I absolutely loved Christina Clancy's last book, Shoulder Season, so I was thrilled to see she had a new one.

I was completely transported to the amazing city of Palm Springs (which is now on my list of destinations to visit.) I loved the relationship in this one, it was so real and complex and I personally enjoyed the age and maturity of the characters.

With great supporting characters, who were entertaining complex and so unique, this one really stands out. It has cemented Christina Clancy as a must read author and I'm here for her next one!

This is not only a story of a missing person but more so about a relationship that maybe is better off ending then staying together. The story itself was ok and was an easy read just not sure it was for me.
Thank you Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this copy for exchange of my honest opinion.

I’ll admit—I requested The Snowbirds solely because of its fun, eye-catching cover. I had no idea what I was in for story-wise. I certainly didn’t expect a deep dive into the complex, decades-long relationship between a couple who’s been together for 30 years without ever taking the plunge into marriage or cohabitation. It’s an unusual dynamic, and the book takes us through the twists and turns of their unique bond, mostly set in the past, which slowly builds up to a dramatic change in their current relationship during a vacation in Palm Springs.

The setting of Palm Springs isn’t just a backdrop—it’s practically a character in its own right. The desert landscape, the quirky vibes, and the retro charm all add layers to the emotional weight of the couple’s journey. The contrast between their long history together and the shocking developments on this vacation creates a fascinating tension that kept me intrigued.

That said, while I was initially drawn in by the premise, the slow pace of the storytelling in the first half didn’t completely grab me. I found myself more invested in the idea of the couple than in their actual story. However, the dramatic turn in their relationship was a wake-up call, and that’s when the book really started to shine. The emotional depth of their situation opened up, and by the end, I found myself reflecting more on what makes relationships work (or not work), the choices people make, and how personal growth can sometimes come in unexpected ways. While it took me a little longer to get fully invested, the takeaway about the complexities of relationships was well worth the read. It’s a good book for anyone looking for a deeper, more thoughtful look at love’s twists and turns, even if it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting when I picked it up.

This book had great characters and a good idea, but honestly it just dragged too much in the middle. The dual timelines were often very close to each other, so it was sometimes tricky to tell where we were. I did think Kim and Grant’s relationship was very interesting and very well developed in the story - they chose a lot of things others may not have and made it work for them.

This book was a delight. The two main characters, Kim and Grant, have been together for thirty years, but spend a decent amount of time apart due to work commitments. Due to circumstances in their lives, they are spending more time face to face, and it causes underlying tensions simmering in their relationship to come to the surface. In the midst of all this, they decide to spend the winter in Palm Springs, and hijinks ensue.
I loved this couple. They are flawed and have deep-seated issues, but their love for each other felt palpable, and I loved seeing them work things out. I also loved the weird network of friends who support them. At the heart of the story is a sense of tension—Grant has gone missing, and he has a history of taking off when the going gets tough, so we are left wondering if he left or if he is in danger. Watching it all play out left me glued to the page and eager to know what would happen.

The Snowbirds, by Christina Clancy, is a quirky book with lovable middle-aged characters and an entertaining story that readers of all ages will enjoy. It’s the story of Kim and Grant, empty nesters who are at a crossroads in their lives and in their 30 year relationship, and the strange occurrences once they decide to become “snowbirds”, leaving their midwestern home for the winter months and instead setting up temporary roots in Palm Springs. Enter quirky characters and enjoyable storyline, and an adventure that Kim and Grant won’t soon forget.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of The Snowbirds.

This middle-aged couple ends up in Palm Springs for the winter while on a sabbatical and the cracks in their relationship start to appear. When he goes missing on a hike we wonder if he is lost or did he disappear on purpose. It's an interesting book and the question of relationships at crossroads is the main theme. The Snowbirds came out this week.

Kim and Grant have a unique relationship. And this relationship is in a bit of trouble, especially from Kim. She is truly questioning her life choices at this stage in her life. And this does not bode well for Grant. Then Grant comes up missing on a hike. Is it on purpose or is he truly in danger.

I have read one other book by this author, Shoulder Season. I loved it! Even though I did not enjoy this one quite as much as the other, The Snowbirds is a book which will have you rolling your eyes and screaming at ALL the characters in your head! Trust me!

