LETHAL INTENT - Cara Putman - One Free Book

Welcome back, Cara. How did this book come about? This book was a combination of curiosity and weaving in a journey I had watched a friend take with her son. I work at a world-class university that has cutting-edge research happening on every corner of campus. But I also wanted the human element of what would it be like to watch a child who was very sick. What would you be willing to do to protect that child? The confluence is Lethal Intent.

Tell us about the book’s cover and what makes it unique. I love the pop of red on her coat. It’s so eye-catching and gorgeous!

Please explain and differentiate between what’s fact and fiction in the book. The book is a blend of fact and fiction. I spent a lot of time doing research on CAR t-cells to figure out the science and how to interpret it in a way that doesn’t stop the story. The research on that is as accurate as I can make it for the state of the science and research as the book went to print. There’s also a lot of research that went into the foster care system and the flexing of the laws related to them.

How much research did you have to do for this book? So much! I’m committed to making sure that the book is as accurate as possible – with the understanding that I am not a scientist. So I rely on experts who can help me get on the right track and stay there. I also incorporate the search for a second line of immortal cells like the HELA cells. As far as I know, there isn’t a second line, but it would be something scientists are searching for. Any mistakes are mine!

I’m with you. I work very hard to make all my novels authentic to the subject and the time period. What are some of the most interesting things you found about this subject that you weren’t able to use in the story? There’s so much research that can’t go into a book and shouldn’t. I spent so much time trying to make sure I was getting the FDA trial process right, without slowing down the plot. What’s in the book is a fraction of what I learned, but I think it’s the right balance. Readers don’t want to know who qualifies for a Trial 0 versus a Trial 1. J

What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book? I was inspired by a friend who I prayed with through a similar medical trial. The way she handled the years-long crisis for her son’s health was something I wanted to capture on the page. It was gut wrenching and an impossible trial, but they made it by doing anything that was needed to give their son the best chance to live. That’s the spirit I wanted to capture.           

What do you hope the reader takes away from the story? I hope the reader understands that.

What is the next project you’re working on? I’ve developed another series in the greater DC-area. I’m excited to start writing these as they lay around the larger legal community. It will have a close group of women friends who are in different aspects of the legal field. One’s a college professor, another is in a small firm. That’s one thing I love about writing books set in the law. There is so much opportunity for differences in work.

What do you do when you have to get away from the story for a while? I read…a lot. I’ve already read eleven in the month of January. I also walk and binge good TVs or movies to pick up tips on dialogue, character development, or story. One thing I’ve learned is that it’s important to give myself space to step away for a bit and then come back with fresh ideas and perspective.

That is important. Please give us the first page of the book.

Caroline shifted in the high-backed chair. The massive conference room table made her feel more petite than usual. Quentin Jackson, the man propelling Praecursoria through its rapid growth, vibrated with energy as he studied her.

“We are on the cusp of amazing developments and a transition from the lab to trials. We have a few CAR T-cell therapies in early stages now with more in our pipeline.”

She racked her mind for the importance of T cells, and he gave a hearty laugh.

“Don’t worry if the science overwhelms you. We’ll have you up to speed in no time. All you need to know right now is that T cells are one of the two cells that make up white blood cells. The treatments we’re working on could be the difference between life and death for young cancer patients. We need your legal expertise and quick mind to synthesize the science with the map to market.”

“I’ve overseen several court trials related to patents, which should help with that process.” It had been an unforeseen aspect of her days clerking for Judge Loren. She swallowed against the lump in her throat that still welled up when she thought about his untimely death from

pneumonia. A month ago she couldn’t imagine interviewing for a job somewhere else, even if a part of her knew that she should stretch her wings.

“When can you start? Today?”

She felt rooted to the chair. Everything was moving so fast. Could she really transition her experience managing clerks for a judge into managing patents and contracts for a start-up?

While Praecursoria had been around for a decade as a cancer research lab, about eighteen months ago Quentin sold off its lucrative genetic testing branch to focus exclusively on the development of cutting-edge CAR T-cell therapies. Starting over that way was a bold if risky move.

