Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookish First, Celadon Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a physical and audio ARC of the sophomore book by Tracey Lange, with the audiobook beautifully narrated by a favorite, Barrie Kreinik - 5 sparkling stars!

Tara Connelly is released from prison after serving 18 months on a drug charge. Because of her conviction, her previous dream job of teaching art to children is gone and no good prospects loom. She moves back home with her two siblings who have issues of their own, Eddie is a single dad struggling with traumatic brain issues from an accident; and Geraldine, the one who has always been in control but whose live is now crumbling around her. Then there's Brian, the cop who put Tara in prison, who keeps showing up.

I absolutely loved We Are the Brennans, and Lange's new book is just as wonderful if not more so. She has the sibling rivalry, family loyalty and drama, storyline down pat and each of the main and secondary characters feel completely fleshed out and real. I was rooting for these siblings who had been through so much together to get all the secrets out in the open. With alternating POV from each of the siblings and Brian, we get to learn their secrets and feel the tension and anxiety build. I alternated listening to the audiobook and reading the physical copy - Kreinik's narration was so good that I kept finding reasons to keep listening. This is a must read this summer and count me in on anything Lange writes in the future!

The Connellys of County Down
by Tracey Lange
Narrated by Barrie Kreinik
Pub Date 01 Aug 2023
Macmillan Audio
Celadon Books

We Are the Brennans was a wonderful read and so I was excited to receive an ARC of The Connellys of County Down. A story about fierce family loyalty and good intentions gone awry.

When Tara Connelly is released from prison after serving eighteen months on a drug charge, she knows rebuilding her life at thirty years old won’t be easy. Her siblings have their own challenges and together they hold tight to years of secrets.

The story revolves around three siblings - Geraldine, Tara, and Eddie who live in Port Chester, New York. They are forced to depend on one another while growing up due to lack of parental figures. The author expertly weaves together Irish Catholic elements and sibling frustration with the undertone of unconditional love and support.

What I loved about this book was the depth and development of each character. The reader gets to know each sibling allowing readers a better understanding of their individual perspectives. Each character has their own complexities and I enjoyed following their personal growth and change.

While I found some of the character's traits annoying, they were just another reason to pause and contemplate the sibling dynamics. Who hasn’t been annoyed with their sibling at one time or another while also ready to provide unwavering support?

Readers who enjoyed We are the Brennan's and perhaps even Angela’s Ashes should pick this one up on August 1.

#theconnellysofcountydown #irish #traceylange #siblings #netgalley
#booksaboutfamily
_____

This was an easy, flowing family drama based on the Connelly siblings in Port Chester, NY. Tara, on parole, is back to living with her siblings and nephew while she reconstructs a new life now that she’s out of prison. Tara’s brother Eddie deals with a past head trauma accident and life as a single parent while her sister Geraldine is having a mental health crisis of her own. The sibling dynamic is tested as they each learn accept their own past in dealing with new challenges.

As a family drama, this novel never felt heavy and it was well paced. The characters are well developed and believable. The only downside of the book is that I felt that at least one or two major plot elements felt unresolved. Maybe the author didn’t intend the reader to focus on those aspects. The narrator did a great job and made for a pleasant audiobook experience. Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC.

All families have issues and they tend to become evident when the whole family is present.

In the Connellys case, that time comes when Tara Connelly is released from an eighteen month sentence in prison for drug possession. She is thirty years old, and has no where to go other than her family where her sister and brother are present.

Her brother had a terrible accident leaving him brain impaired with a son to raise, while her sister a crackerjack organizer is discovered to have her own secret which can ultimately send Tara back to prison and the family into ruin.

A policeman comes into Tara's life frequently and his presence has her on edge as he was the one who put her in prison.

This was a fine family saga about how ultimately the ones who are family often are the ones who rescue one another.

Thank you to Tracey Lange, Macmillan Audio with Barrie Kreinik as the Narrator and NetGalley, for the ability to listen to this tale due out August 1, 2023.

The Connellys of County Down is about a thirty year old art teacher who finds herself in jail for 18 months. The book starts out with Tara getting out of jail and the detective who placed her there thinks she didn’t really commit the crime. The detective is really trying to figure out why she took the blame. As he is trying to get to know her, I should say fall in love, we also start to figure out the whole story. This book is filled with so much romance, family drama, and true friendships. I loved all the contemporary aspects of this book like the fortnite references and Tara creating the illustrations for two teenage gamers. You can truly love these characters and this story but I felt like the story just ended. As a reader I didn’t feel like I got closure for this story or for Tara. For that reason I had to rate it lower. It also made the ending feel very rushed. I could have done without Geraldine as a character but I guess this means the story is more realistic since we have to deal without people we wish we didn’t everyday!

