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.