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Buckeye Promises #3
A Promise Forged
A heartwarming WWII historical from award-winning author Cara Putman:
Kat Miller has dreamed of playing baseball her entire life. When she earns a spot on a team in the All-American Girls Professional Softball League, she finds that things aren’t as glamorous as she imagined. She struggles with long road trips, grueling practices, and older teammates who are jealous of her success. And to top it all off, an irritating reporter is constantly getting under Kat’s skin.
Events in Jack Raymond’s career have left him cynical and distanced from God. He never wanted to write at a small paper, and he certainly didn’t want to be assigned to something as inconsequential as a women’s softball team. Then Kat walks into his life. The fiery, young softball player somehow climbs the walls around his heart and makes him want to hope again.
When lies fly and the league appears to fail, will Kat and Jack’s new love survive?
Click “send a free sample” and start reading now!
Other books in this series:
Canteen Dreams
Sandhill Dreams
Captive Dreams
A Promise Kept
A Promise Born
Kat Miller has dreamed of playing baseball her entire life. When she earns a spot on a team in the All-American Girls Professional Softball League, she finds that things aren’t as glamorous as she imagined. She struggles with long road trips, grueling practices, and older teammates who are jealous of her success. And to top it all off, an irritating reporter is constantly getting under Kat’s skin.
Events in Jack Raymond’s career have left him cynical and distanced from God. He never wanted to write at a small paper, and he certainly didn’t want to be assigned to something as inconsequential as a women’s softball team. Then Kat walks into his life. The fiery, young softball player somehow climbs the walls around his heart and makes him want to hope again.
When lies fly and the league appears to fail, will Kat and Jack’s new love survive?
Click “send a free sample” and start reading now!
Other books in this series:
Canteen Dreams
Sandhill Dreams
Captive Dreams
A Promise Kept
A Promise Born
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2010
518 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Cara C. Putman
67 books1,898 followersCara C. Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. She is a clinical associate professor in law and ethics at Purdue University's School of Business. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. She loves bringing history and legal romantic suspense to life.
An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska, George Mason University School of Law, and Krannert School of Management, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.
Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey. She's currently writing her 46th book with more on the way. Please check out her website to learn more about her books and read first chapters.
An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska, George Mason University School of Law, and Krannert School of Management, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.
Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey. She's currently writing her 46th book with more on the way. Please check out her website to learn more about her books and read first chapters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
November 25, 2018
A Promised Forged was a cute and fun read. I don't think I have ever read a book about female baseball players, so I found this intriguing. The characters were nice and I liked the ending. A good read.
November 5, 2018
5 stars
Ever since I first saw A League of Their Own and adored the character of Evelyn (portrayed by Bitty Schram), I have admired the story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. What I didn't know until I read A Promise Forged was that it began as the All-American Girls Professional Softball League. I love it when an author prompts me to look further into a topic, thus teaching me stuff I didn't before know. We definitely learn something new each day. In addition to that, I liked that Kat's spunky personality reminded me of the movie's Evelyn. That was a fun comparison!
Another thing I liked was how the backdrop of WWII drifted into the background as the baseball took the foreground for this story. It was a delightful reprieve from the war-heavy novels I'm used to reading in this genre. (Don't misunderstand me: I am a WWII fiction fan and love seeing all different aspects of the genre.)
The only things that bugged me were the two uses of a replacement profanity. It's a word that most people don't realize is a replacement for using the Lord's name in vain, but when you look up the etymology of the word, it's plain as daylight. However, I did not dock any stars for this, because it was also considered teenage slang at the time of this book, and perhaps it wasn't with the intention the etymology infers.
One thing that made me chuckle was that a redhead was stated to have a tan. Um, this isn't believable from this redhead's perspective. I can freckle and I can burn, but I have never had the ability to tan. Hearing from many other redheads in my life, this seems to be a consensus. Perhaps there are a few true redheads in the world with that capability, but I haven't met them yet. Research shows that redheads are generally more sensitive to the sun and not only burn easily but also gain sun-induced headaches and fatigue. Anyway, this line made me laugh.
Overall, I adored this story of a girls' softball/baseball team and the journalist shadowing them. It was a treat well appreciated in the midst of a busy weekend. Be sure to read the first two books in the series, though, as the Buckeye Promises build atmosphere as they go.
Ever since I first saw A League of Their Own and adored the character of Evelyn (portrayed by Bitty Schram), I have admired the story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. What I didn't know until I read A Promise Forged was that it began as the All-American Girls Professional Softball League. I love it when an author prompts me to look further into a topic, thus teaching me stuff I didn't before know. We definitely learn something new each day. In addition to that, I liked that Kat's spunky personality reminded me of the movie's Evelyn. That was a fun comparison!
Another thing I liked was how the backdrop of WWII drifted into the background as the baseball took the foreground for this story. It was a delightful reprieve from the war-heavy novels I'm used to reading in this genre. (Don't misunderstand me: I am a WWII fiction fan and love seeing all different aspects of the genre.)
The only things that bugged me were the two uses of a replacement profanity. It's a word that most people don't realize is a replacement for using the Lord's name in vain, but when you look up the etymology of the word, it's plain as daylight. However, I did not dock any stars for this, because it was also considered teenage slang at the time of this book, and perhaps it wasn't with the intention the etymology infers.
One thing that made me chuckle was that a redhead was stated to have a tan. Um, this isn't believable from this redhead's perspective. I can freckle and I can burn, but I have never had the ability to tan. Hearing from many other redheads in my life, this seems to be a consensus. Perhaps there are a few true redheads in the world with that capability, but I haven't met them yet. Research shows that redheads are generally more sensitive to the sun and not only burn easily but also gain sun-induced headaches and fatigue. Anyway, this line made me laugh.
Overall, I adored this story of a girls' softball/baseball team and the journalist shadowing them. It was a treat well appreciated in the midst of a busy weekend. Be sure to read the first two books in the series, though, as the Buckeye Promises build atmosphere as they go.
February 16, 2022
This was a fun, sweet romance. I kept getting flashes of A League of Their Own while I read this book. Familiarity with the movie helped me imagine those short skirt uniforms and more. But I am always more skeptical of Hollywood than I am of authors I know and have come to trust, so I loved learning more about the All-American Girls Professional Softball (Baseball) League through the characters of Kat and Jack.
I listened to the audiobook. I liked the narrator for the most part, but I did feel she "overacted" some of the minor characters. Didn't care for the voices she gave them. But since they were minor, it didn't diminish my enjoyment of this short novel.
I listened to the audiobook. I liked the narrator for the most part, but I did feel she "overacted" some of the minor characters. Didn't care for the voices she gave them. But since they were minor, it didn't diminish my enjoyment of this short novel.
October 19, 2021
A Promise Forged by Cara Putman is a book about things happening at home while the troops go off to fight in WWII.
