Cara C. Putman's Blog, page 96
February 24, 2014
Princess Ever After Review & Giveaway
Who doesn’t want to be a princess or believe it could happen? Rachel Hauck’s latest novel a
Princess Ever After
explores that idea. Regina Beswick doesn’t understand who she really is…and that truth will transform her life. In the process she has to choose whether or not she’s willing to accept who she truly is. I loved the story, the characters, the fun foray into what it would be like to be royal. The part of the story that will stay with me is the exploration of the challenges that confront our efforts to step into our true destinies — the ones that God has for us. It’s easy to stay where we are, but when we’re willing to step out, God will meet us. And the result is exciting. This book is landing on my keeper shelf.
Regina Beswick was born to be a princess.
But she’s content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will leap from the pages of her grandmother’s hand-painted book of fairytales.
Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation’s future—and his own.
Yet lurking in the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister plans to abolish the throne forever. Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide if she’s destined to restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together—with a little divine intervention—Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and the healing power of true love.
Purchase a copy and learn more at Rachel’s website.
Movie Ticket Contest Winners
Thanks to everyone for entering my Shadowed by Grace and The Monuments Men book and ticket giveaway! The winners are Jordan Gibbs, Kelly Kiggins-Lund, Julie Smith, Dara Shank, Litany, Jb Lippo, Vickie Jean, Lacey Burd, Abi Buening, and Jennifer Stevenson Tipton. Congratulations, winners! To claim your prizes, email your mailing address to caitlin {at} litfusegroup {dot} com!
I hope you all enjoy the movie and Shadowed by Grace. Don’t forget you read the first chapter here.
February 23, 2014
Seeds of Dreams
What’s that dream you’ve got hidden in the darkest depths of your deepest pocket? The one that is so covered with lint you’re not sure you could find the core dream? The one that’s been pushed aside by diapers, run to the grocery stores, and the details of life?
Have the realities of life taken the luster and shine off the dream?
Then these disclaimers from Holley’s book may help.
#1: You will never feel ready. So don’t wait until the time feels right, because you’ll never feel ready. Remember when we don’t feel ready, God has the opportunity to get the most glory. Let that one soak in for a minute. There’s rich truth in that.
#2: You will not like your dream sometimes. I can relate to this one. There are days the dream feels like nothing but hard work. And the reality is just about anything else sounds like more fun. Everything I’m giving up to chase the dream seems like too much of a sacrifice for the amount of work and effort the dream consumes. Holley’s advice is right on: Remember these times will pass. And if I could add, there will be days you can’t’ imagine doing anything else.
#3: You will sometimes feel alone. Why? Because no one will love your dream the way you do. As Holley says, “One of the most important tests of your dream is your ability to push through those times when you feel alone or strange and finish what God has called you to do anyway.”
#4: Success will look different than you think. We have to remember the dream can’t become an idol in our life that takes the place of God. Ouch. To remember that He is the “more” our hears seek in everything we pursue. And remember that obedience is the true success — even when the outer wrappings of success are so different from the way we imagined.
#5: One day this dream will be your new normal. And then the hunger for the next big, God-sized dream will begin to overwhelm your heart. One of the things I’ve realized is that what was my promised land can become my Egypt if I’m not willing to keep moving forward with God. Indeed each new dream is another step on the journey. I love Holley’s comment that each dream reveals a different part of God’s character.
So what “seeds of dreams” are you carrying around in your pocket? Remember, this may not be the season for them, but at least you know they’re there and can be planted in God’s perfect timing.
February 21, 2014
A Fall of Marigolds Review & Giveaway
I have long been a fan of Susan Meissner’s lyrical writing. I also love her stories that marry a historical story with a contemporary plot. She has a knack for finding varied stories that beautifully fit.
A Fall of Marigolds is a perfect example of that skill. This story invites us into the stories of two women who experienced tragedy in New York City, one on 9/11 and the other in the early 1900s. The tragedies have amazing similarities not the least of which is a scarf that is decorated with marigolds that ties the heroines together. The stories flow seamlessly back and forth and propelled me easily through the book. I longed to know what was going to happen to both women.
This story will grip you and pull you in whether you prefer historical or contemporary novels. Give this book a try…I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
February 18, 2014
70th Anniversary of Monte Cassino
On February 11, 1944, Monte Cassino, a historic abbey in Italy, was bombed by the Allies. It was a move that was taken with reluctance because of the history and significance of the abbey. It was also used by the Germans as propaganda in Italy. “The Allies will destroy all of your great building and monuments. They find no value in the great masterpieces.”
When I wrote the proposal for Shadowed by Grace, I envisioned the first scene with Lt. Scott Lindstrom to involve the debate on whether or not Monte Cassino should be attacked from the air. As I actually wrote the book, I cut the scene because it didn’t quite work with the actual history. However, I thought you might enjoy reading this scene.
