Meet Cara Putman: A Storyteller Where Law, Heart, and Hope Collide

What do a courtroom, a World War II romance, and Jo March have in common?

They all live vividly in the mind and work of Cara Putman—an award-winning, best-selling author with more than 40 novels and two nonfiction titles to her name. A gifted communicator and passionate educator, Cara combines her love of the law with a deep sense of storytelling to create novels that are as thought-provoking as they are emotionally rich.

Where It All Began

As a preteen in Nebraska, Cara witnessed a moment that would leave a lasting mark: a legislative hearing where attorneys’ words shifted the course of policy. The power of language stirred something deep within her. What if I became a lawyer—would people listen to me the same way?

It turns out, they do.

Cara is an honors graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, George Mason University School of Law, and Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Today, she’s an attorney licensed in both Indiana and Virginia, specializing in adoptions, employment law, and business formation. She also teaches business law and ethics full-time at Purdue University’s Daniels School of Business, where her passion for teaching and storytelling converge.

Over the years, I’ve come to see that God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called. Whether it’s standing in a courtroom, juggling edits between homeschool lessons, or praying over a new plot twist in the early morning hours, I’ve learned to lean on Him daily. Writing legal suspense and heart-tugging historicals isn’t just about crafting stories—it’s about ministering to readers who need to know they’re not alone in their struggles, their fears, or their faith journeys.

Writing With Purpose

I’ve had the joy of connecting with readers from all walks of life—women who’ve wrestled with grief, young writers just beginning their journeys, and fellow moms trying to make space for their dreams. If my life proves anything, it’s that God can use even our most imperfect, uncertain moments to shape something beautiful. My hope is that through my books, classes, or a simple word of encouragement, you’ll be reminded that your story matters—and that God is writing something powerful through your life, too.

Cara’s novels span legal thrillers, WWII romances, and romantic suspense, but they all share a unifying thread: hope. In her words, No matter what happens, hope is there, waiting for us to reach for it.

She’s known for writing strong, intelligent female protagonists who face real-world challenges—often with a legal twist informed by her own professional experiences.

Inspiration in Unexpected Places

When asked about where her ideas come from, Cara shared a fascinating story:

For my book in the Two Dog collection, I was reading an article in the Omaha World-Herald about how medical examiners are selected in Nebraska. I couldn’t believe it—I could be a medical examiner in my home state! From there, my writer’s mind started spinning with story ideas.

Her ability to take everyday moments and spin them into engaging fiction is one of the hallmarks of her writing.

Advice for Aspiring Authors

It’s important to commit to the process of writing. What will you do each day to make progress? Will you write 500 words? Research? Edit? Work on your proposal? There’s something you can do each day that moves you closer to completion. Do that. And then do it again. Now I’m going to go take my own advice.

This discipline and authenticity shine through in every aspect of Cara’s work, both on the page and in her life.

Who Would She Write With?

If she could co-author a book with any fictional character?

I’d love to collaborate with someone like Jo March or Anne Shirley. I’ve always loved those strong heroines. I almost said Hercule Poirot, but he’d drive me crazy!

That blend of wit and wisdom is classic Cara.

Final Thoughts

From legal debates to historical romance, Cara Putman has proven that words truly matter—and when combined with purpose and hope, they can change hearts and lives. Whether you’re a fan of courtroom drama, history-rich love stories, or uplifting suspense, Cara’s books deliver with emotional depth and truth.

You can explore her novels, read sample chapters, or connect with her directly at: www.caraputman.com. To keep informed about Cara’s upcoming titles, sign up for her newsletter here.