In What Happened to the McCrays?, Tracey Lange delivers another emotionally stirring novel that examines the ripple effects of abandonment, the complexities of forgiveness, and the quiet power of redemption. With the same tender insight found in her previous work, Lange paints a vivid portrait of a fractured family and the long road back to connection.

When Kyle McCray returns to Potsdam, New York, after abruptly walking away from his life—including his wife Casey and his responsibilities—he isn’t expecting sympathy. But when his father suffers a debilitating stroke, he’s forced to confront the pain he left behind. What follows is not a dramatic reckoning, but a slow, thoughtful exploration of healing, as Kyle tries to make peace with the people he hurt.

Casey is a standout. A beloved teacher and emotionally grounded woman, she carries the weight of betrayal with grace and grit. Lange handles her with care, allowing readers to feel every moment of her guardedness, sorrow, and the complicated pull of old love. Their dynamic is raw and honest, and Lange doesn’t shy away from the messiness of rekindling trust.

The subplot involving Kyle’s new role as coach of the struggling middle school hockey team brings warmth and hope to the narrative, offering him a chance at community redemption. These scenes are some of the novel’s most endearing, grounding the story in second chances and the unexpected ways we find belonging.

While some readers may wish for a deeper dive into Kyle’s motivations for leaving, Lange’s strength lies in her character-driven storytelling and emotional nuance. She gives readers a realistic, empathetic view of a man who’s not looking to be a hero—just someone trying to do better.

What Happened to the McCrays? is a tender and deeply human story about confronting the past, choosing vulnerability, and rebuilding what was broken—one hard-earned step at a time.

“You know, I think that’s how grief works. You have to feel it so you can heal it, not bury yourself in it. You get through it, and each time it’s a little less.” @tracey_lange

The journey with a book is unlike anything else. I started this book not knowing what it was about, other than short blurb on NetGalley months ago. When I got the approval for the ARC, it landed in my queue, and then I started it without reading the blurb again. And I’m so happy it was that way.

This book broke me in all the ways. The tears I shed over these two and their love and loss on the couch reading while my kids played outside, and at the dinner table as I couldn’t put the book down, was no joke. This multiple POV story and its flashbacks will immerse you in the world of the McCrays where each of them will bury their way into your heart. I’ll go back to this one, years from now, when the details will be fuzzy, because it was just that good.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to @netgalley and @celadonbooks for this #advancedreaderscopy - I’ll be team McCray forever.

#2025bookchallengebook32of100
#whathappenedtothemccrays
#netgalley
#keepthetissueshandy

Another devastating family drama by Tracy Lange, sign me up! I really enjoy how she lays out her books and makes the characters so flawed but yet you want to root for them. I also really like her writing style. Although the book is a bit bleak, I still didn't want it to end. I can't wait see what she writes next!

✨ The Vibes ✨
A deeply emotional family drama with lots of hockey

📖 Read if…
✨ You’re looking for a sports-centric book that’s not a romance
✨ You like Beartown, but want a book that’s a bit less traumatic
✨ Your go-to genre is emotional family dramas

Tracy Lange is back with another family drama, What Happened to the McCrays, that will have you reaching for the tissues as you read what I think is her most emotional book yet.

The McCray’s incorporated everything Lange is known for. It features a main character (Kyle) returning home after an extended period of time to deal with a serious family matter (his father’s health) and come to terms with trauma he thought he had buried (this is a big content warning so make sure to check those out before reading).

I really enjoy Lange’s books because while she has a sort of formula, they each feel fresh and different, while still featuring everything I love about her writing. Reading this one, I found myself drawing a lot of comparisons to the movie Manchester by the Sea, largely because of the way both stories focus on grief and ice hockey. Lange handles the topic of grief with care throughout the entire book, and I really enjoyed how she used the hockey team as part of Kyle’s healing process. It really spoke to how sports create a sense of community that can be a comfort in tough times.

Lastly, while this book is definitely not a romance, it does have more of a romance subplot that Lange’s previous novels. I thought it worked for the story, but just be warned if you’re looking for something entirely romance-free.

What Happened to the McCray’s is out now. Thanks to Celadon and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Traditional format (digital) 📕

This book tells the story of high school sweethearts Kyle and Casey as they navigate through tragedy and try to find peace with their loses and each other.

The story was told “then” and “now” style and was slow burn of a book. The characters were well
developed with each having their own stories to tell. The small town setting really added nicely to the overall story. My old criticism of this book was I did find it a little bit slow at times.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy family dramas. Despite it being a bit slow for me I Enjoyed this book overall and give it a 4/5.

