A Chat with Dani Pettrey

It is such an honor to be able to host a visit with Dani Pettrey, author of Silenced, the fourth book in the Alaskan Courage series. Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres, and discovering Dani’s stories has been a great boon for me. I’ve loved every one of them. The romance is always authentic and engaging, and the action keeps the adrenaline pumping.

If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to grab a copy of one of her books at your local bookstore. You can find out about all the titles in her Alaskan Courage series on her Web site, and feel free to read an excerpt of Silenced here.

For now, I hope you’ll simply sit back and enjoy hearing about Dani’s own adventures and her plans for future stories.

Q.  You state on your website that you love travel and adventure. Do you have a favorite place? How about your most exciting adventure?

A.  My favorite place is the beach. Put me on a beach towel beneath the sun, my toes in the sand, the waves lapping nearby and I’m at peace. My favorite beach spot would be in Kona, Hawaii. It’s so gorgeous there. My most exciting adventure…hmm…marriage 😀

Q.   I’ve really enjoyed the Alaskan Courage series and would love to visit the state myself someday. Was there a particular reason you chose Alaska as the setting for this series?

A.  Once I knew that the McKenna family owned and ran an adventure outfitting company, I looked for a location that would provide for a wide range of adventures—everything from cave diving to heli-skiing. Alaska has it all! Not to mention the inherent risk of danger if you aren’t properly prepared. That works extremely well with romantic suspense.

Q.  What inspired you to write romantic suspense?

A.  I adore writing romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things I love–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance.

Q.  What author(s) most influence your writing?

A.  Dee Henderson has absolutely influenced me the most. She is my favorite author as well as my mentor and friend. Not only is she a wonderful writer, but a wonderful person. I’m very blessed. Other authors that have inspired me are Terri Blackstock, C.S. Lewis, Sue Grafton, and Jane Austen.

Q.  Which of your characters is most like you? Why?

A.  I’d have to say Bailey Craig. I can really relate with her struggle. Looking for wholeness outside of Christ is always going to let you down. When I came to Christ as an adult, I had a lot of past mistakes that I was very ashamed of, like Bailey. God has been so kind and faithful in helping me work past that and has blessed me with truly accepting the new creation I am in Him.

Q.  I know this may be like choosing a favorite child, but I have to ask. Which of the McKenna stories is closest to your heart? Why?

A.  It is like choosing a favorite child, but I think the story closest to my heart is Shattered. I wrote the story while my mom was dying and it will always have profound meaning to me. It was the last story of mine that she was able to read and critique, and I truly treasure that.

Q.  Can you give us a hint about your next project? Is it possible we’ll be hearing more about Reef McKenna?

A.  Yes you will. Reef’s book, Sabotaged, will be a February release. Here’s a little sneak peek: Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and trouble maker 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 other in a different light. Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits.

Q.  This question follows up on the previous one. Are there plans in the works for a series after this one is complete?

A.  Yes. I will be working on a new four book series after I finish my Alaskan Courage series. I’m very excited about it!

Thank you, Dani, for sharing your time with us today. We really appreciate getting to know you better and finding out what we can look forward to in the months to come.

Rugged Romance Sweepstakes

Summary:

In SILENCED, Book 4 of author Dani Pettrey’s award-winning Alaskan Courage series, a relaxing day of rock climbing takes a dark turn when Kayden McKenna’s route brings her face-to-face with a dead climber. Was the climber’s death a terrible accident or something more sinister?

When the case is handed to Yancey’s overburdened sheriff, he turns to Jake Westin for help. With the truth of Jake’s past now revealed, Jake agrees to use his investigation skills for this one case–but nothing could prepare him for where the case will take him.

As Kayden and Jake work together to uncover the truth, will they also find a refuge in each other?  Or will the deadly plans of a killer destroy their chance at love?

To celebrate the novel, Dani and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the RUGGED ROMANCE SWEEPSTAKES, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story.

Timeframe & Notifications:

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.

About the 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.

Our 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.

Our 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.

Our 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.

