I went into this one having NO IDEA what the book was even about...and I was not fully expecting a contemporary tale about a group of siblings learning to navigate life after one of them is released from prison. Each sibling has their fair share of secrets and troubles, and together they learn to trust each other and themselves again.
I really loved experiencing Tara's reentry into the world and her struggles to find a job, romance, and fix her relationships with her siblings. I absolutely LOVED her relationship with her nephew and how that expanded her relationship with her older brother.
Usually character driven stories are not my thing, but I actually really enjoyed reading this one.

I want to preface this by saying I have yet to read Lange’s previous (and highly praised) book, We Are the Brennans, so I cannot compare the two at all. That being said, because I know so many loved her first book, I had high expectations for this one. Unfortunately, while this family drama was intriguing enough to keep me reading, it ultimately fell a little flat for me.

In The Connellys of County Down, the book opens with Tara being released from prison after an 18 month sentence for drug trafficking. We figure out early on that she had her reasons for doing time instead of turning over information to the police. Tara, now needing to rebuild her life, returns to her childhood home where she will live with her sister and brother and nephew. But Tara isn’t the only one with skeletons in her closet. Her siblings are also carrying around the weight of their own secrets. Secrets that are bound to start unraveling and could undoubtedly jeopardize all of their futures.

I enjoyed the story. I could even get behind the love story that Tara gets wrapped up in after prison. But I just needed something more…more fleshing out of the characters perhaps? And a little more depth in the story over all as this felt like a surface read and I was not as invested in the characters as I like to be in family dramas.

3 ⭐️ story, but 5 ⭐️ for the gorgeous cover!

I love stories that center on families. I previously read and enjoyed Tracey Lange’s We are the Brennans, so was excited to receive an ARC of her 2023 title The Connellys of County Down. I discussed the book with friends and we all gave it high ratings.

The story opens with Tara’s release from Taconic Correctional Facility. She had been imprisoned for almost a year and a half, convicted of transporting stolen opioids over state lines. Unemployed and broke, Tara moves into her childhood home with her sister Geraldine, brother Eddie, and nephew Connor. Their relationships are loving but dysfunctional.

Lange is skilled with character development, making each family member feel real. The best written character is Geraldine. Responsible to the point of controlling and critical of everyone who fails to live up to her high standards, Geraldine is not at all likeable. Knowing her back story and the reasons for her behavior made me sympathetic, but she remained a person I would do my best to avoid in real life.

In contrast, Tara and Eddie are big hearted characters that I wanted to succeed.

This story of family loyalty and sacrifice, secrets and guilt, is a great pick to read with a book club.

4.5 Stars rounded up.

How gorgeous is this cover? I wanted to read it as soon as I saw the cover without knowing anything else about the book!

If you enjoy family dramas, don't miss this book. It follows the three Connelly siblings after Tara is released from prison. Each sibling - Liam, Caitlin, and Tara - have their own issues they are dealing with, and none of them truly realize what their other siblings are going through.. Ms. Lange writes beautifully and I enjoyed spending time with this family as they worked to understand themselves and each other.

"The Connellys of County Down" by Tracey Lange is a heartwarming and multigenerational family saga that transports readers to the picturesque landscapes of Ireland. Lange skillfully weaves a tapestry of love, loss, and resilience, following the Connelly family across decades. The characters are vividly drawn, each carrying the weight of their own dreams and struggles. The novel's rich historical backdrop adds depth to the narrative, creating an immersive experience. With lyrical prose and a deep understanding of human connections, Lange creates a captivating story that celebrates the enduring bonds of family and the power of home. "The Connellys of County Down" is a poignant and uplifting literary journey.

"The Connellys of County Down" by Tracey Lange is a captivating and poignant family saga that delves into the complexities of sibling relationships, loyalty, and the power of secrets. This engaging novel tells the story of the Connelly siblings - Liam, Caitlin, and Tara - as they strive to rebuild their lives and reconcile their pasts in the wake of Tara's release from prison.

Lange's writing is masterful, weaving a narrative that's both heart-wrenching and uplifting. With a keen eye for detail, she skillfully exposes the raw emotions and deep-seated conflicts that have long haunted the Connelly family. Through the characters' trials and tribulations, Lange thoughtfully explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and redemption, creating a rich and relatable story that resonates deeply.