Thank you Net Galley and Celadon Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What an incredibly heart wrenching story that leaves you with the hope that time and communication can heal all wounds. Kyle left his home and his past behind, only to be called to return a few years later. When he arrives, those that were close to him aren't happy to see him, but perhaps not for the reasons he thinks. Everyone has a secret that has prevented them from moving forward and Kyle is finally back to face his inner struggles while calling others out on theirs as well. This is the third book I've read of TL's and she keeps it real with traumatic experiences that create inner conflict and hinder her characters from fulfillment. As self revelation becomes a necessity in each story, it creates a foundation for beautiful path that inspires hope for the future. Please take note, that there are themes of death, mental health issues, and grief. Thanks so much to Celadon Books for providing me with a hard copy of this incredibly moving read.

This book made me feel so many feelings. I really enjoyed it. It was such an emotional book and the characters and I really felt for Kyle and Casey. I also loved how the town was described, I able to get a sense of what it was like pretty quickly. I think this book did a good job of depicting grief and the different ways it can manifest. Thank you NetGalley and Celadon Books for this ARC!

This was such a beautiful exploration of second chances as it corresponds to grief and loss. When Kyle McCray returns to his hometown after his father suffers a stroke, he is forced to face the past, and people, he left behind. I thought Tracey Lange did a great job at unraveling this story in a slow, but purposeful pace. It felt like we really got to know Kyle, and his wife, Casey, as parts of their past were revealed. This book was emotional and made me cry. Lange is really cementing herself as an autobuy author for me!
The comparisons to Beartown are accurate, I think, because again, I am not a hockey fan, but thought the addition of this plotline made sense and was well developed.
Thank you Celadon Books for the copy through NetGalley!

Now this was just freaking excellent. From chapter one, I was sold. I needed to know everything and more about Kyle McCray and his whole damn life. The writing was impeccable and I thought this story about the heart-wrenching grief that a family had to endure was written to perfection. I actually choked on sobs at points. I was frustrated, I was sad, I was happy, I was heartbroken, I was everything. And I kissed and hugged my kids a whole f*cking lot. There is one major trigger warning that lays super heavy that’s basically the entire plotline-be forewarned. But man oh man- @tracey_lange - you’re good girl. This was something. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What Happened to the McCrays? By, Tracey Lange
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When you are broken and isolated from your past, can you ever mend? Kyle gets a disturbing phone call about his father's health and he must return to take care of him. Returning back home, he will have to face his failed marriage and the result of his leaving without explanation.

The plot is multi-dimensional and the characters well developed. As the story progresses, the reader learns of the complicated relationships Kyle ran from and how he faces each one. There is growth in all the main characters and their understanding of one another's point of view.
There is a sweet dog that helps a bit, too!

This was a captivating narrative that allows the reader to experience deep emotions and a renewal of connections.

Thank you, NetGalley and Celadon Books, for the advanced reader's copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #WhatHappenedtotheMcCrays #WomensFiction #Healing #Grief #Relationships

When Trigger warning: child death, divorce

What happened to the Mccrays , Follows Kyle and Casey Mccray and their life in their small town of Postdam. Kyle left the town two years problem and no one knows why. But when his father has a stroke he is forced to come back to postdam and deal with everything that he left behind.

Lange knows how to explore complex characters perfectly. She made me so impatient during the present chapters and the ones set in the past as well. She expertly develops every single character in this book. Even the side characters and the kids who are a part of the middle school hockey team. I wish that I could say more but I wont. If you consider reading this you should go in not knowing much!

Oh my gosh. When I say I love a family drama, this is what I’m after. Tracey Lange delivers every time.

The way she used dual timelines to draw you closer to the characters and reveal their imperfections was so effective. And the storyline of the middle school hockey team was everything to me.

This is a story of redemption, and I loved it so very much.

Thank you Celadon and NetGalley for the e-arc!

What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange
Narrators: Stephanie Németh-Parker and William DeMeritt
Rating: 5 stars
Pub date: 1/14

Thank you so much to Celadon Books for my advanced copy and to Macmillan Audio for my complimentary audiobook. #Macaudio2024
Tracey Lange has done it again with What Happened to the McCrays?, a heartfelt story about family, second chances, and the healing power of community. The book follows Kyle McCray, who reluctantly returns to his hockey-loving hometown of Potsdam, New York after his dad suffers a major stroke. Kyle left his life behind two and a half years ago, leaving his wife, Casey, and everyone else to pick up the pieces. Now, he’s back, hoping to stay under the radar, but of course, small towns don’t make that easy.

As Kyle tries to help his dad recover, he’s forced to face the mess he left behind. From his strained marriage with Casey to the people he let down, the weight of his past is everywhere. Coaching the struggling middle school hockey team ends up being an unexpected chance at redemption. Slowly, Kyle starts to reconnect—with himself, with Casey, and with the town he thought he could leave for good.

Tracey Lange is an auto-buy author for me, and this book is a great example of why. This story is full of real, flawed characters who are just trying to do their best, even when they make mistakes. Lange’s writing hits all the right notes—bittersweet, heartfelt, and ultimately hopeful. You’ll find yourself rooting for Kyle to make amends and for Casey to find peace.
I listened to this one on audio, and the dual narration was incredible! Both narrators did an amazing job with the characters and brought the story to life for me.

If you love stories about family, forgiveness, and small-town life, this book will hit you right in the feels. Grab some tissues and settle in—you won’t want to put this one down.

Read if you like:
*Beartown
*small town
*family drama
*dual POV

I can officially say I've read all three of Lange's novels but this one is by far my favourite. She is the queen of messy family drama whether she likes it or not. I love how each of her characters are relatable in some way, and they almost always just tear at my heartstrings. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MCCRAYS is emotional, heavy, (I sobbed) but also hopeful and witty (I did laugh too!).

I especially loved the small town hockey vibe. Rumour has it this is what readers felt after reading Beartown, and if I could bottle up that feeling I would. Five big stars for this one!

Thank you Celadon and Netgalley!

This book explores the complexities of grief, love, and healing while combining two things I love: stories about family dynamics and the world of hockey. My family is deeply involved in the sport, which added a personal connection to the story.

I fell hard for Kyle and Casey. Their fractured marriage stems from an overwhelming and tragic loss rather than a lack of love. The grief they carry is suffocating, and their inability to comfort each other in the wake of their shared tragedy felt so raw and real.

Lange explores their individual journeys of healing. Time, they say, allows healing—and through Kyle and Casey's emotional arcs, I felt the slow but undeniable shift from guilt and sadness to something far more hopeful. I found myself rooting for their emotional reconciliation, regardless of whether they ultimately got back together.

Stephanie Németh-Parker and William DeMerritt's audiobook performance is stellar. Their narration brings these emotionally complex characters to life, infusing their voices with the subtle, often painful, layers of grief and yearning. Their performances don’t just convey words—they breathe life into the characters' hearts, making every moment of healing, forgiveness, and love feel genuine. By the end, my heart simply melted. Highly recommend!!

Complicated. Emotional. Moving. Heartening. Memorable.

Kyle McCray abruptly left his hometown of Potsdam, N.Y., over two years ago. He is called back to help with his father's rehabilitation from a debilitating stroke. As soon as his father can manage on his own, Kyle plans to leave. Casey, his wife of sixteen years, wants Kyle to leave soon, too...

"What Happened to the McCrays" is Tracy Lange's third novel, and I have read and loved all three of them. She writes heartwrenching yet hopeful stories about families in crisis. This one focuses on the fractured marriage of Kyle and Casey and how their estrangement has impacted not only their family and friends but also the community.

Lange's writing style is straightforward, clear, and uncomplicated, making reading effortless. The chapters are short, which I love, helping the pages flip quickly. This story explores themes of forgiveness, second chances, relationships, and the importance of community support in the healing process.

"What Happened to the McCrays" is another well-written, character-driven story from this author, and in my opinion, her best one so far—highly recommended!

5⭐

Thank you to Celadon Books and Tracey Lange for the DRC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Tracey Lange does it again. Another 5 star read for me!

This story is based around a couple whom you find early on in the book has divorced after 20 years together. This book takes you through the journey of how the couple met and what they went through in their 20 years together.

The author knows how to write her characters. There was so much depth in her characters that at the end you were left wanting to be part of their family.

This book does have a strong tie to grief and mental health so proceed with caution.

A big thank you to Netgally and Celadon Books for allowing me to read an early copy!

I have read and loved the author's previous two novels, so I had to get my hands on her latest. What Happened to the McCrays is a family saga, like the other books by the author. It was a well written, intricate family drama with likeable characters. The thing I enjoyed less, as I previously mentioned, is the redundancy towards the last quarter of the book. By the end, I couldn't wait for the suspense to end and to find out how the story unfolded. But I was so glad it did and it put an end to my misery. So sorry to those who loved it, but this was my least favorite of the authors three works so far. Despite that, it was still one of my favorite books of the month.
Thank you Netgalley and Celadon books, as well as Tracy Lange, for my advanced reader's copy to read and review.

While I usually hate dual timelines, I liked this one. It was well-written. The story was great. I loved the flawed characters that still made you love them.

My third book from Mrs Tracey Lange. I have been reading her family dramas since she introduced us to the Brennan’s. Which to this day is my favorite of the families. I feel like this one veered off a bit from the other two books. It felt more like simple fiction instead of mystery… and that’s exactly what I have enjoyed from her other books. Overall, just ok characters and storyline.