Blog Tour: Stranded





strandedStranded
(Alaskan Courage #3)
by Dani Pettrey
Christian Adult Mystery, Thriller, Romance
September 1st 2013 by Bethany House Publishers                 

Summary
When her friend vanishes from a cruise ship, reporter Darcy St. James isn't satisfied with their explanation that she simply left her job of her own accord. Something isn't lining up, and Darcy believes the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby's position. Within days, Darcy learns her friend wasn't the only person to disappear mysteriously. Last summer, a woman vanished under almost identical circumstances. Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock for a few days of sightseeing. He's surprised to find Darcy working aboard one of the ships, investigating a troubling report. Something sinister is going on and the deeper they dig the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg.
 
  



My Review

Stranded is the first book I've read from this author and is the third in this series. This means I didn't read the two previous books. I think it would be good to read the others before this one because there are characters in this one that were introduced earlier in the series. However, I think it reads fine without having read the other books as well. I didn't have any problems following the story and what was going on.

DISLIKES:
I'm going to start with my dislikes and get those out of the way before I move on to what I did like. It was a little bit more preachy than I like in places. I like the religious context to really feel embedded in the characters and their lives and not stand out so much.

Some things didn't completely make sense or always work for me. I don't know a lot about investigative reporting when it's undercover, but I felt like the authorities should have been more involved and should have already been keeping tabs on Abby and on Darcy. The situation was so serious. Yet, no one was really taking it seriously except for Darcy and she even had moments of doubt.

I also wanted more of a build-up to the romance between Darcy and Gage. I know that they knew each other before and have some huge issues. I think that the issues were resolved too easily and some of them were a little dramatic.

LIKES
I liked the suspense. I really didn't know who the culprits were and who Darcy could trust. I thought it was one guy and then another and then went back to the other guy. I didn't like Mullins from the get-go, but I didn't know if she was involved or not. I also didn't know what crimes were being committed for some time, so that added to the suspense as well. Then you have these people lurking in the background that you know are dangerous, but have no idea when and how they are going to strike. All of that was very well done. Overall, the plot kept moving at a good pace and there were some intense moments.

I liked the characters. Darcy is pretty fierce. She's also loyal, strong in her faith, and intelligent. Gage was a great guy. I love the whole outdoorsy atmosphere and the rugged man he is. He is such a strong protector. I thought him and Darcy made a great couple as they seemed to compliment each other with their strengths. I also loved Gage's whole family, most of which were in the prior two books. I'm thinking we might see more of Kayden in the next book possibly pairing off with one of the guys whom we find out a little more about in this book.

I would recommend this to those who enjoy inspirational romantic suspense novels. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the fourth book in this series, Silenced, scheduled to be published next year.

Content: There is some drug references and some violence, but I would consider this clean.
Source: Received a copy for review from tour host/NetGalley, which did not affect my review in any way.




About the Author

daniDani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s 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. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.





Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 10/10/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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