The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I want to extend my thanks to @netgalley and @celadonbooks for the ARC! Happy pub day to this read! 🎉

I was not expecting the tension that was created in this book. When the crux of the issues came to light, I was stressed for the characters. I didn’t realize it, but I was heavily invested in this group of siblings and what would happen.

While short, the characterization packed a punch. Each character had a backstory and had a motivation for their decisions. Given the brevity, some things came on a bit quick, but it all made sense to the overall goal.

This book explored the complicated and messy nature of family. If you want to read something that reminds you that there are all kinds of families, pick this one up.

This story felt like a lonnnnngg chat with an old friend. Despite it's short length, it did take me a long time to finish. That is not a testament to my feelings on the book by any means. It is just a slower moving story with a lot of focus on character building and family dynamics. It almost was like I couldn't read or listen to more than a certain amount in a day without needing the break from the heaviness of another family's struggles. But at the same time, the prolonging of the read made it feel like I actually knew the Connellys. I said this with her debut novel, but this is the kind of story where I wish I could get an updated family newsletter once a month. I do kind of wish there was more to the story, although really I can't pinpoint what. I feel like it really did deliver a family story about love and loyalty.

Thank you so much to Celadon Books for an advanced reading and listening copy. All opinions are my own.

While I enjoyed Tracey Lange's debut novel, "We Are the Brennans" her sophomore novel, "The Connellys of County Down" did not live up to my expectations. The characters never really came alive to me. It started off well, but quickly became predictable and dull. And I absolutely could not deal with the unethical relationship between the detective and the suspected criminal; seriously, it was cringe-worthy. To me, this book read like a Hallmark movie, complete with a tidy, but thoroughly unrealistic, wrap-up at the end. This book was a Book of the Month Club selection and I know many readers enjoyed it, but it just was not the book for me.

The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange is an incredibly moving novel that revolves around themes of family, loyalty, and sacrifice. At the center of the story is thirty-year-old Tara Connelly, who at the beginning of the story is being released after serving an eighteen-month sentence for drug trafficking. Tara is the youngest of three siblings, who lost their mother when they were young and were subsequently abandoned by their father, leaving their oldest sister oldest sister Geraldine then a teenager responsible for Tara and her brother Eddie. Eddie, the father of ten-year-old Connor, suffers from debilitating migraines - the aftereffect of a traumatic brain injury sustained as a child. Geraldine is prone to anxiety and set in her ways and is struggling with added responsibility given to her at her workplace, a fact she hides from her siblings. Tara, once an art teacher, is aware that her recent stint in prison will adversely impact her job prospects. She does land a graphic illustrator position with a start-up headed by two young, enthusiastic and inexperienced entrepreneurs and tries to get her life back on track but the two police officers who arrested Tara have conflicted viewpoints on Tara’s involvement with a local drug dealer who was originally their primary target. Tara’s lack of cooperation and refusal to talk or share any information about him during interrogation landed her in prison. The police are quite done with her and trouble seems to follow all three of the siblings as they go about their lives. All three siblings are struggling and hiding secrets from one another – secrets that could tear their family apart. There are moments of frustration, anger and tension between the siblings but ultimately they are very close, exhibit much love and loyalty toward one another and are capable of tremendous sacrifice – a fact that becomes more evident as the narrative progresses

I wasn’t quite taken with Tracey Lange’s debut novel We Are the Brennans but I truly enjoyed reading her sophomore novel with its crisp writing and minimal melodrama, well-fleshed-out characters and fluid narrative. The characters are flawed and realistic and their struggles and their dynamic was real and relatable. I loved Tara’s bond with her nephew Connor and thought Connor’s presence in their lives and their love for him strengthened the bond between the Connelly siblings. The romance track did feel a tad rushed and is probably the only part of the narrative that I found a bit unrealistic but overall, I found this to be a well-written story that I would not hesitate to recommend to readers who enjoy character-driven fiction that revolve around sibling relationships.

I paired my reading with the audio narration by Barrie Kreinik, who does a wonderful job of voicing the characters and breathing life into this story.

Many thanks to Celadon Books, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the digital review copy and the ALC of The Connellys of County Down. The book and audiobook are due to be released on August 1, 2023.

A compelling story about second chances.

Tracey Lange writes an intriguing tale with The Connellys of County Down. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. The reader is introduced to to the Connelly's, and Tara, who spent the last 18 months in prison due to drugs, is released and hopes to put her life back together. She seeks out help from her family, but they also have their own problems. The story is about loyalty of family, and even the best intentions aren't always successful. Secrets, rebuilding, and familial connections are the building blocks of this story. The story is endearing and heartbreaking. The characters are so real, it's like being with them within the story. This author is a great storyteller. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. The author's technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. A genuine character driven story! The Connellys of County Down is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.

