I enjoyed and related to this book very much! Kim and Grant are a long time couple who have twin, adult daughters and their lives are changing in late middle age. They never did get married and Kim keeps holding on to that last bit of freedom.
They get an opportunity to escape the Midwest for the winter and spend it in Palm Springs. Grant needs a lot of convincing not wanting to leave his professorial, university environment behind.
They are living at the home of Kim’s rich, gay ex-husband. Kim is able to adapt and makes friends right away. There is quite a cast of characters living in the community. Grant finally finds his bliss and takes up hiking and starts to really get into it until one day when he doesn’t come home. Grant has always run away when things got rough. Is he lost or is this just him running away again?
It becomes apparent that he is lost and things progress from there. Lots of search and rescue workers are looking for him. In the meantime Kim has a lot of time to process her feelings. What if he is gone for good?
A lot of readers can relate to the conflicted feelings and choices that Grant and Kim make. I enjoyed the insight into their thinking and the cast of characters that surrounded them.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an advanced reader's copy of The Snowbirds, a compelling slow-burn mystery novel by Christina Clancy. This marks my first experience with the author’s work, and I found it to be an engaging exploration of relationships and self-discovery. The dual timeline volleys back and forth between life before Grant goes missing to the play by play currently taking place in Palm Springs. Narrated by Kim, a woman in her 50s, mother of two, and long-time partner to Grant, the novel delves into the complexities of their domestic life. When Grant’s position as a college professor in Madison, Wisconsin unexpectedly comes to an end, Kim, feeling restless and seeking change, convinces him to accept an offer to be Snowbirds in Palm Springs for the winter. While Grant is reluctant, Kim quickly convinces him to adapt to their new surroundings, forging new connections and immersing herself in the vibrant community of Palm Springs. Grant is definitely not on board with change or adapting to an adventure outside of his comfort zone. The cast of characters were quirky, but Kim and Grant aren’t exactly likable main characters. Their time in the desert takes a darker turn when Grant, after developing an interest in hiking, ventures out on a solo desert hike and fails to return. A search party is organized, racing against the harsh desert elements to find him. As the story unfolds, readers gain insight into the history of Kim and Grant’s 30-year partnership, including Kim’s long-standing reluctance to accept Grant's marriage proposal. The novel leaves us wondering: Will they return to the Midwest and finally take the step of marriage, or will the allure of Palm Springs open the door to a new chapter in Kim's life? 3.5/5

3.75 but rounding up because the writing was great!
I have somewhat mixed feelings about this book overall? But I liked it a lot?
I think the pacing was a smidge too slow for me. We spent sooooo much time in the past, which was GREAT for getting Kim and Grant’s relationship square, but it constantly took me out of the conflict in the present, which should have stressed me out more. Since we kept leaving it, I was like “well, it is what it is.”
I did really love getting to see Kim’s and Grant’s relationship flesh out, but to be completely honest, I don’t know that they really are in love! I think that yes, love and relationships can need work and compromise and that they’re HARD, but other than physical attraction and the insistence that they loved each other, I couldn’t see what made them work or what made the relationship something worth fighting for. Sometimes love isn’t enough and I felt like that could have and maybe should have been the path for these two. I’m not sold on “they shouldn’t be together” but I’m not sold on “they can totally work this out” either.
[SPOILERS]
The ending, to me, felt a little predictable, if not meh. I think you’re building to this conclusion from the beginning, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I wanted a bit more. I actually would have liked to not see them end up together. Or to have separated and then perhaps reunited? I think doing it this way kind of made it corny—which I usually like! So I’m surprised. But yeah, I wasn’t really rooting for them. I think both of them had a LOT more to work on, so it just felt a little too clean.
This was one of those books I thought was really great but didn’t fall in love with. It happens! I couldn’t put it down but I was also making an uncertain face throughout. You know what I mean!

A interesting story that I could relate to as I just moved into a Continuing Care Retirement Community. Making new friends and anew lifestyle is difficult to navigate as relationships change. this story has it all from the mystery to romance and accepting change.

This will be a perfect book for readers who love chicklit and who love a good couple drama in a gorgeous setting.

I enjoyed this book.

It shares the story of a couple who have been together for many years and are reassessing if their relationship is still right for them.

The chapters move back and forth between present and past, with the story unfolding slowly in both timelines.

It was a compelling read, much like Clancy’s debut novel from several years back.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book! The author did a great job going between present time and the past. Even though a lot of the story happens in two places I could clearly tell if we were in present time or the past. I also really enjoyed how the author weaved details from the past into the story so I better understood the characters and how they got to where they are.

About halfway through the book I could tell the story was headed for something big, but I didn't expect him to get lost. Then the author did a great job of finishing up the book so I didn't know if he was going to make it until the end. That aspect kept me hooked and I didn't want to put the book down.

I personally love Palm Springs and I liked reading all the details the author includes from places I've been. I always think it's fun to read a book set in a place I've traveled to.

A solid book. I asked to read this release as I am very familiar with "SnowBirds" from living in the SunBelt for some years. That part of this story felt very well done & authentic. I overall liked quite a bit of this novel - a middle-aged, common-law couple going through the doldrums and one of them gets lost in the local mountains - for good? But I found both of them to be rather unlikeable, and that left me less invested in their actual outcome. Still, some interesting parts and very character driven, of course. My thanks to Net Galley & the publisher for the advance reader's copy - I appreciate getting the chance to read & review it.

This is a good book, but I definitely don't think I'd compare it to Fleishman is in trouble. I guess similar vibes in that there's a missing spouse, but the writing feels entirely different. That's OK though; just felt like a weird comparison to me.

In Snowbirds, Kim and Grant have decided to spend the winter in Palm Springs. Well, Kim decided. And Grant feels like he has to go along with it. The couple has two adult daughters and seem to be going through a bit of a transition period as they age. They never actually got married and they spent a lot of their lives living apart due to jobs. While in Palm Springs, Grant develops a serious interest in hiking and one day, he goes on a hike and doesn't return. Is he missing or did he run away? Grant has a history of doing that, after all.

The book bounces around from the present where Grant is missing to when Kim and Grant first decide to depart for Palm Springs. We also get a lot of their backstory, as well as their experiences thus far in California, with the interesting cast of characters they meet.

I thought the end was a little bit disappointing in some ways (I think I was just expecting more), though I think others will be satisfied with it.

Shoulder Season is still my favorite Christina Clancy novel, but I'm glad I read this one and think a lot of people will enjoy it come it's pub day!

Kim and Grant have been in a non-conventional relationship for 30 years, have two adult twin daughters, and are in need of a change to save their relationship. The couple decides to leave the midwest winter and ‘snowbird’ in fabulous Palm Springs, California. I was immediately hooked with the mystery of what happened to Grant as he went missing while hiking in the Palm Springs mountains. The story involved timelines between their past history, the beginning of winter (their arrival in Palm Springs), and the present where Grant is missing. The cast of characters were fun and quirky but Kim and Grant weren’t exactly likable until the end. It was enjoyable to read about a grown-up relationship and characters that struggle to find identity and purpose in mid-life. The first half of the book moved a little too slow for me but eventually picked up with Grant’s journal entries and the search-and-rescue effort. The ending was wrapped up nicely in a bow, for which I appreciate, but may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Overall, I would definitely recommend picking this one up when you need a break from the winter blues.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Release date is February 4, 2025.

The book started out okay, but the pace was way too slow, and I struggled to stay engaged. The characters were one-dimensional, and I never really connected with any of them. Sadly, I found myself skipping around and skimming. However, the descriptions of Palm Springs were nice.

What a perfect read. I devoured this book. It was an unexpected delight . The cover drew me in and I am so glad I gave it a chance.

An emotional roller coaster where fear and love struggle to create a safe place. After 30 years together the life lessons Grant & Kim faced while Grant was lost in the mountains of Palm Springs CA enable them to marry, knowing they are willing and able to be there for each other. .

The history of the community of Palm Springs is quite different from anywhere else. I enjoyed its uniqueness.

very good book and had lots of humor! would recommend to others as well. I loved the cover and felt it related perfect to the story.

