What do readers think of The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange? Write your own review.

Tracey Lange has crafted an absolute gem with “The Connellys of County Down.” This novel dives deep into the complexities of family, loyalty, and second chances in a way that feels both poignant and incredibly relatable. The Connellys are messy, flawed, and imperfect—just like most families—but their fierce love and loyalty for one another shine through on every page.

Tara’s journey of rebuilding her life after prison and reconnecting with her siblings, Eddie and Geraldine, is beautifully written and full of heart. Each sibling struggles with their own burdens—be it Eddie’s brain injury or Geraldine’s secret- …more laden attempt at perfection—but Lange weaves their stories together seamlessly, showing how love and resilience can help heal even the deepest wounds.

The dynamics between the Connellys are rich and layered, pulling you into their lives so completely that you feel like you’re right there with them, rooting for their redemption and growth. Lange’s prose is compassionate and honest, exploring themes of forgiveness, love, and what it truly means to be family, even when life throws you curveballs.

With relatable characters, touching moments of vulnerability, and an engaging plot that keeps you hooked, this story is as much about the power of love and connection as it is about finding strength within ourselves. If you enjoy family dramas with heartfelt, character-driven storytelling, you won’t want to miss this one. (less)

This was so good! I absolutely loved all the characters, and it was surprisingly emotional. This is the next book by the author of We Are the Brennans, which I didn't dislike, but didn't love it like others seemed to. For whatever reason, this book spoke to me so much more!

This starts with Tara Connelly getting released from prison after serving 18 months for drug trafficking. She goes back home to live with her brother and sister, who each have their own secrets, which all come together in a way that risks their family and Tara's newfound freedom.

I loved how every character had their (in some cases very …more significant) issues, and how real the interactions between them felt. It was easy to root for each of them but also dislike each of them in turn. I ended up just a hair shy of 5 stars because some parts came together slightly too perfectly and I was just so frustrated by some stupid decisions, but this was still such a good read! (less)