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Thicker Than Blood #4
Running on Empty
Alt Cover: ASIN B01959QOF6
When you’re running on empty, sometimes you do things you later regret.
Del Mangini is a lonely, down-on-her-luck young woman who can barely afford her next meal. When a private investigator blindsides her with the revelation that she was adopted and has a birth mother named Natalie he is looking for, she doesn’t know whether to believe him. How could her parents, who died heroes when she was a teenager, have kept this vital piece of her identity from her?
Then eight-year-old Callie shows up on her doorstep claiming to be her half sister. She can’t bring herself to turn the girl away, yet how can she possibly provide for a kid when she’s already three months behind on her rent?
Del and Callie soon find themselves living out of a car in the small town of Elk Valley, Colorado. Who can they trust, and why is someone following them? The only person who might have answers is the one woman they can’t find—their mother. But secrets, lies, and a political machine could destroy them before they discover the truth about their mother’s past and their own future.
When you’re running on empty, sometimes you do things you later regret.
Del Mangini is a lonely, down-on-her-luck young woman who can barely afford her next meal. When a private investigator blindsides her with the revelation that she was adopted and has a birth mother named Natalie he is looking for, she doesn’t know whether to believe him. How could her parents, who died heroes when she was a teenager, have kept this vital piece of her identity from her?
Then eight-year-old Callie shows up on her doorstep claiming to be her half sister. She can’t bring herself to turn the girl away, yet how can she possibly provide for a kid when she’s already three months behind on her rent?
Del and Callie soon find themselves living out of a car in the small town of Elk Valley, Colorado. Who can they trust, and why is someone following them? The only person who might have answers is the one woman they can’t find—their mother. But secrets, lies, and a political machine could destroy them before they discover the truth about their mother’s past and their own future.
ebook
Published January 1, 2015
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About the author
C.J. Darlington
15 books390 followersC. J.'s love of reading began when she was a kid dragging home bags of books from the library. When she was twelve she started dreaming about becoming a published author. That dream came true when her first novel Thicker than Blood won a national writing contest. It became the first book in the Thicker than Blood series, which also includes Bound by Guilt, Ties that Bind, and Running on Empty. She has also written Jupiter Winds and Jupiter Storm the first and second books in the Jupiter Winds series. Her children's fantasy Alison Henry and the Creatures of Torone has also been well received. She lives in Pennsylvania and is the horse care manager at a stables in Lancaster County.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 1, 2016
I love this series. I have read every book, starting with Thicker Than Blood. This one has new characters that I cared about. And, of course, a dog. The idea of finding a sister on your doorstep was intriguing. Especially when you didn't know you even had a sister. That is the part of the story I liked the most, the relationship between the sisters.
June 29, 2016
4.5 stars. Was a little disappointed the characters from the previous books weren't in it much but I still really liked it!
February 2, 2016
Running on Empty kept me turning pages from the very beginning! Throughout the book, CJ weaves together the storylines of several characters from seemingly different walks of life. The book opens with the main character, Del, struggling to make ends meet after losing her job through no fault of her own. With unsympathetic landlords hounding her for late rent, a growling stomach, and a gas gauge on empty, Del needs to figure out something fast. But that night, young Callie shows up on her doorstep, claiming to be her sister. Del soon realizes that their only hope is to find their mother, the one she never knew, before it’s too late. But she’s running on empty…and desperate.
I truly enjoyed the other books in this series (though each one can be a standalone) and found this one to be CJ’s best yet. I loved the elements of suspense and mystery scattered throughout, which is why I found the book extremely hard to put down! I also liked the theme of God answering prayers and the hope He offers.
CJ didn’t spare any punches with this book. This book is masterfully crafted and is sure to be a favorite!
I truly enjoyed the other books in this series (though each one can be a standalone) and found this one to be CJ’s best yet. I loved the elements of suspense and mystery scattered throughout, which is why I found the book extremely hard to put down! I also liked the theme of God answering prayers and the hope He offers.
CJ didn’t spare any punches with this book. This book is masterfully crafted and is sure to be a favorite!
December 26, 2015
I enjoyed the story and read through it quickly because I was anxious to see how it ended. I love that Darlington keeps this series in the State of Colorado: I have only been there twice, but it is a beautiful state. And that the author includes horses in the story, even for just a bit, and a young woman who loves them made me happy as that was me when I was growing up.
The reason for four instead of five stars, however, hinged upon the fact that, if I were not a Christian, I would be a bit confused as to who goes to Heaven - good people or believers in Christ. Secondly, the ending was quite abrupt. I do wish for a book that starts where this one left off because, otherwise, I would be greatly disappointed of how the story of the two sisters ends.
The reason for four instead of five stars, however, hinged upon the fact that, if I were not a Christian, I would be a bit confused as to who goes to Heaven - good people or believers in Christ. Secondly, the ending was quite abrupt. I do wish for a book that starts where this one left off because, otherwise, I would be greatly disappointed of how the story of the two sisters ends.
