IMPERFECT JUSTICE - Cara Putman - One Free Book

Bio: As a preteen Cara Putman watched lawyers change legislative opinions at an important legislative hearing in Nebraska. At that time, she wondered if people would give her words the same weight if she became an attorney. An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, George Mason University School of Law, and Krannert School of Management at Purdue University, Cara has turned her passion for words into award-winning stories that capture readers. Her legal experience makes its way into her stories where strong women confront real challenges.

An award-winning author of more than 25 books, Cara writes legal thrillers, WWII romances, and romantic suspense because she believes that no matter what happens hope is there, waiting for us to reach for it.

When she’s not writing, Cara is an over-educated attorney who lectures in law and communications at the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University and homeschools her children. She and her family live in Indiana, the land of seasons. You can read chapters for most of her books and connect with Cara at her website.

Welcome back, Cara. How did this book come about?  

When I envisioned the Hidden Justice series, I knew that each of the women in the cohort of four would get their own story, but I didn’t know exactly what those stories would be. Hayden’s Beyond Justice became based on juvenile immigration issues. Then I turned to Emilie, Hayden’s roommate and started thinking about issues I’m passionate about and would resonate with who she is. I was sitting in Siena at our apartment (I was teaching there for Purdue) and saw a headline about a domestic violence situation in Houston and my mind began to spin what ifs. Emilie’s story was born.

Tell us about the book’s cover and what makes it unique.

I adore this cover, but if you were looking for Imperfect Justice a couple months ago, you would have seen a different cover. While that one was good, this one sings. It captures the essence of Emilie running into court as she’s racing to save a young girl. It’s such a great fit for the character and story. It also has a great feel for the overall series.

Please explain and differentiate between what’s fact and fiction in the book.

One thing I’ve learned is that a book idea has to resonate with me for two years from idea to writing through editing into marketing. So all of my books have a hook in fact. The idea for the story started with a headline, but then I twisted it and changed who committed the violence. I’ve walked through domestic violence with close friends and relatives as well as with clients. This isn’t any of their stories. Instead, it’s meant to highlight the strength these victims demonstrate when they break free and what might keep them trapped.

How much research did you have to do for this book?

Because I’ve lived it, I didn’t have to do as much as I did for the book I just turned in. Having said that though, early readers have told me I captured the domestic violence situation perfectly – almost too perfectly. So this one didn’t have as much outside research as many of my books because I’d already done the research in real life.

What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?

What inspired me was the women themselves. This book is really a tribute to former clients and the women I know who have trusted me with their stories while they were walking HARD roads. I know many don't understand that journey and I wanted to be part of showing just how hard it can be to break free.

What do you hope the reader takes away from the story?

I hope readers experience the reality while also seeing that there is hope. There are so many people poised to help if you let them in. At the same time, I truly pray that those who aren’t in this situation receive understanding and compassion.

What is the next project you’re working on?

I just turned in the third book in the Hidden Justice series. I can’t wait for people to get to know Jaime better. And I’m eager to dive into Caroline’s story next. I’m also finishing a book for Guidepost and have another one to turn in right after Christmas. Lots of books percolating!

What do you do when you have to get away from the story for a while?

I think each book reaches a point where I have to step away to figure out where it goes next. When that happens I’ll either watch a movie, read a book by a writer I admire, or spend time with my family. If I can change my setting for a bit, that helps too.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Emilie Wesley glanced at her watch and frowned. In fifteen minutes her client would take a critical step toward freedom. It was a step that had taken weeks and months of preparation and not a little bit of counseling and backbone stiffening. Now all that work, time, and effort would culminate in a protective order. Emilie would step to the background, her role in helping Kaylene Adams alter her abusive present finished.

When she’d finally received the text saying her client was ready to file, Emilie had jumped into action. She wanted to make sure she got it filed before Kaylene changed her mind. Emilie knew from hard experience that could happen in a moment.

But before the judge would grant a protective order, Kaylene had to arrive in court.

Without her testimony, the motion was a complete no go.

Emilie stopped pacing and tapped the face of her watch, then pressed it to her ear. The steady tick tick let her know it was working. What wasn’t working was Kaylene’s promise to meet her forty-five minutes before the hearing at the Haven, the non-profit that served women who wanted to escape difficult domestic situations.

She had waited in her office as long as she could before calling Kaylene’s cell phone, a call that went directly to voicemail. She’d left a message and then told Taylor Adele, her paralegal, that she was headed to court. Maybe Kaylene had misunderstood where they were meeting. She could be a nervous wreck, waiting outside the courtroom for Emilie to arrive.

Emilie had almost convinced herself that was exactly what had happened until she reached the broad hallway outside the courtroom and couldn’t find her client. She pulled her cell phone from her briefcase and called Taylor.

“Any sign of Kaylene?”

“None.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: www.caraputman.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/caraputman

Twitter: www.twitter.com/cara_putman

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/caraputman

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/CaraPutman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caracputman/

Thank you, Cara, for sharing this new book with us. I love your legal suspense novels. My blog readers do, too.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Imperfect Justice - Christianbook.com
Imperfect Justice (Hidden Justice) - Amazon paperback
Imperfect Justice (Hidden Justice) - Kindle
Imperfect Justice - Audiobook

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