Customer Reviews

Thicker than Blood

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(35)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

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!

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.

There are just some things out there that can't be bought. And with the love and support won over by newcomer C.J. Darlington, you won't have to bribe too many people to read fiction this good. She's won me over WAY before this debut, "Thicker Than Blood," with an amazing website like Title Trakk, and then just gives me more of a reason to cheer her on! And if a debut weren't enough, she has the support of some legends in the world of Christian entertainment. Authors like James Scott Bell and Jerry Jenkins have given the nod to her, and voices as familiar as Rebecca St. James gives her seal of approval as well! That's incredible, and I give my humble applause as well.

We join the likes of Christy Williams, a gal with some weight on her shoulders that only a bottle and pack of Winston cigarettes seem to cure. At least on a temporary basis, that is. And when trouble comes calling, abusive Vince seems to be in the shadows of it all. And working for a used bookstore, she's just trying to do her best and convince people she can do a thing or two. And all of a sudden, Christy is caught between a rock and a hard place, and desperate measures might have to be taken.

In the midst of all this, a few hours away, Christy's sister, May, works on a ranch. She wonders what has happened to her long lost sister. Until she shows up on her doorstep. And showing her Aunt Edna's love and compassion, she hopes to mend a few things, and that things might come to light. Well, the bell just may toll in this case. But then again, there are some nasty things that lurk about.

The one thing I kept thinking of was how Darlington compares with the guts of W. Dale Cramer. And I just couldn't help but think of how much fun I was really having after turning that first page! C.J. Darlington is no boring author, and she'll let you know when the bullet hits the bone, let me tell you! Some authors ease off when it gets a little too heavy. Not this one! And I'm glad I tracked this baby down. She has been added to a list of authors I can't wait to read. I hope she knows that. Thank you, C.J., you are awesome!!

I loved this book. The story had so much depth to it and seemed very realistic. Very difficult to put the book down once I started. The characters were very interesting.

I loved this book. There was a lot of suspense as the bad guy tries to ruin one of the main characters. But the story of 2 sisters reconnecting after many years of separation was very sweet. Highly recommend it!

It is a wonderful image of Gods love!! There are so many honest characters that seems everyone can relate to at least one. Such a refreshing reminder of the Lords unwavering love. Absolutely loved it!

Great book and a great price. Christian fiction at its best ... comparable to some of the best books I have read recently. 5 stars.

Thicker than Blood by C.J. Darlington is a story about God's grace and forgiveness between two sisters. This novel is also Darlington's first published writing. Her writing style is so smooth. The setting is in a antique bookstore and later at a ranch The suspense and emotions are beautiful and real. I so did not want to put this novel down. Darlington was able to accurately give details of the antigue book world, due to antiquarian book selling business.
The story of the sisters is the story of tenderness and acceptance. It is easy to related to the sisters. We all want to be loved and to feel needed.
I am so looking forward to reading her next book. I love a good suspense novel with a beautiful story of love and forgiveness.

C.J. Darlington pulls together such diverse threads as book collecting and cattle ranching to produce a family drama that deals in compelling ways with such difficult subjects as abuse, alcoholism, guilt, and broken family relationships. A strong spiritual thread solidifies the treatment of these issues and delivers estranged sisters, Christy and May through past pain and resentment to a new understanding of what truly matters in life. I especially appreciated the bookstore setting and the love of literature portrayed in the story. Thicker Than Blood is a book to curl up with and enjoy!