How can readers find you on the Internet? I love connecting with readers in many ways. If you have a book club that reads one of my books, I’d love to join via Skype or Zoom. But here are the other ways we can connect:

http://caraputman.com: if you join my newsletter on my webpage, you will receive my novella Dying for Love as my gift to you.

Twitter: @cara_putman

Instagram: @caracputman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.putman

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cara-putman

Thank you, Cara, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it. I’ve loved every book of yours that I’ve read.

Readers, here are links to the book.

https://amzn.to/3rAdi7N - Paperback

https://amzn.to/39PeSN2 - Kindle

https://amzn.to/3jjTLFv - Audio Book CD

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, 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: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

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

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:

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

WHERE TREETOPS GLISTEN - Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, Sarah Sundin - One Free Book

Welcome, dear friends, to my blog. I’m thrilled to interview you together. How did your story for the collection come about?

Cara:  I’ve always loved Bing Crosby singing White Christmas, and it was perfect that the song became an instant hit in 1942, the year of my novella. I knew I wanted the heroine to work at the local candy store/soda fountain, and Sarah found out the puzzle company had been in business since long before WWII. But I needed a reason for my hero to work there and not in the war effort. So that got my thoughts spinning to a displaced farmer who suffered an illness as a child that keeps him out of the service. But what made him leave the farm? That legal issue became the pivot the story turned on.

Sarah: This story idea flew together so quickly that it’s hard to track. A sentimental Christmas song came on the radio, and it made me cry, and I hated that it made me cry. So being a writer, I analyzed why the song had such an emotional impact. A child in need…And suddenly little Linnie Kessler is looking in the department store window, hoping to see her daddy, her daddy who was killed in the war. Instead she sees Lt. Pete Turner, a fighter pilot running on empty. When Pete takes Linnie home, he’s captivated by the child’s widowed mother—who is not happy to see Pete. Her former bully.

What are you reading right now?

Tricia: I just finished The Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers. It reminded me how much I adore her writing so I started A Voice in the Wind. It’s been about fifteen years since I read Francine’s Mark of the Lion series and I’m enjoying it!

Cara: Currently I’m reading The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate and In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin…oh, and some really exciting statistics and project management textbooks.

What other books have you had published?

Sarah: This is my first novella, so it was a lot of fun! I have six novels published, all set in World War II. My most recent release is In Perfect Time.

Tricia: I’ve published a bit of everything. I have forty-five books published. Most of those are historical fiction novels, but I’ve also written many Amish novels. I’ve also written parenting and marriage books, and books for teens. So you can say a bit of everything. This fall I also have a novella releasing in the Amish collection An Amish Second Christmas.

Cara: This is my 19th book, so I’m somewhere betwixt and between Sarah and Tricia. One of those was the Complete Idiots Guide to Business Law. The rest have been novels. A mix of WWII historical romances and contemporary romantic mysteries. Readers can learn more about my books and read first chapters at www.caraputman.com.

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

Sarah: The hardest part was not “owning” all the characters. Both Abigail (Cara’s heroine) and Merry (Tricia’s heroine) appear in my story. It felt strange writing about Abigail and Merry—I wanted to capture them as Cara and Tricia had written them. We had a lot of email conversations along the lines of “What would Abigail be doing now?” “Would Pete really say that?” or “What is Merry feeling at this time?”

Cara: The coordination was a great challenge. Fortunately, Sarah is the spreadsheet queen, so she kept us on track. This is my third collection like this, and I love the collaborative aspects of working on collections.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

Sarah: These ladies are high-energy idea generators. I’m a sloth, and I get one good story idea a year. Listening to them brainstorm taught me good lessons about letting ideas flow and change and shift directions.

Tricia: I was SO impressed by both of them. Sarah is so organized, and Cara is so fun and passionate. Honestly I’d work with them all the time if I could. It truly was a great team!