Cara Putman gives us a history lesson about an important part of raising morale during a dark time in our national history. It is well researched and interesting. The story centers around Kat Miller,a highschool student, who makes the team, The Cherry Hill Blossoms, for the All-American Softball League during WWII. Jack Raymond is a reporter assigned to cover the team.
The characters learn to trust God more fully for the next step in their lives. It shows the progression of a budding romance in an endearing way.
I love learning from Historical Christian Fiction. This is part of a series that I will look to continue reading.
Cara Putman gives us a history lesson about an important part of raising morale during a dark time in our national history. It is well researched and interesting. The story centers around Kat Miller,a highschool student, who makes the team, The Cherry Hill Blossoms, for the All-American Softball League during WWII. Jack Raymond is a reporter assigned to cover the team.
The characters learn to trust God more fully for the next step in their lives. It shows the progression of a budding romance in an endearing way.
I love learning from Historical Christian Fiction. This is part of a series that I will look to continue reading.
August 23, 2018
Cara Putman’s sweet story, packed with fascinating historical tidbits, follows Kat Miller as she embarks on an exciting summer, playing with the Cherry Hill Blossoms. This dream-come-true turns into a bit of a nightmare in places, as Kat must face jealous (and catty) teammates, injuries, and a place in the spotlight she didn’t ask for. In addition, she and the rest of the team encounter prejudice and disrespect as they pave the way for future generations in an era that didn’t offer women a lot of opportunities. Kat’s relationship with God is what gets her through the difficult summer and I really enjoyed how the author made that such a natural part of Kat’s life.
Jack Raymond is cynical and flirty and worldly and a little bit arrogant, and he wants nothing more than to leave his podunk reporting job and return to a big paper with all the fame and fanfare that goes along with that kind of position. Assigned to cover the new women’s league – in particular, the Cherry Hill Blossoms – he is completely captivated by Kat right from the beginning. Their age difference is something to gasp at by today’s standards but back then it wasn’t as big of a deal. Enough of one that Kat can use it as an excuse while she guards her heart and reputation against his attentions, though, especially since he doesn’t share her relationship with Jesus. Age difference or not, I loved their friendship from its earliest stages (banter!) to the more mature and heartfelt feelings that develop as the story progresses. And I absolutely love how Jack’s relationship with God changes throughout the book as well.
Bottom Line: A Promise Forged immerses readers in 1940s America, when morale needed to be lifted and autographed photos were given out with the purchase of a war bond. The good and the bad of the era is matter-of-factly woven throughout Kat and Jack’s story, and it makes me want to learn more about the women’s professional baseball leagues of the day. Richly-drawn characters, including Kat and Jack, and a vivid setting also put readers right in the middle of the action, from the crack of a bat to the cheers from the stands. Whether you’re an avid baseball fan or, like me, are more interested in the history, this is an entertaining and touching romance from start to finish.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Jack Raymond is cynical and flirty and worldly and a little bit arrogant, and he wants nothing more than to leave his podunk reporting job and return to a big paper with all the fame and fanfare that goes along with that kind of position. Assigned to cover the new women’s league – in particular, the Cherry Hill Blossoms – he is completely captivated by Kat right from the beginning. Their age difference is something to gasp at by today’s standards but back then it wasn’t as big of a deal. Enough of one that Kat can use it as an excuse while she guards her heart and reputation against his attentions, though, especially since he doesn’t share her relationship with Jesus. Age difference or not, I loved their friendship from its earliest stages (banter!) to the more mature and heartfelt feelings that develop as the story progresses. And I absolutely love how Jack’s relationship with God changes throughout the book as well.
Bottom Line: A Promise Forged immerses readers in 1940s America, when morale needed to be lifted and autographed photos were given out with the purchase of a war bond. The good and the bad of the era is matter-of-factly woven throughout Kat and Jack’s story, and it makes me want to learn more about the women’s professional baseball leagues of the day. Richly-drawn characters, including Kat and Jack, and a vivid setting also put readers right in the middle of the action, from the crack of a bat to the cheers from the stands. Whether you’re an avid baseball fan or, like me, are more interested in the history, this is an entertaining and touching romance from start to finish.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
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October 15, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (10/15/18)!💝
August 6, 2018
A PROMISE FORGED is a reprint of one of Ms. Putman's earlier Heartsong Presents novels that has been republished with a beautiful new cover.
Kat is seventeen, a softball whiz, and a redheaded spitfire though she tries to contain that part. Jack is a college graduate, a sports-reporter who dreams of bigger, better things than writing about a womens' softball team. Really? Who ever heard of such a thing? Apparently baseball fans felt the same way because turnout was terrible. So Jack is tasked with writing positive things to fill the stands.
Kat immediately catches his attention and his heart, but what is he thinking? She's just a "baby in diapers" and he's "older than her brother". Besides, she needs to finish school and wants to go to college.
This ends with the possibility of a HEA and with the age of the heroine, that is acceptable. I'd hesitate if my almost seventeen year old fell in love with a man in his mid-twenties. At that age, there is a huge difference.
Fans of Ms. Putman's romantic suspense might want to read her earlier books that contributed to her becoming the writer she is. This is not suspense, but it is sweet, squeaky-clean romance with a strong faith message.
I was given a copy free (included in Ohio's Brides collection with Barbour) and all opinions are my own.
Kat is seventeen, a softball whiz, and a redheaded spitfire though she tries to contain that part. Jack is a college graduate, a sports-reporter who dreams of bigger, better things than writing about a womens' softball team. Really? Who ever heard of such a thing? Apparently baseball fans felt the same way because turnout was terrible. So Jack is tasked with writing positive things to fill the stands.
Kat immediately catches his attention and his heart, but what is he thinking? She's just a "baby in diapers" and he's "older than her brother". Besides, she needs to finish school and wants to go to college.
This ends with the possibility of a HEA and with the age of the heroine, that is acceptable. I'd hesitate if my almost seventeen year old fell in love with a man in his mid-twenties. At that age, there is a huge difference.
Fans of Ms. Putman's romantic suspense might want to read her earlier books that contributed to her becoming the writer she is. This is not suspense, but it is sweet, squeaky-clean romance with a strong faith message.
I was given a copy free (included in Ohio's Brides collection with Barbour) and all opinions are my own.
June 27, 2018
The author had me thinking about just how different life was during WWII, and she brought my attention to how things changed, but stayed the same. While the men were away at war a woman’s major league was established, and thus the basis of this book.
We put faces to one of the teams, and in particular one of the players, a seventeen-year-old high school girl, Kat Miller. While I liked this main character, and the guy who turns her head, a reporter with the local paper, but there is an age difference here that concerned me.
Now if the girl was 20 and he 27, not so bad, maybe things were different during the war.
I did enjoy how these women played their hearts out, and think how much people must have enjoyed having a bit of normalcy in their lives.