I am going to tell you why I did not enjoy this one as much. I usually do not like to specifically point out stuff like this…BUT…here we go…I really found Grant insecure and immature. And he drove me NUTS!

Now, I am going to tell you what I loved about this book. I loved the other characters! Everyone! They are quirky and funny and I love how the author portrays them. I swear, I could just picture them! Don’t you love it when an author gets the characters just right! And yes…this includes Grant.

Need a story about life changes and acceptance…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

This cover drew me in and I thought this would be a light read. This isn’t a light read and while I didn’t find either character exceptionally likable, I was rooting for their marriage. The book dragged a bit between timelines and sometimes seemed to go nowhere but marriage or relationships are hard so I was curious what the conclusion would be. It wasn’t exactly a deeply satisfying ending but fit the book.

Thanks to NetGalley, SMP, and Macmillan Audio for early reader and listener copies in exchange for my honest opinions.While in Florida for the weekend in late Jan/early February with a group of octogenarians, many of whom were actual snowbirds, my mind kept returning to The Snowbirds, which I read last week.
The Snowbirds follows an interesting couple, Kim and Grant, who leave the Wisconsin winter for Palm Springs. The two have led separate-but-together lives, having raised two daughters while also living apart without marrying. They seem to have hit a bit of an impasse, and neither is sure which direction is best. The book focuses on their time in Palm Springs, and there is a mysterious element when someone goes missing.
I enjoyed the author's previous release, Shoulder Season, and I particularly enjoyed the narration of The Snowbirds by @karissavacker - she really added something special in her narration, along with Graham Halstead. If you like reading about realistic characters in situations that may seem a bit far-fetched at first but actually are not, this read may be right for you. If you can get your hands (or ears?) on the audiobook, even better.

At 36%, I just couldn't make myself care anymore. I skimmed to the end. I could not connect with any of these people. This book just dragged and dragged. The ending could not come fast enough.

❄️ The Snowbirds - Christina Clancy

3 ⭐️- This has a meaningful story of a couple’s relationship over 30 years and a side of mystery. It was fine, but I wanted to like it more.

Grant and Kim have a “together but separate” kind of approach to their relationship. After 30 years, some ups and downs, they decide to escape to warm Palm Springs from the cold Midwest. When Grant struggles to find his footing in their quirky condo community, Kim wonders if their relationship will survive the Snowbird lifestyle. But when Grant goes missing on a hike in the desert, Kim is left wondering if he is really missing or if he’s left her for good.

I was drawn in by the cover and the fact that I’m surrounded by snow and soon escaping to warmth for vacation. I liked the location of Palm Springs. I liked the mystery, and I liked the addition to the husband’s journal in the last 1/3 of the book. I just felt I couldn’t really connect to the characters and at times felt bored. THAT said, just because it wasn’t totally for me, doesn’t mean you won’t love it! If you do decide to read it, I recommend the audio narrated by Karissa Vacker.

Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin Press, and Macmillan Audio for the early ARC and audio. This one’s out now!

"Simply marvelous! Wise, witty, and glamorous with sparkling dialogue."

Christina Clancy's THE SNOWBIRDS, a term used to describe people who migrate from the north to warmer climates in the winter, is a beautifully written tale of a mid-life couple who flee winter in the Midwest for Palm Springs, where they find their relationship at a crossroads. Do they want different things in life?

From the stunning front cover, from beginning to end—a moving, page-turning story of love, humor, mystery, understanding, and self-discovery.

About...

Meet Kim and Grant, a couple who have shared their lives for 30 years with twin girls. Now, in their late middle age, they find themselves at a turning point, often leading separate lives.

Grant's mom died, and the college where he was teaching philosophy ended, and empty nesters with twin girls were off to college. Kim feels like she always supports Grant and follows him, but what about what she wants?

Kim gets the idea of the two of them escaping the Midwest winter to Palm Springs. Both have exes that are still in their lives. Grant is not as warm to the idea as Kim, but he goes along to please her finally, but not exactly happy about it.

Upon arrival at the quirky, fun condo at Le Desert, a vibrant community where everyone knows everyone's business, Kim is excited to make new friends and embark on new adventures.

