What Happened To The McCrays? by Tracey Lange

 

When Kyle McCray finally checks his voicemail, he learns that his father has had a serious stroke two days ago.  Kyle left Potsdam, his hometown, almost three years ago after a tragedy.  He drifted for a long time but recently has set down some roots on the West Coast.  But he knows his father needs him now so he packs up and heads home.

Kyle had basically left without cutting ties, leaving his wife of sixteen years, Casey, behind because he thought that's what she needed.  He walked out on his business, his coaching, his friends and everything he loved trying to bring her peace.  But now he's back and he has to face the facts of what his leaving has done to everyone.

Kyle slowly starts working his way back into the life of the town.  He helps out in his former garage and helps his brother-in-law in his woodshop where he makes custom furniture.  He helps his father and finally starts to build a strong relationship there.  The local middle school ice hockey team is terrible and he agrees to coach them, building their skills and gaining their respect and affection.  But can he rebuild anything with Casey?

Tracey Lange's work explores family dynamics and how they can go terribly wrong.  The rifts in Kyle's life are almost all caused by miscommunication or no communication and the fact that everyone he knows blames themselves for the tragedy that drove Kyle away.  He and Casey are the worst in that regard and until they can hash out what happened, there's no chance at reconciliation.  The reader will find themselves falling a bit for Kyle who is a decent man trying to build his life back.  This book is recommended for women's fiction readers.