Loon Point

by Carrie Classon

Set against the rugged beauty of the northern woods, the heartwarming first novel by columnist Carrie Classon explores how chosen family can sweeten bitterness into surprising joy.

Alone in the Northwoods, Norry Last settles in for another springtime lull at the remote resort she inherited from her father. She’s content with the solitude, maybe resigned. But when a blizzard hits, those little cabins by the lake start to fill up fast.

First to arrive is Lizzie, an eight-year-old with resilience and wisdom beyond her years, neglected by a mother struggling with addiction. Next comes Wendell, a cantankerous old fellow whose house collapses in the storm, the same way hope collapsed inside him long before. And then there’s Bud, the helpful handyman who’s always buzzing around, his kindness thawing something Norry thought she’d buried deep in the Minnesota snow.

As white melts to green, the Last Resort’s unlikely companions learn to share space, stories, and quiet comforts—an unexpected family that makes perfect sense. After all, Lizzie needs to be cared for. Wendell needs to care. Norry needs to open up. And Bud? Bud just might fix everything.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Found Family

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2026

About the author

Nationally syndicated columnist, Carrie Classon, writes The Postscript, for Andrews McMeel Universal which appears in 200 newspapers nationwide. Carrie champions the idea that it is never too late to reinvent oneself in unexpected and fulfilling ways with her unique brand of honesty, humor, and optimism.

Carrie’s writing addresses the funny and powerful choices that middle-age presents to recreate and reinvent oneself and the necessity of allowing oneself to be ridiculous in the pursuit of a new, more meaningful life. Her memoir, Blue Yarn, tells how Classon took a series of unforeseen catastrophes and used it as the catalyst to begin anew. The Paris News said:

“Classon lays herself bare in a way most of us only dream of doing in personal journals we hope are never read. Blue Yarn is a reminder that we all are adventurers and must follow our paths to wherever they might lead... a joy to read.”

Carrie’s first career was as a professional actor, working in theaters on both coasts. Carrie later received an MBA and worked on infrastructure development projects in Central Asia and West Africa. She received an MFA in creative writing from the University of New Mexico and currently splits her time between St. Paul, Minnesota and San Miguel de Allende, MX with her husband, Peter.

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew Blog

Norry Last manages the remote resort she inherited when, during a spring blizzard, a bunch of strangers seek shelter in her cabins. The group includes an eight-year-old girl named Lizzie, Wedell, who is a grumpy old man, and Bud the handyman. As the snow starts to melt, these unlikely companions begin to share stories and kindnesses with each other and become somewhat of a chosen family. It also helps them find healing and the strength to move forward.

This is a debut novel I adored. It was a heartwarming story that is set in the northern woods of Minnesota brought to life. The story never loses sight of its optimism, but it also deals with life's hardships. It deals with tough subject matter such as addiction, but focuses more on the power of connection, and I loved the idea of a chosen family for these characters. The feel-good idea that you're never too old for change and it's never too late to reinvent yourself was a surprising joy to read. We could all learn something from these characters—let's just be kind to and take care of each other. This book restored my faith in humanity. This book is beautiful in its way and was a wonderful escape that I can't recommend enough.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars ⭐️

Postscript columnist Carrie Classon has penned a beautiful DEBUT NOVEL that quietly snuck its way into my heart!

Set in the Northwoods of Minnesota, we meet three main characters whose lives become entwined when a blizzard hits their remote small town.

Norry Last is the big hearted owner of “The Last Resort” a lakefront property that she inherited from her father. Although he expected that she would sell it upon his passing, she has instead been running it for about 10 years now, since divorcing, and she has found contentment in the routine of caring for the eight log cabins which are full during Spring and Summer, and mostly empty all Winter.

Lizzie, an eight-year-old who has recently moved into a dilapidated trailer down the road. It is all that her mother could afford after becoming injured at work, and addicted to pain killers. When her mother doesn’t return home one afternoon, and she finds herself without heat, Lizzie makes her way to the only place she can think of going to for help-“The Last Resort.”

