Author Spotlight + GIVEAWAY: Dani Pettrey

 

I thoroughly enjoyed Dani Pettrey's latest book and am so glad to welcome her to The Power of Words! Silenced features the McKenna family, the rugged beauty of Alaska - and, of course, enough romance and suspense to satisfy any reader! (See my review here). You'll also have a ball going through the Pinterest boards Dani has created for each book.

First, you need to know a little about this talented author. Dani is a die-hard thrill seeker: heli-skiing, cave diving, storm kayaking, free climbing . . . No, wait! That's her characters! Seriously, Dani is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author who loves to travel. She and her husband live in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, son-in-law, and super adorable grandson. FYI, she's also 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.

Dani is graciously giving away a copy of Silenced to one of you this week - details at the bottom of this interview. Now sit back and enjoy your visit with Dani . . .


Q:  Tell us a little about this series - the McKenna family, the setting, and how Silenced fits into the series.

        The McKenna family consists of five siblings—Cole is the oldest and protector of the family, Gage is next and he’s the family jokester, Kayden is the oldest girl and the heroine of Silenced, next comes Reef who is the black sheep of the family until recently, and Piper is the baby and super inquisitive one of the family.
        Each book in the Alaskan Courage series focuses on a different sibling and their love interest, and each focuses on a new mystery and adventure. The series, as the title gives away, is set in Alaska.
        When I knew I wanted to write about a family that owned an Adventure Outfitting company, I knew I had to find a location that offered a wide variety of adventures—everything from cave diving to heli-skiing—and Alaska offered of all that plus an innate sense of danger, which I loved. It’s rugged, majestic, and extreme.



Q:  Describe Silenced in five adjectives.

Intense, romantic, adventurous, mysterious, and suspenseful.


Q:  Of the three McKenna boys - Cole, Gage, and Reef - who would you most like to see one of your daughters marry and why?

Ha. Love this question! I would pick Cole. He’s the most together of the bunch—and has been from the beginning. He’s loving, protective, strong and an all-around great guy.

Q:  What spiritual nugget or lesson do you hope readers will take away from Silenced?

That God is with us through everything we suffer and that He can bring restoration and healing to the most hurting of hearts.


Q:  What is on the book horizon for you - for this series and maybe even beyond?

Next up will be Reef’s book. I’ll be revealing the title and cover during my Bethany House Book Banter, along with the winners of my Rugged Romance contest, on May 23^rd on Bethany House’s Facebook Page. I hope you’ll all drop by.
https://www.facebook.com/events/254660754718528


Q:  What are some ways we can support and encourage you, both personally and as an author, Dani?

Thank you so much for asking. That is so sweet of you. Prayers are most important. Prayers that God would continue to fill me with the stories He wants told, that He would continue to meet with me during writing time and shape the stories for His glory. Notes of encouragement are also amazing. I can’t tell you how touching it is to receive an email or FB message from a reader saying how much she or he enjoyed the story and how much they hope I keep writing. Hearing readers share their love for my stories is an amazingly humbling and encouraging experience.


Q:  Is there anything else you would like to share?

Just how very much I appreciate you and everyone who has taken part in celebrating Silenced’s release with me. Silenced was so much fun to write, and I’m thrilled so many readers are enjoying it. Thanks for having me today, and for the super fun questions.

Blessings,
Dani

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GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for Silenced, simply leave a question or comment about Dani's books or something you found interesting in this interview, along with your e-mail address in a safe format. If you're willing, it's also helpful to share about this giveaway on Facebook.

And I'm always glad to have new followers on my blog and "likes" on my Facebook page, The Power of Words Book Reviews.

The fine print:

• E-mail required, one entry per person. Odds of winning are based on number of entries.
• Contest ends at midnight on Sunday, May 18. No purchase necessary.
• Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail on Monday, May 19. Respond within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be chosen.
• Eligibility: US residents, 18 and older