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WORK TITLE: Imperfect Justice
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S): Putman, Cara C.
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.caraputman.com/
CITY:
STATE: IN
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY:
http://www.caraputman.com/blog/; http://www.caraputman.com/contact/
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Married; four children.
EDUCATION:Graduate of University of Nebraska-Lincoln (with honors); George Mason Law School, J.D.; Purdue University, Krannert School of Management, M.B.A., 2015.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer, attorney, and university lecturer.
MEMBER:American Christian Fiction Writers.
RELIGION: Christian.WRITINGS
Also author of nonfiction book The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Business Law. A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island was also published in the anthology Waterfront Weddings, 2013. Work represented in other anthologies, including Where Treetops Glisten.
SIDELIGHTS
Cara Putman has written many romance novels with a Christian viewpoint, often involving mysteries, and several of them have historical settings. “I’ve always had a love for good books and stories,” she told Rachel McRae in an interview for the LifeWay blog. “When I was a teen, my favorite authors didn’t write new books fast enough – now I understand why! But at the time I thought they should be able to write more books in a year, so I decided to try my hand at it. Life intervened after I’d started two books, but the desire to write never died. In God’s perfect timing, He resurrected the dream and gave me the green light to chase the dream again.” Putman, who is also an attorney and university lecturer, was inspired to write after meeting author Colleen Coble at a book signing. “With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen,” Putman noted on her home page. “Since those infamous words, I’ve been writing books.”
Shadowed by Grace
Shadowed by Grace, set during World War II, involves a young photographer with a member of the Monuments Men–art experts serving in the military with the duty of rescuing European artworks that were damaged in the war or seized by the Nazis. American photojournalist Rachel Justice arrives in Italy to document the war’s progress, and Lt. Scott Lindstrom, an art historian and Monuments Man, is assigned to look after her. Rachel has a secret motivation for traveling to Italy, however–she want to find her father and persuade him to help pay for her mother’s treatment for tuberculosis. She knows he is Italian–her mother, an aspiring artist, had fled Italy while pregnant with Rachel–but her only other clue to his identity is a sketchbook bearing his initials. Rachel is wary of anything that might interfere with her mission, including the possibility of falling in love with Scott.
Several reviewers thought the novel an engaging story that explores a little-known aspect of WWII– Putman has noted she was inspired to write it by reading a nonfiction book on the Monuments Men. “Shadowed by Grace is a stunning piece of historical fiction,” commented Lori Twichell at her eponymous website. “As the characters weave their way back and forth over the front lines, we get pieces of history, fact, and art that make it a far richer experience than the typical historical novel.” A Publishers Weekly critic found it marred by “choppy writing” and an excess of coincidence, but added: “Those who love Italian art won’t mind.” Rebecca Barlow Jordan, writing at the blog bearing her name, praised the novel without reservation, calling it “an intriguing story, well researched from a historical setting that brings that period of time alive with fascinating characters and escalating adventure.” In Historical Novels Review, Viviane Crystal summed up Shadowed by Grace as “spiritual historical fiction that is sweet and inspiring but also a very realistic read.”
Putman draws on her legal knowledge for Beyond Justice, a contemporary romantic mystery, set in present-day Washington, DC. Hayden McCarthy is an ambitious young lawyer eager to make partner at her firm. She has just won a challenging case, and now her firm assigns her one that seems even more so, a lawsuit against the federal government for the wrongful death of an undocumented immigrant. She is told it is the kind of case that can make her career or ruin it. Hayden encounters many obstacles, such as a lack of cooperation from the victim’s mother, government entities, and even her firm. She wonders if she has been set up to fail, and her assignment soon becomes not just frustrating but dangerous. Further complicating matters is her attraction to her roommate Emilie’s cousin, Andrew Wesley, a congressman’s son who is also a political cartoonist, under a pseudonym, and fears exposure.
Some critics found Beyond Justice compelling. “Cara Putman definitely knows her legal stuff, but she includes it in a way that doesn’t leave the reader scratching their head wondering what’s going on,” related a blogger at Fiction Aficionado, who further noted that “the romance between Andrew and Hayden develops gently and steadily.” The blogger pronounced the novel “a great read.” Another online reviewer, at Faithfully Bookish, described Beyond Justice as “a riveting story with just the right blend of suspense and romance,” plus “authentic characters and legal depth that doesn’t go over the average reader’s head.”
Imperfect Justice
Emilie Wesley, Hayden McCarthy’s roommate, is the protagonist of Imperfect Justice. Emilie, also a lawyer, has taken on a case involving an abused woman, Kaylene Adams, who was in the process of leaving her husband, Robert. Early in the novel, Kaylene is killed by police, who say she had shot her two young daughters, killing Kaydence, a teenager, and critically wounding Kinley, age nine. Emilie is convinced her client would never do such a thing, so she sets out to clear Kaylene’s name and find out who actually shot the two girls. She joins forces with Reid Billings, Kaylene’s brother, who also believes in her innocence and would like to gain custody of Kinley, who lies comatose in a hospital. Kaylene had left him a letter imploring him to fight for custody of the girls if anything happened to her, but Robert has blocked Reid from even visiting Kinley. Robert appears to be grieving the deaths of Kaylene and Kaydence, while showing concern for Kinley, but Emilie and Reid think this appearance is deceiving. They keep on investigating even though Emilie’s boss advises her to give it up. Along the way, she is pursued by a stalker and begins a romance with Reid.
