"Silenced" by Dani Pettrey

Silenced (May 6, 2014) by Dani Pettrey.*

Cavanagh. He isn’t just Jake Westin anymore. He’s Jake Westin Cavanagh. Those he’s come to care for like family, the McKennas, are now aware of his past, painful as it is. Because of his past and prowess, Sheriff Landon Grainger has asked Jake for his help, and Jake has agreed to act as a temporary deputy. Landon’s unfortunately short-staffed, and he’s only sworn Jake in because the oldest McKenna sister, Kayden, has come across a dead climber. While it’s reasonable to say that the deceased was not experienced enough for the climb he was attempting, foul play was definitely involved. Jake and Kayden, much to both of their liking (though neither will admit it aloud), are often paired up to investigate. They travel to nearby Imnek, where they stir up animosity and something more. Something more sinister than the drunken anger taken out on the propeller of Kayden’s Cessna floatplane. There are threats that escalate to physical danger. And that isn’t reserved just for Imnek. The danger follows them back to Yancey.

            Jake thought his past was truly behind him save for the painful memories he tries to forget. Instead, it seems his past may have caught up to him and is endangering the family he cares for … and the woman he loves.

            “Silenced” is the fourth novel in Pettrey’s Alaskan Courage series. This Christian fiction novel is dubbed romantic suspense. The growing relationship and budding romance is all there as expected, but the suspense is tempered. It’s not edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting suspense, though there was some intensity near the end. Lest you think this is negative, it is not, for I’ve really been enjoying Pettrey’s novels. I love that Kayden and Jake, while obviously meant for each other, have struggles and doubts that any of us might have. They feel like real people, people that I’d like to be friends with. I also love that Pettrey twines faith into the characters without making them sound preachy or overbearing. And when the going is scary and tough and dangerous, Pettrey shows through her characters that there’s truth to the phrase have a little faith.

            Alaskan Courage Series 1: Submerged

            Alaskan Courage Series 2: Shattered

            Alaskan Courage Series 3: Stranded

Note: For those who prefer completely light fare devoid of any hurt or violence or suffering, this book may not be for you. There is minor violence, but I still highly recommend this set of books. I started reading these books at the second story, which has worked out fine, but if you’re going to start the Alaskan Courage series, I’d definitely start with the first book

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”