 

Alaskan Adventures Sweepstakes

It’s such a treat for me to be able to share the news about Dani Pettrey’s newest release and give you the opportunity to enter her Alaskan Adventures Sweepstakes. As a fan of romantic suspense, I’m always excited to find an author who delivers a fast-paced read with strong characters and intricate story lines. Dani Pettrey receives high marks on all three. I’ve read books 1 and 2 from this series and can’t wait to buy this one.

Take a few moments to get the low down on Book 3 and enter to win some great prizes. If you’d like to know more about Dani and her books, visit her website. You can also read my review of Book 2, Shattered, on literary website LitStack.com.

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.

Book Info & Sample Chapter:

Can be found at http://www.danipettrey.com/books/

 

 

 

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 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.

 

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:

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

 

 

 

Turning the Page

The start of a new year often ushers in a sense of excitement—the anticipation and hope of all the possibilities that await. It can also bring a sense of loss, a grief over time that can never be regained or opportunities that weren’t fully realized. Either way, the flip of the calendar gives each of us a chance to turn the page in the ongoing narrative of our lives. While there are a myriad of ways to approach this perennial demarcation, I simply want to take this moment to express my thankfulness at having made my way through 2012. I cannot say it’s been a banner year for me, but it has marked a number of personal revelations, many of which will influence the way I think, act, and write. Though my blog experienced a short hiatus due to a number of pivotal personal changes in recent weeks, my focus now returns to reading the stories, writing the words, and sharing the joy (and sometimes the frustration) of it all with you.

And what better way to start the new year than sharing a good book? The following is a list of some of my favorite reads of 2012. Take the time to browse the titles then go to your local library or bookstore and check out a book to keep you company on those long, cold winter nights. I wish each of you a year filled with unforgettable characters, riveting storylines, and happy endings.

The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann offers a soulful look inside a successful man who has lost his first love. “Success guru” Morgan Spencer seeks refuge after his loss but, instead, finds a stirring of life and purpose when Quinn Reilly needs his help to avoid detection from a man determined to exact revenge. Morgan, who prides himself on having the answers, journeys into unfamiliar territory when his solution brings him face-to-face with his worst fear. Well-crafted and heart-touching, this story brings readers the best of romantic suspense. Definitely a don’t miss.

Another good suspense read is from debut author Dani Pettrey. Submerged transports readers to beautiful Alaska to uncover the secrets of a submerged church filled with ancient Russian relics. Plumbing the depths of mystery and a painful personal history, Bailey Craig, returns home to help find out how her aunt died and what secrets she was keeping that might solve this case. Dani’s second novel in her Alaskan Courage series is set to release in February. So now’s the perfect time to read up on the characters and get acquainted with an author sure to find her way to your bookshelf.

To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander is a lovely book, perfect for those quiet nights by the fire. With the backdrop of Tennessee horse country and the blossoming romance between southern belle Olivia Aberdeen and westward bound Union soldier Ridley Cooper, this story is sure to make you smile. You can see my full review of this novel at LitStack.com.

Rebel by Linda Windsor is a great read for anyone who loves action and romance in the sweeping setting of Arthurian England. Filled with all the political intrigue and dramatic flair you’d expect from the legend and seasoned with the perfect balance of authentic faith, this is a great way to go back to another time where triumph is found in the midst of tragedy. Check here for my full review of this exciting read.

Travel back to the Revolutionary War with Siri Mitchell’s The Messenger and get a glimpse of the motives and dangers of those ordinary citizens who chose to work as spies for General Washington. With deep characters and a strong plot, this is a story well worth reading. Read my full review and guest blog here.

Find out what it was like to live in the ancient kingdom of Babylon with Tracy Higley’s Garden of Madness. Based on the story of King Nebuchadnezzar’s seven years of madness, the book revolves around how his wife and daughter battled to hold the kingdom together by closely guarding his secret. Discover how the biblical prophet Daniel and an ancestor to the Messiah helped play a part in restoring the peace. A historical read not to be missed. You can find more of my thoughts on this historical fiction title at LitStack.com.

I’d love to hear what 2012 books were your favorites. Feel free to share your recommendations in the comment section.

Happy reading!