I loved being back in this time period.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
We put faces to one of the teams, and in particular one of the players, a seventeen-year-old high school girl, Kat Miller. While I liked this main character, and the guy who turns her head, a reporter with the local paper, but there is an age difference here that concerned me.
Now if the girl was 20 and he 27, not so bad, maybe things were different during the war.
I did enjoy how these women played their hearts out, and think how much people must have enjoyed having a bit of normalcy in their lives.
I loved being back in this time period.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
August 8, 2018
As an avid baseball fan and A League of Their Own fan, I knew I was going to love this book. First of all, there was the sports aspect. What a cool look into the life of a female ball player during WWII! You got a glimpse of what these women truly went through - the rough job of playing ball every day, while maintaining the composure and looks of a "true lady". I really don't know how they did it. Much like some of these characters, I am far from being called a "lady" and to be honest it doesn't bother me. Had I been there alongside Kat and the others, I probably would have dropped out of their little salon sessions and gone home! But Kat? She surprised me. More than once she was quick to point out that she was no one special. And in her quiet time she was frequently looking to the Lord for guidance. What really got me, even though it was a very small portion of the book, was the love and support from her own family. I imagine many of these ladies did not have the support from family, especially from their mothers. I enjoyed reading about a family who was a little bit against the norm for the time period.
I do have to admit that sometimes Jack really bothered me. I think the thing that bothered me was the way he only wrote about Kat and tended to be very forceful in their conversation. It really was just his nature, and it sort of grew on me over the course of the story, but at first I found it very annoying. Just my own preference by the way, nothing to do with the writing ability of the author! About midway through the book my perspective on him changed a little bit, and I found myself almost drawn to him, looking to see what he'd do next. He surprised me every now and then too which was unexpected - I thought I had his character down!
Overall I thought it was great story. Baseball fans will love it for sure, but don't let the fact that it's a sports book scare you away. There is tons of other stuff (romance, friendship, history and fun) for you to enjoy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I do have to admit that sometimes Jack really bothered me. I think the thing that bothered me was the way he only wrote about Kat and tended to be very forceful in their conversation. It really was just his nature, and it sort of grew on me over the course of the story, but at first I found it very annoying. Just my own preference by the way, nothing to do with the writing ability of the author! About midway through the book my perspective on him changed a little bit, and I found myself almost drawn to him, looking to see what he'd do next. He surprised me every now and then too which was unexpected - I thought I had his character down!
Overall I thought it was great story. Baseball fans will love it for sure, but don't let the fact that it's a sports book scare you away. There is tons of other stuff (romance, friendship, history and fun) for you to enjoy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 6, 2018
I am not a baseball fan and was a bit worried that this story would have too many baseball references for me to enjoy, but this was not the case. We get to follow along with Kat as she gets recruited for the newly formed All-American Girls Softball League. She is placed on the team for Cherry Hill and a local journalist has been assigned to cover the team. Jack sees how good Kat is and decides to make her the focus of his reports. Just reading about the pace of Kat’s summer made me tired, I couldn’t imagine actually dealing with the schedule she did. While I enjoyed the various interactions between her and Jack, the reporter, I did struggle with the age difference between them. They seemed to be in two very different stages of life and planning a future together at this time did not seem realistic. I really enjoyed how supportive Kat’s family was, they may not have been in very many scenes but their love for Kat was obvious. I felt the Christian message about having a relationship with God was very well presented. I absolutely love the following two quotes and I plan to keep them in prominent places around me as daily reminders.
1. “Stay close to God no matter how crazy your schedule gets.”
2. “If God cared enough about each of us to send His son to die for us, then I think He cares about what happens in our day-to-day lives.”
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
This review first appeared at: C Jane Read.
1. “Stay close to God no matter how crazy your schedule gets.”
2. “If God cared enough about each of us to send His son to die for us, then I think He cares about what happens in our day-to-day lives.”
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
This review first appeared at: C Jane Read.
August 12, 2018
It's been sometime since I read a Cara Putnam book, and when the chance arose to read this one, I jumped on it. I'm a big WWII lover, and Cara Putnam is a wonderful writer of history and this novel was no different. Her characters become real, her plot lines full of grace and mercy. This was a journey I won't soon forget!
If you loved the movie A League Of Their Own, you'll fall in love with Kat and want to see her dream come true. Watching her venture out for her dream, and watching Jack enter her life was so captivating. The chemistry between them is beautiful, and the messages that Putnam threaded throughout, really kept me engaged for the long haul.
Each page turn brought something new for me, and I fell more and more in love with this book. Cara Putnam has once again created a 4 star worthy novel and I look forward to reading more just like it! Well done, Ms. Putnam! Well done!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
If you loved the movie A League Of Their Own, you'll fall in love with Kat and want to see her dream come true. Watching her venture out for her dream, and watching Jack enter her life was so captivating. The chemistry between them is beautiful, and the messages that Putnam threaded throughout, really kept me engaged for the long haul.
Each page turn brought something new for me, and I fell more and more in love with this book. Cara Putnam has once again created a 4 star worthy novel and I look forward to reading more just like it! Well done, Ms. Putnam! Well done!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
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January 1, 2018Hard to get into after being on a Historical Romance binge . . .
August 8, 2019
I was a little conflicted on this book, but I think part of that may have been from my expectations going in. See, yes, I read romance, but I also have a real soft spot for sports stories, and I think I was hoping for a little more of the sports angle to show up in this one. Not that the story doesn't center around Kat's baseball experience, but the sport itself seemed to take a bit of a backseat to the romantic tension and all the drama, etc. that stemmed from the sport.
Speaking of which, my goodness! It's absurd what these women were put through in order to preserve the "feminine ideal" while playing their hearts out on the field. I can't imagine keeping a schedule like that--or worse yet, having to play baseball in a dress! I understand why the owners would have wanted them to act feminine, but some of that was over the top! (Of course, that's a problem with history, not with the book. :P)
I liked both Kat and Jack, although I never feel like I understood them as well as I wanted to. In particular, there were scenes where they'd feel bad for something they'd done and pledge to do better, but in a lot of cases, we hadn't really seen their bad attitudes before, and not a lot seemed to change afterward, so the growth just wasn't very apparent. Also, Jack's whole cynical reporter persona just didn't quite seem to fit him--as in, I had a hard time remembering that was what he was supposed to be. That said, if he'd pulled off the role better, I probably wouldn't have liked him as much. :) I enjoyed several of the minor characters as well, particularly Kat's family.
The only other thing that bugged me a bit was that the story just seemed to ramble a bit toward the end. It's a hard line to walk because I like everyday, slice-of-life type stories, but there were several of things set up through the book as though they were going to be major conflicts that were either dropped out of sight entirely or wrapped up with very little explanation, which left me feeling a little disconcerted. Again, though, maybe the fault of my perceptions going in.
Overall, I did enjoy the story even if it wasn't quite what I was expecting. All the details about the women's league were very interesting, and the characters were sweet. 3 stars
Content--some mentions of drinking, smoking, and chewing tobacco; various infractions of strict training rules; dancing and a few kisses (not descriptive); talk about whether a high-school girl is too young for a serious relationship and whether a man is too old for her; some heavy flirting and borderline innuendo
Speaking of which, my goodness! It's absurd what these women were put through in order to preserve the "feminine ideal" while playing their hearts out on the field. I can't imagine keeping a schedule like that--or worse yet, having to play baseball in a dress! I understand why the owners would have wanted them to act feminine, but some of that was over the top! (Of course, that's a problem with history, not with the book. :P)
I liked both Kat and Jack, although I never feel like I understood them as well as I wanted to. In particular, there were scenes where they'd feel bad for something they'd done and pledge to do better, but in a lot of cases, we hadn't really seen their bad attitudes before, and not a lot seemed to change afterward, so the growth just wasn't very apparent. Also, Jack's whole cynical reporter persona just didn't quite seem to fit him--as in, I had a hard time remembering that was what he was supposed to be. That said, if he'd pulled off the role better, I probably wouldn't have liked him as much. :) I enjoyed several of the minor characters as well, particularly Kat's family.
The only other thing that bugged me a bit was that the story just seemed to ramble a bit toward the end. It's a hard line to walk because I like everyday, slice-of-life type stories, but there were several of things set up through the book as though they were going to be major conflicts that were either dropped out of sight entirely or wrapped up with very little explanation, which left me feeling a little disconcerted. Again, though, maybe the fault of my perceptions going in.
Overall, I did enjoy the story even if it wasn't quite what I was expecting. All the details about the women's league were very interesting, and the characters were sweet. 3 stars
Content--some mentions of drinking, smoking, and chewing tobacco; various infractions of strict training rules; dancing and a few kisses (not descriptive); talk about whether a high-school girl is too young for a serious relationship and whether a man is too old for her; some heavy flirting and borderline innuendo
August 17, 2018
A Promise Forged was a sweet little romance that captured the fun, excitement, and difficulties of the first women’s baseball/softball team. Kat Miller, who is seventeen, and away from home and family has been accepted on one of the teams. As this is her first time away from all she holds dear, she learns that not everyone is as welcoming or loving as she has known.
Enter cynical reporter Jack Raymond, who wanted to do his part in the war but do to an injury cannot, decides to focus on Kat and make her a star. This move makes her other teammates more jealous and puts Jack and Kat in close proximity. As they get to know each other Jack and Kat, (despite Kat still having a year of high school left), begin to have feelings for each other regardless of their age difference. I really enjoyed this romance as it brought back memories of my own courtship with my husband (I was 17 and he a bit older than me).
It was interesting to see that even at that young of age, Kat knew what she wanted. That she relied on her upbringing to get her through a tough and cynical world, with rules for the women players that were obnoxious and unfair and easily broken. I like the progression of Jack’s character as he begins to see his world, in light of Kat, in a whole new way.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
Enter cynical reporter Jack Raymond, who wanted to do his part in the war but do to an injury cannot, decides to focus on Kat and make her a star. This move makes her other teammates more jealous and puts Jack and Kat in close proximity. As they get to know each other Jack and Kat, (despite Kat still having a year of high school left), begin to have feelings for each other regardless of their age difference. I really enjoyed this romance as it brought back memories of my own courtship with my husband (I was 17 and he a bit older than me).
It was interesting to see that even at that young of age, Kat knew what she wanted. That she relied on her upbringing to get her through a tough and cynical world, with rules for the women players that were obnoxious and unfair and easily broken. I like the progression of Jack’s character as he begins to see his world, in light of Kat, in a whole new way.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
August 4, 2018
I enjoyed this short novel that brought to life an era in women's sports I knew nothing about. During World War II, most of the men who had been playing professional baseball were at war. I had no idea that Wrigley (of chewing gum fame) had the daring plan to have women play professional ball, softball. Putnam has created a good story, highlighting a fictional player. I liked reading about the stress of the try outs, the travel the teams had to do, and the relationships between the women. I can't believe they wore little skirts, but they did! Putnam's writing style is good, making the story an easy one to read.
Of course, there is romance. While I liked Kat, the seventeen year old short stop, I had trouble liking Jack, the older newspaper reporter covering the women's softball. Unable to go to war because of an injury, he had been relegated to a small town newspaper because of a previous reporting mistake. He just seemed too overbearing and forward to me. I wasn't sure he and Kat would make a good couple so I had trouble rooting for their relationship.
I do recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a good story while learning quite a bit about an interesting time in the history of baseball in the U.S.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Of course, there is romance. While I liked Kat, the seventeen year old short stop, I had trouble liking Jack, the older newspaper reporter covering the women's softball. Unable to go to war because of an injury, he had been relegated to a small town newspaper because of a previous reporting mistake. He just seemed too overbearing and forward to me. I wasn't sure he and Kat would make a good couple so I had trouble rooting for their relationship.
I do recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a good story while learning quite a bit about an interesting time in the history of baseball in the U.S.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
August 10, 2018
While I am not a huge baseball fan, I do enjoy a good sports story (no matter which sport). Cara Putman’s A Promise Forged is reminiscent of A League of Their Own starring Tom Hanks and Geena Davis.
When seventeen-year-old Katherine (Kat) Miller makes it through tryouts for the All American Girls Professional Softball League (AAGPSL), she finds her faith challenged. And the loneliness she experiences in the midst of her teammates in something she didn’t consider about her time playing the sport she loves.
Covering the AAGPSL is the last assignment reported Jack Raymond wants. Yet, the young dynamo Kat Miller catches his attention from the start. And he hopes to make her a star while attracting the attention of a larger paper.
There are some big obstacles between Kat and Jack—age and distance are just two of the biggest—but there is definite interest and attraction present.
Even though Kat plays for a fictionalized team, Putman pts readers on the diamond, revealing the grueling training and travel schedule of the teams as well as the rigid rules and regulations. There is also the challenge of jealous teammates, uninterested fans, and the stress of being cut or traded from the team.
This short and sweet story is definitely worth the read (even if you aren’t at all a sports person).
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
When seventeen-year-old Katherine (Kat) Miller makes it through tryouts for the All American Girls Professional Softball League (AAGPSL), she finds her faith challenged. And the loneliness she experiences in the midst of her teammates in something she didn’t consider about her time playing the sport she loves.
Covering the AAGPSL is the last assignment reported Jack Raymond wants. Yet, the young dynamo Kat Miller catches his attention from the start. And he hopes to make her a star while attracting the attention of a larger paper.
There are some big obstacles between Kat and Jack—age and distance are just two of the biggest—but there is definite interest and attraction present.
