Imperfect Justice {Book Review}

Imperfect Justice is a fantastic legal thriller. The storyline builds its complexity from a very common yet very rarely explored topic--domestic violence. The storyline sets up when attorney Emilie Wesley is trying to help Kaylene Adams leave her abusive husband....but who exactly is the victim & who is the perpetrator when Kaylene appears to have killed her daughter & then committed suicide? 

Emilie struggles with what her role is in the situation, and her feelings become even more mixed when her boss tells her to stay out of the investigation while Kaylene's brother Reid asks Emilie for help in proving Kaylene didn't commit suicide or murder. 

The character development is pretty solid, and the additional tension that comes from the undercurrent of minor storylines adds depth to the book, too. This was an enjoyable, quick read (if you get the chance to sit and read it in a couple of sittings!) & I look forward to reading more books by Cara Putman. **Note: this is the second book in the series. I haven't read the first book, but plan to go read it and can also say the book I just read stands alone nicely.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.*

Imperfect Justice (Thomas Nelson, December 2017)

The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can’t be talking about her client . . . can they?

To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie’s belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.

Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene’s letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.

Thrown together in a race to save Kaylene’s surviving daughter, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl—and find a future for themselves in the process?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

Cara Putman is the author of more than 25 legal thrillers, historical romances, and romantic suspense novels. She has won or been a finalist for honors including the ACFW Book of the Year and the Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Cara graduated high school at 16, college at 20, completed her law degree at 27, and recently received her MBA. She is a practicing attorney, teaches undergraduate and graduate law courses at a Big Ten business school, and is a homeschooling mom of four. She lives with her husband and children in Indiana.

Wonderful Story Bible!

As a mom of 6, a children's ministry volunteer for most of my teen, college, & early married years, followed by 14 years (and counting) of vocational children's ministry, I have owned and read many children's devotionals. The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible has just become my favorite story Bible for young children--if I could give it more than 5 stars, I absolutely would do so. The illustrations are large, with a bright color palette. The stories are simple, yet full of clarity and truth. The stories present God's Word, connect the points to our own lives, and then ask a question making it even more personal for our children. I have really enjoyed reading this to my 5 year old son and 3 year old daughters, and have had our reading match what they have been learning in church. I think slightly older children will really enjoy reading this on their own, too, as the typeset is big enough for a grade schooler to see and understand. If you are looking for a great Christmas, birthday, or child dedication gift, I highly recommend this book.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.*

The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible(New Growth Press, November 2017)

How do you explain the gospel to toddlers and preschoolers?

Often adults are stumped, but Jared Kennedy’s focus on the promises of God makes the gospel come alive to the littlest hearts. Through fifty-two Old and New Testament stories, The Beginner’s Gospel Story Biblehighlights God’s perfect promises. Every page pops with bright colors, playful illustrations, fun learning opportunities, and, best of all each story points children to Jesus.

Kids know the value of a promise. Through the gospel, our good and all-powerful God keeps his word and fulfills his promises to us better than we could have ever thought or imagined!

In The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, author Jared Kennedy traces God’s perfect promises through fifty-two Old and New Testament stories, retold in simple and compelling ways with toddlers and preschoolers in mind. Each gospel-centered story highlights God’s tale of redemption through Jesus and the unexpected and surprising ways that God’s grace and mercy are revealed throughout the Bible. Children will hear the good news of God’s love for them clearly expressed in ways that will speak to their young hearts. Brightly colored illustrations highlight the stories and add fun teaching elements of counting, opposites, patterns, and object recognition to keep even the youngest child’s attention. Every story also ends with a question that parents and caregivers can use to further reinforce the message.

Through reading this book one chapter at a time to your children—or letting them read it to you!—even the youngest kids will come to know that God’s promises are especially for them, and that God always keeps his promises.

Learn more, read a sample, and purchase a copy.

Jared Kennedy, MDiv, ThM, is the husband to Megan and the father of three girls—Rachael, Lucy, and Elisabeth. He serves as Pastor of Families at Sojourn Community Church—Midtown in Louisville, KY and as children’s ministry strategist for Sojourn Network. He blogs regularly at gospelcenteredfamily.com and is also the coauthor of "Leadership Mosaic" and two VBS programs, "Proof Pirates" and "Clap Your Hands," "Stomp Your Feet."