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What Happened to the McCrays?
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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 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.
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 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.
Audiobook
Expected publication January 14, 2025
About the author
Tracey Lange
3 books1,576 followersTracey 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. While writing her debut novel, We Are the Brennans, she completed the Stanford University online novel writing program. She currently lives in Bend, Oregon with her husband, two sons, and beloved German Shepherd.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 31, 2024
If you are familiar with me you know I love a good family drama, a “maybe you can go home again” type of storyline and . . . HOUSE COVERS . . .
This one delivered all three and let me tell you the squeak I squeaked when this arrived from the publisher as a surprise package with the nicest note saying “we know you have enjoyed this author previously, so we wanted to make sure to get you a copy of her latest release.” How nice is that?
This is the story of Kyle, who has to return home after several years of being away in order to assist his father who is trying to bounce back from a stroke. He also will have to find some resolution with Casey – his ex-wife who he left behind those years ago and who just so happens to live right across the street. Lange’s previous books have been a little more lighthearted than this one, so be forewarned going in this is a little heavier. But oh my the feeeeeeeeels! I am an official superfan and will happily read whatever this author comes up with – whether I am fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy or if I have to be first in line on pub day. So good.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This one delivered all three and let me tell you the squeak I squeaked when this arrived from the publisher as a surprise package with the nicest note saying “we know you have enjoyed this author previously, so we wanted to make sure to get you a copy of her latest release.” How nice is that?
This is the story of Kyle, who has to return home after several years of being away in order to assist his father who is trying to bounce back from a stroke. He also will have to find some resolution with Casey – his ex-wife who he left behind those years ago and who just so happens to live right across the street. Lange’s previous books have been a little more lighthearted than this one, so be forewarned going in this is a little heavier. But oh my the feeeeeeeeels! I am an official superfan and will happily read whatever this author comes up with – whether I am fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy or if I have to be first in line on pub day. So good.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2023
In my opinion, this is Tracey’s best book (so far). Such a poignant story with complicated characters you will love. I can’t wait for you to see it!
August 25, 2024
"He was looking at her now, his expression haggard and sad, and she fleetingly thought about laying it all out there, opening her soul and pouring it out to him, letting the chips fall where they may. It was appealing, the idea of giving up the burden she'd been carrying alone for almost four years. The one that had cost her so much. Everything." Tracey Lange, What Happened to the McCrays
Thank you #celadonbooks #partner for this advance reader copy.
Pub date: January 14, 2025
Like the two that came before this - The Connellys of Country Down (2023) and We Are the Brennans (2021), What Happened to the McCrays is outstanding!
This family drama of love, loss, old wounds, new territory, forgiveness and regret, this story is captivating. The upstate New York theme in Potsdam - known for hockey, Clarkson and cold - is perfect for this family and community setting. Even the yellow house on the cover with the icicles hanging from the roofline was reminiscent of my childhood. Growing up with a younger brother who played hockey from the time he was five years old, traveling to towns like Potsdam with little to offer in the dead of winter other than a determined community to own bragging rights in youth hockey. This story captured all those feelings so well!
Thank you #celadonbooks #partner for this advance reader copy.
Pub date: January 14, 2025
Like the two that came before this - The Connellys of Country Down (2023) and We Are the Brennans (2021), What Happened to the McCrays is outstanding!
This family drama of love, loss, old wounds, new territory, forgiveness and regret, this story is captivating. The upstate New York theme in Potsdam - known for hockey, Clarkson and cold - is perfect for this family and community setting. Even the yellow house on the cover with the icicles hanging from the roofline was reminiscent of my childhood. Growing up with a younger brother who played hockey from the time he was five years old, traveling to towns like Potsdam with little to offer in the dead of winter other than a determined community to own bragging rights in youth hockey. This story captured all those feelings so well!
Want to read
August 10, 2024I have loved Tracey Lange’s novels. I am really eager for this book as well. Love ❤️ when a Cover comes up~Excited for this!
Coming out in January 2025, which will be here faster then I think. Just looked again on NetGalley and the book is ‘Wish for It’ Hopefully, that changes.
Coming out in January 2025, which will be here faster then I think. Just looked again on NetGalley and the book is ‘Wish for It’ Hopefully, that changes.
September 3, 2024
One of my favorite books of all time.
I've read all of Tracey Lange's books and hands down this one is the best. It's full of love, loss, forgiveness, regret, and so much more. From the first couple of pages I was captivated by this story and honestly couldn't put the book down. Kyle, one of the main character's, has to go back to his hometown to help his father who had a stroke. He left that town two years ago and isn't looking forward to going back and reliving memories or seeing his ex wife.
