Gibraltar: A Novel [Paperback]

Cami Tapley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 2005

Eighteen-year-old Clary relates the story of Jem, the son of a hard-hearted businessman and his unhappy socialite wife. Jem wants more than anything to escape the superficial life laid out for him--and he knows a way. Remembering the summer he spent on the St. Lawrence Seaway five years before, he forgoes returning to Boston for his second year of college and escapes to Gibraltar, the home of his grandfather. There, he uncovers a family secret that will extricate him from the web of lies his parents have spun around him all his life, and set him on a course for love and a new hope for his future.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Lindenville Publishing (November 30, 2005)
• ISBN-10: 0977469409
• ISBN-13: 978-0977469406
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #917,985 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More Than a Story, December 13, 2005

By 

Lisa M. Hendey "Mom, Blogger, Podcaster, Author" (Fresno, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gibraltar: A Novel (Paperback)

With the publication of her first novel, Gibraltar, author Cami Tapley has gone beyond the telling of a good story. Although the book is not overtly Christian, Tapley draws on her own spirituality and family resources to share a yarn that is at once enticing and inspirational. Gibraltar moves beyond today's all too formulaic "chick lit" genre to share a story of family relationships, of intrigue, and ultimately of the true meaning of love.

In the book, which Tapley published under the banner of Lindenville Publishing, the reader meets the Borderline family through the narration of eighteen year old Clary. This young woman, in concert with her father and paternal grandfather, seems to live somewhere off the beaten path. This picturesque backdrop is the setting for a tale of twisted interactions and a web of lies that is ultimately and lovingly unwoven through Tapley's lovely talent for storytelling and dialogue.

Gibraltar is one of those highly readable books - once you've become involved in the storyline (which happens quickly), you won't want to put this book down. When you reach the end, you'll find yourself wanting more from these characters and the world of Gibraltar. The good news for new Tapley fans like me is that this book is the first in a planned series.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A novel to be savored!, January 18, 2006

By 

Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gibraltar: A Novel (Paperback)

Gibraltar by Cami Tapley is a novel to be savored like quiet afternoons with a good friend. While deceptively simple on the surface, this is one of those books that readers will find themselves remembering long past the final page.

Clary Borderline, an 18-year-old woman living with her father and paternal grandfather, has grown up living in a rural town along the St. Lawrence Seaway. Raised with unconditional and nurturing love, Clary possesses well-developed values, as well as an independence of spirit and mind, all of which provide her the foundation to handle the struggles she will meet in this heartwarming story.

Into this idyllic, serene world comes pain and difficulty for Clary and her family as their world is turned upside down through the discovery of a complex web of relationships, secrets and lies. The unraveling of this web requires all of Clary's quiet strength and caring nature to allow her to face the challenges, while helping all those whose lives she touches, ultimately creating a circle of healing love.

With strong theme of the power of love and its ability to redeem and heal being at the heart of Clary's story, Tapley has created a beautiful gem. This subtle yet compelling novel pulls the reader into a special time and place with such memorable and realistic characters you will wish you could visit Gibraltar to visit these delightful people.

Gibraltar is the first in a series, and I look forward to reading them all.

Armchair Interviews says: Tapley has created a story that reaches your heart, makes you care and want more.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable and Meaningful, January 17, 2006

By 

Marla Swoffer - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gibraltar: A Novel (Paperback)

I had pretty much written off contemporary fiction, especially Christian contemporary fiction, until I read this novel. It snuck up on me and grabbed not just my mind, but my heart, in a subtle yet profound way. The storyline, the characters, and the dialogue are realistic and relatable, rather than feeling concocted/contrived. The elements of mystery and romance are intriguing but not sensational or sappy. The deeper significance of the story is spiritual, but not preachy. The heavier themes are offset by humor and warmth without being superficial. Like the setting (a small town), it has a slower pace, but it's never dull. Some books are devoured, but this one should be savored.