The snowbirds was an excellent read. I loved the writing and it was propulsive. Great character study. I would read more from this author.

Listening to the audiobook version of Kim and Grant's Decades-Long Journey provided a more immersive experience—dynamic, exciting, and full of emotional depth. The narrator’s voices brought Kim and Grant's unconventional relationship to life. The audiobook narrators made every twist and turn of their story even more gripping, although it may not carry through in a physical book reading.

The book follows the evolving relationship between Kim and Grant, a middle-aged couple. It was a refreshing take about life and love through an older couple and somewhat relatable. The couple take a trip to Palm Springs - and when Grant goes missing on a hike, Kim begins to reflect on their past relationship. There are some pivotal moments - examining past decisions, confront current challenges. I enjoyed the setting of Palm Springs as we often vacation there and felt like I was there.

For those who enjoy stories about family drama with a touch of mystery, this one is for you. There are a lot of relatable moments, but the story did feel like it was missing a certain UUMPH. There were times when the pacing felt a bit too slow, and while the dynamics were rich, I found myself wishing for a bit more excitement or drama to really push the narrative forward. The end did have a good conclusion and I did enjoy it.

It proves that no relationship is linear and offers a compelling reminder that love is about growth, communication, and sometimes, the courage to rethink everything. The audiobook version will captivate anyone who loves stories about personal transformation, family drama, and the intricacies of deep, evolving relationships. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio book copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really liked the narrators but ultimately the story was a bit boring. The narrators did not sound like robots or AI which some audiobooks are starting to sound like- so yay for that!

Kim, a woman who spent decades supporting her partner, Grant, while he pursued his academic career, often leaving her to raise their twins alone. Now, as empty nesters, Kim is finally taking control of her own life, issuing an ultimatum: they will spend the winter in Palm Springs, a stark departure from their usual routine.

The audiobook brings Kim’s internal struggles to life, capturing her exhaustion, quiet resentment, and long-overdue desire for change. Grant, despite a near-death experience, remains oblivious to how much Kim has given up for him, still expecting her to orbit around his world. Their time in California introduces them to a vibrant cast of snowbirds and locals, each with their own quirks and perspectives, forcing Kim to reflect on what she truly wants for her future.


Kim’s dilemma—whether to finally put herself first or continue following Grant—is compelling, and as the novel progresses, the listener can’t help but root for her to make the choice that will bring her the happiness she’s long denied herself.

Overall, Snowbirds is an insightful, well-narrated listen that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt overshadowed in a relationship or struggled to redefine themselves after years of self-sacrifice. It’s a story of second chances, personal growth, and the realization that sometimes, a change in scenery isn’t just about the weather—it’s about finding where you truly Throughout most of the book, the female narrator delivers an excellent performance, truly capturing Kim’s emotions—her weariness, frustration, and moments of hope—with authenticity and depth. Her voice brings Kim’s journey to life in a way that makes it easy to connect with her struggles and evolving sense of self.

However, the male narrator for Grant’s chapters was a bit more challenging. His voice, at times, felt grating—though it’s hard to tell if that was due to the performance itself or simply the nature of Grant’s character. Given his obliviousness and self-centered tendencies, his dialogue often came across as whiny, making it difficult to sympathize with him.

Despite this, the audiobook remains an engaging listen, with the strong narration of Kim’s perspective outweighing the minor drawbacks of Grant’s chapters. The contrast in their voices perhaps unintentionally reinforces the disconnect between them, further emphasizing Kim’s struggle to decide whether to keep following Grant’s lead or finally put herself first.

I’ve read Christina Clancy’s prior two books and loved them. Her books are like coming home for me. Maybe because she always sets them, at least in part, in Wisconsin, my home state, but I think it's more that she incorporates the importance of relationships and the simple ways of life into a bigger narrative.

In 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐬, Kim and Grant have been together for over thirty years, not married but as partners with kids. Their relationship is about to be put to the test when Kim wants to winter in Palm Springs, away from the cold and snow of Wisconsin.

