I loved Tracey Lange’s debut novel ‘We are the Brennans” so I couldn’t wait for ‘The Connellys of County Down”! This one is full of the family drama that everyone loves and didn’t disappoint! It was a great listen and very entertaining!

I was so happy to receive a copy of the audiobook of this one to provide a review for.
The story of the three Connolly siblings, Geraldine, Tara, and Eddie who live in New York. Tara has just been released on an 18-month drug trafficking charge and is trying to acclimate back into her families lives.
But Tara isn’t the only one with issues. We find Eddie and Geraldine have skeletons in their proverbial closets as well. I thought that the grown siblings all living together in the same house was just plain weird and I felt that throughout most of the story.
This is a family drama to the max. I felt that the fairytale element of the title “The Connolly’s of County Down” which was evidently a story that the Connolly’s mom would tell them as kids was rather pointless.

I did however like the cop, what he did for Tara, and I felt they were a great couple.

Thank you Netgalley and Celadon books for this advanced copy for my review.

"Are you a close family?"

From the outside looking in one might think the three Connelly siblings have a strained relationship but as this family's tale unfolds we feel the ties of shared memories and unconditional love.

The Connellys of County Down by skilled author Tracey Lange was not just an emotional family drama but a gripping, often anxiety fueled, and at times romantic experience.

Tara Connelly is getting out of prison after serving 18 months on a drug trafficking charge. What should be a happy day turns tense when older sister Geraldine flakes on her and she has no way home. What a shock when her arresting officer, Detective Brian Nolan, shows up and gives her a ride home. Why? Well that's part of the journey we take with these two throughout the story.

Going home for Tara is tense. No one visited, no one brought her home, and her sister moved her room to the attic away from everyone. At least her adorable, dad joke telling nephew literally embraces her return. His father, her brother Eddie, is genuinely glad to see her but has trouble looking her in the eyes. He's still suffering the effects of a traumatic brain injury from a car accident when he was 14 years old but his headaches are more about Tara.

Can I just say that if every audiobook was narrated by the brilliant Barrie Krenik I would be satisfied listening to all the audiobooks. She brought out the strength of Tara, the vulnerability of protector Geraldine, and the heart of Eddie.

Just like her fabulous debut, We Are The Brennans, this writer creates flawed but realistic characters who suffer from hubris, fear, and mental exhaustion but when it comes to family have a stoic resilience to "save each other."

I received a free copy of this audiobook from MacMillan Audio via #netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

I was so excited when Celadon @CeladonBooks offered me both an advanced ebook and advanced listening copy of The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange @Tracey_Lange via @netgalley I jumped at the chance! Thank you so much for sharing both of these! You’re the best!

Tracey Lange owns messy, family drama. The alchemy of her writing and Barrie Kreinik’s @Barriebarriepix narration is sublime. It’s simply next level. This is a story of the primal connection of family, and how secrets can destroy. It’s a story of rebirth and the insidious way love just shows up at lousy times with inconvenient people. I couldn’t step away, it’s simply unputdownable. (Handy I had ebook AND audio!).

When Tara Connelly is released from prison after 18 months she’s struggling to rebuild her life. With no job, a criminal record, she’s back home. Each sibling carries baggage of their own. Brother Eddie is a single dad with a long ago traumatic brain injury. Sister Geraldine appears calm but carries an explosive secret. Lange comes from a large Irish family and this familiar construct is evident in the nuance of the Connolly family. The tension in relationships is complex and compounded by their shared history.

This is a perfect read/listen for those who love character driven family dramas with multiple POVs. It’s highly discussable, so great for buddy reads and bookclubs. Despite several trusted reader friends loving and recommending Lange’s debut, We Are The Brennan’s, I haven’t read it! I’ve already got the print and audio ready to go and can’t wait to experience this one!

