Review: "Dead Drift" by Dani Pettrey

I've really loved Dani Pettrey's Chesapeake Valor series, and it ends as it began—with a truly excellent story!

"Blind Spot" by Dani Pettrey

If you're looking for inspirational romantic suspense that's both believably romantic and believably suspenseful, you can't go wrong with a Dani Pettrey novel! (Believe me, it's hard to find romantic suspense novels that hit both of those aspects well, but Pettrey has the formula down.)

"Still Life" by Dani Pettrey

Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this continuation of Dani Pettrey's Chesapeake Valor series.

"sins of the past" by henderson, pettrey, and eason

Three masters of romantic suspense unite for a novella collection featuring characters whose past comes back to haunt them.

---

In Dee Henderson's Missing, a Wyoming sheriff is called to Chicago when his elderly mother goes missing. Paired with a savvy Chicago cop, the two realize her disappearance is no accident, and a race against the clock begins.

Dani Pettrey returns to Alaska with Shadowed, introducing readers to the parents of her beloved McKenna clan. Adventure, romance, and danger collide when a young fisherman nets the body of an open-water swimming competitor who may actually be a possible Russian defector.

Lynette Eason's Blackout delivers the story of a woman once implicated in a robbery gone wrong. The loot has never been found--but her memory of that night has always been unreliable. Can she remember enough to find her way to safety when the true culprit comes after her?

---

As is often the case with novella collections, the contents are a mixed bag. Some novellas I loved, and others were just so-so.

Missing by Dee Henderson: I started reading Henderson's romantic suspense in college, and I absolutely devoured her O'Malley series. This is the first of her writing that I've read in probably close to ten years, and I have to say, I didn't really enjoy it. The story is fine—John returns to Chicago when his mother goes missing, and he begins working with Chicago cop Sharon to find her. The mystery was intriguing, and though I did accurately guess who had John's mother, I was way off on the motive. The problem for me was that Henderson told the reader that John and Sharon were falling for each other, but it was all talk—there was a lack of emotion that made me not buy the two romantically. 2-1/2 stars.

Shadowed by Dani Pettrey: Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series featuring the McKenna family is one of my favorite series of all time, so I was thrilled to dive into the love story of Ben McKenna and Libby Jennings, who would later become the parents of the McKenna tribe. (They are long dead by the time the Alaskan Courage series begins, so it was nice to meet them.) The mystery surrounds the murder of one of Libby's swimming competitors, and as Libby and Ben investigate, they find their lives in danger. For me, the love story was a bit rushed, but the suspense was spot on. And, as always, Pettrey's writing was excellent. 4 stars.

Blackout by Lynette Eason: Of the three novellas included in this collection, Blackout is by far my favorite. Macey survived being shot and buried alive as a teenager, but her memories of that tragic night have been dim at best. When she finally starts remembering, she becomes a target. Macey's next door neighbor Chad, a police detective, helps her search for the person who is after her, but the closer they get to the truth, the more dangerous things become. Eason is known for her high-octane suspense, and Blackout certainly lives up to her reputation! Also, the romance in this novella doesn't feel rushed (as the two are friends prior to the novel's beginning), which lent an air of believability to the story. 5 stars.

Overall, I enjoyed Sins of the Past, and, while I definitely connected with some novellas more than others, I think most fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this collection. 4 stars.

Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series Submerged (4-1/2 stars), Shattered (5 stars), Stranded (4-1/2 stars), Silenced (5 stars), Sabotaged (4-1/2 stars); and Cold Shot (5 stars).
Read my reviews of Eason's Nowhere to Turn (4 stars) and No Place to Hide (4 stars).

---

Dee Henderson is the author of numerous novels, including Taken, Undetected, Unspoken, Full Disclosure, and the acclaimed O'Malley and Uncommon Heroes series. Her books have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards, such as the RITA Award, the Christy Award, and the ECPA Gold Medallion. Dee is a lifelong resident of Illinois. Learn more at www.deehenderson.com.

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and Sabotaged. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, 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. You can find her online at danipettrey.com.

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching and Without Warning in the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of an ACFW Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award. She has a master's degree in education from Converse College and lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Dani Pettrey and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"cold shot" by dani pettrey

When Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series wrapped up last year, I began eagerly anticipating whatever she would write next. Cold Shot is that "next"— and what a great "next" it is!

