Sunday, March 27, 2011

Bound by Guilt by C.J. Darlington

No doubt about it, C.J. Darlington is a rising star in today's Christian fiction.  C.J.'s  new book- Bound by Guilt made me want to read more by this very talented young author.

Bound by Guilt takes you on a theme park worthy ride- if you could- just imagine a theme park based on the world of antiquarian books, coffee shops, horses, rescued dogs, broken relationships and (praise God) second chances.

Roxy Gold is a sixteen year old con artist; she's not bad; she just crash landed into a gig stealing rare books with her guardian, Irene and Irene's son, Diego.  Roxy's desire for a mother's love has helped launch her into this life of crime, which is solidified by her friendship with Diego, her only friend.  When things go wrong during a burglary and someone is killed, Roxy goes on the run.

C.J. writes with great wisdom and a snappy contemporary style.   So not only does she grab you with a great story, but she digs deeper with a message that seems to say that everyone needs rescuing, and someone to believe in us.  Also that you don't have to be perfect to reach out and love someone.  God uses imperfect vessels, something that I find comforting!

I found this book convicting.  Guilt has (at times) ruled and reigned in my life; and had it not been for the Lord on my side, as the Psalmist writes, where would I be?  I pray that I will, like Jan, who befriends Roxy, also have a chance to make a difference in the lives of hurting children.

Thanks, C.J., for pouring your heart into your characters and giving them such a great story!


TitleTrakk.com Blog Tours Presents:

Bound by Guilt
by C.J. Darlington
Published by Tyndale House

Shuttled between foster homes, Roxi Gold will do anything to fit in.  Soon she’s traveling the country stealing rare books  from unsuspecting bookstores. Police officer Abby Dawson has seen  the worst of society—and not just at work. One fateful night, both their lives are changed forever. One searches for justice, the other finds herself on the run. Willthe power of forgiveness set them free?



Great job! You kept me turning the pages.
--Francine Rivers, Internationally best selling author

C.J. is a wonderful, talented writer . . . extraordinary . . .
--Bodie Thoene, best-selling author of the A.D. Chronicles

This one engages your senses and reaches your heart.
--Jerry B. Jenkins, NY Times best-selling author & owner of The Christian Writers Guild

Watch the book trailer:




About the Author:
C. J. Darlington won the 2008 Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest with her first novel, Thicker Than Blood. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over twelve years, scouting for stores similar to the ones described in her novels before cofounding her own online bookstore. In 2006 C. J. started the Christian entertainment Web site www.TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction through book reviews and author interviews. A homeschool graduate, she makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs and cats. Visit her website www.cjdarlington.com

QUICK LINKS:

13 comments:

Terri Tiffany said...

Oh I heard about her before! I remember reading where she won that Jerry Jenkins contest. Congrats to her and her book release! I love the title!

Cheryl Klarich said...

Terri, Hi! I hope you are writing up a storm, yourself! :)

I was VERY impressed with C.J.'s writing. The book cover did the story justice, also. She did a great job integrating the book theme/ analogy- really effective.

C.J. Darlington said...

Hey, thanks so much for posting your review and participating in the blog tour. I enjoyed reading your thoughts!

Cheryl Klarich said...

Hi C.J.! Welcome!

I am honored to have you stop by. I truly enjoyed your book and look forward to reading more.

Blessings.

Tabitha Bird said...

Wonderful.
Sounds like a great book.
Love the name Roxi for the MC.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Another great review. Thanks. The book cover is wonderful.

Cheryl Klarich said...

Tabitha, I love it when you visit. YES, the name Roxi was a really good choice!

Hi Rachna! Happy to see you too! Yup, another good book, makes it fun to talk about.

Robyn Campbell said...

Great review, Cheryl. Congrads CJ. This book sounds wonderful. Excellent cover. Super fantastic, title. What's not to love?? :)

Jennifer Shirk said...

How can I not want to read this after a review like that?! :-)
Guilt is something we ALL can relate to, too.

Cheryl Klarich said...

Hi Robyn! LOVE your enthusiasm! This one's a hit!

Jennifer, thank you so much for the encouragement. C.J is really gifted. She really knows her rare books too. She offers an interesting view of the antiquarian book world... cool.

Karen Lange said...

I've wanted to read both of CJ's books; I should just do it! Glad you shared this. :)

Unknown said...

Thanks for another great recommendation!

Cheryl Klarich said...

Karen, I need to read the first book, Thicker Than Blood. I don't hesitate to reommend Bound by Guilt.
If you do read it, please let us know what you think!

Elle, you are welcome, as always. Great fun happening over at your blog, too!! If you love writing tips, go on over to Elle's place!