Even though Kat plays for a fictionalized team, Putman pts readers on the diamond, revealing the grueling training and travel schedule of the teams as well as the rigid rules and regulations. There is also the challenge of jealous teammates, uninterested fans, and the stress of being cut or traded from the team.
This short and sweet story is definitely worth the read (even if you aren’t at all a sports person).
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
August 7, 2018
My Review
A Promise Forged is number three in a series. I have not read the two books prior to this one, but I still enjoyed this story. If you are a fan of baseball then you will probably really like this one. Kat is one of the main characters and probably my favorite. She is young and strong in her faith. Some of her team mates were not very nice to her at times . I felt sorry for these ladies and the way that they wanted them to "act" like a lady and even their outfits for playing ball were ridiculous. But if they wanted this chance they had to go along with all the rules. Times sure have changed alot. I enjoyed this story from the beginning. It did a good job of drawing me in and getting me hooked. Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary copy of this book but all thoughts and opinions are my own honest ones.
October 2, 2019
skimmed
3 stars, though, because it reminded me of an old, old favorite
3 stars, though, because it reminded me of an old, old favorite
July 24, 2022
I really enjoyed the baseball element to this story. Quick easy read/listen.
August 16, 2018
My favorite movie is "A League of Their Own" so I was super excited to read this book. I loved the storyline. The research that the author has put into this book is amazing. When I read a historical book, I want to learn something. I did with this one. Well written characters, intriguing storyline, draws you in within the first few pages. I could relate to the main character, I am not a "girly girl". If you love baseball, heartwarming stories, and historical stories this is the book for you.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
August 9, 2018
A Promise Forged
Baseball. The All-American game. I love baseball and was excited to read this from a collection written by Cara C. Putman. It made me think of the movie A League of Their Own. But this was sweeter.
Kate was sweet and spunky. She just wanted to play baseball. But she had no idea what was in store for her. Jack was stuck reporting on a female baseball team in a small town. He had no idea what Kat would mean to him.
God played a very important role in Kat's life. She knew that he was looking out for her....guiding her in her steps on and off the field. Jack lost his direction. He needed God's grace to discover what was important.
I loved the story and the premise in which the story was based on. Kat and Jack appeared to be an unlikely pair but God knew that they were a match made on the baseball diamond.
I received this free to review.
About the Book
Book Title: A Promise Forged
Author: Cara Putman
Genre: World War 2 Romance
Release date: Originally released in 2010, Re-released in 2017
A Promise ForgedKat transformed in front of him. Her chin came up, her fingers stopped twitching with the fabric of her gown, and a real sparkle bubbled in her eyes. It was like watching Snow White come to life when the prince kissed her.
A heartwarming WWII historical from award-winning author Cara Putman:
Kat Miller has dreamed of playing baseball her entire life. When she earns a spot on a team in the All-American Girls Professional Softball League, she finds that things aren’t as glamorous as she imagined. She struggles with long road trips, grueling practices, and older teammates who are jealous of her success. And to top it all off, an irritating reporter is constantly getting under Kat’s skin.
Events in Jack Raymond’s career have left him cynical and distanced from God. He never wanted to write at a small paper, and he certainly didn’t want to be assigned to something as inconsequential as a women’s softball team. Then Kat walks into his life. The fiery, young softball player somehow climbs the walls around his heart and makes him want to hope again.
When lies fly and the league appears to fail, will Kat and Jack’s new love survive?
Click here to purchase your copy!
About the Author
cara putmanSince the time she could read Nancy Drew, Cara has wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 she attended a book signing at her local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, was history. There she met a fellow Indiana writer Colleen Coble. With prompting from her husband, Cara shared her dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, Cara’s been writing award-winning books. She is currently working on book 30 and 31.
Cara Putman is an active member of ACFW, and currently serves on its Executive Board. She has also been the Indiana ACFW chapter president and served as the Area Coordinator for Indiana.
Cara is also an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, her husband and her kids that is. She graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!) and George Mason Law School, and Krannert School of Management. You can learn more about Cara at www.caraputman.com.
Guest Post from Cara
Each of my books starts with a hook that engages my interest, and then as I play with it, I think it will engage readers. A Promise Forged was no different. For this book I was writing a series of three World War II novels for Barbour. I already had two historical hooks that fascinated me: children evacuated from London to Ohio, a top secret project to break Engima in Dayton, but I needed one more. I knew the lead characters were going to be siblings, but I wasn’t sure what to do with the kid sister. Then I remembered the All-American Girls Professional Softball/Baseball League.
And I started thinking.
What would it have been like to desperately want a chance to play a sport you loved professionally?
And to be part of the nascent league when no one was sure whether it was a good or bad idea?
I decided that was the perfect place for Kat. She was the kid sister with fire and passion. She wanted a chance to prove herself, and this would be the perfect place. Then she needed a hero worthy of her. One who could go toe-to-toe with her and still see who she could be.
He came in the form of Jack, a cynical reporter who is disappointed to be assigned to cover girls’ baseball. But then he gets to know Kat and some of the others. And he sees something in her that she doesn’t see in herself. It’s the beginning of fireworks that he doesn’t think can go anywhere because she has to go home to her senior year of high school.
As I began researching the history of the league, I learned that the AAGPS/BL archives were kept at a small museum in South Bend, a couple hours from where I live. I spent a day there talking with the curator and exploring all the records. Because the league wasn’t expected to last there weren’t many records from the first year. That meant I had to guess about some things like schedules based on what happened in the years after.
A Promise Forged became a book I loved writing. Kat was feisty, Jack was cynical, and baseball provided a great setting. I can’t believe this football loving woman can admit that!
Blog Stops
History, Mystery & Faith, August 4
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 4
Among the Reads, August 4
The Power of Words, August 4
C Jane Read, August 5
The Christian Fiction Girl, August 5
Christian Bookaholic, August 5
Texas Book-aholic, August 5
Reading Is My SuperPower, August 6
Genesis 5020, August 6
lady ansel book vibes, August 6
Kat’s Corner Books, August 7
Carpe Diem, August 7
proud to be an autism mom, August 7
Janices book reviews, August 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 8
A Baker’s Perspective, August 8
Blossoms and Blessings, August 8
Mary Hake, August 8
By The Book, August 9
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, August 9
Simple Harvest Reads, August 9 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, August 10
Lighthouse Academy, August 10
Remembrancy, August 10
Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 10
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, August 11
100 Pages per Hour, August 11
Luv’N Lambert Life, August 11
Bigreadersite, August 11
Godly Book Reviews, August 12
Cafinated Reads, August 12
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 12
A Reader’s Brain, August 13
a good book and cup of tea, August 13
Book by Book, August 13
All-of-a-kind Mom, August 14
Maureen’s Musings, August 14
Daysong Reflections, August 14
The Morning Chapter, August 15
amandainpa, August 15
Inklings and notions, August 15
Connie’s History Classroom, August 16
All 4 and About Books, August 16
Bibliophile Reviews, August 16
Pause for Tales, August 17
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 17
For the Love of Books, August 17
Giveaway
a promise forged(1)
To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away a grand prize that includes the movie League of Their Own, a box of cracker jacks, M&Ms and a $20 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d2ac/a-pro...
