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Stones Corner #4
Hope
In Stones Corner: Hope, the final instalment of Jane Buckley’s gripping series, the enduring spirit of its characters is pushed to the limits as they face personal battles and the lingering shadows of The Troubles.
Caitlin Pecaro’s dreams of a loving family lie in ruins when her husband, Chris, reveals a dark and dangerous side. Trapped in fear of his unpredictable outbursts, she must summon all her strength to fight for her safety—and the chance to reclaim her life.
For James Henderson, another failed relationship leaves him searching for solace with his family. But as a looming threat edges closer, James finds himself more isolated than ever, forced to confront a danger that could destroy everything he holds dear.
Paddy Gillispie’s relentless pursuit of peace in a fractured land puts him directly in the path of a deadly adversary, endangering his life and the ones he loves.
At the heart of the turmoil, Charles Jones’s empire of greed and manipulation begins to unravel. With his true nature exposed, sworn enemies forge an unlikely alliance in a daring bid to bring him to justice, proving that even in the darkest times, unity and hope can prevail.
Stones Corner: Hope is a masterful tapestry of betrayal, redemption, and resilience. This heart-stopping conclusion is a poignant testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring belief in a brighter future.
Caitlin Pecaro’s dreams of a loving family lie in ruins when her husband, Chris, reveals a dark and dangerous side. Trapped in fear of his unpredictable outbursts, she must summon all her strength to fight for her safety—and the chance to reclaim her life.
For James Henderson, another failed relationship leaves him searching for solace with his family. But as a looming threat edges closer, James finds himself more isolated than ever, forced to confront a danger that could destroy everything he holds dear.
Paddy Gillispie’s relentless pursuit of peace in a fractured land puts him directly in the path of a deadly adversary, endangering his life and the ones he loves.
At the heart of the turmoil, Charles Jones’s empire of greed and manipulation begins to unravel. With his true nature exposed, sworn enemies forge an unlikely alliance in a daring bid to bring him to justice, proving that even in the darkest times, unity and hope can prevail.
Stones Corner: Hope is a masterful tapestry of betrayal, redemption, and resilience. This heart-stopping conclusion is a poignant testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring belief in a brighter future.
486 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2025
About the author
Jane Buckley
5 books65 followersJane Buckley is an award-winning author and independent publisher from Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
Growing up during the Troubles gave Jane a perspective that would later shape her writing. Her acclaimed four-book Stones Corner series — Turmoil, Darkness, Light and Hope — follows ordinary people living through extraordinary times, blending fiction with the history, humour, heartbreak and resilience of a divided Northern Ireland.
Her latest book, Project Children – The Legacy, takes Jane from historical fiction into remarkable real-life history. It tells the story of Project Children, the initiative founded by Denis Mulcahy that gave more than 23,000 children from Northern Ireland the opportunity to spend six weeks with American host families during the Troubles. Drawing on extensive interviews and personal memories, the book preserves the stories of the children, families and volunteers whose lives were changed by the project.
Jane is also the founder of Oakleaf Press, an independent publishing company created to offer authors a more transparent, supportive and professional route into publishing.
At the heart of all her work is a fascination with people — the ordinary lives caught up in history, the stories that might otherwise disappear, and the extraordinary things that can happen when people refuse to be defined by division.
Growing up during the Troubles gave Jane a perspective that would later shape her writing. Her acclaimed four-book Stones Corner series — Turmoil, Darkness, Light and Hope — follows ordinary people living through extraordinary times, blending fiction with the history, humour, heartbreak and resilience of a divided Northern Ireland.
Her latest book, Project Children – The Legacy, takes Jane from historical fiction into remarkable real-life history. It tells the story of Project Children, the initiative founded by Denis Mulcahy that gave more than 23,000 children from Northern Ireland the opportunity to spend six weeks with American host families during the Troubles. Drawing on extensive interviews and personal memories, the book preserves the stories of the children, families and volunteers whose lives were changed by the project.
Jane is also the founder of Oakleaf Press, an independent publishing company created to offer authors a more transparent, supportive and professional route into publishing.
At the heart of all her work is a fascination with people — the ordinary lives caught up in history, the stories that might otherwise disappear, and the extraordinary things that can happen when people refuse to be defined by division.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 18, 2026
This is the lasts of the Stones Corner series and where Jane Buckely ties all the stories of the first three books together, and leaves the reader with an optimism for the future but most of all, an deep understanding of the everyday conflicts of ordinary people trying to live in a time of extraordinary war. I have never read a series of books before and would highly recommend reading these books, to educate and empathise with all those affected by the Troubles.
April 30, 2024
Diving into the world of literature has been a journey of profound discovery for me lately, and today, I'm thrilled to share not just one book recommendation, but a captivating Tetralogy.
For those who've been following other reviews you'll know my passion for books that whisk you away into vibrant worlds, filled with relatable characters and intricate plots that intertwine seamlessly. And if there's a touch of crime, secrecy, and a historical backdrop spanning from the 1920s onwards, count me in—I could, and often do, lose myself for hours.
Recently, I completed the fourth book of Jane Buckley’s
Tetralogy, "Stone’s Corner." "Hope," the final installment, intricately weaves together narratives amidst the tumultuous backdrop of Northern Ireland's troubled past.
Much like "Roots" by Alex Haley, Jane's work serves as a poignant window into a pivotal moment in history, told with the authenticity that only firsthand lived experience can provide.
Through her masterful storytelling, Jane breathes life into her characters, making them feel like neighbours we've known all our lives. I've laughed, cried, and cheered alongside them, feeling every twist and turn as if it were my own. I’ve got lost and invested in these lives more than I’ve ever done with a series of books.
"Hope" is not just a title; it's a promise fulfilled—a conclusion that's as satisfying as it is thought-provoking, leaving room for introspection long after the final page is turned.
Jane, if there's justice in this world, your work deserves the spotlight of television or film, where its impact can reach even wider audiences. I've already shared my casting ideas with you, eager to hear others' thoughts once they've immersed themselves into these captivating stories that are told with sensitivity to the readers ability to absorb information.
As an author myself, I understand the courage it takes to lay bare your soul on the page, inviting both praise and criticism alike. But it's voices like yours, Jane, that enrich our understanding of history and humanity, transcending mere storytelling to offer a glimpse into raw, real life.
Thank you for this literary masterpiece that has enthralled me for the past few weeks. I already anticipate revisiting these characters come winter, eager to immerse myself in their world once more.
And Jane, your support and encouragement for my own writing journey means the world to me.
Here's to you, Jane—raising a glass of Irish (Jamesons of course) 🥃🫡in admiration, respect and with gratitude. Sláinte! ☘️
For those who've been following other reviews you'll know my passion for books that whisk you away into vibrant worlds, filled with relatable characters and intricate plots that intertwine seamlessly. And if there's a touch of crime, secrecy, and a historical backdrop spanning from the 1920s onwards, count me in—I could, and often do, lose myself for hours.
Recently, I completed the fourth book of Jane Buckley’s
Tetralogy, "Stone’s Corner." "Hope," the final installment, intricately weaves together narratives amidst the tumultuous backdrop of Northern Ireland's troubled past.
Much like "Roots" by Alex Haley, Jane's work serves as a poignant window into a pivotal moment in history, told with the authenticity that only firsthand lived experience can provide.
Through her masterful storytelling, Jane breathes life into her characters, making them feel like neighbours we've known all our lives. I've laughed, cried, and cheered alongside them, feeling every twist and turn as if it were my own. I’ve got lost and invested in these lives more than I’ve ever done with a series of books.
"Hope" is not just a title; it's a promise fulfilled—a conclusion that's as satisfying as it is thought-provoking, leaving room for introspection long after the final page is turned.
Jane, if there's justice in this world, your work deserves the spotlight of television or film, where its impact can reach even wider audiences. I've already shared my casting ideas with you, eager to hear others' thoughts once they've immersed themselves into these captivating stories that are told with sensitivity to the readers ability to absorb information.
As an author myself, I understand the courage it takes to lay bare your soul on the page, inviting both praise and criticism alike. But it's voices like yours, Jane, that enrich our understanding of history and humanity, transcending mere storytelling to offer a glimpse into raw, real life.
Thank you for this literary masterpiece that has enthralled me for the past few weeks. I already anticipate revisiting these characters come winter, eager to immerse myself in their world once more.
And Jane, your support and encouragement for my own writing journey means the world to me.
Here's to you, Jane—raising a glass of Irish (Jamesons of course) 🥃🫡in admiration, respect and with gratitude. Sláinte! ☘️
February 25, 2024
Stones Corner Vol 4, “Hope” sees Caitlín some years into her seemingly ideal marriage, with a supportive husband and move to an idyllic rural location, though lacking the real prize she’d hoped for. Things change and a darker side to her husband emerges as he becomes increasingly controlling and aggressive. This leads her to leave and return to Derry with her friend Anne. Concerned at Caitlín seeming descent into depression at the turn of events, Anne contacts James, who is in the throes of another failed marriage, and asks him to see Caitlín. This he does and they have an “encounter”.
Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, while some sporadic paramilitary activity continues, change is coming, with some hardened activists turning towards a more political agenda. Not so the corrupt Charles Jones who continues to try to influence the police force to achieve his personal ends. But a new Police Commissioner rejects his approaches, and he soon falls foul of paramilitaries on both sides of the divide.
Caitlín’s husband meets his end and moneys released enables her to set up home for herself and “another family member”. The change in the political climate advances to the passing of the Good Friday Agreement for peace and progress for Northern Ireland. A celebration rally in Derry brings Caitlín face to face with James. The future? – well, as with previous 3 volumes stand by for something of a twist.
For a first time author to plan a story and carry it through to the production of a successful novel is a notable achievement. For such a first time project to extend to four volumes of 400 plus pages, with continuity through the volumes is something quite remarkable. Stones Corner reflects the impact on the lives of familys of the a troublesome time in the history of Northern Ireland but also a historical representation of events and happenings of the time seen through the eyes of one closely involved, and Jane Buckley uses commendable skill in weaving the narrative. No doubt more to come from this, now established, author.
Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, while some sporadic paramilitary activity continues, change is coming, with some hardened activists turning towards a more political agenda. Not so the corrupt Charles Jones who continues to try to influence the police force to achieve his personal ends. But a new Police Commissioner rejects his approaches, and he soon falls foul of paramilitaries on both sides of the divide.
Caitlín’s husband meets his end and moneys released enables her to set up home for herself and “another family member”. The change in the political climate advances to the passing of the Good Friday Agreement for peace and progress for Northern Ireland. A celebration rally in Derry brings Caitlín face to face with James. The future? – well, as with previous 3 volumes stand by for something of a twist.
For a first time author to plan a story and carry it through to the production of a successful novel is a notable achievement. For such a first time project to extend to four volumes of 400 plus pages, with continuity through the volumes is something quite remarkable. Stones Corner reflects the impact on the lives of familys of the a troublesome time in the history of Northern Ireland but also a historical representation of events and happenings of the time seen through the eyes of one closely involved, and Jane Buckley uses commendable skill in weaving the narrative. No doubt more to come from this, now established, author.
January 18, 2024
What an author! What a series, they are a must read. I give 6 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
May 3, 2026
Hope by Jane Buckley delivers a powerful and emotional conclusion to the series.
With intertwined storylines, personal संघर्ष, and the weight of historical tension, the novel captures resilience and the complexity of human choices. A compelling finale driven by strength, conflict, and redemption.
With intertwined storylines, personal संघर्ष, and the weight of historical tension, the novel captures resilience and the complexity of human choices. A compelling finale driven by strength, conflict, and redemption.
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January 29, 2024Margaret Mc Gonagle 5****
1 review
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January 6, 2024
Love the 4th instalment of this series. Can't put it down. Only have 9 chapters to go. Jane has done it again. She has developed these characters to the point where the reader feels like they know each character personally. The pain is real, the emotions are real, and their lives are believable. Can't wait to finish the last few chapters.
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Margaret Mc Gonagle left 5* rating on the wrong page
5 days ago
Finished Stones Corner Hope. Loved it. Having grown up in Northern Ireland this story brought back so many memories of what life really was like there in the 70's and 80's. Loved the characters and how their lives intertwined. The characters seemed real. The raw emotion and pain all of it is so real. The author's ability to carry and develop the characters over the entire four books is well done. This series comes from the heart it is so worth reading.
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January 6, 2024
Love the 4th instalment of this series. Can't put it down. Only have 9 chapters to go. Jane has done it again. She has developed these characters to the point where the reader feels like they know each character personally. The pain is real, the emotions are real, and their lives are believable. Can't wait to finish the last few chapters.
.
1 comment
Like
Comment
Margaret Mc Gonagle left 5* rating on the wrong page
5 days ago
Finished Stones Corner Hope. Loved it. Having grown up in Northern Ireland this story brought back so many memories of what life really was like there in the 70's and 80's. Loved the characters and how their lives intertwined. The characters seemed real. The raw emotion and pain all of it is so real. The author's ability to carry and develop the characters over the entire four books is well done. This series comes from the heart it is so worth reading.
Show more
January 6, 2024
Review – Stones Corner – HOPE by Jane Buckley
HOPE is the 4th book in Derry-born Jane Buckley’s Stones Corner Series. Again we meet familiar characters who function amid the political, fiscal and business turmoil of Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
Caitlin’s marriage to Chris Pecaro is a disaster as gradually his sadistic violence is revealed. She still dreams of prominent businessman James Henderson, and he of her, but he is in the throes of an unfulfilling second marriage.
Charles Jones gets his comeuppance courtesy of an unlikely political alliance.
Paddy Gillespie and his partner Liz survive being targets for revenge.
