⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

𝑴𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
I really wanted to love this book, however it didn’t quite do it for me. While I overall did enjoy listening to this story, I felt like it was a bit too meh for me.

In my opinion the whole book was a bit slow for my liking. I understand that there needed to be a lot of time spent developing the characters in order for the plot to really make sense, however I think the pacing was probably just a bit too slow for my liking in general.

While this book wasn’t for me, I can see anyone who loves a good character driven or family drama book, really enjoying this read.

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆:
- 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family drama
- 🚙 Character driven stories
- 😢Emotionsl reads

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.

This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I wasn't really sure what to expect but I'm glad I took a chance on this book.

I really love redemption stories whether it be a villain from a high stakes fantasy novel or someone who made a poor life choice and is rebuilding their life. This book explores some really heavy topics in a way that is extremely relatable even if you haven’t personally experienced the struggle of re-entering society after having spent an extended amount of time in jail. I have not personally experienced this but know many people who have and this book really does a wonderful job exploring the challenges that come with this type of situation.

“You could argue that fairy tales and religion are alike in some ways. They were both created to help people cope with life’s hardships. And they only work when someone has faith in them, believes them to be true.” ✨

Last year, I tried to participate in Celadon’s Read Together initiative for THE CONNELLYS OF COUNTY DOWN by Tracey Lange and I just couldn’t get into the book {Thank you to @celadonbooks for the #gifted copy!} However, once I picked up the audio, I flew through this story!

COUNTY DOWN follows Tara, who is trying to rebuild her life and fit back into her family after spending 18 months in prison. While it did start off slowly, I really enjoyed this novel. At its core, it’s a family drama - three siblings trying to move through their own issues, while act and live as a family with the others.

I didn’t love the side romance - it develops a bit too quickly for me - especially given the circumstances around the two characters; it felt a bit icky. However, the sibling drama and relationships made the novel.

Overall, I’m glad I gave this one a second chance. I have read WE ARE THE BRENNANS by the same author, but heard that people also really enjoyed that one, and may pick it up eventually.

CW // drug use; death of parent; mental health; hoarding; law enforcement

I loved the whole feel of this book - the settings, the relationships, the events.
I love the theme of hope, persistence and second chance. Tara will, and has done anything for her family. She wants to keep them safe and together. At times I wondered why she worked so hard for Geraldine and Eddie who seemed rather ungrateful. But as in life, that is the power of love. It’s not always easy to understand, but it’s there.
The ending may have been fairly abrupt - but the writing certainly made up for that.

I read another book by this author and enjoyed it. This one I could not get into I stopped listening after a couple of chapters it did not capture my attention.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC of "The Connellys of County Down",, by Tracey Lange. Another wonderful family drama from Lange, with likeable, albeit flawed characters. It was a fast listen and I really felt like I was a fly on the wall inside this family and their dramas.

After absolutely adoring We are the Brennans, I could not wait to read The Connellys of County Down! Tracy Lange truly has a way with family dramas... my favorite genre! Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed by this one ...it just did not hold my interest as much as We are the Brennans!

Lange really knows how to write a family drama weaving the family issues and loyalties together and I'm here for it. I enjoyed the sibling dynamics and the problems swirling around them.

Tara was just released from prison to now return home to regular life, family and the problems surrounding. I really enjoyed and connected with Tara. I really got wrapped into the story and found myself invested.

The audiobook was enjoyable and easy to follow along the storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the complementary audiobook.

This may be the first book I've ever gotten 98% through and thought- WAIT, IT'S ALMOST OVER?!?! I could've done with 200 more pages I was so thoroughly invested in this story!

I wish the characters were more evolved overall, but I loved the premise and unconventional relationships within- it's also rare where we follow a MC who (regardless of the reason) was just released from jail. The stigma attached to that follows Tara along in every aspect of her life and at times I was just as frustrated for her as she was for herself.

I do feel that the ending was too rushed, which is probably why I was so shocked when I had 20 minutes left and things weren't as tied up as I'd hoped but this is one book I know will stick with me regardless!

A sweet novel, and I love this author's writing and work. Lots of family drama and conflict that kept me engaged the whole book

This was my first book to read by this author but it won't be my last! This was a beautifully written novel that evokes so many emotions and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Don't miss out on this one!

Dynamic and well written story of the relationships between adult siblings, when their bonds were forged due to trauma as children. The constant questions of their responsibility to each other weighed against their desire to be their own person. Loved it, and it was enjoyable in audiobook format.


Audiobook ARC from publisher via NetGalley, but the opinions are my own.

This is officially a @tracey_lange fan account now. Sorry not sorry. Almost exactly two years ago her debut, We are the Brennans, released and I’ve been fangirling ever since. As I’ve shared extensively on this page, I love reading family dramas. The more dysfunctional the better.
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The Connellys are so broken. Their mother died far too young and their dad was a deadbeat. They raised each other the best they could but of course there was trouble. This story is about their resilience, loyalty and love for one another. They are such good people, I rooted for them the entire time. Second chances mean everything sometimes.

I enjoyed We Are The Brennans by Tracey Lange and was beyond excited to read The Connellys of County Down but this one took me awhile to get into. After several attempts to read and listen to Lange's latest on audiobook, I couldn't get into it. I put it down and came back to it only a week ago and boy am I glad I did. This is family fiction, women's fiction, and a splash of thriller.

The narration for this is well done, but be warned, it's a slow burn, so if that's not your style, this book may be a bit of a challenge. I found it easier to enjoy on audiobook for that very reason, especially since I listen to my audiobooks on 2x speed.

After not loving the Brennans like the rest of the world seemed to I was hesitant to request The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange. Man am I glad I did because this one gets 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for me. The complexitites of the characters and the family drama that isn't over done but is ever present was great.
I loved the loyalty and perseverance shown by Tara. I loved the lightness that her nephew, Connor, added into the mix. I just felt like this was a true representation of a family that has been through it but still sticks together despite all of the hurdles in their path.

I will definitely not hesitate to pick up the next thing Tracey Lange puts out. Also the narration on this one was so well done I definitely recommend listening if you enjoy audiobooks.

Thank you MacMillan audio for an advanced copy of this one to read and review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC! Another family drama brilliantly executed by Tracey Lange! I absolutely loved the book and the audio was great! A must read.

The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange is a fabulous read. It is part Family Fiction and part Women’s Fiction with a touch of Thriller. I couldn’t put it down!
I really liked the FMC, Tara, but was also so frustrated by her. Tara and her siblings were all struggling with their childhood trauma. They are a flawed family with a lot of love between them but also a lot of baggage.
I loved the way the story unfolded. I enjoyed the love story. I liked the way the past was slowly revealed. I appreciated the major emotional reactions I had to certain characters or situations. I related to the sibling interactions and I adored the love between Tara and her nephew.

The narrator was great and the audiobook version was a pleasure to listen to.


I have posted this review on Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5733293057

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvh6fw_LwtG/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

And Amazon

I love a family saga, and after enjoying the author’s previous book, I was so excited to read THE CONNELLYS OF COUNTY DOWN.

🎧I paired the audio with the print copy, and loved this unique way to read. The narration was great, and it made it even better to fully immerse myself into this character driven story with multiple POVs.

WHAT TO EXPECT
-family saga/family drama
-a great cast of characters
-slow burn
-themes of family, friendship
-themes of forgiveness and second chances

*many thanks to Celadon, Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review