---

In college, Griffin McCray and his four best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI, and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world–and friendships–crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet–until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern–a young social justice lawyer missing since spring–and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper.

When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he’ll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he–and those he cares about–are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

---

Cold Shot is a wonderful beginning to Pettrey's new Chesapeake Valor series. Full of compelling characters and an intriguing mystery, Cold Shot is just the kind of novel I've come to expect from Pettrey.

My favorite part of the novel is the romance between Griffin and Finley: their chemistry is palpable, and I loved watching their relationship progress. There's also a secondary romance (though "romance" is probably a little strong of a description at this point) between Griffin's friend Parker and Parker's assistant Avery. I'm looking forward to reading more about those two!

The suspense in Cold Shot isn't too suspenseful—that is to say, I never feared for the lives of Griffin or Finley. However, the mystery is completely compelling, with twists I did not anticipate. This is exactly the type of suspense I enjoy—something that keeps me guessing but won't keep me from sleeping!

As was the case with the Alaskan Courage series, in Cold Shot, Pettrey introduces multiple characters who will be present throughout the series. When I read Submerged (Alaskan Courage #1), I had trouble keeping all of the McKennas straight, and that hampered my enjoyment of the novel. Not so here—Pettrey introduces the core characters at different times, and each character is so distinct that I never struggled to remember who was who.

Fans of Dee Henderson, Lynette Eason, and Irene Hannon (as well as those who loved Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series) will love Cold Shot. It really is wonderful romantic suspense! 5 stars.

Buy the book.
Read an excerpt.
Enter the sweepstakes.
Read my reviews of Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series: Submerged (4-1/2 stars), Shattered (5 stars), Stranded (4-1/2 stars), Silenced (5 stars), Sabotaged (4-1/2 stars).

---

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the brand new romantic suspense Chesapeake Valor series, as well as the well-loved Alaskan Courage series which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and Sabotaged. 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. Keep up with Dani: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from the author and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

introducing "cold shot" by dani pettrey + sweepstakes

Dani Pettrey is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors (I loved, loved, loved her Alaskan Courage series), so I'm thrilled to be able to share her new novel with you today. I'll be reviewing the book next month, but in the meantime, keep reading to learn more about the book, plus enter a sweepstakes for some awesome prizes!

---

In COLD SHOT, the first book of author Dani Pettrey’s brand new Chesapeake Valor series, park ranger Griffin McCray and forensic anthropologist Finley Scott uncover buried remains near the Civil War battleground of Little Round Top. There’s only one problem: the bones aren’t Civil War-era.

Griffin just wants the case to go away, but when Finley discovers evidence pointing to the work of an expert sniper, the case connects them with FBI agent Declan Grey, and crime scene investigator Parker Mitchell, friends from a past Griffin’s tried to leave behind.

Soon the reunited friends realize they’ll need to confront the darkest days in their shared history if they–and those they care about–are going to escape a downward spiral of crime, danger, and murder.

---

To celebrate the launch of this exciting new series, Dani and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the COLD SHOT SWEEPSTAKES, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story.

Timeframe & Notifications:

This giveaway starts February 16, 2016 and ends March 7, 2016 @ 11:59 pm (PST).
Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Tuesday, March 8, 2016, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.

ROAD TRIP REUNION GETAWAY

In COLD SHOT, Griffin reunites with friends after they’ve drifted apart over the years. Do you have a friend you want to reconnect with? Here’s your chance to hit the road with them for a friend getaway!

Our Grand Prize winner will receive: A $250 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com, good for reservations at lodges across the Continental US, plus a $50 Darden restaurants gift card, and a Chesapeake Bay tote bag, to pack your road trip essentials.

FINLEY’S FAVORITES PACK

Finley has a lifelong love of travel and exploration, something captured in her cozy home decor, right down to her steamer trunk coffee table. This prize gives you a chance to have a steamer trunk just like Finley’s, and a coffee table book from the Chesapeake Bay to go with it.

Our Second Prize winner will receive: A $150 value cedar wood steamer trunk and vivid Maryland coffee table photo book.

