Tuesday, May 13, 2014

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 23rd 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

74 comments:

  1. Thanks again for a wonderful interview and giveaway opportunity! Loved hearing the prayer request for God to fill her with stories. Wonderful to have a glimpse into an author's heart. msudawgtooATcomsouthDOTnet

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    1. Beckie, I think what you and Dani expressed is the purpose of Christian fiction, to tell stories that God wants told, so He can work through them. And books just mean more when we understand the author's heart. Thanks for coming by today!

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    2. So glad you enjoyed the interview, Beckie!

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  2. Dani is one of my favorite authors!! I love her series. I havent had the chance to read Silenced yet. :-( But can't wait!!
    One of the things I love about Dani is her website and Pinterest boards! It makes the books come to life!!

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    1. Thanks so much, Amy. Thrilled you enjoy all my reader Extras :) I have so much fun putting those together.

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  3. OOps forgot to leave my email
    amylsmith at bledsoe dot net
    And Carole I follow you all the ways I can! I just recently found you on BLOGLOVIN!

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    1. Those Pinterest boards are something else, aren't they?! I know authors have enough to do already, but I really enjoy the way these boards visualize their books. Have you read the previous three books?

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  4. Dani, I loved that phrase you used in answer to a question above. "God is with us through everything we suffer and that He can bring restoration and healing to the most hurting of hearts." That is so true.

    One thing I love about your books is that you don't shy away from your characters having a relationship with God or developing one eventually if they aren't Christians right away. All Christian fiction should clearly point people to Jesus.

    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

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    1. Well said, Sylvia! I always look for the Christian message and spiritual growth of characters. I don't mind if it's subtle, but it has to be there. Thanks so much for visiting today!

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  5. "Of the three McKenna boys - Cole, Gage, and Reef - who would you most like to see one of your daughters marry and why?"
    Love this question! And the answer, too. ;)
    We're definitely praying for you, Dani! I have really enjoyed all your books and can't wait to read "Silenced"! :)

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Aerykah --- crazybooklover7 [at] yahoo [dot] com

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    1. So glad you liked that question, Aerykah! (I love the spelling of your name, by the way!) I haven't read the book featuring Cole yet, but from what I've learned about him so far, he would be my choice also. Thanks for visiting!

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    2. Thanks so much, Aerykah. That was my favorite question of the interview :) Appreciate your prayers!

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    3. Thanks, Carole! :) You should definitely read the other books... you'd love them! ;)

      You're very welcome, Dani! Thanks for writing such great books! :)

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  6. Carole and Dani, loved the interview--good questions and answers. I really like the characters names. It will be fun to read this series. Thank you for offering a copy of Silenced.
    may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot) com

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    1. Kay, I always love it when your sweet face pops up! I love how Dani's series is based on a family of brothers and sisters, as I'm an only child. I hope you are doing well - and thanks for visiting, Kay.

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    2. Thanks so much for stopping by, Kay :)

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  7. Dani have you always wanted to be a author?

    CherylB1987@Hotmail.com

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    1. Cheryl,
      Good question. I've always loved daydreaming and making up stories, but it wasn't until I was an adult that I really realized my dream.

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  8. I've never read any of Dani's books, but I can't wait to read this series sometime! I've just heard great reviews for the books thus far.

    Thanks!
    Cclark207(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Glad you're hearing good stuff, Courtney. Thanks so much for stopping by.

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  9. Carole,
    Thanks so much for the fun interview. I loved it!
    Blessings,
    Dani

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    1. I was glad to have the opportunity to help, because I discovered your writing through the process. The bad thing about being an only child is often being alone, which may be why I like the McKenna family so much. It is a pleasure to help with publicity, Dani.

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  10. I also appreciated Dani's affirmation that God is always with us and He can heal our hurting hearts. Very excited about this new book and I appreciate this giveaway.
    Connie
    cps1950 at gmail dot com

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    1. That's great affirmation indeed, Connie! Thank you for stopping by today.

