As a long-time admirer of Palm Springs, largely inspired by my cherished memories of reading "P.S. I Love You" by Barbara Conklin over 40 years ago, I was eager to explore The Snowbirds—especially as I embrace the empty nester phase of my life. However, despite its stunning setting, I found myself somewhat disappointed. The characters, in their attempts to navigate personal challenges, lacked the depth I had hoped for, making it difficult to fully connect with their journeys. 

That said, Clancy’s writing still offers poignant moments of reflection that capture the complexities of this transitional life stage. The tranquil yet layered backdrop of Palm Springs enhances the narrative, providing an atmosphere that some readers might truly appreciate. While the plot development was sluggish at times and could have benefitted from more engaging twists, there are subtle nuances in the storyline that mirror the messy realities of adulthood. The relatable theme of searching for purpose as an empty nester may resonate with many, even if the characters themselves don’t always evoke empathy.  

Would I recommend this book? Probably not. Although it had the potential to resonate with me, it ultimately fell short. 

@stmartinspress and @netgalley provide the advanced earc of this novel for me to read and review.