January 5, 2016
Excellent way to start the year - thoroughly enjoyed this story, and like so many in this series, I felt like it left a big open space at the end to continue Del and Callie's stories. Glad to see my favorite character Christy reappear.
4 out of 5 for a few plot holes at the end, but overall a great story that I would recommend to others. This story certainly can stand alone, but I think it is so much richer if you have read the first three books first so you know who Christy and Abby are, and how they got to where they are.
Would have been a fun twist to have Miss Joette give Callie and Del a lift at some point!
4 out of 5 for a few plot holes at the end, but overall a great story that I would recommend to others. This story certainly can stand alone, but I think it is so much richer if you have read the first three books first so you know who Christy and Abby are, and how they got to where they are.
Would have been a fun twist to have Miss Joette give Callie and Del a lift at some point!
August 17, 2017
C.J. Darlington is one of my favorite authors. I've read all of her Thicker Than Blood books as soon as I find them, so when I saw there was a #4 in the series, I bought it right away and read it over the next couple of days.
Once again Miss C.J. has created realistic characters who drew me into the story and made me want to find out what was going on with them. It amused me how well a young character was portrayed - even though I liked her, I found myself getting frustrated right along with the main character, so that was impressive.
This book had a unique "now and before" type of storytelling. (Unique for this series, not for writing in general.) I wasn't sure if I'd like it at first, but it ended up drawing me into the story even more and making me antsy to see how everything was going to turn out.
Overall this was probably my least favorite of the Thicker Than Blood books. I wished we would have gotten to spend more time with the characters from the first few books, and I wasn't incredibly satisfied with the ending, but I *did* like the book a lot, and as I mentioned, the characters were really well-written.
Once again Miss C.J. has created realistic characters who drew me into the story and made me want to find out what was going on with them. It amused me how well a young character was portrayed - even though I liked her, I found myself getting frustrated right along with the main character, so that was impressive.
This book had a unique "now and before" type of storytelling. (Unique for this series, not for writing in general.) I wasn't sure if I'd like it at first, but it ended up drawing me into the story even more and making me antsy to see how everything was going to turn out.
Overall this was probably my least favorite of the Thicker Than Blood books. I wished we would have gotten to spend more time with the characters from the first few books, and I wasn't incredibly satisfied with the ending, but I *did* like the book a lot, and as I mentioned, the characters were really well-written.
July 17, 2024
Del had just lost her job due to a lie a co-worker told about her to their boss. Since she lived in a small town, no one wanted to hire her because of the lie. Now, she was three months behind on her rent, and her landlords were getting on her case. Just when things couldn't get much worse, she got the information that she was adopted, something that had been kept secret from her until now. Her half-sister, Callie, got dumped on her doorstep with the expectation that Del would take care of her. Del hardly knew what to do because now they were living in her car and barely had enough to eat. Around that time, the girls biological mother, Natalie, shows up on the run from mistakes that she made in her past. Now Del's and Callie's lives are in danger too.
August 12, 2020
Really good book for a causal medium-paced read
This book was a good book. You felt every struggle and every obstacle that the girls face. I also like the little mystery element thrown in surrounding their mother and people going after them.
I like Callie and Del's relationship. I like seeing Del grow protective of her and claim responsibility for her.
I thought villains we're okay, not too fleshed out though. And the book does leaves some holes open, but they might be answered in the next book? I'm not sure.
Anyway, I totally recommend this book for a causal read about sisterhood, heavy emotions, and family.
This book was a good book. You felt every struggle and every obstacle that the girls face. I also like the little mystery element thrown in surrounding their mother and people going after them.
I like Callie and Del's relationship. I like seeing Del grow protective of her and claim responsibility for her.
I thought villains we're okay, not too fleshed out though. And the book does leaves some holes open, but they might be answered in the next book? I'm not sure.
Anyway, I totally recommend this book for a causal read about sisterhood, heavy emotions, and family.
September 30, 2020
This book was a good book. You felt every struggle and every obstacle that the girls face. I also like the little mystery element thrown in surrounding their mother and people going after them.
I liked Callie and Del's relationship. I liked seeing Del grow protective of her and claim responsibility for her sister.
I thought villains we're okay, not too fleshed out though. And the book does leaves some holes open, but they might be answered in the next book? I'm not sure.
Anyway, I totally recommend this book for a causal read about sisterhood, heavy emotions, and family.
I liked Callie and Del's relationship. I liked seeing Del grow protective of her and claim responsibility for her sister.
I thought villains we're okay, not too fleshed out though. And the book does leaves some holes open, but they might be answered in the next book? I'm not sure.
Anyway, I totally recommend this book for a causal read about sisterhood, heavy emotions, and family.
August 14, 2017
Another great book in this seies
I have absolutely enjoyed the Thicker than Blood series and am disappointed I can't just jump into book 5. I read all of them back to back and enjoyed the development of so many characters. New characters were introduced in this one that could be expanded upon in another book so I really hope there will be Book #5.
I have absolutely enjoyed the Thicker than Blood series and am disappointed I can't just jump into book 5. I read all of them back to back and enjoyed the development of so many characters. New characters were introduced in this one that could be expanded upon in another book so I really hope there will be Book #5.