What Happened To the McCrays has a little bit of mystery to it as we get to slowly weave our way into the McCrays life. We get Kyle and Cassie's current and past perspectives. I grew up in a small town just like Potsdam, that didn't have much going on, but you always had one another. I really resonated with the characters and honestly felt my heart being broke reading about the devastating loss that this family went through. I cried, I laughed, and I cried some more.
Lange knows how to write absolutely breathtaking books that have you thinking about them for months after. It's books like this one that make me fall back in love with reading all over again.
I've read all of Tracey Lange's books and hands down this one is the best. It's full of love, loss, forgiveness, regret, and so much more. From the first couple of pages I was captivated by this story and honestly couldn't put the book down. Kyle, one of the main character's, has to go back to his hometown to help his father who had a stroke. He left that town two years ago and isn't looking forward to going back and reliving memories or seeing his ex wife.
What Happened To the McCrays has a little bit of mystery to it as we get to slowly weave our way into the McCrays life. We get Kyle and Cassie's current and past perspectives. I grew up in a small town just like Potsdam, that didn't have much going on, but you always had one another. I really resonated with the characters and honestly felt my heart being broke reading about the devastating loss that this family went through. I cried, I laughed, and I cried some more.
Lange knows how to write absolutely breathtaking books that have you thinking about them for months after. It's books like this one that make me fall back in love with reading all over again.
September 2, 2024
What Happens to the McCrays
By: Tracey Lange
Pub date: January 14, 2025
Publisher: Celadon Books
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have loved every book by this author, so I was thrilled to get this one. Her first one We are The Brennan’s and The Connelly’s of County Down are both with a read as well.
Lange has a way of giving us a great story revolving around a family. I am always invested in her characters.
This novel is about Kyle and Casey McCray. After dating in high school they marry. They grew up next door to each other and they both shared a common loss of a parent.
Years of marriage are tested after a tragic event. I am not going to give away any spoilers, but this novel has rich characters, true and relatable circumstances, family drama and you will need Kleenex near you. I love her node to The Brennan’s.
Thank you Celadon for this gifted copy.
By: Tracey Lange
Pub date: January 14, 2025
Publisher: Celadon Books
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have loved every book by this author, so I was thrilled to get this one. Her first one We are The Brennan’s and The Connelly’s of County Down are both with a read as well.
Lange has a way of giving us a great story revolving around a family. I am always invested in her characters.
This novel is about Kyle and Casey McCray. After dating in high school they marry. They grew up next door to each other and they both shared a common loss of a parent.
Years of marriage are tested after a tragic event. I am not going to give away any spoilers, but this novel has rich characters, true and relatable circumstances, family drama and you will need Kleenex near you. I love her node to The Brennan’s.
Thank you Celadon for this gifted copy.
September 22, 2024
Did the McCrays just dethrone the Brennans?! I THINK SO! I LOVED LOVED LOVED this. No one can write these families like Tracey Lange does. I don’t get how she does it. The hockey. The community. The tragedy. Ugh this one hurt my heart but also put it back together. I’ll be thinking about this one a long time. ❤️
September 10, 2024
Nice hat trick, Tracey Lange! Bravo!
From the stunning cover to the very last page I was completely invested in this beautifully written family drama. The well developed characters all felt like friends and family and I am going to miss them terribly. I did not want this book to end, but it’s a good thing it did because I was running out of tissues.
All three of the author’s books are among my favorites but this one really tugged at the heartstrings. No one writes working class characters better, and after reading this book I feel like I actually visited Potsdam. I look forward to seeing what she writes next. This author is an auto buy for me.
Thank you Netgalley, Celadon Books and author Tracey Lange for the fantastic ARC in exchange for my honest review.
From the stunning cover to the very last page I was completely invested in this beautifully written family drama. The well developed characters all felt like friends and family and I am going to miss them terribly. I did not want this book to end, but it’s a good thing it did because I was running out of tissues.
All three of the author’s books are among my favorites but this one really tugged at the heartstrings. No one writes working class characters better, and after reading this book I feel like I actually visited Potsdam. I look forward to seeing what she writes next. This author is an auto buy for me.
Thank you Netgalley, Celadon Books and author Tracey Lange for the fantastic ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 13, 2024
3 1/2 stars, not a big hockey fan, but a well written, emotional novel
September 22, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for Goodreads. Thank you to Macmillan Publishers for my gifted copy of this book!
