'Thicker Than Blood' by C.J. Darlington - Book Review

'Thicker Than Blood' is the first novel from Miss Darlington, who has a wonderful entertainment website called TitleTrakk.  I have been aware of this novel for a while, due to my familiarity with this website.  So I was awaiting it with eager anticipation. 

Miss Darlington did not disappoint!  The winner of the 2008 Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest, ‘Thicker Than Blood’ tells the story of two sisters – Christy and May Williams.  They have been estranged since the death of their parents in an auto accident fifteen years earlier, when Christy was eighteen and May was fifteen.  Their lives have taken very divergent paths.  Christy has led a rebellious lifestyle, but is trying to get her life on track.  She is employed as an antiquarian book buyer at Dawson’s Book Barn in Longmont, Colorado, and is dealing with her addictions and the consequences of past sins.   Christy is dealing with a lot of guilt over her past; her coping mechanism is masking her pain through relationships with dangerous men – poor choices – and excessive consumption of alcohol and cigarettes.  May is part owner of the Triple Cross Ranch, also in Colorado.  She is a Christ follower who was brought to faith through the influence of her Aunt Edna, who raised her after the death of her parents.  She is also dealing with life challenges, including the potential loss of the ranch due to financial difficulties. 

Miss Darlington does a wonderful job of fleshing out two dimensional characters into vibrant and rich people that you would love to meet!  She has previously worked in the antiquarian book industry, so she knows whereof she speaks.  She provides an interesting glimpse into a very interesting industry – especially interesting for book lovers!  Ranch life is also well represented in May’s story.  Being a lifelong city slicker, I saw the hard work that ranchers endure on a daily basis, especially during the calving season. 

‘Thicker Than Blood’ is a wonderful story of redemption, forgiveness, and God’s love reflected in His people.  The Christ-following characters in this work provide a wonderful model for others in how to exemplify Christ likeness in action.  Miss Darlington is very adept at keeping the story moving and engaging.  And the novel provides a wonderful portrayal of the healing power that comes with a relationship with Jesus and the peace that passes understanding which only He can provide.  


You can read the first chapter here.  And you can read an interview with C.J. here.

There is a 'trailer' for the novel.  It provides a neat visual view, and makes me hope it gets made into a movie!  

Miss Darlington did a masterful job in this debut novel.  Novel # 2 is in the works, and I look forward to reading about the next stage in the lives of the Williams sisters.  It will be interesting to see where their faith leads them and how their renewed relationship evolves. 

Please note that the author provided a copy of this book to me for review purposes.