A review by natlbugz
The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange

hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

TLDR: If you love books that explore the complexities of family, loyalty, and second chances, this one will pull you right in. And if you’re the youngest sibling, prepare to feel very seen. 

 

I love a good family saga, and The Connellys of County Down delivered all the things I love about them: complicated siblings, deep-seated family dynamics, and enough drama to keep me fully invested from start to finish. This book is part family saga, part mystery, part romance—basically a genre mash-up. 

 

Tara, the youngest of three siblings, felt especially relatable to me because, well, I’m also the baby of three. Her struggles, resilience, and determination hit me hard, and I couldn’t help but root for her. The Connelly family’s messy, complicated love for each other felt so real—like sitting in on someone else’s family therapy session but way more entertaining. 

 

The mystery aspect? Had me hooked. The romance? Sweet but not overpowering. Lange balanced all the elements so well, and while the twists weren’t totally shocking, they were satisfying enough to keep me flipping pages like a madwoman. 

 

This was my first time reading Tracey Lange, and I’m already lining up her debut We Are the Brennans, and her upcoming release What Happened to the McCrays? because if she can write sibling drama this good, I’m automatically a fan.