Christy Williams finally has her life on track. She’s putting her past behind her and working hard to build a career as an antiquarian book buyer. But things begin to unravel when a stolen Hemingway first edition is found in her possession, framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. With no one to turn to, she yearns for her estranged younger sister, May, whom she abandoned after their parents’ untimely deaths. Soon, Christy’s fleeing from her shattered dreams, her ex-boyfriend, and God. Could May’s Triple Cross Ranch be the safe haven she’s searching for? Will the sisters realize that each possesses what the other desperately needs before it’s too late?
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C. J. Darlington is the award-winning author of Thicker than Blood, Bound by Guilt, and Ties that Bind. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over fifteen years, scouting for stores similar to the ones described in her novels before cofounding her own online bookstore.
In 2006 C. J. started the Christian entertainment Web site TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction ever since. She is a regular contributor to Family Fiction Digital Magazine and NovelCrossing.com. A homeschool graduate, she makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs, a cat, and a Paint horse named Sky. Visit her Web site at www.cjdarlington.com.
My Impressions:
Thicker Than Blood is the debut novel by C. J. Darlington, but you sure wouldn’t know it. Darlington’s book is complex and riveting; it had me turning the pages as fast as I could. And while it has hints of the Prodigal Son, the story is original and fresh. I really liked Thicker Than Blood and am betting you will too.
Christy Williams has been running since the age of eighteen when her parents were killed in an auto accident. She has made some terrible choices and she believes the lies that she is trash, worthless. Her sister, May, felt abandoned when Christy left. But she has made a life for herself — with ranching and her church family. When Christy again runs, she seeks out May. Each sister has some decisions to make — to give and receive forgiveness.
Being a huge book nerd, I loved the used and rare books aspect of Thicker Than Blood. I am also a big fan of suspense novels, and Darlington’s book supplied that in abundance. But it was the story of reconciliation and redemption, forgiveness given and accepted, that spoke to my heart. This is a beautifully written novel with complex and realistic characters. I never once felt a false note. And a big plus is that Darlington has two more books for me to read!
A good choice for book clubs, I recommend Thicker Than Blood!
Highly Recommended.
Great for Book Clubs.
(I purchased this book for my Kindle. All opinions are mine alone.)
To purchase a copy of Thicker Than Blood, click on the image below.
I remember reading this one and being similarly impressed that this was C.J. Darlington’s first novel. I quickly gobbled up her other titles, and I’m hoping she’ll write some more winners for us.
Great review!
Thanks for stopping by. I am looking forward to other great books from C.J. too!