Friday, November 29, 2013

STRANDED - Dani Pettrey - One Free Book

Welcome back, Dani. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
What a kind thing to say. I’m so grateful God has blessed me with the love of writing and that I get the gift of sharing my stories with readers for His glory. I pray I’m able to continuing telling stories for years to come. Right now, I’m working on the last book in my Alaskan Courage series and then I’ll be starting on a new series with Bethany House.

Tell us a little about your family.
My husband and I recently celebrated our twenty-first wedding anniversary. We have two daughters. Our oldest got married this year and is expecting our first grandson in February. Our “baby” is a senior in high school.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
It’s definitely lessened the amount of time I get to read, but I still do whenever I get the chance. Whenever I meet a deadline, I enjoy a good book as my reward J

What are you working on right now?
I’ve just completed revisions on Silenced (out in May 2014), and I’m beginning the first draft of Reef McKenna’s story.

What outside interests do you have?
I love spending time outdoors—hiking, swimming, and kayaking. I really enjoy traveling, history, and spending time with my family and friends.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
All my Alaskan Courage series novels have primarily been set in Alaska. I chose the location because I wanted a setting that worked well for a wide range of adventures—mountains, sea, and everything in between. Alaska is an amazing state, full of nearly endless possibilities. I also love how rugged and untamed the Alaskan wilderness is. There is an inherent risk of danger if you aren’t properly prepared and that works really well with suspense.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
This was a really hard question for me. I love history and there are so many historical figures I’d love to meet, but I think I’m going to pick Jane Austen. She’s my favorite author, and I would love to sit down and discuss writing over a cup of tea.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
To listen to instinct and to trust my voice. To not be so concerned with the “rules,” but to learn what kind of stories God wanted me to tell and to enjoy writing those. I spent too many years trying to write to the rules. 

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
Dependence on Him. He’s been showing me that He’s right with me through trials and suffering, and that He brings good out of them. They are never in vain. 

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
Write regularly.
Read a lot.
Pray without ceasing.

Those are really essential. Tell us about the featured book.
When Her Friend Goes Missing,Every Minute Counts



Darcy St. James returns to Alaska to join a journalist friend undercover on the trail of a big story. But when Darcy arrives, she finds her friend has disappeared. Troubled by the cruise ship's vague explanation, Darcy uses her cover as a travel reporter to investigate further.

The last person Gage McKenna expects to see during his summer aboard a cruise ship leading adventure excursions is Darcy. And in typical Darcy fashion, she’s digging up more trouble. He’d love to just forget her—but something won’t let him. And he can’t help but worry about her as they are heading into more remote regions of Alaska and eventually into foreign waters. Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they push, the more Gage fears they’ve only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

I’ve read the book, and it’s wonderful. Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.
Prologue
Abby’s head swam, her vision narrowing as she stumbled into her cabin. What had they slipped her and when? Nausea rumbled in her stomach, magnified by the surging waves created by the brewing storm. How could she have been so foolish?

They must have figured out who she was and that she was close to exposing them. They were trying to silence her—though if it came down to it, she preferred death to the alternative.

She lifted the receiver and dialed Darcy’s cabin.

Please be there. Darcy had said she’d wait in her room, but the phone kept ringing until it rolled over into voice mail. This wasn’t a message for voice mail. Not if they knew who she was. Not if it could lead them to Darcy. She had to find a better way, a safer way to leave a message only Darcy would understand.

She scribbled a quick note. Now ... where to put it? She grabbed the Gideon Bible from the nightstand, slipped the message inside, set the Bible on her bed, and headed for the door. Only Darcy would know Abby would have no reason to have a Bible on her bed. Turning, she spotted her purse next to the nightstand, grabbed it, and placed it atop the Bible. Never hurt to have a little added protection. Darcy would still recognize the significance.

As she walked around her bed, the ship heaved and she stumbled. She needed help. Wobbling with each step, she managed to grasp the doorknob, the metal cool inside her clammy palm. Her breath quickened. Cracking the door, she peered into the corridor, thankful to find it empty. Stepping into the hall, she moved toward the elevator.

Shadows arched around the bend halfway down the hall, where another corridor intersected it. She halted. Her breath hitched.

A man spoke, his words angry and heated. A second man responded. Her heart seized in her chest. It was them. They were coming.

