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The Connellys of County Down
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Fiction (2023)9 hours, 21 minutes
From Tracey Lange, the New York Times bestselling author of We Are the Brennans, comes The Connellys of County Down: a story about fierce family loyalty, good intentions gone awry, and the consequences of improbable love.
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. With no money and no prospects, she returns home to live with her siblings, who are both busy with their own problems. Her brother, a single dad, struggles with the ongoing effects of a brain injury he sustained years ago, and her sister’s fragile facade of calm and order is cracking under the burden of big secrets. Life becomes even more complicated when the cop who put her in prison keeps showing up unannounced, leaving Tara to wonder what he wants from her now.
While she works to build a new career and hold her family together, Tara finds a chance at love in a most unlikely place. But when the Connellys’ secrets start to unravel and threaten her future, they all must face their worst fears and come clean, or risk losing each other forever.
The Connellys of County Down is a moving novel about testing the bounds of love and loyalty. It explores the possibility of beginning our lives anew, and reveals the pitfalls of shielding each other from the bitter truth.
From Tracey Lange, the New York Times bestselling author of We Are the Brennans, comes The Connellys of County Down: a story about fierce family loyalty, good intentions gone awry, and the consequences of improbable love.
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. With no money and no prospects, she returns home to live with her siblings, who are both busy with their own problems. Her brother, a single dad, struggles with the ongoing effects of a brain injury he sustained years ago, and her sister’s fragile facade of calm and order is cracking under the burden of big secrets. Life becomes even more complicated when the cop who put her in prison keeps showing up unannounced, leaving Tara to wonder what he wants from her now.
While she works to build a new career and hold her family together, Tara finds a chance at love in a most unlikely place. But when the Connellys’ secrets start to unravel and threaten her future, they all must face their worst fears and come clean, or risk losing each other forever.
The Connellys of County Down is a moving novel about testing the bounds of love and loyalty. It explores the possibility of beginning our lives anew, and reveals the pitfalls of shielding each other from the bitter truth.
Audiobook
First published August 1, 2023
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About the author
Tracey Lange
3 books2,101 followersTracey Lange was born and raised in New York City. She graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in psychology before owning and operating a behavioral healthcare company with her husband for fifteen years. While writing her debut novel, We Are the Brennans, she completed the Stanford University online novel writing program. She currently lives in Bend, Oregon with her husband, two sons, and beloved German Shepherd.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,939 reviews
August 2, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
Tracey Lange follows up her wonderful debut novel, “We Are the Brennans” with a story about three siblings who test the bounds of love and loyalty, when the youngest is released from prison after serving eighteen months on a drug charge.
Because of that conviction, Tara Connelly will no longer be allowed to ever teach Art to children again, and she must move home at age 30, to live with Geraldine, the bossy older sister who raised her, and her brother, Eddie, a single Dad who is still struggling with the ongoing effects of a brain injury sustained years ago.
Trying to rebuild your life after serving time is challenging enough, and in Tara’s case whenever she takes two steps forward, she is pushed one step back, by the secrets her family keeps from her, and by one of the two cops who put her in jail, continuing to follow her-convinced she is hiding the information he needs to convict the town’s main drug supplier.
Fortunately, her strong bond with her adorable joke telling nephew, Connor, two unlikely allies in the guys who decide to take a chance and give her a job, and the possibility of a new love interest, all help to keep pushing her forward whenever it all seems too overwhelming.
There is even a visit to Brennan’s bar.
Tracey Lange writes likable, imperfect characters who you want to root for, and captures the intricacies of family dynamics in a way that makes me want to keep turning the pages long after I should be turning out the lights and getting some sleep!
She has definitely now become an auto-request author for me, and I look forward to what’s next!
Review for “We are the Brennans” : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This title is AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to Celadon books for the invitation to read an ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Tracey Lange follows up her wonderful debut novel, “We Are the Brennans” with a story about three siblings who test the bounds of love and loyalty, when the youngest is released from prison after serving eighteen months on a drug charge.
Because of that conviction, Tara Connelly will no longer be allowed to ever teach Art to children again, and she must move home at age 30, to live with Geraldine, the bossy older sister who raised her, and her brother, Eddie, a single Dad who is still struggling with the ongoing effects of a brain injury sustained years ago.
Trying to rebuild your life after serving time is challenging enough, and in Tara’s case whenever she takes two steps forward, she is pushed one step back, by the secrets her family keeps from her, and by one of the two cops who put her in jail, continuing to follow her-convinced she is hiding the information he needs to convict the town’s main drug supplier.
Fortunately, her strong bond with her adorable joke telling nephew, Connor, two unlikely allies in the guys who decide to take a chance and give her a job, and the possibility of a new love interest, all help to keep pushing her forward whenever it all seems too overwhelming.
There is even a visit to Brennan’s bar.
Tracey Lange writes likable, imperfect characters who you want to root for, and captures the intricacies of family dynamics in a way that makes me want to keep turning the pages long after I should be turning out the lights and getting some sleep!
She has definitely now become an auto-request author for me, and I look forward to what’s next!
Review for “We are the Brennans” : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This title is AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to Celadon books for the invitation to read an ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
September 4, 2023
this is only TLs second book, but she has already proven that shorter stories can pack a big punch. this sophomore novel also shows just how well TL can articulate family dynamics.
objectively, the writing is succinct, the ebb and flow between the family members is realistic, and each page feels purposeful - making the story feel full in its limited amount of pages.
subjectively, the only thing keeping me from appreciating this more is my lack of connection to any of the characters. i didnt really like any of them. they were fine, but no one i seriously cared reading about.
so all in all, while this story has some really great selling points, i didnt quite enjoy this as much as ‘we are the brennans,’ which i thought had better characters.
thanks, celadon books, for the ARC!
↠ 3.5 stars
objectively, the writing is succinct, the ebb and flow between the family members is realistic, and each page feels purposeful - making the story feel full in its limited amount of pages.
subjectively, the only thing keeping me from appreciating this more is my lack of connection to any of the characters. i didnt really like any of them. they were fine, but no one i seriously cared reading about.
so all in all, while this story has some really great selling points, i didnt quite enjoy this as much as ‘we are the brennans,’ which i thought had better characters.
thanks, celadon books, for the ARC!
↠ 3.5 stars
September 12, 2023
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.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
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.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
October 28, 2023
***NOW AVAILABLE ***
*This is a review of the audiobook of this novel
I really loved this novel. Ms. Lang is a wonderful storyteller with the gift of creating relatable, memorable characters. The narrator, Barrie Kreinik, did a remarkable job with the various POV’s.
Tara Connelly has just been released from prison after serving 18 months for a drug trafficking offense. Since her sister didn’t show up to take her home, she gets a ride from Brian Nolan. He was her arresting officer and she isn’t all that comfortable with him but all goes well. He seems to feel badly for Tara having to serve time away from her family. Does he have any secrets of his own?
Tara returns home to her brother, Eddie who she dearly loves along with his son Connor and her sister Geraldine. In the months that Tara has been gone Geraldine has become even more of a rule enforcer – there also seems to be something else troubling her but Tara can’t get her to share anything.
There is a lot of history with this family, their mother died when they were quite young and their father left them, leaving Geraldine to raise her siblings at the age of about 15.
Things start to get better for Tara, she finds a great job working as a graphic designer using the talents that she has for creating graphic comics. She even finds a love interest in the most unlikely of places!!
