3.5 stars

This is an engaging read because of the central premise - the protagonist's long-time partner has gone on a hike and been out of communication for a concerning period of time - and because the protagonist, Kim, is a fairly interesting character on her own. Folks who share characteristics with these characters, especially Kim, will likely be the most drawn to this read. If you are an empty nester reflecting on your decisions, this is a read for you!

Kim and Grant have been together, though unmarried, for three decades, and their twin daughters are just part of the bond that's tied them for all of this time. They've been through ups and downs - career drama, financial concerns, personal and joint uncertainty, and notably entertaining ex-spouses - but they've had more downs than ups recently. This leaves readers and characters even more suspicious about where Grant is, exactly, and what his mentality might be.

While this is an engaging read, it's also a bit of a slower paced, understated one. This is emphasized by characters who are also interesting but not as developed or gripping as they can be.

I did enjoy this read and particularly this listen, and other incoming fans of Karissa Vacker won't be surprised to know that her narration of the audiobook adds to the experience.

Exploring what it really means to commit to someone for a lifetime. Kim and Grant have been living as a couple separate but together for years, never committing to a marriage with each other. They had twins after an accidental pregnancy early on in their relationship and are recent empty nesters. They have also deal with recent loss of parents, job changes, etc. and find themselves drifting apart more than coming together. They decide to take the opportunity and travel south for the winter to see if that can bring back the spark.

They end up in a super busy, super nosey condo community where Kim makes friends right away, Grant - not so much. It goes from past and present where we learn about the evolution of their relationship from that start. Also, how the dealt with each other's previous short marriages to other people that they are still very much connected to. There was a mystery elementary to it as well as Grant is missing in the present day timeline.

Their journey was funny, emotional, and raw. A different type of genre and book for me, and while I can't relate to the point they are at in their lives, it was still a fun read that I can see a lot of people connecting to. Narration was dual and both narrators did a great job !

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review. Release date 2/3/25.

This is a great story about love and relationships over time. Finding yourself and realizing what truly matters to you.

A couple that have been together for 30 years. Unmarried, he wants to get married and she has been in the fence. Her prenup from a previous marriage bared her from remarrying before 10 years or she would loose the alimony money which she needed so she could continue with her non profit career.

He works with his ex wife who is very much his best friend. Always stepping in and almost being in the way.

The FMC & MMC have lived separately because they can’t agree where to live but they are very much in love.

It’s a great journey they embark on in this book. You get the past and the present. It is narrated very well.

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! The audiobook narration added to the reading experience with a distinct narrator for each main character. I especially love how Karissa Vacker brings the story to life.

RATING: 4/5
PUB DATE: February 4, 2025

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 and peace

Many thanks to Macmillan audio and NetGalley for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I liked that this book started right away with Grant missing. So there is some suspense. Then it takes us back and forth in time. I really liked the characters and the setting of this book. I think this felt like a real relationship with grownups making real choices. There was love and humor and great writing in this book.

Great story but just couldn’t connect to it in my late 30’s. I don’t see this really clicking with the Last Thing He Told Me readers because this is more an ode to a 30 year long miserable excuse of a boyfriend.