Sun City, 85373

by Savannah Hendricks

Winner of the 2025 PenCraft Seasonal Book Award Spring & Fall Competition - Women's Fiction

Kelly needs a break, even if it’s only for the weekend. But visiting her aunt in Sun City turns into an unexpected care-giving situation, prompting her to face avoided decisions.

Welcome to Palms Place, a small complex of nine ’70s-style apartments, located in the vibrant 55+ community of Sun City. As a resident, you’ll enjoy access to a resort-style pool, and an outdoor entertainment area where you can join in the FNF (Friday Night Fun), happening year-round, as well as a grill station. In addition, you’ll have access to close parking, and a secure courtyard with plentiful greenery.

Kelly, a burned-out social worker living in Flagstaff, takes a weekend respite to visit her Aunt Paula at Palms Place, in Sun City. She expects a nice, relaxing and quiet time in the retirement community. What she gets is anything but. At the Palms Place apartment complex, life is full of laughter, trouble, and love. Will these lively residents add to Kelly's issues or help her fix them?

*Annually, 10% of the proceeds from the sale of this book, and all Savannah’s books are donated to dog rescue organizations

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2025

About the author

READING IS BETTER WITH A DOG

Annually, 10% of the proceeds from the sale of Savannah's books are donated to dog rescue organizations. Additionally, in memory of Mac, 5% of the proceeds from the sale of THE ALBUM will be donated to AKC Canine Health Foundation on a semi-annual basis to support canine epilepsy research.

Savannah is a short & sarcastic, award-winning author & social worker. She DOESN'T use AI or other technology to create her stories, she writes them from scratch.

Request a personalized autograph: http://savannahhendricks.com/

Reviews

[Piepie | The Napping Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read this book, the more I found myself falling in love with the residents of Palms Place. I adored this little community! I loved the humor of this book as well as the heartwarming and sad moments - there was a good balance. I know nothing about being a medical social worker, and this story puts you in Kelly's shoes as she meets all kinds of people and sees all kinds of things. I loved how this story ends with hope. Read this one with a dog by your side if possible!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Savanna Hendricks' books, but this one is my new favorite! It's filled with characters that will make you laugh out loud while the story itself will sometimes make you tear up a little. Kelly, the main character, is a medical social worker who is very overwhelmed with her workload, and saddened and confused in her marriage. She finds herself temporarily needed to care for her aunt in a 55+ apartment complex in Sun City. The neighbors are all unique to say the least. I love the way the extremely hot weather plays a big part of the story. The reader also gets an eye opener into the life of a social worker. And, best of all, Ransom is back!

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in from the first chapter. Kelly, the MC, is facing a career crisis, marital problems, and too much change all at once. When she escapes to Sun City to visit her Aunt Paula, she steps into the unexpected world of Palms Place, the retirement complex where her aunt lives. From there, the story unfolds with a cast of quirky characters, humor, and heart that'll keep you turning the pages until the very end.

If you like women's fiction that digs deeper emotionally, along with a hint of romance, you'll love this story!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Savannah Hendricks. Quick read, Kelly drives from her home in Flagstaff to Sun City to visit her favorite Aunt. She needs some comfort as she's suffering from the fact her husband wants a divorce. She's burnt out at work and overwhelmed with stress about work and home. She is going to visit her favorite aunt and make some decisions about her next steps.
What was supposed to be a weekend turns into more... no spoilers just read to find out...

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was soo GOOD! If you’re looking for an easy, fun yet sad at times story – Sun City, 85373 is for you!

Kelly, a medical social worker needs a break. Her marriage is failing, work is beyond stressful and it’s been a long time since she visited her Aunt Paula in Sun City. She takes off for a quick weekend away but life intercedes and keeps her there for longer than that weekend. Her aunt lives in the coolest 55+ community that is reminiscent of a 70’s style setting. Residents are always taking advantage of the pool due to the stifling heat but, they’re always rallying around her and her aunt.

