Press Materials


Author Info:

When she's not writing, she's reading. Her hobbies include book and art collecting, fly fishing, painting and drawing.


BIO short

C.J. Darlington is the winner of the 2008 Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over a decade, scouting for stores similar to the one described in Thicker than Blood before cofounding her own online bookstore. She also cofounded the Christian entertainment Web site www.TitleTrakk.com. A homeschool graduate, she lives in Pennsylvania with her family. Visit her Web site at www.cjdarlington.com.

BIO short 2

C.J. Darlington's first novel, Thicker Than Blood, was the winner of the 2008 Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest. She is the co-founder of the Christian entertainment Web site www.TitleTrakk.com. A homeschool graduate, she makes her home in Pennsylvania. When she's not writing, she's reading. Her hobbies include book and art collecting, fly fishing, painting and drawing. Visit her Web site at www.cjdarlington.com.


Book Info

Thicker than Blood
Tyndale House

+Winner of the 2008 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel Contest

+A first edition of Ernest Hemingway's novel For Whom the Bell Tolls plays an important role in the story.

Summary:

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, who she abandoned in their childhood after their parents’ untimely deaths. Soon Christy’s fleeing from her shattered dreams, her ex-boyfriend, and God. May’s Triple Cross ranch could be the safe haven she’s searching for, but will the sisters realize that each possesses what the other desperately needs before it’s too late?

Back cover copy:

Christy Williams never imagined that a stolen Hemingway first edition would lead her back to the sister she left fifteen years ago. But when things begin to unravel, she finds herself on May’s doorstep, fearing for her life. Will the two discover that some hurts can't be healed or is there a tie that's thicker than blood?

Endorsements:

“C. J. Darlington is the kind of new novelist that makes us at the Christian Writers Guild proud. 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 and owner of the Christian Writers Guild

“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/best selling author

"A wonderfully paced story of second chances, tenacity, and tenderness—and especially love that refuses to surrender to circumstance.”
Susan Meissner, author of The Shape of Mercy

"I was swept into Thicker Than Blood from page one. This beautifully rendered novel, full of heart and hope, has me looking forward to more from C. J. Darlington. A smashing debut."
James Scott Bell, bestselling author of Deceived and Try Fear.

"C.J. Darlington explores the bonds between sisters and beautifully portrays the hope of redeeming a past full of regrets. A colorful cast of supporting characters rounds out a first-rate first novel. I look forward to more from this promising new writer."
Deborah Raney, author of Above All Things and the Clayburn Novels

"A page-turning debut novel from a talented writer. Darlington provides a fascinating peek into the world of antiquarian books, as well as a riveting glimpse of a family undone, and God’s powerful reach in all their lives. Thicker than Blood will have you turning the pages, entranced with its beautiful prose and characters who won't let you go."
Jenny B. Jones, award winning author of Just Between You and Me and A Charmed Life series

"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, Pulitzer Prize nominee and award winning author of The Stones Cry Out and The Rivers Run Dry

"Thicker than Blood explores addiction, betrayal, and the common bond of family through the eyes of two sisters, both heartbroken, both longing for restoration. You’ll cheer as the sisters discover each other’s heart."
Mary E. DeMuth, author of Daisy Chain

"Thicker Than Blood is an emotional, suspenseful debut novel. Sympathetic characters and strong prose pulled me in and kept me reading for two days straight. Bravo, C.J.!"
Elizabeth White, author of Tour de Force and 2009 ACFW Book of the Year finalist Controlling Interest


Possible Interview Questions

1. What first sparked the idea to write Thicker than Blood?

2. Did you ever submit to the Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel before you won in 2008?

3. How many drafts of Thicker than Blood did you write?

4. You were homeschooled. Do you feel this has contributed to your success as a writer?

5. Where did you and your twin sister get the idea to start Titletrakk.com?

6. How much time do you contribute to keeping up the site?

7. What is your advice to unpublished writers?

8. How does your faith affect your writing?

9. The history of this novel starts at quite a young age for you. What are the major changes you made when you became an adult writer?

10. Are you currently working on another novel?

The Thicker than Blood Trailer!