Interview with Dani Pettrey & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted WordDani Pettrey is a wife, mom, grandma, and the acclaimed author of the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, and Silenced, and upcoming release, Sabotaged. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award nomination, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award, among others.

She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves—the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, a son-in-law, and a super adorable grandson.

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Savanna:  Welcome to The Engrafted Word, Dani.  Congratulations on your upcoming release, Sabotaged.  What was your favorite part about writing Kirra and Reef’s story?

Interview with Dani Pettrey & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted WordDani:  I think finally getting to tell Reef’s story. He’s been the black sheep of the family for so long and getting to see him finally move past that and become the man God intended for him to be was really exciting.

Savanna: What did you learn from the McKenna family throughout writing the Alaskan Courage series? What’s something you hope your readers will take away from these stories?

Dani:  I learned a lot about grace under pressure, fighting for what is right, and protecting your loved ones. God has blessed me tremendously by allowing me to write the McKennas’ stories and I’ll be ever grateful. I hope readers will take away the fact that God is always present, even in the most difficult circumstances of life, and that He is the One who brings true healing, redemption, wholeness and purpose to our lives.

Interview with Dani Pettrey & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted WordSavanna:  That’s great, Dani! I’m so happy to have discovered this series. Can’t wait to read it.  You and your characters seem very adventurous. 😉 What is one of your favorite outdoor activities?

Dani:  I love hiking. I’d hike every weekend if I could. There’s just something about being outdoors, up in the mountains, away from it all. I find it so rejuvenating.

Savanna:  I totally agree! 😉

It says on your website that you are a homeschooling mom. Can you share with us one of the blessings of homeschooling and also one of the greatest challenges?

Interview with Dani Pettrey & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted WordDani:  Actually, this is my first year not homeschooling—need to update that on my website 🙂 My youngest graduated in May. It feels weird not homeschooling after so long. Homeschooling was a tremendous blessing for our family. I loved seeing my girls grow, having that home time with them, and watching them spread their wings. The hardest challenge was balance—balancing time for schooling, writing, and all their activities.

Savanna:  Many readers enjoy picking their favorite quotes from novels. Do YOU have a particular favorite quote from Sabotaged that you can share with us?

Dani:  I can’t narrow it down to a favorite quote, but I have a favorite exchange of dialogue.

Man.” Reef whistled. “I really get under your skin, don’t I?

Ha.” She bit the inside of her cheek as the flames flashed higher, devouring the newly added branches.

“Good comeback.”

She took a deep breath, expelling it in a rush. “Contrary to what you think, you have no effect on me whatsoever.”

“Your heartbeat skipping along the curve of your neck seems to suggest otherwise.”

Interview with Dani Pettrey & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted WordSavanna:  Aww, love it!  I’m intrigued even more now. 😉  Thanks so much for being with us today, Dani!

Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?

Dani:  I hope readers will enjoy the conclusion to the Alaskan Courage series. I’m so grateful for the tremendous support I’ve received. Thank you for sharing the McKennas’ stories with your friends and families. You’re the best.

I’m currently working on a new four book series for Bethany House. You can check out my Author Facebook Page for the latest updates.

GIVEAWAY!!

Dani has graciously offered to give away a copy of Sabotaged. Enter below and it could be YOU! 😉

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for entering! Contest is open only in the U.S. and ends Feburary 10, 2015.  The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody! 😉