Cara C. Putman – Character Interview – Part 2 of 2

Shannon here: Historical Romance author, Cara C. Putman shares insight into her characters’ romance from her latest release, Shadowed by Grace and a chance to win a copy. Comment on any post dated Jan 13 – 15 to enter the drawing. Deadline: Jan 25th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Shannon:

Rachel Justice, heroine of Shadowed by Grace

• What’s the number one quality you’d require in a mate?

I want a husband who is committed to me. After what happened to me mother, I want to know that the man I let into my heart will stay. That he loves me and is committed to a lifetime together.

• Where is the worst place you can think of to find a mate?

The Italian front. Truly, I never imagined that while in Italy, following one of the American divisions up the boot I would be able to find love. Yet I think I have. Makes me wonder if Italy is a magical land, where love finds you in even the hardest times.

• What type of character traits are you attracted to?

Someone who truly sees others. That’s the first thing I noticed about Scott. He’d stopped on a bombed street in Naples to give a little Italian boy a chocolate bar. Others passed by and never stopped, yet Scott tried to talk with him. He cared about that child. And he seems to care about all who cross his path…except maybe Tyler.

• What would be a reason to end a potential romance for you?

I have to be able to trust the man I’m giving my heart to. If he broke my trust, it would be very hard to move forward. He has to be different than my father. I’m beginning to think finding a man worthy of my whole-hearted trust is almost impossible. And then I wonder if maybe, despite his flaws, I have found him.

• Where do you dream of getting married?

Back home in the States with my mother at my side. In my dreams she is well. The tuberculosis has left her or disappeared far into the recesses of her body, and she sits in the front row, joy on her face.

• Where do you dream of spending your honeymoon?

I would love to return to Montegufoni without the pressure and strife of war. See what this beautiful castle is like when it isn’t filled with refugees and surrounded by military tents. I can see glimpses of its grandeur painted on the wall and shrouded by sheets, but there is more. I’d love to walk the vineyards and among the olive trees without the whine of artillery or glancing at the sky to check who’s plane is approaching.

About Cara: Cara Putman is a romantic at heart, which is why her books always have romance along with history or suspense. Shegraduated high school at 16, college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. An award-winning author of seventeen books with more on the way, she is active in women’s ministry at her church and is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. Putman is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at Krannert. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana. You can connect with her online at:  Facebook: www.facebook.com/caraputman, Twitter: www.twitter.com/cara_putman, Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/caraputman, Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/CaraPutman

About the book – Shadowed by Grace: Rachel Justice is desperate to save her dying mother. She doesn’t want to leave her, but she accepts her newspaper’s assignment to travel to Italy and photograph war images. No one knows her photography is a cover and that Rachel is really seeking to find the father she never knew, hopeful to get some help with her failing mother. Dedicated to her mission, Rachel is focused on completing it. Soon, though, she finds her priorities and plans changing when she is assigned to Lt. Scott Lindstrom, on mission as a Monument Man. Their meeting will have far-reaching consequences. Will this derail her plans? Will she ever find her father? Is her faith enough to carry her through?

Read the first chapter: http://caraputman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Shadowed-by-Grace-chapter-excerpt.pdf

Purchase Links:

Christianbook.com: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1141766&item_no=681783

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadowed-by-grace-cara-putman/1115951174?ean=9781433681783
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1433681781/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1433681781&linkCode=as2&tag=carput-20

Come back Jan 17th for Mary Ellis!