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A best-seller? Say What?!?!

September 13, 2018 By Cara Putman

Monday I learned that Imperfect Justice hit the CBA bestseller list in June. This is the first time one of my books has made a list. Needless to say, I’ve been on the verge of happy tears all day. Imperfect Justice is my 28th book, and the story is so important to me that this is a sweet moment. I want to share that with you.

Join @cara_putman as she celebrates hitting the @ECPA bestseller list with a massive #giveaway. #amreading #imperfectjustice

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There are certain milestones for authors.

  1. Obtain your first contract.
  2. Win or final in a prestigious award.
  3. Obtain your second contract.
  4. Have a book signing!
  5. Fight past writer’s block for your third manuscript.
  6. Attend a bookclub that read YOUR book!
  7. Wonder if you’ll ever have another sellable idea.
  8. Land your fifth contract.
  9. Watch a book climb to the top 100 in an Amazon category.
  10. Land your tenth contract.
  11. Hit a bestseller list.
  12. Land your fifteenth contract
  13. Hit the USAToday list.
  14. Sweet to your twentieth book and wonder why you do this to yourself.
  15. Hit the New York Times list.
  16. Get your thirty-second contract.
  17. Etc.

There were days I wondered if one of my books would ever crawl on to a list. It felt like a Jericho I didn’t know how to circle because it’s so far out of my control.

Readers are the one who buy the books.

So thank you.

Sincerely. I still get giddy and weepy at the thought that one of my books edged onto a list.

To celebrate Eric and I took the kids out for ice cream. I can’t take you all to ice cream, but how about a giveaway instead? Use the rafflecopter form below. In a week I’ll have the program randomly select three winners:

  • the last crazy cover ARC of Imperfect Justice
  • an arc of Delayed Justice, which releases October 16 (don’t forget if you preorder it and email me a copy of your receipt at cara@caraputman.com I’ll send you a copy of Dying for Love in Cherry Blossom Capers.)
  • And a copy of Beyond Justice and Imperfect Justice

Thank you for being part of my writing journey and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

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Cara Putman

An award-winning author of more than 40 books, Cara is a Clinical Associate Professor in business law and ehtics to graduate and undergraduate students at Purdue University. She lives with her husband, four children, a perfect cat, and a sweet yet rambunctious shelter puppy in Indiana.
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  • Book Recommendations in Time for Summer and a Giveaway - May 22, 2025
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Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: Bestseller, cara putman, giveaway

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Comments

  1. Sabrina Templin says

    September 13, 2018 at 3:04 am

    Congrats, Cara! 😀

  2. Brandi says

    September 13, 2018 at 5:26 am

    Congratulations!!

  3. Melanie Backus says

    September 13, 2018 at 5:55 am

    I am reading River to Redemption by Ann Gabhart.

  4. Suzanne Sellner says

    September 13, 2018 at 6:13 am

    Congratulations for all your accomplishments! You have worked hard for them and have ministered to so many people in the process. Well done!

    • Cara Putman says

      September 14, 2018 at 8:51 am

      Thank you, Suzanne!

  5. Suzanne Sellner says

    September 13, 2018 at 6:21 am

    I am currently reading Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny following our trip to Quebec this past August. You may be aware that she’s a Canadian author from just south of Montreal in Quebec, and she writes mysteries featuring Armand Gamache as the main character.

    • Cara Putman says

      September 14, 2018 at 8:51 am

      I have read a couple of her books. They are good. I should read more!

  6. Kay Garrett says

    September 13, 2018 at 6:23 am

    Congratulations! You have the right to celebrate and rightly so. I’d say ice cream every day. 🙂

    At present, I’m reading “City of Lies” by Victoria Thompson. Thank you for the chance to celebrate with you and the wonderful chance to be one of three very fortunate ones selected.

    • Cara Putman says

      September 14, 2018 at 8:52 am

      My kids would agree with you on Ice Cream every day 😉

  7. Mary Hart says

    September 13, 2018 at 6:28 am

    I’m reading Justice Delayed by Patricia Bradley. Cogratulations on making the list!

    • Cara Putman says

      September 14, 2018 at 8:52 am

      Mary, that was a good book! I really enjoyed it.

  8. Paula Shreckhise says

    September 13, 2018 at 6:43 am

    You have had quite a ride! Congratulations!
    I am reading The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear.
    Would love to win your other book. I have Imperfect Justice. Thanks!

    • Cara Putman says

      September 14, 2018 at 8:53 am

      Thank you, Paula. Can you believe I haven’t read any of Shannon’s books? I need to rectify that.

