Cara C. Putman's Blog, page 104

Three Books: Something for Every Reader

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a Kathryn Cushman novel. Her earlier novels tended toward women’s fiction, and while I loved her writing, those stories don’t grab me as much as others. Chasing Hope grabbed me from the first scene and didn’t let go. Sabrina Rice had Olympic size running dreams, then life interrupted and crushed those hopes. Now she’s a college senior looking for a job, and wondering if she can hear God since what she’d imagined for her future has been destroyed. Brandy Philip is a teen on her way to juvie unless she gets some help. When their paths cross, I wondered how two such wounded people could help each other. Sabrina has been wounded by her doubts about God, and Brandy doesn’t believe anybody could care about her. What happens is a story woven between their perspectives, each seeing something — even when it’s very reluctantly — in the other that they can’t see in themselves. The ending was perfect — happy sigh worthy. I loved this story and can’t wait to read the next by this author.

 

The latest book from medical suspense author Jordyn Redwood is layered with tension from the first page. There’s a serial killer. A medical experiment that’s on the brink of success or terrible failure. A marriage that might not survive an infant’s death and so much more. The hospital scenes are so well done, you feel like you’re in the middle of the room. Familiar characters from earlier books show up, but you can enjoy this book without having read the first two though you’ll understand all the nuances if you do. A good choice for those who love suspense laced with medical scenes.

 

Since Downton Abbey, I’ve had an increasing interest in the time period around WWI. This book fills that niche in a delightful way. Julia Foster has returned from the mission field in India when her father became very ill. Now, she’s had to take a position as governess to provide for her parents. Because of her time abroad she’s not quite in tune with British society, but she’s committed to do all she can to aid her new employer.

Sir William Ramsey is burdened by an estate he just inherited, two nieces who want to be independent and two children that remind him of his dead wife. As the two mix there’s a clash of backgrounds, needs, and fears. I loved the way I could see the castle and characters. They formed a mixed cast that created lots of potential for trouble. And the romance is reluctant, yet persistent. God was woven throughout the story, into the very fabric of it.

This is a great read for those who love historical romance and Downton Abbey.

SEAL Under Seige Giveaway

My friend Liz Johnson has a new book out this month from Love Inspired Suspense. It’s got high action military combined with romance and suspense that will leave you wanting more. I really enjoyed this novel. Liz has agreed to send a copy to one of my readers. If you’d like to be considered, be sure to read to the end to participate in the giveaway.

SHE’S NOT SAFE YET When Staci Hayes is rescued from a Mideast prison by navy SEAL Tristan Sawyer, she thinks the ordeal is over. But back in San Diego, a new threat arises. Staci has information that could prevent a hit on U.S. soil, and the terrorist will stop at nothing to silence her. Tristan insists on being her bodyguard, but his constant presence makes her long for things beyond her reach. Protecting Staci is the second chance Tristan needs to put the past behind him. Yet with a spy on the naval base, anyone could be a threat. Can he offer her safety…and love?

Excerpt:

“You said I was safe. You said you’d protect me.”

“I did. You made it safely home, didn’t you?” His words were short but not unkind.

“I made it home, anyway.”

Those blue eyes sliced into hers.

“What does that mean?”

“Someone has been following me, and I think it’s the same man from Lybania.”

His arms crossed over his broad chest, the sleeves of his t-shirt pulling snug around his biceps. He looked so intimidating. “Did you call the police? Tell them you’re being stalked, and they can look into it for you. They can handle things like that.”

“They wouldn’t help me.” If she had any idea how to face down the man following her on her own, she would. But since she didn’t, she had to convince the lieutenant to help. Taking a first step toward him, she pointed her finger at his chest. “Listen to me. I’m in trouble, but it’s not just me. I don’t know the name of the man who’s after me, but I know what I heard. He’s plotting to blow something up . . . here in San Diego.”

About the Author:

By day Liz Johnson is a marketing manager for a Christian publisher. She finds time to write late at night and is a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring local music, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nieces and nephews. She loves stories of true love with happy endings and blogs about her adventures in writing at www.LizJohnsonBooks.com. Follow her online at Facebook.com/LizJohnsonBooks or Twitter.com/LizJohnsonBooks.

Links to retailers carrying the book:

Amazon 

Barnes & Noble 

ChristianBook.com

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Does Living My Faith Matter?

Ever wonder if it matters whether you share your faith or not? Maybe you don’t see many actual results?  Feeling discouraged. Watch this and be inspired…and challenged. Please let me faith be viral, Lord. All for your glory!

Fun Children’s Activity Book: Bumper Wipe Clean

Do you ever wish you had one more activity to entertain your young child?