If you’d like to read that chapter, just click here: Monte Cassino scene
from Wikipedia
February 16, 2014
Dreaming God-Sized Dreams
Last night, God answered one of my oh so silly little dreams. As I watched Amazon numbers for Shadowed by Grace over the weekend, I’d asked Him if it was possible for the Kindle version and the paperback to get on one of the top 100 lists at the same time. Now I can almost see the smile He must have had at my small request. To me it was HUGE. To Him it was nothing.
Yet at the same time, when I saw this happen at about 11 p.m. last night, it broke me. I literally sat at my computer with tears streaming down my cheeks because it was confirmation that God sees me and hears me. I know that. I really do.
But sometimes it helps to have that tangible confirmation, that little touch that makes it real, tangible, something I can hold on to.
At the same time, God’s whisper in my heart reminded me that what I considered big dreams weren’t God-sized. He’s daring me to live bigger, dare to ask for more.
Right now, the thought exhausts me. I’m overwhelmed with editing two books, finishing two classes, and teaching two more. But this seasons ends in three weeks. Now I’ve got this burbling urge to ask for more, a sense of excitement to wonder what God has next. I don’t know, but I’m eager to find out.
How about you? Do you have a growing sense of excitement? An urge to dream those God-sized dreams? We’ll relaunch the bookclub this week. Can’t wait to continue this journey with you!
If you’re just joining the discussion, let me know here. I’ll let you know when new posts on this topic go up and you can request an autographed bookplate if you own Holley’s book.
February 13, 2014
Parenting 101: Secrets of Happy Families Review
What makes a family work? It’s a question I think about frequently. While each family is different, I love to find principles that I can apply to our unique dynamic. The Secrets of Happy Families is a fresh approach — taking business principles and transforming them for families in a dynamic way that has me eager to try adapting some techniques here. One that I loved is the idea of having a family meeting once a week as a way to evaluate how the family is working. Also using dynamic flowcharts to let everyone see what needs to be done and the status of projects as well as the ability to see what’s been accomplished.
There are chapters on communication, financial training, making travel more fun, valuing grandparents and extended family and much more. The chapters are packed with examples and the end has toolkits and samples. This is a great resource for someone who wants to try some new techniques to ensure their family is actively engaged in improving. I don’t know about you, but we can always do better. With some of these ideas, I think we will get there! You can access one toolkit on his website. It’s a great preview of what to expect.
The book that revolutionized our view of what makes families happy . . .
Determined to find the smartest solutions and the most cutting-edge research about families, bestselling author andNew York Times family columnist Bruce Feiler gathered team-building exercises and problem-solving techniques from the most creative minds—from Silicon Valley to the Green Berets—and tested these ideas with his wife and kids. The result is a lively, original look at how we can create stronger parent/child relationships, manage the chaos of our lives, teach our kids values and grit, and have more fun together.
The Secrets of Happy Families includes more than two hundred unique practices that will help your family draw closer and make everyone in your home happier. It has already changed the lives of millions of families, and it can do the same for yours.
Purchase a copy, download the Happy Families Toolkit, and learn more at Bruce’s website.
February 11, 2014
Where I write
What my desk looks like when I’m not writing
What my desk usually looks like. So which do you think it looks like now?
My new Monuments Men-inspired book, Shadowed by Grace, released just in time for The Monuments Men movie to release in theaters! You can read my review of the movie and enter to win tickets to see the movie here.
About Shadowed by GraceDesperate to save her dying mother, an American woman accepts her newspaper’s assignment to travel to Italy where she takes photographs dangerously close to the front lines during World War II. But Rachel’s real motive in this journey is to find the father she never knew, an artist she hopes can offer the comfort and support both she and her mother need to survive at such a desperate time. In her quest, Rachel becomes involved with what will become the Monuments Men effort to save great monuments and works of art from the Third Reich. Soon enough she will find more than she ever imagined—in war, in love, and in God. Purchase a copy here.
And you can read the first chapter here.
Want to see Monuments Men?
Enter Today | 2/10 – 2/23!
Do you want to see The Monuments Men movie? I’m giving away 10 pairs of tickets to see the movie, and to accompany the tickets, ten copies of my new book based in the same era, Shadowed by Grace! Enter to win using the widget below.
February 9, 2014
Congratulations! Winner of Launch Contest
I am delighted to announce the winner of the Past & Present giveaway I ran to celebrate the release of Shadowed by Grace! Thank you so much to everybody who participated. I so appreciate the way you helped spread the word about the release of this book.
This story is near and dear to my heart. The idea that this small group of Monuments Men gave up so much to help protect and preserve western civilization was a story that I wanted to tell in part. It’s a story worth capturing and retelling so that it isn’t lost in the shadows of time.
It’s my pleasure to announce the winner is Hillary Moore!
If you’re curious about Shadowed by Grace, remember you can read the first chapter and learn much more about the book here. And this week LifeWay has the paperback on sale for 50% off online and in stores. It’s a great time to buy a copy or two.
