Bound By Guilt : Review - author CJ Darlington

Welcome to the unique and unusual antiquarian book world of author, CJ Darlington! *

*

C. J. is the award-winning author of Thicker than Blood, Bound by Guilt, and Ties that Bind (June 2013). She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over fifteen years, scouting for stores similar to the ones described in her novels before co-founding her own online bookstore.

In 2006 C. J. started the Christian entertainment Web site TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction ever since. She is a regular contributor to Family Fiction Digital Magazine and NovelCrossing.com. A homeschool graduate, she makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs, a cat, and a Paint horse named Sky.  - [Goodreads]

Visit her website CJ Darlington for more info.

                                                              Follow-up to Darlington's 'Thicker Than BLood', 

'Bound by Guilt' contains enough explanatory history allowing for an engaging stand alone read. On the other hand, it was like old home week comfort to catchup with characters from the first novel.
*
Darlington's novels centre in the unusual setting of the antiquarian book world.  Her novels  are filled with  interesting book facts inspiring a broader understanding of the business of books and their value. * This particular book prominently features  F. Scott Fitzgerald's , The Great Gatsby, first edition. A timely focus with the newest movie released this last month.
* "Roxi Gold has been shuttled from one foster home to another for most her life. She longs for a family and will do anything to fit in even if it's against the law. Soon she's traveling the country in an RV, stealing rare books from unsuspecting bookstores. She knows it's wrong, but if she refuses, she'll be put out on the streets. Police officer Abby Dawson has seen the worst of society, and not just at work. Her ex-husband wrested her daughter away from her in a bitter custody battle. The job she once loved has become a chore, the world isn't any safer, and there's no joy in her life. One fateful night a man's innocent blood changes both Roxi's and Abby's lives forever. One searches for justice; the other finds herself on the run until a first edition of "The Great Gatsby" catches up with her. Will the power of forgiveness set them free, or will they both remain bound by guilt?" - Goodreads
* My thoughts: Darlington's writing is filled with quick wit, creative expressions, and a consistently unique voice that adds to the charm of reading her novels. My emotions and attention are fully engaged by Darlington's writing. Every sense is affected. From the aroma of the morning coffees, flavours of the cinnamon raisin bagels, whispered cell phone messages, to descriptive indoor or outdoor settings.
*
The story itself is intense with an increasing pace that had me laying the book aside at times to relieve the tension. Suspenseful drama, mystery, adventure, intrigue, all realistic in culturally relevant contemporary settings. Well developed growth and maturing of likeable characters; strong emotionally influential features of disliked characters. Generational variety in characters who come to life in the reading, exhibiting believable actions and reactions.
*
Enough twists to keep the reader guessing and unsettled enough to keep reading.  *

I recommend Ms Darlington's 'Bound By Guilt' as readily as her debut, 'Thicker Than Blood'.

*


Not only did I enjoy a fantastic read, I earned points toward another book by being part of 
the Tyndale Publisher Rewards program. Receive Free Bonus 25 points by using this LINK to join. Your opp for Free books and audiobooks.  Join me?
*

Tweet