Monday, March 2, 2015

Book Review - Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey

Ever wanted to visit Alaska but can't afford it? Do you enjoy the thought of adventure but not actually doing the adventures yourself? Do you admire brave people but are pretty sure if a situation requires bravery, you're not a qualified candidate? Do you like clean suspense novels without bad language and cynical law enforcement officers?




If you answered yes to any of these questions, you'll probably like Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage Series. Set in beautiful Alaska, the series chronicles the adventures of five adult siblings who run an outdoor adventure outfitting business. Each story is a stand alone and makes sense by itself, but they definitely build on each other.

Sabotaged, the last book in the series was recently released by Bethany Publishing House. The story follows Reef McKenna's attempt to help a childhood acquaintance solve an important mystery during an Iditarod sled dog race. Reef and Kirra's story actually starts in the previous book.

I enjoyed the sibling's closeness and their willingness to help each other. They are servant hearted, other-centered, and willing to put aside their own needs and concerns to help others. They are integral parts of their community.  

The main characters from previous books still appear in later ones. Readers can catch a few more glimpses into their stories. I loved the book's cover and the author's fun website. (Danipettrey.com)

Suspense is not my favorite genre, but I chose to give the first book, Submerged, a try because it was set in Alaska, somewhere I've always wanted to visit.

I feel like I've been to Alaska now. I've gone rock climbing with Kayden, skied with Landon and Piper, enjoyed a cruise with Darcy, went snowmobiling with Jake, diving with Cole, and tagged along on a couple Search and Rescue expeditions, all without leaving my house.

If you can afford a trip to Alaska, by all means go. But if like me, you're stuck in the lower 48 for the foreseeable future, Dani Pettrey's books are a much cheaper alternative.

I enjoyed these books immensely and hate to see the series end. I hope the author will find a few more excuses to write about the McKenna family. I was given this book by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. 


Dani Pettrey

The other books in the series are
1.  Submerged
2.  Shattered
3.  Stranded
4.  Silenced

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Favorite Pictures of 2014


Apostle Islands Ice Caves
Lani with a family friend




Amy in a ski race




Me and a friend at a scrapbook retreat




Rachel, Cailin, & Andrew
Photo by Emily Hedstrom




Lani




Kiah and Dayton




Cailin










The last of my son's 4 close friends from High School got married. 
(photos by Jake's wedding photographer)




Andrew was the first to get married, Jake was the last




 My son is the giant




He who finds a wife, finds a good thing




Four Generation Picture
My dad, my son, my granddaughter




Anna, Lani, and Amy




Lani on her 16th birthday




Look who turned 18




Erica flew home from Texas for the first weekend in December




And there you have it. 2014 is a wrap. 
Looking forward to what the next year has in store. 

Friday, January 2, 2015

Highlights of 2014

After a record low of only nine blog posts in 2014, I have resolved to be more consistent in blogging in 2015. My kids are all gone today so I am thoroughly enjoying peace and quiet and the time to reflect on our last year. 


1.  My mom's funeral
     Hard to say good-bye. Glad she's out of pain. Nice to see family.
(With my siblings and parents two years ago) 




2.  Keith's mom's funeral
Unexpected. Double whammy. Life well-lived. Very loved. Good to see all my kids.





3.  Apostle Island Ice Caves
     Amazing. Beautiful. Unexpected boon for our area - 138,000 visitors came to see them.







4.  Cassaundra's wedding
     My daughter, Kiah's, best friend got married. 
Fun that the girls got married six weeks apart





5.  My dad's visit
    First visit from him in 17 years. 





6.  30th Anniversary
     Thankful for 30 years. Lost in the wedding frenzy. 
Promised to celebrate later. Still haven't. 





7.  Granddaughter Cailin's 1st birthday
      Adults don't change much in a year. Babies change alot! Fun to see her grow.







8.  Kiah & Dayton's Wedding
     Fun. Exhausting. Beautiful. At times overwhelming. 
           Thankful for a good man to love my daughter.        
  




9.  Vacation in Ontonagon, MI
     Quiet, relaxing, refreshing week enjoying the beach, books, and each other.





10.  House projects
       Checked many things off the to-do list




11.  Whistlestop Race Weekend
        Christina and Anna did a half marathon. Dayton and Lani ran a 10K. 
Glad someone's getting exercise.





12.  Thanksgiving
Ate at Kiah and Dayton's. Yay, the kids can cook. 
Worked myself out of a job. 




Thankful for faith, family, and friends. 
We have been so blessed and continue 
to trust God for the upcoming year. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!