We know up front that Grant goes missing while hiking in the mountains. The book retraces Kim and Grant’s relationship, explaining how they met, why their exes are still present in their lives, and why they haven’t married. It even gives us clues as to what Grant might be running from.

If you're over forty or have been in a long-term relationship, you’ll be able to relate to this story. I loved following Kim and Grant on their adventure into a chapter of self-discovery - even in middle-age. I found myself nodding my head, laughing out loud, and, at times, feeling a little sad. Once again, Clancy has caused me to reflect upon my own relationship and not take it for granted.


🎧 I loved listening to the audiobook, narrated by two of my favorites, Karissa Vacker and Graham Halstead. They brilliantly portrayed Kim and Grant’s personalities.

Thank you @stmartinspress for the gifted ebook arc. #thesnowbirds #stmartinspress #SMPinfluencer #christinaclancy
Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook via #NetGalley #macaudio2025 #audiobooks

I have mixed feelings about this book. When I started reading the e-book I really struggled and wanted to give up but then, McMillan Audio very graciously gave me the audio book and I went from there. This wasn’t a 'I can’t wait to sit down and read this' type of book. So I continued with Kim and Grant's story by listening to it.

This story starts with the disappearance of Grant after what was supposed to be a day trip of hiking in the mountains. But Kim is giving off vibes as to whether he is truly lost or something else has happened. The book goes back-and-forth in time to a year previous and present day, with time reflected on the early years of their relationship. Now Kim's initial thoughts into his disappearance begin to make sense. It was an interesting story that showed their developing relationship, struggles and hidden feelings.

For me this just felt flat, I had a hard time feeling any emotion towards Kim, Grant and their story. Which, of course, makes it hard to have an invested interest. Those are my feelings, but others seem to have loved it so it could just be a situation here.

The Snowbirds releases today. My thanks to St Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

A couple in their '50s escape a Wisconsin winter for a sabbatical in Palm springs. The residents in the condo community welcome them with all their weirdness. If you’ve ever been through a midlife crisis or come to the point in your life where you are questioning, “Now what?”, you will appreciate this light-hearted tale.

Kim and Grant and empty nesters, trying to reconnect as a couple. She has worked in the non-profit sector, and he is a professor of Philosophy. Their relationship of 30 years has gone through what Grant calls, “Peaks and valleys” but at this point in their lives they are at a crossroads, to fall in love anew or go their separate ways.

I particularly loved the chapters at the end, that are excerpts from Grant’s journal that is found in the desert mountains after he get lost while on a hike: "I'm at peace. Peace is a place."

It has quirky characters who go through emotional transformations and pokes fun at cultural trends. Now is a perfect time to read this book as an escape the chill of winter and aspire to receive a fresh start.

The Snowbirds
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a cute fun story! I really enjoyed it. You will laugh out loud and shake your head at the same time. It was refreshing and I loved the ending.
"If your not happy in your heart, your not happy anywhere. "
Thank you NetGalley

3.5/5

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy!

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this one, but I enjoyed it! Such a commentary on the complexities of long term relationships and where our own past experiences & traumas can affect those around us. I appreciated the air of mystery that was encapsulated in this book, I think it added a lot to the overall story. This book started out, strong immediately, throwing in some suspense and uncertainty to the dynamic. I liked both of the characters, even though they were pretty frustrating at times. They felt real and believable as people, not just characters in a book. There were moments where I wanted to cry, and moments where I found myself giggling out loud. Like I said, I wasn’t totally sure what to expect from this one, but I’m glad I picked it up. Overall an enjoyable work of fiction, with a bit of mystery and relationship dynamics.

Plus, anything Karissa Vacker narrates is going to be just that much better for her voice. This is one of the first non-thriller books by her I have ever listened to, and it proved to be just as good as anything else. Will definitely read more from this author again in the future!

