Stranded (Alaskan Courage Series #3)

My summary~ Darcy St. James gave up investigative reporting year

My summary~
Darcy St. James gave up investigative reporting years ago, but she still loves the thrill of tracking down leads. So when her friend, Abby, terribly frightened and distraught about her current story, contacts her, Darcy determines to help her friend uncover the truth. When Darcy arrives on the cruise ship, Abby has vanished. Restless and hoping to squash five month old memories of Darcy, Gage McKenna accepts the excursions gig on the cruise ship. The last person he expects to run into on the cruise ship is Darcy St. James.

What I liked...
I really liked that the author had set up Gage and Darcy's story at the end of her last book, Shattered. Even so, while it's not necessary to read Shattered before Stranded, you probably should because once you read this one, you'll want to go back and read the first two. Trust me.
Loved the characters. I've gotten to know Gage over the last two books, and he's definitely a favorite of mine. Masculine and manly, yet wounded and vulnerable. How could Darcy not fall for him? Especially when she sees the two little feet tucked close to his heart. But then, he'd stolen her heart long before then. 
Darcy's not a wimpy heroine. Sure, she's frightened once she learns what they're facing, but she's not willing to give up on finding her friend, especially since Abby doesn't know the Lord. This book made me think about my loved ones who don't know the Lord. Would I be as willing to face the same frightening situations for my loved ones? The faith element is woven into the plot, so beautifully and intrinsically, and it doesn't come off forced or trite.

and not so much...
I can't think of one element I didn't like about this book, except that it had to end. 

Overall...
Stranded is worthy of highest praise. It's a book that'll make you forget about everything except flipping the page. Definitely a keeper, and Pettrey is now on my "must read" list!

Disclaimer: Sending a big thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of Stranded. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I received no monetary compensation.

Have you read Stranded? Do you agree with my review?
What about you? Would you face frightening situations to track down a friend in danger? 

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Good Read

As a continuing story it was very good. Have now read all of this series & highly recommend it.

Stranded brings Bailey Craig back to Alaska to help her former p

Stranded brings Bailey Craig back to Alaska to help her former partner solve a mystery. But when she arrives, her partner is missing. She’d sworn off investigative journalism, but Abby’s plea for help was something she could not refuse. As she boards the cruise ship, she runs into Cole McKenna, her long ago boyfriend – his company has been hired to provide Extreme Adventures for the guests of the cruise line. Their relationship, once deepening, becomes strained as Cole is convinced that Bailey is once again the penultimate investigative journalist – no matter who gets hurt. The entire McKenna clan gets involved, but will the key players be left stranded?

This series is a must read! You’ll want all of the books now and will be anxiously awaiting the release of the fourth. Dani Pettrey has a hit with the Alaskan Courage Series!

Once again the author gives an entertaining adventure story, wit

Once again the author gives an entertaining adventure story, with mystery and romance. In this third installment the focus is on Gage McKenna and Darcy St. James that we met during book two. Although the focus is on Gage and Darcy we get to see the other McKenna's and their significant others. 

I enjoyed the main story dealing with the sudden disappearance of Darcy's friend who was working undercover on a cruise ship. The author did a great giving clues throughout the story. I especially enjoyed Gage's story. Gage struggled with something many people do, understanding why bad things happen to the innocent. I love how Darcy helped him come to terms with his hurt. The chemistry between them was fun. 

This is the third book in the series. To fully enjoy it you will want to read at least book two. 

Disclaimer: I purchased this book because I wanted to know what happened next!

I blew through all three Alaskan Courage books in no time, readi

I blew through all three Alaskan Courage books in no time, reading one after another in rapid succession. I enjoyed each one, and I must confess that I wondered if they would continue to be as good as the first one. I was not disappointed!

With Stranded, I was pulled into the mystery right away, of course, and enjoyed the setting aboard a cruise ship. It was unlike any novel I’d read, and the twists and turns of the plot kept me guessing. And what Darcy uncovered was quite a surprise. It was intense, real, and made for a wonderful story. In fact, it was so real that I don’t want to set foot on a cruise ship anytime soon!

