Meet and Greet is a regular feature on my blog. Be forewarned…Unlike the typical interview, these brief questions will get to the true heart of my guests…or at least the heart of what’s in their kitchen. Grab a latte (or other beverage of your choice), find a comfy chair, and prepare to make a new friend.
Dani and her husband on their 20th anniversary
I’m so excited to welcome Dani Pettrey here today! I’m a huge fan of her books and have gotten pretty much all my friends and family hooked on them as well. If you haven’t checked them out, you should rectify that asap. Dani was a Meet-and-Greet guest here last April, so I thought it’d be fun to put a twist on her 2nd interview and do a V-Day theme. (And she offered to give away a copy of her book AND a box of Godivas, so keep reading!)
Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.
To connect with Dani, you can visit her at the following places: her website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest.
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Welcome, Dani! Let’s get to the questions, shall we?
Opener Question: What seven words best describe your husband? (Had to throw in that V-Day twist. 
)
Strong, courageous, intelligent, handsome, hilarious, hardworking, and compassionate
Either/Or Questions:
1) How you met your hubby: Love at first sight or Grew into love?
My husband asked me to dance. It was pretty much love at first sight. We were engaged three weeks after we started dating and married less than five months later. I know it sounds crazy fast, but we just celebrated our 20th.
2) Romantic getaway: Weekend in Paris or Caribbean cruise?
Between the two, I’d say a weekend in Paris as I love Europe, but if I could pick any place for a romantic getaway I’d probably pick the south of France instead. It’s gorgeous!
3) A day with your Valentine: Walk in the park or Go to the movies?
Both sound lovely, but we really enjoy movies so I’ll go with that—followed by a romantic dinner, of course.
4) Valentine’s dinner: Surf-and-turf or Italian feast?
Hmm. Tough question. I’m going to say Italian Feast. My husband and I really enjoy Little Italy.
5) What you’ll wear: Fancy dress or Jeans and a nice sweater?
Fancy dress. I don’t dress up often so when the occasion presents itself…
6) Sweet treat: Box of chocolates or Strawberry cheesecake?
Definitely chocolate—the darker the better!
7) Valentine flowers: Roses or Calla lilies?
Calla lilies. They are my favorite!
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I agree, Dani. Calla lilies are gorgeous, aren’t they? I loved your answers, especially the one about how you met your husband. Talk about a whirlwind courtship! But when you know, you know, right? I’m still amazed you’ve been married 20 years and have teenage daughters. You need to bottle up your secret for looking young and sell it.
Thanks so much for being here today! I loved hosting you.
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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. 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, and he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With the sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, pursuing the truth in this case could mean the end of Landon’s career.
As Piper wages 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 the search for answers is becoming deadlier with each step.
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Blog Readers: Let’s talk…Whose marriage is a shining example to you, and what do you admire most about them? Or if you’re drawing a blank on that question, which would you choose: a Caribbean cruise or a weekend in Paris?
*Giveaway Details: Dani has offered to give away a copy of Shattered, as well as a box of Godiva chocolates! All you have to do is leave a comment. (For extra entries, you can Tweet or share this post on Facebook…I’ll add an extra entry for each. Just make sure to mention it in your comment.) Winner will be announced in next Monday’s post. Good luck!
**The winner of last week’s Amazon giveaway is Jan Bolton! I’ll contact you this week with details.
My parents have a marriage that stands proud. It has not been rosy 100% of the time, but that’s life.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Mary,
No marriage is rosy 100% of the time. Marriage is full of love, but also takes work and a ton of God’s grace
There is a couple in our church named Orv and Jan who have a great marriage. They just seem to be a perfect fit and show Godly respect for one another. I can’t believe how Orv plans outings that he knows his wife will enjoy. They love each other deeply and that is so touching to me. They’ve been married 40+ years.
I would love to win a copy of Shattered and the chocolates would just be an added bonus!
I shared about this contest on FB.
Blessings!
Judy
judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com
40 years. Wow! That’s wonderful. How sweet he still plans outings. I love that!
I would to say my grandparents. They were married for 71 years. If my Grandpa lived another two months, it would have been 72. Amazes me. Grandpa passed 8 years ago this month and Grandma passed last year, six months shy of being 100 years old!
Wow! That is absolutely the longest I’ve ever heard. Congratulations to them. They must have been such an amazing example to you
https://twitter.com/AmyBooksy/status/300947617960058880
Aw…that really must have been some initial interaction.
My husband and I recently decided we want to go to the south of France after watching an International House Hunters.
Love Dani! (Excited to read her book…already have my copy!)
~ Wendy
Waving hi, Wendy! We were in the south of France a couple years ago and it is GORGEOUS!
Definitely a weekend in Paris!!!! I’m in Florida. It’s basically the Caribbean. LOL Congrats on 20 years!! What a beautiful story.
Thanks, Jessica! As we’re in Maryland in the midst of winter (though it hasn’t been bad so far this year) I’m very jealous of Florida right now
i would love a week in paris…a great posting sarah & dani.
happy valentine’s day.
Thanks, Karen. Happy Valentine’s Day!
I’m just reading Dani’s first book now and LOVING it! And whose marriage is a shining example to me–definitely, definitely my parents.
Hey Melissa,
So glad you’re loving Shattered!
Enjoyed learning more about Dani. Thanks, ladies!
I would choose a weekend in Paris. There is a Paris, KY, not far from where I live, but I think I’d prefer Paris, France!
Thanks, Karen. So glad you enjoyed the interview.
LOL! Yep, I’m pretty sure I’d prefer Paris, France too
Engaged after three weeks – I bet there is a romantic story to go along with that
I would like a weekend in Paris, a great place to spend our anniversary someday.