The Connelly siblings are expertly crafted, each with their own unique voice and struggles. Liam, the eldest, carries the weight of responsibility and loyalty, while Caitlin's quiet strength belies her inner turmoil. Tara, the youngest, must confront the consequences of her past choices and the resentment they've fostered. The characters' interactions are authentic and nuanced, making their journeys both individually and collectively compelling.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its exploration of the intricate web of sibling relationships. Lange captures the deep-seated bonds, unspoken understandings, and unresolved tensions that exist between the Connelly siblings. As they navigate their complicated history, the author shines a light on the ways in which our experiences shape us and the power of forgiveness to transform our lives.

The setting of County Down, Ireland, provides a stunning backdrop for the story, with Lange's vivid descriptions evoking the region's rugged beauty and the cultural heritage that defines the Connelly family.



The author's use of language is masterful, with a writing style that's both lyrical and accessible. The narrative flows effortlessly, making it easy to become fully immersed in the story. Lange's ability to craft a compelling plot, coupled with her insightful characterizations, makes for a truly engaging reading experience.



One of the most striking aspects of "The Connellys of County Down" is its exploration of the complexities of family dynamics. The author shines a light on the ways in which our families shape us, both positively and negatively, and the lasting impact that our early experiences have on our adult lives. Through the Connelly siblings, Lange illustrates the power of sibling relationships and the ways in which our connections with our family members can be both a source of strength and a source of pain.



The novel also raises important questions about guilt, responsibility, and redemption. Through Tara's character, Lange explores the consequences of our actions and the ways in which we can make amends for past mistakes. The author shows that forgiveness is a journey, one that requires effort and understanding from all parties involved.



In conclusion, "The Connellys of County Down" by Tracey Lange is a remarkable and moving novel that will resonate with readers long after they finish the book. With its well-crafted characters, engaging plot, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for fans of family dramas and literary fiction. Lange's writing is both heartfelt and insightful, making her a powerful voice in contemporary fiction..

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

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.

Tracey Lange's second novel, following the popular We Are The Brennans. I enjoyed this book immensely.
Tara Connelly has just been released from prison after serving a year and a half for drug trafficking. She returns home to her brother Eddie, his son Connor and her sister Geraldine. There is a lot of history with this family and the dynamics are played out beautifully by the author. There are some roadblocks for Tara as she attempts to get her life back on track. There are themes of forgiveness, drugs, family love, and loyalty. Highly recommend.

Tara Connelly returns from a stint at a local prison in New York for a drug charge and attempts to restart her life again in The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange. With no idea what she will do as a second act, she moves back in with her brother, a single father with issues, and her sister who faces her own problems, and there's Conor, her beloved nephew who's always good for a joke. But why is the cop who turned her in coming around and what does he want now? Will Tara be able to carve out a happy life after all the pain she's been through, and will her family survive intact?

After reading the author's debut novel, We Are the Brennans, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. It wasn't necessarily the plot that drew me in or the pretty cover--Lange's writing style and ability to create thoughtful and engaging storylines with well-drawn characters did. I love the New York setting she picks because I've been there, and it rings true. Plus, I like the family dynamics and her focus on an Irish-American family having grown up with relatives and friends who have that background.

In this book, as short as it was, she truly created an atmosphere and packed so much into the book. Yet it wasn't overwhelmed with plot, and the characters all felt fully-formed and empathetic. I agree with one reviewer who said that she didn't necessarily connect with any of the characters, but I felt that I could. Some characters really rubbed me the wrong way, but I felt that the frustration meant that I did care about the characters.

If you're a fan of Anna Quindlen and her fiction books, you will love this author. AQ is one of my idols, and I think that Tracey Lange is the heir apparent to her books. This is not really a comparison, but there are similarities in the sparseness of their writing that speaks volumes and some of the backgrounds and characters. Everyone has problems that must be resolved yet they may not be resolved. And that's why I liked this book. I originally gave the book four stars, but I really loved it and couldn't figure out a reason not to give it the whole five.

I can't wait until Tracey Lange's next book comes out in August 2024. Whether or not I receive it to review, I'll be eager to read it. I'm on board for any book that she writes in the future.

