Customer Reviews

Gibraltar: A Novel

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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.

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.

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.

With the publication of her first novel, Gibraltar, author Cami Tapley shows much more than most storytellers ever tell.

Gibraltar is a love story - interwoven with a thread of intrigue that shows how strong the fabric of family relationships really is. There is no pat ending and no romantic swoons and embraces here - except for that which we all have experienced, if we're lucky, in the strongest of relationships.

An eloquently written story, Gibraltar, portrays simple people living out their faith in spectacular ways. It isn't an overtly Christian book. There is no self-righteousness here but instead a story of people not just talking the talk, but also walking the walk.

Tapley creates a cast of characters that compel you to dig deeper into the words, inviting the readers' participation in the story itself. And if not read closely, you might miss something important. The author's writing is like someone telling you what something isn't and then offering readers the joy of discovering what it is for themselves. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and Tapley draws readers into an eyeful of vibrantly descriptive scenes and wonderfully crafted dialogue.

Eighteen-year-old Clary narrates the unfolding story of family ties bound up in a web of deception. In a gentle and warm style, readers come to know Clary's father and grandfather, with whom she shares an almost idyllic life. And yet, there are emotions and secrets she must come to terms with in order to find her own heart's desire.

Gibraltar is beautifully written with characters so real you can almost hear them breathing. The ending comes too soon, leaving readers wanting to know more about Clary and the people who've found sanctuary at Gibraltar. The good news is that this is the first in a series surrounding their lives.

I have never reviewed anything before so please bear with me. I absolutely loved this book. I found the characters exciting and intriging. I really wanted to be at Gibraltar with them. There was so much packed into this book but put in a format that was easy to follow. I seriously could not put this book down and read it in one day. I will be awaiting more in this series of books. I can't wait to buy number two. It is well worth the money. I highly recommend it!!!!

What a fun book to read, light reading, entwined with romance, comedy, intrigue and a little bit of mystery. This book will appeal to all ages from teens to multi-teens. I have ordered extra copies to give away as gifts. I look forward to reading more from this author.

It's wonderful to be able to read a good book for the whole family-enjoyed both the characters and the storyline-looking forward the second in the series.

This book was very enjoyable to read. The author has a wonderful way with words and uses beautiful descriptions of the settings and the characters! The story line is very intriguing and is easy to follow. I plan to give many out as gifts!

Cami, I thought the book was very enjoyable and wasn't able to put it down it was that meaningful and quite interresting to read. It made the whole situation very logicical and well explained. I would recommend this book to anyone who has been in the same area or about the same way as it is in the book. Darla.... P.S. Dan even liked it. Good luck with the next one,too.