I am truly a Lange fan! When it comes to writing about the average family in middle class America, no one does it better. The Brennans, the Connelly’s, and now the McCrays will all be families we will not soon forget.
The story of the McCrays focuses on a tragic event leading to the demise of a marriage. A book on forgiveness and finding your way back.
This was a sad story that, at times, made me extremely angry at the unfairness surrounding both Casey and Kyle. I loved how their community rallied around this couple and Lange could write a book about any of these secondary characters and I’m certain it would be a gem and a story we could all relate to! She is somehow able to give so much depth to all her characters. I can’t wait to meet the next small town family.
I feel the need to include a trigger warning of loss of a child.
I am truly a Lange fan! When it comes to writing about the average family in middle class America, no one does it better. The Brennans, the Connelly’s, and now the McCrays will all be families we will not soon forget.
The story of the McCrays focuses on a tragic event leading to the demise of a marriage. A book on forgiveness and finding your way back.
This was a sad story that, at times, made me extremely angry at the unfairness surrounding both Casey and Kyle. I loved how their community rallied around this couple and Lange could write a book about any of these secondary characters and I’m certain it would be a gem and a story we could all relate to! She is somehow able to give so much depth to all her characters. I can’t wait to meet the next small town family.
I feel the need to include a trigger warning of loss of a child.
August 29, 2024
I have two favorite authors when it comes to character development and family dramas. And Tracey Lange is one of them. She has written 3 five star reviews in a row! There was one point where I was crying so hard I had to put down the book and get myself together. She is THAT good. For me, this book started out a bit slower than her other two books, but once it gets going, I couldn’t put it down (except for when I was crying). She knows how to make characters come to life and she knows how to make the reader feel for these characters as if they are real people. I can always picture her characters and I can picture the towns. It is writing at its best!
Thank you to Celadon for a gifted copy of this arc that comes out in January 2025!
Thank you to Celadon for a gifted copy of this arc that comes out in January 2025!
August 27, 2024
Loved this one- full review to come closer to pub date.
September 14, 2024
I have become a huge Tracey Lange fan. She has the ability to create characters that I immediately am drawn to. They’re just that real.
In this story, Kyle McCray has left his hometown of Potsdam, leaving behind his father and ex-wife. Then, he gets a call that his father has suffered a stroke and he needs to return home. Given how he left everyone in the lurch, he knows it’s not going to be an easy homecoming. The reader is only slowly told the facts on why he left. I loved that Lange doesn’t try to create a good guy/bad guy situation. Everyone has their reasons and they’re all understandable. It’s a strong family drama that also incorporates the whole small town vibe, with folks needing to rely on each other. As Lange says in her Acknowledgement, “One of the themes of this book is the importance and power of community.”
It deals with grief, and the different ways people respond to it. It also covers guilt and how we hold ourselves to impossible standards. The ending got a little sappy but overall it worked.
I was lucky to get a whole box of this book from Celadon Books as a book club giveaway. We’ll be discussing this on Monday and I can’t wait.
In this story, Kyle McCray has left his hometown of Potsdam, leaving behind his father and ex-wife. Then, he gets a call that his father has suffered a stroke and he needs to return home. Given how he left everyone in the lurch, he knows it’s not going to be an easy homecoming. The reader is only slowly told the facts on why he left. I loved that Lange doesn’t try to create a good guy/bad guy situation. Everyone has their reasons and they’re all understandable. It’s a strong family drama that also incorporates the whole small town vibe, with folks needing to rely on each other. As Lange says in her Acknowledgement, “One of the themes of this book is the importance and power of community.”
It deals with grief, and the different ways people respond to it. It also covers guilt and how we hold ourselves to impossible standards. The ending got a little sappy but overall it worked.
I was lucky to get a whole box of this book from Celadon Books as a book club giveaway. We’ll be discussing this on Monday and I can’t wait.
August 26, 2024
The McCray family broke my heart. Another winner from Tracey Lange! 🏒
Going to keep my comments on this one brief so the rest of you can discover what happened without any spoilers:
🤔 Kyle and Casey (and their supporting cast) are likable, real characters you want to root for.
🏒 The middle school hockey team is full of boys (and one girl manager) you learn to love.
🐕🦺 Star, the German Shepherd
🤗 As you read the Acknowledgments, you will see how many people in Tracey Lange's real life were included as characters in her book.
🎩 This is author has scored a hat trick for me with this third title. Three out of three books with five stars.
