Triptych

by Wendy Coakley-Thompson

While Jonathan fights a malignant brain tumor, his wife, Ally, and cousin, Tim, succumb to their carnal attraction. As guilt consumes them, Jonathan enters the mix with an unorthodox proposition….

344 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2008

About the author

Wendy Coakley-Thompson is the author of the novels Back to Life (2004 Romantic Times Award nominee) and What You Won't Do For Love (recently optioned for cable television). She has also written articles and fiction for music and fashion/lifestyle magazines in New Jersey, her adopted home state, and in Nassau, Bahamas, where she was raised. She graduated from Syracuse University with a Ph.D. in Education. Coakley-Thompson, with fellow author Karyn Langhorne, has co-hosted The Book Squad, a Washington D.C.-area radio show. No stranger to radio, her work as a commentator for Metro Connection on WAMU, a Washington D.C. National Public Radio affiliate, earned a 2003 Associated Press/Chesapeake Award in the Editorial category. Coakley-Thompson's scholarly work includes the dissertation entitled "The Use of Popular Media in Multicultural Education: Stressing Implications for the Black/Non-Black Biracial Student." For more on Wendy Coakley-Thompson, visit her web site at www.wendycoakley-thompson.com and her blog at http://wendycoakley-thompson.blogspot.... She is also on MySpace.com (http://www.myspace.com/wendycoakleyth...) and Facebook."

Reviews

[African Americans on the Move Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Triptych by Wendy Coakley-Thompson is an enthralling tale of faith, family and forgiveness. Triptych is a triple threat that features erotic romance, family drama, and heart wrenching loss. It takes the reader on an emotional journey that is sure to bring about an audible reaction from the first to the last page. This story takes place in Nassau, Bahamas as the main characters Jonathan, Ally and Timmy try to wrap their minds around the recent detrimental events that have happened which brings them closer together. However, this island is taken by storm as tragedy is on the horizon while love is in the air.
Jonathan and Timmy are cousins who share a bond that rivals most biological brothers. While, Ally is Jonathan’s wife, she is also a past lover of Timmy’s. Jonathan and Ally seem to have the perfect life. They are extremely successful and have made a wonderful life for their children. They have a blended family who has seen its share of tragedy, yet they remain in tact. Still mourning the death of his wife, Timmy uproots his children and moves to Nassau to be near Jonathan and other family members. The brotherly love that Jonathan and Timmy share is tested when Jonathan reveals a tragic diagnosis. Determined to stand by his cousin’s side, Timmy sets on a course to ensure Jonathan’s happiness and give him peace of mind. This leads to a special favor that Jonathan asks of Timmy. Torn between doing what is right and honoring Jonathan’s wishes, Timmy must find a common ground as he reflects on what he wants and what he needs.
Boundaries are tested and limits are reached as each family tries to cope with the loss of loved ones and change. As Jonathan’s health fades, Timmy and Ally’s relationship reaches an unexpected peak. Tim and Ally soon realize that they have an undeniable attraction to one another. Each one caught up in their own guilt, it didn’t occur to them that the other family members would soon have speculations of their own. This brings about a change in family dynamics that is sure to have the island citizens and relatives talking for days on end.
This book is an awesome read with an engaging storyline and believable characters. The scenes were painted with such precision I felt as though I was on the island soaking in the sun alongside the characters. Each detail was captivatingly described. Ms. Coakley-Thompson did an excellent job and I highly recommend Triptych to all readers.

Unika Howell-Molden
AAMBC Reviewer