Tracy Lange is becoming one of my favorite authors for family dramas! I love the way that we get hooked into the families lives and makes us feel like we're apart of it all. It is a very character driven story with a fast moving plot, and I highly recommend it.

Thank You Celadon Books, Tracey Lange and NetGalley for the galley and ALC. The Connellys of County Down is a story about three siblings, Tara, Eddie and Geraldine Connelly, who are reconnecting after Tara is released from an 18 month prison sentence. These siblings have each faced significant challenges in their
Iives that impacts their relationships with each other. Tara has to re-establish her life, Eddie has health issues resulting from a childhood accident and Geraldine suffers from anxiety and struggles with her mental health. Their strong desire to protect each other and keep secrets hidden, leads to complicated choices and mistakes that could cause them to lose it all. This story intertwines the complexity of past trauma, the power of unconditional love and family loyalty. 5 stars!

The Connellys of County Down
Tracey Lange


Tracey Lange’s sophomore novel is fantastic, a fly on the wall look at a gritty family of siblings who each are keeping secrets that could destroy them. Each of the siblings has strengths and weaknesses but it’s Tara that’s the star of the show, she’s got guts, she’s loyal to a fault and she’s never felt worthy. Eddie is a close second, a flawed man, a loving single dad that will pull at readers heartstrings. The detective Brian Nolan is also a close second as readers quickly learn he’s a noble man and the real deal, then there’s Conner who is such a great kid in spite of his dysfunctional family. Geraldine however is a bit harder to like, that is until the author brilliantly starts unpeeling her complex layers letting readers see her without her protective walls. The plot is engaging the backdrops are location perfect and the narrative has an effortless flow. Fans of family drama and realistic fiction with complex characters and an intriguing storyline will find themselves finishing this in just one sitting.

Narration:
Barrie Kreinik does an impressive job of narrating giving each voice a notable distinction, she does a fantastic job on both male and female voices and is perfect with accents my personal favorite was the nasally Bronx accent of Tara’s parole officer. All of this gives the Macmillan Audio edition of the novel a definite edge.

The Connelly siblings of Port Chester NY were raised on the fairy tales of their mother and the failings of their father then unspeakable tragedy strikes when their mother dies and their father disappears and turns them into dogged fighters when well meaning but unwelcomed authorities get too close to the truth. Now they’re about face another set of obstacles that will either make them stronger or destroy them.

Tara Connelly is about to be released on parole from Taconic prison after serving 18 months on a drug trafficking charge but as she’s about to leave the cop who helped put her away offers her a ride home. She’s not sure what he’s up to but since her older sister Geraldine doesn’t show up, against her better judgement she accepts his offer.

Geraldine Connelly has kept her family together since she was in high school, she is and is not looking forward to Tara’s homecoming, she does miss her sister but she knows Tara the wild child will disrupt all the rules and regulations Geraldine has set in place in Tara’s absence. Plus, she’s afraid that Tara will discover her secret.
Eddie Connelly is trying to keep it all together for his son Connor but thanks to his traumatic brain injury suffered in a car accident caused by his father it’s not always easy. He can’t wait for his little sister Tara to come home, everything always seemed brighter with her around and he knows Conner will benefit the most from Tara’s presence.

Congratulations to Tracey Lange on the release of her sophomore novel The Connellys of County Down. I began listening to this with no information about plot, setting, etc. and was intrigued that the first chapter describes the main character's release day from prison.

Tara Connelly served 18 months for drug trafficking, even though she wasn't law enforcement's primary target. She fulfilled her sentence and now plans to rebuild her life, even though she can never resume her teaching career due to her conviction. She shares a house her sister Geraldine, brother Eddie, and his young son Connor, and although they rarely visited her while incarcerated, she's hopeful they will help her start again.

But Tara's release doesn't go as planned - the detective who played a role in her conviction demands to meet with her, and her sister doesn't show up to give her a ride home. Are these bad omens or just coincidences? Can Tara leave her past behind, reconnect with her family, and find a meaningful way to use her artistic talents?

