Still Life by Dani Pettrey (Review)

Series: Chesapeake Valor (Book 2)

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (January 31, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0764212958

ISBN-13: 978-0764212956

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

My Review:

This is book two in the Chesapeake Valor series. I have read book one and loved it. This book was just okay for me. It had a lot going on and many characters. I can understand needing to set up for the next book in the series though. The true main focus of this book is Avery and Parker. I thought some of the characters needed a little more developing. The plot was interesting and detailed. It had a couple plot twists. Avery and her friend Skylar have been friends for a long time. Avery has a bad past that Parker does not know about. Searching for Skylar has forced her to reveal some of it to him. After they confirm Skylar is dead, they realize Avery's life might be in danger. Parker shows he cares about her by wanting to keep her safe. She stopped working for Parker in the first book because she cared too much for him and he was still in love with his dead wife. Will they ever find true love together? Overall this was a good Christian mystery suspense romance book. I can't wait to read book three in the series. Read book one first.

Dani Pettrey is the bestselling author of the Alaskan Courage series and winner of the 2014 Daphne du Maurier award for Inspirational Novel, the 2014 Christian Retailing's Best Award for Suspense, and the 2013 Holt Medallion for First Novel. She and her husband reside in the D.C. Metro area. She can be found online at www.danipettrey.com.

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Silenced by Dani Pettrey (Review)

• Series: Alaskan Courage (Book 4)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (May 6, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-0764211959

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.

 My Review:

This was a great Christian romantic suspense book. It held my attention all the way to the end. It is book four in the series but can stand alone. I have enjoyed reading all the books in the series.  The McKenna family is present in all the books but the main plots are different. This book focuses on Kayden McKenna and Jake Westin. Kayden had no use for him until it came out he was a different person and his wife and child were killed while he was cop back east. They had sparks before but now she is nice to him and they explode. It surprises the whole family because of Kayden's previous antagonism. This book was full of plot twists and turns. The characters and plot were well developed and interesting.The ending was satisfying. I look forward to reading Reef McKenna's story next.  Highly Recommended. :)

 

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. Visit her web site at www.DaniPettrey.com

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Stranded by Dani Pettrey (Review)

Series: Alaskan Courage (Book 3)

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (September 1, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0764209840

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.

My Review:

I loved this book. It is book three in the Alaskan Courage series. I recommend reading the books in order. If not there is some history between the characters especially Darcy and Gage that you will be missing. I enjoyed reading all the books. I read this book in one day. It captured my attention and I could not put it down. I loved Darcy and Gage from the previous books and was excited to see them get their own book. The whole McKenna family is pretty special. The author did a good job with the plot details and the mystery/suspense part. Abby and Darcy have known each other since college so when Abby calls and asks for help Darcy comes running. When she gets there she sees Abby briefly before she goes missing. Darcy is there as a journalist writing an article on the new adventure excursions the cruise line came up with to make customers happy. Gage and his family own a company that specializes in outdoor excursions. Circumstances throw Darcy and Gage back together again. The tension and attraction is still there. I loved how their relationship develops. In the end it takes the whole family to solve the mystery and stay alive. The conclusion was great and there were a few twists and turns. This is my favorite genre, Christian romantic suspense and this book does not disappoint. Highly Recommended. :)








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. Visit her web site at www.DaniPettrey.com

Submerged by Dani Pettrey (Review)

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; Original edition (May 1, 2012)

ISBN-13: 978-0764209826

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?


My Review:

This was a great debut novel. I really enjoyed it and read it as fast as I could. Christian romantic suspense is my favorite genre. It held my attention from the first page. I am so glad it is a series. I liked the author's descriptions of setting and characters. The plot was well developed and flowed well. She reminds me of Dee Henderson and Irene Hannon whose books I love. I can't wait to read more from this author.  Highly Recommended. :)




About the author:

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, nailbiting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters. Visit her website at www.danipettrey.com.

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Shattered by Dani Pettrey

*** I finished the first book in the series and loved it. I am currently reading this book. So far it is good too. :)***

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Shattered Bethany House Publishers (February 1, 2013) by Dani Pettrey

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In real life, 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.

Just in case you’re curious…The real Dani does love traveling. She’s been to some amazing places (Greece, Hawaii, the Keys) and there are many more she hopes to visit in the future.

And while she’s not quite up to sky-diving, cave diving or heli-skiing (too high, too enclosed, too cold!) she and her family love hiking, canoeing, wave jumping and a ton of other outdoor adventures a little further down on the risk scale.

Dani is the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling debut novel Submerged and latest release Shattered. 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.

ABOUT THE BOOK

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--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.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Shattered, go HERE.