REVIEWER PRAISE
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THE WAKE - BOOK THREE of THE JESSICA TRILOGY
WINNER 2017 BEST FICTION EQUUS FILM FESTIVAL
“The Troubles, The Charity, and The Wake are all wonderful, vital parts of the story of
Jessica Wyeth, a young talented equestrian who in the midst of a horrifying murder discovers
that much of what she’s been told about herself is a lie. Across the three books, Jessica grows
as a captivating but complicated heroine who must put together all the pieces of her life, her
origins, and who she can trust.
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The books beautifully entwine several plot lines, including high-performance eventing and
steeplechase, secret family histories, terrorist weapons on the black market, the history of the Irish Republican army and the many factions at play in Northern Ireland during the end of the twentieth century, and of course a wildly complicated romance."
-LORRAINE JACKSON, REVIEWER at HORSE NATION
"What a wonderful read. Connie Johnson Hambley does a masterful job of weaving the incredible healing power and positive impact of the horse into an edge of your seat story. It’s very clear that Jessica’s healing–both emotional and physical–is intertwined with horses. But that is just one of the facets to this multi-layered story that keeps you riveted throughout the tale.”
– KATHY ALM, CEO of PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP INTERNATIONAL
“In The Wake, Connie Johnson Hambley delivers a fast-paced, emotional conclusion to The Jessica Triology, a series that focuses on competitive steeplechase rider Jessica Wyeth and her search for answers to long-held family secrets. The political background of a divided Ireland and acts of terrorism on behalf of nationalism make this an especially timely book, and horse lovers will fall in love with Hambley's powerful portrayal of the deep, healing bond between horses and humans.”
—HOLLY ROBINSON, AUTHOR of FOLLY COVE
“For fans of high speed suspense, international political intrigue, and strong female characters, Connie Johnson Hambley delivers on all fronts in The Wake. This third book in the Jessica Trilogy is as exciting as Hambley's first two titles, and Jessica Wyeth is a compelling heroine that lives on in the reader's imagination. A terrific read!”
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THE TROUBLES - WINNER 2016 BEST FICTION AT EQUUS FILM FESTIVAL
"The Troubles is a sweeping narrative that travels across generations and continents to
paint a richly textured, historically accurate picture of a troubled country fighting to
find its soul amid clashing loyalties and political chaos. Hambley skillfully unfolds
several urgent mysteries at once, while giving us complex characters, gorgeous settings,
and a prose that sings with the cadences of Ireland. (As a bonus, The Troubles also
boasts the best descriptions of horse races you’ll find anywhere.)"
-Elisabeth Elo, author of North of Boston
"Seeking to escape her troubled and violent past, Jessica Wyeth journeys to a land where she is instead surrounded by powerful enemies. With danger on all sides, she struggles for the truth and wonders who to trust, as agents of a multi-generational terrorist conspiracy close in. Fast-paced action in this follow-up to The Charity that blends a love of horses, Ireland, and mystery. Highly recommended."
-Dale T. Phillips, Derringer Award Nominee and author of the Zack Taylor mystery series
"Ireland is one of a handful of countries in the world where certain elements are inextricably linked. Religion and politics; dark, forbidding towns and cities scattered around a desolate sprawling countryside that is both beautiful and mystical. Oh, and there are horses too.
I haven't read 'The Charity' the first book in this trilogy, but the author cleverly jogs the memory of the returning reader and leaves enough clues for newcomers to understand what went before. Jessica Wyeth is an incredibly strong character, who needs to uncover her roots, no matter what it takes. The story, and the back story are superbly crafted together and I had no problem switching between past and present as the whole picture was gradually revealed. Religion and politics are to the forefront of the plot. The 'troubles' that scarred the dark towns and cities play a role too. As for the magical countryside, the local folk and the horses - well it wouldn't be Ireland without them, would it?
I am neither a religious nor political man, but I found this story to be extremely well written and captivating."
-Ted Tayler, author of The Phoenix crime series and more
THE CHARITY
"The Charity reads like a wild cross-country ride...complete with twists and turns, stomach-lurching drops, and the steady thrum of adrenaline...It's the thrill of the unraveling mystery, a hint of romance, and a terrifying glimpse into the clandestine terrorists in our midst that will keep readers glued to the pages of this thriller. "
-Massachusetts Horse Magazine
"From the storyline to the pacing to the writing to the character development...the book did what the best
books do - it took me on a journey into several worlds I know little about. Boston IRA terrorists, horse
breeding/racing, Kentucky small-town living - I felt like I had been in the middle of those worlds."
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-Lee Carlson, Author
"I enjoyed the plot and the twists it took along the way...It's rare for a mainstream novel to seamlessly
incorporate an equine element, but Hambley did just that."
-The Chronicle of the Horse
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Connie Johnson Hambley
- Author of tense twisting thrillers and timely true stuff-