I've been a huge fan of Christina Clancy's ever since reading her first novel, A Second Home. Her attention to detail and her personal touch is impeccable. I particularly love the ease in which she switches between genres and styles. This was not what I was expecting at all, yet I found it completely engrossing. Knowing Christina a little, I know that the subject matter in this book, particularly Palm Springs, is incredibly dear to her. As someone who visits the city, myself, I found it to be a beautiful love letter to PS. I loved the intimate portrait of a couple struggling with the longevity of a marriage and what it all amounted to. It's incredibly relatable and honest. The vulnerability in her storytelling was touching, and her writing is beautiful. This was a character study that will resonate with most people who read the book - it's haunting in a way.

The Snowbirds is a gripping domestic drama that explores the intricacies of a long-term relationship during a critical turning point. Kim and Grant, partners for 30 years and parents to grown twin daughters, have never married despite both having been through previous divorces. With recent turmoil in Grant’s life, Kim is determined to escape the harsh winter and spend the season in the warm, welcoming environment of Palm Springs. Yet, Grant’s reluctance to embrace this change creates a rift. As Kim seamlessly integrates into the vibrant Palm Springs community, Grant struggles to find his footing. The tension reaches a breaking point when Grant fails to return from a mountain hike, leaving Kim to question whether he is truly lost or if he has chosen to walk away from their relationship.
As the story unfolds, Kim’s journey through uncertainty reveals the couple’s shared past, their individual histories, and the personal challenges they face as they navigate this pivotal stage in their lives. The narrative weaves a compelling tale of love, loyalty, and the re-evaluation of priorities when life throws unexpected changes.
I found myself captivated by this story, deeply invested in Kim’s emotional journey as she awaited news of Grant. The writing was engaging and kept me hooked from start to finish. The characters were richly developed, with their layers peeled back gradually, adding depth and complexity. The story poignantly illustrates the difficulties of sustaining a long-term relationship and how shifting circumstances can prompt us to reassess what we truly want. Ultimately, it highlights the significance of choosing commitment and perseverance, even during the toughest times.

THE SNOWBIRDS explores the age-old question, “Is this all there is to life?” This is a heartfelt story of a decades long relationship between Kim and Grant. They find themselves at a crossroads in mid-life and wondering if their paths will diverge after all these years together, but unmarried. They head to Palm Springs to escape the midwest winter and seek clarity on their next steps in life.

I love the way Christina Clancy thoughtfully explored Kim and Grant’s backstories leading to their relationship crisis. As a reader I felt I had the full picture of each character: their shortcomings, what they brought to the relationship, and ultimately their different dreams.

As I was reading the book the quirky characters and the dialogue were giving me Steven Rowley/The Guncle vibes. After I finished and was reading the author's acknowledgements, I saw that Christina referenced her close friendship with Steven Rowley. I can certainly see the connection!

RATING: 4/5
PUB DATE:

Read this if you:
-have ever worried you are just going through the motions
-love the idea of a warm escape in the winter
-know the great outdoors can bring clarity

I was quickly disappointed with this book. The characters are all dry, flat, and cliched for the type of story that it is. I hoped to be wrapped in it, but I was annoyed by the characters and had to walk away.

Christina Clancy has a wonderful talent for creating quirky and endearing characters. This book was a joy to read, and it became especially colorful after the story lands in Palm Springs. The relationship story between the two lead characters was filled with tension throughout the book, so the comic relief provided by their Palm Springs adventures balanced the story well. Grant, the male lead character, is a philosophy professor who questions everything. This is a good reminder to us as readers to stay inquisitive, something we may forget when our day-to-day lives keep us so busy.

A Wisconsin couple navigating relationship issues while wintering in Palm Springs…. I enjoyed the descriptions of Palm Springs and thought the best characters were the ones from Palm Springs. I did not find any of the main characters likable. Kim and Grant are in their 50s, annoyingly selfish and can’t agree on how they want to live. Grant has a history of running off when he gets upset so when he goes missing we don’t know if he’s pulled a runner or is truly in trouble. The mystery of what happened to Grant was well done with glimpses from his journal. The “love story” part was hard to get through. Thanks to Net Galley for an advance copy!