Cara: I’ve long admired Sarah and Tricia, so when I decided I wanted to explore writing a WWII Christmas collection, I knew I wanted to do it with them. I was THRILLED when they said yes. It was such fun to work together.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Sarah: Linnie’s name came attached to her—I have no idea where it came from! For Pete and Grace, I looked at names popular in the era. Pete has the strong, no-nonsense quality, and Grace has such quiet beauty—and ironically my heroine needs to learn to extend grace. Also, Grace was my grandmother’s name. She passed away in March, long after I’d finished this story, but it was fitting to dedicate this novella to her.

Tricia: I chose Meredith because I wanted to use the Christmas song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” I have a friend who was born on Christmas and her name is Merry, so I thought Merry could be short for Meredith. As for the other characters, I also looked for popular names from that time period. I had fun looking up Dutch names, too!

Cara: Abigail is my oldest’s name, and she wanted a book of her own. I also love the meaning of the name: Fountain of Joy. Abigail has a bit of that personality, though muted by a pain she has to overcome.

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

Sarah: That God alone can fill the empty places in our lives.

Tricia: That God can work all things out for good and our mourning can turn to joy!

Cara: That God will lead us through the pain in our past if we’ll let Him.

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?

Sarah: Absolutely! I tell aspiring writers that ACFW is like having a mini-conference in your email inbox every day. The courses are excellent, the loop is a great way to connect, the genre loops are fantastic for research help, and the conference is top-notch!

Tricia: Yes, although I’m not as active as I wish I could be. I highly recommend ACFW to aspiring novelists. It’s an organization filled with amazing people!

Cara: Yes! I’m published because of what I learned at ACFW and the people I’ve met at the conferences. I’ve also been very active on the boards and in other positions since 2006. I love this organization and giving back!

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

Tricia: The best advice I’ve received is to write from the highs and lows of your own life. The emotional themes I’ve written about are similar ones that I’ve experienced. This helps pack emotion into the story.

Cara: To be disciplined. Keep writing even when you don’t feel like it. If you do, you’ll have a book in a year. And be teachable. You can always learn more!

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

Tricia Goyer

www.triciagoyer.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/authortriciagoyer

Twitter www.twitter.com/triciagoyer

Pinterest www.pinterest.com/triciagoyer

Cara Putman

www.caraputman.com

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Sarah Sundin

www.sarahsundin.com

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Thank you, ladies, for sharing this Christmas novella collection with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Where Treetops Glisten - Christianbook.com
Where Treetops Glisten: Three Stories of Heartwarming Courage and Christmas Romance During World War II - Amazon
Where Treetops Glisten: Three Stories of Heartwarming Courage and Christmas Romance During World War II - Kindle

Christian Book Store

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

SHADOWED BY GRACE - Cara C Putman - One Free Book, Plus Much More

Readers, I'm reading Shadowed by Grace right now. Actually, I don't usually like reading war stories, but Cara grabbed me on the very first page, and I'm having a hard time putting this book down. I'm very interested in this part of history--the Monuments Men, who help save much of the art objects that the German army hadn't destroyed. And I fell in love with the characters from page one--their history and the things they were striving for. And there are plenty of plot twists and turns to keep you turning pages. You won't want to miss this read.

Bio: Cara C. Putman graduated from high school at 16, college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. The best-selling author of more than a dozen books, Cara is active in women’s ministry at her church, teaches graduate courses at Purdue University, practices law, and is a homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and 4 children in Indiana.

Welcome back, Cara. As an author, I know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions?

The first contributor would be someone who doesn’t realize it: Robert Edsel wrote a nonfiction book Monuments Men. When I discovered that book and this part of WWII history, Shadowed by Grace’s characters began to play in my mind. My agent Karen Solem was supportive of the idea, and Julie Gwinn was my acquiring editor. She has been 100% supportive from the beginning and continues to shoot me ideas since. Tricia Goyer, Colleen Coble, and Jenny Jones helped me brainstorm different aspects. And now Jeane Wynn, David Schroeder, and Amy Lathrop have been a huge help with the marketing.

