Still Life Book Review

Chesapeake Valor Series

Book Two

SUMMARY:  Someone is out there.  Watching her.  Waiting.

     Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime-scene photographer.  She expected to be laughed at, but crime-scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright - and changed her life.  But six months ago, when he feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.

     Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejeced her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit for which her friend modeled.  But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead - and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot.  Worse, her friend can't be found, and so Avery immediately calls Parker for help.

     As Avery, Parker, and their friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

REVIEW:  This book had a lot going on, which was sometimes distracting and hard to follow.  Not having read the first book, I wondered if parts of Parker and Avery's relationship was covered in it because it felt like I was coming in from behind.  Then, their friends all had something going on - finding very slim evidence of a friend that disappeared many years ago, an upcoming marriage, a potential relationship between a couple of characters - which just added to my befuddlement at times.  Also, there were two different matters going on in regards to Avery's friend that disappeared that made it difficult at times to figure out who did what within the timeline and keep everything straight.  

     That said, the story was very engaging but darker than anything else I've read by this author.  The villain was very creepy and disturbing.  His actions were even creepier.  I like how Avery was determined to do everything possible to find Skyler, even if it meant going places and seeing people from her dysfunctional past that she had left behind years earlier.  I like how Parker saw Avery for who she was now, not her actions in the past.  Though he struggled with memories of his deceased girlfriend, he is determined not to let it affect the present and his attraction to Avery.  

     This was a good book.  As I mentioned, the story was darker and more menacing than other novels by this author but I am looking forward to reading the others as they come out, and, one day, the first one.

This book was provided by Bethany House for review without any compensation.

Dani Pettrey is 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 and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two super adorable grandsons.  You can find her online at www.danipettrey.com. 

Sins of the Past Book Review

SUMMARY:  Secrets and lies.  Danger that will never go away.  Join three beloved masters of romantic suspense for novellas where the past will not stay buried.

Dee Henderson - "Missing" 
     A Wyoming sheriff is called to Chicago when his elderly mother goes missing from her retirement community.  Paired with a savvy Chicago cop, the two soon launch into a race against the clock when they realize something dark may lie at the heart of the disappearance.

Dani Pettrey - "Shadowed"
     Adventure, romance, and danger collide when a young Alaskan fisherman nets the body of a Russian open water swimming competitor.  Another swimmer, who'd been the dead woman's roommate years ago, is pulled into the search for answers as it grows more and more clear that something sinister is at play.

Lynette Eason - "Blackout
     A young woman once implicated in a robbery gone wrong finds herself at risk years later when the real culprit is up for parole.  The loot taken that night has never been found and he believes she knows where it's hidden - only her memory of that night has always been unreliable.  Can she remember enough to find her way to safety?

REVIEW:  This novella collection is probably one of my favorites.  The authors are my go-to ones for great suspense without all the gore and junk.  If you like suspense novels, this collection is one you might want to pick up.
     In "Missing," the relationship between John and his mom is sweet and admirable.  His concern for her is one we all should have for our parents.  I also like how the developing admiration between John and Sharon, the lieutenant assigned to his mother's missing person case, does not move too quickly as in most stories but slowly over time.  The resolution of the kidnapping story was anticlimactic.  The way the story is summarized led me to believe more action and suspense would be involved. I felt it fizzled at the end.  The story line was interesting but I wonder if more could have been added.
     "Shadowed" is written as a prequel to Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series.  The suspense grabs your attention right from the beginning.  I enjoyed trying to figure out who killed Kat and why they were after Libby.  Sometimes it was a little difficult keeping track of everyone and how they were involved but that is probably my only complaint.  The story kept my attention all the way to the end.  Probably my favorite of the three novellas.
     In "Blackout," the action starts immediately and doesn't let up much until the end.  There were times when I really wanted to help Macey get her memory back.  I like how her neighbor Chad is determined to help her find out who was terrorizing her and protect her along the way.  There were times in the story I wish I had written down the past events and how they tied into Macey's memories but at the climax of the story, everything falls into place and everything is clear.  Lynette Eason did not disappoint.

This book was provided by Bethany House for review without compensation.

Dee Henderson is the author of numerous novels, including Taken, Undetected, Unspoken, Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story, Full Disclosure, and the acclaimed O'Malley 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.  Learn more at DeeHenderson.com or facebook.com/DeeHendersonBooks.

Dani Pettrey is the acclaimed author of the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and Sabotaged.  Her newest novel, Cold Shot, is the first book of her Chesapeake Valor series.  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.  You can find her online at www.danipettrey.com.

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series, as well as No One to Trust, Nowhere to Turn, and No Place to Hide in the Hidden Identity series.  She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.  Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

Sabotaged Book Review

Alaskan Courage Series

Book Five

SUMMARY:  Finally Returned Home, Reef McKenna Finds His Beloved Alaska Facing Its Greatest Threat

     Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and trouble-maker Reef McKenna were always at odds.  Now as they work search-and-rescue together for Alaska's arduous Iditarod race, a growing attraction seems to be forcing aside old arguments.  Then Reef catches Kirra sneaking from camp in the middle of the night.

     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.  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.

REVIEW:  The last book in Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series lives up to the reputation of the previous ones.  It is fast-paced with a plot that keeps you guessing how it will all work out.  Kirra is determined to find her cousin, but to do so, she has to face a very traumatic time in her life.  I love her strength and how she finally tells someone what happened and how supportive Reef was.  Even though the timeline for their relationship develops pretty quickly, I like how the author explained it and understood why.  The ending of the book, in the Epilogue, is a little cheesy, but I like cheesy.  

