Once again, Tracey Lange shows she’s a force to be reckoned with when it comes to family dramas that pack all the feels. What Happened to the McCrays? is a beautifully written, heartbreakingly poignant story of grief, loss, and healing. The relationships between the characters are deftly crafted with care and nuance, and their paths to forgiveness and finding love are fraught with raw, relatable emotion. The sense of community in the small town of Potsdam and surrounding the hockey team adds to the charm of this touching novel. Highly recommended for fans of Lange’s other books and Beartown by Fredrik Backman.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for providing me an advance copy of this book.

What a book to end the year on!

Thank you so much @celadonbooks and @macmillian.audio for the early reading and listening copies of this stellar book!

Tracey Lange’s ability to depict family dynamics in a relatable and heartfelt way is truly unmatched in my opinion. This story centers around Kyle and Casey McCray and how they navigate love and loss and all the gray in between. There are some tougher topics explored so I would definitely recommend checking out the trigger warnings before reading, but Lange does it in a way that is so….real. This book had me riveted from the start, had me frustrated at times, crying at times, and laughing at times, which is what all families go through.

I really, really enjoyed the dual narration of Stephanie Nemeth-PArker and William DeMeritt. It brought the story to life and there were many times I didn't want to get out of the car because I didn’t want to stop listening.

Highly recommend this one.

Title: What Happened to the McCrays?
By: Tracey Lange
Pub. Date: January 14, 2024

Genre:
Fiction, Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Family, Drama

Trigger Warnings:
Loss, Grief, Depression, Suicide

Summary:
Kyle married the love of his life, Casey but then tragedy strikes, and his life quickly unravels…he chooses to run away. He can’t handle all his emotions, so he disappears for a few years. Then Kyle receives unexpected news that his father is in the hospital and decides it’s time to make a quick trip home. However, the longer he stays, the more Kyle yearns to repair his relationships and return to the life he once had. Will Kyle find what he is looking for? Or will it be too hard to let go of life’s tragedy?

Review:
Tracey Lange has done it again! Thanks to Netalley, She has quickly become an “Auto Read” for me. This is her third novel and I have thoroughly enjoyed all three. I love Lange’s writing style, she masterfully weaves family relationships by evoking empathy with the reader, and sends the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride! She does not disappoint in her latest novel “What Happened to the McCrays” where Casey and Kyle are deeply woven characters who offer characteristics of love, hope and most importantly forgiveness. You will remember their story long after the last page. I highly recommend this read!

Thank you to Tracey Lange, Celadon Books, and Netgalley for the Advanced Readers Copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#WhatHappenedtotheMcCrays
#TraceyLange
#CeladonBooks
#reluctantreaderreads
#advancedreadercopies
#NetGalley

Well I definitely understand why this was a lot of people's favorite book last year. While it still technically isn't out yet I was lucky to read an early audio copy and this easily became my new favorite by Tracey Lange too. Told from alternating perspectives and through flashbacks to the past we get to see inside the intimate details of a couple torn apart through the loss of their young son. Incredibly moving and often heartbreaking, this is a beautiful book about loss, love, mental health, second chances and high school sports. Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of authors like Frederik Backman. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

CW: suicide attempt, death of a young child, divorce

I’m quite late to the Tracey Lange party but I’m so glad to be here. This book was the perfect storm. Amazing characters, setting and sweet story. Crisp and funny. I totally enjoyed it.
Thank you NetGalley, Tracey Lange and Celadon Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Holy book hangover. This book MOVED ME people! I was genuinely sobbing for the last half and let me tell you, the ugly cry felt GOOD!

Tracey Lange has absolutely hit it out of the park with What Happened to the McCrays?. I was totally sucked in from the first page - Kyle was such a lovable character and I was rooting for him from our first introduction. Casey was so complex and a little broken and I just wanted her to come out on top and find the peace and solace she so clearly needed. The relationships amongst the characters were so beautifully developed and felt so authentic. From the middle schoolers/hockey players, Coach, Danny, Wyatt, and Angie - everyone played such a crucial role in making this novel burrow into my heart and soul.

I really loved the format of the novel with the "Then" and "Now" timeline. There were reveals I didn't really see coming and I loved how the layers slowly unfolded, sucking me deeper and deeper into the story and the people.

I will say, some of this novel gave me Beartown vibes. Certainly for the hockey aspect but also for the heavy emotion and strong characters that really leave a lasting impact.

This was my first read of 2025 and it's going to be a tough one to beat. It's my favorite by Lange so far (and I"ve loved all of them!!) and it's certainly boosted her as an auto-read/auto-buy author for me.

A huge thank you to Celadon and NetGalley for the copy. You cannot miss this novel!