𝗣𝗨𝗕 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪

Happy pub day @tracey_lange 🥳
Thank you #partners @celadonbooks & @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copies.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻
𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲
𝟴/𝟭/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📖 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁: Thirty-year-old Tara Connelly is released from prison after serving eighteen months on a drug trafficking charge. With just $100 in her pocket, she returns home to live with her older siblings: her sister, her brother, and her brother's son. As Tara works to rebuild her life post-prison, she realizes she's not the only one with secrets. To make things even more complicated, the cop who put her in prison keeps coming around. Things are about to come to a head for the Connelly siblings... will they be able to make it through with their family intact?

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: The Connellys of County Down was on my 'most anticipated reads of the year' list. I read and loved an ARC of Lange's debut, We Are the Brennans, back in early 2021, and I'm pleased to say her sophomore novel is equally brilliant. Like the Brennan family, the Connellys are a messy, dysfunctional, yet loveable family with loads of drama (dare I say this is Lange's niche?). She writes such authentic characters with these wholly believable problems. The reader can't help but become immersed in their world, anxious to see how it all plays out. I binged this in half a day. 🙌🏼

The Connellys of County Down is a well-paced, moving, unputdownable, character-driven exploration of family, love, sacrifice, and beginning again. The unlikely love story is just icing on the cake. I recommend it wholeheartedly!

The audiobook is narrated by the amazingly talented Barrie Kreinek (you may recognize her as the narrator of Sally Hepworth's books). Kreinek delivers a fabulous performance and really brings this story to life - though I'd expect nothing less.

Lastly, can we normalize books being under 300 pages!? 🙌🏼

**Review posted to my IG on 8/1**

Admittedly, I don't often like stories with cops as main characters - I actually considered DNFing this read when I realized the romance was going to be between Tara and one of the officers that helped put her in prison. I stuck around because I was so fascinated by the family dynamics and the relationships between these siblings, and I'm really glad I did. The Connellys of County Down is a moving story about loyalty, love and family dysfunction. I really enjoyed it!

Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.

This story felt like a lonnnnngg chat with an old friend. I thought the audio was so well done. Barrie Kreinik did a fantastic job of making it feel like you were right next to her, just engaging in a story about close friends.

Despite it's short length, it did take me a long time to finish. That is not a testament to my feelings on the book by any means. It is just a slower moving story with a lot of focus on character building and family dynamics. It almost was like I couldn't read or listen to more than a certain amount in a day without needing the break from the heaviness of another family's struggles. But at the same time, the prolonging of the read made it feel like I actually knew the Connellys. I said this with her debut novel, but this is the kind of story where I wish I could get an updated family newsletter once a month. I do kind of wish there was more to the story, although really I can't pinpoint what. I feel like it really did deliver a family story about love and loyalty.

Thank you so much to Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for an advanced reading and listening copy. All opinions are my own.

I am always weary reading an authors sophomore book after loving their debut so dearly, and in this case it was a bit of a departure in experience.

Well I did binge this book in 24 hours, it does hold enough mystery and allure to keep me reading but the characters, I should say, adult characters were kind of torturous. One character in particular grated on my every nerve and the decisions and the reasons for these decisions were hard to sympathize with, and though she did redeem herself in the end it was a too little, too late one for me. The other Connelly’s I did enjoy them much more, but I still didn’t fall in love with any of them, it fell a bit flat for me I kept wanting Lange to dive deeper into the nitty gritty of them.

The love story side plot was sweet, and the relationship our main character had with her nephew were the most endearing of the book. I do think everyone should give this one a read if you love family stories, because we all find different components relatable and just because it was a miss for me I know it’s been well loved by others. Out today!

Thank you @celadon for sending me an ALC all opinions are my own.

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. The book and audiobook are due to be released on August 1, 2023.

Family secrets, trauma from the past, and personal struggles afflict the Connelly family at the heart of Lange’s latest. I love stories of families coming together to deal with hardships, so this engrossing saga was an easy 4-star for me. It shows what we all know—people helping people and families working together to lift each other up are what can bring the individuals of a family up and out of struggle.