  9. Linda says

    September 13, 2018 at 6:57 am

    I just finished Lady Jayne Disappears. I really liked Imperfect Justice and am looking forward to Delayed Justice – this series had been so good! Congratulations!

    • Cara Putman says

      September 14, 2018 at 8:53 am

      Linda, I really enjoyed Lady Jayne Disappears. I just got her second book and need to find time to settle in and enjoy it.

  10. Karen Witemeyer says

    September 13, 2018 at 7:08 am

    So happy for you, Cara! If every there was a reason to go out for ice cream, that’s it. 🙂 I think I’ll tell my kiddos that we should go out to ice cream because my friend Cara hit the CBA bestseller list. I’m sure they’ll be eager to help you celebrate. Ha!

    • Cara Putman says

      September 14, 2018 at 8:54 am

      Karen, I laughed out loud when I read this. Tell your kids they have my blessing for you to take them out to celebrate for me 😉

  11. Maggie says

    September 13, 2018 at 7:10 am

    Congratulation!! Great news!

  12. Cheryl H. says

    September 13, 2018 at 7:10 am

    I just finished A Worthy Rebel, by Jody Hedlund, and now currently reading The Christmas Company, by Alys Murray. 🙂

  13. Anne Mateer says

    September 13, 2018 at 7:43 am

    So happy for you, Cara! Congrats! Enjoy the fruits of your labor! 🙂

    • Cara Putman says

      September 14, 2018 at 8:54 am

      Thank you, Anne!

  14. Angie Quantrell says

    September 13, 2018 at 7:56 am

    Congratulations! How exciting for you! Yay!

  15. Darlene Allen says

    September 13, 2018 at 8:36 am

    Congratulations Cara! Your books are excellent! Wish more were available through book outlet.ca

  16. Jennifer Rumberger says

    September 13, 2018 at 9:10 am

    Congratulations! How exciting!

    • Jennifer Rumberger says

      September 13, 2018 at 9:12 am

      Oh and I’m currently reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society because I never had. What a good book!

      • Cara Putman says

        September 14, 2018 at 8:55 am

        I have it and need to read it!

  17. Megan L. says

    September 13, 2018 at 9:18 am

    I’m currently reading Pelican Point by Irene Hannon. Congrats on your book being on the bestseller list.

  18. Susan P says

    September 13, 2018 at 9:32 am

    Congrats!! Yay! How awesome for you. 🙂 I just finished Elizabeth Goddard’s new Stormy Haven! It is so good.

  19. Jen says

    September 13, 2018 at 9:37 am

    Congratulations! I am sure it’s the first of many.

  20. Beverly Duell-Moore says

    September 13, 2018 at 9:42 am

    Congratulations! I love your books! And, I thank you for the link you sent me for this.

  21. Kim Potter says

    September 13, 2018 at 9:42 am

    Congratulations!!!!!! Right now I’m reading “Indivisible” by Travis Thrasher

  22. Jen Black says

    September 13, 2018 at 9:59 am

    Congratulations on the award! 🙂 🙂
    I’m currently reading “Miss Kitty and the Irish Rebellion & Other Stories for the Young” published by Lamplighter Publishing. (The Miss Kitty story was originally published in 1888.) Have you ever read any of the Lamplighter Publishing books? They are republishing books from the 1700’s and 1800’s that have Christian truths and morals. I used to be an elementary school teacher, so I still enjoy reading children’s literature from time to time. http://lamplighter.net/c/

    • Cara Putman says

      September 14, 2018 at 8:55 am

      How fun! I haven’t read any of those, but I’m listening to an audio book on Little Women and Louisa May Alcott. It’s been fascinating!

  23. Andrea Cox says

    September 13, 2018 at 10:02 am

    Cara, congratulations, friend! This is really exciting! I’m still attempting to get Shadowed by Grace to hit the bestseller lists, as I talk about that one all the time. Christian Fiction Devourers (on Goodreads) will be reading it in October as one of our two book club reads of the month. Cara, feel free to drop in for that; we love our authors! (Everyone else here is welcome to join in the fun too!)

    I am currently reading a stack of books, but the one I’m most excited about is Tricia Goyer’s Songbird Under a German Moon. I love a good WWII book, and so far, this one’s hitting all the good vibes with me.

    Blessings,
    Andrea
    andrearenee2004@yahoo.com

    p.s. Sorry if this double posts. I waited ten minutes for it to show up, and it never did. Feel free to delete an extra one, if it decides to show up. 🙂

    • Cara Putman says

      September 14, 2018 at 8:56 am

      Andrea, if you could accomplish that, my smile would never stop. Love you, friend.

