Interview with Cara Putman

THE POLICE SAY THE WOMAN WAS A MURDERER. EMILIE WESLEY KNOWS THEY CAN’T BE TALKING ABOUT HER CLIENT . . . CAN THEY?
To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie’s belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.
Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene’s letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.
Thrown together in a race to save Kaylene’s surviving daughter, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl—and find a future for themselves in the process?

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Imperfect-Justice-Hidden-Cara-Putman/dp/0718083482/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512366333&sr=8-1&keywords=imperfect+justice+cara+putman

Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I've been writing award-winning books with the count currently at 25.

In addition to writing, I am a homeschooling mom of four, attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women's ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband, and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), George Mason Law School, and Purdue University's MBA program. You can learn more about my books at http://www.caraputman.com. And if you'd like a copy of my legal suspense novella, Dying for Love, simply connect with me here (http://www.caraputman.com/contact/ ) , and I'll send you the link.

 Welcome Cara, So glad to have you with us today!

1)  What sparked your decision to journey down the path to write Imperfect Justice?

 

     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.

 

2) Share a little tidbit about Emilie and Reid with us.

Emilie likes erasable pens like I do, and Reid is based in part of my husband and feedback from readers. They told me they wanted to see more heroes that are like the men in their lives. So he’s living life and then asked to step into bigger things.

3) What is your favorite genre to write legal thrillers, historical romance or romantic suspense novels?

            Oh, such a hard question. I like each of them for different reasons. I adore bringing real events from WWII to life and wrapping them in a story. I love the pacing and action of a thriller. And I love the tension and romance in suspense. I’m marrying legal thrillers and romantic suspense with the Hidden Justice series, and I know one of them will have a WWII tie. Just not sure which one. J

 

4) How does being an attorney compare to being an author?  And how does that compare to teaching undergraduate law courses?

            I know they look like such divergent careers, but in reality they’re closely tied. At the core each job is about communicating. In law school I learned how to write fast and cleanly. Reading voraciously taught me about story and character. Being an attorney taught me to think quickly on my feet when in court while also doing the deep research and writing needed for appellate briefs. My graduate and undergraduate classes allow me to combine that on your feet communicating skill with a passion for knowing my students. I am blessed to be able to do the three.

 

5) Share with us your favorite place to get away and write.

            I have a home office again which is a great blessing. But I also have an office at Krannert and another at the law firm. Sometimes I have to mix it up. I’ve also written at my husband’s office at the church, Panera, and McCallisters. Basically, I need a plug for my computer and time.

 

6) What would I find around your computer that you have been snacking on when you are on deadline?

            Oh, to take a photo and show you the chaos! It’s nuts. Usually I have files for characters, research books and articles, character interviews, calendars to keep the action straight, my erasable, colored pens, a chocolate bar, and a glass of water, coffee, or both!

 

7) What book are you working on now? Can you share just a little bit about it?

            I just turned in the third book in the Hidden Justice series. I can’t wait for people to get to know Jaime better in Delayed Justice. 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!

 

8) If you could have one superpower what would it be?

Stopping time. I really need that one to get everything done that I need to do. I’d say a superpower I do have is communicating. I love teaching and writing. And when I look back across my career communication is at the core of each experience. But man, if I could have Wonder Woman’s lasso of truth or Elastigirl’s flexibility, it would be amazing!

 

9) Share with us your top 5 favorite authors and/or books of all time.

·         Colleen Coble

·         Dee Henderson

·         Randy Singer

·         Lisa Gardner

·         Julianna Deering.

It really is unfair to ask a question like this. I mean I’ve already read 77 books this year, and I won’t finish a book if I don’t enjoy it. You can see the books I’ve loved this year here: https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/7650912

 

10) Tell my readers where they can keep up with you.

Http://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/

My Thoughts...

Imperfect Justice was a 5 star read and I was so impatient waiting for this second book in the Hidden Justice series. It was so worth the wait. I loved the romance and the legal thriller combination of this book.
You are going to love Emilee and Reid. I can't wait for you all to read this one. 
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.