This is a good hook for the reader. How can readers find you on the Internet?
I’m very active on my Facebook Page www.facebook.com/danipettrey. Readers can also find me on my website www.danipettrey.com where there are lots of Story Extras.

Thank you so much for having me! 

And thank you for sharing this new book with us, Dani. I'm addicted to your Alaskan Courage Series.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Stranded - Christianbook.com
Stranded (Alaskan Courage, Book 3) - Amazon.com
Stranded (Alaskan Courage Book #3) - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

28 comments:

Unknown said...

Dani, you do NOT look old enough to be a grandmother! :)
I am sooo excited to see Jake's story coming next year.
Happy Holidays! Donna
Arkansas

Annette said...

I'm so excited for this book to be released. You have become one of my new favorite authors. And by the way, you are gorgeous!

Annette (Oklahoma)

Melissa Oldaker said...

I love your books! I was so excited to read that you will be working on a new series. I absolutely love the Alaskan Courage series. It will be sad to see it come to an end. Great interview! Thanks for the giveaway!

Melissa O.
NC

Dani Pettrey said...

HI Donna,

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Hope you'll really enjoy Jake's story. Blessings.

Dani Pettrey said...

Hi Annette,

Awww. So sweet of you to say. So glad you're enjoying my stories. Blessings.

Dani Pettrey said...

HI Melissa,

So glad you're enjoying the series, Melissa. Thanks for dropping by. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Melanie Backus said...

I am definitely hooked just by the little snippet I have just read. Stranded sounds great and Lena, thank you for a wonderful interview with Dani.

Melanie Backus, TX

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to reading the new book. I have enjoyed this series.
I live in NC.

Unknown said...

I haven't read any of your books yet, Dani. However, that's only because I'm intentionally waiting until they're all released. I can tell that they are wonderful books, and I will not want to stop! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

Randi
Missouri

Vera Godley said...

I would love to win a copy Stranded by Dani Pettrey. It sounds like a really fun read. I pass my books on along to the Alamance Christian School library. :)

I live in North Carolina

Unknown said...

Dani, Loved the review of your book. the excerpt is great. looking forward to reading it.
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com
Ohio

Mama Cat said...

This is a wonderful series - thank you for such a special Christian suspense series. Can't wait to read this book; thank you for the opportunity to win it! Jeanie in Phoenix

Beth Goddard said...

Hey--I have an Alaskan book too just below. Ha! I'd love to win a copy of this book. Read the first one in the series.

Beth

Britney Adams said...

I love the Alaskan Courage series!! Thank you for sharing this interview and giveaway.

Britney Adams, TX

Dani Pettrey said...

Melanie,

So glad you enjoyed the snippet and the interview. Thanks for taking time to stop by. Blessings.

Dani Pettrey said...

Randi,
I totally understand. I've done that with series before too. So hard to wait between all the release dates. Hope you'll enjoy them!

Dani Pettrey said...

Hi Vera,

Thanks so much for stopping by. Best of luck in the drawing. I think that's great you pass all your books along to the school library!

Dani Pettrey said...

Thanks, Jackie. Appreciate you taking time to drop by :)

Dani Pettrey said...

Hi Jeanie,
So nice to see you here. Thrilled you're enjoying the series. Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving. Best of luck in the drawing. Blessings!

Dani Pettrey said...

Hi Beth,

That's cool. Thanks so much for dropping by!

Dani Pettrey said...

Hi Britney,

So glad you're enjoying the series. Thanks so much for stopping by :) Appreciate it very much!

sam said...

Been to Alaska on a cruise ship, but fortunately no criminal activity! Love to win your book. Sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Cindi A said...

I have heard great things about Dani's books. I'd love to win a copy.
Cindi Altman in Pennsylvania

Abigail Mitchell said...

Please enter me! Thanks!!!

Blanch, N.C.

Karen G. said...

Would love to win a copy of Stranded. Read great reviews of Dani's books. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Karen G., NY
kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

Unknown said...

I enjoy reading your books. I would love a chance to win Stranded. Thank you.
Kay from NY
msbookwormlady(at)aol(dot)com

Unknown said...

Dani, I've never read one of your books, but I would really like this one! I've always wanted to cruise to Alaska. And suspense is fast becoming one of my favorite genres!
Tonja VA

Evlin said...

I hope I'm not late for this book giveaway. I loved reading the first two books. I would love to read Stranded. Thank you.

Kevlin
NY
prettyinpurplerose(at)aol(dot)com