without softening them into a wad of saggy Kleenex. Again ... kudos to you Dani! I think you truly succeeded at making Kirra strong and vulnerable at the same time.

I have read all five of the Alaskan Courage series and have reviewed them on this blog as well. If you are interested in checking them out, here are the links to my reviews. Submerged. Shattered. Stranded. Silenced.

So, if you like adventure and fast paced suspense you will enjoy this story. If you like sweet romance with a strong faith element, then you will like Sabotaged. If you're still on the fence, visit Dani Pettrey's website for some fun facts and interesting info on all the books. Or read a beginning chapter excerpt.

Thanks to Bethany House and Dani Petrrey for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I am not required to rate it positively.

Book Review of Silenced by Dani Pettrey

A fantastic read! Dani Pettrey's fourth installment in the Alaskan Courage Series is out and she hasn't missed a beat yet!


Jake Knew Something Was Wrong. 
But He Never Guessed How Wrong. 

A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna's route brings her face-to-face with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something darker? When the case is handed to overburdened sheriff Landon Grainger, he turns to Jake Westin for help. With Jake's past now revealed, he's ready to use his talent for investigation again--but he could never prepare for where the mystery will take him.

Kayden's climbing expertise soon leads her and Jake to the realization that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is onto them. When strange things begin happening in Yancey, Jake is terrified that once again his world may put someone he loves in danger. But the truth is far worse than he could ever imagine. 

Silenced was an exciting read filled with an amazing cast of characters. Most of them are all familiar to readers who have been following the series all along. I read this book from that perspective, having started with Dani and the McKenna clan in book #1 Submerged. I am not a good person to ask how the story holds its own to a reader just joining the fun. However, each of the past characters plays a supporting role in the book, continuing on with their story lines slightly. This makes the characters more fleshed out then just names and casual mentions. 

I have been looking forward to this story line since the middle of book #3 Stranded. Kayden always drew my curiosity in the ways she poked and prodded at Jake, hoping to prove him a fraud. In book #3 we all got a glimpse into his secretive past making us all, Kayden included, like him a little bit more.

Now in Silenced we have the full growth of that change into a budding romance. And a sweet one at that. Jake is

Book Review of Stranded by Dani Pettrey

Book 3 of the Alaskan Courage Series is a delightful read. Again Dani Pettrey creates a suspenseful story around strong and relevant characters. I enjoyed Gage and Darcy's story.

Book Blurb: When her friend vanishes from a cruise ship, reporter Darcy St. James isn’t satisfied with their explanation that she simply left her job of her own accord. Something isn’t lining up, and Darcy believes the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby’s position.

Within days, Darcy learns her friend wasn’t the only person to disappear mysteriously. Last summer, a woman vanished under almost identical circumstances.

Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock for a few days of sightseeing. He’s surprised to find Darcy working aboard one of the ships, investigating a troubling report.

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

The character of Gage had interested me from the earlier stories. I thoroughly enjoyed him being flushed out even more in this exciting excursion through the Alaskan waters. If you aren't familiar with the first two books in this set then check them out on Dani Pettrey's website or find my reviews of Submerged and Shattered on my blog.

For those readers familiar with the previous books and with Dani's wonderfully simple and beautifully executed writing will be happy to know that the McKenna clan make an appearance through this story. The plot picks up about five months after the end of Shattered. Darcy and Gage haven't spoken since she left Alaska. But neither have missed counting a day since. And that's a great place for a romance to start.

If readers are looking for excitement and adventure, both within the story and the setting, they will love this new addition.  

As well, Dani invites us into the nagging secrets that surround secondary character Jake. It is a wonderfully intricate back story that brings so much to light about the quiet character. I really loved this part of the story. It added a whole thread that I wasn't expecting. And who knows ... maybe a fourth book about Kayden and Jake?

Visit Dani's website for more exciting news of upcoming things for the talented author. She even has a soundtrack, Pinterest boards and videos to augment the stories of the Alaskan Courage Series on her Reader Fun Page. Also, if you were following the Alaskan Adventure Sweepstakes, the winners are announced on her site.

Be sure to check Dani Pettrey out. And also go to your local store and buy her latest book.

Thanks to Baker Publishing and Dani Pettrey for the free review copy of this book. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion.

Enter the Contest!

Maybe you remember the book reviews from this site of Dani Pettrey's first two books in her Alaskan Courage Trilogy. (Submerged book 1 and Shattered book 2.)

Well ... it's finally time for book 3.  Stranded!

The book review will be following in a few weeks but just to get you all excited with bubbling over anticipation, Dani is having an Alaskan Adventures Sweepstakes. Check out all the information below and the links to enter your name in the contest. Then check back here for the book review in the weeks to come.

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.

GRAND 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:)

SECOND PRIZE:

CULINARY CONQUEROR PACKAGE

Everyone knows Gage McKenna’s campfire cooking is second to none. But inStranded, 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.