Several critics pronounced Imperfect Justice a success. It “may just be the perfect legal suspense thriller,” observed an online reviewer at Just Commonly. Putman “tackled some tough issues” with “sensitivity and perceptiveness” in a story that “is compelling from the start,” the reviewer continued. A Publishers Weekly commentator considered the plot “overly busy” but allowed that the novel “will satisfy fans of romantic suspense.” A contributor to the Fiction Aficionado Web site expressed no reservations in commending the book. “The story builds, layer upon layer, toward a pretty tense climax,” while “the romance follows a gentle and natural trajectory,” the reviewer observed, concluding that Imperfect Justice is “a great read for those who enjoy legal suspense with a side of romance.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Historical Novels Review, February, 2014, Viviane Crystal, review of Shadowed by Grace.
Publishers Weekly, November 4, 2013, review of Shadowed by Grace, p. 47; October 9, 2017, review of Imperfect Justice, p. 47.
ONLINE
Adventures in La La Land, http://thevanderkoddes.blogspot.com/ (May 9, 2017), review of Beyond Justice.
Cara Putman Website, http://www.caraputman.com (March 27, 2018).
Faithfully Bookish, http://www.faithfullybookish.com/ (May 30, 2017), review of Beyond Justice.
Fiction Aficionado, https://fictionaficionadoblog.wordpress.com/ (April 24, 2017), review of Beyond Justice; (December 11, 2017), review of Imperfect Justice.
Just Commonly, http://justcommonly.blogspot.com/ (December 8, 2017), review of Imperfect Justice.
LifeWay Web log, http://blog.lifeway.com/ (February 7, 2014), Rachel McRae, interview with Cara Putman.
Lori Twichell Website, http://www.loritwichell.com/ (April 4, 2014), review of Shadowed by Grace.
My Full Cup, https://myfullcup.wordpress.com/ (December 23, 2017), review of Imperfect Justice.
Rebecca Barlow Jordan Website, http://www.rebeccabarlowjordan.com/ (March 27, 2018), review of Shadowed by Grace.
Valerie Comer Website, https://valeriecomer.com/ (June 13, 2012), review of A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island.
Series
Nebraska Brides
1. Canteen Dreams (2007)
Cornhusker Dreams
1. Cornhusker Dreams (2009)
2. Sandhill Dreams (2012)
3. Captive Dreams (2012)
Buckeye Promises
1. A Promise Kept (2012)
2. A Promise Born (2012)
3. A Promise Forged (2010)
Buckeye Promises (omnibus) (2017)
Hidden Justice
Beyond Justice (2017)
Imperfect Justice (2017)
Delayed Justice (2018)
Novels
Deadly Exposure (2008)
Trial by Fire (2009)
Stars in the Night (2010)
A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island (2012)
Shadowed by Grace (2013)
Omnibus
Ohio Brides (2011)
Cherry Blossom Capers (2012) (with Gina Conroy, Frances Devine and Lynette Sowell)
Rainbow's End (2012) (with Valerie Comer, Annalisa Daughety and Nicole O'Dell)
Waterfront Weddings (2013) (with Annalisa Daughety)
Novellas
Dying for Love (2017)
Hidden Love (2017)
Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I've been writing award-winning books with the count currently at 25.
In addition to writing, I am a homeschooling mom of four, attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women's ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband, and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), George Mason Law School, and Purdue University's MBA program. You can learn more about my books at http://www.caraputman.com. And if you'd like a copy of my legal suspense novella, Dying for Love, simply connect with me here (http://www.caraputman.com/contact/) , and I'll send you the link.
Quoted in Sidelights: With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I’ve been writing books.
Hello! I finished high school at sixteen, graduated from college at 20, and completed my law degree when I was 27. Then I added a MBA in 2015 — what can I say? I had a few minutes to spare.
My writing journey started in 2005 when I decided to write my first novel. Now I have twenty-one books and three repackages published with more on the way.
People say I’ve accomplished a lot and that I must have life by the proverbial tail.
Hardly! I grew up as a homeschooled kid when homeschoolers were misunderstood and oddities.
I struggle with balancing my writing and law career, plus being a good mom and wife.
I often fear people won’t like my books.
I’ve walked through the deep pain of miscarriage.
And I’m always afraid I won’t get my kids everywhere they need to go…let alone get them there on time!
Really, I’m just like you – I don’t have it all together and have gone through tough times.
But in His strength, I’ve discovered a strength I never knew I had. A strength I want you to discover, too.
In the end I’m just an ordinary mom who has seen God do some wonderful things as I’ve been obedient to step into the calling He’s led me into.
What about you? What’s your story? I’d love to hear it. You can contact me here.
Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I’ve been writing books.
In addition to writing, I am an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), George Mason Law School (JD), and Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management (MBA). You can learn more about my books at http://www.caraputman.com.
Quoted in Sidelights: “I’ve always had a love for good books and stories,” she told Rachel McRae in an interview for the LifeWay blog. “When I was a teen, my favorite authors didn’t write new books fast enough – now I understand why! But at the time I thought they should be able to write more books in a year, so I decided to try my hand at it. Life intervened after I’d started two books, but the desire to write never died. In God’s perfect timing, He resurrected the dream and gave me the green light to chase the dream again.”