4.5 stars. Another stunning family drama from Tracey Lange! Kyle McCray returns home to Potsdam, NY after being gone for 2 1/2 years. His father has had a stroke and he moves back in to help him. Along the way, Kyle is going to have to make up for that sudden departure, as he left family, friends, co-workers, not to mention his wife, Casey, behind. He's offered a bit of redemption in the form of coaching the middle school ice hockey team. This is a beautiful story about overcoming grief, learning to live again and accepting the love you deserve.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this digital e-arc.*

Another compulsively readable family drama from Tracey Lange - easily her best one yet. The book opens with Kyle returning to Potsdam to care for his estranged father after his father suffers a stroke. The book alternates between "then and now" and the perspectives of Kyle as well as that of Casey, his high school sweetheart. The novel is intricately plotted and - warning - very sad. These small town folks suffer more than their share of heartbreak and sadness but Lange emphasizes the love and community that can heal us. Highly recommend - thanks to NetGalley and Celadon books for the ARC.

I have loved all Tracey Lange’s novels and this one is her Best Yet!

Emotional and Moving Story about a life and marriage coming together and falling apart. This story was so engaging, these characters have stayed with me since finishing a month ago.

Kyle returns back to Potsdam, New York after his father has a stroke. Casey, his ex-wife still lives next door. It is clear something devastating has happened for their 16 year marriage to fall apart. It seems impossible for Kyle and Casey to ever talk about their break up. The pain is just too deep and raw. Yet, if you can’t even acknowledge your past, is it possible to really be present now?

Beautiful story with surprising tenderness. This is where Tracey Lange really shines. She is a master at exposing the strengths and flaws of working class people and the environment each lives in. This is her most raw and powerful look into two deeply wounded people. You will not want to reach the end. When you do, your heart will be broken and filled several times. Just loved this honest look at a life.

Highly Recommend 💕

I requested through Celadon Books an ARC which I was given. Thank you so very much for doing that. Then NetGalley approved my request later as well. Thank You to Tracey Lange for writing this exceptional book. I always leave reviews of books I read.

This book started off slow, but built to a crescendo as I truly wondered about what happened to the McCrays and why they were no longer together- what could either of them possibly done for them to be so final and separated when they clearly loved each other- this was a multi-layered family drama with a strong cast of interesting supporting characters and superb storytelling.

EVERY TIME TRACEY LANGE DROPS A BRENNAN REFERENCE I WANNA CRYYYYY COS BEST BOOK EVER AND I REMAIN OBSESSED.

Ok now for a more coherent review.

I was smitten with this book right from the start. There's just something so mesmerising about this author's work that never fails to pull me in, keep me engaged, and leave me in a pool of emotion. I love her writing, the way she creates such flawed but real characters, whether they are going through pain and adversity or navigating everyday life.

This heartwrenching novel is a tragically beautiful exploration of grief, loss, family, love, community and more. I loved the small-town setting. The dual timelines were equally compelling and offered insight into Kyle and Casey's relationship over the years.

Honestly not sure what else I can say other than it's just so darn beautiful and stunning. All of Tracey Lange's books are!

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MC’CRAYS?
Tracey Lange

Kyle left.

Casey stayed.

She’s not sure she can ever forgive him for it. But his father recently suffered a stroke and so now he’s back. And they both must deal with it.

Casey is a beloved teacher at the local middle school. She had done whatever was required to move on from Kyle and the destruction he left behind. She has done whatever she can to make a life for herself in his absence.

It feels like a never-ending battle.

Kyle knows coming back will be hard. He doesn’t know all the ways it will require him to be a person he has never been, never knew he could be. We follow along as the two navigate their circumstances, come to terms with their shared past, and forge a new future for both.

I wish I had liked this book more. For whatever reason, I felt a bit removed from the storyline and held at a distance. While I enjoyed my time reading, I felt disconnected from the characters, and that lowered my rating.

I enjoyed it well enough, and I think other readers will find more value and connection with Casey and Kyle. It could’ve been that it felt more like a romance book than I was expecting. And although there was depth to the characters, I felt a very superficial connection. It somehow lacked the emotion that the storyline implied.

I still gave it four stars. I still recommend it. I still will read what Lange writes next.

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

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MC’CRAYS?...⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I have read both of Tracey Lange's previous novels - and her writing just keeps getting better and better. She writes the characters in family dramas like no one else. By the end of the book, they have become real people in my mind and I don't want the story to end.

In her latest novel, Kyle has left his upstate NY hometown, returning only after he learns about his father's stroke. From there, we slowly start to learn about why Kyle had left his wife Casey and their marriage. It's obvious that they still love each other. What could have happened to make him leave and can their relationship be repaired?

Some authors can not pull off holding information and only releasing it throughout the book. But it works with Lange's writing as she slowly peels away all that has happened. I came to love each and every character and I got choked up several times throughout the book. I also loved the mention of characters and settings from Lange's previous two novels.

This is the first 2025 book I've read so far an#Cd it was such an excellent start with a book that will certainly make it to my "Best of" list.
Thanks to #Celadon for providing me an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank You NetGalley for the free e-book.

Summary: Kyle McCray returns home to Potsdam, in Upstate New York, when he receives word his father had a stroke and is in the hospital. Kyle is not looking forward to returning after the way he left several years before. He left abruptly without any notice to anyone, leaving the mechanic garage without its owner and manager, his dad who his relationship with has never been that great, and his wife, Casey. While back home, between the then and now times, and his and Casey's point of views, we learn what happened.

My take: I devoured this book. I loved the cast of characters and kept cheering for them all. This is not a light hearted read, but well worth your time and a few tissues. The setting is Upstate New York which sounds beautiful. It involves hockey, a little romance, tragedy, drama, school, family, relationships, small town living, support systems, mental health, dreams hoped, dreams dashed, and a sense of community. This is one of those books I would consider re-reading. I can't wait to read more by this author.

Tracey Lange's What Happened to the McCrays? is a beautifully crafted exploration of love, loss, and redemption that captivates from the very first page. The story follows Kyle McCray as he returns to his small hometown after a long absence, forced to confront his past and the complexities of his relationship with his ex-wife, Casey. Lange's masterful storytelling shines through as she intricately weaves together themes of family, community, and the healing power of forgiveness.
The dual narration enhances the emotional depth of the characters, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in Kyle and Casey's journey. The book tackles heavy topics such as grief and mental health with sensitivity and grace, making it both heart-wrenching and uplifting. Readers will find themselves rooting for the characters as they navigate their struggles and seek a path toward reconciliation.
Overall, What Happened to the McCrays? is a poignant and relatable tale that resonates deeply, showcasing Lange's talent for creating compelling narratives that linger long after the last page is turned. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates heartfelt stories about second chances and the complexities of human relationships.

OMG I loved this book! I finished it two days ago and I miss all the characters already. I need another book that just follows the everyday lives of Kyle, Casey, and everyone else. This was my first book by Tracey Lange, but now I'm already looking into her backlist titles. What Happened to the McCrays? is a must read!

I've been a big fan of Tracey Lange's previous two heartfelt, character-driven stories. What Happened to the McCrays? is her most emotional and tragic but is extremely captivating from start to finish—in fact, I was so engrossed I ultimately read the book in one sitting. Casey and Kyle's journey—both in the present timeline and the past painted such a devastating, well-rounded picture of grief, how we weather it and how it can slowly break us. I thought there was a great crew of surrounding characters—from Danny and Wyatt to Coach and Angie and the middle school crew. There were times when I was worried the book leaned too much into trauma and tragedy but ultimately felt like Tracey was able to tie things together;

I've read and enjoyed all of Tracey Lange's books. This one may be my favorite. I couldn't put it down. This is a story about a couple devastated by the loss of their son. Five stars.

Thank you to #CeladonBooks and #NetGalley for the digital ARC of #WhatHappenedtotheMcCrays. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

This is my second Tracey Lange novel and I was not disappointed. She doesn't shy away from tough topics and she writes beautifully and honestly about relationships and community - how they save us and why they're worth fighting for.

After more than 2 years, Kyle is returning to his hometown to care for his dad after a stroke. But coming back means facing the people he abruptly left behind and trying to repair those relationships, including with his now ex-wife Casey.

There is a lot to unpack in this story. With strategic flashbacks, we learn how Casey and Kyle came to together and the tragedy that ripped them apart. And while this story delivers a gut-punch of emotion, it is also sweet and hopeful. Couldn't put it down.

I was lucky to get an advanced copy of Lange's upcoming release, which will hit store shelves on January 14th. The author has become a reading staple for layered family dramas with heart, and this new novel spools out another emotional story for readers. It documents the rise and fall of a seemingly perfect marriage between two people who find a new purpose through their community's middle school hockey team.

When Kyle learns that his father has suffered a debilitating stroke, he reluctantly returns to his hometown of Potsdam, New York—a place he fled without warning two and a half years ago. Now, he plans to help his dad recover and disappear again, especially after realizing the love of his life is not ready to forgive and forget.

However, when a chance to jointly coach their struggling middle school hockey team arises, the couple find new purpose and unexpected answers about why they have both struggled to find each other again.

This story is rooted in parental tragedy, which is difficult to read. It takes great patience for this tragedy to unfold, looming for the reader on every page. I loved the more cozy elements of this story, though, even when I struggled with Lange's pacing in this novel.

This story will be a satisfying addition to your winter stack, but I encourage readers to try The Connellys of County Down to see Lange's writing REALLY shine.