If you have read Tracey Lange you know these families have real issues that may be difficult to read about. Be sure to have your tissues handy for this one!
A big thank you to Celadon Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Going to keep my comments on this one brief so the rest of you can discover what happened without any spoilers:
🤔 Kyle and Casey (and their supporting cast) are likable, real characters you want to root for.
🏒 The middle school hockey team is full of boys (and one girl manager) you learn to love.
🐕🦺 Star, the German Shepherd
🤗 As you read the Acknowledgments, you will see how many people in Tracey Lange's real life were included as characters in her book.
🎩 This is author has scored a hat trick for me with this third title. Three out of three books with five stars.
If you have read Tracey Lange you know these families have real issues that may be difficult to read about. Be sure to have your tissues handy for this one!
A big thank you to Celadon Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2024
https://wendyreadit.wordpress.com/202...
This is my third book by Tracey Lange, first I met the Brennans and then the Connollys, and this time it's the McCrays. I love that the Brennans got a shout out on page 182! Tracey Lange, from the first chapter, pulls you into Kyle McCray's life and you really do want to know what happened to the McCrays. It starts off with Kyle having to go back home to Potsdam after learning his dad needs his help. This small upstate New York town is one of those places where everybody knows everybody else's business, it's hard to keep secrets. It's what's unspoken that needs to be heard so everyone can move on with their lives. I really enjoyed this story about family and relationships and am looking forward to our book club discussion. Jan 2025 Pub Date. #CeladonBookClub #ReadWhatHappenedtotheMcCrays #netgalley
This is my third book by Tracey Lange, first I met the Brennans and then the Connollys, and this time it's the McCrays. I love that the Brennans got a shout out on page 182! Tracey Lange, from the first chapter, pulls you into Kyle McCray's life and you really do want to know what happened to the McCrays. It starts off with Kyle having to go back home to Potsdam after learning his dad needs his help. This small upstate New York town is one of those places where everybody knows everybody else's business, it's hard to keep secrets. It's what's unspoken that needs to be heard so everyone can move on with their lives. I really enjoyed this story about family and relationships and am looking forward to our book club discussion. Jan 2025 Pub Date. #CeladonBookClub #ReadWhatHappenedtotheMcCrays #netgalley
September 30, 2024
I really really enjoy Tracey Lange's writing. I always find her books compelling and so readable. The relationship between the characters and the overall dynamics of families I believe she handles very well also. Every now and again in books with romantic relationships involved, I get annoyed with the push-pull and the emotional manipulation that can be involved, but this one felt like it had reason for it, which I appreciated.
What Happened to the McCrays explores the process of loss and grief, and how it can tear relationships apart. This is explored over time and with empathy and care.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
Thank you for Netgalley and Celadon books for an ARC of #WhathappenedtotheMcCrays in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure!
What Happened to the McCrays explores the process of loss and grief, and how it can tear relationships apart. This is explored over time and with empathy and care.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
Thank you for Netgalley and Celadon books for an ARC of #WhathappenedtotheMcCrays in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure!
October 2, 2023
These characters found a place in my heart from page 1, tore it to shreds by the 75% mark, then put it back together by the end. This is, in my opinion, Tracey's best, most emotional book so far. Read if you love complicated interpersonal dynamics, puzzling out what happened to fracture a rock-solid marriage, Then/Now structures, and snarky middle school ice hockey players. I can't recommend this one enough.
July 31, 2024
Whether you like hockey or not this book will move you. Absolutely phenomenal writing from page 1. Your emotions will go on quite the roller coaster with this one. I struggled to put this down. I loved Tracey’s first two books, but this one is truly spectacular!! Get it now so you have it in your hands as soon as it is out!
September 12, 2024
Exciting Project! I thoroughly enjoyed the overview of "What Happened to the McCrays?" . It’s full of promise, and I have some ideas that might improve its overall impact. If you’re open to feedback, let’s talk! You can email me at yunusmr574@gmail.com.
August 16, 2024
A family learns to cope with the loss of a child. But how?
September 5, 2024
Read thanks to NetGalley. Really enjoy the family dramas Lange writes.
September 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this story. Started out slow but picked up and I couldn't put it down.
August 11, 2024
I enjoyed this book but towards the end it felt like a “who can try and be the best person” competition between the characters.
September 21, 2024
Its a bit slow at the beginning, but the way the author breaks up the story and withholds information really got me invested in the characters and the storyline from the start. I didn’t want to put this book down. Definitely a tear jerker. I love when a book can bring that type of emotion out of you.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews