Cara PutmanBesprekingen

LEGAL VS. ETHICAL

The Vanished is a remarkably well-written and well-researched novel. Author Cara Putman takes on the task of creating a story that reminds readers of the vicious looting of priceless art during WWII. With that as a background, she manages to use four main characters to tell her story. Each of these characters has faced something difficult in the past, and one of them is trying to restart her career. Another is also working on restarting his career and discovers his main nemesis is at his new place, another faces discovering a long-lost treasure belonging to her family, and the last sees his life for what it is — a life of destruction. While on loan to an American museum, a woman recognizes not only a painting but also the people in the painting! This discovery brings the provenance of the painting into question. While this search is pending, family members discover other paintings they had no idea their beloved and well-respected family member brought home after the war. Two characters are responsible for the legal vs. ethical dilemma of attempting to find the original owner's descendants to reunite them with their paintings or offer them remuneration. As they work together to solve this problem, will they also solve the problem of their past broken hearts? This is a superb novel and I highly recommend it!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by Kregal Publications and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.

No one writes better legal thrillers than Cara Putman! She's always able to weave her strong knowledge as a lawyer into a tale that keeps me turning the pages and this book is the latest proof! I was completely engrossed in the circumstances surrounding two paintings that may have been stolen during World War II and are now hanging in a small museum in Virginia. Were they once the property of a Jewish family who were forced to leave them behind when they fled Vienna in 1938? Do the family survivors have legal rights to these paintings?

Fans of mystery/suspense, this book's for you because the art mystery is just one of three in The Vanished! Janae Simmon's return to her hometown leads to a startling family secret and the death of Carter Montgomery's sister may not be as it seemed. I loved the work partnership between Janae and Carter, I admired that they both had strong moral convictions to guide them, and I was hoping that there might be a romance waiting to happen!

If you're looking for an intriguing suspense novel with a surprise ending and an enlightening look at the Lost Art of World War II, grab a copy of this book! I recommend it to all who enjoy romantic Christian suspense!

I received a copy of this book from the author and Kregel via NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review.

The Vanished, by Cara Putman, is the first book in Secrets to Keep series. This story is well written and easy to imagine. It contains suspense, mystery and touches of romance. I found this book to be an very enjoyable story with well developed characters. I especially enjoyed the parts of Janae, her mother and grandmother as they cleanout the carriage house and found items Janae’s father has tucked away and not spoken about. I found the topic of art stolen during WWII to be very interesting. I enjoyed the closeness of the three women and how they worked together.

I enjoyed the mystery and suspense of the surrounding the painting at the gallery that were under question. It gives a look into what it might be like for the families that lost items as well as to how the stolen items were dealt with. This is such an enjoyable story, I look for to the rest of the series.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.

Once again, Priscilla Latham Grant is on the case in this installment of the "Mysteries of Martha's Vineyard" series. This time, a huge metal shark, a prop from the movie "Jaws", has vanished without a trace before an important event. Can Priscilla find out what happened and get the beloved shark returned?

This is another cozy, beach read. Just good fun. I found it a little heavy in the Jaws department. Most everyone seemed to be a fanatic. I've never gotten the hype, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.½

I’ve never been super interested in art per se, but I do have quite the appreciation for it, even if I don’t understand that world too well. I have never given much thought to just how crazy the art world could be, or how dangerous in certain situations, like what we see in The Vanished. Who knew that the art world could be so dangerous?

There is something that drew me into this story instantly. Mystery after mystery wraps this novel in a cloak of darkness layer by layer, leaving you wondering which way is up. I love stories like this so much!! The multi-facets keep it interesting and keeps you guessing the entire time you’re reading.

This novel has some great characters, but Janae’s grandmother is wonderful and one of my favorites. I loved the wisdom and support that she bestows on Janae during one of the most difficult times of her life. How I wish we all could have someone there to support us during our dark times.

I would’ve liked to have seen the ending not be tied up so quickly. Maybe an epilogue would’ve suited better, but the author could be leaving that open-ended with this being the first novel in a new series, so I can’t fault her too much.

