Publishers Weekly an Amazon bestselling Christian fiction author, Dani Pettrey, has sold nearly 800,000 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).
In this interview, Dani talks with us about her latest A Coastal Guardian Novella, The Shifting Current.
FF: Can you please provide a summary of your new novel, The Shifting Currents?
When Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent Logan Perry’s beloved grandfather is murdered, Logan races to his hometown of Cauldron Creek, New Mexico, to investigate the murder. His teammate and friend, Emmy Thorton, insists on joining him. Not a good idea—not when he loves her, but carries a secret that he knows will tear them apart.
Emmy knows Logan will pursue the investigation no matter the cost, and she won’t let the man she loves plunge into a dangerous situation alone. She needs to be at his side, even if he believes friendship is her only reason for joining him.
What looks like a robbery gone wrong rapidly shifts, drawing Emmy and Logan into a dizzying maze where nothing is as it appears. Every lead slips through their fingers as threats against them grow deadlier at each turn. Having only each other to rely on, their love for one another deepens, but will they live long enough to admit their attraction to each other? They’re in the killer’s sights. One wrong move puts their future together and their lives on the line.
FF: What was the inspiration for the series and for this particular novella?
I was intrigued about writing a series focusing on the military. I initially went with Navy as my husband was Navy, but then I realized I wanted everything to happen stateside, but still be near water. My family and I vacation at the beaches near Wilmington, North Carolina, and I love the town itself, so I decided I’d set the series there, which led to going with the Coast Guard. I started researching the service and came across some information regarding the Coast Guard Investigative Service. I was fascinated with how they operate and the men and women who are part of it. That was the inspiration for the series. The novella was inspired by my readers. I received so many emails asking if there could be a fourth book in the series as they’d fallen in love with Emmy and Logan who were part of the CGIS team. I also really wanted to tell their story, so The Shifting Current was born.
FF: The Shifting Current features an overarching theme of coming to peace with your past and embracing all God has for you. How does this play out in the lives of your protagonists Emmy and Logan?
Logan struggles with letting go of deep wounds from his past. While he’s a Christian, he hasn’t forgiven himself from something he did in his youth. And, despite accepting Christ as his Savior, he doesn’t believe God could forgive him either.
Emmy’s struggle is far more recent. She’s loved Logan for quite a while when the story opens, but she struggles to let go of things in his past, believing those ties might still exist.
God works in their hearts and souls to relieve them of the burden He offers to carry. They just have to make the choice to let go.
FF: You changed locations for this story as Logan and Emmy travel from their base in North Carolina to New Mexico to investigate this particular case. Why New Mexico?
I knew I wanted Emmy and Logan to have their own adventure. For the story to be just about the two of them, so a location change seemed the best idea. I chose New Mexico because I lived there for years and loved every minute of it. And, despite the fact my husband and I grew up less than an hour apart on the east coast, we met in New Mexico, so it will always hold a special place in my heart.
FF: Did anything surprise you while writing this book or did everything turn out exactly as you initially planned?
Yes. The ending completely surprised me. I definitely don’t want to give any spoilers, but I absolutely didn’t see it coming. It was fun being surprised.
Why do you think storytelling is such a powerful way to share truth?
FF: I think storytelling is so powerful because it shares truth through the lives of the characters. We get to watch their faith play out, their struggles, their victories, and their growth in the Lord. Hopefully, we grow through their journey as well.
Also, when someone doesn’t know Christ and isn’t open to reading the Bible, they’re often more likely and accepting of reading a story. The hope is that the truth in the story will lead them to want to know more about God.
The Shifting Current
A Coastal Guardian Novella
Dani Pettrey
Gracie & Johnny Inc
Genres: Mystery/Suspense, Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 17, 2023
ASIN: B0B6WY9JPM
ISBN-13: 979-8218021306
Book Summary:
An elusive killer. A false identity. A deadly maze of lies.
When Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent Logan Perry’s beloved grandfather is murdered, Logan races to his hometown of Cauldron Creek, New Mexico to investigate the murder. His teammate and friend, Emmy Thorton, insists on joining him. Not a good idea—not when he loves her, but carries a secret that he knows will tear them apart.
Emmy knows Logan will pursue the investigation no matter the cost, and she won’t let the man she loves plunge into a dangerous situation alone. She needs to be at his side, even if he believes friendship is her only reason for joining him.
What looks like a robbery gone wrong rapidly shifts, drawing Emmy and Logan into a dizzying maze where nothing is as it appears. Every lead slips through their fingers as threats against them grow deadlier at each turn. Having only each other to rely on, their love for one another deepens, but will they live long enough to admit their attraction to each other?
They’re in the killer’s sights. One wrong move puts their future together and their lives on the line.
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