Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Guest Post from Dani Pettrey (and a giveaway of her new book!)

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I’m so pleased to welcome Dani Pettrey to the blog today!  She’s been a wonderful friend to me for years, she’s fresh off a trip to the beach, and her newest release is fresh off the presses.  Be sure to check out the fun summer giveaway (of Dead Drift, a candle, and a set of note cards) that I’m offering below.  -Becky

Last week my family and I journeyed from Maryland where we live down south to a small beach town by the name of Topsail, NC. It’s a beautiful, quaint, and uncrowded beach community.

The water is a gorgeous blue and teal. Being on the southern inland tip of the rugged Carolina cost, the island waters remain consistently warm and provide hours of amazingly refreshing swimming. Very often the clarity of the water is so clear you can see your feet, if not the ocean floor, fifty yards from shore. The beach, especially Top Sail, is my happy place. I get settled in my Tommy Bahama beach chair with my toes nestled in the sand and daydream stories all day long, occasionally pausing long enough to write down my thoughts or scenes for my current work in progress before another scene idea fills my daydreaming mind.

There is something so soothing and uncommercial about Topsail. The gorgeous and unspoiled dunes are a major part of the local vibe. They sit between our rental house, dubbed “Nannie’s beach house” by my oldest grandson, and the blue coastal waters.

This year because the release of my ninth novel, Dead Drift, coincided with our trip — along with a quickly approaching deadline — I worked for part of our time there. I’d get up early before my family, grab a cup of coffee (absolutely essential for me in the morning and often throughout the day) and would head down to the lower deck and this adorable cozy nook to write each day. Then, once my family woke up several hours later, we’d hit the beach and stay until dinner time. Have I mentioned we are huge beach people?

Visiting the beach every 4th of July week is a super fun tradition. My daughter started the night off with a lot of sparkler fun, and then we were able to watch firework displays surrounding us from all sides from the tippy-top deck of Nannie’s beach house. Sitting up in the cool evening air, listening to the waves between splashes of vibrant color and the strong pop of fireworks is a wonderful way to celebrate our nation’s independence. And, I’m especially proud to have an ancestor who fought in the revolutionary war, and one I share my full name with—just the feminine form of Daniel.

I hope you had a wonderful 4th and that you have or had an amazing family vacation someplace that stirs your imagination and soothes your soul.

Blessings,  Dani

What are you enjoying this July?

The below giveaway is now closed.  Many thanks to everyone who entered!  And big congratulations to the winner of the prize pack, Caroline.

 

Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than 400,000 copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).

To find out more and connect with Dani visit her at www.danipettrey.com

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Becky Wade

Author at Bethany House
Becky makes her home in Dallas, Texas with her husband and three children. She absolutely loves writing funny, heartwarming, and inspirational contemporary Christian romance.
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Comments

  1. That beach sounds wonderful! Congrats on the new release! And thank you for the giveaway!

  2. Having a place where you can have absolute relaxation and spend time with family is truly a blessing. Congrats on the new release!

  3. Dani, congratulations on your novel for doing so well. Thank you for the giveaway!

  5. Thanks Becky for highlighting Dani Pettrey. It’s encouraging to see how you generously support each other when new books launch.

  6. Your vacation sounds wonderful. Congratulations and thank you for a chance to win! Looking forward to reading this book.

  7. This book sounds great! Looking forward to reading it soon! The beach vacation sounds great! Hoping to do the same soon!

  8. Thank you for the giveaway! I really enjoy this series and have been looking forward to this story since the first book.

  9. This July has flown by and I am looking forward to a small break with all my family the end of the month, just before school begins again.

  10. Love the beach too!I read the first book in this series while at the beach in June and I am currently reading the second book!

  11. Thank you so very much for the chance. The daughter of my friend since 8th grade does rentals for Topsail. I’ve been wanting to visit. Blessings.

  12. Very nice giveaway! Dani is a new-to-me author. I am familiar with the name but have not read her books. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    • Linda, Dani’s debut book and my first Christian fiction novel came out the same day — May 1, 2012! She’s now completed two series. One set in Alaska, one in the Chesapeake Bay area. Be sure to check them out when you have a chance. 🙂

  14. I very much enjoy Dani Pettrey’s romantic suspense novels. Reading Christian fiction is an inspiring and rewarding experience!

