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Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Interview & Giveaway! Dani Pettrey ~ Author of Submerged!!

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Dani! Will you tell us a little about yourself?


I am a wife, homeschooling mom and author. My husband and I will be celebrating our 20th anniversary this fall. We live on the East Coast and really enjoy being so near the ocean and the mountains. I’m a huge fan of dark chocolate, am always in search of the best iced mocha, and would love to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always loved dreaming up stories, but it wasn’t until after the birth of my youngest daughter and a serious health scare that I decided to pursue my love of writing. It was several years after that initial realization that I began earnestly pursing writing with the hopes of one day being published. My girls were still young at the time so I started slowly. I spent time analyzing the novels I loved and seeing how they worked. I read craft books and joined writing groups. I devoted time to learning the craft and writing while homeschooling my girls. I’m thrilled to see how God has fulfilled the dream He planted in me so long ago.

Do you have any favorite authors?

I do. It’s so hard to choose, but my favorites would include Dee Henderson, Terri Blackstock, Jane Austen, and Sue Grafton.

What is Submerged about?

Submerged is the first book in my Alaskan Courage series. It’s the story of Cole McKenna and Bailey Craig.

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.

What is one of the most surprising things you've learned from writing Submerged?


I’d say learning about Russia’s connection to Alaska. I was really surprised by how long Russia had a claim to Alaska, the depth of their involvement there and most surprisingly, the amount of cultural heritage that is still present. Fascinating.

Do you have a favorite time of year?

Definitely summer. I love warm weather, lots of sunshine, and the beach.

Favorite song and/or movie?

Favorite song is Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison (I love the melody) and my favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice.

Favorite Bible verse?


“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 are three things you wouldn't want to do without (besides the Bible, food, and family)?   

Coffee, chocolate and books.

What do you hope readers take away from reading Submerged?


That the depth of God’s love and forgiveness is greater than we can ever fathom, and that we find wholeness and fulfillment in Christ alone.

Are you currently working on any novels?

I am. I’ve just finished up Shattered—book two in my Alaskan Courage series. Now I am working on Stranded—book three in the series. I love the McKenna family and I am having a blast telling their stories.

Thank you so much for being here! Where can we find you on the web?


Thanks for having me, Melanie!

You can find me online at:
My website: www.danipettrey.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DaniPettrey
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaniPettrey

Book Giveaway!!


Enter to win Submerged!! Giveaway is open Internationally! :)

Enter by filling out the Rafflecopter below (here is a tutorial, if you aren't familiar with Rafflecopter). The mandatory entry is to leave a comment on this blog post - after you do that, the other entries will become available. :) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

67 comments:

  1. I am always looking for a good book

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  2. This book sounds so interesting! I love the plot line of renewing an old love, forgiving past hurts and moving on. Thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. Thanks, Kandra. I love stories of forgiveness and second chances too :)

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  3. Melanie, it is my dream to visit Alaska, and as i wait to fulfill that dream, i love to read novels about it. Thanks for the great opportunity to win, and thanks for the interview

    marianne dot wanham at gmail dot com

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    1. It's my dream to visit Alaska too, Marianne. Hope Submerged makes you feel like you're there :)

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  4. I think I would enjoy reading this book because it goes into there is no greater realization God's love and forgiveness for us.

    awhartness@yahoo.com

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    1. It is so true. God's love is so great and His forgiveness so merciful.

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  5. I have heard that this book is great! I would love to read it!

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    1. So glad you're hearing good things about Submerged!

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  6. Thanks so much for having me today, Melanie!

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    1. You're welcome! Thanks for doing the interview!! :)

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  7. Great interview! Sounds like an awesome book, thanks for the giveaway :) I completely agree with the 3 things Dani said: coffee, chocolate and books (perfect combo).
    Best wishes to the other entrants!
    Blessings, Kara

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    1. So glad you enjoyed the interview, Kara! It's great to hear there's another coffee, chocolate and book lover out there :)

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  8. I've not read a book for Ms. Pettrey and this would be an intriguing one to start. Interesting choice of titles Shattered, Submerged, Stranded. Dani - I hope I'm the winner and will get to read this book.

    Vera

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    1. Thanks, Vera. Best of luck to you in the contest.

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  9. Lovely interview! I love learning more about the authors, and I totally love dark chocolate too! lol :)

    Thanks :)

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    1. Thanks, Faye. Yep--dark chocolate is the best!

