What do you think?
Cornhusker Dreams #2
Sandhill Dreams
Lainie has no dreams left. Lainie Gardner dreamed of becoming a nurse. Of serving her country. Of doing something important in the war. But rheumatic fever changed all that, and instead of running home, Lainie is determined to find a job at Fort Robinson in Nebraska's sandhills. Tom Hamilton had dreams, too. Dreams of preparing the horses at Fort Robinson for duty on the warfront. Instead, he is assigned to train war dogs and their handlers, meaning that each day he must face the fear he's had of dogs since he was bitten as a child. Lainie and Tom wonder why God seems to have denied them their dreams. But is it possible new dreams will bring them more joy than they ever imagined?
176 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2008
About the author
Cara C. Putman
63 books1,947 followersCara C. Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. She is a clinical associate professor in law and ethics at Purdue University's School of Business. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. She loves bringing history and legal romantic suspense to life.
An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska, George Mason University School of Law, and Krannert School of Management, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.
Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey. She's currently writing her 46th book with more on the way. Please check out her website to learn more about her books and read first chapters.
An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska, George Mason University School of Law, and Krannert School of Management, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.
Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey. She's currently writing her 46th book with more on the way. Please check out her website to learn more about her books and read first chapters.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 5, 2018
3.5 stars. Sweet little story.
I liked Lainie a lot and enjoyed her POV throughout the story...she was easily my favorite character. I would have enjoyed having the entire story told by her. I had a harder time "getting" Tom and didn't feel like his character got a real closure with some of his fear issues in regards to animals. I had a hard time with the idea of war dogs being made from family pets, too... I know it happened and I don't honestly like being reminded of it. I honestly like working dogs; it's just when they are made to stop being family pets that it hurts my heart.
I liked Lainie a lot and enjoyed her POV throughout the story...she was easily my favorite character. I would have enjoyed having the entire story told by her. I had a harder time "getting" Tom and didn't feel like his character got a real closure with some of his fear issues in regards to animals. I had a hard time with the idea of war dogs being made from family pets, too... I know it happened and I don't honestly like being reminded of it. I honestly like working dogs; it's just when they are made to stop being family pets that it hurts my heart.
May 1, 2016
by Andrea Renee Cox
What a sweet story! Every time I read a Cara Putman book, I'm reminded again just how amazing her storytelling skills are. In Sandhill Dreams, I especially enjoyed the fact that the war dog trainer was frightened of dogs. It added a sense of tension to the storyline that kept me flipping pages long into the night. The wit and snappy comebacks sprinkled throughout the book had me laughing, which is always a good thing in my opinion.
I was not compensated for this review. I highly recommend Sandhill Dreams.
What a sweet story! Every time I read a Cara Putman book, I'm reminded again just how amazing her storytelling skills are. In Sandhill Dreams, I especially enjoyed the fact that the war dog trainer was frightened of dogs. It added a sense of tension to the storyline that kept me flipping pages long into the night. The wit and snappy comebacks sprinkled throughout the book had me laughing, which is always a good thing in my opinion.
I was not compensated for this review. I highly recommend Sandhill Dreams.
July 8, 2022
Rating 3.5
I enjoyed this story about fighting the war from the home front. There was a lot of importance about serving in the war and fighting the enemy overseas, but so much support and work was required at home to make the fight stronger.
I enjoyed the characters and how their relationship developed. It was sad to see how pet dogs was trained as military work dogs. I loved how the dogs did get honors discharge though and was treated just as important as their fellow human soldiers.
*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*
I enjoyed this story about fighting the war from the home front. There was a lot of importance about serving in the war and fighting the enemy overseas, but so much support and work was required at home to make the fight stronger.
I enjoyed the characters and how their relationship developed. It was sad to see how pet dogs was trained as military work dogs. I loved how the dogs did get honors discharge though and was treated just as important as their fellow human soldiers.
*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*
August 29, 2017
3.5
Another good WWII story, with not-your-typical setting. Strong faith theme which I appreciate, and good characters. :)
Another good WWII story, with not-your-typical setting. Strong faith theme which I appreciate, and good characters. :)
June 7, 2022
This review first appeared at: C Jane Read.
