Thicker than Blood*: a book review

Book description:

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:

When a book makes me feel–whether irritation and anger, or joy and epiphany–now that’s a good book. After reading Thicker than Blood in one day, it left me feeling irritated. (And I do mean that in the best of ways.) Well-developed, honest characters held a mirror up to my heart, revealing stubborn, cynical views of redemption and unconditional love.

In addition to delving into alcoholism and abortion, the book sheds much-needed light upon the shame and repetitive nature of domestic (or in this case, significant other) abuse. Lyrical prose and poignant settings hold the heart of the reader, as if in the comfort of an overstuffed, fireside wingback chair, while challenging paradigms and stretching social stigmas.

Thicker than Blood is a distinctive, engaging novel for anyone who needs to know God is in the midst of their biggest mistakes and greatest fears. 

Watch the book trailer:

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
• Interview with C.J. at TitleTrakk.com
• Buy Thicker than Blood at Christianbook.com
• Buy Thicker than Blood at Amazon.com

*Special thanks to TitleTrakk, CJ Darlington, and Tyndale for providing a copy of Thicker than Blood for my review.