  15. It was great getting to “meet” Dani! The beach is my happy place too. Thank you, Becky, for offering this fun giveaway. I look forward to adding Dani’s books to my TBR list. 🙂

  18. What a wonderful getaway, Dani. I know you’ve been bragging on that spot for years, but seeing your pictures and hearing your descriptions are tempting this mountain gal into giving the beach a try. The California beaches I grew up around had cold water that, even in summer, you couldn’t stand to be in for very long before you started shivering. My one trip to Hawaii many years ago proved that ocean water could be warm, but I didn’t think that phenomenon was possible in the contiguous 48. And that water is gorgeous! I see why you love it so much. 🙂

    And how have I known you all this time without knowing you have an ancestor that fought in the revolutionary war? I need to hear more about this Daniel fellow. 🙂 Such a joy to have you visit with us today!

  19. Hi Dani,
    Great post! My sister and I recently started reading the Chesapeake Valor series, and can’t wait to read Dead Drift! I’m also currently reading Submerged, and am excited to see what happens to Bailey and Cole :). Thanks for this giveaway opportunity!

  20. Congrats, Dani!
    I am reading this series and loving it…..about to start Book 2. 3 & 4 are on my K. I had not read any of your books previously, but am an avid fan now!
    Don’t enter me!

  21. I really liked your pictures in your post. It looks like a beautiful place. Thanks for the chance to win!

  22. I love the beach!!! It is absolutely beautiful! I love to read as well. I’ve never read one of your books but I love finding new authors to read. Thank you for the giveaway!

  23. Thank you for the opportunity to win a new book and beautiful fun notecards. Have a blessed weekend.

  24. Can’t wait to read Dani’s book to find out what’s been going on with Luke Gallagher all these years, but sad this is the last book in the Chesapeake series. I’ll definitely miss all these handsome men. A HUGE thanks to Dani for putting their faces on her covers. Shallow? Sure, but still very thankful 🙂

    ASIDE: Congratulations, Becky Wade on winning an INSPY Award for “True To You”. (Picture me giving you a standing ovation!) Very well deserved and add my kudos on this fabulously written book which I still can’t get out of my head.

    • Thanks so much, Amy! 🙂

      It’s always bittersweet to finish a series you’ve loved, isn’t it? I hear you on that! And I agree with you about Dani’s covers. It’s been great to see the faces of her heroes. I’m especially fond of the guy on the front of Still Life.

  26. Sounds like a wonderful vacation. I love the beach also, and am fortunate enough to live near the coast in South Jersey. My husband and I had to miss a trip to Cape Cod we had planned for our anniversary in June because of some family matters, but are hoping to get away somewhere later this summer.

  28. Yeah! Two of my favorites in one place! Thanks Becky & Dani for sharing your gifts and talents with us!

  29. I love Dani’s books! I also love the beach, but must admit I love the mountains more!

  31. The beach is gorgeous!Congratulations on your new book! Hope you are feeling refreshed from your vacation. 🙂

  32. OH! I definitely want to read this book! And the pineapple note cards are very nice! (I like pineapples!)

  33. A trip to Kentucky was planned for this month but had to be cancelled. It’s too hot to do much of anything!

  34. There is nothing like the beach for a vacation. I have never read any of your books, Dani, but would love to try them! I started visiting this blog recently and now have so many authors I want to try! Thanks, Becky, for the chance to win one of Dani’s books and some fun summer gifts as well!

    • You’re very welcome! I’m so glad to hear that you recently discovered our blog, Becky. I’ve loved being a part of Inspired by Life and Fiction.

  35. I’m enjoying spending time with friends that I don’t get to see very often(picnics,walking ,just having fun)

  37. What a beautiful getaway! We just got back from a long road trip and it’s so good to be home. I’m looking forward to lots of beach days here in San Diego before school starts!

  39. The beach sounds wonderful! Where we are in Minnesota, there are lakes all around us, so we have spent a little time in the water. Hopefully, between responsibilities, we will get to do more of that. We also are planning a road trip to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore in August.
    Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂

  40. Our library is going to purchase Dead Drift! I can’t wait to read it!

  41. Thanks for hosting Dani Pettrey today, Becky, I have really enjoy her books, too. The first three books in the Chesapeake Valor series were the last three books I listened to on Tunein Pro. Since Tunein stopped their audio books those three book covers, along with the Bible, are captured on my Tunein Pro App on my iPhone. Looking forward to reading Luke’s story and hope I also get to listen to the audio version.
    For those who haven’t read Dani’s books, I also recommend her Alaskan Courage Series.

  42. Congratulations on your new release!! I absolutely loved reading this blog post and the pictures were beautiful. Thank you SO much for the amazing chance 🙂 I would love to read this book & the pineapple note cards are so cute. That candle seems like it would smell so good, haha.

