Shattered (Alaskan Courage) (edition 2013)

As other readers may have noted, I too felt that I missed out by not reading the first book introducing Piper and Landon's story in the first book of the Alaskan Courage series, Submerged. Shattered picks up with one of one the two lead character’s realizing they have feeling with the other person, but that other doesn’t have a clue…yet.

I had to reread some of the pages in the beginning of the story to become more familiar with the characters, but the author outdid herself with the characters and really began to care about them – loving or hating them. It was quite interesting to have the setting in Alaska...as that is where I grew up. It's always fun to see how others describe it. ( )

ATTERED by DANI PETTREY (BETHANY HOUSE)
When a relative is in trouble, our first thought is to help them, to rescue them from whatever is bringing fear or discouragement into their lives. Piper is no different from any other Christian person. When her brother Reef is charged with murder, she decides to save him because she knows he would never kill another person. So Piper works beside and sometimes in front of Deputy Landon who is put on the case. Unfortunately, Reef is found with Karli's body in his arms with the murder instrument, a knife, in his hands. Although it looks like he obviously murdered the woman, Piper never loses faith in Reef's innocence. Her desire to save her brother will find her talking to weird and dangerous characters as well as finding herself in a moving, very strong avalanche in Alaska. Before the crime is solved everything becomes more dense than a forest. I had no idea who would ultimately and involuntarily save Reef's life and destroy their own during the investigation.

Although Karli is the victim of murder, there is much to discover about her life and family before the truth will come out. Ironically, a deceased person still, in a way, lives to tell their story in a surreal way. This caused me to see the way God works but to also remember HIS ways are unsearcheable. Really, we just have to be still and hear HIM tell us where to go, which people need to be heard and which holes in the circumstances need to be mended. Of course, throughout the novel, SHATTERED by DANI PETTREY, much praying takes place. I had to thank GOD each time another positive opening came their way. Also, I felt grateful to read about a very strong woman. Piper is more than courageous especially in the avalanche situation.

Even though GOD is involved each situation is dangerous. Danger is really catastrophic when it takes place in snow and ice, but GOD can lead us through rain storms and snow blizzards. Shattered is Book 2, in the ALASKAN COURAGE series. I think Duputy Landon sums this Christian novel up well. Here are his words.

"The journey might not always be easy--actually, he suspected it rarely would be--but he now had confidence it would be a journey filled with purpose and at its end an eternal paradise."

danipettrey ( )

Shattered is a gripping romantic suspense story that takes the reader on a fast paced adventure that will keep them on the edge. Shattered is the second book in the Alaskan Courage Series, which follows the adventures of the McKenna family of Yancey, Alaska.

Reef McKenna is a professional snowboarder, who after five years away has returned to his hometown for a competition. Reef shows up at his sister Piper’s house in the middle of the night covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been murdered, and despite the evidence against him and witnesses placing him at the scene, he swears that he is innocent. When he is arrested for murder, it looks like the police have an open and shut case, but Piper does not believe that her brother could ever murder anyone. Frustrated with the police investigation, Piper knows it is up to her to conduct her own investigation to find out the truth that will prove her brother's innocence.

Deputy Landon Grainger has a close relationship with the McKenna family, in fact he considers them family. Charged with the duty to investigate the murder and focus on the facts of the case, he joins together with Piper in the search for the truth. From Alaska to the Canadian back country to California and back, Landon and Piper set off on an adventure that catches the attention of someone dangerous, while struggling with the complication of a long-time friendship that seems to be turning into something more. Will Piper and Landon discover the truth and clear Reef of the murder charge? Or will their investigation lead them into a dangerous situation that could shatter their lives?

Author Dani Pettrey weaves a riveting fast-paced tale full of action, adventure, danger, suspense and romance with enough twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing what will happen next. Written in the third person narrative that alternates perspectives, the reader follows Piper and Landon on an adventure that takes them in search of the truth into the high-profile murder filled with dangerous situations, while struggling to face their own feelings for each other that could ultimately change their relationship.

From the beginning, the author transports the reader into the story, you can't help but become captivated with the plot, the characters, or the nail-biting suspense. I loved the McKenna family, their strong bond of love and loyalty clearly shines through when they protect one of their own. This riveting tale of mystery and suspense entices the reader to unravel it's layers in search of solving the murder, while providing a complicated and intense romantic twist that adds to the excitement of this very entertaining story.

With a realistic cast of characters; engaging dialogue and interactions; a riveting multi-layered plot that is an adrenaline rush coupled with emotional romance; and a richly detailed and descriptive variety of settings; Shattered takes the reader on an exhilarating and emotional roller coaster ride in the latest installment of the McKenna family adventures!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Litfuse Publicity.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2013/03/shattered-by-dani-pettrey-book... ( )

I'm having a really hard time getting into this book. It starts off pretty slow; the writing didn't really hold my attention. I'd looked forward to reading it, and at least at this point, am disappointed in it.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Shattered is the first book I have read by Dani Pettrey. There is a book prior to Shattered in the series and I want to read it now too!

In Shattered Piper's brother is back in town for an Extreme sports contest. While there someone is murdered and Reef (Piper's brother) is implicated and arrested. Piper is sure that her brother is innocent and sets out to prove it.

Landon ( a family friend who is also local law enforcement) goes along with her since he knows it is pointless to argue with her.

During their investigations which include travels in Canada, Washington and of course Alaska they discover a trail that could prove deadly. The pair make it through...but the suspense and "who dun it" really makes the story!

While Landon and Piper spend a lot of time together you don't learn all that much about them. The major plot details of the story are in the suspense/mystery aspect. If you enjoy those books you will LOVE this one! ( )