This title is the third in a series and in my opinion the most complex of the three. While all three deal with female lawyers, friendships and romance, this story deals with child sexual abuse and the impact it has on the main character, Jamie.

Jamie has decided after many years of keeping the secret of abuse by her uncle to finally confront him in court. This decision of course requires courage and she is supported by her fellow female attorney friends as well as new friend and romantic interest Landon. The novel is well written, suspenseful and holds your interest.

This is one that would make for great book club discussion.

This is a powerful story, simple as that. Cara Putnam has dealt with a timely and emotional subject, child sexual abuse and the years of horror, self destruction and open wounds the living nightmare creates deeply into adulthood.
In this new book in the Hidden Justice series we finally learn about Jaime Nichols. A victim of child sexual abuse, we now see why she has been standoffish and somehow different.
Cara does a marvelous job of balancing the subject tastefully while demonstrating through the character's actions and dialogue just how devastated her life is. She also covers the parent's reactions (Because they always think they have their children protected, the truth blindsides. ) You might want some tissues close by while reading this book. A variety of my emotions were tugged at.
Chandler Bolton, a veteran of war, has his own memories and emotional scars to deal with. He is drawn to Jaime. There's a battle ahead and he is there to help, when she can accept it.
This very timely story also deals with the headline type story we are all seeing more often these days. A person 'in power' accused of unspeakable abuse. At times this story is a web and Cara has certainly drawn the lines for a well plotted, suspenseful book which needs to be read by anyone who wants insight into just one avenue of abuse.


My thanks goes out to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader's copy of the book. Special thanks to Cara Putnam for telling the story for those who have been abused, to cast a light on how one child could have moved forward to adulthood. Well done.


Also reviewed at Goodreads, Barnes and Noble

A truly inspiring book is one that touches our hearts deeply, brings healing to our souls, and draws us to the heart of God. That is this book to me. The characters and storyline isctruly inspiring. Putman tackles issues from today’s headlines regarding injustice.. Delayed Justice was an absolutely stunning and beautiful read about a very tough topic, sexual abuse. I was concerned that it might be a little overwhelming, but Cara Putman handles it in a very real, yet sensitive way. As a survivor, I could totally relate with the heroine, Jaime, finding her voice, overcoming her fears, and struggling to trust. The key verse is “God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and of a sound mind.” It is interwoven throughout and truly fit the characters struggles. As Jaime stands up to her abuser, military veteran, Chandler steps in with a protective and patient heart. He is truly heroic and swoon worthy. He quietly leads her to who Christ really is through The Lion, The Witch, and, The Wardrobe references. He stands by her even when she’s pushing him away. Very representative of who Christ is. I love his work with veterans. I loved Jaime and her friends drive for justice.. There was so much action, intrigue, and developing romance it kept me up late at night. I highly recommend this book. This was her first book I’ve read...I can’t wait to read more!

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

Delayed Justice is the third book in the Hidden Justice series by Cara Putnam. It can be read as a stand alone novel Jamie Nichols is a prosecutor who decides to seek justice by filing charges against her influential and powerful uncle who molested her as a child. Chandler Long works an counselor for military veterans and battles his own memories. When their paths cross with the help of their furry companions,. a friendship forms as they support each other through their pain and trials. Putnam masterfully blends suspense with real emotion that will keep the reader turning pages.

Romance, clean; Christian; series, but stand alone read
Jamie and Chandler's stories and romance along with the criminal background stories in both of their pasts, and presents was a compelling, intense, but still heartfelt, sensitive romantic read. Beautifully crafted, strong side characters, and great action, plot, and legal setting. Another great addition to this series, but still a stand alone read. CP knows how to pull you in, and keep you in the story. The faith element made for an interesting side element. The whole dilemma of why bad things happen to good people was discussed at different points, and prayer played a strong part of this novel as well.

In Cara Putman's Delayed Justice, the third installment in the Hidden Justice inspirational thriller series, this would make you a believer of God and fight for the underdog. Jaime Nichols is a public defender in the Washington D.C. Metro area and loved her job. But there was one thing that held her back, a secret she kept for the longest time: her uncle molested her when she was little girl. Now as an attorney, she did feel strong enough to tell her parents, her friends, and to inform others about the battle, when she decided to prosecute her uncle, Dane Nichols, before his nomination for an one-star general in the Army. And she never believed in God, when she had felt He had let her down. In the same apartment building, she met Chandler Bolton, an Army veteran who loves helping others deal with the transition and uses his dog Aslan as a comfort dog. Though when they first met, they had gotten off on the wrong foot and worked together toward together to help Tiffany Ange in a crisis, when her mother's boyfriend had assaulted her. It reminded Jamie when she was a little girl. While she fought against her uncle's threats and the potential loss of her job, Chandler had receives threatening calls from a mystery caller who would wish to see him harmed. Together they dealt with their inner demons, surrendered to their feelings, and let God lead the way to set things right with them in the end.

Perfect psychological thriller! It moved at a fast pace with twists and turns throughout! I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend!

Wow. Cara Putman creates an emotional and thought-provoking story in Delayed Justice. This book came at a good time as Cara addresses many questions that someone who has not suffered abuse may have when they see similar stories in the news.

Jaime had been molested as a child and wasn’t able to tell anyone. She is now a grown woman and a criminal defense attorney. It is very important to her to have a voice. She has decided to hold her molester accountable.

Chandler was such a great character. He was just perfect for her. Chandler is a retired vet that is helping vets adjust to being back in the states. He understands having nightmares and not having control. I loved how he understood why she would say some of the things.

Woven into their story was a story of another little girl who had been molested. Chandler and Jaime are trying to help her. I so wanted Jaime to trust her friends and rely on them. That is what friends are for. It was heartbreaking to watch her try to rebuild her relationship with her parents.

I highly recommend this book. It is a great story and very thought provoking.

"Sometimes the only way we are made whole is when we take our pain and use it to help others"

Wow, this one was for sure my favorite in the series so far! Cara Putman wrote with knowledge and expertise, exposing the long and sometimes frustrating process of a trial, but also the opportunity to be heard and see justice be done. This justice many times is not much about seeing other being paid but protecting people from the cruelty.

And Jaime Nichols will face this challenge with trepidation and fear. Nevertheless, her biggest trial might just be the path she needs to fully heal and find completion to her story. For the most satisfying thing to be found is not her abuser behind bars, rather this love that sees scars and mistakes but chooses to stay.

On that note, I to talk about Chandler Bolton. He is hands down one of my favorite heroes of the year.

At times, Chandler seemed frustratingly perfect, as Jaime soon finds out. The truth is, though, he's not. He's scared and hurt as all of us. But he's learned to live as one redeemed and to hold on to hope. That's why threatening calls from a complete stranger don't put him off, that's why he gives Jaime her space and her time even as every molecule in him wants to reach out to her, that's why he chooses to be there even when unwelcome - because he knows loneliness does not heal, does not block the voices of shame. And that's why he's invested his time on training the cutest dog ever to be a comfort dog - beware, Aslan is sure to steal your heart as well.

The power of community is highlighted in this book, as well as the Love and Grace that overcomes any barrier.

Cara Putman did a great job of weaving God into her book without making the message too over powering. Delayed Justice is a timely subject told in a very compassionate way.

Cara Putman tackles a difficult topic - child sexual abuse by a relative - something which is so common in our news stories today.
Chandler and Jaime are both strong people, but haunted by nightmares of events of their past that were beyond their control. Chandler leans heavily on God for his strength, but Jaime despite her friends' faith wonders where God was in her difficult times and why He did nothing.
This is mainly the story of Jaime, who with the support of her close friends, Chandler and his comfort dog Aslan, is taking back her life and pressing charges against her abuser and speaking out in public. She see's herself in a little girl they are helping to get her abuser jailed and is determined that this little girl's life doesn't end up like hers.
The story progressed smoothly although I felt the change in Jaime's attitude to Chandler changed rather quickly. After I finished reading this book, I discovered it was the third book in a trilogy. This didn't affect my reading experience although I now realise that two of Jaime's friends probably were dealt with in the previous books due to small mentions I noticed. I especially enjoyed how the Christian theme was woven into the story. It showed the steady presence of God and the power of prayer without it being "in your face" so to speak.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed this book on a very hard subject, sexual molestation. Sexually molested by her uncle as a child and afraid to tell anyone, Jaime Nichols finally decides to speak out about what has happened. Will anyone believe her after she has sat on this for so many years? As a criminal defense attorney who fights daily for her clients, will she finally be able to see justice serviced for herself? Delayed Justice, book three in the Hidden Justice series by Cara Putman, was a deeper book than I guess I have read, and while to me it was not a page turning suspense, it was a good book.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, Netflix, and the author, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Mrs. Putman must have a deep well of courage to have written this book. It isn’t an easy topic. Sexual abuse never is simple. Not only did she broach a difficult theme, but she handled it with a delicate and considerate yet reality-bearing hand. Her approach to the abuse felt masterful. It’s tough to balance the stark reality of sexual abuse and its victims and predators with the grace of salvation. Yet, that’s precisely what this author has done.

The two-perspective approach on the abuse—from a silent victim and one who has already found her voice—was brilliant, as it showed that both types of victims must pair courage with truth to see justice done here on earth. Living out the reality this book portrays takes guts and moxie, and I hope any man, woman, or child who finds themselves a victim will seek out help in order to obtain justice and complete healing.

