With a family who loves outdoor adventures, it’s
no surprise that romantic suspense novelist
Dani Pettrey set her debut series in Alaska.
“I wanted a setting that allowed for a wide range
of adventures,” Dani explains, “everything from
scuba diving to rock climbing. Alaska is a gorgeous
state, full of possibilities and extremes,
not to mention the inherent risk of danger if you
aren’t prepared properly.”
The books introduce the McKenna siblings
and their family business, Last Frontiers
Adventures. “The McKenna siblings grew up in
rugged Alaska, spending more time outdoors
than in,” Dani explains. “They are a tight-knit
family, always looking out for each other—some
more than others, but that’s another story!”
The first in the series, Submerged (Bethany
House), introduced dive rescue captain Cole
McKenna, the oldest McKenna sibling who discovers
love with Bailey Craig, the girl who had
vowed never to return to Yancy, Alaska. Together, they solve a murder and the mystery of a lost
Russian artifact.
In the follow-up Shattered, Piper McKenna is
desperate to absolve her younger brother Reef
when he is arrested for murder. Family friend
and deputy sheriff Landon Grainger is torn
between the evidence against Reef and his longhidden
attraction to Piper.
The McKennas’ journey continues this fall
with the third Alaskan Courage novel. “Gage
McKenna’s story will be told in Stranded, releasing
in September,” promises Dani. “You’ll have
to read Shattered to get to know his future love
interest; but let’s just say I’ve loved watching the
fireworks between these two.”
Dani loves to read in her romantic suspense
genre—Terri Blackstock, Sue Grafton, Lynette
Eason, Ronie Kendig, to name a few—but one
author has been a stalwart from the beginning.
“Dee Henderson has by far been the greatest
inspiration to me. She’s my absolute favourite
storyteller.” There is no question that Dee’s
O’Malley characters would find much to love
about the McKenna siblings!
This article originally appeared in the March/April 2013 issue of FamilyFiction digital magazine. Subscribe for free today!