  44. The beach on the week of the 4th! What a great tradition!

    We are doing family time in Indiana and Arizona. Indiana is cottage time and Arizona is desert and mountain adventures. Sadly we will all be heading back to our own reality in other parts of the country tomorrow. Has anyone else noticed vacations go faster then normal life?

  45. I enjoyed daydreaming just for a moment about our trip to Topsail about 15 years ago. We had a great time. My daughter has wanted to return ever since in order to see the nesting turtles. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out to go back. I am really looking forward to reading the new book.

  46. I’ve never read one of Dani’s books. Looking forward to reading this one! Thanks for your post Becky😉
    Ermetta

  47. Hoping to win! I’m always on the lookout for new books to read especially out by the pool! ♥️

  48. Dani..I love this series….you even know where the Eastern Shore of Maryland is and mentioned it in one of your books!!! I have been waiting for this story since book one!!!!! Becky I love your books! Thanks for the chance!

  49. That sounds wonderful!! My family is heading to the mountains in a couple weeks for vacation. Different scenery, but the same “happy place” feeling! I can’t wait to read the next installment of this series. I love all of your books! 💜

  50. We tried so hard to get a place by the beach for the week of the 4th of July, but it was impossible (unless we wanted to not pay bills next month……not an option). So glad you got to enjoy one of the beautiful beaches in my home state 🙂

  51. Looks like you had a wonderful time. Can’t wait to catch up on the new series. I have fallen a bit behind I love any book Dani has written though. Thanks for the chance to win hope you enjoy the rest of your summer.

  52. Even though N.C. is my home state, I have never been to Topsail, I’m really going to have to go now since your description of it sounds so good.

  54. Thanks for the chance to win this prize package. I started her Alaskan Courage series on your recommendation and LOVED it!

  55. We celebrated the 4th of July with a little cookout and watched our town’s fireworks. We are also getting to go on cross country vacation..I love your books….just finished Falling for You and can’t wait for Britt’s story.I would love to win Dani Pettry new book!!

  56. I’m honestly more of a mountain girl, but I do still love a great beach vacation! Dani, your pictures are lovely! Thanks for the opportunity to win this fabulous book, Becky!

  57. Two great authors! I look forward to reading more from both authors. Have a great weekend!

  59. Last Sunday was the BBQ for those of us who went to Israel in May. It was a wonderful time of fellowship.

    I’m excited to read Dani’s Chesapeake series. Thank you for the fun giveaway.

  62. I am enjoying spending time with my family this summer and the sunny days! Thanks for the chance to win!

  63. Fun! Vacations are wonderful! We moved from beaches of Florida to mountains of Virginia and I haven’t missed the beach one ounce! 🙂 My daughter on the other hand… Well, she’s the one who introduced me to Dani’s books and I’ve been able to squeeze in some reading time to work on this series! 🙂

  67. We are just wrapping up our vacation to Hershey, NYC, Crayola Experience, Diggerland USA, Liberty Bell, Lego Land, and Penn’sCave.

  68. Nothing better then a North Carolina summer spent at the beach but I’m partial because I call North Carolina home and love it.

  71. Hi Becki! The book looks really interesting! Those pineapple notecards my Mom would absolutely LOVE!! By the way, I bought your novel “Falling For You” recently & I’m just now starting it! My 1st Becky Wade novel! The 2 beach pics look so relaxing, I could stare at them all day! 😎

  72. I love any time I can spend at the beach, the book sounds amazing, Thanks for your great generosity.

  73. My husband and I spent a few days at Myrtle Beach back in April. We went so early because my husband had knee surgery coming up and we figured we wouldn’t be able to get away for a while after that.
    We have a quick trip to Florida coming up next week but it is more business than pleasure.

  74. I am soon to be enjoying my new niece! My sister, age 46, is expecting her second daughter in just a few days! We’re so excited as the last baby in the family was her daughter, born almost 7 years ago!

  75. Thank you for this opportunity!
    The beach is my happy place, too. However,
    we are spending our vacation working ok renovating our house.

    Dani’s first series kept me going through my 2nd child’s newborn phase. The first two books in her second series got me through my 3rd child. 2am feedings are hardcore. 😂

  76. We enjoyed fireworks in our town on the 4th. In July we also celebrate our anniversary and our youngest daughter’s birthday. I am always looking for a great book, so thank you for the opportunity to win.🙂

  77. I love the beach but have only been there a few times. Living in Illinois I don’t get there very often. Miss it and we keep telling the kids about it and that we will go there. We just need to pack the car up and go. We will one day. Thanks for the pictures.

