A highly skilled storyteller, Cara Putnam presents the final story in her Hidden Justice series. With each novel I’ve read in the series, I find my thinking this is the best one yet! Little did I know that Delayed Justice was coming and this one would garner emotions that ran the gamut of fear and anger to grief to jubilation.

Jaime Nichols is a defense attorney, a good one with impeccable integrity and work ethics. Jaime is also wounded, deeply wounded by the sexual abuse at the hands of an uncle at a young age. After years of intense therapy, Jaime believes herself ready to press charges against the man who robbed her of her childhood.

When Jaime meets Chandler Bolton, owner and trainer, of a very special dog named Aslan, they find themselves working together to help a young girl, recently abused, to find her voice. As Aslan helps the young victim begin the road to healing, Chandler realizes that Jaime, too, is hiding deep hurt. There is attraction between them, Chandler knows it will take time for Jaime to allow her walls to come down. Aslan is the perfect therapy dog for Jaime.

As the two work together, Jaime learns that filing the charges against her uncle will not go quite as smoothly as she had hoped. Chandler, a retired veteran, is a counselor working to re-establish marital and family relationships after the return of a military member after a long mission. Weird things are happening, threatening things and Chandler is completely mystified.

Focused on the endangered young girl, both are distracted and not really paying attention to their own life. With Aslan’s help, Jaime and Chandler set about seeing the girl’s abuser prosecuted and imprisoned, ensuring her safety.

Delayed Justice is a fast paced, timely novel. With the emotional highs and lows, with accompanying tears and celebration, it seems that to use the word enjoyable just isn’t quite the right word. Delayed Justice is definitely a worthy novel worth every minute the author spent writing it, and every minute I spent reading it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions, therein, are solely my own.

Jaime Nichols was hurt by a close family member who will do anything to keep her from testifying against him. She was only 8 years old when he abused her, she had nightmares about his abuse, she finally felt that she could press charges against him when she was in her late twenties.
Jaime did not trust men at all, but one of her new neighbors, Chandler, notices her and becomes her friend, along with his therapy dog, Aslan. Jaime is a public defense lawyer, she enjoys helping people and her heart is in her work.
Chandler helps military people cope with coming home and trying to face living with their families and adjusting to not being at war and dealing with life and death issues constantly.
Jaime and Chandler, along with Aslan, try to help Tiffany, an 8 year old who was abused by her mother’s boyfriend. Helping Tiffany makes Jaime think about what happened in her life.
Jamie’s abuser and Tiffany’s abuser will do anything to save themselves - you will have to read the story for yourself to see what happens!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Delayed Justice is a great book. A plot that touches on some really tough subjects and great characterization are just a couple of reasons to read this book.. This author's writing is perfect. I have not read other books in this series but I definitely will be. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital advance copy. This is my unbiased review.

Delayed Justice has a powerful message. That message is clearly and powerfully written by Putman in this book.

Jaime Nichols is a lawyer that is haunted by the sexual abuse she suffered as a child. She finally gains the strength to prosecute her abuser. That abuser happens to be a powerful military figure who is up for the position of General. As Jaime goes through this process, her friends play a powerful role in encouraging her and preparing her for what she will face in the courtroom. She also gets the opportunity to meet a young girl who has recently been traumatized and she has the opportunity to help give this young girl a voice.

Chandler Bolton is a veteran who is working to help other veterans cope with whatever they need help with. He is haunted by his own perceived failures. Chandler has a dog that he has been training to be a therapeutic dog. Chandler's dog is the key to helping this young girl testify against her abuser. Chandler and Jaime are attracted to one another and become friends. Can both of them overcome their past so that they can have a future together?

I have read all of the Hidden Justice series and they are all well written and engage you in the story from page one right up to the exciting end of each book. I received an ARC of this book and his is my honest feedback.

We all carry pain. For some, it comes from the choices we make; for others, it is the result of war; and for some, it comes from abuse over which we had no control. We find all three in Cara Putman’s newest novel.

Jaime Nichols abuse had occurred years ago, but she had told no one till now. Her Uncle Dane had first approached her when she was eight and had not stopped until she left for college. Chandler Bolton had been damaged by war – he was a survivor, but friends had died and been crippled. And he carried his baggage because of it. Late in October, their lives would collide. But the journey would not be easy.

Having spent the last 44+ years living in the shadow of abuse, it is easy to believe in the depth of pain exhibited by the characters penned by Cara Putnam in her newest novel. The story is well told and does not leave the reader with the false belief that coming to terms with psychological pain is easy. But the story does remind the reader that those of us who have lived with it have hope as we trust the process and learn to trust God to see us through it.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Delayed Justice, the third book in the Hidden Justice series, features Jaime Nichols, a friend of Hayden McCarthy and Emilie Wesley. Jaime practices law as a criminal defense attorney. Because of the trauma of her early childhood, she vows to work tirelessly to be the voice for those who have no voice and no hope.

