| Title | : | Thicker Than Blood (Thicker Than Blood #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 389 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 2009 |
Christy Williams finally has her life on track. She’s putting her past behind her and working hard to build her career as a buyer for a large used bookstore. So far she’s been able to keep her drinking problem at bay, but everything changes when she lands a DUI on her thirty-third birthday.
When she’s accused of a crime she didn’t commit at work, she has nowhere to turn. She yearns for her estranged family, especially her younger sister May whom she hasn’t seen for fifteen years. Now the owner of a failing cattle ranch in Elk Valley, Colorado, May couldn’t possibly want a relationship with the big sister who didn’t even say good-bye all those years ago, could she?
Soon Christy’s fleeing from her shattered dreams, her abusive ex-boyfriend, and God. Could the Triple Cross Ranch be the safe haven she’s searching for, or will May’s new-found faith give her even more reason to reject Christy?
Thicker Than Blood (Thicker Than Blood #1) Reviews
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This is the second novel I have read by this author but I read them in the wrong order. I loved Bound by Guilt the second in this series. I also enjoyed this book, although not quite as much. The author's style has progressed and developed as she writes more books.
Thicker than Blood is the story of two sisters who become separated after a family tragedy. Their lives follow very different paths--May goes to live with an older relative and eventually achieves her dream of working on a beautiful ranch in the middle of nowhere. She also comes to faith. Christie, on the other hand, blames herself for the family tragedy and plunges into a world of crime, alcohol and abusive relationships. Will the sisters ever re-unite and can the damage to their fractured relationship be healed?
This is a story of the consequences of sin in the life of a person far from God and the alternatives available to them. It kept me reading and there were a fair number of twists and turns. I particularly liked the way the author has woven faith into the lives of some of the characters. It isn't just tagged on and doesn't feel awkward--it is the central aspect to their lives. The author clearly explains the Gospel through some of the dialogue. I would question one minor detail in that she says that it is not possible for God to save us unless we take that first step towards Him. I suggest that it is the other way around due to the Bible stating that no one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws Him (John 6 vs 44.) However, in context it was not a big issue.
I hope that this book would encourage people that no matter how broken their lives or how far they have fallen, God can forgive them and restore them at any point. It is the story of the prodigal son.
The narrative deals with drink driving and alcoholism, fraud/crime, serious domestic violence and the far-reaching consequences of abortion. For this reason I would not recommend it for children. It deals with the issues in a sensitive manner and the struggles are realistic. I felt the violence in places was a bit too graphic and may bother some readers but again it was not gratuitous and did not glorify sin. There was no sexual content although it is clear that two characters are sleeping together. There was no bad language.
I recommend this book to all Christian readers. -
I don't know what it is about C. J. Darlington's books, but they somehow reel me in and really grab ahold of me. Even though I've read them before and know what's going to happen, I still find myself just wanting to read, read, read them.
The books are really well written and going back to them feels like revisiting an old friend. There's some violence in the book, but I feel like it was handled well and everything in it added to the story. (As in, nothing was there simply for shock value.) There are also some amazing lessons woven all throughout the book in a very tasteful way. So much to learn without coming across as preachy.
Keep up the great writing, Miss Darlington! -
A love of books shines through this story. Even the villain treasures his book collection and mourns when he loses it. The world of valuable first editions and book auctions give colour and interest to this story which is really about a troubled girl finding her way back to family and discovering faith for the first time. I dubbed this romantic suspense because I thought that this was how this would end up but it didn't and actually it was kind of nice to have it be about Christy getting back on her feet rather than being about her finding fulfilment in a man. I do wonder if the hints of possible romance will develop in the next book after she has settled in her faith.
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Christy and May have not seen each other for 15 years since their parents died in a car crash. Christy works at a antique book store as a book clerk but after dangerous circumstances from a stalker ex-boyfriend who she worked with at the bookstore happen to her, she ends up at the Cattle Ranch where her sister May lives at. Can the sisters overcome their obstacles and trust in God to help them with it? Read this book and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good Christian fiction book I got for free on Smashwords and enjoyed it. It had a great message and was about sisters who loved each other. Definitely check it out if you like stories like that. -
My first book by this author, but it won't move my last! Involves horses, an awesome bookstore, a difficult past, second chances and a lot of tense moments. Trigger warnings for domestic violence, alcoholism and abortion.
