What Happened to the McCrays by Tracey Lange
ARC from Macmillan audio, Celadon Books and netgalley for an honest review
Book Blurb:
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.
My Review: 4 stars
What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange is a family drama that breaks down the history of what tore this family apart and what can eventually bring them to heal. This is the third book I’ve read by this author and yet again, she continues to create introspective and dynamic plotlines.
Kyle has demons to fight, yet little does he know that his ex, Casey, is also fighting demons. As they are now back in the same small town, they must unleash their hurts and painful truths so that they can co-exist in the same town.
If you’re a fan of hockey, you’ll really appreciate this book as Casey was the substitute coach and Kyle was once an amazing player at their school. There was a bit of humor in their banter, and I really wanted to see them find a way back to one another. I also really liked the inclusion of Casey’s brother – a character who is completely wheelchair bound yet finds love and success in his life.
Overall, this a good family drama with a note of nostalgia and romance.
Quotes I liked:
You know, I think that’s how grief works. You have to feel it so you can heal it, not bury yourself in it. You get through it, and each time it’s a little less.”