After years of counseling, she feels ready to seek justice for herself. But she has no idea the chain of events that her actions will unleash.

Chandler Bolton, retired army vet, works at the Vet Center and helps fellow veterans transition into civilian life. His therapy dog, Aslan, assists him. When Chandler and Aslan get called to help a young witness prepare for trial, Chandler runs into the mysterious Jaime Nichols again. Together they seek to bring justice to a fragile young girl.

As they work together, their friendship develops into something that provides healing for both of them. Once they experience healing, the possibilities are endless.

Suspense fans will love the edge-of-your-seat pace of Putman's books. She crafts real stories that inspire and heal.

I debated on how to start this review, and I've decided to go a different way then I normally do. While I love this author, I'm not going to lie; this book has some tough subject matter in it. Even for those of us who have never experienced the tragedy of what some of the characters in the book endured, this book was not an easy read. I didn't say it wasn't a good read, I said it wasn't an easy read. The fact that my heart was breaking throughout the story is testament to how the author can quickly draw the reader in, embedding them in the lives of the characters in the book. Putman is definitely skilled in that aspect.



The writing is superb from beginning to end. Events are carefully time lined, and character development is well plotted. Even the pets in the story are well written! One of my favorite characters in the story was Aslan, a comfort therapy dog used in the court room. I'll stop there, I don't want to give any spoilers...but everybody should have an Aslan in their life!



I give this book 5 stars and recommend it to those with compassionate hearts, for those that can empathize with others, and for those looking for some healing of their own.



**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**

The characters in this book are complicated, each with lots of baggage to unpack. The main focus is a woman's attempt to get justice for abuse she suffered as a child from a man who has become very powerful in Washington, DC. There's also some romantic and dramatic interest from a vet who counsels returning soldiers. And there's a strong religious theme in the book. I thought it was a bit overdone. I found the book to be an interesting read, though at times I wanted to yell at a character for doing something that no one in their right mind would do.

Delayed Justice is a well written story that is gripping and intense from the beginning. From the 21 years earlier page to the initial page of the book I knew this would be a true to life story of what we are seeing in our society today. Attorney Jamie Nichols had suffered abuse by her Uncle Dane when she was young and finally had the strength, determination, and courage to seek legal action against him. Cara Putnam’s legal experience brought reality to readers of what young survivors of sexual abuse suffers emotionally from their victimization. This remarkable tale with hero Chandler Bolton working with veterans and his therapy dog, Aslan, brought Jamie and him working with a current child victim. There is never a dull moment as Chandler is receiving threatening calls and messages from an unknown veteran suffering greatly, Jamie with her charges against Uncle Dane and feeling like she is being watched, threatened and life changing courses for her. This story is filled with fast paced action, realism, legal proceedings, and the inner working of offenders’ minds where they go on with their life without thinking of their actions until confronted with charges by the judicial system. There’s a faith element, healing, new beginnings and romance interwoven into this legal thriller suspense. Readers of suspense will want to read this last installment of Putnam’s Hidden Justice series to gain a deeper understanding of what survivors of abuse, the effects of combat on veterans, the legal process of charges being filed and the benefit of a therapy dog for children to heal.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinion expressed are my own for this powerful story that is true to life.

Another great book by Cara Putman, featuring Jaime's story. A criminal defense attorney, Jaime's life mission is to stand up for those without a voice. Molested by her uncle at a young age and unable to speak up for herself as a child, Jaime finally decides justice needs to be served and starts the process of sharing her story with those who can help. Meanwhile, retired veteran Chandler has trained his therapy dog to calm and help victims who respond better to animal interaction than human interaction. Jaime and Chandler meet when a young girl needs their help. Great suspense/mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat as you become emotionally involved in Jaime's story. Well worth reading!

While Jaime has managed to make it through law school to become a successful defense attorney, she has never been able to overcome her own painful childhood experience of being molested by her uncle. Fearful and unsure about how to talk about it, she has kept silent about it for most of her life, unable to let in even her closest friends to the hurts of her heart. Jaime's character mirrors that of many women who have experienced sexual abuse in their lives. She clings to success and worldly strength in an attempt to make up for where her heart doesn't feel worthy. She is afraid to believe in God because she is unable to wrap her mind around His allowing of her abuse. She feels dirty and scarred beyond repair and is afraid that if people saw the real her, that she would no longer be liked. Her very identity is in shambles. Letting people in, especially those close to us, can be painful, but it's necessary in order for healing to be able to happen. Throughout the story Jaime slowly starts to recognize not only her need for help, but the knowledge that she's had access to that help for far longer than she has believed. Her journey is certainly not light on emotions.