On the other hand, Grant is a little out of his element. Can their relationship survive?

Then Grant goes missing after taking a hike. Did he knowingly leave her, or is he missing and hurt?

My thoughts...

THE SNOWBIRDS is dazzling with an essential takeaway message. It's a story that delves into real-life relationships' raw emotions, mysteries, and complexities, told with a rare blend of compassion and honesty. The journey of these two adults to find themselves is a testament to the power of a change in perspective.

It is an intensely satisfying novel with vibrantly, terrifically human, relatable characters and a happy ending.

THE SNOWBIRDS is a charming, witty, thoughtful, and glamorous tale set against the backdrop of Palm Springs and a cast of fun and engaging supporting characters. I have a soft spot for stories about older couples navigating life's challenges, and this book does not disappoint. The author's exploration of long-term love and family is insightful and humorous, offering a fresh take on modern love and unexpected choices. The ending was deeply satisfying.

Live your life fully because life is short, and we never know what tomorrow brings.

Audiobook...

I had the privilege of reading the book and listening to the audiobook, which was exceptional! My favorite narrators, Karissa Vacker and Graham Halstead, gave a remarkable performance, making the characters come alive with perfect pacing, emotion, and wit! I highly recommend the audiobook.

My first book by the author, and I cannot wait to read more. I love her style!

Recs...

THE SNOWBIRDS is for fans of the author and those who enjoy Elizabeth Strout, Anne Tyler, Elizabeth Berg, Rufi Thorpe, and smartly written women's domestic and family dramas and literary fiction.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for a gifted advance review copy and advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. #MacAudio2025

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Feb 04, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
Feb 2025 Must-Read Books
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The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy is a delightful novel of love in midlife. Kim and Grant are in their mid-fifties and have been together for thirty years but have never married. They love each other and their relationship with their grown daughters. Kim doesn’t want to tempt fate, but Grant thinks they should marry and make their love official. When the college where Grant teaches closes and Kim’s gay ex-husband offers them his Palm Springs condo for the winter, Kim convinces Grant to leave their comfortable life in Wisconsin for a few months. She embraces the close-knit desert community while Grant is adrift until he begins hiking with a neighbor. All’s well until Grant goes on a solo hike in the mountains and disappears. Is he lost or has he left Kim? The crisis forces Kim and the reader to consider the vagaries of our relationships and wonder what love and commitment truly mean.

Search parties form and the media descends so Kim begins hearing from people in her past. “Please let us know if you need anything, they all said.”

Celia, Kim’s college roommate, contacted her after learning Grant was missing via a “Find Grant” Facebook page. Celia had recently unearthed a video her ex-husband had filmed at a party the night Kim and Grant met. She emailed it to Kim who immediately began watching it.
“There was Grant, his back a little straighter, his belly leaner, his skin fresh and unwrinkled, his hair thicker. And there I was, more attractive than I realized at the time, back when I wished I were delicate and small-boned. I gasped aloud, seeing with my own eyes the bending of our futures. How many couples got to actually see that?

How I wished I could show Grant that there was evidence of that emotional rocket launch that marked our beginning. I was mesmerized by the moment we’d come together, but also by the space that once existed between us, and how I’d been the one to close it. And thirty years later, I’d been the one to open it back up again.”

What Clancy captures in those few sentences portrays how each of us feels as we look back on the beginnings of our relationships and how we’ve both changed and remained unaffected by time and our lives together. As the book moves between Kim and Grant’s early lives and the frightening days when he’s missing, we readers see ourselves and how we might react if faced with the same quandary.

Summing it Up: With humor, clever and engaging minor characters (especially Kim’s ex-mother-in-law), lively dialogue, and a light touch, this is a wise, insightful page-turner. Publishers Weekly calls it “sparkling” because it is. When Booklist compares an author to Elizabeth Strout and Anne Tyler, you know her book is one you should read, and this one is just that.

Chicago area friends: Clancy will appear at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville at 7 p.m., February 12 for a signing and presentation.