Dani and her husband’s romance sounds a bit like mine.
Blessings, Tina Rice
tfrice@comcast.net
That’s cool, Tina. Wanna share? But please don’t feel pressured to
Mmmmm, a Caribbean cruise or a weekend in Paris….I think I will go with a weekend in Paris:)
Also, shared on FB
Hey Jessica! Yep. I’m with you. I’d definitely choose a weekend in Paris
Paris. I’ve been there. I would go back in a heart beat. So much history. So much romance. So much I DIDN’T get to see.
Definitely jealous, Loree
Sounds like you had a fabulous time. That’s awesome! Would love to see the Eiffel Tower one day.
I’d love to win a copy of Shattered. Than you for featuring Dani today!
Nancee
quiltcat26 [at] sbcglobal [dot] net
Thanks so much for dropping by, Nancee
Shared on FB.
Nancee
My grandparents marriage is a great example in my life! They’ve always set a good example of what a marriage should be, but now it just shines more as life changes (such as my grandpa having alzhiemers) and yet their marriage and commitment to each other is still strong.
Shared contest on twitter https://twitter.com/S_Tyler1/status/301079865522802688
Wow. That’s an amazing example, Samantha. Thanks so much for sharing
I’d love to win the contest. The only thing missing from the book and chocolate is some coffee!(o:
So true, Kate. Coffee completes the package
My parents kept thier vows till death do us part, my mom went to be with the Lord 1 month after thier 52 wedding day. my day said im 77 still young but no other will take her place
Awww, that’s beautiful, Shirley
My aunt and uncles marriage is a shining example to me. They have been married 60 years and have been through so much. They lost a child and now she is legally blind and he has alzhiemers but they have a true unending love for each other. Loved the interview!
So glad you enjoyed the interview, Maryann. Wow, that is true love. Thanks so much for sharing!
Grandparents are going on 72 years….just love their commitment and attitude…grandpa says I love you everyday and Grandma has a servants heart.
So wonderful to hear, Eliza. Thanks so much for sharing
My grandparents marriage.They’ve always set a good example of what a marriage should be. Even though my grandpa had alzhiemers.He passed away about a week after their anniversary.
So glad you had such an amazing example, Sarah. Sorry to hear about your grandpa’s passing. It’s hard losing a loved one, even when they’re older. My grandma passed last year at the age of 95 and while I’m thrilled she’s in Heaven after being a widow for close to 50 years, I still miss her terribly.
Aww.. that picture! So sweet. Of course, being a hopeless romantic, I find everything related to love ‘so sweet’…really liked today’s post! What great words you used to describe your husband, Dani. Bless your marriage.
To answer the question: My parents’ marriage! My dad is always saying how him and my mom made the right choice to wait on God for a spouse. They are living testimonies that God can give us immeasurably more than we ask for.
Blessings!
Just shared the post on Twitter! Please include me in the giveaway. Thanks!
That is soooo true, Ganise. Thanks so much for sharing!
I love learning a little more about the writer behind the story. Thanks for sharing, Dani.
http://www.jeannedoyon.blogspot.com
http://www.streams-edge.blogspot.com
So glad you enjoyed the interview, Jeanne. Thanks for stopping by
I love books about Alaska and am really looking forward to reading this series! Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
I Tweeted on Twitter.
I Shared/Posted on Facebook.
Jasmine A.
montanamade(at)gmail(dot)com
Duh! Forgot to answer the question! My answer would be a trip to Ireland, but if I had to choose between Paris and the Caribbean, I would pick the Pirate history of the Caribbean.
Hi Jasmine,
Thanks so much for dropping by and sharing the interview! Appreciate it. Ireland looks gorgeous. Would love a trip there myself
My mom & dad had a great marriage .. They were married way over the 50 years.. Please enter me in the give away. Thanks.
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Elizabeth. That’s wonderful to hear
I shared on Facebook. Thanks
Hello, everyone! Wow, you all have been busy today, and I love reading your answers, especially the testimonies of successful marriages. My grandparents are a shining example for me. My grandpa just passed away last fall. Before his passing, my ultra-extroverted grandmother spent months at home with him, caring for him. At his funeral, she said it was the least she could do since he loved and provided for her for so many years.
I wish you all a wonderful week, and have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
My parents’ marriage is worth admiring. Most people in my little world haven’t kept their marriage together as long as my mom and dad (nearly 30 years). I hope to be able to say the same about myself one day.
Neat interview, ladies!
Andrea Cox
andrearenee2004@yahoo.com
Thanks, Andrea. So glad you enjoyed the interview, and that’s awesome about your parents
Chocolate and books, my two favorite things! A marriage that is very inspiring to me is my parents. They’ve been married for 22 years and they still go on a date every week.
Hi Marissa,
That’s so cool that your parents still go on a date every week!
A Caribbean cruise would be my choice – anywhere near water will always be my favorite place to go. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity – a book & chocolate, love them both!
bonnieroof60@yahoo.com
Thanks so much for dropping by and entering, Bonnie
I’m a water girl myself!
I must be under a rock, but I didn’t realized Dani’s second book was out already!!! LOVED Submerged, and being introduced to McKenna and Landon! I can’t wait to read your newest, Dani.
Loved reading about your whirlwind romance. My husband and I actually looked at rings right at the 3-week mark, but waited until just around a year to tie the knot (it was that, or I’d have to pay for my last semester of my master’s degree….).
So glad you enjoyed Submerged, Jeannie
Hope you’ll enjoy Piper and Landon’s story too 