Thursday, April 22, 2010

From the Vault

Today's book from the Vault is Canteen Dreams, Cara C. Putman's debut award-winning novel.

From the back cover:

In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, Audrey Stone wants to help in the war effort. But what's a young schoolteacher from Nebraska to do? When her community start a canteen at the train station, Audrey finds her place. She spends nearly every spare moment there, offering food and kidness to the soldiers passing through. Despite her busyness, Audrey does allow some time to get to know a handsome rancher. Willard Johnson worries about his brother who joined the navy to get off the ranch and see the world. When Willard's worst fear is confirmed, he feels he must avenge by enlisting himself. But will his budding relationship with Audrey weather the storms of war? Or will one of the many soldiers at the canteen steal her away from him?

An excerpt from Canteen Dreams:

Don’t turn around now, but your Prince Charming enters.”


Audrey turned to look as Lainie shoved her in the ribs. “I told you not to look.”

“That’s a set-up and you know it. Besides Willard Johnson is not my Prince Charming. I hardly know the man.”

“Based on the look on his face when he saw you, you will.”

Audrey shrugged and accepted her Coke. Though she’d never admit it, she knew exactly where he stood as he strode toward her. “Please tell me he isn’t headed this way.”

“Oh, but he is. Should I leave now?” Lainie grinned at her.

“Don’t you dare leave me.” Audrey formed her mouth into what she hoped passed for a composed smile and turned toward Willard. “Good afternoon, Mr. Johnson.”

“Miss Stone.”

“Would you like to join Lainie and me for a Coke?” Audrey cringed as Lainie’s high heel connected with her shin.

“Afraid I have to rush back to the ranch, but I’m glad to see you. It saves me a trip. Would you join me for a movie Friday night? I’d very much enjoy spending the time with you.”

Audrey nodded her head, speechless that Willard Johnson had not only asked her to dance, but now asked her on a date.

“Great. I’ll pick you up around seven. Have a nice day, ladies.”

“Did he ask what I think he did?” Audrey shrieked as he exited the store.

“He did, and you agreed. What on earth will I tell Betty?” Lainie dropped her head onto her crossed arms. Then she peeked up at Audrey with a twinkle in her eyes. “You know you’ll have to raid my closet to find anything decent to wear.”


Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

For more information on this title and others by Cara, click HERE.

Question of the day: So, where did you go on your first date?

6 comments:

  1. Is this the first date my husband and I went on, or the first date I've ever had? If it's the first date for hubby and I, we went to Starbucks. For first date, ever....I'm not sure! That was such a long time ago, and I'm afraid I don't have a warm, fuzzy, nostalgic memory about that time in my life! :-)

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  2. My first date would have been a high school dance.

    My first date with my husband was the movie, The Electric Horseman with Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. I showed my age there, I'm sure.

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  3. I would have to guess on my first date--probably a dance. With my hubby, a movie.
    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  4. I have never dated, so can't really answer that question. :)

    BUT, I have read the first two books in this series and would love to read this one. Thanks for the chance. :)

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  5. My husband and i didn't really date either -- there are two events i can think of that qualify. Going to CATS and seeing the movie IQ. We've been married 14.5 years, so something clicked :-) This book will always be special to me. Thanks for highlighting it, Erica.

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  6. My first ever date was also my first date with the man I married. It was December (two years to the day before we got married) and we went to see the Christmas lights at the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, MO. We got hot chocolate and walked around the fountains, window-shopping.

    We've been married for twenty years now. :)

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