Overall, this is an endearing story with quite the web of mystery, characters to root for, and all for the love of art.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

Highly interesting and absorbing from page one. This is my kind of book.
Janae, a lawyer, and Carter, a museum director, tackle the problem when two paintings exhibited in the Elliot Museum could belong to a Jewish WWII survivor.
This was a fascinating story told from the perspective of a museum being on the defensive in a very complex situation. There was a lot of legalese, but it was efficiently and effectively explained, thanks to the expertise of the author, who is a lawyer. You could tell that a lot of research went into this book. I was looking up the paintings in question to see if they really existed.
There was an underlying faith thread that seemed to underscore the way the main characters behaved and how they made their decisions to do the correct thing. This contrasted with the convoluted thinking by the villain.
Along with the conundrum of the paintings, there is more mystery, some family issues and a budding romance. The premise kept me turning pages and and wanting to read more stories in subsequent books in this series.
A stunning offering from an accomplished author.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel on behalf of the author via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

I enjoyed the story, although it moved a little too slowly for me. I was hoping for a little more information and less love story.½

THOUGHTS
The first half of Lethal Intent had me nearly going crazy with wanting to throw the book out my window. Why?

Because this dear book was dull, boring, and very tortuous for the first 118 pages, there was way too much information, the details often went over my head because I haven’t researched or know anything about the cancers they discussed or the things they were doing to help the patients. Which for a thriller is not a good sign.

I won’t even start on the fact that one single mention of the Covid-19 pandemic being in the past nearly earned this book a one way ticket to the burn pit, nope, not going into that …

Now, after all that you may wonder that I gave 4 stars and that I finished the book since I was so against it … the reasons are many, really …

1. Cara Putman is a spectacular author whose romantic suspense novels are some of my favorite.
2. I read another of her books and didn’t like the beginning but loved the ending.
3. I wasn’t ready for a highly looked forward to book to not be what I wanted.
4. I don’t like giving up.
5. I loved the cover …
6. Foster kids.

I am a sucker for foster kids in stories, and man, oh, man! I loved seeing Brandon with his kids! I just loved the glimpses into that side of the story, I had to hold out to see what happened with his kids.

Am I glad I did? Yes!
Do I recommend Lethal Intent? Yes!
Am I missing something … ? Yes …

Past the 118th (or some page about there) I fell in love with the story, I can’t say I connected with Caroline as I found her very naive but I understood her more and didn’t dislike her.

The ending?! Well, I found it nearly made up for the bad beginning but not quite, so, this is a good book. Had the first half been anywhere near as good as the ending it would have been a wonderful book, alas it was not quite so.

If you are a fan of suspense pick yourself up a copy and you’ll find the ending to be spectacular and you’re likely to like the first half more than I did.

Cara Putman has given me several enjoyable evenings of reading which is why I wanted to read Flight Risk though I knew I would dislike one aspect of the plot ... The fact that Savannah was divorced. And yes, I disliked that part of the book but it didn't take too much enjoyment away from the book.

I have been intrigued by Mrs. Putman's suspense, even though the characters have professions that I know next to nothing about, like lawyers as Savannah was in this novel.

Touching on hard subjects such as sex trafficking, suicide, and murder this is a hard to put down suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat!

I have to lower my rating of Flight Risk due to my dislike of some content that I felt didn't have a redemptive ending.

I really liked the journalism side of the book, it was really informative!

Those that have read the author's previous books will enjoy Flight Risk, as will readers who have enjoyed Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Dee Henderson's books.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

RTC

Genre: Historical, Romance, Christian Fiction,


My Rating: 5 Stars,


Recommendation: Anyone 13 because of romance.


My favorite character/s: Katherine “Kat” Miller, she’s honest, sweet, funny, passionate about what she’s doing, enthusiastic, excitable, and faithful. I enjoyed that she is following God and for the most part placing Him first.

My Verse for Kat is Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.


At first, I didn’t really like Jack... At first. He was unkind and seemed like he was throwing a fit… Then he kind of grew up, I enjoyed how his character changed, developed, and grew from a fussy guy into a faithful Christian man.
My Verse for Jack is Proverbs 3:1
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,


My thoughts: I enjoyed how this book showed how a game is a game, not a god, and that you should treat it as such, not letting it rule your life as God should. I’ve read Miss Putman’s suspense books and enjoyed them, but this is my favorite of her books. I liked reading about a reporter. I don’t believe I’ve read any books focused on reporters before. Or softball/baseball players. Or both set during WWII. I liked reading about all three, though. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and this is an entertaining book. I look forward to reading more books in this series!
I received this book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review. (And I am truly happy to provide it! :-) )

I always enjoy the books in the "Mysteries of Martha's Vineyard" series, and this one is no exception. When a Congressional Medal given to a WWII veteran is stolen in seeming broad daylight, lighthouse owner Priscilla Latham Grant is on the case. Is this a one off robbery...or is it something that goes far deeper?