If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar?

Most of my teaching right now is in graduate business law classes.

If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?

I might return to Washington, D.C. My husband and I lived there for the early years of our marriage. It’s an exciting city, laced with history and politics. If the traffic weren’t so bad and housing so expensive, I’d love to go back…

If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?

Study the craft. You can do that through reading well-written novels, how to write books, and attending conference’s like ACFW’s national conference.

You’ve been asked to be in charge of a celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (AS in what program, singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related])

I would invite Beth Moore to lead Bible studies. I’m always refreshed and challenged by her. If she’s not available, I’d invite Jennifer Rothschild, Liz Curtis Higgs, or Robin Jones Gunn to introduce to new aspects of our faith. And then for worship, I’d invite Francesca Battistelli and Natalie Grant. It would be a fun girls’ escape with them included.

I’d book a place on that cruise right away. Tell us about the featured 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?

Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 1944

“YOU HAVE ONE CHANCE to make this fly.” Bobby Hamilton leaned across his broad desk and stared her down. “I had to pull more strings than I knew I had to get the brass to bite on sending a woman to Italy. Who sends a woman to a war-torn country? Getting credentials? What a mess.” The man waved his beefy hands down in a dismissive gesture. “Then getting you on the Queen Mary?” He chomped hard on his cigar.

Rachel perched on the chair in his crowded office as the Andrews Sisters belted out “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” on the small Kadette radio sitting atop a stack of papers on Bobby’s overloaded credenza. She kept her back so straight her men’s-style

tailored blazer pulled her shoulders back.

She didn’t blink, couldn’t give a single sign of weakness. Her editor may have taken all those steps, but she’d had to convince him first, all while watching her mother waste away day by day.

“I hope you know what you’re doing, Justice.”

“I do.” She put as much force behind the word as she could without shouting.

Where can we find you on the Internet?

You can connect with Cara online at:

Her website: www.caraputman.com

Her blog: www.caraputman.com/blog

Facebook: www.facebook.com/caraputman

Twitter: www.twitter.com/cara_putman

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/caraputman

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/CaraPutman

People can read the first chapter here: http://caraputman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Shadowed-by-Grace-chapter-excerpt.pdf

Cara Putman is celebrating her latest historical suspense novel, Shadowed by Grace with a fun "Past & Present" giveaway! 

One winner will receive:

• A Polaroid Instant Camera
• A beautiful antique AFGRA camera (learn more here)
• Movie passes to see The Monuments Men movie (with George Clooney and Matt Damon)
• Shadowed By Grace by Cara Putman

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 8th. Winner will be announced February 10th on Cara's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Cara's blog on the 10th to see if you won.

Thank you, Cara, for sharing this new book, and this part of history, with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Shadowed by Grace - Christianbook.com
Shadowed by Grace: A Story of Monuments Men - Amazon
Shadowed by Grace: A Story of Monuments Men - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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 Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, 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.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

A WEDDING TRANSPIRES ON MACKINAC ISLAND - Cara Putman - Free Book

Why did you become an author?

Because I love stories. I’ve grown up with a book in one hand and a pen in the other. Then as I started a career, marriage, family, the writing dream took a back seat until God told me to step back into it. Now I write to provide an entertaining escape for readers, but one that is laced with God’s truth and hope.

If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?

Appellate attorney. I love pulling together complicated ideas, breaking them down, and forming an argument that I have to defend. I get an energy from not knowing what I’ll be asked next.

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?

World War II hands down. There was such a uniform commitment that pulled our country together. We were all fighting for the same cause. It was also a time of new opportunities for women. It doesn’t hurt that I adore the movies and music.

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?

Someday – hopefully in the next year or two – I’ll visit Yellowstone. I would love to see that corner of the country. Mountains have always been a place where I can see and worship God.

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

Europe. A whole continent counts surely J I have a proposal circulating that is set during World War II in Europe. I would love to visit the locations that will star in the books. And I absolutely want to visit the Normandy beaches. If I couldn’t do anything else, I’d love to do that.

What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

I was at a women’s retreat a couple weeks ago, and God just reminded me how much He delights in me. Delights is such an unused word. I think about how I delight in listening to my three year old talk and spin stories. I can enjoy time in her presence. And that’s the way He feels about me. It’s such a humbling thought!

Tell us about the featured book.

Attorney Alanna Stone vowed long ago to avoid Mackinac Island. Although it may seem the perfect place to heal, for Alanna it holds too many memories of a painful past.

But an exhausting high profile case and an urgent plea from her parents have brought Alanna home. Moving into the house next to Jonathan Covington doesn’t help her. Jonathan may have been her first love, but he was also her first lesson in betrayal. Now Alanna must protect her privacy and her heart. Then secrets and a murder intersect, and she’s thrust into controversy again as tragedy turns public opinion against her and potentially her family.

For years, Jonathan has stubbornly resisted the urging of his family and friends to date, believing he’s already found the perfect woman. With Alanna’s return, he begins to wonder if he’s waited too long for someone who isn’t the right one after all.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Don’t do it. Don’t do it. Don’t do it.

The refrain beat a steady tempo through Alanna Stone’s mind as she dragged up the gangplank to the ferry where it rocked in the early morning light at the St. Ignace’s dock. She avoided gazing to her right in the direction of Mackinac Island. A place of beauty and peace to many, it symbolized all the harshness that could shimmer beneath the surface in a small town. She’d sworn never to return and honored that vow for eleven years.

Now? Now she abandoned her firmly held avoidance to help her parents. A wave rocked the boat, and she bobbled as she struggled to stay steady on more than her feet.

A man in the green polo that bore the Arnold Transport Company logo steadied her with a smile. “You’ll find your sea legs in no time.”

“Good thing, since the trip’s so short.”

He laughed and nodded. “About fifteen minutes.”

How could she tell him she wished it lasted fifteen months or years? That time would freeze, and she’d stay on this side of the lake?

Seagulls cawed as they took to the air and swooped around the boat.

Fifteen minutes. That’s all it took to start a new life.

Diesel fumes rolled around her as the ferry’s engines roared into gear. With a grinding stop and jerk, the boat eased away from the dock and powered across the lake. Alanna sucked in a deep breath then coughed as fumes settled in her lungs. She clenched her jaw and pivoted until she faced east as the boat pushed through the water toward the sun. She needed to face her new reality and the hidden embarrassment. All represented by one tiny spot on the map.

Mackinac Island.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can find me all over the web J

Website: http://www.caraputman.com

Blog: http://blog.caraputman.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/caraputman

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cara_putman

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caraputman

Thank you so much, Cara, for sharing your first trade-sized novel with us.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island - paperback
A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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 Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

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/

STARS IN THE NIGHT - Cara Putman - Free Book

Welcome back, Cara. I love your new picture. Now tell us about your salvation experience.

Wow. I think you’re the first person who’s asked this question. I grew up in the church, and made an official decision at a family camp when I was about nine years old. In some ways that was the official date, since I grew up in a home where worshipping God and serving Him was an absolute priority. My parents did a phenomenal job of leading us kids to Him and showing us why we would want to serve Him and dedicate our lives to Him. Something I’m trying very hard to do with my own children. I love it when my six-year-old boy assumes that everyone’s best friend is God and that we should all love Him first and best.

How did you and your spouse meet?

We met at a Christian leadership conference for teens and college students in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Both sets of our parents had heard about Summit Ministries on Dr. Dobson’s show, and “happened” to send us to the same session. I say it’s the only way God could have connected a boy from Indiana and a girl from Nebraska in Colorado!

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

Man, another tough question. I’m in a small group of seven authors that formed in December, and it has been incredible. We encourage each other, pray for each other, and kick each other in the rear when we need motivation. So I would invite those gals to my house for a long weekend of brainstorming. We all write different genres, but man do we have a good time online, I can only imagine the fun we’d have brainstorming in person.

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

I love to speak, but it is difficult to do with small children. So primarily right now, I lead Bible studies at church, and speak to MOPS groups, writing groups, and things like that.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

Hmmm. Embarrassing. Really? I’m always doing things that could be embarrassing, but usually shake it off and move on.

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

The most important thing you can do is sit down in the chair at the computer and write. Even 500 words a day leads to a book at the end of an year. That’s how you write a book and that’s how you eventually have something to show an editor. But writing is all about discipline. You have to be consistent and accountable to yourself if you’re going to write a book.

Tell us about the featured book.

Stars in the Night is a historical suspense with lots of romance set in Hollywood during1942.

When Audra Schaeffer¹s sister disappears in Hollywood, Audra flies there to find her, but has to identify her body instead. Determined to find the killer and bring him to justice, Audra takes a job with the second Hollywood Victory Caravan. Together with Robert Garfield and other stars, she crisscrosses the southern United States as the stars sell war bonds. When Robert¹s ex-wife and another woman are found dead on the train, Audra knows the deaths are tied to her sister¹s. Is the killer is the man she¹s falling in love with? And can she identify the killer before he targets her?

Sounds intriguing. Please give us the first page of the book.

“Well, well, Audra. I do believe you’re ready to take this matter to trial.”

Audra Schaeffer soaked in the atypical praise. While Roger Clarion was a good man and fair boss, he did not toss praise around for any and all to hear. A well of satisfaction pulsed through her. After seven years of school and two years where the only job she could find after law school required her to serve as a paralegal, Mr. Clarion had given her a chance. If everything went well, she’d litigate her first case in Superior Court Two in one month. A simple case, but it was hers.

He pulled reading glasses low on his bulbous nose and examined her over the rims. “Don’t let me down, or we’ll both be the laughing stock of the Indianapolis legal community.”

“Yes, sir.” The image of her standing at the podium in front of counsel table, a legal pad resting on it, filled her mind. She’d finally done it! She’d earned the right to try a case.

He smiled then shook his head. “I never thought I’d see the day where I’d have a woman working for me as an attorney of all things.” After a twist to his bow tie and a tug on his sweater vest, he stood and grabbed the wool jacket hanging on the coat tree in the corner behind his oak desk. “Now get out of here. I understand you have an important call to get back home.”

Audra couldn’t hide the smile that tugged at her lips. “Fortunately, Rosemary’s usually a few minutes late.” Rosemary couldn’t be hurried to join the rest of the world from the day she was born a week late. Audra stood and walked to the doorway. “You can’t believe how hard it is to wait for her calls. But it is a blessing her landlady allows Rosie to call us regularly from her phone. I don’t think Mother could handle it if we didn’t have our weekly report on all things Hollywood.”

Mr. Clarion chuckled. “Off with you. Can’t stand in the way of that.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is located at http://www.caraputman.com/  and my blog is at http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/ . I’m also on facebook, shoutlife, and twitter. And they can find first chapters of all my books on my website or at http://www.fictionfinder.com/ .

Thank you, Cara, for spending this time with us.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using this link when you order, you help support this blog.

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/

TRIAL BY FIRE - Cara Putman - Free Book

I'm really happy to welcome Cara back to my blog. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

Now that I’ve written eight novels, I guess the theme would be that God sees us and cares about our day to day lives. In Sandhill Dreams that took the shape of the heroine coming to accept that God would never leave her or forsake her no matter what her circumstances. In Canteen Dreams, the theme centered around the idea of laying down our lives for others and sometimes that doesn’t mean being willing to actually die but serve in the way placed in front of us. In Trial by Fire, it involved the idea of seeking justice and mercy as God commands, when our human instinct is to want revenge.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

In addition to Trial by Fire, which releases this week, A Promise Born is going on wide release later this fall and Cornhusker Dreams releases in November. A Promise Born is the first book in my Ohio World War Two series for Heartsong Presents. And Cornhusker Dreams is the repackaging of my three Nebraska World War Two novels: Canteen Dreams, Sandhill Dreams, and Captive Dreams. You can learn more about all of my books at www.caraputman.com .

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

Wow! That’s a great question, Lena. I think I would choose Margaret Thatcher. I have admired her for a long time. A woman who broke stereotypes, but did it with grace. And a woman who changed the dynamics of the world in a positive way. I know there is much I could learn from a woman like her.

How long have you known that you wanted to be novelist?

I started writing in third grade – still have that journal. But I don’t think I knew I wanted to write books until I was about 14. I started writing novelists then asking them what it took to write books. I have letters that my mom collected into a scrapbook for me from authors like Janette Oke, Sandy Dengler, Michael Phillips, Frank Peretti and more. It was so fun to look through those letters a couple Christmases ago when my mother gave me the scrapbook. To see the eagerness to learn from the writers that I respected – and their willingness to correspond with me! The thrill came when my sister tracked down Sandy Dengler and connected us again after all these years. I was horrified to realize that Sandy had actually read some of my teenage writings, but so thrilled to be able to send her a copy of my first book and let her know how her kindness to me back then encouraged me to keep the dream. Wow, sorry for that long answer. It just makes me realize how God has blessed me with mentors from the inception of this dream.

What can you tell authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

Hand your dream to God and ask Him what He wants you to do. I have been blessed to receive many acceptance letters from houses, but they have been mixed with “this isn’t quite right for us at this time” letters, too. Ask God whether to continue to pursue the dream. If He says yes, then get back in that chair and write. Many of the published authors are the ones who persevere and work for years. So find another craft book, hunt through the rejection for any hints on what to work on, and keep writing.

Tell us about the featured book?

Trial by Fire is my next book for Love Inspired Suspense. It is a loose sequel to Deadly Exposure, but you don’t need to have read the first to enjoy the second.

Here’s the blurb: Her mother's house was first. Then her brother's. County prosecutor Tricia Jamison is sure she's next on the arsonist's list. But who is after her family? And why does every fire throw her in Noah Brust's path?



Noah can't forgive Tricia. Her failure to protect him on the stand the previous year meant his father's reputation was ruined. Yet every time the firefighter is near her, he's drawn to her again. The vulnerability she hides under her confident veneer surprises and moves him. Torn between Tricia's safety and his own bitterness, Noah belatedly remembers the first rule of firefighting: don't get burned.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Another broken fairy tale sat on her desk.

The phone ringing on her desk pulled deputy county attorney Tricia Jamison from her work. She glanced at her watch. The afternoon had evaporated while she flipped through new case files and absorbed the dashed hopes each one represented. She’d taken the job as deputy county attorney because she’d wanted to help people. But each time another domestic violence case crossed her desk it was hard not to grow discouraged. Too many times the hope of fairy tales and happily-ever-afters had gone horribly wrong. She shook her head and grabbed the phone.

“Tricia Jamison, deputy prosecutor.”

“Trish, this is Caleb. There’s a fire at Mom’s.” Her brother’s voice had an edge of tension she hadn’t heard in awhile. As a police investigator, he usually kept his emotions tightly controlled. He hadn’t sounded so rattled since last year when a stalker set his sights on Caleb’s girlfriend Dani Richards.

Her breath caught in her chest as she shut the file on her desk. “How bad?”

“Don’t know. I heard it on my scanner before Mom called.”

“I’ll leave now.” Her jaw clenched. Images of flames lapping at her mother’s home raced through her mind. The home encapsulated so many memories, both good and bad.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

They can find me at my website: http://www.caraputman.com/;
at my blog http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/;
or at facebook: www.facebook.com/caraputman.

Thanks so much for having me, Lena. It’s always a pleasure to stop by and visit with you and your readers.

And we love having you, Cara.

Readers, Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.

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