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A nice read dealing with deep issues which I loved. I really enjoyed the characters and loved watching the main character grow. I also loved the setting on the ranch and it was fun reading about valuable books, that was brand new to me. All around good book and would recommend!
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An interesting read.
As Chrissy's story starts, the readers come to know that she and her sister have not spoken with each other since the death of the parents ten years back. Now Chrissy works in an antique book shop and when things go out of hand there, she has to go to her sister's place for safety.
The relationship between the sisters is veyr well brought out and how they overcome their problems and trust each other to overcome the hurdle made a very interesting read. -
This was just not a great book. Eighteen year old Christy and her 15 year old sister were left orphans when their parents died in an accident as they were rushing back for her 18th birthday. Christy dropped May off at their aunt's house and drove away, not seeing anyone again until her aunt dies 15 years later, leaving an inheritance.
Christy has had a hard life since she went out on her own, but it's all been of her own making.
I'm 60% through the book, and pretty much not liking it at all. I don't like Christy, and I don't like the way her life and ex-love interest are written about. He's horrible and the dialog is awful. I rarely just stop reading a book...I just can't take any more.
I'm sure Christy's life is going to turn around when she's reunited with her sister and is treated with all the love she missed out on by abandoning May...and she's going to find a relationship with God.
I just don't want to wade through it. There are too many other books that can tell basically the same thing much better. -
Wow!! I'm picky about fiction books but this one blew me away. I absolutely loved it. First thing I appreciated was the fact that they showed Christians who had problems, becoming a Christian didn't solve all the characters problems, their faith instead helped them through the problems. The entire story was very believable in view of the character's faith and belief (or lack thereof.)
Second, I'm a farm girl. It bugs me to no end when people write about farming and ranching and they don't get the details right. This book had all the details spot on! So awesome.
Finally, the characters themselves became friends to me as I read. I could connect with the characters in only the way I can when characters are written properly.
Wonderful book, go read it! :) -
As I started this story I figured it was going to be pretty predictable. And although there were aspects that were not everything turned out as I expected. The main character, Christie, was your typical messed up daughter of alcoholic parents. She was selfish as well as self destructing. She also couldn't believe her sister could forgive her of her past. She was also carrying a tremendous guilt.
The author tackled a tough subject in Christie's life and I think she did a great job bringing to light the fall out of the action Christie took when she was 18 years old.
The ending left me wanting more. -
It's very rare that I read a book and romance isn't the key factor of the story. I'm not against it at all...this book was just refreshing and full of so much more. I didn't have to be distracted by the meaning of the story by wondering who was going to get together with who. Christy's struggle with her past life was so real. I wanted to punch Vince, and I really, really liked May (Christy's sister), Jim (May's foreman), and Ruth. Their relationship is so nice and down to earth. I love how the story evolves around a bookstore. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
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What an amazing story. This young woman went through so much. I love to read this one over and over.
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I really enjoyed this. Good story, well-drawn characters.
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I loved this story so much May looking for her sister how Aunt Edna would be the prayer answered for May and Christy to reunite. Christy is so messed up and it seems like she is down on her luck her life spiraling out of control. Vince ugh such a jerk is being a bad guy overall being evil Christy manages to go home to her sister May May is a Christian in every sense. Vince is like the enemy of darkness in flesh wants to destroy all but Christy call out to God recieved his light and hope I so want to read more cause its awesome the power of God and how our lives mean so much more
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I realized going in that the MC had a rough backstory, but I didn't realize we would actually be in that backstory for the first part of the book. I felt like the author did a good job of not going into a lot of detail, but all the drinking and the fact that she's been living with her abusive boyfriend was more than I like to imagine. Just not for me.
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Title: Thicker than Blood
Author: C. J. Darlington
Pages: 400
Year: 2013
Publisher: Mountainview Books
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Thicker-than-Bl...
The novel opens up with action from the first sentence until the very end, increasing intensity along the way with twists and turns in the plot! May is raised by her Aunt Edna after the death of her parents. Her older sister Christy hasn’t been around for years, and May has no clue where she lives or works. Christy works for a bookstore that sells rare and collectible books they usually get through estate auctions. May works on a ranch, which suits her to a tee. The ranch is in danger of foreclosure, which May prays about often believing God will act but not knowing how. Christy is struggling with the same addiction that cost her parents their lives. May wonders about Christy’s whereabouts and what she ever did to make Christy angry. Christy thinks May would never want to know her or see her as she feels May would be greatly ashamed at the choices Christy has made in her life. Neither sister is right.
