Thursday, February 28, 2013

Shattered by Dani Pettrey

     

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.




Dani Pettrey is celebrating the release of Shattered with a Nook HD giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party {3/14}. 


Shattered Pettrey

One winner will receive:
  • A brand new Nook HD
  • Submerged and Shattered by Dani Pettrey {Be caught up in this riveting series.}
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 13th. Winner will be announced at the "Shattered" Author Chat Party on 3/14. Connect with Dani for an evening of book chat, trivia, and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

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!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 14th!