Another aspect of this book that pleased my heart was that the so-called “little people” of the story (the victim, the attorneys who didn’t presume to stand a chance, etc.) weren’t afraid to stand up to big-name bullies (bosses, generals, senators, etc.). This is something that is reflective of today’s society, where big-named bullies (actors, sports stars, politicians, etc.) think they own the world and can push us little people around just to get what they want, whether that be to abuse someone, win a championship, star in the next summer blockbuster, or obtain the political seat of their choosing. This book shows that those bullies don’t always win in the end.

The theme of “you’re not alone” was the perfect companion to come alongside the brashness of the abuse. I think it’s important for people who are being bullied or abused to know they aren’t alone. It’s crucial that those facing “big bullies” in work, school, or other aspects of life know they can keep reaching for truth and justice. They don’t have to let those bullies beat down their spirit, even if they beat down their body. Each victim, every person is important. Every person matters. God’s love can keep a victim’s spirit intact through the pain and help that person become an overcomer who can find true healing.

It isn’t always an easy battle, breaking free from abuse. This book reflects that well. The journey Jaime took toward faith in this story reveals that the struggle to believe that God cares in the midst of our worst pain is completely real and valid. But, y’all, He does care. Completely, wholly, supremely. Keep fighting for that belief until you find that it’s true for you too.

Something that’s very clear to me, after having read this book, is that the author has a heart for pain and healing in people. She had my eyes misting over several times, because Jaime’s pain was so raw and real and believable. Also, her friends’ caring love toward her, how they chose to stand with her and be her support system—whether she liked it or not, at times—was so exquisite that the emotions bubbled up until I was dry-sobbing (because the tears refused to fall; they were there!). I already knew Mrs. Putman could pull my emotions into the story (she’s done that many a time for me, through her previous books), but this book, this journey was next-level awesome and one I’ll definitely revisit down the road.

This book is an incredible look at how the pain of sexual abuse spiderwebs out into every portion of a person’s life, including their outlook and daily habits. I hope it will open many people’s eyes and stop abuse in its tracks.

A couple more notes:

The inclusion of a comfort service dog was spectacular and eye-opening. I loved Aslan and how he was able to be a comfort to certain people in the story.

I loved that neither of the leads used nicknames for each other. This was a refreshing change from the norm in Christian fiction right now.

Brandy alcohol was mentioned once by a bad guy. I was very happy the leading good guys did not partake in alcohol. This, too, was refreshing.

Jaime Nichols has been living for years with a secret. She decides she’s finally strong enough to deal with it and plans to expose her uncle who molested her. She doesn’t realize that he is up for a promotion in the military and will stop at nothing to end her quest for justice.
This book felt very relevant in this age where more “secrets” are coming to light. It showed the very harsh reality of what it would be like to come forward and endure the intense scrutiny and the questioning…not to mention having to relive every hurtful moment. I felt that Putnam dealt with these issues well…not glossing over the difficulty but instead holding out compassion and hope.
I appreciated Chandler Bolton and his dog, Aslan. Chandler has his own demons but that makes him all the more understanding and willing to embrace the complexity of a person like Jaime. He is patient and provides a haven of safety for Jaime that is really special.
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a complimentary e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

If you like court drama… you will find this hard to put down! She is accusing her Uncle of sexual abuse that happened when she was a child. With the help of other female lawyers, a retired veteran and his therapy dog this story is hard to read but hard not too as we follow along with the ups, downs and suspense of what is coming next. Mind games, terror, trust and testifying in court make this an oh so real story!
I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary..

A very touching story about a very difficult subject - sexual abuse of children. The author portrayed each character in a way that readers could relate and empathise with. Jaime was such strong character after all that she has been through. I really liked Chandler for his patience and understanding. This story could be from today's headlines. Highly recommended!

An captivating book that touches on a number of interesting and difficult topics. My two concerns are that in trying to speak against sexual abuse and mistreatment of women the author, who is female, still reiterates the lies that make it so hard for women to be seen, and see themselves, as something other than objects of sexual attraction. Firstly, the main thing that keeps coming up in the thoughts of the two lead characters is how to go about that first kiss. Secondly, and more disturbing, is that both Jamie and Chandler are frequently described in terms of their 'perfect' physique - Jamie especially. In fact, her happy ending with Chandler is because of her beauty and she feels lucky because of his character, yes, but also because he is "so hansom". This is troubling as female authors, especially in discussing such topics, should be moving away from attaching a female's value/worth to her physical appearance.

Delayed Justice by Cara Putman is the third book in the Hidden Justice Series. Jaime Nichols is a public defender in Virginia. It has been twenty years since her uncle, Dane Nichols abused her, and Jamie has decided it is the time to press charges against him. The next day it is announced that Dane is up for a promotion to a one star general and Dane is not going to let Jaime ruin his career. Dane is a powerful man with considerable influence. Jaime will have to be strong to battle this formidable foe, so she can put the past to rest.

