Book Review - Submerged

I feel like I have been to Alaska after reading Submerged (Alaskan Courage) by Dani Pettrey.    It is full of suspense, romance and a very important message of forgiveness and love.

Bailey Craig has to return to her hometown of Yancey, Alaska because of the death of her aunt. It is the last place she wants to be because of a bad reputation she created when she was a teenager.   Despite a bad start in her early years, she has done well for herself.  

The second worst part of this trip other than saying goodbye to her aunt is meeting Cole McKenna again.  They were in a relationship, but Bailey was struggling with insecurity at that time and hurt Cole.   Their relationship ended, but it still haunts the both of them.

Bailey wanted to tie up loose ends in Yancey as quickly as possible and get back to her life where no one knew her reputation.    Despite Bailey’s desire to make a quick exit, she decides to stay in Yancey because there is a possibility that her aunt’s death was not an accident.  She works with Cole and the Yancey police force to solve the mystery.   Being close to Cole is exciting and terrifying at the same time.   Bailey does not want to be drawn to him because as soon as the mystery is solved she plans to resume her life elsewhere.

While the murder mystery and the intrigue of Russian Alaskan history has my attention, I am also drawn to Bailey's struggle with her past and present.  She became a Christian after leaving Yancey, but she still views herself as a person not worthy of God's blessings.  She accepts the views of other people who saw her at her worst rather than how God sees her.   Cole told her "You need to start seeing yourself through God's eyes...When God looks at you He sees His beloved child."

This story does have something valuable that is submerged or hidden that has everyone on the hunt for it.   The most important thing that is submerged is the truth that Bailey has forgotten or never really knew...God loves her!

I enjoyed this book because of the romance, suspense and the reminder that I am God's beloved child.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House.

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