TitleTrakk.com Blog Tours Presents: Thicker than Blood by C.J. Darlington Published by Tyndale House Winner of the 2008 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel Contest!

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?

MY REVIEW:

The very first time I saw the cover of  Thicker Than Blood I knew I wanted to read the book. As a self-taught graphic artist and an avid reader, the cover had an appeal that could not be denied. My congratulations to the designer of the cover- it is one of the best I’ve seen and reflects the book’s contents very well.

After I received a copy and the day I could finally read it arrived (I try to adhere to my blog review calendar), I was thrilled to find that Thicker Than Blood lived up to my expectations. This is a story with meat to it. The characters are well developed and interact naturally. Their daily lives, their struggles, their hopes and dreams unite to make each character three dimensional  – people that could be friends, neighbors, or coworkers. Darlington’s depiction of Christy’s job as a book buyer and May’s life on the ranch are true to life and add depth to an already interesting tale. Difficult subjects such as addiction, physical abuse, shame, abortion, and dishonesty are handled skillfully.

Thicker Than Blood contains all the essential elements of a good novel including an easy to read style, a well paced plot with just the right tension, and natural dialogue. It also doesn’t hurt that there is plenty of action and suspense. A key element is the interaction of the characters, particularly Christy and May as they get to know each other after years apart. This is a book about separation and reconciliation, disgrace and redemption, but most of all the overwhelming grace and mercy of the Lord for those who turn to Him.

I recommend this new author with overwhelming enthusiasm and hope you will pick up a copy of  Thicker Than Blood for yourself.

A copy of  Thicker Than Blood was provided for my review by the author.

With careful attention to detail, emotion, and scene-setting, C.J. Darlington scores with her debut effort. Here is a special writer you won’t want to miss.
—Jerry B. Jenkins, New York Times best selling author

If you love a good read filled with adventure and ultimately redemption, I encourage you to brew the tea, settle into your favorite chair and pick up the page turner that is C.J. Darlington’s imaginative new novel of a modern day sisterhood that triumphs over separation and the raw challenges of life to find the real endurance of both family ties and God’s amazing grace.
—Rebecca St. James, Grammy award winning Christian singer and bestselling author

With Thicker than Blood, C.J. Darlington proves she’s a novelist for the long-haul, a strong new voice in Christian fiction. This book speaks to the heart, from the heart, about the heart. Readers will not soon forget it.
—Sibella Giorello, Christy award-winning author of The Rivers Run Dry & The Clouds Roll Away

About the Author:
C. J. began writing the story that would become Thicker than Blood (her first novel) when she was a fifteen-year-old homeschool student. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over a decade, scouting for stores similar to the one described in the novel before cofounding her own online bookstore. Thicker than Blood was the winner of the 2008 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel.

C. J. co-founded the Christian entertainment Web site TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction through book reviews and author interviews. She makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs and cats. Visit her website www.cjdarlington.com for more info.

QUICK LINKS:

• The 1st chapter of Thicker than Blood
• The “Story Behind the Story” of Thicker than Blood
• More endorsements from Jenny B. Jones, James Scott Bell, Susan Meissner, and more!
• Our interview with C.J. at TitleTrakk.com
• Buy Thicker than Blood at Christianbook.com
• Buy Thicker than Blood at Amazon.com
• List of the other 85+ Thicker than Blood blog tour participants!