Shadowed by Grace by Cara Putman
February 7, 2014 By Rachel McRae 0 Comments
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More from top historical novelist Cara Putman
We’re continuing our Cara Putman-pa-loo-za this week as we celebrate her new novel Shadowed by Grace. On Monday Cara shared how she dreamed up her book after learning about The Monuments Men from World War II. She’s stopping back by today to share more about the story as well as some other great tidbits on what she’s working on next.
Oh, and don’t forget… LifeWay Christian Stores is currently running Shadowed by Grace at 50% off! The sale is good at your local store or at lifeway.com.
Welcome back, Cara!
Shadowed by Grace, your latest novel, involves a unique group of soldiers dedicated to saving art and architecture during WWII. What got you interested in the Monuments Men?
It was one of those God moments. I have deep respect and admiration for the men and women of the Greatest Generation, and I love telling their stories. Because of that, I’m always on the lookout for new ideas that will spark into a book. In the summer of 2010, I stumbled across a nonfiction book, Monuments Men, and was introduced to this small band of soldiers. Their stories captured me…and the art added a unique twist to the story. It became a story that burned in my heart to tell.
Shadowed by Grace focuses on some of the endeavors the Monuments Men undertook in Italy. I knew little of the Italian front and discovered a diary that gave voice to the Italian experience. That added with what I was learning about the efforts of the Monuments Men to save priceless monuments and paintings convinced me this was a story I wanted to write. Then I discovered the heroine and her search, and it became part of me. I love this story and am thrilled by the early reactions I’m hearing.
Are you an art buff or was that something you had to become more knowledgeable in to write the story?
I wasn’t an art buff until two things happened. 1) I took a tour at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. It was the tour where they take you to four paintings. Only four! But those four were amazing. Then 2) I took art history in college because I knew I would fail music appreciation. Even then I knew myself well enough to know I was a visual learner rather than audio. So when I discovered the Monuments Men it tied into the appreciation I already had for the great masters whose works were scattered all over Europe. Add in the grand buildings and cathedrals, and I could see how important it was to make an effort to preserve them in the first war of widespread aerial bombardment.
Introduce us briefly to the main characters in Shadowed by Grace.
Rachel Justice is a photojournalist on her way to Italy to cover the war. But she’s really there to search for the father she never knew. She’s surprised that her journey includes a search for love and a search for her heavenly Father.
Scott Lindstrom is a museum curator assigned to the Monuments Men. He’s one of the elite group of men assigned the task of saving western civilization. In Italy the army didn’t know what to do with the Monuments Men, so his job was compounded and made even more difficult.
Part of what makes this story so unique is the fact that the heroine is a photojournalist. Not only was photojournalism a new discipline at the time, but few women were allowed to see the front lines. What kind of challenges did that pose for you while writing the book?
I wanted to create a unique job that a woman could have on or near the front lines. If she could be an artist in her own right, all the better. That made war photojournalist the perfect role for Rachel. I found it fascinating to research the women who filled those jobs. Everything from their dress to how they worked in the field had to be explored. Once I found a couple key books, it made it easier. But I didn’t know much about war correspondents until I started writing this book. It’s a good thing I love history and getting the details right.
Which of your books is your favorite?
Stars in the Night would tie with Shadowed by Grace. Stars in the Night was the first time I got to tell a fuller WWII story and it incorporate the glitz and glamour of classic Hollywood with a unique piece of WWII homefront history and a body count. Shadowed by Grace contains a piece of WWII history with the Monuments Men that fascinated me and it’s the first time I got to tell an international story, which has its own set of challenges.
What made you decide to start creating characters and story world?
I’ve always had a love for good books and stories. When I was a teen, my favorite authors didn’t write new books fast enough – now I understand why! But at the time I thought they should be able to write more books in a year, so I decided to try my hand at it. Life intervened after I’d started two books, but the desire to write never died. In God’s perfect timing, He resurrected the dream and gave me the green light to chase the dream again.
What can we expect from you next?
My next project is a Christmas WWII novella collection with Tricia Goyer and Sarah Sundin entitled Treetops Glisten. I love Tricia and Sarah and their WWII novels, so it was a joy to work with them on this collection. We got on the phone and started brainstorming a collection of stories that would fit with the type of WWII novels we each write. “Should be near a big city but have a small town feel.” “Probably located in the Midwest.” “Needs war industry and a university.” I started laughing as I listened, because they were describing Lafayette, Indiana, where I live.
It was fun to work in collaboration on everything from where they would live, to family timelines, to sibling order, etc. Writing is so often solitary, but writing this collection allowed us to step outside of that. Sarah came out in September to do some on-site research. Tricia will be here in February, so it will be fun to take her to the candy shop my heroine works at, drive her by the Turner home, and more.
——
Cara C. Putman graduated high school at 16, college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. An award-winning author of seventeen books with more on the way, she is active in women’s ministry at her church and is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. Putman is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at Krannert. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana. You can connect with her online at: her website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.
