SUBMERGED, by Dani Pettrey

Bailey Craig is a reluctant visitor to Yancey, Alaska, the town she fled as a young adult. The mistakes she made as a teenager haunt her, and she's sure the memories live on in Yancey as well.
However, a funeral and business affairs force her return. Once there, she can’t avoid crossing paths with Cole McKenna, the man she,s never been able to forget. Seeing him brings back the shame of her past. As much as she tries to avoid Cole, a murder forces her to work closely with him to find the person responsible.
With Submerged, Dani Pettrey has crafted a compelling suspense novel. As the tension escalates,the story grabs the reader and doesn't let go. The deep-water diving scenes had me holding my breath.
The faith element is seamlessly woven into Submerged. Bailey's reluctance to believe she’s worthy in God's eyes is something many of us may have struggled with at some point in our lives.
Some of the scenes are a bit intense. I recommend Submerged wholeheartedly, but the story is best suited for older teens and adults.

SHORT-STRAW BRIDE, by Karen Witemeyer

The four Archer brothers protect their land at all costs. Visitors are discouraged with the business end of a rifle. Yet when Meredith Hayes overhears a plot to burn the brothers' property, an old obligation compels her to brave their locked gate and deliver a warning.
During the events that follow, Meredith is injured and unable to leave Archer land. Travis Archer, the eldest of the brothers, decides that the only way to save Meredith's reputation is for the brothers to draw straws to decide who should marry her. Short straw gets the bride.
Continued threats to the ranch, and to Meredith's family, in addition to her wish to be loved for herself rather than be the bride of a man who got stuck with the short straw, fill Short-Straw Bride with suspenseful action and sweet romance.
Short-Straw Bride is an enjoyable story, perfect for summertime reading.

STATE OF WONDER, by Ann Patchett

State of Wonder is a stunningly absorbing novel. Dr. Marina Singh, a research scientist with a pharmaceutical company in Minnesota, is pressed into traveling to Brazil to confirm the success of a project her company is funding.

Numerous factors complicate her mission. For one, the doctor she is to locate is stationed far in the jungle. The few people who know where she is guard that knowledge fiercely. An even larger complication is the fact that the previous scientist sent to Brazil died in the jungle. 

State of Wonder is an apt title for this novel. There were scenes I read wide-eyed and holding my breath.

Patchett is the bestselling author of Bel Canto, which has won a number of prestigious awards. State of Wonder is every bit as good. The story speeds along at a thrilling pace. The conclusion is spellbinding. 

A story to be re-read and savored, State of Wonder goes on my keeper shelf.