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The Gift of Summer & Giveaway

June 13, 2019 By Cara Putman

As you read this, I’m on my way to this summer’s study abroad. You know the hardest part of packing? Figuring out how many books I’ll read in the two and a half weeks and how many of those I’m willing to read on my Kindle rather than in paperback. Well, that and figuring out which clothes to take since I want to look professional in the morning while I teach, but relax in the afternoons and evenings. I’m trying something of a capsule wardrobe this year, but my suitcase still feels heavy, so unfortunately, this time I’ll be reading a lot on my Kindle.

While I love getting to take students abroad, this year is different. Our oldest will be staying in Indiana as she takes three courses this summer. Insert sad face. I love exploring new places with her! Our other three opted to spend time with cousins and grandparents. I don’t know about you, but growing up, my immediate family included aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. I love that my kids think about it that way, too. It takes work to maintain, but is so very worth it!

Part of me is jealous of the time they’re going to get swimming at the pool, taking science classes with cousins, and just doing life together. Our family has had a big year with more excitement brewing, so I’m glad they get to unwind and just be kids for a couple weeks.

What does your summer have in store? Will you get to spend time with family? Have you read a book that you would recommend I try?

If you’re traveling this summer, be sure to nab my A Promise Forged while it’s free in ebook formats. Kat is still one of my favorite heroines that I’ve written.

I also noticed that Beyond Justice is on ebook sale for $3.49 on Amazon. And to celebrate summer and car trips, I’m going to give away two copies each of four of my audiobooks. Just enter below, 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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Comments

  1. Betty Strohecker says

    June 13, 2019 at 6:41 am

    Traveling from the east coast to California to see our daughter, grandson, and son-in-law.

    So glad you do your study abroad. My nephew had the opportunity to participate in two of those when he was in college. Safe travels.

    • Cara Putman says

      June 14, 2019 at 2:52 pm

      Thanks, Becky. My one regret from undergrad was not taking a study abroad. So glad your nephew had the opportunity

  2. Janet Estridge says

    June 13, 2019 at 6:44 am

    My favorite summer reads are the books in the Guideposts Series, “Mysteries of Martha’s Vineyard”.
    What’s not to love about a mystery?

    • Cara Putman says

      June 14, 2019 at 2:52 pm

      Yay! I loved being part of that series. So fun!

  3. Cheryl Hart says

    June 13, 2019 at 7:57 am

    My favorite summer read is Whose Waves These Are, by Amanda Dykes. So beautiful!!!

    • Cara Putman says

      June 14, 2019 at 2:53 pm

      I’ve started that one, and look forward to finishing it when I get back. My suitcase was overweight thanks to the textbook and info for students, so my only books are Kindle based.

  4. Karen R says

    June 13, 2019 at 9:37 am

    Sounds like an exciting summer adventure for you! We just got back from a road trip of almost 4000 miles, visiting new to us national parks and historic sites–Yellowstone, Glacier, Fort Laramie– awesome to see things I’ve only read about. Packed my books first too! Enjoyed Denise Hunter’s new book Summer By the Tides and finished The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke. Both very good. Bon Voyage!

    • Cara Putman says

      June 14, 2019 at 2:54 pm

      That trip sounds AMAZING! I haven’t been to Yellowstone …one day! Denise’s book is on my TBR pile. When I get home!

  5. Suzanne Sellner says

    June 13, 2019 at 9:41 am

    Have a wonderful time teaching abroad and reading for your pleasure!

  6. Suzanne Sellner says

    June 13, 2019 at 9:43 am

    I just finished reading Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson and LOVED it!

    • Cara Putman says

      June 14, 2019 at 2:54 pm

      Melanie is a skilled writer. So glad to hear you enjoyed her book!

  7. Kara says

    June 13, 2019 at 10:57 am

    Would love to win this!

  8. Bonnie says

    June 13, 2019 at 12:27 pm

    I have most recently read “The Memory House” by Rachel Hauck and “We Hope for Better Things” by Erin Bartels. Excellent books and I recommend both of them for you. Have a wonderful summer!

    • Cara Putman says

      June 14, 2019 at 2:55 pm

      I’ve read Rachel’s…she is so skilled as a writer. I’ll have to look for Erin’s. Thanks for the recommendation.

  9. Lelia (Lucy) Reynolds says

    June 13, 2019 at 1:57 pm

    My favorite summer read so far is My Dearest Dietrich.

    • Cara Putman says

      June 14, 2019 at 2:55 pm

      Lucy, that book intrigues me. What do you like most about it?

  10. Jennifer Rumberger says

    June 13, 2019 at 5:36 pm

    Our summer is always filled with baseball. Both of my teenage boys play. Good thing it’s my favorite sport! 😀

    • Cara Putman says

      June 14, 2019 at 2:56 pm

      I’m glad, too. If it wasn’t, it would be a LONG summer!

  11. Carla says

    June 13, 2019 at 6:33 pm

    It sounds like you’ve a busy summer ahead. I like that your children get to spend time with their aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents – that’s as it should be and more so as people get so busy in their lives – sometimes too busy even for family time. My husband, myself and our 2 grown daughters (both of whom are still single) will be taking a quick weekend trip to Branson, MO later this month.

    • Cara Putman says

      June 14, 2019 at 2:56 pm

      Can you believe I haven’t been to Branson yet? I’ve heard so many good things, but never made it. Hope you have a wonderful time.

  12. Una Ireland says

    June 13, 2019 at 9:18 pm

    I liked A Reluctant Bride

    • Jocelyn says

      June 14, 2019 at 7:10 am

      Just started reading Burning Sky by Lori Benton. Really good so far.

  13. Rebecca A Reed says

    June 18, 2019 at 12:42 pm

    I finished listening to Sandhill Dreams while riding the tour bus through Germany. I loved how you integrated the dogs and horses and the fear each can produce. A wonderful listen, and I thought of you as I traveled.

    • Rebecca A Reed says

      June 18, 2019 at 12:44 pm

      I forgot to say I’m listening to Karen Witemeyer’s More than Words Can Say right now and it is fantastic. I highly recommend it.

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