Christian

Book Review: Silenced by Dani Pettrey, Rating: 4/5

Silenced by Dani Pettrey
Book Four of Alaskan Courage Series
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Rating: 4/5
Bethany House – Romantic Suspense

As the expert rock climber in her family, Kayden McKenna is used to taking care of herself and is determined to not have to rely on anyone else if she can help it. After losing both of her parents, she doesn’t want to ever suffer the same heartbreak. After finding the dead body of a fellow climber, something is off. She suspects that someone tampered with his chalk, but that would mean murder. Will her expertise help figure out what happened or is the situation even more dangerous than suspected? When the local sheriff (her soon-to-be brother-in-law) assigns family friend and former detective, Jake Westin, to be his next deputy to investigate, the two of them are in for a dangerous ride. Ever since Jake’s past was revealed, Kayden has treated him differently. For Jake, he’s been in love with Kayden for a long time. He will always remember and love the wife and unborn daughter he lost, but his heart and life are Kayden. Too bad she doesn’t even know his feelings, but he knows that Kayden is still grieving the death of her parents, especially her mother’s battle with rheumatoid arthritis. Can he keep her safe without his past getting in the way? Can Kayden open up her heart and let Jake in?

I was so excited to continue reading this series by Dani Pettrey! After finding the first three books at my local library, I had to get the next one as soon as possible! I was NOT disappointed. I loved getting to know Kayden and Jake’s characters more; however, I didn’t think that the characters were as well developed as the other books with the McKenna siblings. I loved that the book was almost like watching an episode of Castle – I do love a good procedural TV show with great chemistry between the main characters. I felt like there was less of a religious/inspirational thread through this story than her other books, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it was different than what I was used to.

I absolutely could not put the book down – read it in a few hours. The pacing was good and kept my attention. My only critique (and the reason for a 4 rating instead of 5) is the near ending and actual ending were a little confusing – without spoiling anything – I still have some questions regarding the ending but it was still very satisfying. I look forward to the next book about the last brother, Reef.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good, clean, romantic suspenseful story.

I received this book for free from Bethany House and NetGalley but was not required to give a positive review.

If you’d like to check out my other Dani Pettrey review of Book Three, Stranded, click here.

Getting Back in the Saddle

I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed playing on a worship team. It’s always an experience! I’m fascinated by the dynamics of each team which are different. I believe that everyone has a different way that they express worship to God. We need each other’s expression and when we come together to worship, watch out! I got to play with DCF in the large group and in my core group. I just recently played for Davis Christian Assembly, which was a whole other experience.

The way each person worships is unique. And God is forever faithful to show up when we make room for Him to move.

Recently, I had a vision of how much God the Father loves us. I saw this young boy who was dirty from playtime (as boys seem to be). He runs up to his father who has open arms. The father doesn’t tell the son to clean up first. He doesn’t shrink away from his son. The father welcomes the son’s hugs and the son just wants to tell his father about his day. God the Father wants to welcome us into His arms, but many times we feel we are too dirty and must be perfect and holy before we can embrace Him. God the Father loves us – He is not going to turn away from us. Jesus’ blood cleanses us – not us – not me!

Washed
You took all my hurt
You took all my pain
You washed it all away
You took all my guilt
You took all my shame
You washed it all away

By Your blood
By the blood of the Lamb

You washed it all away

Now I’m free to know this joy
Now I’m free to know this love
Now I’m free, I’m free

Making Decisions

I know that it’s in my nature to be indecisive, so I try to put things on the back burner and just sorta hide them away from my subconscious mind. I had to make a decision that I’ve been putting off because I didn’t want to upset anyone and didn’t want to limit myself. I don’t know if that’s the right thing to call it, but I’ve decided on which Christian fellowship I’m going to be a part of. I’m gonna stay with Davis Christian Fellowship, part of Chi Alpha. I have one last InterVarsity meeting and Bible study, then I’ll be going to DCF full time. It’s bittersweet, but I know that God will honor my choice. He didn’t care which one I chose, but He wanted me to choose one. I needed to make a decision. Making decisions is hard. It’s a part of growing up that I can’t seem to get a hang of. I always find myself not knowing what to choose.

However, I am glad that I have the choice. God gives us free will. We were not created as robots, who just do what we’re told or made to do. God loves us so much that He gives us a CHOICE. We get to decide who we will live our lives for. I can’t explain how awesome this is. His amazing love overwhelms me.

Although making choices is difficult, the more important thing is living with the consequences of your actions.