THIRD 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:

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

Book Review - Shattered by Dani Pettrey

I read the first book in this series (Submerged) and thoroughly enjoyed it,  making my anticipation for book two intense. Dani Pettrey offers the second book in her Alaskan Courage Series with Shattered.

Piper 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. 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, and he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With the sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, pursuing the truth in this case could mean the end of Landon’s career.

As Piper wages her own search, the two head deep into Canada’s rugged back country–and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but the search for answers is becoming deadlier with each step.

I was very happy to see the book followed up on the hinted love story from book one between Landon and Piper. Pettrey's characters are lively and realistic. I love Piper's tenacity countered by Landon's sturdiness. They make an intriguing couple, only deepened by the long history they have as friends.

I found the action and suspense inviting and fast moving. The plot moved along covering many different locations and even more pitfalls. Pettrey writes a great romantic suspense!

Overall, the plot and characters are a hit. A good read.  

Book Review - Submerged by Dani Pettrey

Submerged is book #1 in the Alaskan Courage series. It’s the story of Cole McKenna and Bailey Craig.

A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers. One single clue.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a town that doesn't forget. She's returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives. He can face the fear a murderer may be threatening his town. But facing the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart... but doesn't seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago. And he's not the same guy she left behind.

Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally surfaces.

Dani Pettrey does a fantastic job of her debut book.  I was mesmerized by it.  Once I started I couldn't put it down - finishing it off in two days and nearly missing work too!

Her characters are lovely - Bailey has a tarnished past that Pettrey paints in colour with only a few words.  McKenna is the boy who could've/ should've saved her back then but didn't.  God is so good with giving second chances, even when we aren't sure we want them.  I would have liked to see more of the redemption portion of the story.  It was beautifully done - showing Bailey finally ready to fully accept God's love but as a reader (and a believer) I wanted to see more about this. (Maybe in her next book?)

Pettrey has a wonderful secondary cast too.  I loved the story in the background of Piper and Landon.  I am hoping they are the main characters for book 2.  (I heard book #2 takes place in British Columbia!!)

In the beginning chapters, I struggled to keep the characters in my head straight.  The McKenna clan is big (and there are always a couple 'hanger-arounders', like Jake and Landon). Pettrey did a great job of given each their own flavour - but I still found myself confused at times.  That might not be everyone's experience though.

The plot is filled with wonderful hooks to keep you guessing, interspersed with snippets of down time to take it all in. The Russian history is a plus that I enjoyed.  I would have learned more if it had been scattered through out the book instead of all given at the climax of the story.  I wanted to see the resolution so much that I didn't take the time to absorb it.  Maybe on my second read.

Overall I found the book to be a real treat - like when I was handed a Bernard Callebaut chocolate bar just for being in the right place at the right time.  Only they both were over too quickly :)

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".  


Dani Pettrey participated in a Debutantes Soiree a few nights ago, celebrating with three other debut authors.  It was an interesting and fun evening.  I blogged about it here.  (If you did not attend the online party, you can watch it here. Thanks Rel, for the link.) For even more fun you can try these links:

• interview of Bailey Craig (main character)
• interview of Dani Pettrey and another one here (with book giveaway)
• Dani's website has an excerpt, a discussion guide, an audio interview and an incredible sweepstakes giveaway contest (if you live in the US)

Check it all out, or go buy the book.  It can be found at Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Barnes & Noble, Christianbooks.com, Bookamillion, and Chapters/indigo.

One last item for your enjoyment...
I had blogged about this song awhile back but there were no official videos of it at that time.  Until today.  Mercy Me released the video for The Hurt and The Healer today on Godtube.  Check it out.

I figured it was a perfect fit to the story of Bailey and Cole.  So enjoy ...



MercyMe - The Hurt and The Healer (Official Music Video) from mercymemusic on GodTube.

Let's celebrate together

Parties are fun - especially when you can hang out with friends.  Or make new ones ...

How about joining some author friends to celebrate their debut novels releasing this May?

Here is the invitation from Relz Reviewz blog, the host of the evening.

Put on your white gloves and your dancing shoes and join us for the live video event of the season!

When: May 15, 2012 7:30-9:00 PM CST

Who: You! Join fiction lovers from all across the country, as well as your host, Rel Mollet, and get to know our four debut authors, each launching their storytelling careers this month:

Beth Vogt – Wish You Were Here – Simon & Schuster
Dani Pettrey – Submerged – Bethany House
Katie Ganshert – Wildflowers from Winter – Waterbrook Press
Olivia Newport – The Pursuit of Lucy Banning – Revell

What: A live, worldwide, online party. 

Where: Right here on Relz Reviewz. 

I have gotten to know Beth and Katie on line and love them both.  Their spirit radiates God's love to others.  Both of these women have inspired me in my writing thus far.  I'm looking forward to meeting the other two ladies and anxious to see what they have in store for us.

And don't forget ... lots of giveaways!!

Hope to see you there.