Wendell, is a cantankerous Septuagenarian loner whose house collapses in the storm. Fortunately, his neighbor was able to call for help, and Bud, the town’s handyman, snow plow operator and volunteer firefighter is able to pull him to safety. He asks Norry if she could possibly house Wendall in one of the cabins temporarily, and of course she says yes.

This character driven novel alternates between all THREE perspectives in each chapter, with Bud continuing to demonstrate to each of them what showing up for others really means.

As the weather thaws, their well protected hearts also begin to melt, and they realize that they have become one another’s CHOSEN family.

It was a novel that I always enjoyed picking up, and a novel that is hard to say goodbye to, as I have become fond of spending time with these folks-and I feel sure that you will too!

NOW AVAILABLE!

A buddy read with DeAnn, Marilyn and Mary Beth. Be sure to watch for their amazing reviews.

Thank You to Lake Union publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always these are my candid thoughts.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

When a blizzard hits the small town of Loon Point, the last thing Norry Last expects is to have guests at her remote resort, but when she gets a knock on her back door, little does she know that her life is about to change forever.

Neglected by her mom, who is struggling with addiction, eight-year-old Lizzie and her dog, Mr. Benson, show up on Norry’s doorstep, cold and hungry. Even though Norry knows nothing about kids, she does know how to help people, so she makes sure the little girl is cleaned up and comfortable. Then, Norry’s kind and handsome friend, Bud, drops off Wendell, a quiet and pessimistic old fellow whose house collapses in on itself due to the storm, and he needs a place to stay. Norry and the Last Resort are no longer lonely during the winter months, and as the snow starts to melt, Norry, Wendell, and Lizzie form a bond as they share stories and make sweet memories together, wondering what life will throw at them next.

Wow! I knew I was going to like this because of the glowing reviews from my GR friends, but I did not expect to absolutely love it! 😍

I honestly don’t know what to say about the book other than that when I finished reading it, I was sad because it felt like I was no longer going to check up on friends. That is exactly what reading this felt like, catching up with friends and wishing them the best because, good Lord, they deserve it.

I loved the story, and I loved all the characters! Lizzie was the absolute sweetest, and I wanted her to live a happy life with her mom, who I felt so bad for. Drug addiction is no joke, and it made me so, so sad that Lizzie’s mom was struggling with that. 😭 Wendell’s bleak outlook on life was both humorous and frustrating. I thought I was pessimistic, but this guy gets the award for knowing how to make any good thing or person seem like an inconvenience or a curse. 😅 But the story wouldn’t have been the same without him. ☺ Norry was the best. She was such a caring soul, and I was so glad she was there for Lizzie, encouraging her and making sure she knew that she was a smart and special little girl. And then there’s Bud. Can we just take a moment and appreciate this kind man? I swear, he was SO FREAKING SWEET! 😭🫶🏼 Like, my heart literally hurt from how kind and earnest he was in wanting to help others, even when he sometimes never got thanked for his efforts. I think I need to try to be more like him. ❤

This was such a wonderful, sad, and moving story! I loved every minute of it, and I am so, so glad this was put on my radar because, wow! I don’t think I’ll ever be the same again. I highly, highly recommend this book! 💙

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. This book will be published on 01/27/2026!

❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions death, dying, suicide, & drug abuse.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No–just kissing and mentioning making love.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a really lovely character driven story.
Norrie Last is a divorce who inherited the The Last Chance lakefront cabins in the Northwoods of Minnesota.
It is late spring, she is getting the cabins ready for her new season of guests coming for the summer when a winter blizzard strikes.
Down the way, eight old Lizzie who lives with her drug addicted mother, and has been left alone in their trailer with no heat and no food decides to go to the last chance cabins because she had saw Norrie on her way home, walking from school and met her. She takes the treacherous walk to get there and Norrie takes her in and cares for her.
Wendell, an elderly, cantankerous man who also lives in a trailer and his roof collapses from the snow, is also taken by rescue workers to the cabins when no other place can be found for him, and Norrie sets him up in one of her cabins.
Bud Gustafson who Norrie has known since high school, plays a part in helping all these people who are down and out, he also plows the roads.
All these people create a family and learn the power of loneliness, hope, and resilience.
I loved these characters!

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Norry runs the Last Resort in Loon Point. March is a slow month at the resort with the ice fisherman leaving and before the summer rush. It's quiet and peaceful. Norry loves the solitude.

Over the course of a few days Norry meets 8 year old Lizzie, a girl wise beyond her years, due to her drug addicted mother. She also meets Wendell, a grouchy old man, whose roof caves in during a storm and who has nowhere else to go. And then there's Bud, a man she has known for over 30 years, who has a heart of gold and a helping hand for all of those that need it.

What happens when these four lonely people start spending time with each other? You'll have to read this to find out.

This book is an absolute gem. I've always been fond of unlikely friendships in fiction and this book is a wonderful example of how kindness is so much more rewarding than judgement. How our preconceived notions are not always accurate. Norry, Lizzie, Mr. Benson 🐶, Wendell, and Bud are all tucked safely in my heart. Carrie Classon penned a story that will warm your heart and may even bring a tear to your eye. Beautifully done. 4 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my complimentary copy.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve always loved stories that center on found or chosen family. The synopsis for Loon Point by Carrie Classon suggested this would be one of them, so I picked it up. It delivered.

The book deals with three characters and a Minnesota vacation destination called The Last Resort. Norry assumed responsibility for the resort after her father passed away. Wendell is a crotchety old man who ends up there after he loses his home. Lizzie is a precocious 8-year-old girl whose mother is fighting a drug addiction. Each of them lands at the resort as a kind of last resort, pun fully intended. Over the months that follow, their time there quietly reshapes them.

Each of the characters narrates, sometimes all within one chapter. There are breaks between each narrator change, but they aren't labeled, and this might confuse readers. Although their individual personalities shine, I struggled to relate to them because I was told instead of shown what the characters were going through.

The prose is calm, straightforward, and emotionally sincere, with a strong preference for clarity over subtlety. That approach will likely feel comforting and accessible to some readers, though for me it created a sense of emotional distance. While the novel explores meaningful themes, including the discomfort that comes with change, the importance of accepting help, and the quiet power of gratitude, those ideas are often stated more than they are allowed to unfold. Even so, these themes resonate with me deeply, and they are handled with care and intention throughout the book.

Loon Point is a book that's full of heart. Any reader who appreciates a good tale of found family will likely enjoy it. Those who like Fredrik Backman might also be glad to pick this up, although it lacks the same emotional punch. It's a shorter novel that will make a reader ruminate on some important topics without creating a headache and, most importantly, will leave one smiling when it ends.

Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓 — A gentle, heartfelt novel with meaningful themes that didn’t fully land for me emotionally, but will likely resonate with readers who value comfort, clarity, and found family.

Let's Discuss: Do you tend to connect more with books that show emotion through scene and subtext, or ones that tell you clearly what the characters are feeling? Why?

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

the setup…
Except for the ten years of her failed marriage, Norry Last has lived her entire life at Loon Point in the Minnesota Northwoods. She took over running the family business, The Last Resort, when her father’s health failed and he subsequently died. Norry’s life is quiet solitude, especially so before the high season. That is until a tiny bedraggled eight year Lizzie shows up at her door in the middle of a blizzard with a mangy little dog named Mr. Benson in tow. Her drug addicted mother is a no show and left her without food or heat. The next day, Wendell Eckhart, a 72-year old neighbor needs temporary housing in one of her cabins after his roof collapsed from the weight of the snow. And Bud, the man who rescued him and an old friend, is starting to stick around. Suddenly, Norry’s cup seems to be running over.

the heart of the story…
Norry was content with her life until she got a taste of having more. Granted it’s a patched together family of sorts but one that brings meaning to her existence and a safe place to land for Lizzie, Wendell and Mr. Benson. Wendell is a cynical man who believes he’s been done wrong by everyone most of his life but only has those conversations in his head. The bonds that develop between the four of the, brought a sense of hope and peace to my own heart, as well as theirs.

the narration…
I am happy there were three separate narrators; Aasne Vigesaa (Norry), Malcolm Hillgartner (Wendell) and Kate Coventry (Lizzie). All sold me on their characters and delivered great performances.

the bottom line…
This is such a tender story that touched me deeply. Norry had a big heart and didn’t feel her loneliness until Lizzie and Wendell entered and left and vice versa for them. Family doesn’t have to be biological to make them so and these three are marvelous examples of that truth. I was hoping this would be that kind of story and it far surpassed that expectation. 4.5 stars

Posted on Blue Mood Café

(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)

[Shelbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The storyline was heartwarming, the characters felt like friends, & the Minnesota cabin & nature vibes were top tier. I’m so sad to shelve this one!

[Debbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely character driven book. Norry Last, the owner of Last Resort, Wendell, who is miraculously saved from his neglected house when the roof caves in and Lizzie, an eight year old girl with an addicted mother have all experienced more than their share of loss. This is their story and it could have been a sad one, but instead it's infused with optimism. Bud, a local, and a good Samaritan is a grounding force. Mr Benson, a found dog contributes to creating a loving connection. All of them make for a sweet but not too sweet found family read. The pacing is good and I enjoyed the setting, I know I will continue to think about these characters. and would love to read a sequel.
Many thanks to Netgalley for a chance to read and review an advance copy

[Rachel Pepper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loon Point turned out to be such a pleasant surprise. I started it thinking it might be a slow, simple read, but I ended up really caring about these characters and their quiet little world in the Northwoods of Minnesota.

The story centers around Norry, who runs the small lakeside resort she inherited from her father. She’s settled into a life of solitude until a late spring blizzard changes everything. An eight-year-old girl named Lizzie shows up after being abandoned by her mother, followed by Wendell, an older man who’s lost his home and most of his hope. With the help of Bud, a kind local handyman, these unlikely people find themselves sharing space, warmth, and eventually something that feels like family.

I loved the tenderness of this story and the way it celebrates small moments of care and connection. The characters all felt genuine and easy to root for. My only wish was for the writing to show a bit more emotion rather than telling me how the characters felt, which kept it from being a full five stars for me.

Still, it’s a heartfelt, comforting read that leaves you feeling hopeful and reminded that kindness can show up in unexpected ways.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, Carrie Classon and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeanne-Lasley · Rating 3 out of 5]

More sad moments than I expected lakeside resort novel, but plenty of happy ones. Main theme is around how characters view themselves and how that evolves. Easy read.

[Laura Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75🌟 Big city girl leaves the city to care for the rustic family resort in tiny town Minnesota on a pristine lake in the middle of nowhere. Reminded me so much of the storyline in Before I Forget. It has themes of caretaking, found family, depression, drug addiction, rehab, and ultimately redemption. Oh and there’s a cute dog. The Last Resort and its cast of characters will capture your heart. This was a super quick read. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for access to this heart warming book that released on January 27th.

[Shine with Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! This story drew out many emotions due to the handful of endearing characters with big hearts. I wanted to hug, cheer and reprimand them at various points throughout. So beautiful!

This is one of those touching stories where you feel like you know the characters (the good, the bad and the ugly) and the setting permeates every page. In this case, you are lakeside in a small town where you can imagine and feel the calm, quiet, sounds of nature and the slower pace of life. It's also a story that you finish the last page and feel like you have been reminded to embrace life, be present and love others. This story and these characters will stick with me for quite some time. It's found family at its finest and it's heartwarming!

Just a little side note...This book deals with addiction, child neglect and thoughts of harm. While it might be hard for some, it is done with a gentle hand.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for the advanced digital copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No matter the season, this is a great read. However, I can only imagine a heightened experience, if you are reading it at a cabin by the lake.

[peckidge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to the publisher for making this available via NetGalley.

I am so pleasantly surprised by this book that I don’t even know where to begin with this review! I have to be honest, I didn’t expect this book to make me fall in love with it from the first few chapters, I thought I would have to ultimately force myself to finish it but I was so wrong! I actually finished it because I genuinely got attached to the characters in such a way that I had to see their journey to the end.

So, this is a feel good book, perfect for fans of Mitch Albom and, dare I say, Matt Haig, though not written with the same lyricism if you will. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed every moment I spent reading, but unfortunately for me and my tastes, the author spent a bit too much time telling us everything that was happening to the characters and the actions they took instead of showing us what the characters were going through, how they felt about their struggles, etc etc. I found myself caring about them, sure, but despite this, I would have liked a way to relate to them a bit more instead of being just a spectator to their story. This is mainly the reason why I didn’t give it the full 5 stars.

Again, I don’t regret one minute that I picked this up and I have to say, it has brought me a bit of a positive outlook on life that was very much needed as of late considering the direction the world is taking. I look forward to seeing what else the author puts out, if anything , and I wish her all the best!

[Tam📖 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.

Really enjoyed this cozy story set in the Northwoods of Minnesota! It had a little bit of everything; a romance, a coming of age story, and a man in his twilight years find a new lease on life.

Would be perfect to read in front of the fire especially if it’s at a resort like the LAST RESORT with Norry on duty?

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Northwoods of Minnesota a group of strangers come together to become a chosen family. The Last Resort, a group of cabins belonging to Norry Last, lives up to its name when an unexpected blizzard comes in. Lizzie, abandoned by her mother in a trailer with no heat and no food, seeks shelter from her neighbor Norry, who she'd met briefly once. Wendell is an old man, all alone in a rotting home full of stuff. He's a hoarder with an Eeyore type personality, but when his roof collapses under the weight of the storm, he needs shelter. Bud, a handyman and Norry's friend, drops him off at the Last Resort. Now, Norry's gone from the isolation of a resort in off season to the warmth and caring of new friends. And the burdens and secrets they share will change their lives forever.
This story was beautiful and also sad. Each of the characters are struggling with something heavy that they share, becoming closer the longer the storm rages on. But the caring and quiet moments, the beauty of the setting, and the character's personalities made this story shine. This is a debut for this author but I love the writing style and hope for more gems like this one in future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

[Bonnie Grover · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Oh my heart! I loved the characters and the story and highly recommend adding it to your TBR. What a great debut novel. I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Carrie Classon explores how chosen family can sweeten bitterness into surprising joy. Alone in the northern woods of Minnesota, Norry settles in for another springtime lull at the remote resort she inherited from her father. But when a blizzard hits, the cabins start to fill up fast. Lizzie an eight-year-old neglected by a mother with addictions. Wendell a cantankerous old guy whose home has collapsed in the storm. And Bud, the handyman whose quiet kindness has a way of permeating everyone he meets.

“Forever doesn’t last, “Virgie had said. And it was true. But Norry wanted right now to last forever.
“We’re changing and evolving, and the big changes-the change that people notice- are just the outward signs of things that have been brewing on the inside for a long time.”

[Thomas Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loon Point located in Northern Minnesota is home to resort that we people come spend a week in the summer to vacation and fisherman to catch fish on the lake. This resort called The Last Resort. The name of the resort a play on the last name of the owners and care takers the Last Family. There quite a cast of characters in this story with most down on their luck in some fashion. The owner who left town for a while and came back to help her father and ends up running the place and gives her a retreat from her failed marriage. A man in his 70's who is angry at the world who will find himself in a need for a place to stay. An eight-year-old girl who is living in a dump of a trailer who will have to face a lot more than any child should have to face including bullying in school. Bud who is the little community's mister fix -it for just about anything and finding his way after two failed marriages that broke his heart. This cast of characters will find that family sometimes does not have to be blood related. There are many mixed emotions in this story but it is a good read. I would rate this 3 1/2 stars out of 5. Give it a read.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC of Loon Point!

An easy five star read from me. This follows three people: Norry - who is feeling stale in her everyday life, Lizzie - and eight year old girl who is living with her mother in a bad situation, and Wendell - a depressed and hoarding older man who loses his home. All three of these characters converge at The Last Resort and become entwined in a beautiful way.

I just couldn’t help falling in love with Lizzie and Norry and Wendell (Even if Wendell is a little harder to love) as they grow and help each other through some really hard and dark things.

I appreciated the thoughts Norry had surrounding Lizzie’s mom. Harsh at times, empathetic at others - it felt very realistic when dealing with someone with substance abuse issues.

This is a beautiful little book!

[Diana Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a perfect book for a day when I was under the weather, fighting off a cold. It was an easy, engaging read with enough plot to keep me turning the pages, and enough heart to help me feel better in the midst of my virus-induced fogginess.

Although the story was a bit predictable, the way it was written elevated the familiar tropes to something more genuine. I liked the evocative way the setting was described throughout the book, and I appreciated the author's balance between difficult subject matter and more uplifting elements. My biggest complaint would have to be that Wendell's story arc felt somewhat cumbersome and not entirely believable. It had some lovely moments, but overall, it was the weak link in the three POV characters.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Loved it

[Deanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the characters & loved their intertwined stories. Great writing, a special setting, fun doses of humor & life lessons in this book. Being a Minnesota girl at heart, I really enjoyed it!

[Devon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A raw, heartfelt, found-family story set in Minnesota - 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author to review for my book review column. This had all the best elements of a found-family story, yet remained unique and enjoyable. I cried, I laughed, I cared for the characters - What more can you ask for? I loved the character development.. It felt realistic rather than overdone. Being set in Minnesota was the cherry on top, as someone who has lived on the Wisconsin-Minnesota border all my life.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four and a half stars rounded up. Carrie Classon’s “Loon Point” is her debut novel. Set in Minnesota, Norry Last inherited “The Last Resort” from her father. Norry is used to the solitude of her property between winter and late spring. She usually spends the down time doing maintenance around the resort and preparing for the upcoming summer months.

When a late snowstorm hits their area, the first to arrive is Lizzie. She’s eight years old and has a mother who is struggling with addiction. Lizzie also arrives with a stray dog she names Mr. Benson after one of her previous teachers. The second one to arrive is Wendell, a man in his 70s, whose house collapsed during the storm. Wendell is brought to The Last Resort by Bud, who has known Norry for a few decades.

I enjoyed this charming novel. It has an unassuming title, but the story has a nice pace and the characters are memorable. It’s about found family and helping others. I wanted to see how it ended, but I didn’t want the story to be over.

Overall, I recommend this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

[Shawna Briseno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Norry has a busy life. Running the family resort takes up pretty much all of her time. She’s satisfied with the life she’s built for herself. Until a young girl shows up on her doorstep during a blizzard. And then an elderly man in need of shelter. With the help of a few close friends, Norry soon realizes that, while not exactly unhappy, she’s simply been going through the motions. With the help of these new additions to her life, she begins to see that family is what you make of it. This is a very heartwarming story about friends and family and what it means to let others into your life. Great characters, great storyline.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loon Point by Carrie Classon is like wandering into a quiet snowstorm, wrapped in flannel, with a thermos of coffee and no plans—until you stumble upon a half-broken cabin glowing with warmth, a quirky crew of misfits inside, and suddenly realize you might not want to leave. This book snuck up on me. I cracked it open expecting a sweet little snow-globe story about life in the Northwoods, and what I got instead was a meditation on chosen family, aging, childhood trauma, grief, and the wild, ridiculous persistence of hope.

Huge thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for my gifted ARC. You’ll be shocked to know I picked this one up for the cover. (Yes, I judged. And I was right. It’s giving peaceful lakeside melancholy and cozy heartbreak—and I mean that in the best way.)

Our main character, Norry Last, is a woman content with her own quiet corner of the world. She’s inherited The Last Resort (yes, that’s the actual name, and yes, it’s perfect) from her father and runs it with the kind of solitary pride that comes from years of keeping things afloat on her own. She’s self-sufficient, maybe a little emotionally constipated, and perfectly happy to spend another spring alone in the cabins. That is, until nature intervenes.

Cue one late-season Minnesota blizzard. And cue Lizzie, an eight-year-old girl who shows up with a stray dog and enough emotional baggage to make Dr. Phil weep. Her mom, if you can call her that, has been absent in every way that counts. Lizzie doesn’t arrive with a dramatic speech or tears—she shows up because she’s got nowhere else to go. And honestly? That quiet desperation is what makes her story hit like a snowball to the face. Except the snowball has a love note inside. And also maybe a dead mouse.