As an audiobook the narrator did an amazing job with voicing different characters. I felt all the emotions the main character was feeling and to me this is everything. This was my first audiobook by this narrator and I am excited to listen to more of her work as she has narrated many of Sally Hepworth’s novels.

Read this if you like:
➜ dysfunctional family drama
➜ nods to Ireland
➜ mental health rep
➜kid jokes

Thanks to Macmillan Audio, Celadon Books, and Netgalley for the gifted audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Pub Date: 8/1/23

This was a really good story, family drama.
Three siblings all going through trying times .
Tara connelly, the youngest of the siblings
Is just being released from prison. For something
She was accused of but did she really do the crime. Eddie the brother is a single dad, but also has some issues. And the oldest sister well, she's a keep to herself kinda gal.

These adult children have lost their mom at a young age. There, dad decided to move on.
But holding things together is what Tara's big sister is all about.
But holding on to tight, sometimes can make things worse.



This was the second book I have read by this author. I truly enjoyed it.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for giving me an opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of The Connellys of County Down. Audiobooks are fast becoming my favorite way of reading! The narrator did an excellent job and although I wasn't familiar with the name - I did see other books I had listened to narrated by Barrie Kreinik. I had not heard of this book and found it very enjoyable.. This was a very good family drama surrounding 3 siblings Eddie, Tara and Geraldine. The story opens with Tara being released from prison for drug trafficking after serving 18 months. As you get into the story we learn a lot about Tara. She loves her family and will do anything to protect them. This book has a little bit of everything in it - family secrets, romance, and just plain family drama. Although I could pretty much predict what was going to happen, I still enjoyed getting immersed into the lives of the Connelly's. This is the first book I have read by this author and look forward to reading more.Barrie Kreinik

Ｂｏｏｋ ｒｅｖｉｅｗ

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 by Tracey Lange
Published: August 1, 2023
Reviewed by: Mel
Format: ALC Audiobook via @NetGalley

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲
✽ Family drama
✽ Tough girl MC
✽ Unlikely romance

𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀
✽ Drug trafficking/use
✽ Parental death

Thank you to @NetGalley and @celadonbooks for gifting me an audiobook ALC of this book. Ever since listening to We Are the Brennans, I’ve been anxiously awaiting another release from Lange and this one did NOT disappoint! #gifted #netgalley #theconnellysofcountydown #traceylange

𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
What a ride! I love love love family dramas, especially when they’re well written, the characters are well-developed, and there is a defined journey that the characters/family go on through the storyline.

This book is exactly that. I will not spoil any of it for you, especially since it’s a BOTM for July - but let me tell you, you’re going to fall in love with every character, flaws and all, and your heart will break the entire time.

You will experience a rollercoaster of emotions through this book. There will be laughs, tears, and moments you will be ranging in anger. It was so well written, and the narrator was the perfect choice — I flew through this audiobook in less than 3 days. If you haven’t picked it up as your BOTM, definitely snag the audiobook ASAP!

Family is tough, huh? Some are tougher than others. Enter: the Connellys.

Tara is newly released from an 18-month stint in prison, while brother Eddie and sister Geraldine have been struggling with their own problems. All three of them are keeping secrets, and pretty shortly those secrets start to unravel and threaten to cause major problems. The siblings must take a serious look at their priorities and determine how to protect each other without causing the demise of everything else they hold dear.

WHEW what a ride this was! It's honestly so stressful at times to watch these fictional adults make decisions that you, as the reader, simply cannot influence. You just have to sit back and let it all happen. I wouldn't say I'm a big fan of family dramas, but this one was gripping and intense from the beginning. I loved how all the separate issues and mini-dramas converged into one climactic moment in this story, and how Tracey Lange manages to make even the terrible characters at least a little bit sympathetic. Highly recommend this one!

Thank you to Tracey Lange, Celadon Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for my advance audio copy.

Having enjoyed a previous story from this author I was really looking forward to this story. Don’t let the three stars fool you, it was good and well written but my problem was it didn’t hold my attention well. I found my mind wandering frequently while listening to the audiobook and I couldn’t concentrate on the ebook at all.

The story itself has solid bones and it should have worked for me but it didn’t. With the type of books and writing styles I enjoy, this should have hit the mark but I can’t place my finger on what exactly didn’t.

I was not expecting much from this book to be honest, but I was completely blown away by this!

Tara has just been released from prison and will be staying with her brother, sister and her brother’s ten year old son. The rest of the novel follows the Connelly’s and their drama.

I really really enjoyed this book!! I found myself so invested in the characters and their lives, especially Tara and Eddie. Geraldine was okay but I didn’t like her as much as her siblings.

I listened to this as an audiobook and I found it really easy to get through, I was always excited to keep going with it.

Overall, definitely recommend if you’re looking for a family drama with a sprinkle of romance subplots.

This it not normally my kind of book, but my last name is a variation of Connelly so I felt like I had to. And I'm so glad I did! I loved this group of siblings. They had great character development. Despite trials and tribulations there was love and family at the core of this book and that always gets me. The narrator was excellent!

Tara Connelly, the youngest of three siblings, is serving time in a New York state prison for drug charges. But you’ll quickly realize that Tara doesn’t fit the stereotype of an inmate, and something doesn’t quite add up.

Nothing had gone Tara’s way starting in childhood when her mother was sick and died, her father stole cars for a living, and the three Connelly kids had to fend for themselves.

I enjoyed this complicated family drama with siblings who have been through everything together and, despite not always agreeing, have each other’s backs through it all.

A few noteworthy favorites from the book:
- Barrie Kreinik narrators the audiobook, and is fantastic!
- Gordy and Lance are Tara’s bosses later in the book and are my new favorite minor characters. They’re sweet, quirky young video gamers who look up to Tara and are genuinely loyal.
- The cover is GORGEOUS
- A perfect mix of character development, plot events, mystery, and love interest

I received this as an audio arc but bought a physical copy in my BOTM box because it was so good!

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillian Audio, for the advanced audio copy.

The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange kept catching my eye whenever I read the description, and it was my first novel from the author. In it we meet Tara on the day she is being released from prison and going to live with her sister, brother, and nephew. Each of them is going through their own issues and their family dynamics are messy. Layer in that she is trying to navigate work and relationships after prison and the family drama unfolds.

I love complicated family stories, so this was right up my alley in that sense. The way the siblings navigated each other’s issues with love was well written and had me invested. The plot around Tara having to navigate work and parole after serving time was so interesting to me, but at times felt unrealistic. She was just given so many chances despite messing up repeatedly, I had to suspend reality and focus on the family drama components of the story.

I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys sinking into a family of flawed people who are working to accept each other and love each other. It’s a touching sibling story and even with a few stretches on the post-prison storyline, it was an enjoyable read.

Thank you to Celadon Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for sending the digital and audio editions – I loved switching between them, and I appreciate you!

Content warnings: drug addiction, drug use, mental illness, parent death

This is a new author to me. I was asked by Celadon to do an early read. I really love family based books and this one did not disappoint. Two completely different sisters, a brother, and his son. Very sweet story of how you stick your own neck out to help your family. I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend reading or listening to it.

"The Connelly's of County Down" by Tracey Lange is an absolute gem that captivated me from beginning to end. This ARC, provided by NetGalley, introduced me to a story that I simply adored in every aspect, from the engaging plot to the beautifully crafted characters.

Right from the start, I had a strong inkling that this would be a five-star read, and by the time I reached 60% of the book, my conviction had only solidified. There were several reasons why I became completely absorbed in this story.

One of the key elements that drew me in was the compelling storyline of Tara, a recent felon released from prison after a drug charge. As someone who has worked closely with individuals involved in the criminal justice system, I was eager to see if the book would accurately depict their struggles and the prevalent misconceptions. In my opinion, the author did an excellent job highlighting the internal conflicts faced by those who have served time, the disappointment and shame experienced by their families, and the numerous challenges individuals on parole encounter, such as securing employment, dealing with stigma, and facing discrimination. By following different points of view, the narrative allowed me to delve into Tara's inner thoughts and emotions, as well as gain insight into her brother, sister, and even the detectives who arrested her on the original charge.

Furthermore, the inclusion of a mental health therapist and a few therapy sessions added a nice touch to the story. As a mental health therapist myself, I tend to be quite discerning about the representation of therapy in literature, but I found this portrayal to be reasonably accurate. It is rare for me to encounter therapy depictions that don't make me cringe, so I was pleasantly surprised by the author's handling of this aspect. The characters in the book were well-developed, with carefully woven backstories that lent them an authentic feel.

I stumbled upon this book randomly on NetGalley and decided to request it for review based on the intriguing synopsis. I am absolutely delighted that I took that chance and was approved. "The Connelly's of County Down" provided me with immense reading pleasure, and I can easily envision myself revisiting it in the future.

The audiobook version of this book was a true delight, thanks to the exceptional narration it offered. The narrator's performance was nothing short of fantastic! Let's also take a moment to admire the exquisite beauty of the book's cover!

In summary, this book is a triumph in storytelling, character development, and thematic exploration. I highly recommend "The Connelly's of County Down" to anyone seeking a captivating read that delves into the complexities of human emotions, family dynamics, and the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from the criminal justice system to society.

The Connolly’s of County Down by Tracey Lange is a powerful story of love, redemption, and moving forward when all things fall apart. All families have their hurts, secrets, and dysfunctions. I loved the character of Tara. She is the first to own she has made some poor choices and is working hard to make it right. Geraldine and Eddie have lived their lives while Tara was away and now that she is back, nothing can stay the same. I enjoyed seeing how they band together and despite their brokenness, stand for one another. Warning, there is a lot of profanity, but it is in genuineness of the characters.
The narrator, Barrie Kreinik, really did a great job with all the voices.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Name of Book: The Connelly’s of County Down
Author: Tracey Lange
Narrator: Barrie Kreink
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Pub Date: August 1, 2023
My Rating: 3.2 Stars
Pages: 288

I read author, Tracey Lange’s book "We Are the Brennans" which was a character based as is this story.

The three Connelly siblings - Geraldine, Tara, and Eddie who live in Port Chester New York are featured in this story

~ Geraldine- the oldest, is experiencing a lot of anxiety dealing with the secrets she’s keeping;

~ Eddie, a single father of Conner his young son and is dealing with the after effects of traumatic brain injury he got from an accident,

~ Tara- the youngest, just gotten out of prison having served an eighteen month sentence on a drug trafficking charge and is now dealing with moving back home and trying to get back to some kind of normalcy.

Needless to say there is a lot of family drama in this story.

This story is named after the fairytale “The Connolly’s of County Down” that the mom wrote about her three children ~ each having a special power. She told them this story many times before she died.
Their special powers had me curios as they certainly weren’t using them.

I struggled with this as am not a fan of profanity and IMO these characters definitely overused it.

I hung in there as the reviews from readers I trust were so good! I did like young Conner; plus the narrator did a great job performing all the characters.

I was curious about how all this family drama was going to end!

Glad I hung in as the ending saved this story for me!

Want to thank NetGalley and Macmiillan Audio for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Day scheduled for: August 1, 2023.

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up.

Thirty years old and newly released from jail, Tara Connelly feels like she has nothing going for her. No job prospects, no partner, no one in her family she can count on- no one even shows up to pick her up when she’s released- she has to hitch a ride back to her childhood home with the same cop who arrested her on drug charges to begin with.

Things aren’t quite what they seem. Love can be messy, especially when family is involved, and the Connelly family is no exception to this rule. But love there is, as it becomes clear as this story unfolds in all its messy, charming ways.

It’s hard not to root for Tara, and in addition, I found myself rooting for several other major characters as well, as we got to know them better and see past their flaws.

Family can be the worst thing to happen to you, but it can also be the best- and what saves you from yourself.

The audiobook was perfectly narrated by Barrie Kreinik.

Thank you Tracey Lange, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ALC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

Tracey Lange is back with another complicated, messy and moving family drama. In The Connellys of County Down, we meet Tara on her last day of prison, restarting her life after serving an 18 month sentence for drug trafficking. Tara is returning home to her big sister and brother, who are juggling their own past and current problems. The reader sees her trying to navigate finding a job, being an aunt, dealing with her parole officer and settling the debts of her past.

Lange is incredibly talented with character development. Over 28 engrossing chapters, the reader gets to truly know and feel for the Connelly family--including the impossible situations they create for themselves and each other. They are flawed and foolish, but full of love and good intentions.

But what I loved most was the attention to detail woven throughout, specifically the fairy tale and finally finding out their superpowers. I also looked forward to each and every one of Conor's jokes.

I read this in less than 24 hours and couldn't wait to see how things worked out, while also not wanting it to end. Have your tissues handy because this one moved me to tears more than once.

The audiobook is narrated by Barrie Kreinik, who is fantastic. Avid audiobook listeners will likely be familiar with her as I've listened to her many times and she's truly enjoyable, bringing the characters to life.

Thank you to Net Galley, Celadon Books and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to get to know the Connellys. All thoughts and opinions are my own.