Shattered by Dani Pettrey From back cover: 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 McKenna's 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 pursuing 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.
After being dissatisfied with the first book in the Alaskan Courage series, I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I had trouble with all the different points-of-view in the beginning, it was a little confusing, but once I got all the characters straightened out it was ok. I just do not like having more that 2 or 3 different points-of-view throughout a book as it gets very confusing keeping everyone straight. I also thought Piper was rather annoying with her 'I'm going to do whatever I want' attitude. There is a difference between being independent and being stupid! I did like the plot line. The story was good and kept me guessing throughout most of the book. About 2/3 of the way through the book I started piecing things together and figured the plot out; but I thought the book was well done in that regard. I did find the romance aspect to be pretty cheesy and juvenile. Again, I was disappointed in the authors lack of research. There are so many little facts that were wrong and could have been right had the author taken a couple of minutes to run a Google search! I really didn't get how Landon has jurisdiction in Canada and the fact that the ending *mini spoiler below!*
takes place around this big blizzard in Portland when Portland rarely gets snow, let alone a blizzard!
*end mini spoiler!*
Overall, this was just an ok read for me. Not too exciting, but not a bad read either. I'll pick up the next book in the series and I hope by then the author will learn to do some research!!!
Submerged by Dani Pettrey From the back of the book: 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 a 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 resurfaces.
I thought this book sounded really good when I first heard about it; and while the story was pretty good, I was continually irritated by the author's complete lack of knowledge on Alaska. When I read a book, I want to know the author did his or her research and knows what they're talking about. This author didn't get much right in that regard. Such as: -The average temperature in SE Alaska in the summer is in the 60's...not the 70's and 80's as she was saying. That would be record breaking temps in Kodiak (where the town of Yancey was modeled) if it got up into the 80's. -The author kept trying to make it sound like everyone in Alaska lives the hang loose lifestyle, board shorts and flip flops. This is Alaska, not Hawaii! It's way too cold and unpractical to dress like that! -There really aren't a lot of sandy beaches in Alaska. Most of the coastline there is rock. And if there did happen to be a sandy beach, it's probably not going to be big enough to go for a run on. You'd break your ankle on a rock. -And my favorite? The part where they say it's hard to rent a boat during peak king crab season...it's summertime. King crab season runs from October to January. I would know, my dad used to fish king crab! There were more, but I don't want to get too picky. I really don't want to seem mean, but if the author can't get simple facts straight, how am I supposed to be convinced of the bigger story?
I really did think the writing was good, especially for a first time author. And the plot was quite intricate, enough so that I could follow it well without getting lost. The characters were ok, I didn't love them, but I didn't dislike them either. And I also found the romance part to be a little cheesy. Overall, this book was just an ok read for me.
I'll read the next book in the series, but I hope the author does some research.
If you're looking for a good mystery book based in Alaska, I would highly recommend something by Kimberley and Kayla Woodhouse.
No Safe Haven is about Jenna and Andi Tikaani-Gray. Andi is Jenna's 12-year old daughter who has a rare medical disorder. Jenna's husband (Andi's dad) recently died in a car accident and they're excited when they finally receive good news from out of town specialists about Andi's disorder. But as they're flying home from a doctors appointment in Anchorage, the unthinkable happens, their plane crashes into Sultana, one of the most remote and dangerous mountains in Alaska. To make matters worse, a storm is headed their way; along with someone who wants to kill them. The only person who can keep them alive is Cole Maddox. Both Jenna and Andi can sense he's hiding something. But trusting the last minute passenger who joined them on their flight will prove to be difficult, but do they have any other choice?
Thirteen year old Zoya Naltsiine is out with her sprint racing dogs when she witnesses a murder. While trying to get away, she gets shot. She's left feeling angry at God for all the bad things that have happend to her, her friends and family.
Zoya's mom, Anesia, is a single mom who runs a kennel with champion sprint racing dogs. Anesia is tired of being alone, especially seeing Jenna and Cole's new marriage. She's trying to hold everything together, so she hires Sean Connelly to help out around the kennel.
Sean Connelly has (literally) walked away from his high profile job at CROM to get away from his tyrannical father. He sells everything and walks more than 6,000 miles to North Pole, Alaska, looking to start over. He applies at Anesia's kennel, and gets the job.
Zoya is angry at everyone, (especially God) and killers are after her. Anesia is trying to do what's best for her, Zoya, and the dogs, as well as trying to figure out Sean, his secrets, and the feelings she has for him. And Sean is determined to keep the girls safe and figure out why macrochips are being implanted in the dogs.
Are the macrochips related to the murder? Why are the killers still after Zoya? Will Zoya ever put her anger aside and trust God again? And Anesia, will she ever find love again?
Race Against Time is the sequel to No Safe Haven(Which you will want to read before Race Against Time) Written by the mother-daughter team Kimberly and Kayla Woodhouse, Race Against Time alternates points of view between multiple characters. (Mainly Zoya, Anesia, and Sean. As well as Andie, Cole, Jenna, and a couple other characters.) I liked that the book alternated between characters, but I wish it hadn't been as many as there were; it got to be too many. The book is set in North Pole, Alaska, (Somewhere I’ve been before. So that made it a little more interesting for me!) The descriptions of Alaska, the terrain, and sled dog racing were fun, accurate, and interesting to read about.
A fun, light read with a great mix of action, adventure, romance, sled dog racing, faith and Alaska. A great book anyone of any age would enjoy.
