Thursday, September 03, 2009

Book Review: A Promise Kept by Cara C. Putman





When my good friend, Cara Putman, asked me if I would read a couple of her new releases and blog about them I didn't hesitate one bit. I've known Cara for a long time now. She is one of the people in my life I can say "I knew her when . . ."

I was privileged to critique her first two books when we were in a critiquing group together, and it was a thrill to see them go on to be published. The woman hasn't stopped since and has been blessed with more book contracts. All well deserved because she is a very accomplished writer.

I have especially enjoyed her stories set during World War II. The thirties and forties hold a special appeal for me and I am thrilled that they are now coming into their own as historicals.

A Promise Kept is set in 1939 before Pearl Harbor was bombed sending the U.S. to the war front. At the time of the story people were watching and waiting, many gearing up for what they saw as inevitable when the country would be at war itself.

The story is unique in that it is a romance about a married couple. We join Josie Miller and Art Wilson in the first chapter as they marry in Dayton, Ohio and then move to Cincinnati for Art's job.

Cara does a wonderful job of bringing in the way of life back in that time, by way of the popular music of the day, the clothing they wore, and the simple meals Josie prepares without concern about fat calories or cholesteral :-) I was immediately transported back to the time. Life wasn't easy even though the country was starting to work its way out of the depression, especially for the newlyweds who live a second-floor walk-up apartment, barely big enough for two. You can imagine how tight it suddenly becomes when a distant cousin of Art's who lives in England asks if he and Josie will house their eight-year-old daughter for an indefinate time until the war passes and England is safe again.

Nothing goes according the the dream Josie has for her new life and it takes a strengthening of faith in God to help both her and Art begin to see that sometimes God's dreams for us are different than ours, because He knows what is best in the long run.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I would like to offer a signed copy of the book in a drawing. Please leave a comment on this blog along with contact info and I will draw a name next week Wednesday, September 9th.

You can order the book from the Heartsong Presents Website, but don't forget to leave a comment for a chance at a signed copy for your collection!

14 comments:

Cara Putman said...

Thanks so much for the kind words, Pam! Can't wait till I can do this for you!

Pamela S. Meyers said...

I can't wait either, Cara. :-)

Linda said...

I really enjoy Cara's WWII books. This one sounds like a wonderful additio. Please enter me. Thanks.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Susan Hollaway said...

I've not read any romance books set in this time period. But I've read a few books in our homeschool studies of this era and thoroughly enjoyed them. Please enter me in the drawing.

Congrats, Cara!
Thank you, Pam!

kayasmom said...

Cara is a FABULOUS author and a wonderful person in general! I'm so glad to see her doing so well!!!

Lora Lease said...

I would love to win one of your books. :)

Please enter me in the drawing. asyouwiiiiish@gmail.com

Jo said...

I have a few of Cara's books now that I am reading and enjoy her works. Please enter me in the drawing.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

peachykath said...

This book sounds really great. I am also drawn to that time period before, during and after WWII partly because I find the Houlocaust time very interesting and I love reading about the stories of the survivors and how they coped with everyday life. Also partly because my grandfather saile over from Germany landed in Brazil and migrated up to the US and I always loved listening to his stories of that adventure. Please enter me in the drawing for this book.
THanks
Katherine

peachykath79[at]yahoo[dot]com

Graham'z Crackers said...

Sounds like my kind of book - Have added both of them to my list of books to read!~!

katylinvw said...

this sounds incredible! :) i'd love to be entered in your giveaway! thanks!

Jody said...

I love reading historical romances - and a romance involved a couple already married is rather unique.

I'd love to win a copy.

rodgerandjody at hotmail dot com

Cherie J said...

Sounds great! Would love to be entered in the drawing. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.

cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

Jblanton said...

this book sounds really good, would love to win. Thanks for the chance

Clementine said...

Sounds like a great read! I found your blog through the ACFW loop. I look forward to reading more of your posts. Thanks for the conference dates for 2010 too. I'm in the process of choosing my conference list, and I sure would love to make it to Indy!