Thank you NetGalley and Celadon Books for a digital copy of The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Tracey Lange brings us another beautifully written, evocative, and compelling family drama centering around the three Connelly siblings. Upon release from prison for a drug charge, Tara is again living with her two siblings, Eddie and Geraldine, along with Eddie's son Conor. While Tara was gone, the three of them settled into a quiet, routine existence, but her reappearance into their lives starts creating chaos.

Tara is trying to put her life back together, get a job, contribute to the household however she can. But it's hard for someone with a criminal history to get a legitimate job, and it puts pressure on Tara. Eddie has a traumatic brain injury that causes him issues at the most inopportune moments, and he doesn't know how to overcome it. Geraldine is the strong one who imposes rule, order, and control over the household. She is the responsible one, with a long-standing position at a payroll company, but having Tara home, going against all the rules, has pushed Geraldine past her breaking point. They all must work through their problems and their secrets together to try to make it through everything that is happening.

The characters are all well-developed with individual voices. You feel for all of them with everything their family has been through. They've all got their secrets and their tribulations, and as the story unfolds, we see how they all protect each other. There is a strong bond between them, and they are willing to do anything for each other.

All in all, this is a wonderful family drama filled with strong characters and unbreakable bonds that will move you and give you all the feels. If you loved Lange's We Are the Brennans, then you will love this follow-up.

Wonderfully written family drama about three siblings and their struggles. Tara just getting out of jail has to reorient herself back into the family and readjust to life.

I personally am not a huge family drama reader so it went a little slow for me but I thought the writing and the audio performance was top notch. Just not my personal style to typically pick up and read. I liked the multiple points of view and that it was very true to life in everyone has problems and they aren’t always little ones.

Thank you to netgalley, and celadon books for this gifted copy of the book and audio to enjoy in exchange for my honest review

This wonderful contemporary novel is a dysfunctional family drama with a little romance, and even a tiny bit of suspense. It alternates perspectives between siblings Tara (who was just released from prison), Eddie (her older brother who still suffers from a traumatic brain injury when he was a teenager), and elder sister Geraldine (who is struggling from trying to hold the family together ever since their mom died and their dad left when they were young), along with cop Brian (who is still feeling guilty from arresting Tara several years before).

I just loved this one! The writing was so good, and the characters really came to life and I was rooting for them so much, especially Tara, that the book actually made me nervous at times. The kind of book where I didn’t want to leave the characters when it ended because I want to know what will happen to them next. And don’t let the title fool you - this boon was not set in Ireland but in suburban NY - and in fact right near where I live which was fun.

4.5 stars

I am a huge fan of We are the Brennans and Tracey Lange’s second book, The Connellys of County Down did not disappoint!

Tara Connelly has just been released from prison after serving 18 months on a drug related charge. Tara returns home to her childhood home to live with her siblings, Geraldine and Eddie, and Eddie’s son, Conor. Tara has to navigate life after prison, with no money to her name and a permanent record following her around. On top of that, Tara has to deal with various interactions with the local police department that had helped send her to prison.

I really loved this book and reading about the nuances of Tara trying to figure out how to get back on her feet after completing her prison sentence. I really enjoyed the dynamics between Tara and her family. Each of the siblings carries their traumatic past with them in different ways and we see how that is impacting them throughout the book. Yet, with all that they are dealing with there is an overwhelming love that you can feel between the siblings.

Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Definitely enjoyed this one. It was "solid" in the same way We Are the Brennans is: a well-told story that keeps you turning the pages. I found the sibling relationships believable, though sometimes the characters felt like they were about to verge into overdone. But I enjoyed the interwoven POVs, the pacing was excellent, and I was eager to see how things would turn out for the family.

Even if you dearly love your family, want only the best for them, would do anything to keep them safe – they can still drive you crazy. You can still wish they would just listen to you for once and not cause any trouble. You can still wish them gone once in a while. And that’s the Connellys. Their mother died when they were young. Their father took off. Eddie suffered a traumatic brain injury. And Tara went to prison. No wonder they fit the definition of dysfunctional.

Geraldine was a teenager when their father left them to fend for themselves. So she took on the roles of father, mother, provider, protector, defender. Whatever it took to keep them together and out of the foster care system. Is it any wonder she desperately needs rules and control and isn’t all warm and fuzzy? It will be disastrous if she slips up, so she makes sure that never happens. Eddie, dealing with the after-effects of his brain injury and later with the responsibility of raising his young son on his own, does what he can to contribute to the household and keep the peace between his sisters. Not easy, because Tara, the youngest Connelly sibling, is the typical wild child. She doesn’t think anyone knows what needs to be done better than she does, so not only does she not follow instructions but she takes it upon herself to decide what is best for the others and to act without their knowledge and consent. Most likely what happened with the drug trafficking charge that landed her in prison.