Tara Connelly is fresh out of an 18-month stint in jail for trafficking opioids for a local drug dealer. She returns home to her family’s house where her sister, brother, and nephew live. Even though Tara’s the one getting out of prison, her sister Geraldine and her brother Eddie have their own demons to deal with. Meanwhile the cop who helped arrest Tara is inexplicably drawn to her and regretful about the situation that put her in jail.

Your emotions will be tugged and you’ll stay engaged in this story as the true troubles of these characters come into focus and family secrets are revealed. I really enjoyed this book. If you’re a fan of family stories and how members of families can help and heal each other, check this one out. It’s a emotional, romantic, heartwarming summer read.

Much thanks to @celadon for the free early copy and @netgalley for the audiobook. I switched between both. Barrie Kreinik does a lovely job narrating this story, particularly Tara’s conflicting yet completely effecting portion. And kudos to Lange for another powerful and emotional family read.

Family dynamics and sibling relationships are so complex and multi-faceted. This book illustrates that so well. I loved this story, everything about it was so real. Every sibling set out with good intentions but those intentions didn’t always land the way that they were meant. I really liked how this book hit how real families work and how we try to hide the ugly from those we love most to protect them. It was such a good story and after finishing it I immediately called my sister and told her that she needs to read it too.

I read Tracey’s first book, “We are the Brennans” and loved it. This was an equally good second swing for her. I also really liked how it even mentioned Brennans pub in the book – that was a super sneaky tie-in. Absolutely awesome. Overall, this book was a home run. The audio narration was excellent, the story was real and wholesome. I finished it feeling good and appreciating my complex family too.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to listen and review this book!

A compelling story about second chances.

Tracey Lange writes an intriguing tale with The Connellys of County Down. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. The reader is introduced to to the Connelly's, and Tara, who spent the last 18 months in prison due to drugs, is released and hopes to put her life back together. She seeks out help from her family, but they also have their own problems. The story is about loyalty of family, and even the best intentions aren't always successful. Secrets, rebuilding, and familial connections are the building blocks of this story. The story is endearing and heartbreaking. The characters are so real, it's like being with them within the story. This author is a great storyteller. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. The author's technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. A genuine character driven story! The Connellys of County Down is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.

A delightful messy family story that made me want to hope and cheer for each person. Tara Connelly is trying to reset her life after being in prison for a drug charge. She returns home to live with her siblings. It is a difficult transition as she finds a job, helps her family, and discovers an unlikely romantic interest. Tara is moving forward but there are family secrets that could destroy all she has worked for and her family. Where does loyalty, forgiveness and keeping secrets end?

My thanks to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio and Cindy Barnett from Thoughts from a Page for an advance copy of this audiobook.

Wonderfully written family drama about three siblings and their struggles. Tara just getting out of jail has to reorient herself back into the family and readjust to life.

I personally am not a huge family drama reader so it went a little slow for me but I thought the writing and the audio performance was top notch. Just not my personal style to typically pick up and read. I liked the multiple points of view and that it was very true to life in everyone has problems and they aren’t always little ones.

Thank you to netgalley, and celadon books for this gifted copy of the book and audio to enjoy in exchange for my honest review.

Holy Smokes, @traceylange is a powerhouse writer! I devoured We Are the Brennans, and I might have just devoured THE CONNELLYS OF COUNTY DOWN even faster!

This was my selected audio for the drive to Delaware, and then an early morning run. I couldn’t stop listening!

The story follows Tara Connelly, as she’s released from prison for 18 months regarding a drug charge. We immediately figure out that she is too smart and didn’t really do what she was accused of, but WAS willing to go to jail for whomever/whatever really happened. I was hooked by literally chapter 1.

We meet her brother and nephew, along with her sister, and the two cops that put her in jail- one of which definitely has guilt for sending her away. Lange does a great job of creating these characters that are so raw and real that you can’t help but be drawn farther into the dramatic, sweeping familial storyline.

Tara continues to keep the truth behind why she went away, and we draw closer and closer to her family, their struggles, and the redemptions Lange builds for The Connellys, along with Brian. This novel tests the boundaries of both love and loyalty in a way I haven’t seen from a novel in a long time.

Well done, Tracey, this is FANTASTIC and I am officially a fan! Put this on your auto-buy list if you enjoy sweeping familial drama, redemptive arcs, and raw, real characters.

I was totally engrossed in this tale of family, loyalty and love. This audiobook was fantastic and I’d highly recommend it. I loved all of the different stories and character building. I loved the accuracy of the intimate details portrayed in the story such as the hoarding and the psychology behind it. This was an amazing story!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Sudio for my ALC.

I’m so sad I finished The Connelly’s of County Down! I miss these people so much! 😭

Tara Connelly is returning to her family home from her 18 month stint in jail. The three Connelly siblings live together and have supported each other since their mom’s passing. The Connelly’s both fiercely love and fiercely resent each other. As they adjust their lives to fit Tara back in, they realize that perhaps they need to change they way they relate to each other.

The Connelly’s definitely put the ‘fun’ In ‘dysfunction’. I fell madly in love with these perfectly imperfect people and am desperately pining for a sequel.

A wonderful character study narrated by the amazing Barrie Kreinik! Tara Connelly is finally being released from prison after serving 18 months on a drug trafficking charge. She must make a new start for herself while living with her brother, Eddie, who sustained a serious TBI, his son, Connor and her bossy older sister, Geraldine. This story focuses on the 3 siblings and how they come together to better their lives and move on from their childhood trauma. It's a dear story and Tracey Lange is quickly becoming a new favorite.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio e-book*

🚔 The Connellys of County Down - Tracey Lang

3.5 ⭐️ - I thought this one was good and had great messages, just maybe wasn’t the one for me? A story about a family, their hardships, their issues, and their loyalty to each other. If you’re a family drama reader, here’s your next read.

Tara is released from prison and forced to rebuild her life from scratch. With no money, a car, a house, or a job, she goes to live with her siblings who struggle with their own hardships. Her sister, Geraldine, the caretaker, is struggling with a strange addiction. Her brother, Eddie, a single dad with a traumatic brain injury. And to complicate life some more, the cop who put Tara in jail keeps showing up unannounced and unexpected. When the Connelly’s secrets unravel and threaten Tara’s new future, the siblings must come clean or risk losing each other forever.

This was a really powerful story about family, sibling bonds, and the definition of loyalty. This was the part of the story I felt drawn to. I loved the growth of family and the commitment they made to love each other unconditionally and do what they needed to save their family. The rest of it, I found harder to connect to. I enjoyed the love story (I think I wish there was more), but while the struggles and hardships were flawed, real, and raw, I couldn’t connect with the characters past the surface level. I do recommend this book due to being beautifully written and its powerful messages. If you’re into family drama or character driven books, this one’s for you!

THE CONNELLYS OF COUNTY DOWN
Tracey Lange

Based on the story told to them by their mother in their youth. We meet the siblings as adults. Each dealing with the consequences of their own actions.

We start with Tara. Tara has just gotten out of prison. Serving a sentence for drug charges. She has little left for her on the outside and is struggling to put her life back together.

Geraldine is the one holding the home down and keeping things running smoothly while Tara is gone. She’s also keeping a big secret that threatens her very stability.

Eddie is newly divorced and spends his time taking care of his son Conor and trying to keep things together for his family.

I really enjoyed THE CONNELLYS OF COUNTY DOWN.

The reading experience feels like Lange has been given guardianship over these characters. It feels like she tended to them with time, care, thoughtfulness and appreciation.

There is character development and there is THE CONNELYS OF COUNTY DOWN. I was moved by their flawed perfection. And it will be a long time until I forget these characters. Perhaps until I read Lange again.

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

THE CONNELLYS OF COUNTY DOWN…⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️