Book Review: Shattered by Dani Pettrey

I anxiously awaited the opportunity to review Dani Pettrey's second installment to the Alaskan Courage series.  I previously read and reviewed the first book in the series, Submerged, where I was introduced to the McKenna family in Yancey, Alaska and the suspenseful romance of Cole McKenna and Bailey Craig.

The sequel, Shattered, picks up with a focus on the youngest McKenna sister, Piper.  The distant and rarely heard from McKenna brother, Reef, returns to Yancey and is arrested and jailed awaiting trial for murder.  Piper sets out to prove his innocence at all costs.  Deputy Landon Grainger is a long time friend of the McKenna's and desires to believe Reef is innocent.  However, due to the overwhelming evidence that is mounting against Reef, Landon is finding it difficult to believe him to be innocent.  This presents further complications as he is aware of his ever-growing feelings for Piper and his desperate need to protect her from the danger she chases.

My biggest dilemma when writing reviews on fiction novels is trying to convey enough of the story line without revealing too many of the surprises.  My review of Shattered is no different.  This book was a fun and enjoyable read.  I finished it quickly and would read it again.  I enjoy a good, modest, suspenseful, romantic read.  Dani Pettrey is quickly emerging as one of my favorite authors at the top of my list with Dee Henderson, Kristen Heitzmann and Irene Hannon.  I think readers of Submerged will similarly enjoy Shattered.  It provides familiar characters and a new and twisted plot.  If you haven't read Submerged, I suggest picking it up first to get better acquainted with the McKenna family.  If your reading interests are similar to mine, I think Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series will find a permanent spot on your bookshelf.  I will now anxiously await the release of book three, Stranded, set to be released in the Fall of 2013.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of my unbiased review.

Book Review: The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann

I recently had the pleasure to read Kristen Heitzmann's novel, The Breath of Dawn. This is the third book of a series, following Rush of Wings and The Still of Night.  I have enjoyed many of Heitzmann's novels and I was excited to get my hands on this newest addition. The Breath of Dawn lived up to the high expectations I had for it.

The Breath of Dawn picks up with success guru, Morgan Spencer, adjusting to the tragic loss of his wife, Jill.  After a couple years regrouping at his brother's ranch and learning how to be a father to his little girl in the midst of all his pain, he meets Quinn Reilly.  Quinn has a past of her own she is trying to escape.  When Quinn begins to realize her past is catching up to her, she turns to Morgan for help. Although Quinn is initially offended by the unconventional solution Morgan offers, she soon realizes it is her only real option for safety.  In what maybe one of Morgan's riskiest moves yet, his family steps aside and prays he knows what he is doing. 

If you enjoyed Rush of Wings and The Still of Night, follow Morgan and Quinn on this wild and crazy ride of suspense, romance and healing in this third installment of the series and you will be glad you did.  I enjoyed it so much that I returned to it and revisited the last half of the book before writing this review.  Please be aware that Quinn's character is threatened by a person from her past.  If you are sensitive to violence of any form, you may not enjoy this book.  

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Book Review: Inescapable by Nancy Mehl

I recently read my first romantic suspense novel set in the Mennonite community.  Inescapable is the first in the Road to Kingdom series by Nancy Mehl.  Inescapable follows the life of Lizzie Engel as she runs back to her hometown of Kingdom, Kansas.  Lizzie never intended to return to her father or the Mennonite community that wanted to have nothing to do with her and her young child born out of wedlock.  However, mysterious letters and glimpses of a stalker and trouble in her workplace force Lizzie to leave her new life and return to Kingdom, a place so far off the map she hopes no one can find her there.  When Lizzie returns to Kingdom, she is met with a town in limbo.  There are many struggles within the town and the changes people are pushing in the church community.  Lizzie finds friends that help her to adjust to her return and her time in Kingdom presents her with many new options to consider for her and her young daughter.

Inescapable was an enjoyable read.  Two minor things I took note of while reading were the dialogue between Lizzie and her parents and also Lizzie's relationship with her daughter, Charity.  It took a little to get used to the writer's dialogue, especially between Lizzie and her mother and father.  Although Lizzie speaks plainly, her parents speak in a very formal manner, often referring to her as "Daughter" or by her first and middle name.  I also found it difficult to fully identify with the relationship between Lizzie and her young daughter.  Lizzie is a great mom, doing the best she can as a single mom to raise her child. If I recall correctly, Lizzie's daughter is identified as a six year old in the story, yet her behaviors and the mother/daughter relationship make her appear much younger that six in my opinion.

Inescapable is a good choice if you like the combination of modern day romance, suspense and the Mennonite community setting.  The characters are well developed as well as the suspense and desire for reconciliation.  Inescapable also includes 10 discussion questions and a sneak peak of the first chapter of Book #2 of the Kingdom series, Unbreakable, available Spring 2013.

I received this book for free from Bethany House publishers for the purpose of my unbiased review.

Book Review: Submerged by Dani Pettrey

A glowing review from one of my favorite authors, Dee Henderson, on the front cover of Dani Pettrey's novel, Submerged, set me up with high expectations for this romantic suspense.  I am pleased to report that my high expectations were not disappointed.  Dani Pettrey did a superb job of mixing characters, faults and faith with twists and turns to keep you tuned into the action.  In the midst of action, Pettrey creates budding romances and restored relationships that satisfy the hopeless romantic reader.  I thoroughly enjoy a book that keeps me so involved I don't want to let it rest.  That is what I found in Submerged.  Be prepared to pull an all-nighter when you pick up this romantic suspense.  Obviously intended as "book one" of an Alaskan Courage series, upon completing Submerged, I immediately went looking for information on the release of book two.  Dani Pettrey has earned her place on my "watch-list" of favorite authors.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House for the purpose of my unbiased review.