While May’s ranch and home are heading into foreclosure, Christy is fired from the bookstore when her controlling boyfriend talks to the owner’s father. One sister has become a Christian while the other has discounted religion as a whole. These are just a couple of snapshots of the tale that will tantalize readers in the novel. There is action, adventure, revenge, redemption, life and death along with finding out truth from lies.
I have read another C. J. Darlington novel called, Jupiter Winds, which received a five-star rating from me. I am reading her series that actually began her fictional journey! The other tales in the series are Bound by Guilt & Ties that Bind, which I will be reading and reviewing next. Thicker than Blood brings to the forefront issues like alcoholism, abuse, and the estrangement in the relationship between the two sisters. However, the bigger picture is how the Lord can touch the heart of those who seek Him and totally change the life of one who has lost everything and seems to have nothing.
I cannot wait to start the next novel in the series to share with you, as I am sure they are just as breathtaking as Thicker than Blood. With the holidays around the corner for the booklover in the family, wrap these up for under the tree as the reader will thoroughly love them!
My rating is 5 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at
http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at
https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson... -
Do we lovers of Christian fiction ever think of the book in our hands, the object itself, as having value—a first edition perhaps? In C.J. Darlington’s Thicker Than Blood, Christy Williams works in just such a place, Dawson’s Book Barn, where costly works have recently gone missing—stolen. There have been deceptions. Even her hands have not been clean.
The story opens when Christy gets a DUI on her 33rd birthday. She certainly can’t call May, the younger sister she abandoned two decades earlier at the funeral of their alcoholic parents, who died together in a car crash. She has nobody but, Vince, the ex-boyfriend who has hit her and who holds a dishonorable secret over her head.
May, on the other hand, is quite the equestrian and co-owns a financially strapped spread with Ruth, a highly experienced rancher. The author paints a touchingly warm and cozy relationship between May and her great aunt Edna, as well as with the older Ruth. These relationships steeped in each woman’s reliance on the Lord.
The back-slidden Christy often comes across less than lovable, still I liked the line from her point of view, at Aunt Edna’s funeral, “Some hymn belched from the organ, and she pretended to sing along, repeating what words she could decipher in a quiet alto.” I was tickled by Christy’s thought after misinterpreting May’s expression of joy that their aunt would be walking on streets of gold. “Not only had she left her sister when she needed her most, but by leaving, she driven May off the deep end.”
The themes of alcoholism, domestic violence, promiscuity, and dishonesty in the workplace are handled with grace and class. After Christy’s apartment is deliberately set on fire, the author realistically portrays how a woman with no support system can have her life so easily spin out of control and into virtual homelessness. How the thought of going back to an abusive man can start to look attractive again in this wretched situation.
Ultimately the book is about two sisters from a dysfunctional childhood home who where never close, walking through their own personal and spiritual journeys yet wondering about each other—n ever able to let go of thoughts of each other. The author takes this fragile thread that holds the sisters to each other and spins a story that gets brutal and hair raising at times, until the two are able to find their way back to each other. And then, yet another secret is revealed—one that is intensely painful and shameful to one of the sisters, one that will take God’s healing grace.
This is a story of hope and redemption, the triumph of the human spirit over evil, and the joy found by believers in the love of God. Without a doubt it’s well written, but it also expanded my world. Not all books can say that. There was never an overload of information, yet I realized I was learning quite a bit about book antiquities—something I knew nothing about, but found very interesting. -
C.J. Darlington is a new author with her debut novel, Thicker than Blood. I wouldn’t have guessed it was her first novel and honestly I’ll be looking out for her in the future.
So, what is this book about?
Christy’s life is a mess. She’s 33, a drunk, and just running away from everything. She has a love for books, but can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Why can’t she keep herself from sinking? When the death of her aunt leads her back to her old home that she so desperately ran from as a youth, she finds life unraveling like she didn’t expect. Is there really forgiveness available for someone like Christy? Can a reunion of two sisters turn out good, or will the past just cause more pain between them. Add in a stalker and some painful sins that only God can rescue her from.
C.J. Darlington weaves a highly adventurous story that screams out God’s love for us. She mixes in grace with the gritties of life and how can you not appreciate that? We may not have been down the same road, but when you’re not with God you’re down the same road.