  24. Pam says

    September 13, 2018 at 10:23 am

    Congratulations Cara! I just finished a book last night, not sure what I will pick up next. I hope you all enjoyed your ice cream!

    • jcp says

      September 13, 2018 at 10:48 am

      before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

  25. Betty Strohecker says

    September 13, 2018 at 10:51 am

    Congratulations, Cara! I’m reading The Glass Ocean.

  26. Linda McFarland says

    September 13, 2018 at 12:41 pm

    Just finished Legacy of Mercy, Lynn Austin. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  27. Pam says

    September 13, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    Congratulations!! I’m reading Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof.

  28. Joy says

    September 13, 2018 at 2:47 pm

    I just listened to the audio version of Imperfect Justice yesterday during a road trip! A friend recommended this series and so I listened to the first one a couple weeks ago on another road trip! Great series! Looking forward to the next one now!

    • Cara Putman says

      September 14, 2018 at 8:56 am

      Joy, I love that you’re enjoying the audio books. I’m trying to decide what to listen to next week as I drive to Nashville.

      • Joy says

        September 18, 2018 at 6:52 am

        Road trips were never this much fun prior to audiobooks! Would love to know what you wound up listening to on your drive. If you haven’t listened to Becky Wade’s Bradford Sisters series, I’d recommend it!

  29. MS Barb says

    September 13, 2018 at 4:45 pm

    “Plain Retribution” by Dana R Lynn

  30. Una Ireland says

    September 13, 2018 at 5:39 pm

    I’m reading The Divergent Series: Insurgent

  31. Linda Stringer says

    September 13, 2018 at 6:41 pm

    Congrats, Cara! You were a new author to me this year, but I really enjoy your books. And I look forward to reading more.

    • Cara Putman says

      September 14, 2018 at 8:57 am

      Thank you, Linda!

  32. Sarah Snider says

    September 13, 2018 at 7:54 pm

    Congratulations! I’m currently reading A Noise Downstairs by Linwood Barclay.

  33. Shirley Chapel says

    September 13, 2018 at 7:54 pm

    Thank you for this giveaway . Congrats on making your first list.

  34. Kathleen Burnop says

    September 13, 2018 at 8:00 pm

    Congratulations! I finished reading The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck.

  35. Rayn says

    September 13, 2018 at 8:56 pm

    Congratulations – I loved Imperfect Justice and am looking forward to reading Delayed Justice!
    Currently I’m reading Terri Blackstock’s thriller, If I Run. 🙂

  36. Ola K Norman says

    September 13, 2018 at 9:11 pm

    I’m reading Lone Witness by Rachel Dylan.

  37. Chanel Monroe says

    September 13, 2018 at 9:17 pm

    Congratulations, Cara! Right now, I’m finishing up The Last Summer by Brandy Bruce.

  38. Winnie Thomas says

    September 13, 2018 at 10:04 pm

    Congratulations, Cara! I’m reading Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson right now. I’m almost done–it’s fantastic!

  39. Debora Wilder says

    September 13, 2018 at 10:32 pm

    Congratulations Cara! I’m thrilled for you.

    I’m currently reading A Secret to Die For by Lisa Harris.

  40. Robbie Pink says

    September 13, 2018 at 11:59 pm

    Oh, Cara! Congratulations!!💃I’m doing the happy dance for you!

    I am so happy for you!!

    Blessings~💖

  41. Jessica says

    September 14, 2018 at 3:19 pm

    Congratulations Cara 🎊! I hope you reach all the author milestones because, you deserve it 💕!!
    PS. the links for pinterest and goodreads on Rafflecopter didn’t work for me but, I still found you manually ;)! 💕

  42. Dianna says

    September 14, 2018 at 9:19 pm

    Saw this in your newsletter — congrats!! That’s HUGE and so well-deserved!!
    I’m reading The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain for a book tour.

  43. Vivian Furbay says

    September 14, 2018 at 9:40 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway and best wishes to you.

  44. Trixi says

    September 16, 2018 at 12:25 am

    I just finished reading an early copy of The Sound of Distant Thunder by Jan Drexler. Next on my list is A Secret to Die For by Lisa Harris. I’m always either in the middle of reading something, just finished something or about to start reading something…lol!

    Thank you for the giveaway chance, Cara!

  45. Caryl Kane says

    September 16, 2018 at 6:41 pm

    Congratulations, Cara!

    I just finished Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin.

  46. Alyssa Zech says

    September 18, 2018 at 3:35 am

    I just finished the Cape Refuge series by Terri Blackstock and started Just Look Up by Courtney Walsh!

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