TASTE OF MARYLAND KIT

COLD SHOT is sure to leave you with a craving for the mouth-watering snacks Griffin, Finley, and the rest of the crew enjoy in the story. If you wish you could sample Chesapeake’s one-of-a-kind local fare too, this prize is for you.

Our Third Prize winner will receive: The beautifully lithographed, $50 value Taste of Maryland Tin, including the Chesapeake Bay Cookbook and famed local treats such as Old Bay Seasoning, Maple Syrup, Maryland crab soup mix, specialty dip, and Goetze’s Caramel Creams.

How to Enter:

Go to: http://www.danipettrey.com/cold-shot-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between February 16 – March 7, 2016.

---

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the brand new romantic suspense Chesapeake Valor series, as well as the well-loved Alaskan Courage series which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and Sabotaged. 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.

Keep up with Dani: Web Site, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest

"sabotaged" by dani pettrey

Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series ends as it began—with romance, mystery, and family.

---

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.

---

I was hesitant to read Sabotaged for one reason, and one reason alone: I didn't want the books about the McKenna family to end!

Sabotaged kicks off with intense action, and that intensity carries throughout the novel. I didn't think the romance was quite as heart-tugging/sigh-inducing as in some of the previous novels (especially Shattered, book 2 in the series), but it was still nice and moved at a good pace. As an added bonus, we got to check in with all the other McKennas to see the progress in their love lives!

What I especially loved about Sabotaged was the suspense. I mentioned this in my review of Silenced (book 4 in the series), and it's true here, too: Pettrey is becoming a master of romantic suspense. The first three books in the series were suspenseful, but I wouldn't call them nail biters. Silenced and Sabotaged take the suspense to new levels!

Sabotaged is a fitting conclusion to the Alaskan Courage series, but I hope that Pettrey will give us the opportunity to check in with the McKennas again! 4-1/2 stars.

Note: This is book five in the series, and the books really should be read in order.

Read an excerpt.
Buy the book: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound, Books-a-Million, Christianbook

Enter the Heart of Adventure Sweepstakes! (Giveaway runs through 2-22-15.)

Read my reviews of the other Alaskan Courage novels: Submerged (4-1/2 stars), Shattered (5 stars), Stranded (4-1/2 stars), Silenced (5 stars).

---

Dani 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.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

introducing "sabotaged" by dani pettrey + sweepstakes

I've been loving Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series, and I'm so excited that the final book, Sabotaged, is releasing. I'll have a review of it later this month, but for right now, I want to tell you about a great sweepstakes that Dani and her publisher have put together. There are some wonderful prizes to be won!

In SABOTAGED, the fifth and final book of author Dani Pettrey’s award-winning Alaskan Courage series, Kirra Jacobs and Reef McKenna experience the high stakes of Iditarod search-and-rescue when Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, goes missing.

Kirra and Reef put aside their differences to search for him, but what they discover is harrowing: Frank’s daughter Meg has been kidnapped, and Frank must do the kidnapper’s bidding or Meg will die.

Soon Kirra, Reef, and 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.

To celebrate their epic race, Dani and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the HEART OF ADVENTURE SWEEPSTAKES, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story.

This giveaway starts February 2, 2015 and ends February 22, 2015 @ 11:59 pm (PST).
Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Monday, February 23, 2015, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.


GRAND PRIZE:

LUXURIOUS LODGE GETAWAY

During their cross-country hunt for answers, Kirra and Reef stop to rest at a gorgeous mountain lodge in Denali that holds special memories for Reef. This prize offers you a chance to build your own special memories, with a luxurious lodge getaway for two.

Our Grand Prize winner will receive: A $250 gift certificate to Hotels.com, good for reservations at lodges and hotels across the Continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, and numerous International locations




SECOND PRIZE:

PALS WITH PAWS DONATION

In the Alaskan Courage series, Kirra is the proud owner of Nanook Haven, a rescue shelter for sled dogs. In real life, animals need rescue as well, and this prize will allow you to give a special gift to support an organization like Kirra’s.