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  10. Always enjoy the interviews you put on your blog! It is great to have the opportunity to learn a bit about the authors. I would love to win and read this book and the rest in the series as they get published. Thanks for the chance!
    (Rafflecopter name=Jeannette Laframboise)

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    1. Thanks, Jennette. So glad you enjoyed the interview :)

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  11. We lived in Russia for a while and one day a Russian gentleman proceeded to tell us that they only leased Alaska to us for a time, and now that the lease is up they want it BACK! Great interview and great-sounding book!

    andrea2russia@hotmail.com

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    1. Andrea--that is hysterical! It must have been very interesting living in Russia. I imagine you have a lot of wonderful stories :)

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  12. Nice interview, Melanie:) Looks like a great suspense story! Just what I enjoy most.

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    1. Thanks, Barbara, for dropping by. So glad you enjoyed the interview.

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  13. Thank you to everyone for leaving such kind comments. I'm so glad you all enjoyed the interview and I hope you'll enjoy Submerged. Blessings, Dani

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  14. This sounds like a really exciting read!

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  15. This sounds like a great book! I would love to win it.
    Love your favorite verse Dani. God has so much more for us than we can imagine. :)

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  16. Great interview! I'm right there with you, Dani, on the iced mocha. I found a terrific recipe online and make it all the time!

    One of Louis L'Amour's books, Last of the Breed, was excellent at showing the close proximity of Russia and Alaska. I remember reading it when tension between Russia and the United States was quite high and it was disconcerting to realize just how close to our borders the Russians were.

    Looking forward to reading Submerged - thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

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    1. Hi Jan Marie,

      So glad you enjoyed the interview! Would you be willing to share the recipe? I'm always on the lookout for a great one :)

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  17. Oh, I love the cover/title/synopsis! Amazing.

    eve @ essence of eve

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  18. I have been waiting for Submerged to come out,it sounds exciting and I love Alaska settings.
    Worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks so much, Merry. So glad you're excited to read Submerged :)

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  19. I am really looking forward to reading this book, I had not heard of the author previously but when I saw that Dee Henderson commented about it I knew it was something I had to look into! It sounds great! Can't wait to read it!

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  20. Thank you for the international giveaway, this sounds like an interesting book!

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  21. Hi Dani,

    You are in my International Book Club of Clean Reads and I'm really looking forward to reading your book! Thanks so much for the interview! Megan S.

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  22. I'm another one who would love to visit Alaska...someday!

    cbus.blogger at gmail dot com

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  23. thanks for the great giveaway.

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  24. Sounds like a great book! I would love to win:) good job on the interview too guys , I love that verse... So true:)

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    1. Thanks! So glad you enjoyed the interview and the verse--it's such an encouragement to me :)

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  25. Sounds like a great read, set in an absolutely gorgeous setting! Would really love to read this!

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  26. Thank you for the giveaway!

    leah49 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  27. yay for chocolate & books ! kindred spirits on that ;)
    captivating plot - you've got my attn ! TY for the giveaway generosity & for sharing your writing gift w/ us readers !

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    1. You are so welcome. I love connecting with readers and kindred spirits :) Blessings!

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  28. Alaska is a great place to set a book. I do agree about the Russian influence there. Makes sense geographically but we forget how close they really are. Thanks for the chance to win the book.

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    1. It really is amazing how close, Carl. Before I started researching, I hadn't realized it myself :)

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  29. Thank you for the giveaway. I look forward to reading this book. Gale

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  30. Wow, this sounds awesome! Thanks for the fabulous interview and for the giveaway! :)

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  31. Thanks, Jenn. So glad you enjoyed the interview. Hope you enjoy Submerged!

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  32. This sounds like a wonderful book. Dani is a new author for me and I'm looking forward to hearing more. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  33. This one sounds fantastic. Its definitely on my TBR list!

    julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

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  34. I "met" Dani at a chat night a few nights ago, & now because of that and her quirky husband I want to read her book. Sounds like there is a great message she would like to share with us! Thanks for the giveaway!
    marieburton2004 at yahoo dot com

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  35. Sounds like an awesome read...

    biblioprincess15 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  36. Thanks, Rebecca! Hope you'll enjoy Submerged.

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  37. Thanks, Julia. Really hope you'll enjoy it!

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  38. Sounds like a absolutely wonderful story!! Enter me for the chance to win a copy!! Thanks and God bless.

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  39. Hi Marie,
    So fun to see you over here too! So glad you enjoyed the soiree (and my quirky hubby ;))
    Blessings!

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  40. Thanks, Rachelle. I LOVE your email address--so fun!

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  41. My sister used to live in Alaska, so I'm always drawn to books with that setting. It doesn't hurt that I've been hearing awesome things about this book, too! ;)

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  42. Thanks for the giveaway!
    I read the blurb and now I can't wait to read this book! It sounds awesome and not something that I usually read, which is exciting :)

    angelaz666@gmail.com

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