SUBMERGED by Dani Pettrey

Bailey Craig swore she'd never return to Yancey, Alaska ever again. She knew the town's folks would always remember the reputation she had. She's returned now only to bury her aunt, who died in a plane crash, and sell the shop she owned in town. But evidence turns up that leads the police to believe the crash might not have been an accident at all. Bailey might be the only one who can help solve the puzzle. Cole McKenna is an experienced diver who worked on the rescue effort of the downed plane. Knowing Bailey's aunt was on it, he's sure he would see her again and he's not sure how he would handle it. She had once ripped his heart out. But he finds she's not the same girl who left Yancey. In fact, both of them had changed, a lot. As Bailey and Cole work together through the mystery of the crash and several mysterious murders, will they discover the truth of what really happened and will they also discover their long buried feelings beginning to surface once again?

I thoroughly enjoyed Submerged, with it's romance, mystery, and suspense but I also enjoyed getting to know Bailey and the McKenna family. Though fictitious, I liked visiting Yancy, Alaska and learning about the town and it's people. I appreciated the way the author dealt with Bailey and her past. It reminded me that becoming a believer doesn't erase your past but it doesn't define your future either. You shouldn't let your past hold you hostage. I also found the whole Russian history aspect to the story very interesting as well as entertaining! There is also a hint of something happening between Piper McKenna and Deputy Landon Grainger (Cole's best friend), which makes me look forward to reading Shattered, (Book Two in the Alaskan Courage Series). Great start to a new series by a new author.

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 1, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0764209833
ISBN-13: 978-0764209833