TIMELESS TREASURES - Cara Putman - Free Book

Welcome back to my blog, Cara. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

Patchwork Mysteries is a series from Guidepost. Because I’m one of six authors, my editors give me a general idea of what they want the mystery in the book to be, then I get to flesh that out and bring my personal take and touches to the story. This one involves a map that was created that leads to a World War II era treasure. It was a lot of fun to plot and write.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

I would love to host a party like this! Jenny Jones would top the list because I love her heart for God, her southern sass, and her amazing writing. Then I’d add Susan Meissner who writes life-changing stories that tie the past with the present. Rachel Hauck has an amazing heart of worship plus a great laugh, so I’d invite her along with her bud Susie May Warren. Add in Robin Caroll with her wonderful southern suspense and dear friend Colleen Coble, and it would be a full and delightful party.

I would really want to be a party crasher there, and you'd need me to even out the numbers. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

There’s no question I’d start with Tricia Goyer because I love her World War Two stories and heart for people. Then I’d have to invite Dan Walsh and his wife Cindy. I was so thrilled when he had double wins in the Carol Awards last week – well deserved! Then I’d invite Julie Klassen because she makes a time period I never thought I’d like (Regency) come to marvelous life. And can’t forget DeeAnne Gist—for her amazing books and awesome laugh. I’d also invite Bodie Thoene since she inspired me to write World War Two books, and I’d ask you to join us as well since I so enjoyed Love Finds You in Golden, NM.

Thank you. I'm glad you like it. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

Writing proposals. I’m blessed to have several editors interested in working with me. The bane of my writing existence is actually crafting the proposals to turn my ideas into something tangible they can sell in house. I dread that process, but it’s a necessary step.

I'm not enamored with writing proposals either. Tell us about the featured book.

Patchwork Mysteries is a brand new series about a quilter who pieces together all kinds of mysteries. Set against the backdrop of a small New England town, these books will draw you in and keep you guessing all the way to the end. Timeless Treasures is the fourth installment in the series and focuses on Sarah Hart’s efforts to unravel the story behind an unusual quilt she buys at an auction. Could it lead to a treasure?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter One

Sarah hurried onto her front porch outside, pulling her collar tight against the bite of the Massachusetts November wind. Her daughter-in-law Maggie stopped in her steps on the sidewalk. “Eager to leave?” Maggie asked.

“Hoping to keep you in the warmth of your truck,” Sarah said. A sliver of wind trickled down her neck, and Sarah shivered. Maybe today wasn’t the best day to head to an estate auction. A couple of days ago, Maggie had shown her the newspaper ad for the sale at the old Haber farm, and at the time, the sun had shone for five or six days and it seemed like a great idea. Now, she hoped she had enough layers on or there were enough people around her to block the wind. “Let me grab my bag from the trunk.”

Maggie must have been excited about the auction, because she could barely stand still as Sarah grabbed her purse.

“Ready?”

“Be right there, Maggie.”

Her daughter-in-law bounced on her toes beside her red SUV. Clearly she wanted to be on the road. Sarah pulled her bag out of her car, slammed the trunk and hurried to the SUV. Maggie’s cargo area could hold lots of great finds. Add in the trailer, and if Maggie had her way, they would overflow on the return trip.

As she pulled her seatbelt on, she turned to Maggie. “Think you’ll find anything special for the store today?”

“Hope so.” Maggie shifted into drive and eased from the curb.

Sarah pasted a smile on her face as Maggie accelerated faster than necessary. “I’m sure we’ll arrive with plenty of time to scan the collection before bidding starts.” In fact, if they left too soon, they’d stand around awhile, and the cold November air could make that a bitter experience. But the weathercaster had suggested the wind would die late in the morning, leaving a perfect fall day in its wake. With Maggie’s twins at school and her husband Jason at his office, Sarah and Maggie could enjoy the sale.

“I can’t wait to find some good items today.” Maggie eased to a stop at a light, and rubbed her hands together as if already anticipating all the finds waiting for her. Sarah smiled. Days like this gave her the perfect opportunity to spend time with Maggie and get to know her better. Sarah loved this town, its people, and the pace of life, but when her son Jason and his family moved from Los Angeles earlier in the year, Maple Hill had evolved into something even more perfect for Sarah. Times like this morning, shared with her family, had transformed her life, adding a rich layer she hadn’t even realized was missing.

Maggie hummed a tune and tapped the steering wheel in time as she guided the vehicle down Maple Hill’s main street.

“Any special items you have your eye on?”

Maggie glanced at Sarah, before turning back to the road. “Why? You plan to out bid me?”

Sarah laughed. “My home is full enough. I just wondered if you had inside information.”

Maggie shook her head. “Nothing that wasn’t listed in the newspaper ad. Call it woman’s intuition. This will be a special sale.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

They can fine me at my website and blog: http://www.caraputman.com/, facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cara.putman or twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cara_putman.

Thank you, Cara, for sharing on the blog today.

Readers, here’s the link to the Guidepost series: http://www.shopguideposts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=16903&storeId=15401&productId=853423&langId=-1

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)


Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/