Baseball. The All-American game. I love baseball and was excited to read this from a collection written by Cara C. Putman. It made me think of the movie A League of Their Own. But this was sweeter.
Kate was sweet and spunky. She just wanted to play baseball. But she had no idea what was in store for her. Jack was stuck reporting on a female baseball team in a small town. He had no idea what Kat would mean to him.
God played a very important role in Kat's life. She knew that he was looking out for her....guiding her in her steps on and off the field. Jack lost his direction. He needed God's grace to discover what was important.
I loved the story and the premise in which the story was based on. Kat and Jack appeared to be an unlikely pair but God knew that they were a match made on the baseball diamond.
I received this free to review.
About the Book
Book Title: A Promise Forged
Author: Cara Putman
Genre: World War 2 Romance
Release date: Originally released in 2010, Re-released in 2017
A Promise ForgedKat transformed in front of him. Her chin came up, her fingers stopped twitching with the fabric of her gown, and a real sparkle bubbled in her eyes. It was like watching Snow White come to life when the prince kissed her.
A heartwarming WWII historical from award-winning author Cara Putman:
Kat Miller has dreamed of playing baseball her entire life. When she earns a spot on a team in the All-American Girls Professional Softball League, she finds that things aren’t as glamorous as she imagined. She struggles with long road trips, grueling practices, and older teammates who are jealous of her success. And to top it all off, an irritating reporter is constantly getting under Kat’s skin.
Events in Jack Raymond’s career have left him cynical and distanced from God. He never wanted to write at a small paper, and he certainly didn’t want to be assigned to something as inconsequential as a women’s softball team. Then Kat walks into his life. The fiery, young softball player somehow climbs the walls around his heart and makes him want to hope again.
When lies fly and the league appears to fail, will Kat and Jack’s new love survive?
Click here to purchase your copy!
About the Author
cara putmanSince the time she could read Nancy Drew, Cara has wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 she attended a book signing at her local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, was history. There she met a fellow Indiana writer Colleen Coble. With prompting from her husband, Cara shared her dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, Cara’s been writing award-winning books. She is currently working on book 30 and 31.
Cara Putman is an active member of ACFW, and currently serves on its Executive Board. She has also been the Indiana ACFW chapter president and served as the Area Coordinator for Indiana.
Cara is also an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, her husband and her kids that is. She graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!) and George Mason Law School, and Krannert School of Management. You can learn more about Cara at www.caraputman.com.
Guest Post from Cara
Each of my books starts with a hook that engages my interest, and then as I play with it, I think it will engage readers. A Promise Forged was no different. For this book I was writing a series of three World War II novels for Barbour. I already had two historical hooks that fascinated me: children evacuated from London to Ohio, a top secret project to break Engima in Dayton, but I needed one more. I knew the lead characters were going to be siblings, but I wasn’t sure what to do with the kid sister. Then I remembered the All-American Girls Professional Softball/Baseball League.
And I started thinking.
What would it have been like to desperately want a chance to play a sport you loved professionally?
And to be part of the nascent league when no one was sure whether it was a good or bad idea?
I decided that was the perfect place for Kat. She was the kid sister with fire and passion. She wanted a chance to prove herself, and this would be the perfect place. Then she needed a hero worthy of her. One who could go toe-to-toe with her and still see who she could be.
He came in the form of Jack, a cynical reporter who is disappointed to be assigned to cover girls’ baseball. But then he gets to know Kat and some of the others. And he sees something in her that she doesn’t see in herself. It’s the beginning of fireworks that he doesn’t think can go anywhere because she has to go home to her senior year of high school.
As I began researching the history of the league, I learned that the AAGPS/BL archives were kept at a small museum in South Bend, a couple hours from where I live. I spent a day there talking with the curator and exploring all the records. Because the league wasn’t expected to last there weren’t many records from the first year. That meant I had to guess about some things like schedules based on what happened in the years after.
A Promise Forged became a book I loved writing. Kat was feisty, Jack was cynical, and baseball provided a great setting. I can’t believe this football loving woman can admit that!
Blog Stops
History, Mystery & Faith, August 4
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 4
Among the Reads, August 4
The Power of Words, August 4
C Jane Read, August 5
The Christian Fiction Girl, August 5
Christian Bookaholic, August 5
Texas Book-aholic, August 5
Reading Is My SuperPower, August 6
Genesis 5020, August 6
lady ansel book vibes, August 6
Kat’s Corner Books, August 7
Carpe Diem, August 7
proud to be an autism mom, August 7
Janices book reviews, August 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 8
A Baker’s Perspective, August 8
Blossoms and Blessings, August 8
Mary Hake, August 8
By The Book, August 9
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, August 9
Simple Harvest Reads, August 9 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, August 10
Lighthouse Academy, August 10
Remembrancy, August 10
Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 10
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, August 11
100 Pages per Hour, August 11
Luv’N Lambert Life, August 11
Bigreadersite, August 11
Godly Book Reviews, August 12
Cafinated Reads, August 12
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 12
A Reader’s Brain, August 13
a good book and cup of tea, August 13
Book by Book, August 13
All-of-a-kind Mom, August 14
Maureen’s Musings, August 14
Daysong Reflections, August 14
The Morning Chapter, August 15
amandainpa, August 15
Inklings and notions, August 15
Connie’s History Classroom, August 16
All 4 and About Books, August 16
Bibliophile Reviews, August 16
Pause for Tales, August 17
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 17
For the Love of Books, August 17
Giveaway
a promise forged(1)
To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away a grand prize that includes the movie League of Their Own, a box of cracker jacks, M&Ms and a $20 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d2ac/a-pro...
August 10, 2018
If you've read Cara Putman's legal thrillers, this book is very different but equally fun and delicious.
This is book 3 of the Buckeye Promises series and, though it can be read as a stand-alone, reading the first two novels in the series would definitely have enhanced my enjoyment of the secondary characters. The story takes place in Ohio/Indiana in 1943 during the inaugural season of the All American Girls Professional Softball League. It centers around a seventeen-year-old shortstop named Kat and a twenty-five-year-old news reporter named Jack. The story has all of Cara Putman's trademarks - fluid writing, well-developed and well-researched plot, wonderful characters, and a nice thread of faith and surrender.
Kat gets recruited to play for a women's softball team just as she finishes off her junior year in high school. Supported and loved by her family, she enters the grueling circuit of semi-professional ball playing. Despite the turmoils that follow her career, she remains faithful to God and maintains her sweetness, innocence, and desire to serve God wherever she goes. Jack is a small-town news reporter who is waiting for a chance to re-enter the big city news reporting. He is hardened by life and lives a selfish life and begrudges his role in covering the women's league but finds himself falling in love with the young Kat. Their attraction and angst of insecurity in how things can work out are pretty intense and gripping. Jack's salvation scene is inspiring and how he changes from his previous ways after he surrenders to the Lord is uplifting to read.