My inner editor picked up on some pet phrases that have been carried throughout the series, but the story kept me so engaged that I didn’t mind. The characters were interesting — not a single flat character in the bunch! Piper remains my favorite, but Darcy was fun to get to know. And I really enjoyed getting the inside scoop about Jake. He’s so cool! I’m looking forward to digging into his character more as the series continues. I can’t wait for the next book! And I wish the McKennas were real. ;)

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+My copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Wonderful

Can not wait til the next book

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK The McKenna family is back again wi

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK




The McKenna family is back again with an amazing third book in the Alaskan Courage Series. And as usually, this book is filled with a lot of danger and fear, tension and drama, and we can’t forget about the heartwarming romance. If you read the first two books in this series, Gage and Darcy is not new to you, but finally, this is their story. I really like Gage, and hurt for him as he suffered the loss of his infant son. The tiny footprints he has tattooed so close to his heart is enough to break anyone’s heart. I enjoyed this book much more than Book two in the series, the main characters and storyline were much more realist and believable. But all in all, this is a wonderful series to read. And I just found out there will be a Forth book in this series, Yipeeee... Anyone loving Contemporary ficiton will fall in love with this book and its characters. I really encourage you to pick up a copy of Stranded, and while you are at it, check out Shattered and Submerged, and watch for the forth book in this series coming soon. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but they are much more interesting when you read the tree in the order that they are written!




I received this book from the publisher Bethany House to read and review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

I loved this book but I expected I would because I have loved th

I loved this book but I expected I would because I have loved the other two books in the series. I can't wait until the next book comes out because I love the characters and I am going to be sad when this series is over. In this book to get to follow along with Darcy & Gage as Darcy tries to find her friend that went missing on cruise ship. This book kept me on my toes and I couldn't stop reading it until I finished it because I had to know how it ended and what ended up happening in the book

I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Dani Pettrey's third book, Stranded, is the third of five in the

Dani Pettrey's third book, Stranded, is the third of five in the Alaskan Courage series. I read this book in one day after going through a bout of not being about to find anything that could keep my attention. But leave it to Dani Pettrey to suck me in and not let go until the very last page.

As with all of her books, Dani Pettrey is a pro at inviting her readers into her story world based off the coast of Alaska. Every one of the books in this series is about one of the five McKenna siblings, who (for the most part) run their deceased parents' adventure travel store, as well as perform on search and rescue teams when needed.

In book one, Submerged, the reader meets all of the McKennas, as well as some their closest friends whom often have a chance of becoming a little more than friends by the time the series is complete. Personally, I love this. The reader met Darcy St. James, the heroine of book three in the second book, Shattered. And it was SO obvious that there was something between her and Gage McKenna--so much so that I really couldn't wait to read this book to find out how they would end up together.

Dani Pettrey strikes a home-run again with Stranded. There wasn't anything that pushed me out of the story as I read; only complete masterful writing that pulled me along, page by wonderful page.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I give Dani Pettrey's Stranded 5 stars.

Stranded, Alaskan Courage Book Three by Dani Pettrey Darcy St Ja

Stranded, Alaskan Courage Book Three by Dani Pettrey
Darcy St James returns to Alaska and a job she gave up to help out her friend and former coworker Abby. They are former partners as investigation journalists. Abby has stumbled upon a big case and needs Darcy’s help but when she goes to help Abby has disappeared from the cruise ship. The last person Darcy expects to meet is Gage McKenna. When she last left Alaska she left a part of her heart and never expected to see Gage again. Together they face danger and fight for their lives. This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by the author Dani Pettrey and the first in this series, I find it to be well written. It is a fast paced book that grabs and holds your attention. I had a hard time putting it down. Although it is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone, I had no problem following. I give this outstanding book five stars and can not wait to learn all about the rest of the McKenna’s in the first two books. This author is sure to find her way to my favorites. I want to thank the author Dani Pettrey and publisher for bringing good clean Christian books like this one to readers like me.

Mystery lovers, grab a huge cup of steaming coffee (or tea :)!!)

Mystery lovers, grab a huge cup of steaming coffee (or tea :)!!) and settle in a comfy, cozy place, because you will not want to put this book down until you have turned the last page.

Dani Pettrey has done it again with her new book, "STRANDED", the third book in her Alaskian Courage Series. This is a fabulous mystery with just the right amount of faith, mystery and romance. This book will grab you from the first page and will stay with you long after you have finished it.

Join Darcy St. James and Gage McKenna as they investigate the disappearance of Darcy's friend, Abby, from the cruise ship, Bering. Darcy comes on the ship as an "Adventure Journalist" to help Abby with an investigation she was doing. The day Darcy comes on the ship, Abby disappears.

As Darcy gets closer to the truh of what happened to her friend, the closer she brings danger to herself and to those close to her.

Dani's characters and story line are indepth and so awesomely developed that you feel like you are part of the story and all the action going on. You feel, see and experience what her characters feel, see and experience.

I could not turn the pages fast enough in this book to find out what happened next. I am already looking forrward to the next book in the series.

Dani, your books are awesome!!!! I will be reading ALL your books to come.