With intricate plotting, Jane Buckley brings to a satisfactory conclusion the strands from Turmoil, Darkness, Light and Hope.
Her tetralogy is a read and a half, impressively based on actual events.
HOPE is the 4th book in Derry-born Jane Buckley’s Stones Corner Series. Again we meet familiar characters who function amid the political, fiscal and business turmoil of Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
Caitlin’s marriage to Chris Pecaro is a disaster as gradually his sadistic violence is revealed. She still dreams of prominent businessman James Henderson, and he of her, but he is in the throes of an unfulfilling second marriage.
Charles Jones gets his comeuppance courtesy of an unlikely political alliance.
Paddy Gillespie and his partner Liz survive being targets for revenge.
With intricate plotting, Jane Buckley brings to a satisfactory conclusion the strands from Turmoil, Darkness, Light and Hope.
Her tetralogy is a read and a half, impressively based on actual events.
February 2, 2024
I received my long awaited copy of Hope in December before I returned to the US after a visit home to Derry. I started reading on the flight from Dublin to Boston and continued to read while waiting on my connecting flight back to Kansas. As with the three previous books in the series I was instantly consumed with the lives of the characters, and the continuation of their stories. All the loose ends were tied up, and the story was brought to a beautiful close, no questions were left unanswered. I don't know if this is even a word, probably not, but I would describe not only Hope, but all of the books in this series, in one word ....."Unputdownable"! If you have not read any or all of this series I urge you to do so, you won't regret it!. Congratulations on a fantastic job Jane!
March 11, 2024
This final chapter of the series saw me laugh, cry and certainly left me dreaming.
The characters continued to evolve and were both very real and complex just as people are in real life. When i got to the end it was like saying farewell old friends and indeed I felt bereft for a few days - I wanted to continue on the journey.
The true to life characters and situations were created beautifully to evoke a true depiction of the Ireland I know.
Thank you Jane for telling us this story - for reminding those of us who lived through the 70’s 80’s and 90’s of how complex the situation was and continues to be. And for allowing others to have a better understanding about The Troubles and how families and neighborhoods were affected. Let’s not go back there again except in stories.
The characters continued to evolve and were both very real and complex just as people are in real life. When i got to the end it was like saying farewell old friends and indeed I felt bereft for a few days - I wanted to continue on the journey.
The true to life characters and situations were created beautifully to evoke a true depiction of the Ireland I know.
Thank you Jane for telling us this story - for reminding those of us who lived through the 70’s 80’s and 90’s of how complex the situation was and continues to be. And for allowing others to have a better understanding about The Troubles and how families and neighborhoods were affected. Let’s not go back there again except in stories.
January 6, 2024
I've been lucky enough to have now read all 4 books in this fantastic series! "Hope" continues to offer the great characters and storylines developed in the earlier books. Trying to predict the ending had me guessing, until the climax!
Would highly recommend the whole series to anyone wanting a great yarn with the background of political developments thrown in for free!
Would highly recommend the whole series to anyone wanting a great yarn with the background of political developments thrown in for free!
June 3, 2024
Fantastic read. This is the 4th book in the series. The story brings you back to Northern Ireland troubles between 1970 and 1998. It tells the story from both sides, Nationalist and Loyalists.
Great understanding of all sides. I would recommend it for history classes on schools in UK and Ireland.
Great understanding of all sides. I would recommend it for history classes on schools in UK and Ireland.
March 17, 2025
This book spans quite a few years and covers lots of the political events leading up to the Good Friday agreement, but with characters that really make you feel the emotions of it all. It was lovely to wrap up the stories of the characters you'd met over the four books, and I enjoyed the blurred lines between the fictional characters and the real characters from the time!
December 9, 2023
The final episode of the Stones Corner quadrilogy , and possibly the best of the series . Not just because it ties everything together but the ending is poignant both from the characters and a political point of view.
An apt ending to a wonderful series .
Get reading .
An apt ending to a wonderful series .
Get reading .
January 19, 2024
I have to say “I wasn’t expecting that” what a fabulous ending to a fabulous book and it ties all the books together. I found I couldn’t put the book down and throughly enjoyed it. Highly recommend this series
March 3, 2024
What a series of books! Jane has a way of writing about the characters keeping them familiar from book to book. stones Corner hope… had be gripped and did not disappoint! Time for a series on TV Jane!
June 25, 2024
I LOVED this book. It really captured the essence of that time. A great ending. I was just gutted that this was the last book I the series....I only allowed myself to read a few pages a day to try make it last longer!! Thank you Jane.
April 24, 2024
Another excellent write by Jane Please keep them printing
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews