Step into the thrilling world of Alaskan Courage, where rugged Alaskan landscapes meet heart-pounding suspense and sizzling romance! Dani Pettrey’s five-part romantic suspense series, set in the charming yet perilous town of Yancey, Alaska, follows the McKenna family as they navigate mysteries, danger, and matters of the heart. With its gripping blend of faith, adventure, and love, Alaskan Courage has captivated readers and solidified Pettrey’s place in inspirational fiction.
From the moment you open the first book, Submerged, you’re hooked by the adrenaline-fueled plots and the emotional depth of characters like Bailey Craig and Cole McKenna. Whether you’re a fan of Christian fiction or just love a good thriller with a side of romance, this series delivers an unforgettable ride through Alaska’s wild beauty.
How Alaskan Courage Began
Dani Pettrey, a Maryland-based homeschooling mom, drew inspiration from her love of adventure stories like Indiana Jones and classic mysteries by Agatha Christie. After initially dabbling in historical romance, Pettrey found her true voice in contemporary romantic suspense. Her passion for weaving faith, love, and nail-biting tension led to the creation of Alaskan Courage, with Yancey, Alaska, as the perfect backdrop. Launched in 2012, the series reflects Pettrey’s knack for crafting vivid settings and relatable characters, earning her a loyal following and critical acclaim.
The Heart of Alaskan Courage
The series kicks off with Submerged, where Bailey Craig returns to Yancey to bury her aunt, only to uncover a sabotaged plane and a string of murders. Her past with Cole McKenna, a skilled diver, complicates the investigation as they confront old wounds and new dangers. In Shattered, Piper McKenna defends her brother Reef, accused of murder, while sparks fly with Deputy Landon Grainger. Silenced follows Kayden McKenna and Jake Cavanagh as they unravel a climbing-related mystery, and Sabotaged wraps up the series with Reef racing against time during the Iditarod to stop a shadowy villain.
Pettrey’s Alaskan Courage series shines for its masterful blend of suspense, romance, and Christian faith. The rugged Yancey setting, with its stormy seas and towering mountains, feels like a character itself, amplifying the stakes of each mystery. Themes of redemption, trust, and family bonds resonate throughout, while the McKenna siblings’ tight-knit dynamic draws comparisons to Dee Henderson’s O’Malley series. Pettrey’s snappy dialogue and fast-paced plots keep readers on edge, with just enough romance to warm the heart.
Why Alaskan Courage Resonates
Alaskan Courage has left a lasting mark on the Christian romantic suspense genre, selling nearly a million copies and earning awards like the Daphne du Maurier and HOLT Medallion. Fans praise its clean yet thrilling narratives, relatable characters, and the way it weaves faith into high-stakes adventures. The series’ ability to balance pulse-pounding action with emotional depth has made it a favorite for readers seeking both excitement and inspiration. Its vivid portrayal of Alaska also sparks wanderlust, inviting readers to imagine themselves in Yancey’s wild embrace.
- First Book Published: Submerged (2012)
- Number of Books: 5, plus a prequel novella, Shadowed
- Notable Awards: 2015 Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award, Daphne du Maurier finalist
- Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Ready to brave the Alaskan wilderness? Grab Submerged and dive into the pulse-pounding world of Alaskan Courage today!