     If you are looking for a book and/or a series that will keep you on your toes as you try to guess the ending, this is one you will want to check out.  Now, this book would probably be okay as a stand-alone.  But, to fully understand the McKenna family and their significant others and all the family dynamics, I would suggest reading them in order.  My daughter and I love this series and hate that it is coming to an end.

This book was provided by Bethany House for review without compensation.

 

Dani Pettrey  is the acclaimed author of the Alaskan Courage series.  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 and her family live in Maryland.  You can find her online at danipettrey.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DaniPettrey.

Silenced Book Review

 Alaskan Courage Series

Book Four

SUMMARY:  Jake Knew Something Was Wrong.  But He Never Guessed How Wrong.

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

     Kayden's climbing expertise soon leads her and Jake to the realization that the death was no accident.  And worse, it seems the  killer is onto 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 that he could ever image.

REVIEW:  Dani Pettry does not disappoint her readers with Book Four of this series.  I sat on the edge of my seat, anxiously turning the page, trying to figure out where the story was headed and how everything would work out.  The characters are well-written and the story is very intriguing.  The action was fast moving and the suspense was intense.  Now, this is the fourth book.  It helps to have read the other books to understand Jake's past, Kayden's resistance, and the other characters in the book but I think it would be okay to read it by itself.  I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to reading the last book when it comes out next year.

This book was provided by Bethany House for review without compensation.

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the author of the bestselling romantic suspense novels Stranded, Shattered, and Submerged, winner of the 2013 Holt Medallion for First Novel and the Colorado Romance Writers 2013 Award of Excellence.  She and her husband have two daughters and reside in the D.C. Metro area.  She can be found online at danipettry.com.

Stranded Book Review

Alaskan Courage Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  When her friend goes missing, every minute counts!

     Darcy St. James returns to Alaska to join a journalist friend undercover on the trail of the big story.  But when Darcy arrives, she finds her friend has disappeared.  Troubled by the cruise ship's vague explanation, Darcy uses her cover as a travel reporter to investigate further.

     The last person Gage McKenna expects to see during his summer aboard a cruise ship leading adventure excursions is Darcy.  And in typical Darcy fashion, she's digging up more trouble.

     He'd love to just forget her - but something won't let him.  And he can't help but worry about her as they are heading into more remote regions of Alaska and eventually into foreign waters.  Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they push, the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

REVIEW:  This is the third book in the Alaskan Courage series and Dani Pettrey does not disappoint.  This book focuses on Gage and Darcy as they search for Darcy's friend who disappeared while working on a cruise ship.  I like how the storyline moves at just the right pace to keep it interesting without too much fluff.  The ending is great, eye opening, and keeps you on the edge of your seat.  I also like how the ending deals with a topic that is not talked about often in our day and time - sex slave trade.
     Even thought this is the third book, it stands well on its own.  If you want more information on the other McKenna siblings and the background of how Gage and Darcy meet, the other books will provide it.  I've really enjoyed this series and can't wait for the next novel to come out.

This book was provided by Bethany House for review without compensation.

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author.  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. Visit her website at www.danipettrey.com.

Shattered Book Review

Alaskan Courage

Book Two

SUMMARY:  With all the evidence against him, only a sister's trust can save him now.

     When her prodigal brother's return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him.

     Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth.  And 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 pursing the truth puts Landon's career in jeopardy.

     When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself - and from whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada's rugged backcountry.  Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.

REVIEW:  Shattered picks up where Submerged leaves off.  Dani Pattrey does a wonderful job with all the twists and turns Landon and Piper follow in the investigation into whether or not Piper's brother Reef murdered Freerider competitor Karli Davis.  The search takes them to the remote parts of Canada, coastal California and snowy Oregon while making slow headway.  As they continue to search for the truth, both Landon and Piper continually rely on their faith in God to direct and guide them in the right direction and to help them when they face very difficult situations.  The final outcome surprised me and kept me turning page after page.  This is a fabulous book; one I think you will enjoy.  Check it out!

This book was provided by Bethany House Publishers for review without compensation.

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author.  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 the character's faith, and plenty of romance.  She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

Submerged Book Review

Alaskan Courage

Book One

SUMMARY:  A sabotaged plane.  Two dead deep-water divers.  One single clue.

     Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again.  She has a past, and a reputation - and Yancey's a town that doesn't forget.  She's returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

     Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives.  He can face the fear a murderer may be threatening his town.  But facing the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge.  She broke his heart . . . but doesn't seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago.  And he's not the same guy she left behind.

     Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally surfaces.

REVIEW:  It's been a while since I read a book that kept my attention like this one.  The romantic suspense was blended excellently and the storyline kept you guessing.  Since Bailey had left Yancey after thoroughly screwing up her reputation, it was refreshing to see most of the townspeople accept her back with open arms and loving hearts.  Even the people who Bailey hurt the most did not hold her previous actions against her. 
     The main storyline starts with the crash of a plane that holds Bailey's aunt.  The bodies of two deep-sea divers turns up soon afterwards that might hold a connection to her aunt's death.  As the investigation unfolds, Bailey's expertise in Russian studies becomes very important and could be the key to solving the case.  She, Cole, Landon (Cole's childhood friend) and Cole's brother and sisters work together to figure out who the murder is and what he is looking for before he kills again.
     This is a wonderful book that makes you want to keep reading until the mystery is solved and the story ends.  LOVED IT and can't wait until the other books of this series are released.

This book was provided by Bethany House Publishers for review without compensation.

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and author.  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.  To learn more about her, visit www.danipettry.com.