Many thanks to Dani and Bethany House Publishers for sending me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and opinion, which I have given. tab :)

Stranded by Dani Pettrey is the third book in the Alaskan Courag

Stranded by Dani Pettrey is the third book in the Alaskan Courage series.  It continues the story of the McKenna family and brings back Darcy St. James from book #2.  Darcy used to be an investigative reporter, and when her old partner Abby begs for her help while investigating a story on a cruise ship, Darcy agrees.  When Darcy arrives on the ship however, she finds that Abby has disappeared.  Desperate to find her friend, she begins to investigate Abby’s story in hopes of discovering the truth.  With Gage McKenna’s help, she discovers a dark secret that could land her in the same trouble as Abby.  Who can she trust?  And where is Abby?
My opinion:  I have read all three of the Alaskan Courage series, and this one wasn’t my favorite.  It is OK, but I guess I couldn’t really get into the characters, and the plot didn’t interested me as much as the first book.  I think the book is well-written, but I might be a little spoiled by reading Dee Henderson books-this book (and really the series) feels like it is trying to copy some of the aspects of Dee’s books (the series follows orphaned brothers and sisters and the name of Darcy St. James is a character in one of Dee’s books as well), and it just doesn’t quite hit the mark for me.  Bottom line: It is an interesting read, but not a keeper.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for my honest opinion, and I thank them very much!

Book 3 of the Alaskan Courage Series is a delightful read. Again

Book 3 of the Alaskan Courage Series is a delightful read. Again Dani Pettrey creates a suspenseful story around strong and relevant
characters. I enjoyed Gage and Darcy's story.

The character of Gage had interested me from the earlier stories. I thoroughly enjoyed him being flushed out even more in this exciting
excursion through the Alaskan waters. 

For those readers familiar with the previous books and with Dani's wonderfully simple and beautifully executed writing will be happy to
know that the McKenna clan make an appearance through this story. The plot picks up about five months after the end of Shattered.
Darcy and Gage haven't spoken since she left Alaska. But neither have missed counting a day since. And that's a great place for a
romance to start.

If readers are looking for excitement and adventure, both within the story and the setting, they will love this new addition.   

As well, Dani invites us into the nagging secrets that surround secondary character Jake. It is a wonderfully intricate back story that
brings so much to light about the quiet character. I really loved this part of the story. It added a whole thread that I wasn't expecting.
And who knows ... maybe a fourth book about Kayden and Jake?

I definitely recommend this book to others.. 

Thanks to Baker Publishing and Dani Pettrey for the free review copy of this book. I was not required to give a positive review.
This is my honest opinion.

When Darcy St. James joins the crew of an Alaskan cruise ship to

When Darcy St. James joins the crew of an Alaskan cruise ship to aid her journalist friend Abby on an undercover investigation she expects to be given information on the case. Instead a person goes overboard and Darcy can't find Abby anywhere. The crew denies that it was her friend that went overboard but if it wasn't Abby, where is she?

Gage McKenna has spent the last few months trying to forget about Darcy. He isn't ready to trust his heart to another woman. The last place he expects to find her is on the cruise ship where he is leading the adventure excursions. It doesn't take long for him to realize that she is on the trail of something dark and dangerous. Now if he can only protect her without loosing his heart...

I love this series and Stranded might very well be my favorite one so far. Gage is rugged and just broody enough to be interesting, Darcy is petite and fearless, and the setting is frigid and exhilarating. I now want to go kayaking in Alaska and see the area myself. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a clean romance/suspense story.

I received a free copy of this book to review from Bethany House.

A must read, very good

Hard to put down. Very good suspenseful, as if you were right there with them.

It was like getting together with old friends when I started re

It was like getting together with old friends when I started reading Stranded. I have become so interested in the McKenna family that I look forward to each book coming out. The fact that it's set it Alaska makes it all the more special to me.

Though I really loved the first 2 books in this series, I would say Stranded is my least favorite. That's not to say it's not a good book, but it wasn't as outstanding as the first 2 books. Darcy and Gage can both be very frustrating characters, being super stubborn and hard headed. That said, I would still recommend this book as worth your time.

Darcy gets in over her head on this investigative assignment and sometimes takes big risks to try and get the information she needs. I suppose the personality of all reporters is to be tenacious (I see annoying and obvious), so Darcy's way of getting to the truth was to ask a lot of repetitive questions, which got her into trouble. I liked Darcy personally when she wasn't playing reporter, so that was very different for me. Gage McKenna is a man who's been hurt and has put up many walls. Darcy is just the determined woman to break them down. He resists at nearly every turn, but I think he is a man worthy of the effort.

I enjoyed how the author brings the previous McKenna characters into each story and keeps us updated on what's going on with them. I don't want to give away the end of the book, but I do want to applaud Dani Pettrey for tackling such a sensitive and serious subject. The outcome of the investigation was sobering, but rewarding.

