Submerged (Alaskan Courage) [Paperback]

Dani Pettrey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2012 | Series: Alaskan Courage (Book 1)

"Submerged is romantic suspense that will keep you up at night!"
--Bestselling Author Dee Henderson

A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers.

Yancey, Alaska was a quiet town...until the truth of what was hidden in the depths off the coast began to appear.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a small town. She's returned to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash and is determined not to stay even an hour more than necessary. But then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can handle the deep-sea dives and helping the police recover evidence. He can even handle the fact that a murderer has settled in his town and doesn't appear to be moving on. But dealing with the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart, but she is not the same girl who left Yancey. He let her down, but he's not the same guy she left behind. Can they move beyond the hurts of their pasts and find a future together?

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

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 own 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.

"Pettrey is a new author to watch. Recommended for fans of Dee Henderson." --Library Journal

"A spell binding mystery, full of suspense and a great story that will pull you in." --The Suspense Zone

"[A] steadily paced thriller...Pettrey's debut novel is a thoughtful attempt to capture both love and suspense in this intricately plotted mystery."
--Publishers Weekly

"Combining romance, danger, and a dose of Russian history, the novel proves a rapid and entertaining read."--Booklist

About the Author

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, nailbiting 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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; Original edition (May 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764209825
• ISBN-13: 978-0764209826
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (221 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,907 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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 one's faith and plenty of romance. She's a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters. Visit her web site at www.DaniPettrey.com!

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A romantic suspense where the characters leap from the pages! May 16, 2012

By Katie McCurdy

Format:Paperback

Whoa! What an adventure! I had a feeling that Dani Pettrey would write a romantic suspense that sucked me in from page one and wouldn't let me go till the very end. And that's exactly what happened! While the suspense and tension wasn't very high in the first half of the book, things DO happen that keeps the reader going...and then I hit that halfway mark and it just took off!

There is quiet a large cast of characters in Submerged. Not only does the reader really get to know Bailey and Cole, but also his other siblings and best friend, Landon. And not just briefly, either--by the end of the novel I had come to care for Piper, Kayden, Gage, and Landon just as much as I did Bailey and Cole. Pettrey did an amazing job weaving so many characters into the plot and still making each person and their struggles unique and memorable. Makes me look forward to the next book even more!

And the writing! Wow, was I impressed. So vivid, sharp, and clean. Takes the reader right into the moment, making the characters come alive. And the way she described Yancey, Alaska and all its charm makes me want to go visit this little town. Very well done!

I would recommend this book more for older teens, since there are a few mature situations this book deals with. One character was known to sleep around in her younger days, and while nothing is described, one character remembers having to listen to the teen boys lewd conversations about their times with her. As I said, nothing too descriptive, but this sordid past plays a big part throughout Submerged.

But, really, Pettrey handled this situation so well and carefully, I was impressed by how clean she kept the book, considering the situation her characters find themselves in. All around, I found Submerged to be a wonderful, awesome read that I know I will pick up again. The characters will remain vividly in my thoughts for a long time to come! Here's a high-five from me, Dani, on writing an awesome romantic suspense!! Loved it!!

I reviewed this book for the author, thanks to Dani Pettrey for allowing me to be an influencer for her debut. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous read from Dani Pettrey! August 5, 2012

By Melanie

Format:Paperback

Submerged is Dani Pettrey's debut novel, but I would have never guess that from the writing! The characters, story... everything was so well written and entertaining that I enjoyed Submerged right from the beginning!

The characters were fantastic! As the story continued I found myself caring more and more about what happened with them and wishing for a happy ending. I have a lot of favorites from Submerged - Cole, Bailey, Landon, Piper, and Kayden. I'm also very interested in finding out more about Gage - the little that is shared in Submerged leaves a lot to be wondered. :) There is one character in this book that I did NOT like - Tom - although I personally think that was the intent.

I loved how faith, mercy, and forgiveness were a major theme in Submerged - it added so much to the story. The suspense and mystery were great and (at times) this book was really difficult to put down. I loved the setting - I want to visit Alaska one day - and the little bits of history thrown in. There was romance, as well, and while I'm happy with the way things ended, in one aspect, I'm kinda sad (not saying why). That is one reason why I am very much looking forward to reading book two, Shattered, all the more - gotta know what happens! That book doesn't release until 2013, so it'll be awhile before I can read it. :(

A fabulous read from Dani Pettrey. If you are like me and enjoy romantic suspense books, then I am pretty sure you will like Submerged - I loved and recommend it!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Not your average Christian fiction May 4, 2012

By Cupcakegirly/Jenuine Cupcakes

Format:Paperback

I'll be honest, I usually steer away from Christian fiction because the stories are cheesy, for lack of a better word. (Unless it's a Jenny B. Jones book b/c she ROCKS!) I am a Christian and while I don't care to read smut or stories filled with straight up evil, I also don't want to waste my time reading books that are over the top with the Christianese. Why? Because it didn't work for me in real life and it's not gonna work for me in a book either.

This was a unique book for me to review because Dani Pettrey is a Homeschool Mom, (like me!), she's friends with several of mine which means our paths have most likely crossed at some point (6 degrees) and my MIL is mentioned in the back of the book (shout out to Ms. Bobbie from the Joppa library!) :D OK, on to my review...

Submerged is a well written, faith filled story that combines romance, suspense and shows the powerful effect forgiveness can have. Pettrey's attention to detail sucks you right in and makes you feel as if you're there in the Alaskan waters with the divers. *shivers* Her characters are believable and not without their continued struggles even after they've become Christ followers.

The romance between the two main characters, Bailey and Cole is a little slow at first but only because she is battling old demons that being back home dredges up. Cole is completely swoon worthy in his pursuit of her heart and is the kind of guy every girl could bring home. *sighs* He's not without his own brokenness, all the characters have their own baggage to deal with but Cole has had his family and friends for support. Friends like Landon, who I thoroughly enjoyed! He was probably my favorite and I look forward to seeing what happens with his story.

The mystery surrounding the murders grasps and holds the readers attention and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation. Who would survive?! Who would end up another victim?! This was definitely not your average Christian fiction book and I look forward to seeing what happens next.