It could be a long car ride. Or a wait at a restaurant that doesn’t serve French fries as fast as your child would like. Then this is a book that might just be a lifesaver. Small enough to fit in a kid’s small backpack or diaper bag, it’s filled with 72 pages of wipe-off and use all over again content. My five-year-old thoroughly enjoyed working on this book. It kept her entertained on a car trip, and my two-year-old enjoyed it too. It is a colorful book filled with lots of activities. Most are based on Bible stories. It was a fun and engaging activity that helped make the hours in the car pass. The pages wipe clean easily, though the pen didn’t stay wet very long.

Wipe clean and start again! Seventy-two pages of wipe clean fun a

ctivities with a short Bible story at the top of each page and the related activity below.

Help children learn while discovering their favorite Bible stories through mazes, dot to dots, spot the mistake, and many more. The laminated pages can be wiped clean for use again and again and includes a felt-tip pen so children can get started right away.

Fired Up: Giving Away the new Mary Connealy novel

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Fired Up

(Bethany House March 1, 2013)

by

Mary ConnealyFired Up is a classic Mary Connealy cowboy romantic romp. Yet like many of her novels, it has strains of suspense that add to the tension and keep the pages flying. The book starts with action and the pace continues as we watch Dare and Glynna carve out new lives for themselves. A very enjoyable read…with all the humor I’ve come to love in a Mary Connealy novel!

Be sure to read to the bottom to enter to win a copy of the book I’m giving away.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rollicking Wild West Adventure and Romance from Bestselling Author Mary Connealy

Dare Riker is a doctor who saves lives, but someone seems determined to end his. It may have something to do with the traitors he dealt with during the Civil War, or it might be related to the recent incident with Flint Greer and the ranch. Whoever the culprit is, he or she seems really fired up, and Dare can’t let his guard down for a moment, which is a challenge, since right now he’s trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.

Glynna Greer came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in a bad situation. Now her husband, Flint, is dead, and she’s determined to care for her son and daughter on her own. She wants to believe Dare Riker is as decent as he seems, but she’s terrified to lock herself into another marriage. She plans to support her small family by opening a diner–never mind that cooking is not her greatest talent. The men in Broken Wheel, Texas, are so desperate for home cooking that they seem willing to overlook dried-out beef and blackened biscuits.

Glynna can’t help but notice that danger follows Dare wherever he goes. There’s the avalanche. And then the fire. But things really get out of hand when someone plunges a knife from Glynna’s diner into Dare’s back. Are Flint’s cronies still plotting revenge? Is Glynna’s son engaged in a misguided attempt to protect his mother? Is a shadowy outsider still enraged over past injustices? And can Dare survive long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Fired Up, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.

The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie’s Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she’s one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.

 

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ACFW Redux in Photos

In the following photos you’ll find a visual synopsis of my time at ACFW. It was AMAZING and there’s so much I can’t go into here, but it’s a start

A highlight was spending a couple meals with the amazing and humble Frank Peretti. Roll call: who’s read and been changed by his books?

 

Had the honor of praying with Beth Vogt for a dear friend. Love this woman’s heart.

 

With the AMAZING Robin Jones Gunn. She pointed all of our hearts to Jesus in her keynotes. I want to shine with Jesus like she does.

 

With my adorable friend Ashley Clark — she was on crutches the whole time! That’s dedication. Look for her books someday…

With sweet friend Casey Herringshaw

Fun lunch with writer buds: Susan Meissner, Jim Rubart, Jenny B Jones, Dan Walsh, Randy Ingermanson, Linda Attaway, Ronie Kendig, Nicole O’Dell and moi.

With my amazing editor Julie Gwinn at the gala after she won Editor of the Year. The ladies in purple!

Born of Persuasion: new Regency novel

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Born of Persuasion

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (September 1, 2013)

by

Jessica DottaBorn of Persuasion has the dark tone of a Bronte sister novel. I was quickly swept into Julia Elliston’s world and wondered how the dark hopelessness of her situtation could be redeemed. This book is a sweeping Regency historical that will take you back to a time we like to forget. The hopelessness of a woman’s situation stands in stark contrast to the hope God can bring to situations. A great read for those who love Regency novels.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in the wrong century–except for the fact that she really likes epidurals and washing machines–Jessica Dotta writes British Historicals with the humor like an Austen, yet the drama of a Bronte.

She resides lives in the greater Nashville area—where she imagines her small Southern town into the foggy streets of 19th century London. She oversees her daughter to school, which they pretend is an English boarding school, and then she goes home to write and work on PR. Jessica has tried to cast her dachshund as their butler–but the dog insists it’s a Time Lord and their home a Tardis. Miss Marple, her cat, says its no mystery to her as to why the dog won’t cooperate. When asked about it, Jessica sighs and says that you can’t win them all, and at least her dog has picked something British to emulate.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Born of Persuasion, go HERE.