Caveat: I met Christina Clancy when I moderated a panel with her and author Sarah Stonich at the Harbor Springs Festival of the Book. I later reconnected with her when she returned to the Festival as a moderator herself. She was a resident at the Good Hart Artist Residency where she wrote parts of this novel. I wasn't there at the time, but I love the thought of her writing this book in that setting. Those connections allowed me to see that Christina Clancy is as smart, discerning, and enjoyable as the novels she writes.

Publication Date: February 4, 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Category: Dessert, Fiction, Five Stars, Grandma’s Pot Roast, Book Club

Author Website: https://www.christiclancywrites.com/

Reading Group Guide: https://images.macmillan.com/folio-assets/discusion-guides/9781250284952DG.pdf

Read an Excerpt: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/snowbirds-9781250284952/Snowbirds_Excerpt.pdf?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMQABHaERLIEWMvxwNvVrJLAy7p-9RmXjNx-VTEl1QFvB76MYPAVh6u_M5dhyZA_aem_L8_qgPexkAioOjED6zI6IA

What Others Are Saying:

Clancy skillfully blends flashbacks with the events of the present to reveal new perspectives on shared history. Readers who enjoy Elizabeth Strout and Anne Tyler will appreciate Clancy's emphasis on the impact of unexpected choices and the realization that it’s never too late to find a new path." —Booklist

In this sparkling latest from Clancy, a 50-something Wisconsin couple reevaluate their lives during a winter in Palm Springs, Calif. It's an enjoyable tale of love in middle age. —Publishers Weekly

“The Snowbirds is a beautifully written and propulsive novel, at once a page-turning mystery of a missing man and a moving portrait of a long-term relationship going through a midlife crisis. With humor, honesty, and keen insight, Clancy explores the struggles and joys of reexamining a 30-year relationship and remaking your life in a new community. I couldn't put it down." —Angie Kim, New York Times bestselling author of Happiness Falls

"The Snowbirds is an insightful, propulsive exploration of modern marriage in middle age, equal parts sharp-eyed and heartwarming. Is it possible to commit to a relationship without losing your identity? What epiphanies might we have while getting lost? Christina Clancy's novel ponders these questions and more with humor and warmth. Set against the vivid, zany backdrop of Palm Springs and its Hollywood history, populated by a delightful cast of locals and transplants, The Snowbirds asks whether it's ever too late to find your partner—and yourself." —Chloe Benjamin, New York Times bestselling author of The Immortalists

"The Snowbirds is a harrowing look at all the ways we find ourselves lost in relationships and what it takes to be found. Clancy has harnessed the unyielding sunshine of Palm Springs to shine new light on long-term love. Her observations are astounding." —Steven Rowley, New York Times bestselling author of The Guncle

“I loved spending time in Clancy’s Palm Springs, where the local color features a passel of voluble eccentrics as magnificent as the mountain views, and a twisty, harrowing hike of a plot. This life-affirming novel of being lost and found will shake you up." —Bonnie Jo Campbell, author of The Waters

"The Snowbirds is a sharp, often tender portrait of middle age: a period of life when we’re told we should know who we are but are often still trying to find ourselves. Against the intoxicating backdrop of Palm Springs, Clancy brings an incredible cast of characters to life with wit, precision, and empathy." —Rowan Beaird, author of The Divorcées

"Clancy’s latest features a long-time couple at the precipice of a romantic reckoning who head to Palm Springs, where the dry heat and their quirky neighbors only add to the tightrope tension. The perfect read for a cold winter night, and one that raises the fundamental questions of how well do we know our partner, or even ourselves? An absolute treat." —Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen

"The Snowbirds is Clancy’s best novel yet, and absolutely impossible to put down—a gripping, immersive story about the importance of community and the unexpressed depths of love within a family." —J. Ryan Stradal, New York Times bestselling author of Kitchens of the Great Midwest

This book is ideally suited for readers who relish stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships, the transformative power of self-discovery, and the often humorous, yet poignant journey of navigating midlife. It will resonate with those who appreciate a narrative that seamlessly blends moments of lightheartedness and tenderness with a suspenseful undercurrent, keeping them engaged and eager to uncover what lies ahead.

Furthermore, this book will appeal to individuals who find themselves drawn to character-driven narratives, where the protagonists' personal growth and evolving relationships take center stage. The exploration of midlife transformation will strike a chord with readers who are at a similar stage in their lives or who are simply curious about the challenges and opportunities that this phase of life presents.

Just released! Christina is from my home state, and is an auto-buy author for me!

Kim and Grant -- a middle-aged couple thinking about retirement and life in general. They are offered a chance to "snowbird" in Palm Springs. The very real problem, is that they are also at a crossroads with grown kids and not knowing what the "rest of their life" will look like when retirement actually comes. How will they navigate a lifestyle and holidays so far away from their home of cold/snowy winters in Madison, WI without their usual support system?

Well, one thing Grant does like, is that there's ample opportunity to go hiking in CA. The book starts out with Grant and Kim in an argument where he leaves to go on one of his walkabouts... The issue? He doesn't come back! After an usual amount of time for him, Kim calls the authorities and a search ensues. Did Grant leave her? Is he really lost? We spend time flashing back, getting to know them and how they wound up here.

I really enjoyed the middle-aged protagonists. The story of the relationship felt real and raw. I also enjoyed getting to know their new neighbors in Palm Springs and the whole community feel that's so VERY different from where they are from. It's a bit of a slow burn, but the ending came together nicely!

Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

When Kim and Grant travel to Palm Springs to escape the Madison, Wisconsin winter they don't know what to expect. The couple has been together for thirty years, but are not married. Kim feels their relationship is at a crossroads and hopes a change of scenery will provide some clarity. Grant is a tenured philosophy professor who is currently unemployed after his small liberal arts college closed. Kim takes a leave of absence from her job. When Kim's wealthy ex-husband insists they stay in his Palm Springs condo for the winter, Ki, agrees. The novel is filled with Palm Springs settings and interesting characters. Grant disappears while on a solo hiking outing and Clancy's description of the search for Grant is spellbinding. The Snowbirds is an entertaining and thrilling book.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for an early advanced copy of The Snowbirds.

Kim and Grant are at a turning point in their relationship. A couple for thirty years, their kind of together but also kind of separate partnership. It against the realities of Grant's late mother's passing, the college where he taught closing and their twin girls growing up and moving out. Kim wants to escape the bitter cold of the mid west for a hot sunny desert in Palm Springs seems like a good solution right?

They arrive in this cute little community where everyone knows everyone and they also know everyones business. Kim embraces the opportunity to make new friends and explore more of her adventurous side. Grant however struggles to find his footing in this new place that they have traveled too, leaving Kim to wonder if their relationship can survive this season. Grant goes missing on a hike in the Palm Spring mountains. Kim has two things that she needs to confront that Grant is truly lost or this time he has finally left her.

This book was interesting and I was so excited to read, but while reading it, it started getting really confusing near the 30ish percent mark. I couldn't really follow along with it when it would be going back and forth in the middle of a chapter. Grant and Kim were also not that likeable, especially Grant why would you move to a college to teach where your ex teaches honestly that's kind of messed up Kim also stayed which is also a little messed up, she must have really trusted Grant. I was hoping he was lost or ran away because this is a relationship I was not rooting for. First she doesn't marry him after 30 years, and thank god because he needs some therapy to work on things that went south in he first marriage and why he was so attached to his first wife after he met someone new, having kids with her and dating her for 30 years. There's a lot to unpack there.

I think the going back and forth while still being in the chapter is what made it hard to follow along and very confusing. I did have sympathy for Kim at one point in this book, but then it started to not make any sense, so the sympathy kind of dwindled and fizzed out. I didn't really care what happened to the characters. Honestly if he left Kim I think her life would be so much better without him in it. I don't know Grant had a couple of red flags that Kim ignored. First of all him just running away whenever he wants is a huge one. The second biggest is him always WANTING to be around his ex wife. Kim could have picked better. Anyways Happy Reading!!!!

I liked this one, just not enough. It was very character driven, good topics like marriage, parenthood, decisions in life, friendships, walking away when it gets hard or choosing to stay. It felt a little long and some of the choices by the characters felt selfish. again, good, not great.

I really felt for Kim. Now that I'm entering middle age, her attitude towards work, relationships, and her own appearance resonated with me. The suspense of the search was perfectly paced and I couldn't decide whether I wanted them to find Grant or not.