Monday, December 11, 2017

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?

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

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

20 comments:

Melanie Backus said...

Cara always tells a great story. I would love to read it. Thank you for the opportunity.

Melanie Backus, TX

Linda Kish said...

This sounds like it will be a really good story. I'd love to read it.

Linda in CA

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Winnie said...

Thanks for the lovely interview, Lena and Cara. Thanks, also for the opportunity to win a copy of Cara's book. It sounds intriguing.

Winnie T in Utah

Vivian Furbay said...

What a way to start a book and leave us hanging! Sounds like a good mystery! Vivian Furbay of Colorado

VanG said...

I have yet to read anything by this author and would love to win a copy of her book. It sounds intriguing. Thanks for the giveaway. 😍 Merry Christmas! πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ‰πŸŽ

VanG in NC

Kay Garrett said...

Enjoyed the interview with Cara Putman. IMPERFECT JUSTICE is definitely on my TBR list.

Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
Kay from Mountain View, AR
2clowns at arkansas dot net

R Merr said...

This book is on my wishlist! I can’t wait to read this one,

Rachael From DownEast Maine

Anonymous said...

I would love to read this book. The intro is great! Emilie is strong and independent. I love those traits in characters!
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com

Anonymous said...

Forgot my name above
marypopmom (st) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in New York

GrandaddyA said...

This sounds like a very interesting book. I hope to read it.
Edward A in VA

Caryl Kane said...

I love Cara's books! I'm excited to read this new series!

Caryl K in TEXAS

Paula Shreckhise said...

I’m reading Beyond Justice right now. This would be nice to win. Thanks for the chance. Paula from Missouri.

MJSH said...

Beyond Justice was great. Would love to read this sequel. Thanks for the giveaway!
Mindy from NJ.
mindyhoung AT msn DOT com

Connie Porter Saunders said...

I look forward to reading Beyond Justice. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

Shelia64 said...

love Cara's books! Shelia from MS sheliarha64@yahoo.com

Lourdes said...

Am loving this book.

Lourdes Long Island, New York

Patty said...

I follow Cara online, but have not actually read any of her books. Would love to win.

Patty in SC

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.

Tammy G. said...

I'd love to read this book.
Thanks,
Tammy in Texas

Jorie said...

Hallo, Hallo Ms Dooley!

Happy Christmas & New Year's - I've missed visiting with you on your blog - reading about the stories your highlighting and having the chance to get to know new authors I've not yet had the pleasure of reading! :) I pray you've been well.

I've shied away from legal dramas for quite a long while - hadn't realised I should look into the INSPY side of the ledger outside of Dee Henderson's novels, as I was familiar with hers but not others who are writing compelling legal-centric stories as well. Blessed I dropped by and saw this spotlight!

Blessed you feature today's INSPY authors and give us a chance to win a book.

Jorie in FL