Thicker than Blood [Paperback]

C. J. Darlington (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 16, 2009

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? A stunning debut from the latest Christian Writers Guild winner.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Darlington, a debut author and winner of the 2008 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest, enters the evangelical Christian publishing arena with a story that deals in antique bookselling and unresolved interpersonal relationships. Orphaned sisters Christy and May Williams have chosen very different paths after the sudden death of their parents 15 years earlier. Christy retreats into alcohol and abusive relationships, while younger sister May tries her hand at running a ranch. When the death of a close relative brings the two estranged sisters together, internal pain resurfaces that cannot be ignored by either one. Slowly, amid violence and false accusations, Christy moves toward May, emotionally and spiritually, as both young women discover the possibility of second chances. Darlington's setting in the fascinating world of antiquarian bookselling is clever; unfortunately much of the story is too formulaic to provide what could have been a compelling reading excursion. (Jan.)
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From Booklist

Two sisters are on totally different paths. Christy left home at an early age, and now works at a bookstore specializing in rare and first editions. She has fallen for a man who shares her bibliopassion. However, Christy soon finds out that the love of her life is cheating her boss—and friend—out of valuable volumes. And then he blackmails her into helping him. Sister May, on the other hand, stays on the ranch, following the religious tenets of her beloved aunt Edna. Life is bleak for Christy as an unwilling accomplice. But things aren’t going well for May either. Aunt Edna has died, and May can’t afford to keep the ranch. Fans of faith-based novels will enjoy Darlington’s modern twist on the parable of the Prodigal Son. --Shelley Mosley

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 376 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Books (December 16, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414334486
• ISBN-13: 978-1414334486
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 1 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (160 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,175,005 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

C. J. 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. For the latest info on C. J., visit her website: http://www.cjdarlington.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 40 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning debut, rich with heart January 2, 2010

By Deena Peterson

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I receive many joys from reviewing books. One that is a real rush for me is getting sneak peeks into books destined to be best sellers. I was honored with an early read of C.J. Darlington's entry into the Christian Writer's Guild first novel contest.

"Thicker Than Blood" was the winner for 2009, and from the first chapter I knew C.J. had penned a winning story. Christy Williams has spent the past fifteen years running. Now she's trying to get her life together and be a successful antiquarian book buyer.

But when a first edition book ends up planted in her car, framing her for a crime she didn't commit, will the truth of her real crimes cost her everything she's worked for?

After a tragic event robs Christy of her safety, she runs to her younger sister, May...the sister she abandoned without a word after their parents' untimely death. Will May have a heart of forgiveness toward her older sister, or condemn her, just as Christy condemns herself?

Filled with unique flavor and genuine relationships, "Thicker Than Blood" is guaranteed to strike a chord in your heart. I have two daughters myself: one who is following God and one who has walked away from all she believed. I could easily see this story as their story--minus the ranch!

C.J. Darlington is a debut novelist to watch. Her story is rich and has a depth missing in a lot of fiction these days. Her eye for detail and for intriguing setting is sure to mark her as a shining star in the publishing world.

In addition, C.J.'s message of faith is authentic without being preachy or over the top. Her presentation of the gospel is not only engaging, but I believe it will reach anyone with it's heart and message of love and hope.

"Thicker Than Blood" receives high marks from me--five out of five bookmarks, with a first edition copy of "Chronicles of Narnia" as a charm. Love to read books about book lovers! Don't miss this stunning debut from an author with a lot of stories yet to tell (I hope!).

My thanks to my friends at Tyndale for my copy, and to Jerry B. Jenkins for believing in budding authors!

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterfully written debut novel December 29, 2009

By H. Main

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Oh my....What a wonderful novel by debut author C.J. Darlington (and what does C.J. stand for - she's mysterious as well!). I'll start with the thing that I loved the most - the evangelistic angle. C.J. created characters that real people will connect with. And these characters find out, in normal conversation, why they need Jesus and the possibility their lives have if they accept Christ into their hearts. A very clever way to get the gospel across. But even more clever because the sticking points the characters had, you'll have to read the book to find out what they were, are very common. A strong salvation message that meet seekers where they are.
Alcoholism. Physical abuse. Stealing, Lying. Trust issues. Abandonment. These issues and more are explored in this novel. Each of the characters in Thicker Than Blood sound different. The pacing is perfect. The scenes are skillfully set (I grew up on a horse farm in Upstate New York, so I can tell you the horse and farm scenes are very realistic). And the chapter endings make this novel a page turner - one you simply can't put down.
A unique and masterfully written novel. Get it and read it - you'll be thankful you did!
C.J has posted the first chapter on her website, check it out!

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Treasure December 23, 2009

By Chris Fabry

Format:Paperback

C.J. Darlington knows the value of old books on the shelf. Now she proves she can craft a great story with heart and soul. The characters here feel real to me, with all of their brokenness and heartache. It didn't hurt that C.J. chose some of my old stomping grounds to set the story. She got it right. I can't wait for her next work of fiction.