  78. I am not currently reading a book but getting ready to read A Place to Belong by Melissa Tagg.

  79. What a great post. I am looking forward to hearing more about your work. I didn’t even know this genre of literature existed.

  80. That sounds like an amazing vacation spot, Dani! I’m usually a mountain person, but I enjoy visiting the beach on occasion for a change. I’m looking forward to some family time soon. Our kids are all married and on their own, but we love getting together with them and the grandkids.

  81. I love this series and all Dani’s and Becky’s books! I am a scrapbook consultant on the Pineapple Paper artists team so anything pineapple stands out to me.
    I haven’t had much time to read yet this summer but will be traveling at the end of August. No beach for me, I’m going to Alaska.😁

  82. Dani, that sounds lovely! I would love to go there and see that beautiful beach. I love traditions, and every 4th we spend at my parents and go to a small town parade with my sons. It is the one parade they for sure attend every year. Glad you have fun traditions and memories every year. Congrats on the new release! Thanks Becky for the fun interview with Dani.

  83. Very nice pictures! I think it’s neat when people find places that are not well known and therefore less crowded!
    This summer I am enjoying watching lightening bugs,reading,and the warmer weather.

  84. Wow, I love both your books – I’m ready for Luke’s story!!! Thanks for the offer❤️

  85. The beach is a wonderful place to be. Thanks for the interview and giveaway !

  86. The beach looks so beautiful and relaxing. I’m spending my July in air conditioning hanging out with my family. 🙂 Congrats on the new release Dani! Thanks for the giveaway Becky.

  89. Thank you for the opportunity to win Dead Drift! I have so been waiting for Luke’s story. Blessings!!

  91. Dani, you just reminded me why I love the beach so much. The waves, the sand, the sun and the beach reading. I haven’t gone to the beach in so long. I miss it. Hopefully, I’ll go sometime soon. Congrats on your latest release!

    Thanks for the giveaway, Becky. I love the pineapple notecards. They are so cute and fun.

  94. Love, Love, Love Dani’s new book!! 🙂 And that beach looks so inviting. My most recent vacation was the trip of a lifetime. My dad and I road tripped across country…the northern half…last Fall. Lots and lots of driving allowed us the time to stop and enjoy many of the amazing sites and attractions across the US. Each state truly is unique. We loved it and look forward to checking out the southern states as soon as possible.

  95. The pictures of the beach look so nice and relaxing. Thanks for the gun giveaway and the book looks great.

  99. I love hearing about people’s family traditions for the 4th. It’s always great to get extra family time!

  100. Pictures from your trip to the beach are so beautiful. Congrats on the release of your new book!

  101. I love beach towns! They have such a happy, relaxing vibe! I wish that I was in one right now. Instead, I just got back from our church’s girls’ camp. I’m exhausted and bug-bitten, but it was a lot of fun!

  103. What beautiful pictures! The ocean is so blue and calming. Thanks for the chance to win!

  107. In preparation for a long recovery from surgery, I had downloaded a number of books on my Kindle. I’m currently reading “Submerged” by guess who? Thank you for the opportunity to win another captivating book!

  108. Thanks so much for visiting with me and Becky! I so enjoyed reading all your responses. Thanks for your excitement about Dead Drift!

    Blessings,
    Dani

  110. Wow! Pineapple and Dani Pettrey? Who can’t feel the summer happiness with that prize offered up? I have the first two books in the series, and I’m hyped about the next one!

  111. I am a beach person trapped deep in land in Wyoming! I’ve only been to a beach twice but I loved it. I dream of spending time soaking up the sun and staring into the waves. Someday……
    This is the summer of ‘The Bathroom.’ A leak-fixing project turned into a major remodel of our tiny master bath. But it looks great and the end is very near.

  113. The beach looks beautiful and the book looks great! Can’t wait to read it. I just wish I could read it at the beach 🏝😊❤️

  114. The beach sounds great. North Carolina is a lovely state. Looking forward to reading this book.

  115. Thank you so much for the giveaway. My mother in law would love it if I won this for her

  118. Just thinking of the water sounds good in this hot MS state I’m in. I don’t like hot weather and I’m ready for fall & winter even now. This book sounds like a good one and I would love to win. Thanks for the giveaway.

  120. Looks like so much fun! I live in the Pacific Northwest, and our beaches have large rocks and barnacles! Youch! But still beautiful. 🙂 The book looks good, and since I’ve never read one by her, I’d love to try it, especially if you recommended it. 😉

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