Dangerous Passage: ripped from the headlines romantic suspense

Dangerous Passage is a romantic suspense that could be ripped from some of the saddest headlines. Human trafficking serves as the story hook — a story that I would love to ignore but know is all too real. 27 million people around the world are trapped in some form of slavery…a tragedy we can’t ignore and the author brings into a fresh spotlight. Read to the end for a giveaway of this book!

Avery North is a homicide detective raising a daughter on her own. When one of the victims is a young Vietnamese girl not much older than her daughter, the case becomes even more personal. She is also a woman torn between a demanding career, mothering, family, and wondering whether she should pursue a relationship with Jackson Bryant. The plot is fully layered as Avery wrestles with challenges in each area of her life. She’s confronted with whether she’s willing to release her control and move forward or remain trapped where she is — not necessarily a bad place, but is she willing to risk more and accept more people tugging at her?

The story has a lot happening…almost too much…but that’s how life goes these days. Avery’s faith questions are real, her imperfections welcome, and her committed search for the killer admirable. I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to the author’s next!

I enjoyed this book so much, I’ve got a copy to giveaway.

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Why I love Christian Publishing

As you read this, I’m preparing for the ACFW national conference and board meetings. In honor of it here’s a post I wrote last year that is still very true and appropriate!

Eric and me at the 2010 ACFW Gala

This is truly one of the highlights of my year. And Tuesday I was reminded why I can’t imagine missing ACFW.

I have a proposal I’m beefing up for ACFW. It’s already good, but I really want to push it to great. The problem? I was absolutely stymied. Eric and I had talked around it. He’s a great researcher and reads enough to really be an asset in brainstorming, yet I couldn’t quite get traction.

So I texted a couple writing friends. Jenny Jones had already spent a lot of time on the proposal, but volunteered to help with brainstorming. Then Tricia Goyer said, sure she’d help me brainstorm. And at conference Colleen Coble and I will squeeze in a few minutes to brainstorm even more layers. Here’s why that’s so cool!

1) All of us are competitors in different ways. So wouldn’t common sense say don’t help each other?

2) Tricia and I write the same time period. Not only that, we both have ideas surrounding the same general topic. Still she helped me, and I’d help her in an instant. Then after 40 minutes on the phone brainstorming my book, she emailed with more ideas.

3) Colleen actually called me over the weekend with an idea she got for me while researching a story she’s going to write. This isn’t the first time she’s done that.

This is truly reflective of my experience in Christian fiction. We rejoice with each other. We help each other. We truly feel like a family. These three ladies are only three examples I could hold up of the close friendships and the way we truly root for each other. Last year, I think I was more excited than Jenny (she was stunned) when she won two incredibly well-deserved Carol awards at the ACFW Gala. Colleen is a huge part of why I write. And Tricia mentored me from a distance by letting me look over her shoulder as she wrote four or five books. That’s priceless.

And that’s why I love Christian publishing!

(P.S. That book we worked on? It’s the one I’m writing right now — will release in February 2014. More details after I sign the contract!)

Finding the Beauty in the Moment

Life is more than a little hectic right now. And yes, I love it that way…most of the time. I’m much more efficient when I’m running six directions, but it’s not always best for finding those moments to pause.

Sunday, our pastor talked about PLANs. Most of us have one. I live on them. But I’ll confess it’s very easy to get so focused on the plan I lose sight of people. God. Me. Thursday night I was driving back from a friend’s house. They live out in the country and I had to pause twice to snap photos. Fortunately, it’s a very low-traffic country rode.

God has painted amazing sunsets (and even a sunrise I saw) over the last week. But Thursday night it was gorgeous…if only my phone could have captured all the grandeur. The colors were rich, vivid, ever changing. And I was reminded that I serve a God who delights to create. That He does it extravagently…even with the sunsets that disappear in a moment.

Literally 30 feet down the road, I pulled over again. This time I’m sure the neighbors were wondering what was wrong with that crazy minivan driver. I’d spotted a stretch of wildflowers. I’m a sucker for a beautiful flower…especially one that has been placed in an area, it is so easy to drive by and never notice.

How often do I get so focused on my plans that I blow by the people God has placed in my life. Do I slow down to listen, truly listen to their hearts? To the hurts? The joys? The trials? The celebrations?

Do I see the beauty if my little girl’s face as her father bows before her and calls her princess? Do I notice the joy on my 2 year olds face as he talks (too much like a 7 year old) about what he did with a friend? Do I stop to listen to the servant heart of my 9 year old? To celebrate the growing womanhood of my almost teenager (23 days. Just ask…she’ll tell you!)

I’m asking God to give me eyes that in the midst of the hurry and doing, I see the beauty of the moments He has planted me in and the beauty of those He’s planted around me.