The Gift of Summer & Giveaway

ByCara Putman
24 Comments

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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An award-winning author of 50 books, Cara is an Assistant Dean and Clinical Associate Professor in business law and ethics to graduate and undergraduate students at Purdue University. She lives with her husband, children, a perfect cat, and a sweet yet rambunctious shelter puppy in Indiana.

24 Comments

  1. 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.

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

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

    1. 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. 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!

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

  8. 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!

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

  11. 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.

    1. 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.

  13. 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.

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