About the book:
Rachel Justice is desperate to save her dying mother. She doesn’t want to leave her, but she accepts her newspaper’s assignment to travel to Italy and photograph war images. No one knows her photography is a cover and that Rachel is really seeking to find the father she never knew, hopeful to get some help with her failing mother. Dedicated to her mission, Rachel is focused on completing it. Soon, though, she finds her priorities and plans changing when she is assigned to Lt. Scott Lindstrom, on mission as a Monument Man. Their meeting will have far-reaching consequences. Will this derail her plans? Will she ever find her father? Is her faith enough to carry her through?
Quoted in Sidelights: “overly busy” “will satisfy fans of romantic suspense.”
Imperfect Justice
Publishers Weekly. 264.41 (Oct. 9, 2017): p47+.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Imperfect Justice
Cara Putman. Thomas Nelson, $15.99 trade
paper (352p) ISBN 978-0-7180-8348-9
Washington, D.C., lawyer Hayden McCarthy starred in Putman's Beyond Justice; now Hayden's roommate, lawyer Emilie Wesley, takes center stage in this overly busy melodrama with a Christian flavor. A grainy video supports the theory that Kaylene Adams, who was trying to break away from her abusive husband, Robert, killed herself after shooting her two daughters: teenage Kaydence died and nine-year-old Kinley was critically wounded. Before the shooting, Kaylene left a note addressed to her Wall Street executive brother, Reid Billings, asking him to seek custody of her daughters with the help of her attorney, Emilie, should anything happen to her. Emilie, who knows Kaylene would never have harmed her girls, and Reid join forces in their common desire to understand what happened and to protect comatose Kinley. Their task is complicated by a stalker pursuing Emilie and her boss's insistence that she leave the Adams case alone, as well as Robert's refusal to let Reid visit Kinley in the hospital. The hopeful ending will satisfy fans of romantic suspense. Agent: Karen Solem. Spencerbill Associates. (Dec.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Imperfect Justice." Publishers Weekly, 9 Oct. 2017, p. 47+. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A511293320/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=6b46f3f8. Accessed 21 Feb. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A511293320
Quoted in Sidelights: “choppy writing” “Those who love Italian art won’t mind.”
Shadowed by Grace
Publishers Weekly. 260.44 (Nov. 4, 2013): p47.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2013 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Shadowed by Grace
Cara C. Putman. B&H, $14.99 trade paper (352p) ISBN 978-1-4336-8178-3
Readers looking for a glimpse into an unusual facet of World War II will especially enjoy Putman's newest tale of love and history--about the Monuments Men, who crossed Europe seeking to preserve its artistic heritage in the wake of war's devastation. Photographer Rachel Justice finagles an assignment to Italy, but her real motive is to find her long-lost father, whom she hopes can pay for medical treatment for her ailing mother. Her only clue to his location is a sketchbook with mysterious initials. Rachel is assigned to the care of Lt. Scott Lindstrom, a Monuments Man dedicated to preserving Italy's priceless art after the German retreat. While Putman's premise is unique, the book suffers from choppy writing and a few too many chance meetings and coincidences to make it plausible. But those who love Italian art won't mind. Agent: Karen Solem, Spencerhill Associates. (Jan.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Shadowed by Grace." Publishers Weekly, 4 Nov. 2013, p. 47. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A351435230/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=ea713d73. Accessed 21 Feb. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A351435230
Quoted in Sidelights: “Shadowed by Grace is a stunning piece of historical fiction,” commented Lori Twichell at her eponymous Web site. “As the characters weave their way back and forth over the front lines, we get pieces of history, fact, and art that make it a far richer experience than the typical historical novel.”
Book Review: Shadowed by Grace by Cara Putman
4 Apr, 2014 in Books / Reviews tagged books / Fiction / Reviews by Twichie
Shadowed by Grace: A Story of Monuments Men by Cara Putman
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: B&H Books
Publication Date: January 1, 2014
Rachel Justice has one thing on her mind: saving her mother from a life threatening illness. Unfortunately, there are not many options for a single young woman during WWII. In fact, the only thing that she can truly consider is taking a dangerous assignment to the front lines in Europe as a photojournalist. With no one but her mother as family, there’s no one but Rachel to help her mother. There’s also no one to stop her from accepting this assignment. So young Rachel steps into the middle of a war with only her camera and her determination.
Where’s Rachel’s father? That’s one of the big questions that’s driving Rachel. A mystery her whole life, the question of her parentage has haunted her. Assuming from the numerous clues that he is an artist, the only thing she knows for sure is that he is an Italian. Armed with a sketchbook and some initials, she hopes that her new job will get her to an area where she can ask questions and find out who he is. Her hope is that maybe he’ll have the money to help her mother with treatments that could save her life.
When she arrives in Italy, she’s placed under the supervision and care of Scott Lindstrom. Scott’s mission also involves art in the war torn country, except he’s there to track it down and rescue it from the Germans. Scott is one of the Monuments Men. As an art historian, he studied in Italy, making him perfect for this job.
Set in war ravaged Italy, Shadowed by Grace is a stunning piece of historical fiction. As the characters weave their way back and forth over the front lines, we get pieces of history, fact, and art that make it a far richer experience than the typical historical novel. The story was jam packed with a good amount of mystery and adventure that kept me interested throughout. I loved the characters and the way that Putman switched between POV to keep it fresh. Even though there was a part of the plot that I’d guessed before the end, it still kept me engaged and surprised me at the way it turned out.
