Submerged, by Dani Pettrey - FREE BOOK

Tell us about your book.

Submerged is the first book in my Alaskan Courage series.

A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers. One single clue.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a town that doesn't forget. She's returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.


Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives. He can face the fear a murderer may be threatening his town. But facing the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart... but doesn't seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago. And he's not the same guy she left behind.


Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally surfaces.

Can you give us a sneak peek?

Sure. Here’s the prologue.

Prologue

Never wager unless you control the stakes.

And she’d thought she held such a strong hand.

Agnes Grey forced her head against the rattling seat back, clenched the armrests with such force her nails broke. Perspiration soaked her brow, seeping into her eyes, but she refused to cry. She was too old to cry.

The plane was going down into the water within sight of her home. Home—warm, safe, dry. She’d never see it again.

Her friend Henry Reid strained to look back, his white knuckles bulging on the wheel as he fought to regain control of the spiraling Cessna, but the fiery plane seemed bent on destruction. Panic flashed through his eyes. “Tighten your belts. Put your head between your knees.”

His concern was sweet, but it wouldn’t change the outcome. Their fate was set.

They were going down—hard and fast. The other passengers’ terrified expressions said they knew it too. Innocents, every one, Agnes thought, fury on their behalf trumping her own fear. She was the only one on board who knew this catastrophe was no mechanical failure. It was him. She knew it as surely as she knew she’d seen her last sunset.

A bitter cry tore from her cracked lips. Any semblance of control on her part had been an illusion.

She’d played her hand, and he’d just called her on it.

If she hadn’t been so stinking stubborn, if she’d kept her mouth shut and given him what he wanted . . . But Momma hadn’t raised her like that. She’d done the right thing. She only wished she hadn’t brought the others down with her.

Managing to crane her neck left, she took in the sight of the loving couple’s hands clasped tight, crying as they whispered frantic words to each other.

Agnes’s stomach lurched. She’d brought them on this journey, doomed them to a watery tomb.

At least now he’d be satisfied. She’d be gone. They’d be gone. No one was left to . . .

Acid burned up her throat.

Bailey.

What inspired this book?

I watched a movie about cave divers and I was fascinated. It got me thinking about what type of person would pursue something so extreme and dangerous for a career, and Cole McKenna was born.

What has been your most challenging experience writing a book?

Time management. It’s a new and exciting time being a debut author, but juggling marketing, deadlines, home life and the creative aspect of writing a book is definitely a balancing act.

What is your favorite thing to write about, (i.e., forgiveness, rebellion, etc)?

 I love to tell stories about how God transforms lives. How He can take what is broken and make it whole. A lot of my stories focus on His forgiveness and on redemption because I am always awed at His grace, mercy, and love.

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

That we find wholeness and fulfillment in Christ alone.

What is your favorite color?

Blue. It reminds me of the ocean. I’m a beach girl at heart.

Do you have a favorite recipe?

Here’s a new favorite of mine. You can easily make it up ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole
1 lb diced chicken (or ground beef)
16 oz thick and chunky salsa
16 oz can refried beans
16 oz enchilada sauce (any, but I use green, medium)
16 oz cannelini beans
16 oz black beans
2.25 oz sliced black olives
3-4 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican mix cheese
4 soft tortilla shells

In olive oil, cook chicken, lightly salt and pepper
Add salsa, enchilada sauce, all beans, and black olives to chicken, simmer 10 min.
Cut the tortilla shells into strips. In a 9x13 casserole, place a layer of tortilla strips; add half mixture on top.
Sprinkle half cheese on top. Repeat this step again, making two layers.
Bake at 350 for 30 min.
Serve with sour cream and tortilla chips. Also good topped with chopped scallions.

Here’s an easy side to pair it with:
Mexican Rice
1 cup rice
1 can Rotelle
1 can black beans

Cook rice, then mix together with other ingredients. 

If you could travel back in time when and where would you go?

Great question! I love history so this took a lot of thought, but I’d have to say if I could travel back in time I’d love to go to first century Israel. It would be amazing to see Jesus walk on earth and perform miracles firsthand.

What project are you currently working on?

I am working on Stranded, the third book in my Alaskan Courage series. It follows Gage McKenna’s adventures. I’m having a blast getting to know this guy.

Dani has offered one free book to a lucky winner. At least 10 people need to leave comments WITH email addresses OR you can email me at srstormo@yahoo.com and put "contest-submerged" in the subject line. Winner announced May 20th.