Everything felt good to me about this book, except for the ending. I was hoping for a little more. What I was looking for had nothing to do with the actual conclusion of the mystery. I was just looking for something that would have tied up a loose end. That said, this is a perfect autumnal read. Set around the Thanksgiving season, it's sure to put your heart in a thankful mood.½

The Art of Deception by Cara Putman
Oh, this is too good. One has to be able to put it down. Get some sleep. I'm normally a historical fiction person so I took a chance to take this one. Boy I'm glad that I did. What a great spy suspense novel! Can't wait for the next one! Marie is really Charlotte, an artist hiding out in America from a crime family that she got tangled up with in Italy, using art for money laundering. Marie can paint like the classic painters so is very valuable to them. Even though she loved painting, she gave it up and fled to care for her son, but they found her. She works with Thayer who does work on the side for the FBI. Three-D characters to get wrapped up in. Twisty and turny, just right. I read the ARC from Cara which is part of the full book of four stories under the title Come What May.
I received this book free from the author, publisher and Book Funnel. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheArtOfDeception #CaraPutman #ComeWhatMay #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #TwoDogsPublishingLLC #BookFunnel #Suspense #FiveStarSuspense

INTRIGUING

This book is a compilation of four books by four romantic suspense authors. I like reading this type of book as it gives me a quick look into the unique writing styles of authors I may not be as familiar with. While each book included in Come What May stands on its own, I want to give kudos to The Art of Deception by Cara Putman. I have read many of her works, but in my opinion, this is her best writing to date! Her storyline was a complete departure from any of her other books. It was fresh, compelling, and relevant. Her characters were multidimensional, and she made you want to know more about them as the story unfolded. Putman artfully interspersed suspense and intrigue throughout the story. What I liked best is the hero is the most unlikely person, which proves that every day someone, somewhere, decides to make something spectacular out of their ordinary days.

1851 to 1942 four stories that each feel like their own get lost in book, yet just with an overlap of generational relatives. Different places, different circumstances, with a necklace that has a bible scripture engraved that is the same through time, shining a light to their unique situations. Excellent investment!

I received this book free from the authors, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #AcrossTheShores #AngelaKCouch #KellyJGoshorn #CarolynMiller #CaraPutman #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BarbourPublishing #ChristianHistoricalFiction

I enjoyed the novella Love Along the Shores by Cara Putman. I enjoyed getting to know Lauren and John and how they both survived living on the island off of the North Carolina coast during WWll. I liked the romance in the story but also liked seeing how the people of the island survived seeing what happened as wrecks of boats washed ashore after being hit by uboats. I look forward to reading the rest of the stories in this book. I received a copy of this novella from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

This a collection of Novellas written by four different authors. The thread that ties them is a gold necklace, made from a gold nugget that is found in the first read. The necklace appears in each of these reads, and through the generations these women are related.

From the Gold Fields in New South Wales, to Baltimore MD when a veiled woman arrives during a railroad strike, then to Canada, and a story with a young woman and a Mountie, and lastly to the Outer Banks NC during WWII.

You can choose to read one at a time, but I found myself moving quickly to the next one!

This is read is a treat!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

I read Love Across the Shores by Cara Putman and was drawn in immediately. It takes place during WWII on the shores of NC and I realized how lives and families were changed. I wish this had been a full length novel as I really enjoyed it and didn’t want it to end. I loved how Lauren cared for her little sister and opened her home to help the war effort. It is poignant and I loved the sparks between her and John. I look forward to reading the other stories in this collection and finding out how they tie together. I definitely recommend Ms Putman contribution.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

It was okay...

I really enjoyed this legal thriller/mystery. The case unfolded nicely and the book left off with a hint at the next book. I look forward to reading more in this series. Well done. Thanks to NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Cara Putman is one of my favorite authors and I always enjoy reviewing her books. This one gripped my heart from the beginning and wouldn’t let go. I had a lot of fun reading about 1942 Hollywood and recognizing some actors names from back in the day. Rosemary was not one of them of course, and in the story she didn’t make it happen of being a big famous star like she wanted. Rosemary’s story did not end well, which is so sad. I felt bad for Audra having to go and try to fund who killed her sister. Audra’s journey brought a lot of mystery and details to the story that makes it more believable. The characters were fabulous and I enjoyed getting to know them so much. Robert is a favorite, he was a sweetheart, I thought.

The Hollywood Victory Caravan was a new one for me. I enjoyed reading about the Caravan and about the first Hollywood stars who used this train. It is a nice and interesting addition to the story. I always enjoy learning about things I’ve never heard of such as this. I think the author does a fabulous job weaving it into the story. As always, this story has so much more than I could ever touch on, so you need to read the book to enjoy it all and get answers. I’d you enjoy a good clean mystery, this is one you will want to read. I have happy to give Stars in the Night by Cara Putman Five Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This is a very good novel. I love that this was based on a Victory Caravan that really did take place in the U.S. to get people to buy war bonds. I really like Audra and Robert. They meet and become friends and help each other to trust in God to help find the person that murdered Rosemary and others. I love that this story tells some of the true horrors that women and men went through to become Hollywood stars. I enjoyed the romance and the intrigue. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

As a fan of Murder She Wrote, I love reading murder mysteries. So when I had the opportunity to read Stars in the Night, I found myself caught up in the story. The story opens with Audra Schaeffer’s sister in Hollywood. But with the murder of her sister, Audra – an attorney, finds herself flying to Hollywood to find out what happened.

With several murders, a train caravan of stars, and a murderer on the loose, this book kept me reading to find out who was the killer, and how Audra’s relationship with Robert Garfield would turn out in the end. I thought I might know who was behind the murders, but I found myself constantly second-guessing my ideas.

So if you like murder mysteries set in the past around Hollywood during the time of World War II, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

It is 1942 and even with a war, there were those with stars in their eyes, heading for Hollywood and hoping for that big contract that would make them a star.. Rosie was just such a beautiful starlet whose light went out much too early. Attempting to discover all the w’s, Audra, her sister, lands a gig of her own. Will this lead to the one who murdered Rosie and perhaps the others?

Prepare yourself for lots of guessing who might be behind these unfortunate events. I must admit, being stuck on a train when unexpected events occur would not be my choice. However, the well developed characters seem to be up for the task. But will they survive to tell the story?

This ARC was received through CelebrateLit. These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

I enjoyed the setting of Hollywood in 1942. Some of the most famous stars were just rising in popularity and it was nice to see some names I recognized mentioned in the story. Many during that time period glamorized Hollywood and wanted so much to make it big there. Rosemary had this dream of bring a famous movie star and waited everyday for her big break.I wonder how many fell victim to the dark side of Hollywood?

With the arrival in Hollywood of Rosemary’s sister Audra, there was a hint of danger lurking for her. Where would Rosemary disappear to? We do find out quickly in the story that Rosemary was murdered but with little details. I did find it strange that Audra would not return to be at her sister’s funeral with family. Her reason was to investigate on her own the death of her sister. To me that just didn’t seem believable and I thought her devotion to her sister wasn’t as strong as we are led to believe.

I have never heard of the Hollywood Victory Caravan and decided to look it up on the internet. The author definitely has her facts correct that it was designed for stars to travel cross country on a train in order to help raise money for the Army and Navy Relief Society. This really fascinated me and I liked learning which stars were on board the train. It must have been a great time and for a good cause while the stars traveled from city to city.

I liked how the author incorporated the caravan in her story where Audra joins to help deal with the stars. One star in particular caught her attention because he knew her sister. Robert Garfield was a star who many admired and he had a connection to Audra’s sister. I wonder how long it will take for Audra to figure out exactly what Rosemary did in Hollywood? Perhaps a little black book will have answers. I’m not sure Audra knew what she was getting herself into, but she was determined to find answers about her sister.

The only way I can describe the train as it traveled to each city was chaos. Stars who thought they were better than others were always stirring up trouble. Audra was completely out of her element and I wasn’t sure that her motive for being there made me want to root for her. She gives up a chance to try her first case before the court and decides not to attend her sister’s funeral just so she can play junior detective. I didn’t really like her much and felt her character was hard to believe.

What I did find refreshing was that Robert was a Christian and made sure that Audra knew it. She had started having suspicions about him but he made it perfectly clear that “he submits every decision to Christ’s authority.” I loved that he was passionate about God and tried to reassure Audra that he had nothing to do with what happened to her sister.

The action does pick up at the end when another tragedy happens on the train. Audra is not sure who to trust anymore and begins to wonder why bad things keep happening around her. The story does have a good faith element which made me like Robert so much. The mystery was good and even though I wasn’t surprised at the outcome it was still a nice story.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.