I enjoyed this book. As I was reading, I was reminded at times of the Gates of Zion by Brock and Bodie Thoene. For anyone who knows me, this is high praise as these are the books that made me want to spend my life crafting stories.
If you love historicals, you’ll love this one. Don’t miss it!
Review copy provided by the publicist.
Review: A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island by Cara Putman
June 13, 2012 by Valerie Comer
Alanna Stone left Mackinac Island after a tragic high school graduation party eleven years ago, vowing never to return. But when her father’s health lands him longterm in a mainland hospital bed and her parents can’t open their gallery on the Island in the spring, Alanna reluctantly agrees to take a brief respite from her work as an attorney to step in for a week or two until someone else can be hired or her mom can return. It’s only because a difficult murder trial has sapped all her energy and she needs a break anyway.
She never guessed Jonathan Covington, a mainlander who summered on the Island, had taken up permanent residence. She’d never have believed she hadn’t buried any and all feelings she’d every had for her teenage heart throb until she runs into him as she disembarks the ferry the very first day.
Alanna begins to seek the truth about the unfortunate incident long buried in the past. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that someone on the Island doesn’t want the truth to be told. Not only is she threatened, but so is Jonathan, and she’s not as over him as she’d thought.
A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island is a contemporary romantic suspense novel that talks about coming home. After 11 years, none of us can really return home. We’ve changed and home has changed. Far from a deep dark thriller-type story, A Wedding Transpires had just enough suspense to keep the pages turning as I tried to figure out the secrets before Alanna and Jonathan did.
Cara Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. She’s an attorney and a teacher at her church as well as lecturer at Purdue. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. She loves bringing history and romance to life.
An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska and George Mason University School of Law, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.
Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey.
I purchased the Kindle version of this book.
Quoted in Sidelights: “The story builds, layer upon layer, toward a pretty tense climax,” while “the romance follows a gentle and natural trajectory,” “a great read for those who enjoy legal suspense with a side of romance.”
Imperfect Justice (Cara Putman) – Review
Posted on December 11, 2017
by Fiction Aficionado
This review is posted as a part of a blog tour with Litfuse Publicity.
~ About the Book ~
The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can’t be talking about her client . . . can they?
To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie’s belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.
Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene’s letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.
Thrown together in the race to save Kaylene’s surviving daughter, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl—and find a future for themselves in the process?
Series: #2 Hidden Justice
Genre: Legal Suspense
Release date: 5 December 2017
Pages: 352
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Amazon US // Amazon AU // iBooks // Goodreads // Koorong
~ Excerpt ~
The words echoed in Emilie’s mind. Surely she hadn’t heard him correctly. “You want me to do what?”
“I want to fight for Kinley.” He took a sip of coffee, and Emilie noted his hands trembling.
“I don’t know that you can do that.”
“I want to try.” He set the cup down and then slipped his hands out of view. “I don’t know how well you knew Kaylene.”
“I thought very well.”
“Then you must wonder what really happened.”
“All week. The woman I knew wouldn’t have done everything they say no matter what some crazy phone video shows.”
“And they didn’t know her.” He put air quotes around they. “I didn’t either, not like I should have. Maybe you knew her better.”
He sighed, a sound so deep and broken she wanted to weep for him. “I need someone who will help me fight for Kinley, help me do what Kaylene asked.”
The words sounded like something a Don Quixote would state with the same level of conviction. Was this a fight she could join?
Was this a way to fix her failure?
Why was she even asking the question? It was her job to fight for those who were likely to lose. She relished the battles, so why did the thought cause her to duck beneath an intense wave of weariness and I-don’t-want-to?
It was almost as though Reid read her thoughts as he continued. “I need someone who knew her outside the media firestorm. Someone who knew her heart. Is that you?” There was a challenge in his eyes that made something rise inside her.
“You don’t know what you’re asking.”
“Then tell me.”
She took a deep breath and quickly evaluated him. Could he handle the truth or would it scare him? While he looked shaky around the edges, if he was anything like the brother Kaylene had described, there was a core there that could see this through to completion.
“Not here.” She glanced around the busy coffee shop. “If you’re serious about doing this, we need to make sure our conversations are protected by attorney-client privilege. That means having them in private.” Where should they go? Nowhere anyone would connect them to Kaylene. “We’ll start at my house.” She’d figure out where they could meet next after she knew he was committed.
Taken from “Imperfect Justice” by Cara Putman
Copyright © 2017 by Cara Putman
Used by permission of http://www.thomasnelson.com/
http://www.thomasnelson.com/imperfect-justice
~ Review ~
This novel definitely hit a few of my ‘passionate’ buttons. Seeking to exonerate the wrongly accused? Check. Trying to protect an innocent child? Check. Fighting to make sure a killer is held accountable for his crime? Check. Next to the excitement and drama of a case-changing cross-examination, these are probably three of the biggest reasons why I have always had a love of the law and a good legal suspense. Add in a subtle thread of romance and you’ve made me a very happy girl!
Kaylene Adams’ case is one that you can’t help but be invested in as a reader: A woman taking courageous steps to escape an abusive relationship, only to lose her life after supposedly killing one daughter and seriously injuring the other. Her younger brother Reid had no idea she was having any difficulties, but doesn’t believe she would kill her own daughter, so when his brother-in-law refuses to let him visit his surviving niece while she lies in the hospital in a coma, he is determined to do all he can to gain custody of her. But how do you prove she’s in danger from a man who gives every appearance of being a devoted father and grieving widower?
I wouldn’t class this as a thriller, personally—the suspense was much more of a gradual, but consistent build up—but there were plenty of layers to the tension. Emilie is not only fighting a sense of failure over Kaylene’s death, but she’s also struggling in her second job as a journalist; words—normally her superpower—are failing her, and the pressure is on for the next big story. Well, any story, actually! Her boss at the shelter has made it clear Emilie is to prioritize the cases of women who are still alive and can benefit from their help. And to top it all off, she’s being stalked, but she can’t work out who or why.
The story builds, layer upon layer, toward a pretty tense climax. In a story like this, it’s a relief when the romance follows a gentle and natural trajectory without adding further angst to the mix, which is exactly how things progress between Reid and Emilie. All in all, a great read for those who enjoy legal suspense with a side of romance.
I received a copy of this novel through Litfuse Publicity. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
~ Previous Books in the Series ~
~ About the Author ~
Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I’ve been writing books.
In addition to writing, I am an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), George Mason Law School (JD), and Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management (MBA).
Quoted in Sidelights: “Cara Putman definitely knows her legal stuff, but she includes it in a way that doesn’t leave the reader scratching their head wondering what’s going on,” related a blogger at Fiction Aficionado, who further noted that “the romance between Andrew and Hayden develops gently and steadily.”
“a great read.”
Beyond Justice (Cara Putman) – Review
Posted on April 24, 2017
by Fiction Aficionado
~ About the Book ~
Hayden McCarthy is on track to become the youngest partner in her prestigious D.C. law firm . . . if the case she’s just been handed doesn’t destroy her first.
Hayden McCarthy knows firsthand the pain when justice is not served. It’s why she became an attorney and why she’s so driven in her career. When she’s assigned a wrongful death case against the government, she isn’t sure if it’s the lucky break she needs to secure a partnership—or an attempt to make sure she never gets there.
Further complicating matters is Andrew, her roommate’s distractingly attractive cousin. But Andrew’s father is a Congressman, and Hayden’s currently taking on the government. Could the timing be any worse?
The longer she keeps the case active, the higher the stakes become. Unknown enemies seem determined to kill the case—or her. Logic and self-preservation would indicate she should close the case. But how can she, when justice is still just beyond her reach?
~ Excerpt ~
The fifteen minutes stretched as Hayden watched the clock and prayed, each tick of the clock feeling like an hour. Finally she dialed the number Leigh had scrawled on the note.
“This is Judy Foster.”
After exchanging introductions and small talk slowed down by the Texas drawl, Hayden steered the woman toward Miguel.
“My assistant told me you could help piece together when he was detained and confirm where he was held.”
“Sure enough.”
Hayden waited, attempting to be patient, as computer keys clacked in the background.
“Border Patrol picked him up December 17. He was held in a general facility down near the border, the first place to work into the system.”
A few more clicks while Hayden continued to wait.
“Here we go. Then he was sent to the JD facility. It only takes juveniles, and he barely fit that definition.”
“JD?”
“Juvenile detention, near Waco. Actual address is some small town near there. Should be turning eighteen in a few weeks, so he still qualifies. Not sure where they’ll move him next.”
Hayden blinked. Did the woman not realize Miguel was dead?
“Anything else you can tell me?”
Judy paused. “Can you remind me why you need to know?”
“His family is trying to locate him.” Well, trying to track down the details. She hoped God would forgive her that little stretch of the truth.
“There’s nothing else here.”
Hayden froze, her pen suspended above the legal pad. “What do you mean?”
“Just that. Nothing’s been recorded since his transfer. If he had a medical issue or something else to note, it would be here. Since his file is blank, he must be keeping his nose clean and out of trouble.”
Hayden tried to process this information. How did her client have a death certificate if the state of Texas believed this young man was alive and in the JD facility? Had her client been lied to? Or had Judy lied? Her mind conjured up the image of Miguel’s very dead body. No, Miguel was very dead, which meant someone had purposely not entered that information in the state database—or had purged it.
Her pulse pounded in her temple.
“Anything else I can do for you?” A tinge of impatience colored Judy’s voice as another phone rang in the background.
Hayden cleared her throat. “I appreciate your help. If you have time, this young man’s family would appreciate learning anything else you have. They’re concerned about him.”
“Sure. I’ll fax what I have.”
How could Miguel have disappeared from the system? He’d died in custody! A cover-up suggested more than murder.
~ Review ~
A good suspense is my cup of tea anytime, but make it a legal suspense and I’m extra happy, especially if there’s a good cross-examination. As it happens, this novel is all about the discovery process rather than court proceedings, but there was more than enough legal (and other) intrigue to keep me turning the pages.
Having just won a seemingly unwinnable case, Hayden McCarthy is immediately handed a new file and told, “This one has potential. The kind that can make your reputation. Or destroy it.” Um . . . no pressure! Unfortunately, no one is willing to cooperate with Hayden’s discovery attempts: not the victim’s mother, not the government, and not even her own law firm. The case involves the death in custody of an illegal immigrant and becomes more perplexing the further Hayden looks into it, not to mention more dangerous as the physical safety of both herself and others connected to the case becomes threatened. And that goes double for the ending!
The romance between Andrew and Hayden develops gently and steadily through the novel, and Andrew has a little dilemma of his own when someone threatens to reveal his nom de plume as political cartoonist, Roger Walters. Perhaps not a big deal under normal circumstances, but when you’re the son of a newly appointed senator . . .
Cara Putman definitely knows her legal stuff, but she includes it in a way that doesn’t leave the reader scratching their head wondering what’s going on. Nor does she burden the reader with explanations of legal processes—the reader understands all they need to through the unfolding of the story.
This was a great read, and I’m looking forward to the next in the series!
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review.
Release date: 4 April 2017
Pages: 384
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Amazon US // Amazon AU // iBooks // Goodreads // Koorong
~ Other Books in the Series ~
(Prequel) (Coming December 2017)
~ About the Author ~
Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I’ve been writing books.
In addition to writing, I am an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), George Mason Law School (JD), and Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management (MBA).
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Book Review: Beyond Justice by Cara Putman
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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Amazon Synopsis:
Hayden McCarthy knows firsthand the pain that follows when justice is not served. It’s why she became an attorney and why she’s so driven in her career. When she’s assigned a wrongful death case against the government, she isn’t sure if it’s the lucky break she needs to secure a partnership—or an attempt to make sure she never gets there. Further complicating matters is Andrew Wesley, her roommate’s distractingly attractive cousin. But Andrew’s father is a congressman, and Hayden’s currently taking on the government. Could the timing be any worse? The longer she keeps the case active, the higher the stakes become. Unknown enemies seem determined to kill the case—or her. Logic and self-preservation indicate she should close the case. But how can she, when justice is still just beyond her reach?
This book was not my favorite. The legal jargon was excessive and confusing. Putman obviously knows her way around the legal system, but I do not, and I found myself skimming entire paragraphs to get past the "lawyer-speak." The plot itself was ok, if not a little cliche. I feel like certain elements of the mystery were not sufficiently resolved at the end. I also had some major pet peeves with Putman's writing style:
- She very rarely described her characters' appearances. All I know about Hayden is that she had black hair and shapely calves. And the only description I remember about Andrew is that he had blue eyes and a preppy political look.
- She "name-dropped" other author friends. I hate it when authors attempt to casually throw in phrases like this: "She cozied up in her chair with the newest Denise Hunter romance."
Overall, the story was fine, but the writing was a little flat. Putman obviously set up an opening for a sequel with Emilie's story, and I'm guessing the other girls in their friend group will have their own stories down the line, as well, but it's unlikely that I'll read them.
Posted by Sadie VK at 9:30 AM
Quoted in Sidelights: “may just be the perfect legal suspense thriller,” observed an online reviewer at Just Commonly. Putman “tackled some tough issues” with “sensitivity and perceptiveness” in a story that “is compelling from the start,”
Book Review: Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman, Hidden Justice, Book 2
Just Commonly 12/08/2017 2 Comments
"It was time to remind her who was in control."
Title: Imperfect Justice
Series: Hidden Justice, Book #2
Author: Cara Putman
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: December 5 2017
Genre: Legal Suspense / Thriller
The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can't be talking about her client . . . can they?
To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie's belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.
Reid Billings thought he knew his sister-right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene's letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.
Thrown together in a race to save Kaylene's surviving daughter, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl-and find a future for themselves in the process?
Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman may just be the perfect legal suspense thriller. This being my first book of the author, and only the second one in this subgenre (Legal Suspense), I can tell you I plan on reading many more of both. I might need to start with the first book of the Hidden Justice series, Beyond Justice. Though Imperfect Justice is book 2, one can easily read it as a standalone, as I did.
"All right, God. I know You're here even when I don't sense You, but I need You to show up."
Imperfect Justice tackled some tough issues. Issues that can easily come off as brash and thoughtless, but the author handled it with sensitivity and perceptiveness. Stalking and being in an abusive relationship is not something to take lightly, and with encouragement and acumen, the author provided not only a story that highlights the need to seek help, but also hope.
I'm quite in awe by the subject matter and how the author touched it. The lovely romance and the friendship of the girls are also a nice part of the storyline that gives it some light moments. Plus, isn't it also what God uses in our lives to give us hope?
In all, Imperfect Justice is compelling from the start, giving readers more than one mystery that leads to a suspense plot, behind the scene of some legal procedures, as well as some high stakes drama! You won't want to put this down until you finish the last page.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
Imperfect Justice By Cara Putman {A Review}
December 23, 2017
Nothing quite grabs your attention like a murder at the beginning of a book. That is exactly how Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman begins and the reader is drawn into a story of mystery and intrigue.
Imperfect Justice tells the story of attorney Emilie Wesley and her client, Kaylene Adams.
In the opening chapter Kaylene is accused of murdering her daughter and then is killed by police. Her attorney, Emilie isn’t so sure Kaylene is guilty. And of course, she sets out on a course to free her client’s name, find and bring the real guilty party to justice. But can she do it? The odds are stacked against her.
What I liked about the book: I love a good attorney/cop/p.i./whodunit mystery. So I was excited to read this book. I was definitely drawn in by the opening chapter. The characters were well thought out and developed. The plot was clear.
What I didn’t like about the book: After being grabbed in the opening chapter the rest of the book seemed to fall flat. The dialogue was predictable, the characters, while being well developed, were foreseeable. It read like a book I’d read several times before but with different characters. Regrettably I quickly lost interest in the story, even with a good plot line.
I give this book 3 out of 5 turning pages.
I received a free copy of Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman from Litfuse for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.
Quoted in Sidelights: “spiritual historical fiction that is sweet and inspiring but also a very realistic read.”
Shadowed by Grace: A Story of Monuments Men
BY CARA C. PUTMAN
Reviewer: Viviane Crystal
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Rachel Justice’s mother is dying of tuberculosis, but she can be saved by special treatments if Rachel can find her father in Italy and ask him for the money to save her mother’s life. Her mother once had artistic dreams, which were shattered when she became pregnant with Rachel and fled Italy and her former lover. So Rachel signs up as a photojournalist with the American army, which is in the last stages of pushing the Germans out of Italy at the end of WWII.
As adventurous as she is, Rachel is determined not to fall in love for her own logical reasons, but she obviously didn’t plan on meeting another soldier also from Philadelphia, Lieutenant Scott Lindstrom. Scott’s a monument man, a soldier who has fully embraced the job of saving Italian art that the Germans haven’t stolen or totally destroyed. Scott’s got his own reasons for being cautious with women. Yet Rachel and Scott are gradually drawn together and yet still fulfill their mission as the German soldiers are destroying Italy before they escape.
At first the reader suspects that Rachel is misguided in searching for someone whose name she doesn’t even know, but the face of war at every turn is riveting reading and moves the reader to respect her for the ways she copes with intolerable conditions within Italy. The end is romantically lovely, spiritually significant but not without surprising sacrifices that remind us that war is indeed hell! It’s obvious this is a well-researched novel that makes its blend of mystery, war, blossoming respect and love, and artistic passion all the more endearing to the reader. Shadowed by Grace is spiritual historical fiction that is sweet and inspiring but also a very realistic read.
Quoted in Sidelights: “an intriguing story, well researched from a historical setting that brings that period of time alive with fascinating characters and escalating adventure.”
Shadowed by Grace: A Book Review
by Rebecca Barlow Jordan
book review - Shadowed by Grace
I’ve always enjoyed historical fiction books set in the World War II era, so I chose Cara Putman’s new book, Shadowed by Grace, to read recently. And I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
Book Review of Shadowed by Grace
American journalist and photographer Rachel Justice accompanies Monuments Man Lt. Scott Lindstrom to Italy in his efforts to recover and preserve the great monuments and works of art from their destruction by the Third Reich. But Rachel’s mission includes more than searching out and snapping emotional war photos for her newspaper, though well-placed ones could bring the needed monetary support for her mother’s illness back home.
She’s also searching for something—or someone else. Desperate to find the father she never knew, Rachel falls into the treacherous arms of war—and love. And in the process of wading through deceit and danger, she discovers a divine love relationship as well.
If you’ve seen the movie Monuments Men, Cara’s book (written before the movie) adds a deeper, richer flavor with its romance, suspense, and drama for this otherwise little known effort during World War II. She’s woven an intriguing story, well researched from a historical setting that brings that period of time alive with fascinating characters and escalating adventure.
I highly recommend Cara’s book. It’s the first book of hers I’ve read, but it won’t be my last.
Quoted in Sidelights: “a riveting story with just the right blend of suspense and romance,” plus “authentic characters and legal depth that doesn’t go over the average reader’s head.”
Beyond Justice by Cara Putman
CONTEMPORARY FICTION, REVIEW
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Beyond Justice by Cara PutmanHayden McCarthy is on track to become the youngest partner in her prestigious D.C. law firm . . . if the case she’s just been handed doesn’t destroy her first.
Hayden McCarthy knows firsthand the pain when justice is not served. It’s why she became an attorney and why she’s so driven in her career. When she’s handed a wrongful death case against the government, she isn’t sure if it’s the lucky break she needs to secure a partnership—or an attempt to make sure she never gets there. She keeps the case alive through sheer determination and more than a little creativity, but then she’s fired by a partner with a vendetta.
Further complicating matters, Hayden keeps finding herself completely distracted by Andrew, her roommate’s cousin. But his father is a Congressman and she’s currently taking on the government. Could the timing be any worse?
The longer she keeps the case active, the higher the stakes become. Unknown enemies seem determined to see either the case—or her—die. Should she fight alone for the dead young man by launching her own unfinanced firm, or abandon the case in order to save her own life?
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My Thoughts
Beyond Justice is a riveting story with just the right blend of suspense and romance. Elements of law, immigration, politics, and conspiracy create an exciting backdrop, the author also provides authentic characters and legal depth that doesn’t go over the average reader’s head.
Hayden McCarthy is a talented, passionate, up-and-coming attorney. She has small town roots yet exudes big city confidence in the courtroom. Hayden applies intelligence and savvy to each case, always thinking outside the box yet never crossing the line into questionable ethics. She might have started out as the girl-next-door but now she’s a legal force to be reckoned with.
Although Hayden is committed to a precarious case, she draws strength from the support and encouragement of her friends and even likeminded strangers along the way. This story has a well-balanced vibe. Yes, there is evil in this world but there is also good, hope, and love. Well done! I’m looking forward to future books in this series.
I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.