I found myself bored throughout this story. It felt choppy at times that left me confused about what was going on. After meeting Lainie in Canteen Dreams I was looking forward to reading her story. While I liked that she had the determination to find a way to contribute to the war effort it didn't seem like she really thought things through before acting. I liked Tom's character but didn't feel like we really got to know his story. He feels stuck working as a dog trainer and is not happy with that placement because he has a fear of dogs. Near the end he says he has overcome his fear, umm what happened to help him conquer the fear? Also my kindle version had quite a few spelling errors that really threw me off at times.
I found myself bored throughout this story. It felt choppy at times that left me confused about what was going on. After meeting Lainie in Canteen Dreams I was looking forward to reading her story. While I liked that she had the determination to find a way to contribute to the war effort it didn't seem like she really thought things through before acting. I liked Tom's character but didn't feel like we really got to know his story. He feels stuck working as a dog trainer and is not happy with that placement because he has a fear of dogs. Near the end he says he has overcome his fear, umm what happened to help him conquer the fear? Also my kindle version had quite a few spelling errors that really threw me off at times.
December 2, 2018
I really enjoyed Lainie's spunk as Audrey's best friend in 'Canteen Dreams', and was pleased to see she got her own story.
I liked the way she was able to put one foot in front of the other and do what needed to be done to help the war effort, even if she couldn't be a nurse as she planned. She was a very tenacious character. I also enjoyed 'getting to know' Tom, though I wish we could have learned more about his backstory: he was often with his father who was a vet, but what about his mom? I'm assuming from the lack of mention, that she'd passed, but I kinda would have liked to know more in that vein.
I really liked how Isaiah 43 was used as a constant throughout the book: how both Lainie and Tom were able to learn and remember that the Lord was with them always, even when it seemed that their dreams and plans fell through.
I liked the way she was able to put one foot in front of the other and do what needed to be done to help the war effort, even if she couldn't be a nurse as she planned. She was a very tenacious character. I also enjoyed 'getting to know' Tom, though I wish we could have learned more about his backstory: he was often with his father who was a vet, but what about his mom? I'm assuming from the lack of mention, that she'd passed, but I kinda would have liked to know more in that vein.
I really liked how Isaiah 43 was used as a constant throughout the book: how both Lainie and Tom were able to learn and remember that the Lord was with them always, even when it seemed that their dreams and plans fell through.
February 8, 2021
Lainie Gardner once dreamed of becoming a nurse. Of serving her country.Of doing something important in the war.But rheumatic fever changed all that, and instead of running home to her parents’ coddling, Lainie is determined to find a war job at Fort Robinson in Nebraska's sandhills, where she meets a soldier with his own broken dreams.Tom Hamilton has feared dogs since he was bitten as a child, but his assignment at Fort Robinson is training war dogs and their handlers.Surely the Army has another use for him, but he’s trapped in a job he can’t stand in an out-of-the-way outpost.Every day is a reminder of his cowardice.Who would want to build a future with him?Getting to know Lainie is a welcome distraction from the work that causes so much turmoil.Is it possible new dreams will bring Lainie&Tom more joy than they ever imagined? Or will their fears hold them apart?Fort Robinson is a former U.S. Army fort,located west of Crawford on U.S. Route 20 in the Pine Ridge region of nw NE.During WWII, the fort was a K-9 corps training center and German POW camp.The NE Sandhills,a region of mixed-grass prairie on grass-stabilized sand dunes.Patriotic owners volunteered their dog for war service by contacting Dogs for Defense.Donated dogs were given medical tests to ensure they were fit for training and military duties.Dogs that didn't pass were sent back; those that were selected were sent to the Army or Marine Corps training centres.There, they would undergo more medical exams and intelligence testing. Dogs that passed were then assigned to a regiment and a handler to begin their military training.All war-dog training began with basic obedience. Dogs had to know the elementary commands sit, stay, and heel. At first, these commands would be given verbally by the handler,but it was crucial that they know nonverbal communication.They were trained not to bark or growl.They were also trained on obstacle courses.After a dog had mastered basic obedience, it had to become accustomed to the various military procedures.Once a dog completed basic obedience training, military procedure training,noise desensitisation,it began specialised training for its specific job.