She still has some unresolved issues including who was sending her money while she was in prison?? How can she finally rid herself of the drug dealer who wants her to work for him??
Just when things are going great – the family hits another roadblock. One of them has done some illegal “moving around” of money which could land Tara back in jail through no fault of her own.
That’s all of the plot I will share to avoid any spoilers.
I found so many things to do so that I could continue to listen to this audiobook. I loved the characters so much and wanted only the best for them.
The novel touches on themes of family, drug trafficking, forgiveness, found family and mostly LOVE!! Together this family seems to be able to overcome all of the obstacles that life throws at them!!
I can highly recommend this book to everyone!! Great story, wonderful relatable characters with writing that flows seamlessly!!
I received an advanced audiobook copy from the publisher, Celadon and MacMillan audio through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to listen to and review this title.
*This is a review of the audiobook of this novel
I really loved this novel. Ms. Lang is a wonderful storyteller with the gift of creating relatable, memorable characters. The narrator, Barrie Kreinik, did a remarkable job with the various POV’s.
Tara Connelly has just been released from prison after serving 18 months for a drug trafficking offense. Since her sister didn’t show up to take her home, she gets a ride from Brian Nolan. He was her arresting officer and she isn’t all that comfortable with him but all goes well. He seems to feel badly for Tara having to serve time away from her family. Does he have any secrets of his own?
Tara returns home to her brother, Eddie who she dearly loves along with his son Connor and her sister Geraldine. In the months that Tara has been gone Geraldine has become even more of a rule enforcer – there also seems to be something else troubling her but Tara can’t get her to share anything.
There is a lot of history with this family, their mother died when they were quite young and their father left them, leaving Geraldine to raise her siblings at the age of about 15.
Things start to get better for Tara, she finds a great job working as a graphic designer using the talents that she has for creating graphic comics. She even finds a love interest in the most unlikely of places!!
She still has some unresolved issues including who was sending her money while she was in prison?? How can she finally rid herself of the drug dealer who wants her to work for him??
Just when things are going great – the family hits another roadblock. One of them has done some illegal “moving around” of money which could land Tara back in jail through no fault of her own.
That’s all of the plot I will share to avoid any spoilers.
I found so many things to do so that I could continue to listen to this audiobook. I loved the characters so much and wanted only the best for them.
The novel touches on themes of family, drug trafficking, forgiveness, found family and mostly LOVE!! Together this family seems to be able to overcome all of the obstacles that life throws at them!!
I can highly recommend this book to everyone!! Great story, wonderful relatable characters with writing that flows seamlessly!!
I received an advanced audiobook copy from the publisher, Celadon and MacMillan audio through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to listen to and review this title.
January 16, 2024
**Many thanks to NetGalley, @CeladonBooks, and Tracey Lange for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 8.1!!**
"Because he was hoping to save Tara, just like in Mom's fairy tale. But in the fairy tale they had all saved each other."
Tara is finally free: she's done her time in a prison called Taconic, and is aching to get back to the real world outside the walls of confinement. But Tara knows that with a drug charge and prison time on her record forever, finding a new way of life won't be easy. She was formerly an art teacher and has kept her skills sharp by making drawings for the kids of some of her fellow inmates...but with a criminal record, teaching art is out of the question. Will anyone take a chance on her...or will she be forced to take a job befitting of her troubled past?
Aside from her employment woes, going back home means moving back in with her family: high strung accounting whiz Geraldine, who has always kept the family together but may finally be in a BIT over her head, and Eddie, Tara's brother who suffered a traumatic brain injury years ago. Despite his limitations, Eddie still gives his all at his construction job AND tries his hardest be a good father to his adorable son, Connor. While Tara looks at her nephew as though he were her own son, Connor's real mom Andrea is still in the wings of the Connelly's lives also...meaning her drug dealer isn't far behind.
But when the handsome cop who initially arrested Tara offers to drive her home from prison...and keeps showing up on her doorstep...what could he possibly want now? Is he simply trying to get more information about the misdeeds in Tara's past and figure out the secrets that bind the Connellys together? Or is he on a quest to really KNOW Tara ...even better than she knows herself?
Though I had the misfortune to miss out on Lange's debut We Are the Brennans, after reading countless rave reviews, I considered Lange a must-read author and was VERY excited to get the chance to read an early copy of this one... and now I see what the hype was all about! The first couple of chapters in this one felt a bit slow and wordy to me, while Lange was establishing character...but by the end of chapter 3, I was COMPLETELY hooked! There are plenty of thriller-esque just-one-more-chapter endings to Lange's chapters...so consider yourself warned! 😉
The Connelly family is so beautifully penned, and each character and side character not only has RELEVANCE, but feels fresh off the pages of life itself. Lange doesn't waste a word or a moment; you get a very early sense of who these characters are early on, but at the same time, as the story unfolds, these truly feel like friends that you've gotten to know over several YEARS, with all the frustration and joy that comes with TRULY knowing the good, bad, and ugly about someone you love unconditionally. While teeny parts of the plot might have been predictable, there is so much about these characters (particularly Tara) that will surprise you. If you loved Mare in Mare of Easttown (a simply PHENOMENAL show you need to drop everything and watch RIGHT NOW if you haven't already) I promise you will LOVE Tara. So much about this book reminded me of that dysfunctional family and the ebbs and flows of their relationships in the wake of trauma and strife.
Lange also captures some of the feelings of unresolved frustration between children who are abandoned by their parents and subsequently had to grow up too fast: the matriarch of the Connelly clan passed away when the children were young, and their father flat-out abandoned them. Before she passed, though, their mother used to tell the children a magical tale about the Connellys of County Down, where each member of the family has magical powers that could save them....IF they can only dig deep enough to rediscover them. Between these journeys of exploration as a family unit and Tara's own personal journey towards self-love, acceptance, and trust, the narrative is full to bursting with emotional tension, highs and lows, and the reader has no choice but to be swept away with the current..and despite the bumps, it's a lovely and touching journey.
Though the Connelly clan might have started their journey living in the fairy tale world that seemed far beyond their reach, by story's end they come to realize that Hans Christian Anderson might have summed it up best:"Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale." 🧚♀️
4.5 stars
#CeladonReads #TheConnellysofCountyDown
Nominated for Best Fiction in the Goodreads Choice Awards!
"Because he was hoping to save Tara, just like in Mom's fairy tale. But in the fairy tale they had all saved each other."
Tara is finally free: she's done her time in a prison called Taconic, and is aching to get back to the real world outside the walls of confinement. But Tara knows that with a drug charge and prison time on her record forever, finding a new way of life won't be easy. She was formerly an art teacher and has kept her skills sharp by making drawings for the kids of some of her fellow inmates...but with a criminal record, teaching art is out of the question. Will anyone take a chance on her...or will she be forced to take a job befitting of her troubled past?
Aside from her employment woes, going back home means moving back in with her family: high strung accounting whiz Geraldine, who has always kept the family together but may finally be in a BIT over her head, and Eddie, Tara's brother who suffered a traumatic brain injury years ago. Despite his limitations, Eddie still gives his all at his construction job AND tries his hardest be a good father to his adorable son, Connor. While Tara looks at her nephew as though he were her own son, Connor's real mom Andrea is still in the wings of the Connelly's lives also...meaning her drug dealer isn't far behind.