I look forward to reading what I will assume to be one or two more books in this series.

In exchange for my honest review, I received a copy of the book from Bethany House

Dani Pettrey is an awesome writer. Stranded is not only excitin

Dani Pettrey is an awesome writer. Stranded is not only exciting but also very unpredictable.
I had the opportunity to read all three novels and it’s truly amazing how suspense-filled her novels are from beginning to end. Illegal activity taking place on a cruise ship definitely created a great deal of suspense. Hard to determine who was involved and what was taking place, this kept me on edge. McKenna’s faith makes her novels even more enjoyable. Regardless of the situation, God and prayer always have a presence. Trusting him to do what they can’t. Somewhere between the pages there’s always a prayer. A prayer that can also touch the heart of a reader. Thanks Bethany House Publishing for giving me the opportunity to review another one of Dani Pettrey’s great books.

It's almost impossible to decide where to begin when reviewing a

It's almost impossible to decide where to begin when reviewing a book by Dani Pettrey. Each and every time I'm completely flabbergasted by the quality of her Alaskan-set suspense stories. While Piper and Landon remain at the top of my favorite character list for this series, Darcy and Gage's tale was no less interesting or entertaining to read. There's no doubt that these books are Christian fiction, as there are quite a few discussions of faith and spiritual matters, but they fit in well, especially since we learn from the get go that the McKenna's put their faith first.




Not just the spiritual themes but the presence of heavy hitting issues such as kidnapping and human trafficking are also a major part of the plot. I don't think I've ever read Christian suspense that gave me so many goosebumps. You don't often see topics like kidnapping and slavery addressed in Christian books in spite of it being a much larger problem in our country and others around the world than many people realize. Even with murder, kidnapping, and missing persons this story isn't all serious. With a close-knit family like the McKenna's, as expected, there are a few "light" moments of back and forth banter between brother and sister as well as some sizzling romantic tension between Darcy St. James and Gage McKenna. Darcy and Gage could start a fire in the middle of a blizzard there are so many sparks! Dare I say Alaska has never been hotter? ;-)




For romance and suspense with heavy Christian themes, there's nobody whose books I'd rather read than Pettrey's. I always love getting lost in the Alaskan Courage series and can't wait for more! Is it summer 2014 yet? Bring on book four!




*I receive complimentary books for review from the publisher. I am not required to write positive reviews, however in this case I am an "influencer" for the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*

This is definitely Dani's best yet! I absolutely loved Gage and

This is definitely Dani's best yet!

I absolutely loved Gage and Darcy's story! It was a lot more emotional then the first two novels, but it does not take away from the story in the least bit! In fact, it adds more to it because we get an inside look into Gage's heart and walk with him (as well as Darcy) as they both experience healing through Jesus!

I also really liked the main topic that Dani talks about concerning the suspense which was human trafficking! The overall story of this was so disturbing in that I had no idea some of the things that happen to women not just in poorer countries, but her in the United States! Very eye-opening!

Overall a fantastic novel with a great romance, suspense, and salvation story! A must read for sure!

Dani Pettrey has another winner in Stranded! I loved the first

Dani Pettrey has another winner in Stranded!

I loved the first two books in the Alaskan Courage series so I was really looking forward to Stranded. It didn't disappoint at all! Dani Pettrey continues the danger, romance, adventure, and faith from the previous books.

Dealing with themes a bit darker than the previous books, Stranded is a little edgier but only in the best of ways.

Darcy is trying her best. She used to be an investigative reporter but after awhile she just couldn't balance it and her faith, so she quit. Now her friend, Abby, needs her help so Darcy goes back undercover just this once for her friend. Darcy also has another secret, a problem really, she is terrified of water. Just how is she supposed to be an adventure reporter on kayaking trips and stay off the water?
Our hero, Gage, has his own suitcase of issues. His heart was broken by an ambitious woman several years ago and now he, not only distrusts Darcy, but also jumps to conclusions about her motives. He also has a problem with her God. How could a loving God allow all the tragedy? He just isn't buying it.
Both of them, each wounded in their own way, have to work together to solve the sinister goings-on. Will they make it in time? Will Gage find the faith, in God and Darcy, that he needs? Will Darcy fail yet again, will she figure out what is really important to her?

This book tugs at the emotions and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I just couldn't put it down until I absolutely had to. I love suspense stories and stories about Alaska, Stranded, and the rest of this series, are the best of both. Dani Pettrey pulls her readers into the story until they are nearly a part of themselves.

Don't miss the third book in the Alaskan Courage series by Dani Pettrey. Stranded is a definite keeper for any bookshelf!

(I received this book from BethanyHouse in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.)