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  11. Oh Carole,
    This was just the best. It takes talent to write a good review, but to write questions that showcase what is beautiful and unique in an author's heart? That takes talent AND insight. Thank you for your wonderful interview, and your wonderful support. You're awesome.
    Cheering you on,
    Kelli

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    1. I am humbled by your comments, Kelli! I just know I get tired of "generic" aka boring questions, so I try to do something a little different. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to help.

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  12. I have not read any of Dani's books but she is on my "to read" list! I like Alaskan stories and the McKenna's sound interesting!
    jarning67@hotmaildotcom

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    1. Alaska is one of my very favorite settings also, Joan. Hope you get to know the McKenna family soon!

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  13. I have been wanting to read this book for awhile!! I found Dani Pettrey on another bloggers site but this is the first giveaway I haev found!

    Sierra
    sierrafaith327(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. There's a great sweepstakes also, Sierra, so be sure to check it out here: http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com/2014/05/enter-rugged-romance-sweepstakes.html

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    1. Lydia, I'm a little envious that you've already read the previous three books. I've just got to make time for them soon!

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  15. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!

    A question for Dani... have you visited Alaska in real life?

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. She did such a great job with visualization of the area that I can't imagine her not having visited, Patty. Thanks for visiting today!

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  16. Carole, another great interview, and I love how you ask the author how we as readers can support them. :)

    Dani, I've heard so much good about this book. Can't wait to read it!
    jennismith1983(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I appreciate your comment, Jennifer. I think that as I got more involved in the book review process, I came to realize how much pressure authors face and just wanted readers to be able to reach out personally in support and prayer. And I have a lot of respect for you, Miss Jennifer!

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  17. I had a friend who lived in Alaska by way of the USAir Force. They loved it, and wanted to extend their tour there but weren't able to do so. Don't know if they did all the 'extreme' type stuff, but do know they enjoyed some of the winter sports stuff -- and enjoyed the beautiful country.
    Have you, Dani, ever gotten to live in Alaska? or had a long term visit there?
    I like a bit of mystery, or a lot of mystery, in the stories I read; so I am looking forward to this one.
    donna(dot)durnell(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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    1. Donna, I've always wanted to visit Alaska; its beauty is something else. Thanks for dropping by, and good luck!

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  18. Thanks for another great interview. Alaska has always been intriguing to me and I would love to visit! Sounds like a fun book and I would love to win a copy. Thanks ladies!

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    1. It's always good to see you, Beverly. Keep checking the contests I post on my sidebar! And best wishes here!

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  19. Alaska - What a great setting! :-) Now that's on my to-visit list. aliciagraceroque(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Alaska is a great setting indeed, Alicia! Glad you dropped by today.

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  20. I enjoyed getting to know Dani a bit. I love her God lead spirit for her writing! Thanks for the giveaway.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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    1. Dani is a new-to-me author and I've really enjoyed getting to know her through this process, as it really makes her books come alive. Thank you for visiting today.

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  21. I checked out Submerged from the library on accident (finger slipped in the online e-book catalog), but fell in love with it almost instantly. Have devoured the next two books as soon as they were placed in my hands. Can't wait to read this one! :)

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    1. That's funny, Amanda! But sometimes accidents lead to great discoveries. Thanks for visiting here.

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  22. Carole, such fun to see your wonderful interview with Dani! You are two amazing ladies. Thank you for once again being your wonderful, talented, giving self! (No need to enter me-- just wanted to say thanks!)

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    1. It is always a joy to work with you, Amanda! You do a great job - not only at publicity, but at support and encouragement.

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  23. Thanks for sharing information on an author I am anxious to start reading.

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  24. Sounds like a must read. momtr3@yahoo.com

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  25. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Shattered and would love to read more of Dani's books. Thanks for the chance to win!

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    1. Glad to know you enjoyed Shattered, Cheryl. It's definitely on my list now, as well as the other two that came before Silenced. Thank you for visiting and come back!

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  26. I am glad you are a Christian author Dani and I will pray that the Lord will help you come up with new stories. :-)

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    1. Please come back and leave your e-mail because I'd love to enter you in the drawing!