But when the handsome cop who initially arrested Tara offers to drive her home from prison...and keeps showing up on her doorstep...what could he possibly want now? Is he simply trying to get more information about the misdeeds in Tara's past and figure out the secrets that bind the Connellys together? Or is he on a quest to really KNOW Tara ...even better than she knows herself?
Though I had the misfortune to miss out on Lange's debut We Are the Brennans, after reading countless rave reviews, I considered Lange a must-read author and was VERY excited to get the chance to read an early copy of this one... and now I see what the hype was all about! The first couple of chapters in this one felt a bit slow and wordy to me, while Lange was establishing character...but by the end of chapter 3, I was COMPLETELY hooked! There are plenty of thriller-esque just-one-more-chapter endings to Lange's chapters...so consider yourself warned! 😉
The Connelly family is so beautifully penned, and each character and side character not only has RELEVANCE, but feels fresh off the pages of life itself. Lange doesn't waste a word or a moment; you get a very early sense of who these characters are early on, but at the same time, as the story unfolds, these truly feel like friends that you've gotten to know over several YEARS, with all the frustration and joy that comes with TRULY knowing the good, bad, and ugly about someone you love unconditionally. While teeny parts of the plot might have been predictable, there is so much about these characters (particularly Tara) that will surprise you. If you loved Mare in Mare of Easttown (a simply PHENOMENAL show you need to drop everything and watch RIGHT NOW if you haven't already) I promise you will LOVE Tara. So much about this book reminded me of that dysfunctional family and the ebbs and flows of their relationships in the wake of trauma and strife.
Lange also captures some of the feelings of unresolved frustration between children who are abandoned by their parents and subsequently had to grow up too fast: the matriarch of the Connelly clan passed away when the children were young, and their father flat-out abandoned them. Before she passed, though, their mother used to tell the children a magical tale about the Connellys of County Down, where each member of the family has magical powers that could save them....IF they can only dig deep enough to rediscover them. Between these journeys of exploration as a family unit and Tara's own personal journey towards self-love, acceptance, and trust, the narrative is full to bursting with emotional tension, highs and lows, and the reader has no choice but to be swept away with the current..and despite the bumps, it's a lovely and touching journey.
Though the Connelly clan might have started their journey living in the fairy tale world that seemed far beyond their reach, by story's end they come to realize that Hans Christian Anderson might have summed it up best:"Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale." 🧚♀️
4.5 stars
#CeladonReads #TheConnellysofCountyDown
Nominated for Best Fiction in the Goodreads Choice Awards!
July 21, 2023
4.5🌟
I love a family drama, and this latest by Tracey Lange absolutely delivered!💃
Tara Connelly is about to be released from prison and placed on probation. After eighteen months behind bars for a charge she’s eager to put her life back together and move forward.
When neither of her siblings show up to take her home she reluctantly accepts a ride with the detective instrumental in putting her behind bars. So many questions! Why was he at the prison at the precise moment she was released? What does he want from her now? And most importantly…can she trust him?
After losing their parents as youngsters the three Connelly children banded together, becoming as tight a family as they come. Eddie, suffering from a brain injury is raising his son Conner (loved him and his cute jokes💙). Geraldine, the oldest is trying to keep the family together.
So you would naturally assume that given her track-record of doing time in prison, young sister Tara would be the black sheep of the family. Oh come on! Then where where would we find all the juicy family drama?!
I listened to the audio and absolutely loved every minute.
Thank you to Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio via NetGalley
I love a family drama, and this latest by Tracey Lange absolutely delivered!💃
Tara Connelly is about to be released from prison and placed on probation. After eighteen months behind bars for a charge she’s eager to put her life back together and move forward.
When neither of her siblings show up to take her home she reluctantly accepts a ride with the detective instrumental in putting her behind bars. So many questions! Why was he at the prison at the precise moment she was released? What does he want from her now? And most importantly…can she trust him?
After losing their parents as youngsters the three Connelly children banded together, becoming as tight a family as they come. Eddie, suffering from a brain injury is raising his son Conner (loved him and his cute jokes💙). Geraldine, the oldest is trying to keep the family together.
So you would naturally assume that given her track-record of doing time in prison, young sister Tara would be the black sheep of the family. Oh come on! Then where where would we find all the juicy family drama?!
I listened to the audio and absolutely loved every minute.
Thank you to Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio via NetGalley
July 1, 2023
Tracey Lange follows up We Are the Brennans with another character rich novel, The Connellys of County Down. Both are fabulous books and I will gladly read anything that Lange writes.
The Connellys are three siblings - oldest sister Geraldine, who is drowning in anxiety from the secrets she’s keeping; Eddie, a single father dealing with a traumatic brain and injury; and baby, Tara, who’s just gotten out of prison having served an 18 month sentence on a drug trafficking charge. Each has made mistakes but I was rooting for each of them to forge ahead. Because underneath their faults and weaknesses, there is love, sacrifice and loyalty. Shame also figured prominently as the reason so many of those faulty decisions were made. “Well congratulations Connellys, you are a normal, healthy screwed up family.”
Kudos to Lange. Not just the main characters were fully fleshed out and believable, so were the secondary and even tertiary characters.
Lange keeps up the tension as each sibling deals with their secrets. Chapters alternate between the three siblings and Brian, allowing us to see the secrets they’re hiding from their loved ones. I thought it was pretty obvious why Tara had remained silent and gone to prison. But still, I tore through this book, desperate to see how it would play out.
I listened to this. Barrie Kreinik did a great job.
My thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this audiobook.
The Connellys are three siblings - oldest sister Geraldine, who is drowning in anxiety from the secrets she’s keeping; Eddie, a single father dealing with a traumatic brain and injury; and baby, Tara, who’s just gotten out of prison having served an 18 month sentence on a drug trafficking charge. Each has made mistakes but I was rooting for each of them to forge ahead. Because underneath their faults and weaknesses, there is love, sacrifice and loyalty. Shame also figured prominently as the reason so many of those faulty decisions were made. “Well congratulations Connellys, you are a normal, healthy screwed up family.”
Kudos to Lange. Not just the main characters were fully fleshed out and believable, so were the secondary and even tertiary characters.
Lange keeps up the tension as each sibling deals with their secrets. Chapters alternate between the three siblings and Brian, allowing us to see the secrets they’re hiding from their loved ones. I thought it was pretty obvious why Tara had remained silent and gone to prison. But still, I tore through this book, desperate to see how it would play out.
I listened to this. Barrie Kreinik did a great job.
My thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this audiobook.
September 21, 2023
3.75 - 4 Stars
I am a sucker for family dramas and I really enjoyed We Are the Brennans, so this was a no-brainer selection for me when it popped up as one of my Book of the Month choices for August (I think it was August).
Anyway, as I was saying...I love family dramas and, based on this and Brennans, Tracey Lange seems to write them really well. The distorted sibling dynamic that is created when a parent is really ill and/or eventually passes is legit and I think Lange did a really fantastic job of capturing that.
I will definitely pick up her next book.
I am a sucker for family dramas and I really enjoyed We Are the Brennans, so this was a no-brainer selection for me when it popped up as one of my Book of the Month choices for August (I think it was August).
Anyway, as I was saying...I love family dramas and, based on this and Brennans, Tracey Lange seems to write them really well. The distorted sibling dynamic that is created when a parent is really ill and/or eventually passes is legit and I think Lange did a really fantastic job of capturing that.
I will definitely pick up her next book.