Our Second Prize winner will receive: A $150 donation in your name, to the animal rescue, shelter, or veterinarian of your choice




THIRD PRIZE:

SWEETHEART SURVIVAL SLED

In SABOTAGED, Kirra and Reef take shelter in a snow cave while hiding from a man determined to put them on ice– permanently! Luckily, Kirra has a survival kit, to help them make it through the sub-zero temperatures.
If you prefer a little more romance and a little less suspense in your survival kit, this is the prize for you.

Our Third Prize winner will receive: A $100 value sweetheart survival pack. This gift basket includes double chocolate raspberry cake, smoked salmon, brie cheese and crackers, and a wide variety of gourmet snacks

How to Enter:

Go to http://www.danipettrey.com/heart-of-adventure-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between February 2 – 22, 2015.

About the book: 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.

About the author: Dani 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, Silenced, and her latest release, Sabotaged. 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.

best books of 2014: top 10

According to my Pinterest board, I reviewed 88 books in 2014. I'm not sure I remembered to pin all of my reviews, and I did read a few books that I didn't review, so I'm guessing that I read between 90 and 100 books during 2014. That's insane! I enjoyed—even loved—the vast majority of books that I read this year. It really seems like the inspirational market was on fire in 2014—there were just so many great books published, and I still have a bunch of titles on my TBR list. Here's hoping 2015 is just as good!

I had a really difficult time narrowing my list of best books down to ten, but after much debate, I did it ... though I will list some honorable mentions at the end. (Note that these are books that I read in 2014; they may have been published earlier.)

10. An October Bride by Katie Ganshert (my review)

I read each of Zondervan's Year of Weddings novellas, and An October Bride was my favorite. I absolutely love fake dating/engagement stories (almost as much as I love marriage of convenience stories), and Ganshert's novella nears perfection. Plus, it can be read in about an hour, making for a really enjoyable evening.

9. Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck (my review)

I'm absolutely loving Hauck's Royal Weddings series, and Princess Ever After was a pure delight. If you like fairy tales with a side of reality, then this is the book for you! (Also note that you don't need to have previously read Once Upon a Prince in order to enjoy Princess Ever After.)

8. All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant (my review)

If you enjoy cooking competition shows like I do (my most recent fave was Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship), you'll love Betsy St. Amant's romance/behind-the-scenes look at a Food Network-ish show. Plus, the cover is to die for!

7. Luminary by Krista McGee (my review)

This may seem like an odd choice, since I also read the wonderful conclusion to McGee's Anomaly series in 2014. I gave both books 5 stars, but I enjoyed Luminary just a bit more. I think it was because it focused on Thalli's introduction to the world outside of the State, and Revolutionary (the final book) takes place almost entirely in the State. Both books are fantastic (as is Anomaly, which was #9 on my best of 2013 list); I just liked Luminary a bit more.

6. Silenced by Dani Pettrey (my review)

Finally in 2014, Pettrey gave us the story we'd been waiting years for—Jake and Kayden's story! (At least I'd been waiting years for it!) Silenced is the fourth book in Pettrey's fantastic Alaskan Courage series. Not only is the romance wonderful (and long overdue!), but the suspense in Silenced felt so much more, well, suspenseful than in the previous novels. Read this book ... but read the others in the series first (Submerged, Shattered, Stranded)!

5. A Promise in Pieces by Emily Wierenga (my review)

Of all the books on the list, A Promise in Pieces surprised me the most. When it arrived in my mailbox, I thought, Why on earth did I request this book? Then I started reading. Not only is the story completely captivating, but this book is also responsible for the top "ugly cry" of the year. I was practically sobbing! A Promise in Pieces is so much more than a romance—it's a beautifully written, life-affirming masterpiece. (And I still say that Hallmark should make it into a movie!)

4. In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin (my review)

Is it any surprise a Sarah Sundin book landed on my list? Each year that I've compiled a list (2011, 2012, 2013), a Sundin book has made the cut. 2014 couldn't be the odd man out! In Perfect Time is the perfect (ha, ha) conclusion to Sundin's Wings of the Nightingale series, and I think it's probably my favorite of the three books in the series. Now I'm eagerly awaiting Sundin's next release!

3. Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter (my review)

Dancing with Fireflies is the second book in Hunter's Chapel Springs series to make one of my "Best of" lists—Barefoot Summer was #10 on my 2013 list. Where Barefoot Summer was wonderful, Dancing with Fireflies was simply phenomenal. In fact, for much of the year I thought it would end up in the top spot. It did get edged out (barely), but it's still one of the best books I've read in a long time.

2. When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren (my review)

The love that I feel for Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family series knows no bounds. In fact, this is one series that I think I could happily reread (and I very rarely reread books). While I completely adored Take a Chance on Me and It Had to Be You (though I never reviewed them ...), I fell head over heels for When I Fall in Love. Grace Christiansen is my favorite book heroine of 2014, probably because I see bits of myself in her. Because of the way Warren is writing this series, with one book flowing into the next, you really need to begin with Take a Chance on Me and just dive into the series. Trust me; you want to read these books!

1. Meant to be Mine by Becky Wade (my review)

In 2012, I read Wade's My Stubborn Heart and immediately knew I'd found another writer to watch. (That book ended up in the #1 spot on my Best of 2012 list.) While I enjoyed her follow-up novel, Undeniably Yours, I didn't have the same connection with that book that I'd had with My Stubborn Heart. (Don't get me wrong—I liked it. A lot. But it just wasn't quite as good as My Stubborn Heart.) So I went into Meant to Be Mine a bit cautiously, wondering if Wade could capture the magic of My Stubborn Heart again. And she did! I read Meant to Be Mine in one evening (and early morning)—I simply couldn't put it down! Not only was the romance sizzling hot (without crossing the line), but the characters were some of the most realistic that you'll find in the inspirational market. Celia and Ty were certainly not perfect ... and that made them even more likable. Even now, I'm itching to read the book again. It's so, so good!

Honorable Mention (because I couldn't stop at 10):
A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher (my review)
Take A Chance on Me, It Had to be You, and Evergreen (my review) by Susan May Warren
A May Bride by Meg Moseley (my review)
Friend Me by John Fabion (my review)
Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin (my review)

There are my favorites ... what did you love reading in 2014?

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"silenced" by dani pettrey

About the book (from Goodreads): Romantic Suspense's Rising Star Returns with an Electric New Thriller

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

Kayden and Jake soon realize that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is on to 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 take: I. Love. This. Series.

And since I didn't read Stranded until after Silenced released, I got to read the two one right after the other instead of waiting a year between books! Reading the two books together allowed me to treat them as a cohesive unit, and it made for a very enjoyable reading experience :-)

Silenced is Kayden and Jake's story—a story I've been waiting for since reading book one, Submerged. It was absolutely worth the wait! Author Dani Pettrey knows how to write chemistry, and Jake is definitely a swoon-worthy hero. Also, Pettrey does a great job of setting up upcoming romances in each book, so I'm now definitely ready to read about Reef and Kirra in the next book, Sabotaged!

One thing that made this book fantastic (and makes it my second favorite book in the series, behind the fabulous Shattered) is the suspense element. All of the books in this series have been suspenseful, but Silenced is on another level. I thought I had it all figured out, and then Pettrey shifted everything. This book ended up feeling much more personal than the previous novels in the series, and that made the stakes even higher.

From start to finish, I was completely captivated by Silenced. I highly recommend it, as well as the rest of the series!

My rating: 5 stars

Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Submerged, Shattered, and Stranded.

About the author: Dani 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.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Bethany House Publishers through its book reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"stranded" by dani pettrey

About the book (from Goodreads): 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 take: Dani Pettrey's "Alaskan Courage" series is one of my favorite in-progress series, and Stranded continues the high-octane suspense and romance from the previous two books. Gage and Darcy, whose attraction in Shattered was undeniable, are the central romance in Stranded. Watching them fight their attraction and then finally acknowledge it is so much fun. Also, the mysterious Jake Westin's past is finally revealed to everyone, setting up his romance with Kayden McKenna in book four.

As for the mystery, it's a good one. As Darcy and Gage get closer to the truth of what happened to the women who vanished from the cruise ship, the stakes become higher and higher, and the ultimate reveal? Well, let's just say I'm going to be hesitant to ever take a cruise!

I really enjoyed Stranded—it's a great continuation of a fantastic series.

My rating: 4-1/2 stars

Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Submerged and Shattered.

About the author: Dani 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.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I purchased this book myself and reviewed it of my own free will. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

introducing "silenced" by dani pettrey + sweepstakes

One of my favorite book series over the last couple of years has been Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series. I read and reviewed Submerged and Shattered as they came out (Shattered even made my Top 10 of 2013 list), and I currently have the third book, Stranded, on my "to be read" shelf. And now book four, Silenced, is coming out, and I couldn't be more excited—it's Kayden & Jake's story, and I've been so interested in Jake from the beginning!

Here's a bit more about the book: A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna’s route leads her to a face-to-face encounter with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something sinister? When the case is handed to the overburdened sheriff, he turns to Jake Westin. With Jake’s past now revealed, he’s ready to use his talent for investigation again-–but he could never prepare for where the case will take him.

Kayden and Jake soon realize that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is on to 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 either of them imagine.

Sounds intriguing, right? I can't wait to get my hands on the book! I'll be reading and reviewing both Stranded and Silenced in the next month, but in the meantime, I want to tell you about a great giveaway!

About the giveaway: In celebration of Silenced's release, author Dani Pettrey and Bethany House Publishers are sponsoring a sweepstakes where you can win one of three great prizes!

GRAND PRIZE:

ALASKAN AIR ADVENTURE

In SILENCED, Kayden’s adventurous nature and skills as a pilot come in handy as she and Jake race to uncover the truth. If you’ve always dreamed of hopping on a plane to chase your own adventures, but don’t have a well-trained pilot and a Cessna at your disposal, we’ve got the perfect prize for you.

The Grand Prize winner will receive: a $250 gift certificate to Alaskan Airlines, good toward travel to multiple destinations across the Continental US, Alaska, and Hawaii.

SECOND PRIZE:

DENALI DEVOTION WALL ART

As Jake and Kayden crisscross the Alaskan wilderness looking for answers, they also see some of the most glorious scenery on earth:  soaring mountains, crystal clear lakes, and incomparable wildlife.  Could there be any better setting for a glowing romance? Now you can share in the romantic scenery, even if you don’t live in Alaska.

The Second Prize winner will receive: The Kiss at Wonder Lake 31″ x 23″ Framed Art Print

THIRD PRIZE:

RUGGED ROMANCE PICNIC PACK

Kayden has always been practical, no-nonsense, and slow to trust. She’s definitely not a romantic-at-heart who longs for a handsome man to whisk her away for a picnic in the mountains.  Right? ; )

If you, like Kayden, have secretly dreamed of a romantic mountain-top picnic, this is the prize for you.

The Third Prize winner will receive: The ultimate picnic pack for a romantic afternoon. This insulated backpack includes silverware, plates, napkins, plastic long-stemmed glasses and a wide selection of gourmet picnic snacks.

How to enter: Go to http://www.danipettrey.com/rugged-romance-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between May 1 and May 21.

This giveaway starts May 1, 2014 and ends May 21, 2014 @ 11:59 pm (PST). Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Friday, May 23, 2014, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.

So head on over to Dani's website to enter. Or don't. 'Cause if you don't enter, I have a better chance of winning ... and I'd really like to get my hands on one of those prizes!

best books of 2013: top 10

It's that time again: time to pick my favorite books of the year. (And this year, I'm actually posting before the new year—if only by two hours. That's quite the improvement over my 2011 and 2012 lists!) If my Pinterest board is to be believed, then I read 87 books in 2013 (and I'm not sure that I remembered to pin each book I read). Out of those 87, I enjoyed the vast majority, so narrowing my list of favorites down to 10 was quite difficult—so difficult that I'll be publishing a list of honorable mention books later this week. Below are the books that I settled on as my favorite 10 reads of 2013.

10. Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter (my review)

Barefoot Summer is a fantastic opening to Hunter's Chapel Springs series. Madison and Beckett's chemistry practically leaps off the page, and the conclusion is heartwarming and satisfying. I can't wait for book two's release this spring!

9. Anomaly by Krista McGee (my review)

Anomaly stunned me. I expected to enjoy it (it's YA/sci-fi, so how could I not?), but I didn't anticipate the way McGee would so completely suck me into her world. The book ends with a delightful twist, and I can't wait to read the second book in the trilogy!