I liked that Christy, and her sister May were different and both had different struggles. I didn’t feel like there was a favorite, so you couldn’t help but feel like both characters should have good outcomes.
Some of the issues that were present in the book were fairly dark like abuse, alcoholism, abortion. A few were a bit too detailed for my liking (her nightmares about the abortion), but all in all it was extremely well written. It kept my attention and one of the few books that I couldn’t put down and HAD TO READ in one sitting!
My initial thoughts were “Heartland”, the Canadian television show –reminds me a lot of that, and in a good way.
I really enjoyed this books and expect to see Darlington’s writing to only get better with each book!
Thanks to my friends at Tyndale for providing me with a review copy. -
Review of Thicker Than Blood, by CJ Darlington
2009 Tyndale
Darlington pulls no punches with her debut novel about broken people in a hurtful world.
Orphaned on the cusp of womanhood, Christy leaves everything and everyone, including her little sister, behind to follow a boyfriend to another state. Too young and naïve to pull herself together, Christy falls into the same addictive habits that killed her parents.
Well into her thirties, Christy finds someone who can believe in her when she lands a job at a used book store. Books were always a comfort for Christy, and books led to her toward healing and independence. But vulnerable Christy fell prey to a man with too many broken places of his own to fix.
The death of the last family relative forces Christy to catch up with her past and the little sister, May. May followed her dream of working on a ranch, even buying a partnership, only to face losing it. Finding Christy wasn’t exactly the joyful reunion she hoped for.
When Christy is forced to run for her life, the only safe place she can think of is the one she’d never thought she’d end up.
Darlington creates memorable characters far removed from the sweet young things of the typical inspirational romance world. Christy called so many demons into her life that they set up housekeeping and seemed to throw away the key. The author’s settings and secondary characters were somewhat unfinished, but the people were able to jump in and save the day when necessary. Darlington’s real-life love of books and attention to detail made the story a suspenseful read and left me looking forward to her next release. -
As I read C.J. Darlington’s first novel, Thicker Than Blood, I found it hard to believe that this was her FIRST novel. This book is the work of a professional, seasoned writer and I thought it was fantastic!
The storyline involving two sisters who’ve been estranged, held my interest and kept me reading. The pace of the novel was perfect – fast enough to keep my attention and yet just enough detail and background to make the story solid.
Being an avid reader and lover of books, I enjoyed that part of the story takes place with the main character working in a bookstore. I appreciate how the author gave some inside details about how the used book business works. All in all, I thought the story flowed beautifully and wove the lives of these two very different women seamlessly as they were reunited.
Darlington hits on some very hard issues in this book such as alcoholism, abortion, domestic violence, grief and loss. For someone so young, she writes with a wisdom beyond her years. I thought she handled her subject matter brilliantly and with grace. Her faith is very clear all the way through this book and she was able to write about very sensitive subjects and yet maintain the integrity of her beliefs. Though the main character struggles with hard-core issues, the story is tactful and meaningful.
No surprise that Thicker Than Blood won the 2008 Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest.
I look forward to reading more of C.J. Darlington’s books!
Read more reviews at my site:
http://redlilycafe.blogspot.com -
Debut? a.maz.ing!
This book reads like a well seasoned author at the wheel. Pacing is steady. No details left out or leaving me questioning. Conflicts all round are believable and consistent with the protagonist's life choices and situations. No frustration with maturity of the characters' responses as they were accurate to their ages in today's culture and society. A good depiction of faith lived rather than told. Can be a pet peeve for inspy reads; not an issue here.
The story itself captured my interest from the get go and the pressure didn't let up til it was time for the ending to let go.. Contemporary, relatable issues - no I won't spoil it for you! - that have probably impacted most readers to some degree, bringing this into one's own livingroom so to speak.
Info on used booktrade was absolutely fascinating to me. Lots of inside tips on 1st edition recognition and valuing, methods of stocking and purchasing - all added unique interest to the story. As did the ranch life scenarios. Calving season, birth intervention, none of this is usual fiction fare; but definitely realistic and knowledgeably described.
A dynamic read. Well delivered and entirely enjoyed.
Thank you , CJ, for sharing your talent and wisdom with us readers!
