By: Tracey Lange
Narrators: William DeMeritt,
Stephanie Németh-Parker
ISBN: 9781250350282
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Celadon Books
Publication Date: 01/14/2025
Duration: 12 Hours
Format: Audio
My Rating: 5 Stars (ALC)
From New York Times bestselling author Tracey Lange, a poignant story about the resilience of family, the importance of community, and the magic of middle school hockey
When Kyle McCray gets word his father has suffered a debilitating stroke, he returns to his hometown of Potsdam, New York, where he doesn’t expect a warm welcome. Kyle left suddenly two and a half years ago, abandoning people who depended on him: his father, his employees, his friends—not to mention Casey, his wife of sixteen years and a beloved teacher in town. He plans to lie low and help his dad recuperate until he can leave again, especially after Casey makes it clear she wants him gone.
The longer he’s home, the more Kyle understands the impact his departure has had on the people he left behind. When he’s presented with an opportunity for redemption as the coach of the floundering middle school hockey team, he begins to find compassion in unexpected places. Kyle even considers staying in Potsdam, but that’s only possible if he and Casey can come to some kind of peace with each other.
Full of love and hope, What Happened to the McCrays? takes an intimate look at both sides of a failed marriage and two people who must finally confront the awful pain of their past or risk being consumed by it.
My Review
From the NYT bestselling author Tracey Lange comes WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MCCRAYS —a captivating, memorable, and poignant domestic family drama about marriage, loss, love, forgiveness, second chances, and the transformative power of connection if we are willing to risk opening our hearts.
Emotionally riveting and infused with hope, The McCrays is a story of redemption, the importance and resilience of family and community, and some magical help from middle school hockey.
Audiobook...
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, which I highly recommend, performed by two favorites, William DeMeritt and Stephanie Németh-Parker. They each captured the essence of the characters, the emotions, and the setting. I was hanging on their every word. The moving story is hauntingly beautiful, and the memorable characters will remain with you long after the book ends.
About...
From past to present, Kyle, a mechanic, and Casey, a school teacher, were once high school sweethearts and married for sixteen years. The community embraced them. Their story unfolds in their small hometown of Potsdam, New York, making their experiences and emotions relatable to many readers on their way from tragedy to healing and forgiveness.
Two years earlier, Kyle had left and moved across the country, and the town was upset that he had abandoned his wife, family, and community. In the present, Kyle is called back to care for his father, who has suffered from a stroke. Kyle knows he will be unwelcome and dreads running into Casey, who wants him gone.
But things are not as they appear.
Kyle has not realized the impact of his leaving and those he has left behind. Casey is still a big part of the town and his dad's life, so he will run into her. Then Kyle has a chance for redemption when asked to help out with the middle school's hockey team.
What happened to the McCrays that drove them apart? As we hear from both Kyle and Casey, we learn their innermost fears, trauma, grief, and guilt. Will they communicate and find their way back to one another and face their demons from the past?
My thoughts...
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MCCRAYS is a beautifully written, emotionally charged family drama. It delves into life's messiness, from grief and tragedy to guilt and pain, secrets, and the struggles of loss and shutting out loved ones to protect their hearts.
Ultimately, it is also a story of love, communication, acceptance, relationships, parenthood, hope, letting others help us carry the burden, and, if lucky, a shot at second chances.
As readers, we do not know what tore this couple apart, but we slowly get the answers to the tragedy, breakup, and unraveling as we move along. Not only did it affect this couple, but their family and the entire community.
Prepare to have tissues on hand for this heartfelt story that will make you cry and laugh. As the entire community comes together for this couple, you'll witness the power of love and support and adore the students, family, and all the supporting characters.
Profoundly moving novel, the author's writing is compassionate and lyrical and showcases her exceptional storytelling skills with insightful character-driven charm. We see the satisfaction of belonging and feeling needed, the vibrancy of community, and the power of connection.
My first book by the author and looking forward to reading more and her backlist, I have heard so much about. Her words enfold and draw you deeply into the story and characters you come to root for.
Deeply compelling and heartwarming. Enjoy the snow and snuggle with a cozy throw by the fire and a warm beverage for this one!
Recs...
This stunning family drama is for fans of the author and readers who enjoy complex character-driven narratives (diving into their thoughts and actions), a deep exploration of interpersonal dynamics, small towns, their impact, and complex relationships with everyday people and experiences.
Also for fans of This is Us and readers who enjoy heartfelt stories by Catherine Ryan Hyde, Lisa Scottoline, Liane Moriarty, Kristin Hannah, Suzanne Redfearn, Elizabeth Berg, Ethan Joella, and Fredrik Backman.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio for an advanced listening copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #MacAudio2024 The audio is a must-listen.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Jan 14, 2025
Praise
"The novel’s emotional range is impressive, particularly the slow-burn rekindling between its two leads, and snowy, close-knit Potsdam comes to life. Readers in search of a perceptive and rewarding family drama need look no further."
—Publishers Weekly
“Lange's characters are memorable, and their struggles feel epic yet real.” –Booklist
About the Author
Photo Credit: Natalie Stephenson
Tracey Lange was born and raised in New York City. She graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in psychology before owning and operating a behavioral healthcare company with her husband for fifteen years. She completed the Stanford University online novel writing program, and is the author of We Are the Brennans and The Connellys of County Down. She currently lives in Bend, Oregon with her husband, two sons, and beloved German Shepherd.