Part missing person mystery but more so a study in a couple's decades long relationship and the ups and downs they go through raising twin daughters together and navigating their close connections to their exes. I found this slow moving and at times a bit boring but it was sprinkled with enough insights and introspections on life to make me stick with it. It also helped that the audiobook was narrated by Karissa Vacker who truly makes the listening experience enjoyable. I don't think I would have made it through a print copy reading of it. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

The Snowbirds was an audiobook that I enjoyed as it surprised me. It had some family drama, quirky characters and suspense. The story follows a couple that have been together for a long time and are on the outs but they move to Palm Springs for an extended vacation and meet a bunch of interesting characters and this quirky dual timeline story unfolds. I listened to the audio version and I liked the narration. This would appeal to those who enjoy woman's fiction, family drama with a little bit of suspense sprinkled in.

Thank you NetGalley, Christina Clancy and MacMillian Audio for the opportunity to preview this audiobook. The opinions shared are my own.
The Snowbirds is expected to be released Feb. 4, 2025

Ok so what happened here is 1. I judged the book by the pretty pink cover and 2. The blurb WAY over sells this story as more thrilling than it is.

It’s in no way a thriller or even a page turner. It’s a character, not plot, driven book. We have a lot of time jumps to give us background into the days leading up to Grants “disappearance”- which is also just that he hasn’t returned yet from a hike- as well as memories of the couple’s relationship began and developed.

In my opinion, this was a waste of my time. I really hated Grant, I was unhappy with the ended- he honestly should have died for more impact and Kim’s liberation, and the couple ending up happily together simply because Grant had a near death experience didn’t solve their very real relationship problems.

So gripes aside, the writing was well done. I certainly could see this becoming a limited series on HBO or Netflix. But books that explore relationships just for the sake of, they just aren’t for me I think. 2.5 ⭐️

Thank you so much Macmillan Audio and to NetGalley for this advanced audiobook.

1 Star

This book was a disappointment. Grant and Kim’s relationship was toxic—Grant was selfish, emotionally attached to his ex, and frequently disappeared without explanation, while Kim lacked trust and seemed uninterested in him. Their connection felt forced, built only on an accidental pregnancy rather than real love.

The pacing dragged, especially in the past timeline, making it hard to stay engaged. The present-day mystery had potential but was overshadowed by their dysfunctional dynamic. On top of that, there was a harmful stereotype about asexuality that should’ve been left out.

Overall, this was frustrating to read, and I’m not sure who would find the romance enjoyable.

This was my first time reading a book by this author. However, this narrator, Karissa Vacker is my absolute favorite. The audio was great ! I loved listening to this. The beautiful cover of the book really drew me in. I liked the author's writing style a lot and the book had a good flow to it and kept me interested the whole way through. The descriptions of Palm Springs were well written and makes me want to go be a snow bird and escape the cold winter here in Chicago. I wish the book ending wasn't so abrupt. I would have gladly read more about the character's lives. I look forward to trying more books from this author. Give this a read !

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

3+ stars.

“It wasn’t just a winter away from home that Basal offered, it was a bridge to a new way of existing in the world.”

Kim and Grant have been partners for decades and both are going through major professional and personal transitions. Perhaps the most important transition is the one they are going through with their connection with one another. A winter away in a typical snowbird location might be what they need for a fresh start, or a clean break. The story opens with Grant disappearing while hiking and all the questions of the past and the present are filled in while Kim wonders if Grant is in trouble or if he has left her forever. The Palm Spring setting reminded me of the beloved The Guncle, with southern California characters coming right out of central casting.

I listened to this while visiting a bonafide snowbird community! Instead of traveling from Wisconsin to Palm Springs, I traveled from northern Maine to St Augustine. As a 60+ year old, I felt that I could relate to some of the storylines that younger readers may find implausible/ridiculous. The cover art is deceiving and while one may think this is a light beach read, it is not. The subject matter is at times melancholy, as well as thought provoking but a quick pace and good dialogue kept me engaged.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio and Net Galley for the early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Snowbirds is the story of Kim and Grant, a couple of 30 years at a bit of a turning point in their relationship. They have two kids but never married, and have mostly lived separately throughout their relationship. They decide to winter in Palm Springs. Grant takes up hiking while there, and about three months after arriving, he goes missing while on a hike.
The book opens with him missing and is then told in a back and forth, then vs now type of storytelling of their relationship, and the time leading up to the hike. I listened to the audiobook, and truthfully it was confusing for probably the first third. Because it was a little hard to follow, I had a hard time getting into the book. This may be an audiobook book issue because it can be easy to tune out when listening vs actually reading.
In the end, I did like the book. I have to give it a three star rating though based on my experience. I will add that the narrator was quite good.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for access to this ARC.