Chandler Bolton lives in Jaime's building and after a chance encounter with his dog Aslan, the two start to see more of each other. Although his symptoms don't appear as strong as Jaime's, Chandler wrestles with some of his experiences following deployment overseas. To top that off, when he returned he learned that his wife had been unfaithful. Working through his own healing, Chandler at first tries to keep a distance from Jaime, but that soon proves impossible for him. Although I wasn't thrilled with the "Captain America look-alike" label thrust on him, I was drawn to Chandler's character and his genuine desire to be a protector for Jaime, long before he became anything else. His ability to think beyond himself to help others was something refreshing to see (even if he is just a fictional character).

During the story, Jaime is also introduced to a young girl named Tiffany who was recently the victim of sexual abuse. While Chandler's dog is used as a "comfort animal" for her during questioning, Jaime comes alongside her as simply someone who understands. While Some of what Jaime sees brings flashbacks for herself, she looks past herself towards the hope of healing of the young child. In a sense as the story unfolds more, she is able to see that she is able to find help in her own healing through her support of another. Once again the story shows the power in healing together.

The one complaint I really have for this story is how "busy" it was. There was a lot that happened in the story that is left unresolved because you're not sure which character's piece of the plot line was actually in action. I believe at least some of that was intentional on the author's part, but I also felt frustrated by it. I also felt that some of the more intense scenes (sorry, not giving anything away), could have been made longer and more effectual to the story. I felt like key parts of the story were really muted simply because of the volume of events going on at the same time.

Overall this was was a well written novel that I would consider well worth the read. It's the third book in a series but it's the only one I've read so far. Some of Jaime's friends were the main characters in the previous books, but their roles are small enough in this one that I feel that it was easily read as a stand-alone without feeling lost. I would advise caution for trigger warnings of sexual abuse due to some of the content contained. I would recommend to readers who enjoy suspense, crime fiction, and emotional dramas.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

I love this book. It has a lot of emotion with a little mystery. It's has good strong characters and a good message . Would definitely recommend this book

Ms. Putman is becoming one of my favorite suspense authors to read! She does not disappoint in Delayed Justice. This book is a continuation of some of her other books that focuses on a group of female friends from law school. Jamie is the main character of this book. Readers were introduced to her in the previous books (and you are able to get caught up on those main characters in this book as well). Jamie has had a difficult life and decides to finally come forth to the authorities on what happened to her as a child. However, this powerful man will do everything to stop her. Chandler and Jamie are not only neighbors, but acquaintances of each other’s friends as well. After being thrown together with Chandler, they discover maybe they need each other more than they thought. I highly recommend this book! You will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.

What a journey you are about to begin as you turn these pages, now this is the third book in this series, but they can all stand alone, with some recurring characters.
With this story, actually there are three stories here, in a way related, but different, and you will become engrossed in all, and want answers, and hope all these characters will survive, you will soon care a lot about them.
There are some very deep subjects here, and you will be jumping with fear, and then you will fall in love with a beautiful, smart dog. I wanted to get to the end of the book to know all the answers, but at the same time I didn’t want to leave, a real page-turner.

I received this book from the publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

“Delayed Justice” by Cara Putman was a great read. This is Book 3 of the Justice series. Some of the characters from the first two books were mentioned in this book, but you don’t have to read the first two books to understand what’s going on in this book.

This book follows attorney Jaime Nichols. This book follows the subject of child abuse, specifically sexual in nature. The author did a great job of explaining how devastating this could be, yet she didn’t go into the specifics. I love how all three of these books stress the importance of a great support system, specifically really great friends. I also loved the way she had the gospel message in the story, but it wasn’t preaching at all.

I loved the first 2 books in this series and this one didn’t disappoint, either. Cara Putman always makes me feel as if I am a character in her books. She is one of my favorite authors and one I highly recommend often.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is book 3, Childhood abuse, of which the author has portrayed very well, without going in too deep. Showing us the deep trauma, and the emotions they continually battle with. The support of friends that is needed. Being afraid to speak out, and be there for others. Giving us an inside look at the Judicial system we have. This is fast pace, and faith based story that was handled very well by the author. Given ARC by Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

Exceptional! The leading female protagonist, attorney Jaime Nichols, is extremely well written! Jaime is finally strong enough tell her parents and to file charges against her uncle who sexually abused her when she was eight years old. The uncle is up for a promotion to one star general so he has much to lose! Your heart will go out to Jaime for the pain she has suffered. Chandler Bolton is a retired veteran who works with troubled veterans and has a therapy dog, Aslan. You will love Chandler who is one of the most caring, patient men ever! He and Jaime work with a young girl who has been abused by her mother's boyfriend. Is Jaime being watched? Has someone been in her apartment? Did someone try to run her down? Delayed Justice is one of the best books I have read! I recommend this book by Cara Putman to anyone who enjoys suspense. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Cara Putnam writes legal thrillers, romantic suspense, and historical romance. I have read a number of her books, including the previous two books in this series. With her latest installment of Delayed Justice, the title fits perfectly. I couldn't wait to read Jamie's story and see what darks secrets lie in her past and how she will deal with them.

