About the Book
Book: Stars in the Night
Author: Cara Putman
Genre: WWII Romantic Suspense
Release date: February 1, 2022
Hollywood 1942. When attorney Audra Schaeffer’s sister disappears, Audra flies to Hollywood to find her but instead must identify her body. Determined to bring the killer to justice, Audra takes a job with the second Hollywood Victory Caravan. Together with Robert Garfield and other stars, she crisscrosses the southern United States in a campaign to sell war bonds. When two other women are found dead on the train, Audra knows the deaths are tied to that of her sister. Could the killer be the man with whom she’s falling in love?
Click here to get your copy!
Book Review
I was really excited to read this book. A novel set in Hollywood in 1942, with a murder mystery, no less? From the prologue, I was hooked. I had to know what happened to Rosemary. I absolutely loved the first few chapters–getting to know what Hollywood was like during that time, meeting each unique character, and feeling the suspense of not knowing what was going to happen and who was behind the murder of Rosemary.
As I continued reading, however, the suspense that was built up in the beginning of the story somewhat waned. There were a few times that it picked up again, if only for brief moments. The author then tried to pack everything into the last couple chapters, which made the resolution and the ending feel rushed.
I feel like there was so much more that could have been done with this story. However, there was still a lot that I enjoyed about it. I especially liked the setting. It was fascinating, and for anyone who enjoys mysteries and this time period, I would recommend this novel.
I had received a copy of the book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.
About the Author
Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I’ve been writing award-winning books with the count currently at 35 published and more in the works.
In addition to writing, I am a mom of four, attorney, clinical professor at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband, and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), George Mason Law School, and Purdue University’s MBA program. You can learn more about my books at http://www.caraputman.com. And if you’d like a copy of my legal suspense novella, Dying for Love, simply connect with me here (http://www.caraputman.com/contact/), and I’ll send you the link.
More from Cara
One of the things I loved about writing Stars in the Night, set during World War II, is that I learned so many things. As a World War II history nut, that keeps the writing fresh and exciting. Here are a few of the things I learned while writing Stars in the Night:
1) There really was a Hollywood Victory Caravan. The Hollywood Victory Caravan traveled by train Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., then north through cities like Chicago and Minneapolis.
2) If something had happened to the train, Hollywood would have been ravaged. The real caravan was filled with stars like Abbott and Costello, Desi Arnez, Bing Crosby, and Groucho Marx. The papers at the time said the stars would have gone out in Hollywood if anything had happened.
3) The first train entertained the President and Mrs. Roosevelt at the White House. What a great way to launch the tour. And Mrs. Roosevelt had a staff member standing immediately behind her to help her “remember” everyone who came by so she could say something personal to them.
4) The Winecoff Hotel, where I have my stars stay while they’re in Atlanta, was the site of the worst hotel fire in American history and has recently been restored and renovated.
5) I initially considered having the tour appear at Ford’s Theater, but it was essentially abandoned during the World War Two era – and was used as storage. Hard to believe if you tour that beautifully restored theater today.
6) The National Theater has had continuous shows running since December 1835. Fortunately for my story, it had a hole the summer of 1942, which fit perfectly with when I wanted my caravan to have a show there.
7) The Hollywood Canteen didn’t open until later in 1942. Since my first book involved a canteen, I really wanted to include the Hollywood Canteen. Besides, what’s more romantic than movie stars mixing with and entertaining servicemen? Unfortunately, it was in the planning stages during Stars in the Night. Maybe in the next book…
As you can see, I love the details of history. I hope Stars in the Night sweeps you away to a time that was rich in service, glamour, and conflict.
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 13
Rachael’s Inkwell, June 13
Texas Book-aholic, June 14
Labor Not in Vain, June 14
Splashes of Joy, June 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 15
For Him and My Family, June 16
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 16 (Author Interview)
Inklings and notions, June 17
CarpeDiem, June 17
Betti Mace, June 18
deb’s Book Review, June 18
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 19
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 19
Book Looks by Lisa, June 20
Connie’s History Classroom, June 20
All-of-a-kind Mom, June 21
The Sacred Line, June 21
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 22
Simple Harvest Reads, June 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
By the Book, June 23
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 23
Bigreadersite, June 24
The Christian Fiction Girl, June 24
Blossoms and Blessings, June 25
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 25
Blogging With Carol, June 26
Rebecca Tews, June 26
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of Stars in the Night!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Congratulations on your recent release of Stars in the Night, Cara, I enjoyed following the tour and learning about your book, which sounds like an excellent read for me! Good luck with your book and I hope the tour was a success! Thanks for sharing it with me! Thanks, Rebecca, for sharing your review! Have a sunshiny day!
Thank you for sharing your review of Stars in the Night, this sounds like a good read and I am looking forward to it
Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts.
Thanks for your honest review. Your's is the first one that listened something you didn't really like about the book and I like that in a review. Overall, sounds like a great read. Thanks for posting this one on your blog. blessings
congratulations Cara on your new release thank you for your thoughts
This sounds like a great book.