Author: Dora Hiers

Shattered by Dani Pettrey ~ My Review

/ Dora Hiers

About the book~

Piper McKenna couldn’t be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed–but despite the evidence, Reef swears he’s innocent. And Piper believes him.


Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he’s also sworn to find the truth. Piper is frustrated with his need for facts over faith, but he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth may mean risking Landon’s career.

With Piper waging her own search, the two head deep into Canada’s rugged backcountry–and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.


Sharing my take~

Piper McKenna would make a great friend: trusting, devoted to her family, sweet, dogged about her beliefs, and right now she believes in her brother’s innocence. She strives for open communication in relationships, while Landon prefers not to lay all his cards on the table. It doesn’t help his cause when he’s forced to investigate Piper’s brother for murder.
I have a feeling I missed a major event introducing Piper and Landon’s story in the first book of Pettrey’s Alaskan Courage series, Submerged, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of Shattered. Shattered picks up with Landon’s realization that he’s way past the friend stage with Piper, but she doesn’t have a clue about her feelings, or his, yet. 

The author did a fabulous job with characterization. You either loved characters, like Piper, or you hated them, like Meredith. The dialog between Piper and Landon was fun and witty, and in some spots, laugh out loud. I loved getting to know the rest of the McKenna family, too. 

The first few pages required a second go-through to familiarize myself with everybody and what was happening, but then, WOW! It’s been a long time since I enjoyed a book this much, a book that made me forget about watching my favorite television shows, cooking dinner, picking up the grandkids from school, you fill in the blank. The suspense, while not nail-biting, was enough to keep me turning the pages, and the romance satisfied my sweet spot.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series which I’m fairly sure will feature Gage and Darcy’s romance. And YES, I liked this book so much, I already scooped up Submerged on Amazon.

Shattered releases with Bethany House Publisher on 2/1/13. You may pre-order Shattered here.
Your turn.
What was the last book you read that you enjoyed so much that it kept you from your normal routine?


Disclaimer: A huge thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publisher for providing me with a free advance copy in exchange for my fair and unbiased review.

Doctor to the Rescue by Cheryl Wyatt ~ My Review

/ Dora Hiers

The back cover ~

Combat doctor Ian Shupe returns home from overseas with his most important mission: to raise his little girl. But Ian’s a single dad, and working at Eagle Point’s trauma center means having to find child care. When bighearted, struggling lodge owner Bri Landis offers babysitting in exchange for construction work, Ian accepts. He vows to keep his emotional distance from Bri, yet can’t deny that his daughter is blossoming under her tender care. But is he ready to believe that his heart’s deepest prayer may finally be answered?

My take ~
Stressed from overwork and frustrated with losing so much of his daughter’s life while in active service, Ian’s a single dad trying to build a relationship with Tia. Recently divorced, he covers for his ex-wife and determines not to make the matrimonial mistake again. Six months after ending an emotionally abusive relationship, Bri initially finds Ian’s brooding temper much like that of her ex-boyfriend. Until she realizes that’s just a symptom of the real hurt.

I have enjoyed all of Cheryl Wyatt’s books, this one included. The characters carry around so much emotional baggage and hurt from the past, you wonder how they’ll ever reach their happily-ever-after, so you stay up past your bedtime just to find out. Even little Tia, Ian’s daughter, rebels against her daddy, calling him Ian and lashing out at him for her mother’s abandonment. Bri helps repair the relationship between Daddy and daughter. I especially like how the faith theme weaves gently throughout this book, for example, how Bri explains to Tia how God communicates. That was such a precious conversation.

Probably the only beef I have with Doctor to the Rescue is that so much happened in the last few pages, that I felt it was a bit rushed. But that didn’t detract from the story. Just made me wish it were longer. 🙂

Purchase Link

Disclaimer: Thanks to Cheryl Wyatt for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and unbiased review.

WHEN TRUTH WHISPERS coming March 15!

/ Dora Hiers / 2 Comments

Did she want Hunter to kiss her? An ache, a need, started in her sock-covered toes and zapped all the way to her lips. Yeah. She did. Her free palm cupped his whisker-roughened cheek and slid down to his jawline, ending with a caress around his lips. “But I’m not laughing, now.”

His eyes darkened, his nostrils flared. His jaw tensed under her hand. “No. I see that. But are you sure this is what you want, Teal? I don’t play games where matters of the heart are concerned. Yours, or mine.”



I’m thrilled to introduce Hunter and Teal from When Truth Whispers.

After a humiliating breakup, best-selling romance author Teal Benning flees to Promise Lake to complete her current novel, minus paparazzi and flashing cameras. Suffering from writer’s block and a broken heart, Teal accepts the offer of help from neighbor, Hunter Miciver.
Hunter longs to be more than the friend who picks up the shattered pieces of Teal’s heart, but when Teal finds out his secret, will she see him for the man he is—a man of faith and devotion, a man who would cherish her for the rest of her days—or will she lump him into the same category as all the other men in her life, including her father?

Will Teal recognize when truth whispers her name?

Coming March 15, 2013

White Rose Publishing.