I like Ms. Lange's straightforward writing style; it's down to earth with no flowery prose. Her expertise in psychology is evident as she takes readers into the minds and hearts of her deeply flawed but well-intentioned characters. The tension and love between Tara and her family members was palpable, relatable, and realistic.

The audiobook narration by Barrie Kreinik matched well with the tone of the novel. She also narrates the author's debut novel, We Are the Brennans, which is now at the top of my backlist TBR list.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for access to the review copy of the audiobook.

Though I'm a huge fan of family dramas, I didn't love We Are the Brennans. However, I definitely wanted to give Tracey Lange another chance and I liked the way The Connellys of County Down sounded. While it's certainly not my favorite family drama, I did enjoy it and I'm glad I read it!

The storyline is certainly a unique one and starts off with Tara Connelly being released from jail on drug charges. She's heading back to her family home where she lives with her older sister Geraldine and her brother Eddie and his son Connor. It took me a little while to get a good handle on who Tara was based on so many contradictions in her personality. But I actually loved this because I think that all too often when we hear someone is in jail on drug charges, we have a preconceived notion of them in our head when really they are not just one thing.

In addition to seeing how Tara tries to get back on her feet, we get a lot of the sibling dynamics. Each of the three siblings have pretty unique personalities and I really enjoyed getting to know each of them and seeing how the story unfolded.

If you're looking for a sort of unique family drama that may even help you look at humanity with a different perspective, I think you should read this one!

I am grateful to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my ALC of this book.

The family dynamic of the Connellys made for a great storyline for this book. Tara is determined to do everything she can for her family, even if she’s punished in the process. Her brother’s TBI and being a single dad makes Tara extra protective of him and Conor. And her older sister may need more help than all of them combined. It’s clear to see their upbringing played a big part in how they turned out as adults.

The budding romance between Tara and Detective Nolan, the man who put her in prison in the first place, really adds a different level to the novel.

The narration was easy and enjoyable to listen to.

Tracey Lange is such a solid writer. Lange is a master at writing generational family dramas and creating masterpiece character arcs. I really enjoyed We Are The Brennans and now I can say I really enjoyed the Connellys of County Down too.

The Connellys definitely have some family trauma, mistrust, and issues to sort through but when it comes down to it, they go to bat for one another. I could see this a lot of their situations happening in real life even if there were some more outlandish moments. I cared for most of the characters and wanted to see things end well for them.

Lange writes books that feel effortless to sail through. The dysfunction and the themes of loyalty make her books relatable and unforgettable. Her style is immediately recognizable when reading any of her books.

Barrie Kreinik did a fantastic job narrating and when I was listening, I was completely absorbed in their performance. Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the Audio review copy. Thank you to Celadon for the ebook review copy!

Tara Connelly went to prison for eighteen months on a drug charge and, upon release, must try to find her place in a world that has gone on without her. Living with her brother, sister, and nephew, Tara soon discovers that the family dynamic has changed and they are hanging on by a thread. Finding a job and an unexpected ally, will Tara be able to become the person she has dreamed of being? Will trouble find Tara on the outside?

I really wanted to like this novel, especially as I enjoyed the previous book by Tracey Lange. The Connellys of County Down was too transparent, with a plot that was, at times, completely unrealistic. Though some of the characters were likable, the story itself was lacking. The audio version was narrated by Barrie Kreinik, who did a good job of presenting the characters as they were written.

Overall, having both read the novel and listened to it, the audio version slightly edges out the print version because of the narration. Readers who like dysfunctional family dramas may like The Connellys of County Down.

Disclaimer: I had the opportunity via NetGalley to listen to an Advanced Audio Copy of The Connellys of County Down. Additionally, I also read a copy of the novel that I won during a Bookish First Giveaway. The decision to read and to listen to this book was entirely my own.