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  27. Dani, thank you for writing this series. I love to read about an entire family and their relationship within and outside the family. After I read the first one I was hooked. Couldn't wait for the next one to come out. They have everything in them. Adventure, romance, suspense. I have to say though Piper and Landon drove me crrrazzzy! Keep on writing. Carol clglassie@mchsi.com

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    1. Miss Carol, so glad to see you here!! I'm the same way when it comes to a family being featured throughout a series. Maybe it has something to do with me being an only child? Would have loved to be in the McKenna family, but without the extreme sports and danger! See you back on Spark.

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  28. I know this book will be great, just like the others. Thank you, Dani, for sharing your wonderful talent and thank you for the giveaway.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Melanie, I'm thrilled to discover Dani's writing and will be reading many more of her stories. Thanks for visiting and I hope you'll come back often.

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  29. Loved this interview, found it very encouraging and insightful. Thanks for the chance to win this awesome book.

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    1. So glad you're here, but please leave your e-mail because we don't want you to miss the drawing!

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  30. What a great interview, looking forward reading this book! And all the best on finalizing #5 in the series - blessings! jeaniedannheim (at) ymail (dot) com

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  31. I am so glad I have found a new Christian author. I have been reading wonderful reviews about these books and when I heard they were in Alaska that made it better. I look forward to began reading this series. The interview was great!!! That also makes me want to read them.
    Thanks
    pam1lunsford@gmail.com

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  32. Dani, I have never read one of your books. But I have been reading such great reviews about this series. The interview make me want to read these books even more. I didn't know these books were about a family..love it.. I am so please to find another Christian author.
    Thank you so much
    pam1lunsford@gmail.com

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  33. Love the interview and can't wait to read these books. I have been reading such great reviews about this series. So excited and thanks for having a giveaway.

    pam1lunsford@gmail.com

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  34. Thank you so much for a great interview, makes me want to read this series even more. So excited and can't wait to buy these books.
    Thanks
    pam1lunsford@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks for dropping by, Pam - all four times! LOL! Sometimes it gets interesting here on Blogger. Hope you'll come back soon.

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  35. LOL..Sorry about that. I thought it didn't work for me, so I kept trying. I just now realize they all went thru. As you can tell this is my first time doing this.

    Pam

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    1. Pam, this can happen no matter how experienced you are with commenting on posts! I usually get an e-mail when someone posts, but that doesn't always work and I've found them in the overview section of my stats page. But you did fine. If you're interested in book reviews, author interviews and occasional giveaways, you can subscribe by e-mail on the right sidebar. I like your picture, Pam!

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  36. I'm looking forward to reading all of Danis books. Glad to read about characters who live their faith. choirlady27@hotmail.com

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  37. I love all things rugged, so this series really intrigues me! holly (at) the brown tribe (dot) com

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  38. Thanks for the wonderful interview Dani, and Carole!1

    I'm looking forward to reading "Silenced" - love the five adjectives of the book that Dani gave and an Alaskan setting makes it even better!! I will be thinking of my beautiful trip to Alaska the entire time I am reading it!!

    Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of "Silenced"!! Dani, thanks for letting God direct you in using your writing gift to draw others closer to Him!! God directed me to begin encouraging Christian fiction authors last year and it has blessed me as much as them!! I'm praying for your writing ministry, Dani!!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thank you for your meaningful thoughts, Bonnie. It is always good to see you here. I'm a little envious, though - you've actually been to Alaska?!

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  39. Congratulations, Aerykah! You're the winner of this very enjoyable book. I sent you an e-mail a few minutes ago.

    Dani, I have really enjoyed getting to know a little about you through this interview process and hope you will come back when the exciting book #5 comes out. By the way, I haven't read Cole's story yet, but from what I've learned about him so far, he would be my choice also. So hard to pick from these great heroes!

    Readers, thanks to all of you who came by this week and left a comment for Dani. If you enjoy Dani's writing, please leave reviews online because this means so much to authors. But most of all, pray for Dani and her family as she writes the stories God puts on her heart.

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