If you love historical romance or love Cara Putman's writing, this book is definitely for you!
I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher through Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
This is book 3 of the Buckeye Promises series and, though it can be read as a stand-alone, reading the first two novels in the series would definitely have enhanced my enjoyment of the secondary characters. The story takes place in Ohio/Indiana in 1943 during the inaugural season of the All American Girls Professional Softball League. It centers around a seventeen-year-old shortstop named Kat and a twenty-five-year-old news reporter named Jack. The story has all of Cara Putman's trademarks - fluid writing, well-developed and well-researched plot, wonderful characters, and a nice thread of faith and surrender.
Kat gets recruited to play for a women's softball team just as she finishes off her junior year in high school. Supported and loved by her family, she enters the grueling circuit of semi-professional ball playing. Despite the turmoils that follow her career, she remains faithful to God and maintains her sweetness, innocence, and desire to serve God wherever she goes. Jack is a small-town news reporter who is waiting for a chance to re-enter the big city news reporting. He is hardened by life and lives a selfish life and begrudges his role in covering the women's league but finds himself falling in love with the young Kat. Their attraction and angst of insecurity in how things can work out are pretty intense and gripping. Jack's salvation scene is inspiring and how he changes from his previous ways after he surrenders to the Lord is uplifting to read.
If you love historical romance or love Cara Putman's writing, this book is definitely for you!
I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher through Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
August 5, 2018
A Promise Forged by Cara Putman is a delightful Christian historical romance where fact meets fiction.
Set in 1943 the novel is a patriotic war one that focuses on women's softball teams set up 1943-54. The teams provided camaraderie, rivalry and a focus in hard times. It is a glimpse at life on the home front.
The teams also did their bit for the war effort encouraging the sale of war bonds. The girls also provided dance partners for servicemen but they were strictly chaperoned.
The heroine is just seventeen but sent off with the words "Stay close to God no matter how crazy your schedule gets." No matter what life throws at us, we must be sure to walk beside God.
There is the debate about church attendance and knowing God. Going to church will never make you a Christian, only surrendering your heart and life to God will do that.
Some people believe they can manage just fine without God... but why settle for 'fine' without God, when you can have 'fantastic' with God? "He'd be a fool to pretend he didn't need God"
Walking with God can mean stepping out in faith. "Silence her fears and trust Him." We can trust God at all times. We must pray about decisions and then when we receive peace, we must go for it.
A perfectly delightful WWII home front story.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Set in 1943 the novel is a patriotic war one that focuses on women's softball teams set up 1943-54. The teams provided camaraderie, rivalry and a focus in hard times. It is a glimpse at life on the home front.
The teams also did their bit for the war effort encouraging the sale of war bonds. The girls also provided dance partners for servicemen but they were strictly chaperoned.
The heroine is just seventeen but sent off with the words "Stay close to God no matter how crazy your schedule gets." No matter what life throws at us, we must be sure to walk beside God.
There is the debate about church attendance and knowing God. Going to church will never make you a Christian, only surrendering your heart and life to God will do that.
Some people believe they can manage just fine without God... but why settle for 'fine' without God, when you can have 'fantastic' with God? "He'd be a fool to pretend he didn't need God"
Walking with God can mean stepping out in faith. "Silence her fears and trust Him." We can trust God at all times. We must pray about decisions and then when we receive peace, we must go for it.
A perfectly delightful WWII home front story.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
August 17, 2018
A Promise Forged is a book by Cara Putman and it is wonderful and unique. I am a huge fan of Cara Putman's Christian Historical Fiction and this story really caught my attention. Cara Putman writes with authority on the US during the 1940's, World War II, and The All-American Girls Professional Softball League. This is a fictional story but the historical accuracy gave me a lot to look up and learn from, which I love! I enjoy Cara Putman's style of writing, she puts her readers right there in her books, feeling like one of the characters in the story. The characters are well written and enjoyable. I really enjoyed Kat and Jack's story, a story of ups and downs. I found myself unable to put this book down. From start to finish, this book kept my attention all the way to the end. I cannot wait to read more from Cara Putman. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction and/or Sports stories, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 4.5 STARS.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit Blogger Program and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit Blogger Program and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
August 3, 2018
A Promised Forged is a charming story that effectively captures the flavor of WWII in the American Midwest. I am familiar with the All-American Girls Professional Softball League, but enjoyed experiencing the league through the eyes of one of its players. Kat and Jack are well-developed and interesting characters, but I struggled to relate to them – however, that may be a result of my being a few decades older. Slang from the era and periodic historic tidbits add dimension to the story. Jack’s struggle to reconcile his faith with the difficulties and unfairness of life is realistic without being preachy or contrived. Although they didn’t play large roles in the book, Kat’s parents were enjoyable characters. They obviously care for her, and the three have a close relationship. An easy read, I finished A Promise Forged in two sittings.
I received a copy of the book for free, and a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own
I received a copy of the book for free, and a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own
August 15, 2018
This was such a fun story! I loved following Kat as she played on the All American Girls Softball League. She is young and innocent but strong in her faith. She faces some obstacles during the story but handles them with grace and dignity.
I wasn't as much a fan of Jack...it took me a while to warm up to him (although I think this was possibly the author's intention).
There are many similarities to the movie "A League of Their Own", which I loved but this story still has many unique facets and perspectives.
The time period was described very vividly, and what an interesting time it was. America during WWII was a bit tumultuous and stressful but also fun and the author does a good job at portraying that.
For a shorter story, this book packed a big punch. It was a quick, fun, easy read...great for a summer day.
I received this book from the publisher/author to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I wasn't as much a fan of Jack...it took me a while to warm up to him (although I think this was possibly the author's intention).
There are many similarities to the movie "A League of Their Own", which I loved but this story still has many unique facets and perspectives.
The time period was described very vividly, and what an interesting time it was. America during WWII was a bit tumultuous and stressful but also fun and the author does a good job at portraying that.
For a shorter story, this book packed a big punch. It was a quick, fun, easy read...great for a summer day.
I received this book from the publisher/author to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 16, 2018
I love to watch baseball, take me out to the ball game will play in my head each time I look at the book. Now, women play softball (though they can play baseball as well) and that is a sport I have never played. Seriously, have you seen the size of the ball and the fast pitch on some of the ladies? Well, you will feel the dust, the hits, and the pure wonder in this novel as you dive into the world of Kat Miller.
Full Review: https://bibliophile.reviews/book-revi...
Full Review: https://bibliophile.reviews/book-revi...
