Book review Submerged

Submerged by Dani Pettrey, first in the Alaskan Courage series

It's rare for me to read the first book in a series when the first book is published.  I've found myself, in recent years at least, usually 2 or 3 books behind when I read the first book in a series.  But it was great to take an opportunity from Bethany House Publishers to read and review this book.

Submerged was really good, the romance had a good amount of give and take.  The story was told from multiple characters' view.  The book wasn't as suspenseful as I expected given the blurb from Dee Henderson on the cover about the book keeping me up at night.  I thought it was a great book for a first-time published author.  I was surprised that there were no discussion questions in the back.

I made notes of many pages and quotes, 9 in total, I thought the religious point-of-view and Christian thoughts were great!  Bailey is like an onion, those who know her today see a very different picture than those who knew her in high school.  She battles between the two images and her own thoughts of herself.  Cole is trying to get her to see herself as Christ sees her, a new creation made perfect in Him.

I love that at one point in the story Bailey chooses to not wear makeup but then she applies mascara and cherry Chapstick.  She asks herself, "What is she doing?  Trying to look pretty for Cole?  Not that there was anything wrong with wearing makeup.  It was the desire to focus on her looks and others' acceptance of her based on her looks that was the problem. [p. 105, paperback copy]"  Wonderful thoughts for a woman of any age. 

When you read the book, be ready to look up a recipe for pryaniki.  You'll thank me later!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are 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.”