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 haven’t heard of this
amazing new author, you are definitely missing out. This is the second book in the “Alaskan Courage” series, with “Submerged” being the first book in the
series. Her first book, “Submerged” actually garnered the First
Place award in the first “Book of the Year” contest held by the Book Club
Network. That sets the bar very high for
this sequel, but she more than rises to the task. This book was provided to me by the publisher
in the hopes that I would provide them and you with an honest review. It makes it very easy to do that when the book
is written as well as this one is. I
would recommend that you include “Submerged”
to your list of “Need To Be Read” books before you start on this story. Although this can be read alone, it’s better
to know the backstory to these characters before you start with “Shattered”.
There’s nothing better in
this small town Sheriff’s department then to have an open and shut murder
case. Sheriff Slidell is up for
re-election and having an open murder case would be the end of his
campaign. Throw in a town full of
spectators for the latest leg of the Circuit and the pressure is on. It always helps to have the alleged murderer
caught in the act. Or so they
think. Piper McKenna, though, isn’t as
acceptable to the fact that her brother is a murderer. With the history between Piper and Deputy
Sheriff Landon Grainger, Piper is sure that her brother will be out soon, it
must be all a misunderstanding. As
Landon tries to investigate, he is blocked at every path by Sheriff
Slidell. Unable to get any further due
to the sheriff’s interference, Landon takes a leave of absence. During his time, Landon teams up with Piper
to form their own investigation and get to the bottom of the murder. As the McKenna family circles the wagons in
order to save their own, older brother Gage is introduced to Darcy, a reporter
looking to write her own story on the murder.
Darcy agrees to use her reporter influence to track down the truth in
exchange for the scoop on the story. The
trail leads throughout the Alaska slopes as they track down the dead girl’s
background. Will they be able to find
out who the real killer is before it’s too late? What will become of this pairing between
Landon and Piper? Can this family come together an save their brother and keep
him out of jail? Great questions, now go
BUY THE BOOK!!!!
I don’t like comparing
authors to each other as each and every author has their own voice and does a
great job of using it to tell us great stories.
This time, though, I just have to draw a connection between this great
new author and one of my most favorite authors, Dee Henderson. Dani creates an ensemble of cast members that
all have integral and important roles in each other’s life. Dani weaves the storyline through the
different characters and their interactions with each other in a way that makes
you interested in each and every one of them.
I remember reading the O’Malley series by Dee Henderson and always felt
the same way. I can’t wait to read the stories
that Dani has ready to be published about the other McKenna family
members. This series will be a treat for
anyone reading it.
Is this a "man's
book"? The storyline has murder,
intrigue and a traipse across beautiful Alaska.
Even with a little bit of romance thrown in, this is a must read for any
guy that I know. We could learn a lot
from the characterization that Dani uses in describing the men in this story,
and especially in their relationship with Him.
I had a chance to chat with
Dani a bit and get some additional insight into her. Here are her responses to my questions:
What is your favorite bible verse and
why?
“He has made everything
beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one
can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
NIV. I love it because it explains why
death is so hard for us to deal with. It is because God has set eternity into
our hearts. We know He has created us for more than this life, this world.
What has been the most important thing
you hope your readers will get from your books and why?
That we find wholeness and
fulfillment in Christ alone. Only He can take what is broken and make it whole
again. Only He can bring the healing we need when we are hurting. Only He can
bring us the grace we need to live each day.
Besides writing, what are some of your
favorite hobbies?
I love hiking, spending time
at the beach, rock climbing, traveling and reading.
What advice would you give to a
beginning writer?
Keep writing. It very easy
to become discouraged. Writing can be a solitary endeavor and there are many
obstacles along the path to publication, but if God has placed the love of
story on your heart then write for Him. You just may be amazed what He does
with it J
Favorite memory from childhood?
Sunday afternoons with my
mom. We would grab lunch at one of our favorite restaurants and then we’d go
for a long drive. I loved spending that time with her, loved the time to
daydream, and loved visiting fun little towns along the way.
Favorite comfort food?
Dark chocolate in any form J
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 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.
This copy was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. At no time was I required to write a glowing review, just to provide my honest opinion.
One winner will receive:
- A brand new Nook HD
- Submerged and Shattered by Dani Pettrey {Be caught up in this riveting series.}
So grab your copy of Shattered and join Dani on the evening of the March 14th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)