September 29, 2017
I hope this one gets a sequel, because it desperately needs one. Things were left hanging and (Spoiler alert!!!) the villains get away with everything. I found it rather disappointing compared to the others in the series.
February 22, 2018
My least favorite of the series, especially as there was very little tie-in to the previous characters (frankly, this could have even been #2 or 3, there was that little detail). Premise with Natalie did not seem believable, and the ending didn't really tie things up.
May 4, 2019
Loved the suspense!
I enjoyed the “Thicker Blood Series.” However, “Running On Empty” was the best! I loved the new characters and the suspense! This book was less predictable, and I loved the story line. Will there be a No. 5 in the series?
I enjoyed the “Thicker Blood Series.” However, “Running On Empty” was the best! I loved the new characters and the suspense! This book was less predictable, and I loved the story line. Will there be a No. 5 in the series?
June 18, 2019
Loved, loved, loved the Series
I just finished this the fourth book in the Series. Awesome book just like the three previous books. The Series has realistic and very likeable characters dealing with life issues - parents, siblings, death of family members, divorce, etc.
I just finished this the fourth book in the Series. Awesome book just like the three previous books. The Series has realistic and very likeable characters dealing with life issues - parents, siblings, death of family members, divorce, etc.
February 22, 2020
FANTASTIC!!!!!!!
This book is so fantastic, amazing, incredible....et,cera.There re so many words to describe this book. Like sad, heartbreaking, outrageous, unfair... But there was some light at the end of the tunnel!!!
This book is so fantastic, amazing, incredible....et,cera.There re so many words to describe this book. Like sad, heartbreaking, outrageous, unfair... But there was some light at the end of the tunnel!!!
April 25, 2020
Great series
I read the three book series and enjoyed each one. They were full of suspense, danger and Christian values. If you are looking for smut or explicit love scenes this isn't for you. If you're looking for a well written story try this series.
I read the three book series and enjoyed each one. They were full of suspense, danger and Christian values. If you are looking for smut or explicit love scenes this isn't for you. If you're looking for a well written story try this series.
March 7, 2021
Review
This was a very good book! Liked the action and was very well written!! I think this one the best of the series! Hope there is more books to come in this series! Will definitely buy them!! Thanks A.J.!!!
This was a very good book! Liked the action and was very well written!! I think this one the best of the series! Hope there is more books to come in this series! Will definitely buy them!! Thanks A.J.!!!
August 2, 2018
Another great book
You cannot put these books once you are in and involved. This book develops a story of relationships...anticipation of what happens next.
You cannot put these books once you are in and involved. This book develops a story of relationships...anticipation of what happens next.
January 25, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Right from the start it held my attention and never left to the end. I felt badly for the young woman's circumstances, all the trials while trying to survive. It was actually educational! And when she suddenly found out she had a sister with whom was now her responsibility, oh my goodness! I liked the personalities of the sisters, they seemed very realistic, not too perfect by a long shot. The non-stop adventures were excellently (is that even a word) written and now I want to read more of C.J. Darlington's books. This was the first one I've ever read and I won it in a contest.
I am so glad I read this book!
I am so glad I read this book!
April 23, 2016
A life that is all roses is not what the Lord promises to those who believe in Him. The opposite is actually true. I guess this is what makes the stories in this series really good. It shows by example and very seldom quote verses from the bible.
In this fourth book, sisters Del and Callie were brought together and have to face homelessness, hunger, and the threat of death. I wish it were longer!
There will probably be a fifth book...I hope so, as I'd like to see how these sisters will turn out, and what will happen to Grant Hudson.
In this fourth book, sisters Del and Callie were brought together and have to face homelessness, hunger, and the threat of death. I wish it were longer!
There will probably be a fifth book...I hope so, as I'd like to see how these sisters will turn out, and what will happen to Grant Hudson.
May 23, 2019
This is the fourth book in a series, but it easily stands alone. I have personally not read the first three and didn't feel like I was missing anything. Overall, it's a good suspense novel with a great deal of action and a fast moving plot. Some of the storylines could have been fleshed out more and a great deal is left hanging at the end. The thing I appreciated most was the realistic portrayal of Del's situation and the role that trusting God played in her life.
December 14, 2015
I enjoyed Running on Empty. The characters and their situation drew me in from the first. I appreciated the real difficulties portrayed. Some bad choices were made for good reasons, but the outcome was well done.
January 24, 2016
Very exciting book. Characters were very easy to relate to. I felt that I was right there living the story with them. It was a hard book to put down. This book was as good as all her others in this series. My favorite character was Callie. Can't wait for the next book to come out.
July 22, 2016
This is a great book! Pick up your copy today. :)
December 27, 2015
Great story and well written.
March 4, 2016
Very good
This one was as good as the first 3 were." I have enjoyed them all can hardly lay the book down.
This one was as good as the first 3 were." I have enjoyed them all can hardly lay the book down.
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November 30, 2017Most enjoyable. I found the characters very believable. It's actually frightening how easily homelessness can happen to people, sometimes through no fault of their own.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews