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.

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 wanted to like this book but it was a bit too slow for me.
I liked the premise but ultimately it just didn’t grab my attention enough to really be captivated.

The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy was such a fun and unique story!
I just loved her previous titles and her newest title was no different.
An emotionally gripping novel that is thought-provoking and emotional.
A beautiful written novel that was very entertaining and so enjoyable.

Kim and Grant have become empty nesters, and decide to become snowbirds. As they transition to this part of their journey, they wonder what it is they want in this next chapter of their life. While they are spending the winter in Palm Springs, Grant takes up hiking, and Kim starts her journey of discovering who she is now and what she wants.
Grant went hiking one day, and didn't come home when he was supposed to. When Kim reported him missing, a search was started. She met Brady who was heading up the search, and he had a lot of questions, that made Kim really think. While Grant was lost, he wrote in his journal, and that was found. But not Grant. Kim read his journal, and they both did a lot of soul-searching.
I can't tell you if Grant was found or not, but sometimes life takes you off autopilot, and makes you see what is happening now, in hope of them seeing what has been in front of them that they haven't been seeing. I received an ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley, and it is a wonderful read.

It’s time to fly some place warmer! ☀️
Thank you, St Martin’s Press, for the gifted copy of the Snowbirds {partner}

Genre: Fiction
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 2.4.2025
Pages: 304
Star Rating: ☆☆☆.5

“Women excel at remaking ourselves because we do it all the time. As women get older, they want men to change while men just want women to stay the same. We change all the time because we actually think about life as we go through it and we respond to it, we experience many Renaissances.”

I really wanted to love The Snowbirds, but something just felt off. I’m not sure if it was the characters, the storyline, or a combination of both, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

The story had a very slow build, and it never really picked up the pace. I did connect with the FMC, Kim—her fear of being abandoned by her husband resonated with me. I genuinely felt for her. While I didn’t want Grant to die, I also felt that Kim deserved so much more than what she ended up with.

By the time the book concluded, I was left with a bit of a sour feeling. The ending just didn’t sit right with me.

Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆
The Snowbirds is narrated by one of my absolute favorites, Karissa Vacker (seriously, she’s the best!), along with Graham Halstead, who’s also lent his voice to The Favorites, The Charm Offensive, and Eight Perfect Murders. I really enjoyed their narration, and I have to say, Graham’s portrayal of Grant was exactly how I imagined his voice to sound.

Read if you enjoy:
✌🏼 Dual timeline
‼️ Marriage in crisis
🫶🏼 Mature characters
🐌 Slower pace

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.


Thank you @stmartinspress for the gifted ebook arc. #thesnowbirds #stmartinspress #SMPinfluencer #christinaclancy

As much as this seems like it could be a classic missing persons story it’s actually much more about Kim and Grant’s relationship and how it’s evolved over the years. They are unconventional in the way they have never married but have been together for thirty years and they also spend lots of time apart. When they get an opportunity to spend the winter in Palm Springs many of their issues and traumas are forced into the light and they must examine their lives closely. I thought the author did a really great job at exploring middle aged issues and struggles and even though I’m a bit younger than Kim and Grant, I could relate to many of their woes. As much as this is a deep dive into their relationship, both past and present there is also a really delightful cast of supporting characters who brought levity to the story. I really enjoyed my time with this one and recommend it to anyone who likes family dramas and a light mystery.

The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy is a captivating tale of a couple escaping the harsh Midwest winter for the sunny shores of Palm Springs, only to discover their relationship at a critical juncture. This novel is a journey in itself, offering a candid and genuine depiction of love, family dynamics, and self-discovery, all conveyed through exquisite prose and well-developed characters.

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.

This is a review of the audiobook.

I absolutely loved Shoulder Season so I was super excited for this release, but unfortunately I just found it to be a little too slow moving for me. I found myself skimming parts to keep it moving - I did like the ending though!

A really good read from an author I’d never heard of before. The story was centered around an older couple who are going through relationship problems and a bit of wondering whether this life they’ve built is really all there is. I loved the characters and the environment. In fact I started looking into Palm Springs as a possible getaway after finishing the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and have been recommending it friends and family non-stop.

Unfortunately I had to DNF this around the 20% mark. There was so much going on in the story but it just didn’t capture my attention from the start. It was too slow moving for me and I didn’t connect to the story or plot.

The Snowbirds is the story of a middle aged couple vacationing in Palm Springs for the winter, where they begin reflecting on life, decisions made, and the commitment needed for a long lasting relationship. While hiking in the mountains, Grant, the MMC, goes missing and the story is told through Cassie’s, the FMC, flashbacks and the police rescue mission.

This story was a great reminder that sometimes we have to be lost before we can find not only ourselves but our true love. It has a diverse cast of fun and quirky characters and makes you feel like you are the one visiting Palm Springs. I enjoyed that it is a realistic and relatable love story with characters closer to my age. However, I did feel like it started out a little slow and it ended too abruptly. Overall, it was an easy read, and a solid love story that will make you reflect on your own life and relationships.

The narration was fantastic! The narrators did a great job with dialect, inflection, and pacing. They gave the characters their own unique voice and brought the story to life. The voice of Hobie was hilarious and spot on with what I envisioned.

Thank you @macmillan.audio, @stmartinspress , and @netgalley for the #gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.