September 23, 2020
Sandhill Dreams: A WWII Homefront Romance by Cara Putnam is the second in her Cornhusker Dreams series. The first book, Canteen Dreams, was a fictional retelling of Cara’s grandparents’ love story. Sandhill Dreams features a friend from the first book, Lainie Gardner.
Lainie’s dream was to be a nurse and serve her country. She began her training but then contracted rheumatic fever. She recovered, but still experienced residual symptoms. She had to be careful about overdoing, stress, or anything else that might trigger a relapse.
Still, she wanted to do something to help during WWII. She traveled to Fort Robinson in Nebraska without any prior arrangements, figuring surely they’d find some use for her there.
Tom Hamilton had a serious accident involving a dog bite as a boy, and he’d been afraid of dogs ever since. He joined the Army hoping to work with horses, but the Army assigned him to the canine unit. He hopes he can successfully battle both his disappointment and his fear without any officers or soldiers noticing.
Lainie and Tom get off on the wrong foot. They both have issues to deal with. But perhaps they can help each other recover from their broken dreams and find new ones.
I like stories that aren’t just romance, but have the characters grow, overcome obstacles, etc. This book fit the bill. I thought it ended just a touch abruptly, but perhaps that’s because it’s the middle of a series, and the story is ongoing.
Lainie’s dream was to be a nurse and serve her country. She began her training but then contracted rheumatic fever. She recovered, but still experienced residual symptoms. She had to be careful about overdoing, stress, or anything else that might trigger a relapse.
Still, she wanted to do something to help during WWII. She traveled to Fort Robinson in Nebraska without any prior arrangements, figuring surely they’d find some use for her there.
Tom Hamilton had a serious accident involving a dog bite as a boy, and he’d been afraid of dogs ever since. He joined the Army hoping to work with horses, but the Army assigned him to the canine unit. He hopes he can successfully battle both his disappointment and his fear without any officers or soldiers noticing.
Lainie and Tom get off on the wrong foot. They both have issues to deal with. But perhaps they can help each other recover from their broken dreams and find new ones.
I like stories that aren’t just romance, but have the characters grow, overcome obstacles, etc. This book fit the bill. I thought it ended just a touch abruptly, but perhaps that’s because it’s the middle of a series, and the story is ongoing.
May 8, 2019
This is a follow up to Canteen Dreams and focuses on Lanie, Audrey's best friend. After attempting to join the nursing core and getting sick, Lanie refuses to return home to the life that she feels is pre-planned for her. She takes a train to a remote outbase with the intention of working as a civilian. She faces a few roadblocks but refuses to accept them and ends up building a comfortable living and working situation for herself. Just in time to fall in love.
This book reminded me that we tend to think that life was easier back then. It really wasn't. The diseases they faced and limitations on antibiotics to fight them are scary. The war that was happening in the world impacted every life whether they knew someone on the front line or not. Uncertainty was certain. Lanie's roll with it attitude, though a point of teasing by Tom early on, are precisely why she was able to move forward and find happiness in the midst of sickness and war.
I received an audible copy of this book for free for review.
This book reminded me that we tend to think that life was easier back then. It really wasn't. The diseases they faced and limitations on antibiotics to fight them are scary. The war that was happening in the world impacted every life whether they knew someone on the front line or not. Uncertainty was certain. Lanie's roll with it attitude, though a point of teasing by Tom early on, are precisely why she was able to move forward and find happiness in the midst of sickness and war.
I received an audible copy of this book for free for review.
February 22, 2021
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this story.
Lainie was someone I’d like as a friend even if she was stubborn, not afraid to say what she thought, and needed some help realizing that God had a plan for her life. I admired her willingness to work hard to learn a new skill so she could get a job.
Tom was a great guy. I could understand his fears, but I wasn’t sure how he got over his fears. That part seemed to be sudden and not very well explained.
Loved the setting. The openness of the area, the grasses, the hills, the sky.
One thing I enjoyed was that while this story takes place during WWII, it stays right here in the States instead of going off to the battlefields. The parts about the war dogs was interesting. I’m not sure while sailors or airmen needed war dogs, but perhaps they did.
The romance was sweet and while there were some kisses, they were not descriptive.
I’m looking forward to reading the 3rd book in this trilogy.
I enjoyed this story.
Lainie was someone I’d like as a friend even if she was stubborn, not afraid to say what she thought, and needed some help realizing that God had a plan for her life. I admired her willingness to work hard to learn a new skill so she could get a job.
Tom was a great guy. I could understand his fears, but I wasn’t sure how he got over his fears. That part seemed to be sudden and not very well explained.
Loved the setting. The openness of the area, the grasses, the hills, the sky.
One thing I enjoyed was that while this story takes place during WWII, it stays right here in the States instead of going off to the battlefields. The parts about the war dogs was interesting. I’m not sure while sailors or airmen needed war dogs, but perhaps they did.
The romance was sweet and while there were some kisses, they were not descriptive.
I’m looking forward to reading the 3rd book in this trilogy.
February 15, 2019
Lainie a life she knew before she got sick, now not having the stamina for being a nurse. Going to Crawford to free a man to go fight. A small extension of the fort, and a few ranches. Unloading dog crates, she asked, and Thomas dropped the crate. She wonders why here in Nebraska. as is Thomas, the army thought he would best serve the army by handling the dogs. Lainie acted without a plan of a job, to sleep. He then mentions the hordes of women at the fort, and within a couple of weeks married. She was determined to find work, instead of going back home and daddy. Good plot and characters, doing jobs needed.
April 11, 2019
There were things that were either wrong or not mentioned about WWII. For example, there was absolutely no mention in the entire book of rationing or ration books but almost every page it was written about all the pies that kept being made, over and over, along with other things needing sugar. This was a major element in the story. This was a real concern during WWII and should have been included in the book. No mention of gas rationing either but cars and trucks (non-military) were taking long trips. These huge omissions really spoiled the story for me.
April 23, 2022
This was such a sweet World War II romance involving two young people who persevered when life threw them each curve balls. I loved the inspirational messages contained throughout the story. Lainie had felt overlooked and forgotten by God, but grew in strength of character and faith as the story progressed. Tom had to confront his own fears when the army assigned him to work in training dogs for the military. While very different personalities, Tom and Lainie were a good match for each other. I found myself wanting a piece of Mrs. Babock’s legendary pies! Such a heartwarming story!
June 30, 2020
A love story set in WWII. Lainey was a civilian employee in the corps. Also on this base was the training of soldier dogs. People would donate their family pets for the war. It was interesting to read about the training of the soldiers and their chosen dogs for war. Lainey has a connection with the trainer of the dogs, but he wants to get in the action of the war instead of training the dogs.
I enjoyed listening to this story narrated by Cecily White. 🎧audiobookobsessionreviewer🎧
I enjoyed listening to this story narrated by Cecily White. 🎧audiobookobsessionreviewer🎧
January 10, 2025
This story has so much great information.
This was very interesting. This story is a sweet love story, but also is very informative about the training of dogs for the defense. At Fort Robinson, they trained not only dogs, but, horses and mules as well. Lainie and Tom were not too fond of each other when they first met. As their story unfolds, their faith in God shines through. I really enjoyed this story.
This was very interesting. This story is a sweet love story, but also is very informative about the training of dogs for the defense. At Fort Robinson, they trained not only dogs, but, horses and mules as well. Lainie and Tom were not too fond of each other when they first met. As their story unfolds, their faith in God shines through. I really enjoyed this story.
November 19, 2017
Held my attention
I bought this book after reading the first book in the series. I seldom buy the second book. Sandhill Dreams is worth the cost. I love a faith filled love story. I hope Cara Putnam will someday write a novel of two showing the couples after 25 or 30 years of marriage.
I bought this book after reading the first book in the series. I seldom buy the second book. Sandhill Dreams is worth the cost. I love a faith filled love story. I hope Cara Putnam will someday write a novel of two showing the couples after 25 or 30 years of marriage.
February 20, 2019
Even with it being during the war, it wasn't about the war!