Review posted to Tyndale Rewards - Get your own Free Book Rewards
HERE -
WOW! All I can say is wow! I can not believe that this is CJ Darlington's first book, it is that good! I started it a few days ago and had to set it aside but once I picked it up again today to read I could not put it down. It is highly unusual for me to be so engrossed in a book that is not a romance. I'm embarrassed to admit it but facts are facts.
Christy Williams, the main character is terrific. She's flawed. She smokes, she drinks, and she has a past not unlike a lot of people today. She's not by any means perfect. Her sister, May who Christy thinks is probably perfect but is far from it has to deal with her older sisters abandonment and the struggle with forgiveness. And the secondary characters especially Jim and Vince really add to this story! Just because I said that they add to the story doesn't necessarily mean that they are good people by any means! One is but one isn't, you'll have to read to find out who and when you do you he will give you the shivers just like he did me. It's not too often I can say that about a character in a book but I'm saying it now.
DEFINITELY read Thicker than Blood if you like Christian fiction. You will be missing out on a terrific story if you don't read it. It has a very strong faith message, if you don't like that kind of thing you might not like this book. -
This book was really amazing! I had picked it up at the library since I'd enjoyed another of the author's books (albeit in a completely different genre) and am really glad I did. I don't read a lot of contemporary fiction but I really recommend this book.
It's a story about redemption. The main character is struggling with addiction and guilt. Her sister just wants to see her after she walked out fifteen years ago. They're both very solid and real characters. The supporting cast is all amazing as well. I loved the bits and pieces we get to see of each girl's life - be it book buying or ranching. I loved the descriptions of the ranch, having worked with horses and seen many places just like that and seeing some of the same types of people.
This is a Christian book and the message was very powerful and well done. There's many real life struggles portrayed here all set against the backdrop of two sisters trying to find their way back to a family. I'm glad I have the second book in right now, because I definitely need to know what's going to happen with Christie and Hunter. :)
Highly recommended for anyone who likes contemporary fiction and stories of family and redemption. -
I wrote this review at the time, but didn't realise I hadn't posted it until now when I'm doing a check on my read books that are missing reviews!
I wasn’t sure what to think about this one - it was a free iBook, and sometimes I’ve read some free e-books that really aren’t worth even the data I wasted downloading them. But this one was good - not earth-shattering, but good. It’s somewhat predictable, although some of the things I thought would happen didn’t, and I didn’t see some of the events coming that did happen!
There were some good reminders of how what we’ve done can never put us out of the reach of God’s love and that our past doesn’t need to define our future, but I didn’t feel that there was anything that spoke specifically to me.
Will I continue with the series? I’m not sure - perhaps, if my library will buy them. -
I got this free from Kindle about a year ago but went into it blind. This is a novel dealing with a sister, Christy, whose life is spiralling out of control but also works with selling used books. There is some depth to her character. She has abandoned her family and no-one except a family friend knows how to contact her. Meanwhile her younger sister May thinks she has been abandoned and hated by her sister. But their lives are about to take a turn.
This is a predictable read but still enjoyable. You learn more about Christy and she really grows throughout the novel. And if you like a ranch setting, it is here in a modern setting. This is a debut novel but the author shows promise. And it is a series which can be read as a standalone.
Enjoyable, clean novel. Rated 3.5 stars -
This was a very enjoyable read. To be honest I haven't liked much of the Christian fiction I've read... too unrealistic and trite for me. But I really enjoyed this one. In fact, I wasn't even positive it was Christian until quite a way through. Although that may not seem good to some, I think a Christian author who can write about non-Christian characters in a realistic way has real talent. My only complaint is that the ending was a bit abrupt compared to the rest of the story. Overall though it is very well written, the characters are relatable and the plot is excellent. I would recommend it if you are looking for an easy, but not completely mindless read.
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C.J. Darlington shows her impressive writing skills in her debut novel, Thicker Than Blood. The story of two sisters apart for fifteen years and brought together through a series of painful events intrigued me from the opening line.
While I liked the book, the slow pace and multiple points of view kept me from truly engaging with the story. But the beautiful message based on the Prodigal Son and strong writing cannot be ignored. -
Christy Williams is trying to get her life back on track but she just can't seem to get rid of her drinking. She has also done some shady deals in the past. Her abusive ex-boyfriend tries to frame her with a stolen book from the antique bookstore where they both work. Fired from her job she goes to live with her sister May. They haven't seen each other in fifteen years. Will May be able to forgive her for all Christy has done. Christy learns that true love and forgiveness only comes from Jesus.