My favorite aspect of the Delayed Justice was including The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis as a tool to show God's love even when the persons past isn't perfect. Chandler did a wonderful job suggesting and donating a copy for Jamie. I really enjoyed Putnam's insight into the story. I have read the Chronicles of Narnia a number of times and seen the movie. I even wrote two graduate level research papers in graduate school about the stories, but the profound insight into the story that reached into Jamie's soul brought tears to my eyes. I LOVED this part of the story. It was raw and real.

The emotions of Jamie ran true to everything I have ever read about victims about sexual assault. Putnam dug deep and really brought Jamie's past and present hurts to life. I kept feeling bad for Jamie, but kept cheering her on at the same time. She is definitely a strong heroine that I admired.

As for Chandler, he is an amazing hero. He loves Jamie even though he knows what happened in her past. He moved slow and kept praying for her to come to know Christ. He didn't rush her and proved that she was someone worth waiting for. Now that is a wonderful hero.

While the genre of Delayed Justice is romantic suspense, it does lay more heavily on romance than the suspense. A little bit of suspense was sprinkled throughout the novel with a climactic moment that came and went in two pages, but the novel didn't rely on the suspense element as much. The plot was more on the transformation of Jamie and the growing emotions between Chandler and Jamie. I did enjoy how Putnam allowed the story to end without the cliché proposal or wedding scene. Thank you!

Overall, Delayed Justice by Cara Putnam does dive deeply into the emotions and thoughts of the aftershock of a sexual assault. I loved the characters in this story and hope to see them more in future novels. The spiritual element in this story is wonderful and would be a great way to share Jesus with others. Delayed Justice is intriguing and raw. I really enjoyed reading this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of Delayed Justice by Cara Putnam from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

This is the third installment in Cara Putman’s Justice Series. As with the first two books, this one features a member of the circle of friends from law school, and it is filled with Christian themes throughout. The subject matter of this book, like the other ones in the series, may be triggering or controversial to some readers. This book is heartbreaking and encouraging, and it moves at a quick pace. The friends rely on each other for emotional support and professional advice. I think this book is full of more Christian themes than others in the series as it involves leading a broken soul to salvation.

Public Defender Jaime Nichols had a harrowing childhood at the expense of her uncle. Twenty years later she is ready to make him accountable for his actions. But after filing the complaint against her high profile uncle, Jaime suddenly becomes the victim once again. Life as she knows it changes, Jaime implodes and everything begins to fall apart. She begins to sense threats around every corner, never quite knowing what to expect.

Jaime had abandoned God at that young age because He had not intervened for her when she needed Him the most. Jaime’s feelings towards God and organized religion have remained the same all of her life. As Jaime’s friends try to steer her to put her faith and trust in God, Jaime redoubles her efforts to try and run further away from Him.

Chandler Bolton is a former military man turned counselor that works at a veteran’s center to help soldiers readjust to life at home after a tour of duty. Early on Chandler crosses paths with Jaime through a series of unrelated events. Then Chandler begins to receive accusatory phone calls at his office that set him on edge. But is the caller calling to threaten Chandler, or is he actually crying out for help?

Jaime immerses herself in a case that parallels her own childhood situation after her friends call on her as a consultant. Chandler is also called to help with this case that involves an eight year old that has been abused. Chandler has a therapy dog, Aslan, that calms the young victim and allows her to open up and reveal the horrors she experienced. Jaime and Chandler grow closer as they work together, though both are cautious to advance their relationship for different reasons.

Both plot lines converge as Jaime and Chandler seek justice for the young victim while also trying to make sure that Jaime’s uncle is held accountable for his sins. Overall this is a great read. I look forward to reading more from this talented author and this exciting series.

I would recommend this book to fans of legal thrillers and Christian fiction. I received this as a free ARC from Thomas Nelson on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A legal thriller with a broken, yet strong heroine and a hero aptly described as “kind warrior”, “Delayed Justice” focus on sensitive issues such as violation and child abuse, the power and influence of the military in the justice system, politics and society in general, and the role of faith in psychological healing.
I found this story remarkably believable and well-researched where legal aspects are concerned and I really enjoyed learning about different aspects of the USA judicial system, although sometimes there was a didactic touch to it which was a bit too much.
Chandler is really a knight-in-shining-armor, and he sees the heroine, Jaime, as a strong and desirable woman in spite of her wounds and of she considering herself a mess. His strength, gentleness and modern-day heroism are amazing.
I also liked how author Cara Putman wrote the deeply wounded but so strong heroine, although I felt the display of Jaime’s faith journey was sometimes contrived.