July 17, 2023
I just don’t feel like I’m reading the same books as everyone else lately… 😔 I was looking forward to this book as I loved the author’s debut, “We Are the Brennans”- in which I devoured that book. “The Connellys of County Down” just didn’t grab me in quite the same way. This book read super slooooow, and I felt like I waited forever for any big reveal to come to surface.
In this story we learn about the three Connelly siblings- Geraldine, Tara, and Eddie. Each sibling has their own traumas and problems that they are dealing with. Geraldine, being the oldest, was left in charge of taking care of Tara and Eddie growing up. She has had so many responsibilities her whole life, that she is finally reaching her breaking point.
Tara, having just been released from prison has to start over again. She also finds that she may be disrupting Geraldine’s strict routines and structure that goes on in the house.
Eddie, after being involved in a terrible car crash when he was fourteen years old has to deal with the horrible after effects of that day. He’s also a single father to his son, Conor.
What I found with each of these characters was that they were each living in survival mode- perhaps not making the best choices in life. I also found that no matter what- they had unconditional love for each other, and that’s not something that we see or hear about every day.
Although I did not like this book as much as the author’s debut, I still find myself thinking of each of the characters. I also still recommend this book, as I think that it is one that will stay with you after you have finished reading. Plus, others have enjoyed this one much more than I did.
In this story we learn about the three Connelly siblings- Geraldine, Tara, and Eddie. Each sibling has their own traumas and problems that they are dealing with. Geraldine, being the oldest, was left in charge of taking care of Tara and Eddie growing up. She has had so many responsibilities her whole life, that she is finally reaching her breaking point.
Tara, having just been released from prison has to start over again. She also finds that she may be disrupting Geraldine’s strict routines and structure that goes on in the house.
Eddie, after being involved in a terrible car crash when he was fourteen years old has to deal with the horrible after effects of that day. He’s also a single father to his son, Conor.
What I found with each of these characters was that they were each living in survival mode- perhaps not making the best choices in life. I also found that no matter what- they had unconditional love for each other, and that’s not something that we see or hear about every day.
Although I did not like this book as much as the author’s debut, I still find myself thinking of each of the characters. I also still recommend this book, as I think that it is one that will stay with you after you have finished reading. Plus, others have enjoyed this one much more than I did.
September 3, 2023
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.
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.
January 17, 2025
Okay, I wrote the book. But I also just listened to it, and Barrie Kreinik was amazing! So I feel justified in my rating :)
August 1, 2023
8/1/23: Happy Publication Day - reposting because I really enjoyed this book :D
I love character-centric novels, and Tracey Lange is quickly becoming my favorite author of this genre. I really enjoyed We Are the Brennans so I was excited to get an ARC for her second novel. Both books are set in the same town, but it's not a series.
The Connellys feel like a real fully developed family albeit a dysfunctional one. There's Tara who just got released from prison, her older brother Eddie is a single dad dealing with a brain injury, and her older sister Geraldine is a bossy control freak. Some times siblings are hard to get along with, and these siblings definitely have a lot going on. Come here for the family drama, and stay for the cute kid jokes.
I did have some small complaints but they are spoilers:
I received an audiobook ARC for free from Netgalley but this did not impact my review or rating.
I love character-centric novels, and Tracey Lange is quickly becoming my favorite author of this genre. I really enjoyed We Are the Brennans so I was excited to get an ARC for her second novel. Both books are set in the same town, but it's not a series.
The Connellys feel like a real fully developed family albeit a dysfunctional one. There's Tara who just got released from prison, her older brother Eddie is a single dad dealing with a brain injury, and her older sister Geraldine is a bossy control freak. Some times siblings are hard to get along with, and these siblings definitely have a lot going on. Come here for the family drama, and stay for the cute kid jokes.
I did have some small complaints but they are spoilers:
I received an audiobook ARC for free from Netgalley but this did not impact my review or rating.
July 24, 2023
Listened to this one as an audiobook and was not disappointed. I loved Lange's debut We Are the Brennans, and this one was well written and interesting too. This author's strength is definitely writing about family issues and family loyalty.
Tara Connelly is just being released after spending eighteen months in prison for drug trafficking. The police didn't really want to arrest her, they were more interested in the person she was working for, but Tara wouldn't talk. Now she's out and moving back home with her sister Geraldine, her brother Eddie, who suffered from a brain injury a number of years ago, and his son Connor. Tara has to get used to being on the outside again and needs to find something to do with her life. But the secrets that all of the family members hold are threatening to all come into the light, no matter how much they want to keep them hidden.
I could really identify with Tara, and honestly, all of the characters in this book are very relatable. They are flawed, yet love each other intensely and are very protective of one another even at their own peril sometimes. Geraldine made me very angry, although I did gain some understanding as to her issues and what was driving her to do the things she did.
One of Lange's strengths is that she can tell a full story without wasting words, without endless description and repetition. It's a straightforward tale that never gets bogged down. Barrie Kreinik's narration helped as well, because she is a calm narrator who doesn't get overly dramatic with her voicing and that is exactly the type of story this is.
If you're looking for an interesting and engaging family drama, then be sure to check this one out.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Tara Connelly is just being released after spending eighteen months in prison for drug trafficking. The police didn't really want to arrest her, they were more interested in the person she was working for, but Tara wouldn't talk. Now she's out and moving back home with her sister Geraldine, her brother Eddie, who suffered from a brain injury a number of years ago, and his son Connor. Tara has to get used to being on the outside again and needs to find something to do with her life. But the secrets that all of the family members hold are threatening to all come into the light, no matter how much they want to keep them hidden.
I could really identify with Tara, and honestly, all of the characters in this book are very relatable. They are flawed, yet love each other intensely and are very protective of one another even at their own peril sometimes. Geraldine made me very angry, although I did gain some understanding as to her issues and what was driving her to do the things she did.
One of Lange's strengths is that she can tell a full story without wasting words, without endless description and repetition. It's a straightforward tale that never gets bogged down. Barrie Kreinik's narration helped as well, because she is a calm narrator who doesn't get overly dramatic with her voicing and that is exactly the type of story this is.
If you're looking for an interesting and engaging family drama, then be sure to check this one out.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
October 29, 2023
A story of three adult siblings.., Tara, Eddie, and Geraldine …. The Connellys… who live in a suburb of New York.
Their mother died when they were young and then their dad took off and left them.
They lived a tough childhood which has followed them into adulthood.. they’ve only ever had each other.
Tara is just being released from prison on an 18 month sentence for delivering drugs when the story begins.
All is not as it seems to be.
This story is about loyalty.. sibling affection, and you’ll be cheering for these three underdogs.
A character driven novel..
Their mother died when they were young and then their dad took off and left them.
They lived a tough childhood which has followed them into adulthood.. they’ve only ever had each other.
Tara is just being released from prison on an 18 month sentence for delivering drugs when the story begins.
All is not as it seems to be.
This story is about loyalty.. sibling affection, and you’ll be cheering for these three underdogs.
A character driven novel..
June 10, 2023
I absolutely loved Tracey Lange’s debut novel, We Are The Brennan’s so needless to say I was very excited to dive into her upcoming release, The Connelly’s of County Down.
After serving 18 months in prison on a drug trafficking charge, Tara Connelly has just been released. With no money and no job, Tara will have to move in with her family home with her brother and sister until she gets back on her feet.