Growing pains, disappointments, doubts surrounded many young people during the war. He was doing what he feared the most, and she wasn't physically able to do what she had trained for. But the both trusted God, believed the scriptures and both became much stronger
Growing pains, disappointments, doubts surrounded many young people during the war. He was doing what he feared the most, and she wasn't physically able to do what she had trained for. But the both trusted God, believed the scriptures and both became much stronger
May 19, 2019
And the romance continues...
Lainie and Tom have one of the sweetest stories!he is constantly there for her as the safe guy friend as he totally falls for her before she realizes what a great guy he is. An up close look at small town/WWII base town, you'll see what it was like. and the military working dogs! So fascinating!
Lainie and Tom have one of the sweetest stories!he is constantly there for her as the safe guy friend as he totally falls for her before she realizes what a great guy he is. An up close look at small town/WWII base town, you'll see what it was like. and the military working dogs! So fascinating!
June 27, 2019
I enjoyed this book of broken dreams that are mended in an unexpected way. The setting was unusual - homefront in WW2 in western Nebraska. Our family's roots are in that area and I am sure that it added to my enjoyment. So often we let disappointments crush us. The characters were headed that direction, but they persisted in finding new dreams.
June 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this book!
I love to read. This was the right book to sit down with a cup of coffee and just read. It is a simple story, a summer romance of you would, that is a pleasure to read. It told of opportunities designed but better opportunities to come when God is in the picture. Enjoy.
I love to read. This was the right book to sit down with a cup of coffee and just read. It is a simple story, a summer romance of you would, that is a pleasure to read. It told of opportunities designed but better opportunities to come when God is in the picture. Enjoy.
March 26, 2024
Sweet Christian romance
A simple, clean, war-time love story. A very light-hearted and easy read. I would probably choose to read more from the author if I was looking for something easy going, not much thought required. Glad this ebook was well edited and proofed as some of the free, hook books are laden with errors.
A simple, clean, war-time love story. A very light-hearted and easy read. I would probably choose to read more from the author if I was looking for something easy going, not much thought required. Glad this ebook was well edited and proofed as some of the free, hook books are laden with errors.
March 23, 2025
Historical Romant
Tom and Lainie are two very different people. Both lonely and carrying a lot of disappointments. Sickness has sideline Lainie and fear Tom. The two together will have to work it out. Another great story by Cara Putman. This is book two in a series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Tom and Lainie are two very different people. Both lonely and carrying a lot of disappointments. Sickness has sideline Lainie and fear Tom. The two together will have to work it out. Another great story by Cara Putman. This is book two in a series, but can be read as a stand alone.
February 23, 2019
Love me forever?
War times are hard. Could Tom and Lainey find true love? Would her hard headed Dad come around to accept Tom as his son in law? Sweet story of young people meeting during war times and falling in love Sweet story!
War times are hard. Could Tom and Lainey find true love? Would her hard headed Dad come around to accept Tom as his son in law? Sweet story of young people meeting during war times and falling in love Sweet story!
February 26, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just as I did the first in the series. The characters were ones I could relate to and the story brought them together in a lovely way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just as I did the first in the series. The characters were ones I could relate to and the story brought them together in a lovely way.
March 4, 2019
Updated version with new cover. Tom and Lainie's story. WW11 story based in US. Historical story of War Dog training and the romance of Tom and Lainie. Quick enjoyable read and a favourite scripture verse of Isa 43:1-5.
October 6, 2019
Only slightly connected to book one, this is an easy stand alone story!
The ending was slightly corny, but I enjoyed the book a lot!
This is a different narrator from book one, but she did an exceptional job!
The ending was slightly corny, but I enjoyed the book a lot!
This is a different narrator from book one, but she did an exceptional job!
July 23, 2023
Lainie's illness doesn't stop her from figuring out why God allowed her to get sick. She is determined to not give up in life or love. I enjoy reading historical fiction, especially during years where the entire world stepped up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2017
I am enjoying this series. This one especially. Adore the spunk in Lainie's character. I love the setting and that time period. Good job
February 13, 2018
Good light read.
February 23, 2019
Great WWII book
I enjoyed seeing how war dogs were trained. Confronting fears in the face of duty is always hard. Being in the right place to save a life was awesome.
I enjoyed seeing how war dogs were trained. Confronting fears in the face of duty is always hard. Being in the right place to save a life was awesome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews