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
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 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.comImperfect Justice (Hidden Justice)
- Amazon paperbackImperfect Justice (Hidden Justice)
- KindleImperfect Justice - Audiobook
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