Tara’s brother Eddie is a single dad who struggles with the aftermath of a brain injury he sustained years ago. Tara’s sister Geraldine maintains the facade of calm and perfection but underneath, she’s falling apart.
While Tara works to rebuild her life and keep her family together, a Connelly family secret emerges and threatens to destroy Tara’s future. The Connelly’s must come clean or risk losing each other forever.
The Connelly’s was another phenomenal family drama by Tracey Lange! Tracey pulls the reader into the family’s lives and makes you feel as if you know them. I enjoy reading plot-driven stories for entertainment but character-driven books will always be my favorite. The Connelly’s of County Down was a perfect reminder of my love of character-driven fiction!
The main theme of this story is the unwavering and unconditional love of family. The lengths we go to protect those we love, even when we don't agree with them.
If you decide to give this one a try, I highly recommend the audiobook. Just like We Are The Brennans, the audiobook of The Connelly’s of County Down is also narrated by the amazing Barrie Kreinik.
The Connelly’s of County Down by Tracey Lange will be available on August 1 in all formats. Many thanks to Macmillan Audio, Celadon Books, and Netgalley for the gifted audiobook!
After serving 18 months in prison on a drug trafficking charge, Tara Connelly has just been released. With no money and no job, Tara will have to move in with her family home with her brother and sister until she gets back on her feet.
Tara’s brother Eddie is a single dad who struggles with the aftermath of a brain injury he sustained years ago. Tara’s sister Geraldine maintains the facade of calm and perfection but underneath, she’s falling apart.
While Tara works to rebuild her life and keep her family together, a Connelly family secret emerges and threatens to destroy Tara’s future. The Connelly’s must come clean or risk losing each other forever.
The Connelly’s was another phenomenal family drama by Tracey Lange! Tracey pulls the reader into the family’s lives and makes you feel as if you know them. I enjoy reading plot-driven stories for entertainment but character-driven books will always be my favorite. The Connelly’s of County Down was a perfect reminder of my love of character-driven fiction!
The main theme of this story is the unwavering and unconditional love of family. The lengths we go to protect those we love, even when we don't agree with them.
If you decide to give this one a try, I highly recommend the audiobook. Just like We Are The Brennans, the audiobook of The Connelly’s of County Down is also narrated by the amazing Barrie Kreinik.
The Connelly’s of County Down by Tracey Lange will be available on August 1 in all formats. Many thanks to Macmillan Audio, Celadon Books, and Netgalley for the gifted audiobook!
August 12, 2023
I really was eager to read about the Connelly Family. Tara is just about to be released from prison on a drug trafficking charge and is going to stay with her older sister, Geraldine and her younger brother, Eddie. She also has a young nephew, Conor who is Eddie’s son.
Although, the sibling do all love each other, there is clearly much tension and resentment that has built over time. Geraldine has always had to be the responsible one since her mother died at a young age and their father left the family. Eddie, suffered a brain injury years ago after being in a car accident. It is clear that this transition is not going to be an easy one for any of the siblings.
Their mother had always told them a fairy tale called The Connellys of County Down when they were kids that Tara, a talented artist uses to make comics with. However, she can’t remember the full story or which superpower each child had that saved them all.
Change and understanding come in unexpected ways. Tara is not the only one in need of help as it was very hard on each of the siblings having to be on their own so young. They are deeply connected by this loss, but is it possible to really come together again? Perhaps, each has a true chance to redefine life on happier terms.
Tracey Lange again uses the power of love and family in such a moving way. It is a reminder that the way we go through life is dependent on our perspective of those we grew up with. That perspective can change though if we try to really understand others we love. It is difficult, but ultimately it may be what truly saves us.
I listened to this on Audio and really enjoyed the story. I could easily listen and would recommend this Audio highly.
Thank you NetGalley, Tracey Lange, and Macmillan Audio for granting me a copy of this Audio Book. I always reviews of books I read.
Although, the sibling do all love each other, there is clearly much tension and resentment that has built over time. Geraldine has always had to be the responsible one since her mother died at a young age and their father left the family. Eddie, suffered a brain injury years ago after being in a car accident. It is clear that this transition is not going to be an easy one for any of the siblings.
Their mother had always told them a fairy tale called The Connellys of County Down when they were kids that Tara, a talented artist uses to make comics with. However, she can’t remember the full story or which superpower each child had that saved them all.
Change and understanding come in unexpected ways. Tara is not the only one in need of help as it was very hard on each of the siblings having to be on their own so young. They are deeply connected by this loss, but is it possible to really come together again? Perhaps, each has a true chance to redefine life on happier terms.
Tracey Lange again uses the power of love and family in such a moving way. It is a reminder that the way we go through life is dependent on our perspective of those we grew up with. That perspective can change though if we try to really understand others we love. It is difficult, but ultimately it may be what truly saves us.
I listened to this on Audio and really enjoyed the story. I could easily listen and would recommend this Audio highly.
Thank you NetGalley, Tracey Lange, and Macmillan Audio for granting me a copy of this Audio Book. I always reviews of books I read.
April 20, 2023
This is a wonderful family drama that kept me glued to the pages until the very end. The characters were rich and vibrant even as they were also flawed. The book starts with Tara on the morning she is being released from prison. Tara says good bye to her cellmate, who was also her friend, and is ready to head home and see her family. But family is incredibly complicated and from the first moments out of her cell things don’t go exactly as planned. The story shifts perspectives and shows a little about Tara’s brother Eddie and sister Geraldine as well as the cop who put her in prison when she wouldn’t give up the man she was caught running drugs for. I did find the big twists to be pretty predictable, but they were still excellent. A wonderful portrayal of a family and their struggles. I loved Tracey Lange’s last book, but this one was even better.
May 30, 2023
This wasn't my bag--I wanted to get behind it because of all the buzz around her first book We Are the Brennans, but I found the MC to be a trope of the good girl, flawed heroine who was dopey and too good hearted/earnest to be real. As for the detective, I am all here for this breaking rules for love and I can even twist my morals to get behind the romanticizing of the troublesome power dynamic that arises with the nature of the relationship between parolee and arresting officer, but god is this cop dumb. That's what I can't tolerate--all the lack of foresight that is written into this character continually setting up the plot points for sabotaging his own love interests future. It made me feel like the author is underestimating the intelligence of her characters and her readers. The narrator was excellent and provided an engaging performance that carried me through. 2/5 stars
December 1, 2025
Lange is one of my newest discoveries in 2025. I just love how she weaves relationships and slowly unravels reasons behind why things are the way they are!
So when our MC gets released from prison, she tries to pick up the pieces of her life; her elder sister seems to be hiding a secret not just from the family, but also her boss. And her elder brother is trying to raise his son while dealing with medical issues and low esteem.
Then at the end we finally discover the reason for our MCs incarceration!
Beautiful story!!!
Solid 4 stars !!!!
So when our MC gets released from prison, she tries to pick up the pieces of her life; her elder sister seems to be hiding a secret not just from the family, but also her boss. And her elder brother is trying to raise his son while dealing with medical issues and low esteem.
Then at the end we finally discover the reason for our MCs incarceration!
Beautiful story!!!
Solid 4 stars !!!!
December 8, 2023
Great sophomore novel!
The Connellys of County Down follows 3 siblings.
Tara Connelly: Tara has been serving time in prison for the last eighteen months for trafficking drugs. Tara was an art teacher but she won't be able to return to her job. She will need to start her life all over again. Without a place to call her own and without money, she will need to stay at their childhood home with her other 2 siblings and her nephew.