8. Duchess by Susan May Warren (my review)

The final book in Warren's Daughters of Fortune trilogy, Duchess is also the best. For whatever reason, it really resonated with me—and I especially connected with main character Rosie. Here's a snippet of my review: "Really, Rosie could be any of us. No, we don't all have bombshell looks or the attitude to go with it, but we do all have regrets and hurts that motivate our actions, and without surrendering to Christ and trusting that He loves us, we could gain the whole world and still be searching for meaning and wholeness. The spiritual lessons found in this book (and the rest of the series) are profound, yet not at all 'preachy.'"

7. Shattered by Dani Pettrey (my review)

Shattered is the second book in Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series. It focuses on Piper and Landon, two of my favorite characters from the first book in the series. Packed with mystery and romance, Shattered was easily my favorite romantic suspense novel of the year.

6. Moon Over Edisto by Beth Webb Hart (my review)

Of all the books on this list, Moon Over Edisto is the least overtly "Christian" and the most literary. (It is put out by a Christian publisher, but the faith aspect takes a backseat. And I think that's totally fine.) It's the only novel that I read this year that I thought my sister, who tends toward literary snobbery, would enjoy—and so I promptly bought her a copy as soon as I finished reading mine. Moon Over Edisto is a beautifully-written novel about family, and it ended far too soon for my liking.

5. The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen (my review)

If you love Jane Austen, you'll love Julie Klassen. I've read several of her books so far, and each one is better than the last. The Tutor's Daughter is pure delight. Here's a bit of what I had to say in my review: "As I read, I couldn't help but feel that I was reading a Jane Austen novel. Or, more accurately, that I was watching a film adaptation of a Jane Austen novel, as Klassen has a way with words that put a very clear picture into my head as I read. The plot evokes memories of Northanger Abbey, Emma,Pride & Prejudice, and even Jane Eyre while still remaining unique." Klassen's next book, The Dancing Master, is currently sitting on my to be read shelf—I can't wait to pick it up!

4. A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund (my review)

I loved everything about A Noble Groom...especially the hero, Carl. In my review, I said that "Carl gives Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy a run for his money. While Carl is by no means perfect, he is wonderful (and a lot less uppity than that Darcy fellow)." And that cover? It may be my favorite book cover of the year!

3. On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin (my review)

Fun fact: Sarah Sundin is the only author to have a book appear on my "best of" list each year that I've made one: With Every Letter was number four on my 2012 list, and Blue Skies Tomorrow was my pick for my favorite book of 2011.

On Distant Shores continues Sundin's streak of excellent World War II fiction. I love that while her books are full of romance, they contain so much more. On Distant Shores highlights the struggles pharmacists faced in the Army, and Sundin wrote about it so realistically that I wanted to call my senator to demand fair treatment for them! I'm eagerly awaiting Sundin's next novel.

2. Invisible by Ginny Yttrup (my review)

Ginny Yttrup was a new-to-me author, and she totally blew me away with this novel. Invisible focuses on three women, each of whom is hiding in some way. As they connect with each other, they work through emotional and physical trauma and learn about the God who loves them infinitely. Invisible is completely captivating, and when I finished reading it, I just had to sit there and let it sink in. I loved it.

1. Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay (my review)

Dear Mr. Knightley, Katherine Reay's debut novel, is so unique and fun! I don't think I can say it better than I did in my review: "Honestly, I picked up Dear Mr. Knightley expecting a simple romance, but this book turned out to be so much more—throughout the course of the novel, Sam found her voice, her place in the world. And, yes, she found love—in many forms. One of the most touching aspects of the novel was not the romance (though it was sweet) but the love Sam found in family.

Dear Mr. Knightley is a novel that will grab you at the first page and not let go until you've finished the last. Run to your nearest bookstore (or, more realistically, click on over to the website of your favorite bookseller) and get your hands on a copy of this book. You won't regret it!"

I almost wish I hadn't read Dear Mr. Knightley yet—because that would mean I could experience it again for the first time! For a limited time, it's only $2.99 for Kindle (check the price before you buy)—you really need to read this book!

There you have it: my top 10 reads of 2013. Check back at the end of the week for my honorable mention books. Happy New Year!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”