The story opens on the day Tara is released. Geraldine is supposed to pick her up but doesn’t come, so Tara ends up accepting a ride from Brian Nolan, one of the cops who put her in prison. So yeah, that’s a little weird. What’s even weirder is the little, tiny cinder that might become a spark and then a flame of attraction between them. Brian also lost his parents when he was young and has dysfunctional family issues of his own. And he has never felt that it was right for Tara to go to prison.

As the story progresses, a sense of dread starts to set in. Tara is trying to rebuild her life, but following rules and letting others handle things still doesn’t come easy for her. Eddie is offered a promotion and has a chance at romance, but the TBI always rears up, and things are far from calm at home with Tara back. Geraldine seems overwhelmed and it feels like we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg as to just how bad it might be. Tara has found a job she loves and the time she’s spent with Brian has been wonderful, but there are secrets. So many secrets. You know from the actions of some of the characters that things might blow up at any minute. The dread and suspense and fear just build and build until a very exciting conclusion.

Thanks to Celadon Books for allowing me to be a Celadon Reader and for providing an advance copy of The Connellys of County Down via NetGalley for my reading pleasure and honest opinion. It is moving, fast-paced, action packed, well-written and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I recommend it without hesitation. I voluntarily leave this review and all opinions are my own.

The Connellys of County Down is Tracey Lange’s second book. If you liked We Are the Brennans then you are gonna love this one. This is another well written family drama story by a very proficient writer. This is a heartwarming story about the unconditional love of family. The lengths we go to to protect our siblings. Ms. Lange pulls you into the story and she will make you feel all the drama! The characters are flawed but wonderfully realistic. This one has secrets, the kind that can ruin a family or someone in it but I really think you should read this one and find out for yourself.

Thank you NetGalley, Celadon Books and Tracey Lange for the honor to receive an early copy of this moving and touching story to read and review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
#netgalley. #celadonbooks. #traceylange. #arc. #theconnellysofcountydown. #celadonbooksinfluencer

This book was everything I was hoping for & more after reading We Are the Brennans last year. It was deep & thoughtful & evoked a number of emotions throughout the book. I so enjoyed seeing the family relationships grow & change. I loved the deeply flawed characters & the realistic ways in which the siblings showed love for each other. I always love a bit of good old Irish Catholic guilt mixed into a story & this had a more subtle than the Brennans & therefore that much more thought provoking to me. Overall this book was just as great, if not even better than her first & I want everyone to pick it up as I think there is a lot to be learned & so much to think about.

I loved Tracey Lange's first book, 𝘞𝘦 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘴, and her follow up, 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗬𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗬 𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡, is another fantastic layered family drama with flawed but relatable characters you can't help but root for.

Lange's writing is so taut - where many authors use flowery descriptions or add lots of embellishment, she tells it like it is and gets her point across quickly and clearly. I can't believe how much she packs into 288 pages! But just because this book isn't a doorstop doesn't mean it's not substantive. You get POVs from the three Connelly siblings as well as a police officer who orbits their world and it makes them all come to life. To say the family is dysfunctional would be an understatement but Lange's beautiful storytelling shows how loyalty, love and mutual support help them survive even the most challenging circumstances. And for other Brennans' fans, she gives a nice nod to them that made me smile.

Thanks to Celadon Books for the copy to review.

This story starts as Tara is released from prison after 18 months. She is going home to live with her sister, brother, and nephew. The cop that sent her to prison is her ride home. 😬 Awkward.

While Tara is adjusting to life with a criminal record, she is also adjusting to being home with her family. Her sister is struggling, her brother has lost confidence and her young nephew needs a support system.

As Tara begins adjusting and also finding some happiness of her own, her family drama at home is escalating. Secrets keep mounting between the siblings and they won’t acknowledge buried truths and hurt.

I read the majority of this book in one morning! It’s a fast read that kept me engaged and excited to learn more about fate of the Connellys. I just wish the siblings would have communicated better, but I know that was part of the plot and allowed for a lot of character development in the book.

I am not sure how Tracey Lange does it, but the way she writes characters and family dynamics is like a punch in the gut and I love it! I was immediately invested in Tara and her relationships with her siblings, nephew, and the cop who put her in jail. Then as the other POV chapters unfold, each of the characters fills a little spot in your heart. They are all so messy and flawed and just trying their best even when it sucks. Getting the full cast you can peek behind the curtain and see those intentions while also experiencing the outward impacts. It balances that tightrope of heartbreaking and hopeful. This is a very character-driven story and while the "twists" were obvious long before they came to fruition it felt more like a character study where we got to see just how they reacted and perceived the issues (and for the other characters: the warning signs) to really understand the process how they occurred.

The parts I didn't like, but probably just wanted a bit more pages of since this was a shorter book, were Tara's new relationship (I had to suspend my disbelief on that one) and the abrupt ending (I would have liked 1-2 more chapters of what happened next).

THE CONNELLYS OF COUNTY DOWN
Tracey Lange

Based on the story told to them by their mother in their youth. We meet the siblings as adults. Each dealing with the consequences of their own actions.

We start with Tara. Tara has just gotten out of prison. Serving a sentence for drug charges. She has little left for her on the outside and is struggling to put her life back together.

Geraldine is the one holding the home down and keeping things running smoothly while Tara is gone. She’s also keeping a big secret that threatens her very stability.

Eddie is newly divorced and spends his time taking care of his son Conor and trying to keep things together for his family.

I really enjoyed THE CONNELLYS OF COUNTY DOWN.

The reading experience feels like Lange has been given guardianship over these characters. It feels like she tended to them with time, care, thoughtfulness and appreciation.

There is character development and there is THE CONNELYS OF COUNTY DOWN. I was moved by their flawed perfection. And it will be a long time until I forget these characters. Perhaps until I read Lange again.

Thanks to Netgalley, Celadon Books, and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copies.

THE CONNELLYS OF COUNTY DOWN…⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you @celadonbooks @netgalley for the review copy!

📖Tara is released from prison after serving an 18 month sentence on a drug charge. She moves back to the home she shares with her two siblings who are struggling with their own personal issues. When family secrets start to be revealed, the siblings must face their truths or they risk losing each other.

💭I love the way that Lange writes. She is my favorite family drama author. She’s so good at developing her characters and I get so invested in their stories and lives. I loved the relationship between the siblings. Even though they had their faults and didn’t necessarily see eye to eye, you could feel their love and loyalty to each other. Lange is officially an auto buy author for me now.

📚Read this if you like…
Family dramas
Multiple POV
Character driven stories

✍️How I rated other books from this author:
We Are The Brennans- 5⭐️

"The Connellys of County Down" by Tracey Lange is a Blend of Women's and Family Fiction!

Thirty-year-old Tara Connelly is released from prison after spending eighteen months incarcerated on a drug charge. She expected a ride home from her sister, Geraldine, but instead she's met by Brian Nolan who offers her the ride home she's waiting for.

Tara reluctantly accepts, but what the heck is the detective who arrested her doing at Taconic Correctional Facility on the day and time of her release?

Returning to the house where she grew up, Tara finds the atmosphere strained and uncomfortable.

Her older brother Eddie's demeanor is reserved and Geraldine, the oldest, seems edgy and defensive. They're all adults now so why does Geraldine continue to be controlling and why is Eddie noticeably nervous?

The one shining light is Eddie's young son, Conner. He adds such joy to Tara's life and his one-liner jokes are like the fuel that keeps her going in the right direction.

Tara's focus is on rebuilding her life and keeping her family together. With Tara's prison record and the secrets each of these siblings are keeping, living together continues to be strained. Something needs to give before this family implodes...

"The Connellys of County Down" is this author's sophomore novel and it's every bit as beautifully written as her debut novel "We Are the Brennans". I love Family Fiction, the more complicated and messy it is, the better. What you get with this story is the tense unpredictability of a dysfunctional family, one that's horribly broken.

Tracey Lange knows how to create families and characters that are well-formed with diverse qualities that gives a balance to this story. It arouse emotions that are deep, throaty, and may cause you to look away. There's pain in her characters that's palpable and they simultaneously frustrate you and break your heart. I do love this author's storytelling.

I was fortunate to have both a DRC and an ALC of "The Connellys of County Down". The digital copy was great for late night reading but this was mostly a daytime listen for me. The narrator, Barrie Kreinik, who also narrated "We Are the Brennans", once again offers her superb voicing skills. The audiobook is definitely my preference however, any format will deliver a great read.

"The Connellys from County Down" is a story I wanted to spend more time learning about the family's past, with an ending that didn't feel rushed and abrupt. With that said, this remains a story I love and highly recommend to those who also enjoy richly blended and beautifully written Women's and Family Fiction stories.

4.5⭐

Thank you to Tracey Lange, Celadon Books, and Macmillan Audio for a DRC and ALC of this book through NetGalley. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.

It seemed trope-filled, which you know I hate, but it kept me hooked. I just kept going back because Tracey Lange wrote these beautiful characters that I grew deeply attached to. I loved the progression of the characters as individuals and together as they came back together as a family. They grew together and learned valuable life lessons together, especially that not everything is what it seems; there is always something more between the surface, and what appears as strength on the outside might actually be a cover for weakness.