When her sister, Geraldine is not there to pick her up, she is offered a ride home by Brian Nolan. Brian is one of the two cops who arrested her. Why is he there?
Eddie Connelly: He had a traumatic brain injury many years ago but he's still dealing with the sequela of his trauma. He gets debilitating headaches. Eddie has a son, Connor who lives with him after his mother left them.
Geraldine Connelly: She likes rules and tries to keep the house running. She feels responsible for her family. She is also very stressed at work and in reality, being overwhelmed is a better way to describe her.
I love the dynamics of the main characters brought to life by Tracey Lange. Despite being flawed characters, it was hard not to root for a good outcome for all of them. The Connellys had not been treated well by life and you wanted a win for them.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Celadon Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
The Connellys of County Down follows 3 siblings.
Tara Connelly: Tara has been serving time in prison for the last eighteen months for trafficking drugs. Tara was an art teacher but she won't be able to return to her job. She will need to start her life all over again. Without a place to call her own and without money, she will need to stay at their childhood home with her other 2 siblings and her nephew.
When her sister, Geraldine is not there to pick her up, she is offered a ride home by Brian Nolan. Brian is one of the two cops who arrested her. Why is he there?
Eddie Connelly: He had a traumatic brain injury many years ago but he's still dealing with the sequela of his trauma. He gets debilitating headaches. Eddie has a son, Connor who lives with him after his mother left them.
Geraldine Connelly: She likes rules and tries to keep the house running. She feels responsible for her family. She is also very stressed at work and in reality, being overwhelmed is a better way to describe her.
I love the dynamics of the main characters brought to life by Tracey Lange. Despite being flawed characters, it was hard not to root for a good outcome for all of them. The Connellys had not been treated well by life and you wanted a win for them.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Celadon Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
September 10, 2023
The Connellys of County Down was the second book I had the pleasure of reading by Tracey Lange. Just like her first book, We are the Brennans, The Connellys of County Down was about family. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated by Barrie Kreinik. Her narration was well done. I always enjoy listening to Barrie Kreinik. She has become one of my favorite narrators. The characters were well developed and quite believable. I was drawn into the story immediately and it held my attention until the very end.
The Connelly family was not your typical family. Geraldine, Eddie and Tara lost their mother when they were young. Their father was involved in criminal activity and abandoned his children shortly after their mother died. Geraldine, the oldest, assumed responsibility for caring and bringing up her two younger siblings. Shortly before their father left them, Eddie was in an automobile accident. The accident greatly impacted Eddie’s life. It left him with a brain injury.
Present day, Tara, the youngest Connelly at thirty years old, was being released from prison where she served an eighteen month sentence for a drug charge. As Tara walked out of the prison, she expected that either Geraldine or Eddie would be there to take her home but neither one was there. Instead, Tara discovered Brian Nolan, the police detective who helped put her in prison, was waiting outside the prison. He offered to drive Tara home. Why was he there and at the exact time of her release? With no other options, Tara allowed Brian to drive her home.
When Tara arrived home, she found that the house was empty. When her siblings finally arrived home, Tara was taken aback by how domineering Geraldine still appeared to be even though Eddie and she were adults now. As Tara settled back into her family home and began to involve herself with the logistics of restarting her life, she quickly discovered that that all was not as it appeared to be. Her sister and brother were both harboring secrets. Those secrets threatened the balance and well being of her family. Tara took it upon herself to learn what secrets her family members were trying to hide and to try and fix whatever problems they were facing. Could Tara get her brother and sister to open up to her? Would she be able to discover what was going on before it was too late?
Tracey Lange wove together a family drama with a romance that was destined to be. She sprinkled in elements of surprise, crimes, action, drugs, secrets, sibling relationships, loyalty and obsessions. The Connellys of County Down was a character based novel. Each character was well developed and believable. I really enjoyed the relationship Tara had with Eddie’s son Connor. I found it touching that Tara, although the youngest, tried to take her sibling’s problems and make them her own. She was determined to make sure their lives were secure even if it meant upsetting her own. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Connellys of County Down and recommend it highly.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen the audiobook of The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Connelly family was not your typical family. Geraldine, Eddie and Tara lost their mother when they were young. Their father was involved in criminal activity and abandoned his children shortly after their mother died. Geraldine, the oldest, assumed responsibility for caring and bringing up her two younger siblings. Shortly before their father left them, Eddie was in an automobile accident. The accident greatly impacted Eddie’s life. It left him with a brain injury.
Present day, Tara, the youngest Connelly at thirty years old, was being released from prison where she served an eighteen month sentence for a drug charge. As Tara walked out of the prison, she expected that either Geraldine or Eddie would be there to take her home but neither one was there. Instead, Tara discovered Brian Nolan, the police detective who helped put her in prison, was waiting outside the prison. He offered to drive Tara home. Why was he there and at the exact time of her release? With no other options, Tara allowed Brian to drive her home.
When Tara arrived home, she found that the house was empty. When her siblings finally arrived home, Tara was taken aback by how domineering Geraldine still appeared to be even though Eddie and she were adults now. As Tara settled back into her family home and began to involve herself with the logistics of restarting her life, she quickly discovered that that all was not as it appeared to be. Her sister and brother were both harboring secrets. Those secrets threatened the balance and well being of her family. Tara took it upon herself to learn what secrets her family members were trying to hide and to try and fix whatever problems they were facing. Could Tara get her brother and sister to open up to her? Would she be able to discover what was going on before it was too late?
Tracey Lange wove together a family drama with a romance that was destined to be. She sprinkled in elements of surprise, crimes, action, drugs, secrets, sibling relationships, loyalty and obsessions. The Connellys of County Down was a character based novel. Each character was well developed and believable. I really enjoyed the relationship Tara had with Eddie’s son Connor. I found it touching that Tara, although the youngest, tried to take her sibling’s problems and make them her own. She was determined to make sure their lives were secure even if it meant upsetting her own. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Connellys of County Down and recommend it highly.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen the audiobook of The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2023
Tara is released from prison after spending 18months for a drug charge. After she’s released she needs to rebuild her life and return to her sisters home.
This book could have been AMAZING but it wasn’t. Every character was unlikable and one dimensional. There isn’t a whole lot that happens in the book so you need strong complex characters, which this didn’t have. I am so disappointed at how ridiculous this book is. The cop that arrested Tara 18 months ago, picks her up from prison to drive her home to “apologize” for bringing this “good girl” down. Then he was anonymously putting money into her prison account which she later finds out about. Now let me tell you she may have been covering for someone else so they didn’t get in trouble but SHE DID THE CRIME! So, she’s not innocent! Also, can we talk about what she did? Her brother is the drug dealer mule and when he had a massive migraine she did the drop off for him!!! Like wtf.. did I read that right? Meanwhile the cop is trying to get in her pants, which the love between those two is so damn ridiculous. I could rant forever but this story was ridiculous and not in a good way. Pass on this one.
2 ⭐️ ⭐️
This book could have been AMAZING but it wasn’t. Every character was unlikable and one dimensional. There isn’t a whole lot that happens in the book so you need strong complex characters, which this didn’t have. I am so disappointed at how ridiculous this book is. The cop that arrested Tara 18 months ago, picks her up from prison to drive her home to “apologize” for bringing this “good girl” down. Then he was anonymously putting money into her prison account which she later finds out about. Now let me tell you she may have been covering for someone else so they didn’t get in trouble but SHE DID THE CRIME! So, she’s not innocent! Also, can we talk about what she did? Her brother is the drug dealer mule and when he had a massive migraine she did the drop off for him!!! Like wtf.. did I read that right? Meanwhile the cop is trying to get in her pants, which the love between those two is so damn ridiculous. I could rant forever but this story was ridiculous and not in a good way. Pass on this one.