August 13, 2018
A Promise Forged is a well written book that will grab you from the beginning and won't let you go until the very end. The characters are engaging and the plot is well thought out and written. I hope you will give it a chance, you won't be sorry!
*I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
*I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
August 5, 2018
A Promise Forged by Cara Putman
A Summer of Softball and Surprises
Kat adored playing softball and was so talented the boys on her older brother’s team had her fill in whenever they were short a player. When the opportunity arose for her to try out for the newly forming All-American Girls Professional Softball League, she was absolutely thrilled! And terrified. She was one of the youngest women trying out.
Jack was a disgruntled, cynical reporter, stuck in a podunk town reporting on a women’s softball team. He was so convinced that it was beneath his abilities and was determined to push through until he could be recognized for the amazing writer he knew he was. Of course, that didn’t stop him from complaining and criticizing the women on the team in the process…
I have to confess that when I first reading about Kat being seventeen and about to enter her senior year of high school (would she still be considered to be a rising senior in high school or is that only for college?) and then saw Jack was in his twenties, it just seemed wrong to me. Yeah, I know it wasn’t necessarily that uncommon in that day and age but it seemed strange. The irony of this is the simple fact that I was 18 and still in high school when my husband, then 29, proposed to me. Hmm.
Kat was very likable. Her strong faith and determination to do right was admirable, especially for a young girl away from her family for the first time. And especially for a young girl away from her family with older women who despised her for her convictions and youth.
I wasn’t as much endeared to Jack. He was a bit too worldly for my tastes, especially for a sweet girl like Kat. He was a terrible flirt and had women sitting on his lap. I did appreciate the faith journey he took, however.
The majority of the story was short snippets of things that happened on a single day told in either Kat’s or Jack’s perspective. Though that gave a sense of time and allowed the story to not appear to all happen in a matter of just a few days, it also made it seem a little choppy.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me a copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
A Summer of Softball and Surprises
Kat adored playing softball and was so talented the boys on her older brother’s team had her fill in whenever they were short a player. When the opportunity arose for her to try out for the newly forming All-American Girls Professional Softball League, she was absolutely thrilled! And terrified. She was one of the youngest women trying out.
Jack was a disgruntled, cynical reporter, stuck in a podunk town reporting on a women’s softball team. He was so convinced that it was beneath his abilities and was determined to push through until he could be recognized for the amazing writer he knew he was. Of course, that didn’t stop him from complaining and criticizing the women on the team in the process…
I have to confess that when I first reading about Kat being seventeen and about to enter her senior year of high school (would she still be considered to be a rising senior in high school or is that only for college?) and then saw Jack was in his twenties, it just seemed wrong to me. Yeah, I know it wasn’t necessarily that uncommon in that day and age but it seemed strange. The irony of this is the simple fact that I was 18 and still in high school when my husband, then 29, proposed to me. Hmm.
Kat was very likable. Her strong faith and determination to do right was admirable, especially for a young girl away from her family for the first time. And especially for a young girl away from her family with older women who despised her for her convictions and youth.
I wasn’t as much endeared to Jack. He was a bit too worldly for my tastes, especially for a sweet girl like Kat. He was a terrible flirt and had women sitting on his lap. I did appreciate the faith journey he took, however.
The majority of the story was short snippets of things that happened on a single day told in either Kat’s or Jack’s perspective. Though that gave a sense of time and allowed the story to not appear to all happen in a matter of just a few days, it also made it seem a little choppy.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me a copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
August 5, 2018
There is a lot packed within the pages of A Promise Forged. The story is well written and very well researched. As I was reading, I felt transported back in time to America in 1943. USO dances, war bonds, and girl ball players — I was reminded time and time again of A League of Their Own, but loved how Cara Putman made this a story all her own.
Kat, the protagonist, is a 17-year old softball/baseball prodigy. What I enjoyed so much about her character is her genuine, unflappable faith in Jesus. Her faith reminded me a little of Daniel from the Bible in that Kat never wavered even though there were quite a few frustrating, discouraging, and exhausting moments where she could have easily given up. But she never does! One moment in the novel, Kat becomes anxious about something. She begins to pray and realizes that “ultimately, [praying] remained the best thing she could do. Much better than continued fretting.” What a great reminder to me to not allow my fears, worries, and doubts get the better of me and get me off track. Nothing should be stronger than my relationship with God.
Jack is a suave hero. He is worldly, educated, and cynical. He’s exactly what you think of when you think 1940s newspaperman. Because of a past mistake, Jack is stuck covering girl’s baseball, which makes him rather annoyed and frustrated. But he sticks with it, and forms a quick friendship of sorts with Kat. He’s drawn to her beauty and her natural skills as a ball player, but he is also drawn to her innocence, wholesomeness, and strong faith. Jack, at the start of this story, does not have a personal relationship with Jesus, but over the course of the story changes his perspective, which makes him even more likable a hero in my estimation. While reading this novel, I was definitely rooting for Jack!
Overall, A Promise Forged is a sweet, well-written historical novel that I enjoyed quite a bit. The friendship and romance between Jack and Kat grew very well and realistically — no insta-love in this story. I very much enjoyed the baseball games and the antics of the various ball players. And, I loved being transported to 1940s America even for just a little while. If you are looking for a fast-paced, engaging historical novel to escape into then I highly recommend A Promise Forged by Cara Putman.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Kat, the protagonist, is a 17-year old softball/baseball prodigy. What I enjoyed so much about her character is her genuine, unflappable faith in Jesus. Her faith reminded me a little of Daniel from the Bible in that Kat never wavered even though there were quite a few frustrating, discouraging, and exhausting moments where she could have easily given up. But she never does! One moment in the novel, Kat becomes anxious about something. She begins to pray and realizes that “ultimately, [praying] remained the best thing she could do. Much better than continued fretting.” What a great reminder to me to not allow my fears, worries, and doubts get the better of me and get me off track. Nothing should be stronger than my relationship with God.
Jack is a suave hero. He is worldly, educated, and cynical. He’s exactly what you think of when you think 1940s newspaperman. Because of a past mistake, Jack is stuck covering girl’s baseball, which makes him rather annoyed and frustrated. But he sticks with it, and forms a quick friendship of sorts with Kat. He’s drawn to her beauty and her natural skills as a ball player, but he is also drawn to her innocence, wholesomeness, and strong faith. Jack, at the start of this story, does not have a personal relationship with Jesus, but over the course of the story changes his perspective, which makes him even more likable a hero in my estimation. While reading this novel, I was definitely rooting for Jack!
Overall, A Promise Forged is a sweet, well-written historical novel that I enjoyed quite a bit. The friendship and romance between Jack and Kat grew very well and realistically — no insta-love in this story. I very much enjoyed the baseball games and the antics of the various ball players. And, I loved being transported to 1940s America even for just a little while. If you are looking for a fast-paced, engaging historical novel to escape into then I highly recommend A Promise Forged by Cara Putman.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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