This story gives off such truthful vibes as Savannah herself is a social worker. You can feel her heartache with the system as you read. Adding her sweet “handsome Ransom” just made the story even better. (We miss you sweet boy!) It’s a great story full of wonderful characters that will have you actually wanting to be around these comical and colorful people. If you’re looking for a break from reality, I highly recommend this newest from Savannah! In three short words, I LOVED it! It’s available TODAY – so happy PUB day to you Savannah! 🎉 This was a definite 5️⃣⭐️ read‼️

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sun city 85373.
Five star 🌟 read.

welcome to 🌴 palm place a small community for the elderly.
Kelly's aunt lives among them.
So much has happened. Kelly is a social worker. And boy does she see things. Sometimes things you don't want to see, but with this job things are required.

But the most important thing is the people.. some can be downright stubborn.

Kelly, going through some things in her own life vacation, you could say is why she went to see her aunt from there.Things progress.

Even running into officer grumpy pants.
I will say his dog ransom was absolutely one of my favorite parts in the book and his toy alligator.
This whole book is simply wonderful. It will give you a laugh. It will give you joy. It's a sweet read..

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great read! Not only because it takes place in Sun City, where I have spent a lot of time, but because it talks about social workers! After reading this book, I really want to try a prickly pear lemon bar- but I don't want to make it. I love books with dogs, and this one touched my heart. I have noticed a lot of the books I have read lately have females driving Jeeps and that makes me happy. Speaking of that, I wish we still got monsoons like we did back when I was a kid. I guess it is safe to say this story brought back some nostalgia.

Will there be a book two, about any of the other cities mentioned?

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so nice to read a book that included Ransom. I understand the loss of a beloved pet as we lost Mila in August, 2024. It was beautiful how you included the memory of Ransom in this delightful story of friendship and hope. Sure, we have a vision of what our life should be but, in the end, we must remain open to a change in that vision. Enjoy life and don’t always act like an adult…..dance in the rain!

[Jodena Pysher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly, a social worker, takes a much needed weekend trip to see her Aunt and attempts to figure out how to handle everything that is going on in her life. The day before, she is supposed to go back to Flagstaff a slight incident happens. As Kelly spends time with the other residents at her Aunts 55+ community, she starts to see and realize the changes that need to be made to make her happy again.

All of the emotions and truth that runs through this book, you'll want to grab this for a future read.

[Carol Werner Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sun City, 85373 is a story about a social worker, Kelly who lives in Flagstaff and takes a weekend to visit her aunt, Paula at Palm Springs, Sun City. Kelly is distraught over both personal and work problems and is in much need of a break, visiting her aunt is what she "thought" she needed, a little time away. Little did she know her weekend time away turns into so much more!

This is a story where you will laugh, there will be times you will feel sadness, empathy and try to put yourself in Kelly's footsteps wondering what you would do if you were in her place.

Savannah describes people and places so much in depth that makes you feel you are actually there when you are reading her story. I felt like I actually knew the individuals personally in the retirement community.

For me personally the story is about life, forgiveness, moving on, taking chances and most importantly how you look at life.

I highly recommend this book, it's a quick read of only 200 pages!

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Kelly's heartbreaking, feisty, caring ,loving, hopeful ,fun story!!

[Savannah Hendricks]

This book is bittersweet for me to release. It's the last book I wrote with Ransom. All my prior books I've written in the company of at least one dog in my life. On release day, I almost wanted to stop it, to keep it pending, as it felt like that would keep Ransom's memory and our time together during the writing of this novel from slipping away.
But this morning, on release day, two flowers on the "Bayou's cactus" bloomed, reminding me memories will live on forever in my heart, and that all my sweet dogs are with me in spirit.
I hope for those reading Sun City, 85373, it brings you a smile, laughter, some mindful thoughts, some strength and hope. Happy reading! 🌴☀️🌵

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by this author. It’s about family, relationships and all the ups and downs that can bring. I love all of her books because she writes about subjects we can relate to. I highly recommend all her books. If you haven’t read her yet, hurry up and get caught up in all her stories. You won’t be sorry but glad you did.

[Sharon Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read from start to finish. Loved the character development and the general flow of the story. If you are looking for a good book that will make you laugh and warm your heart, this is it. A+

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved all the characters and wished I could actually move to their complex at Sun City!