This was a fun buddy read. And I look forward to reading more from this Author. I went in blind and thoroughly enjoyed it.

⭐⭐.5/5

• family drama
• slow burn

I was hooked in the beginning but found myself drifting away at about 30%. I just couldn't connect to the characters or the plot.

🗣️ Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book via gifted eARC! All opinions are honest and my own.

(3.5 stars rounded up to a 4)

The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange is a contemporary literary fiction focusing on a group of siblings.

Tara Connelly was just released from prison after serving a year and a half on a drug charge. She knows that life will be difficult, but thankfully she is returning home to live with her siblings: a single dad struggling with lasting effects of a traumatic brain injury he sustained in his youth, and a neurodiverse perfectionist who focuses on calm and order. All of them have secrets, and some may threaten all of their futures as they unravel.

I borrowed the audiobook from the library because this one has been on my TBR for way too long. The narrator, Barrie Kreinik, does a great job.

For a while, I haven't been sure I am still a literary fiction girlie, but I really did enjoy this one. I ended up staying up really late to finish it in one sitting. I'll have to check out the author's debut novel, We Are the Brennans as well.

This book really goes in depth with the questions of how far someone might go to protect a loved one. It is equal parts heart warming and breaking. Though these characters make a lot of mistakes, you still feel for them and care about them. The relationship between the siblings felt very lived in and real.

My biggest issue with this book was the pacing. The middle dragged a bit for me, and the end felt too fast. The main romance was also a bit too insta-lovey for my taste, but overall I think they were good for each other. I was very much rooting for the secondary romance.

Boy do I love a complicated family story, and this one does not disappoint. Lange does an incredible job of allowing us to peer into the lives of this family. Excellent!

The Connelly siblings have had a rough life but have managed to stick together through it all. Tara, the youngest sibling, is coming home from prison and trying to rebuild her life amongst the chaos that is just regular, everyday happenings with the family. This is a story of survival and overcoming a shitty hand delt in life. Mental health is represented. An enemies to lovers relationship is woven in. Its overall a really good story, that unfortunately is very true to life. Lange writes the characters so well, its easy to empathize with their situation. I was rooting for Tara the whole way.

I don't even know what to say about The Connellys of County Dawn other than I absolutely loved this book. Lange is a master at putting together multi-layered family dramas that completely draw you in. The characters are so well-developed and the plot here is gripping, powerful, and moving all at the same time.

We meet the main character Tara as she is being released from prison after an 18-month sentence for trafficking drugs. Her sister is supposed to pick her up once released however she exits the facility to be faced with the same cop who arrested her and helped to put her in prison.

Once home, the story really takes off as we meet her brother Eddie, nephew Colin, and her sister Geraldine.

I really enjoyed how Lange brought all the various plot points together and loved watching the characters overcome obstacles and grow.

This is another wonderful book by Tracey Lange (if you haven't read, We Were the Brennans yet you need too!) and will definitely go down as one of my favorites of 2023.
Thank you Celadon Books and NetGalley for the eARC!

I loved this book just like I knew I would. "We are the Brennan's" was one of my favorite books of 2021 so I was sooo excited when I saw Tracey Lange had a new one.

The best thing about Lange's books are the amazing family dynamics. The families in her stories are messy and sometimes a bit crazy but they love deeply and have each other's backs always. She has an amazing way of adding real like problems (like trauma, mental illness, death) and normalize them without being problematic. All. three siblings were so different and struggled with different things, but they made it work and were always there for each other, even if they bumped heads. Tara was such an amazing strong character, a great sister and a great aunt. I really liked her character a lot.

If you love strong family dynamics with some drama mixed in, you will love this book!!

I was (and still am) obsessed with Lange’s first novel but this one doesn’t quite measure up. I liked Tara as a main character, and I enjoyed all the family drama, but it just didn’t have that special something to make it a memorable story.

Tracey Lange follows her debut novel with another solid work. She creates believable characters and engaging plots centered on love and family. I enjoyed reading about the Connellys. The characters are sympathetic and believable.

This story was a slow burn for me - the characters were frustratingly human and you can’t help but to root for them. The loyalty and sacrifices the siblings make for each other was heartwarming amongst the circumstances they faced. With this book and WeAreTheBrennans, Tracey Lange has become a go-to for family dramas.