What Happened to the McCrays?: A Novel

“Lange has proved herself to be a deft spinner of shamrock-tinged family yarns…. Her portrait of complicated, deeply rooted relationships is a sight to behold.”
—The New York Times


"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

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.

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352 pages

Average rating: 7.77

22 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

JShrestha
Mar 11, 2025
8/10 stars
Following the split and reunion of the lifetime partners, Casey and Kyle McCray, the read follows the struggles of running into an estranged ex love and facing the demons that tore it apart. Layered in the complications of the family, hockey community, and friends involved, the reader gets easily attached in the rollercoaster of their reunion and trying to navigate the possibility of being in the same town again. I liked that the plot was like a traditional Hallmark special yet rolled out with more emotions and less clinches.

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