The third book in the CFBA Tour for May is Dani Pettrey's debut novel Submerged, Book One in the Alaskan Courage Series, published by Bethany House. You can learn more about Dani here.
Bailey Craig forces herself to return to the place she never hoped to see again but must because of the plane crash which resulted in the tragic deaths of her Aunt Agnes, the local pilot, and a few other mysterious people. Cole McKenna is involved in the search for survivors in the local waters of his hometown of Yancey, Alaska, where Agnes operated the Russian/Alaskan Trading Post, a museum-like fixture with her living quarters upstairs from the retail part of the building. Bailey Craig lived with her beloved aunt as a teen after her mother dropped her off to live with Agnes. Bailey and Cole have a history that ended badly because of Bailey's search for a cure to her loneliness and abandonment issues. Now a Christian and a Russian History professor at the University of Oregon, Bailey dreads her return to Yancey because of her conduct as a teen. The old nickname of "Easy Lay Bay" taunts her as she steps off the ferry to head to the Post on Tariuk Island.
Cole McKenna is the hunk who does it all. He and his siblings operate their deceased parents' business designed around the local sports of diving, fishing, and anything else which requires the equipment to do it. When he sees Bailey for the first time since high school, he's forced to realize she never left his broken heart and asks God to take away that burning attraction he still feels when he assumes it's not reciprocated.
When the value of local Russian history becomes the focal point of murders in this small tourist town, significant factors point to what Agnes knew got her and the others killed. Bailey becomes necessary to the investigation and her plans to overlook the remaining love she still holds for Cole and jet out of town after settling her aunt's estate evaporate and are replaced by the drive to capture whoever killed her aunt.
Submerged is a good story with well-researched information supplied throughout the hunt. Incorporating diving, police work, historical data, and the importance of family relationships, forgiveness, and the recognition of love, Dani Pettrey created an entertaining and visual story which is sure to offer further books centered on members - and friends like members - of the McKenna family.
One of the strengths of this story is the portrayal of Bailey Craig. Women who've never chosen the route that Bailey took in her teens can't understand the issues which drive young girls to choose the self-destructive paths. Dani handles Bailey's thoughts and memories with skill and compassion. Many like Bailey - even after receiving Christ's forgiveness - can't assimilate it without the tenderness of someone willing to show them how God's love truly works.
The only reason I'm going to mention what I consider the weaknesses of this novel is because I think Dani Pettrey has talent and many more stories to tell. I will preface my comments with "this is only my opinion". So. Here we go. Bailey and Cole are close to 30 years old, have attained respect and success in their individual careers, yet they can't seem to communicate their real feelings to each other. In today's world where everything is kind of in your face, I don't find this particularly believable. It's like they never graduated emotionally from their juvenile high school behaviors. Secondly, there is an abundance of heart "lurching, thudding, stuck in his/her throat, etc." clichéd language which after a point gets old. The tension, be it romantic or suspenseful, and terror can be evident without excessive "heart" demonstrations and palpatations. Occasionally the dialogue needed contractions rather than the less conversational (for example) "It is" or "I am".
Submerged by Dani Pettrey is a decent debut effort, and I'm sure Dani's readers will look forward to the continuation of stories about the McKenna siblings and friends in Book Two of the Alaskan Courage Series. Those who enjoyed Alton Gansky's adventure stories but with an extra dose of romance will like Dani Pettrey's Submerged.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ 0764209825
Father, you know Dani's heart and soul. Help her to continue to create the stories you have for her to tell. Bless her in the process of honoring you with what she writes. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.