Chandler Bolton is a veteran who now works for the Department of Veteran Affairs helping veterans reacclimate to society. Chandler has also had his dog, Aslan trained as a comfort dog to help abused children. Tiffany Ange has been assaulted by her mother’s boyfriend and Aslan is just the help Tiffany needs to help tell her story to the police. Chandler encounters Jaime in his apartment building one day and he is intrigued. The two of them end up working together to help Tiffany testify against her abuser and recover from her horrible ordeal. Can Chandler break through the wall Jaime has built around her heart? Will Jaime be able to have a relationship after what she has experienced? How will the case against Dane turn out? Discover what happens in Delayed Justice.

The author did her research for Delayed Justice. She captured the legal aspects of the judicial system and I like that we get to experience both sides (prosecution and defense). It was interesting to learn about therapy/comfort dogs and how they assist victims. I found the court scenes to be realistic along with the situations with Tiffany and her mother. Jaime is a wounded woman who has not gotten over what happened to her when she was eight years old. She believes in the justice system and wants to help those who cannot afford a lawyer. Jaime has been in therapy for years and feels she is now strong enough to handle the court battle. She has the support of good friends from college who understand and are a part of the legal system. The author did a remarkable job at handling a delicate and difficult subject. Chandler is a strong male character who is the hero of the story. He comes across as a knight in shining armor protecting little Tiffany and Jaime. I appreciated his Christian values and how he expressed them to Jaime. Her journey towards Christ did not seem realistic. It felt contrived and rushed. The pace of Delayed Justice was slow which can be attributed to the detailed writing. I recommend reading the Hidden Justice Series in order. I had not read the previous two books and I felt like I was plopped into the middle of a book when I started reading Delayed Justice. The book begins to make sense as I get further into it. Jaime has complaints issued against her per her boss, but readers were not given any details (who issued them, what are they regarding). The same thing happens when she receives an ethics violation (I want details). Delayed Justice is a romantic suspense. While I felt the romance, I did not feel the suspense part. I wanted to feel the scare and anxiety. My rating for Delayed Justice is 3 out of 5 stars. Fans of the Hidden Justice Series will not want to miss Delayed Justice to find out how Jaime’s story plays out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. As always, an honest review from me.

First of all, trigger warning: child sexual abuse

Most of the book references child sexual abuse, the healing process, disclosing to friends and family, and testifying. Nothing is described in detail, graphic or otherwise.

If you’re concerned about being triggered by certain content, feel free to ask me for clarification about any potentially triggering content, in the comments. Or send me a direct message on Twitter if you prefer.
Now onto the book review …

Jaime was abused by her uncle at the age of 8. She didn’t tell anyone then. Now as an adult and after much counseling she feels strong enough to report his crime and press charges. Will her words and an old journal be enough to convict this esteemed military man? Or will he do anything to stop her form “ruining his life”?

It was nice to see the day to day realities of a survivor. The struggles and the triumphs, all the hard work, and the support from loved ones. Too often the media glosses over the day to day moments after a certain point in the survivor’s story. Not so in this book.

However, I had mixed feelings about the romance storyline. I don’t like when the, you need a man to make it all better, myth is perpetuated. But it’s also unrealistic to think that no survivor will experience romance and also look for comfort in their partner. The ending also wrapped things up a little too conveniently for me.

All in all, another good novel supporting the Me Too Movement of our generation.

Jaime is surrounded by Christians. Her friends, her former law school advisor…even the neighbor with the dog that got into a tussle with her cat. But she can't believe in God. How could a good God let her be repeatedly abused by her uncle as a child…and leave her with emotional scars twenty years later? When she decides to finally press charges against her uncle, everything comes back. The emotions, the fear, the questions. Where was God when I was hurting? Where was God when I was scared, abused, too afraid to tell my parents?

Yet she longs for hope.
For relationships that don't have this terrible secret in the background. For the chance to heal, and maybe not walk with that “pronounced limp of brokenness the rest of her life.”

Cara Putman's Delayed Justice really resonated with me. At one point Jaime is emotionally exhausted enough to want to avoid “the lions' den of friendship” even though she is desperate for community. I've so been there. I loved being a part of Jaime's journey towards trusting people by sharing her story. I love how she begins to heal when she helps a little girl with a similar experience. I love the way the author incorporates the Narnia story without it feeling overdone or fake, and the way her friends' faith has clearly rubbed off on her without her feeling smothered or pushed. Jaime's journey felt real to me in a way that is hard to pull off. And I could see in her story pieces of my own…and so many others I've known.

This was a legal suspense with the intellectual challenge to keep me engaged, but it's also a beautiful story of healing and reconciliation. I highly recommend this book. And yes, I just one-clicked the previous book in the series.

Where was God when all these things were happening? He was there, crying with you.