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| Heart-pumping action with a strong faith theme |
Shattered (Alaskan Courage #2) by Dani Pettrey
Bethany House, January 2013
Christian Fiction/Romantic Suspense
Review copy provided by the publisher, thank you!
Burton Book Review Rating: 4 stars, Really liked it!
A Thrilling New Romantic Suspense from the Genre's Newest Star
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.
After attending a chat with a few authors last year, I was introduced to Dani Pettrey's debut novel Submerged when I won the novel as a result of the virtual chat. I gave the novel a college try - I don't normally read contemporary romantic suspense - and I loved it! I was so glad that I had then agreed to review Shattered because I really enjoy Dani Pettrey's writing style. There is a huge element of the Christian theme, and because of that there are those who would not enjoy the series, but if you enjoy faith based novels this suspenseful novel was a lot of fun; it would be great for a Young Adult market as well.
Shattered involves the younger of the McKenna siblings, Piper. Piper and Landon's romance was kindled in book one, and now we get to watch as these two as they try to clear Reef McKenna's name. Most of Reef's family and friends know that he is innocent from the murder of the athlete Karli, but some intense sleuthing had to take place before he could be cleared. A murderous villain was on the loose, and he was hot on Piper's and Landon's trail. Disaster after disaster struck, but the McKenna siblings are like energizer bunnies and able to get up and keep going. It was a bit similar to Bruce Willis walking away with explosions going off behind him. There was a lot of action going on, and many paths that we went down before we could decipher the mystery, so it kept me guessing.
Intriguing suspense took a front row, but the next story in the series had to be set up. We are introduced to the reporter Darcy St. James as she helps the group with the sleuthing, and the next book will focus on her and Gage McKenna. Those readers who enjoyed the first book of Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series will enjoy Shattered as well. It is fast paced and well written, and I love how the author makes her characters so likable. I would definitely recommend reading this series in order for those interested in reading from this fresh new voice in Christian fiction.
Thank you to Bethany House for my free review copy.
Edited to add that Submerged was a 2013 Christy Award Finalist! Congrats!
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