FROM THE AUTHORS OF WE ARE THE BRENNANS, THIS IS ANOTHER STORY ABOUT A MESSY, DEVOTED, IRISH FAMILY AND THE STRUGGLES THEY FACE. I DIDN’T LOVE THIS ONE LIKE I DID HER DEBUT, BUT IT WAS AN ENJOYABLE READ. IT FELT LIKE SHE WAS TRYING TOO HARD TO REPLICATE THE MAJOR POINTS OF HER PRIOR NOVEL. FROM THE OVERALL FAMILY STRUCTURE, THE NEURODIVERGENT BROTHERS, THE MAIN CHARACTER IN LEGAL TROUBLE… IT JUST FELT TOO SIMILAR, AND THIS ONE JUST DIDN’T HIT THE MARK. FROM AN AUDIO PERSPECTIVE, I THOUGHT THE NARRATION WAS EXCELLENT!

TARA CONNELLY IS FINALLY COMING HOME AFTER SERVING AN 18 MONTH PRISON SENTENCE FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING. BUT IT’S FAR FROM THE WARM WELCOME SHE WAS HOPING FOR… HER ANXIOUS SISTER GERALDINE SEEMS LIKE SHE WOULD RATHER HAVE HER BACK IN PRISON, AND HER BROTHER EDDIE DIDN’T VISIT HER NEARLY AS MUCH AS SHE WOULD HAVE LIKED. AND WHEN SHE HAS SEVERAL SURPRISE ENCOUNTERS WITH BRIAN, THE DETECTIVE WHO HAD HER LOCKED UP, THINGS BECOME WAY MORE COMPLICATED THAN SHE BARGAINED FOR.

Thank you to Netgalley, @Celadonbooks and Tracey Lange for arc of this book.

"He was hoping to save Tara, just like in mom's fairytale. But in the fairytale they had all saved each other"

Tara Connelly is released from prison after spending eighteen months incarcerated on a drug charge. With no money and no job, Tara move's back into her family home with her brother Eddie, sister Geraldine and nephew Connor. But her family is anything but perfect.

Eddie, a single father, has been dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury for years, while trying to provide a stable life for his son. Geraldine, a perfectionist in every way, upholds this sense of control and responsibility, yet beneath the surface, she's unravelling.

Tara meanwhile, tries to rebuild. She gets a new job, she starts dating the police officer that put her in jail (its complicated) and tries to mend her family relationships but a secret from the Connelly's family past resurfaces, casting a shadow over Tara's new life. The Connellys once again find themselves at a crossroads - do they come to terms with the past or risk losing one and other forever?

I do love a family drama and Lange is an absolute pro at it - great themes of family, secrets and a love that binds them all. A slow burn, strong character driven novel about the complex relationships of siblings, whats not to love. I definitely look forward to reading more from Lange!

The Connellys of County Down is a great story about the threads of love and loyalty woven in sibling relationships. It is a character-driven story that follows three sibling adults through the challenges of a life built upon the aftermath of a mother who died when they were children and a father who deserted them.
The main character is trying to rebuild her life after serving an eighteen-month prison sentence. She is supported by her brother who is a single dad struggling with the long-term effects of a brain injury. Their sister believes that if she can just control everything their lives will end well. Unfortunately, poor decisions beget more poor decisions. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles to emerge whole and happy as both individuals and a family?

I enjoyed every word of this book. It might be considered a hard story but for the simple, unconditional love of a son and nephew and the most important thing a mother can give her children.
If you like themes of family, love, hope, and reconciliation, or if like characters who work to overcome life’s struggles, you will enjoy The Connellys of County down.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Net Galley for an ALC of this book. My review is my own.