Christina Clancy’s The Snowbirds is a poignant and deeply relatable novel that explores love, identity, and the complexities of marriage in later years. At its heart, this is a story about Kim and Grant, a couple who have built a life together, raised a family, and now find themselves at a crossroads as empty nesters. While their love remains strong, their individual desires and visions for the future begin to diverge, leaving them uncertain about the path ahead.

When Grant suddenly goes missing, Kim is forced to reevaluate everything they have been through. As she retraces their shared history, she grapples with questions of what went wrong and what remains worth fighting for. Through Clancy’s evocative storytelling, the novel delves into the emotional intricacies of long-term relationships, highlighting the delicate balance between personal fulfillment and the deep-rooted connection that binds two people together.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its emotional depth and relatability, particularly for readers who are in a similar stage of life. Clancy captures the nuances of a marriage tested by time, change, and unspoken expectations, making Kim and Grant’s journey feel authentic and heartfelt. The narrative is infused with tenderness, reminding us of the significance of having “your person” through life’s ups and downs.

The Snowbirds is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that resonates with anyone who has ever questioned what comes next in a long-term relationship. With its engaging prose and emotionally rich character development, this book is a must-read for those who appreciate stories of love, resilience, and rediscovery.

— Highly recommended for readers who enjoy literary fiction that explores relationships, family, and personal growth.

The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy is a poignant and compelling exploration of love, identity, and the complexities of midlife transitions. Kim and Grant, a couple married for thirty years, are facing a crossroads in their relationship. With their children grown, careers shifting, and the loss of Grant's mother weighing heavily on them, they seek escape from their fraying connection by fleeing the cold Midwestern winter for the warmth of Palm Springs.

In the quirky condo community of Le Desert, Kim quickly embraces the chance to reinvent herself, forming new friendships and embracing a freer, more adventurous side. Meanwhile, Grant struggles to adjust, leaving Kim to wonder if their marriage can survive this period of change. When Grant goes missing during a hike in the desert, Kim is confronted with the terrifying possibility that he may have left her for good, and that their relationship may have reached its final chapter.

Clancy skillfully weaves a narrative that explores the desire for reinvention, the complications of long-term partnerships, and the challenges of midlife. With a perfect blend of humor, heartbreak, and insight, The Snowbirds delves into the question of whether it's ever too late to change and if relationships can withstand the changes we undergo. The story is both emotionally rich and thought-provoking, capturing the redemptive power of self-discovery and the vulnerability that comes with truly being seen by another person.

This novel is a tender, honest look at love, change, and the unexpected paths that life takes—making it an unforgettable read for anyone navigating their own transitions in life.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for the book #TheSnowbirds by #ChristinaClancy. Grant and Kimberly have been together for thirty years, not married-just partners. They have twin girls who have moved out and started their own lives. They have decide to go to Palm Springs for the season and are staying in Kim’s ex husband’s home. Both not know what the future holds, they embrace the new environment in this new city and try to blend in. Grant starts hiking everyday and unfortunately gets lost on one of his trips. A frantic Kimberly starts reminiscing their lives and wonders if she will ever see Grant again. Can they have that second chance to make things right?

his book was totally different than I thought it was going to be. I am not sure if I expected more thriller or more romance, but it perfectly included both. It was not cheesy romance, but real life issues in long term relationships and even though the two main characters were not married for most of their relationship that was discussed in the book, they faced a lot of the same issues that married couples face. The thriller part comes into play when Grant disappears on a hiking trip and no one can find him. Both Grant and Kim have realizations about their relationship and what they can do better when they are really tested. I really enjoyed this one and how it perfectly blended thriller and romance/real life problems.

The narrators were great and really brought this story to life!