2 ⭐️ ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2023
In The Connellys of County Down, Tara is released from prison after serving 18 months for a drug trafficking charge. At 30, with limited money and options, she returns home to live with her siblings Geraldine and Eddie, and Eddie’s son, Connor. Geraldine is a rule follower and enjoys routine. Eddie is a single dad who struggles with long-term side effects of a brain injury from his past. The Connelly siblings had a rough upbringing and as this story progresses, it’s clear they’re each dealing with their own problems and secrets.
As Tara attempts to rebuild her life and her relationships with family, she also keeps encountering Brian Nolan, the cop who put her in prison. Tara is wary at first but as they continue to interact, her feelings toward Brian start to shift.
When the Connelly siblings’ secrets look like they may be revealed, Geraldine, Eddie, and Tara must each decide if they will share their truths or risk losing everything.
I really enjoyed Lange’s debut We Are the Brennans two years ago and liked The Connellys of County Down just as much! Lange is a pro at writing family drama and I was rooting for Tara throughout this story.
As Tara attempts to rebuild her life and her relationships with family, she also keeps encountering Brian Nolan, the cop who put her in prison. Tara is wary at first but as they continue to interact, her feelings toward Brian start to shift.
When the Connelly siblings’ secrets look like they may be revealed, Geraldine, Eddie, and Tara must each decide if they will share their truths or risk losing everything.
I really enjoyed Lange’s debut We Are the Brennans two years ago and liked The Connellys of County Down just as much! Lange is a pro at writing family drama and I was rooting for Tara throughout this story.
April 3, 2023
This tender novel about a family of siblings from Port Chester, New York has all the feels. Tara, an ex-prisoner, is a wonderful heroine. She's complex, generous, talented, and flawed. Her siblings are just as interesting. Many complicated issues are addressed in this book, including the challenges of rehabilitation after incarceration, the damages caused by secrets, living with a traumatic brain injury, the loss of parents at an early age, and so much more. But more than anything, this is a novel about family, secrets, and the love that binds.
July 11, 2023
This was the longest short book I’ve ever read .
July 23, 2023
I loved this book. This is the second book I've read by Tracey Lange and I think she has a great writing style. Her characters are flawed, but generally realistic. I love the family relationships and the issues that she includes. They all seem like it could actually happen and the decisions the characters make trying to rectify the situations are often just bad choices made from good intentions. People are often trying to protect other people and do the right thing, but end up making mistakes.
In this novel, we meet the Connelly siblings and a few other characters. The Connellys had a difficult childhood, but make it through by depending on and taking care of each other. Each sibling has their own struggles as adults due to their history. One of my favorite parts in the story was the jokes from Connor, the nephew of our main character, Tara. He was adorable and I laughed out loud at some of those silly jokes.
This audio version of this book was narrated by Barrie Kreinik who did a wonderful job and is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrators. I would definitely recommend the audio if you enjoy audios, but the paper version was wonderful too.
Super fun little tidbit - This story takes place in the same town as We Are the Brennans and two of the characters in this story go to Brennans, the family’s pub from the previous book. I loved that little connection.
Thank you to Bookish for a complimentary paper copy and to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic audio copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
In this novel, we meet the Connelly siblings and a few other characters. The Connellys had a difficult childhood, but make it through by depending on and taking care of each other. Each sibling has their own struggles as adults due to their history. One of my favorite parts in the story was the jokes from Connor, the nephew of our main character, Tara. He was adorable and I laughed out loud at some of those silly jokes.
This audio version of this book was narrated by Barrie Kreinik who did a wonderful job and is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrators. I would definitely recommend the audio if you enjoy audios, but the paper version was wonderful too.
Super fun little tidbit - This story takes place in the same town as We Are the Brennans and two of the characters in this story go to Brennans, the family’s pub from the previous book. I loved that little connection.
Thank you to Bookish for a complimentary paper copy and to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic audio copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 15, 2023
I enjoyed Tracey Lange's debut novel, We are the Brennans, so I was eager to get my hands on a copy of her latest novel, The Connellys of County Down. After a somewhat slow start, I soon found my reading groove and began to appreciate what this family drama had to offer. Such a popular genre, yet the author managed to go into less traveled territory with the characters.
Tara Connelly has spent the last eighteen months in prison. Now that she has been released, she moves back home to live with her sister, brother, and young nephew. One big happy family, right? Well, not exactly.
The story follows the three siblings as well as the police officer, Brian, who worked on Tara's case. I found myself drawn to Geraldine's storyline the most although all the characters brought something interesting to the table. Geraldine's arc was handled with sensitivity and I walked away with some valuable insight on the subject.
Even though there are bleak and heartbreaking moments in the lives of the characters, pay attention to the beautiful and touching aspects as well. Those are the elements that really tie everything together and make this book a worthwhile read.
Thank you to Celadon Books for sending me an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Tara Connelly has spent the last eighteen months in prison. Now that she has been released, she moves back home to live with her sister, brother, and young nephew. One big happy family, right? Well, not exactly.
The story follows the three siblings as well as the police officer, Brian, who worked on Tara's case. I found myself drawn to Geraldine's storyline the most although all the characters brought something interesting to the table. Geraldine's arc was handled with sensitivity and I walked away with some valuable insight on the subject.
Even though there are bleak and heartbreaking moments in the lives of the characters, pay attention to the beautiful and touching aspects as well. Those are the elements that really tie everything together and make this book a worthwhile read.
Thank you to Celadon Books for sending me an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
July 23, 2023
With a title like The Connellys of County Down, you might assume it’s a story set in Ireland, but you’d be wrong! The book is actually set in a town in Westchester County, New York, which is a close-in NYC suburb near the Connecticut border. The Connellys are Tara, Geraldine, Eddie and Eddie’s son Connor. As the book opens, Tara is being released from prison, after serving 18 months on a drug-trafficking charge. She went to prison because she wouldn’t rat on anyone. We gradually get to know Tara and her family. They haven’t had it easy! After their mother died and their father left town, Geraldine had to step up as a parental figure while she was still 19. Eddie suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car wreck (driven by his father) and is mostly ok but he definitely has difficulties that affect his life, especially his work. Tara is an artist and just wants to get her life back together and stay out of trouble.
We quickly realize this family is not your typical family - no one shows up to pick up Tara when she is released from prison and they haven’t visited her much, if at all. But Brian, a detective who played a part in putting her behind bars shows up because he wants to apologize to her!
Gradually we realize that there is a huge amount of love and strong ties between these three siblings, along with the stress that their lives have imposed on each of them. There are secrets galore that the reader/listener is eventually privy to. We also get Brian’s backstory and realize that he hasn’t had it easy either.
I was really rooting for Tara and her family to figure out how to make things work. I loved Connor and his jokes/riddles! He was asked by Tara to come up with a bunch of jokes for when she was feeling down or wanted to smoke a cigarette, to help her quit the habit she took up in prison. I also really liked the character of Brian, the detective who felt he needed to apologize to Tara. I listened to the audiobook and was so pulled in to the story that I kept finding excuses to keep listening!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. Barrie Kreinik, as always, did a great job with the narration. All opinions are my own.
We quickly realize this family is not your typical family - no one shows up to pick up Tara when she is released from prison and they haven’t visited her much, if at all. But Brian, a detective who played a part in putting her behind bars shows up because he wants to apologize to her!
Gradually we realize that there is a huge amount of love and strong ties between these three siblings, along with the stress that their lives have imposed on each of them. There are secrets galore that the reader/listener is eventually privy to. We also get Brian’s backstory and realize that he hasn’t had it easy either.
I was really rooting for Tara and her family to figure out how to make things work. I loved Connor and his jokes/riddles! He was asked by Tara to come up with a bunch of jokes for when she was feeling down or wanted to smoke a cigarette, to help her quit the habit she took up in prison. I also really liked the character of Brian, the detective who felt he needed to apologize to Tara. I listened to the audiobook and was so pulled in to the story that I kept finding excuses to keep listening!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. Barrie Kreinik, as always, did a great job with the narration. All opinions are my own.
July 5, 2023
3.5 stars
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.
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.
June 6, 2024
I found a digital copy of THE CONNELLYS OF COUNTY DOWN by Tracey Lange on Libby. All views are mine.
“Well, congratulations, Connellys. You are a normal, healthy, screwed-up family.” p107
Sloppy plot forces interesting characters to behave unnaturally. But the characters are entertaining and colorful, so even though much of the book is fairly formless, I had some fun with it.
I love stories about adult survivors of early life stress, especially siblings who were left in some way to care for one another as children. I found this to be a wonderful example of this tiny subgenre. It might have been Lange's principle interest in this book– to explore the impact of early life stress on adult life. Either way, it's a good read for this element alone.
I liked this book for its focus, but not its execution, for the most part. Recommend for readers who enjoy contemporary fiction, redemption stories, or dysfunctional family stories, and don't mind a slow, holey plot and somewhat puppety characters.
She didn’t trust the police, had been living in fear of them as long as she could remember. For many years she was afraid they would catch her father. And after he left, when Eddie was in the hospital, they questioned Geraldine over and over again, like they believed she was covering up for him. They even threatened to take Eddie and Tara away from her if she didn’t cooperate. p118
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. Good character descriptions. Significant and small, such as Guard Morelli, who was developed just enough, and loveable and detestable, such as Geraldine, the toxic and controlling sister. Lange has a knack for laying out just the right details to make these characters robust. But their action don't always make sense, in-scene.
2. I love the juxtaposition between Tara and Geraldine. Tara wears her sin on her sleeve, with her history of addiction, her felony and prison time, her probation, and also her clumsy goodness encapsulated in dogged commitment to justice for others. Geraldine, on the other hand, is superficially self-sacrificing– the oldest Orphan daughter who cared for everyone else from early adolescence, firm in her faith, set in her ways, committed to order. To maintain this illusion, she wears her sins on the inside, and her dishonesty generates most of the story conflict.
3. Geraldine is such a shit! I can't get a good feel for her motivation at the outset. This invests me deeper into the story.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. The plot is convoluted. I'm still early in the book, but so far we've mostly covered just this very narrow activity– Tara returns from prison and all the memories her ride home invokes. But at 15%, the only motivation I've found is cop and potential mmc, Brian's commitment to quash his feeling for Tara, fmc.
2. We don't get a feel for the plot until 35% of the way through, when Detective Nolan begins to feel some steam from higher up his professional ladder. Suddenly, the story's perspective pans out and connects the floating parts. But even so, it's weak, in part because it doesn't have the space to fully develop. As a result the ending feels rushed.
3. The understanding of hoarding behavior expressed by this book is pedestrian and reinforces stigma. This complicated bevior doesn't always originate with a history of lack. I'm a little surprised to find this here, considering the author's background in psychology.
4. What a perfectly cheesey, unbelievable ending. These characters' growth trajectories were so preposterous, I don't even know if I consider them flat or not.
Rating: 🚔🚔🚔 run-ins with the law
Recommend? Maybe.
Finished: Jun 3 '24
Format: Digital, Kindle, Libby
Read this book if you like:
👻 crime dramas
👨👩👧👦 family stories, family drama
👭🏽 sibling dynamics
💇♀️ women's coming of age
☀️ redemption stories
“Well, congratulations, Connellys. You are a normal, healthy, screwed-up family.” p107
Sloppy plot forces interesting characters to behave unnaturally. But the characters are entertaining and colorful, so even though much of the book is fairly formless, I had some fun with it.
I love stories about adult survivors of early life stress, especially siblings who were left in some way to care for one another as children. I found this to be a wonderful example of this tiny subgenre. It might have been Lange's principle interest in this book– to explore the impact of early life stress on adult life. Either way, it's a good read for this element alone.
I liked this book for its focus, but not its execution, for the most part. Recommend for readers who enjoy contemporary fiction, redemption stories, or dysfunctional family stories, and don't mind a slow, holey plot and somewhat puppety characters.
She didn’t trust the police, had been living in fear of them as long as she could remember. For many years she was afraid they would catch her father. And after he left, when Eddie was in the hospital, they questioned Geraldine over and over again, like they believed she was covering up for him. They even threatened to take Eddie and Tara away from her if she didn’t cooperate. p118
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. Good character descriptions. Significant and small, such as Guard Morelli, who was developed just enough, and loveable and detestable, such as Geraldine, the toxic and controlling sister. Lange has a knack for laying out just the right details to make these characters robust. But their action don't always make sense, in-scene.
2. I love the juxtaposition between Tara and Geraldine. Tara wears her sin on her sleeve, with her history of addiction, her felony and prison time, her probation, and also her clumsy goodness encapsulated in dogged commitment to justice for others. Geraldine, on the other hand, is superficially self-sacrificing– the oldest Orphan daughter who cared for everyone else from early adolescence, firm in her faith, set in her ways, committed to order. To maintain this illusion, she wears her sins on the inside, and her dishonesty generates most of the story conflict.
3. Geraldine is such a shit! I can't get a good feel for her motivation at the outset. This invests me deeper into the story.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. The plot is convoluted. I'm still early in the book, but so far we've mostly covered just this very narrow activity– Tara returns from prison and all the memories her ride home invokes. But at 15%, the only motivation I've found is cop and potential mmc, Brian's commitment to quash his feeling for Tara, fmc.
2. We don't get a feel for the plot until 35% of the way through, when Detective Nolan begins to feel some steam from higher up his professional ladder. Suddenly, the story's perspective pans out and connects the floating parts. But even so, it's weak, in part because it doesn't have the space to fully develop. As a result the ending feels rushed.
3. The understanding of hoarding behavior expressed by this book is pedestrian and reinforces stigma. This complicated bevior doesn't always originate with a history of lack. I'm a little surprised to find this here, considering the author's background in psychology.
4. What a perfectly cheesey, unbelievable ending. These characters' growth trajectories were so preposterous, I don't even know if I consider them flat or not.
Rating: 🚔🚔🚔 run-ins with the law
Recommend? Maybe.
Finished: Jun 3 '24
Format: Digital, Kindle, Libby
Read this book if you like:
👻 crime dramas
👨👩👧👦 family stories, family drama
👭🏽 sibling dynamics
💇♀️ women's coming of age
☀️ redemption stories
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