#theconnellysofcountydown
#traceylange
#macmillanaudio
#netgalley
#celadonbooks
#family #siblings #hope #irishfamily

This is my first by the author, and I read it in a combo of audio and ebook, both through NetGalley. I think I preferred the print to the audio in this instance. I found the Connellys to be, frankly, a little troubled and had a hard time caring or connecting with the characters at first. I was mentally shaking my head and questioning so many of their decisions as the judgey-pants I am. By the end of the book, I could appreciate their family dynamics - imperfections and messiness and all, and despite not agreeing with many decisions made, I saw the heart or intention as they cared for one another. My one biggest desire would have been to explore the fairy tales and folklore referenced throughout the story more deeply. Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I'm not sure it will linger.

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.

The Connellys of County Down was a quaint story, but I didn’t see much purpose to it. I would compare it to a super toned-down, much less destructive and toxic version of the Gallagher family on Shameless. It didn’t have much to keep me hooked to it, but I tend to lean towards horror and thriller.

The was such a great family drama and I loved getting all the back story. Very enjoyable read that I couldn't put down

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars

Happy publication to Tracey Lange and The Connellys of County Down! Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ALC (Advanced Listener 🎧 Copy) for an honest review!

📅 The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange was published on August 1, 2023. 📅

This book was like a bowl of chicken soup for the soul. Each Connelly sibling is faced with their own unique challenges. However, despite all of the adversities that the Connelly’s face, family loyalty prevails every single time they are knocked down. They go to bat for one another and come out winning as long as they have the love, loyalty, and trust of one another.

Meet the characters:

Tara Connelly- spend 18 months in jail for a crime she didn’t commit. Upon her release, she moved back home with her siblings but they don’t trust her. Will she be able to repair them relationship?

Eddie- A single dad health issues and concerns stemming from brain surgery he had many years ago.

Geraldine- Always appears to be anxious. Her anxiety stems from her fear of people finding out about her overspending, online shopping, and hoarding obsession.

Although relationships are strained, at the end of the day the amount of love and and loyalty that these siblings have each other is endearing. I recommend that you pick up your copy today!

I really enjoyed this family story and the twisted stories of each of the members and to see how much and in what way they all loved and cared for each other.

I could not put this down. I listened to The Conneleys of County Down, and it exceeded my expectations. The characters and relationships are well thought out and complicated, the pace is fantastic, and the writing is sharp. I definitely want to read more from this author.

4.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC.

This was such a great little story about family, about secrets and about loyalty. I really enjoyed this book. I received this as an ALC from NetGalley and was excited to get to it right away, as I remembered it was a BOTM choice the month before.
This book follows three siblings, Tara, Eddie and Geraldine. Their parents have died earlier and they have been together, on their own since.
Tara, is just released from prison, and comes home to try and rebuild her life again. Eddie is a single dad to his son Conner and who is still living with issues related to a previous brain injury. Geraldine is the oldest sibling, thinking she can take care of and solve everyone’s problems. But as the three siblings have their own struggles and their own secrets, their loyalties are tested. Which in turn makes for a great family drama. What secrets do they have? Where will their loyalties fall? Is their family bond strong enough to survive all these secrets? You’ll have to read and find out.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a fantastic job. She kept my interest the whole time. This ended up being a great feel good story for me. Just what I needed as a break from all my thrillers. This was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars for me!! I recommend this if you love a good family drama.

Thank you to @netgalley and @macmillanaudio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review. It is archived on NetGalley now, but this book is available everywhere!

Have you read this one yet? Have you read the author’s first book We Are The Brennan’s? I’ve added that to my tbr after reading this one.

As most people can tell by my bookstagram I’m not a huge fan of audiobooks. That’s due to the fact that when I’m trying to listen to an audiobook I usually get distracted which leads me to lose interest. That was NOT the case with this audiobook.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒚𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝑫𝒐𝒘𝒏 utterly hooked me. This is based on three siblings; the Connellys and I LOVED two of them. Tara and Eddie were just such wholesome characters. There was so much depth and complexity to their personalities, their relationships and their history.

I really enjoy books that have family drama as the theme of the book but the best part of it was how the author also incorporated sibling love, relationship and romantic love. This book had a little bit of everything but it didn’t leave you feeling like there was unresolved issues.