Then we meet Wendell. He’s the kind of guy who’s basically allergic to joy. Bitter, closed off, living in the wreckage of his failed dreams and crumbling home—literally. When his roof caves in during the storm, he’s dragged (begrudgingly, of course) to the resort by Bud, the local handyman, fixer-of-everything, and possibly the last good man alive in the Midwest.

What follows isn’t a wild adventure. It’s not a dramatic plot full of twists. It’s something better. Something quieter. The story unfolds in slow, deliberate scenes—the kind that feel like sipping warm cider on a porch swing while watching snow melt. It’s a novel that trusts its characters to carry the weight, and they absolutely do.

Lizzie is a standout. Carrie Classon writes her with astonishing nuance. She’s a kid, but not written like a “quirky-wonderchild-who-teaches-everyone-a-lesson.” She’s wise and weird and scarred in that specific way neglected kids are—equal parts scrappy and yearning. Her dog, Mr. Benson (named after a teacher, which made me ugly-laugh and also cry a little), is her shield and her only stability.

Wendell, somehow, goes from “grumpy old dude who hates the sun” to someone I genuinely wanted to hug. He gets a literal eye surgery mid-book, which—okay, on the nose—but the metaphor works. As his physical vision clears, so does his emotional one. Yeah, it’s a bit cheesy, but it’s the good kind. The kind of cheese that’s melted over a hotdish and served at a potluck with a side of unexpected tears.

And then there’s Bud. Sweet, reliable, quiet Bud. The kind of man who builds things with his hands and doesn’t say much but notices everything. His presence in Norry’s life has always been there, simmering like something left unsaid. Their connection isn’t a whirlwind romance—it’s slower, sadder, and so much more real. The kind of love story that grows in the corners of your life until one day you realize it’s taken root.

What Classon does so well is restraint. The book never gets overly sentimental or tries to manipulate you. It just… invites you in. You sit beside these characters, eat their casseroles, listen to their silences, and realize you’ve grown attached. There’s no dramatic third-act betrayal, no manufactured conflict. Just life. Quiet, aching, healing life.

Favorite quote? Easy.
“Some people showed up like storms. Others like sunrises. But the rarest were the ones who didn’t show up at all—you just looked around and realized they’d been there all along.”
I underlined that one so hard I almost ripped the page.

My only nitpick? The book occasionally drifts into telling when I wanted more showing. Some of the emotional beats—especially Norry’s inner life—felt narrated rather than felt. But that’s me being picky. Because the bones of the story? Solid. The pacing? Gentle but purposeful. And the emotional payoff? Big, if you let it sneak up on you.

Final verdict? 4.5 stars, rounding up because it lingered. Like woodsmoke in your sweater. Like a loon call across a still lake at dusk.
This one’s for readers who like character-driven stories, quiet transformation, and a healthy dose of Midwestern emotional repression being lovingly dismantled by a child and a handyman. So, basically… me.

#LoonPoint #NetGalley #CarrieClasson #FoundFamilyFiction #BookReview #MinnesotaFiction #WomenInFiction #DebutNovel2026 #BooksWithHeart #CozyReads #EmotionalFiction #NorthwoodsLit #CharacterDrivenNovels

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relatable story of found family that hits the spot without venturing into saccharine territory. There are bumps in the road that may as well be craters that the characters face some are literal physical ones, others are mental blockades, still there are those that smack of the wrenches life can throw in one's path.
🩵💗💚💛🩷
Lizzie is an elementary school student who achieves much despite being the child of a single addicted mother. Her situation broke my heart. Filth, being bullied, dwindling food, and playing the role of parent are part of an average day for the third grader. One day her mother doesn't come home, their furnace goes out in Minnesota's freezing temps, the girl begins walking in the general direction of The Last Resort in hopes of finding a warm spot to wait for her mother.
❄️🥶🧊❄️
Norrey Last owns The Last Resort, she's spent much of the past few years alone despite running the seasonal business. She has acquaintances and knows the several locals, but she runs the day to day on her own. Norrey hasn't forged new connections since her divorce and the death of her father. When she finds Lizzie and a stray dog freezing on her doorstep, Norrey acts to provide immediate care and shelter.
📚🐶
Wendell began his life with big dreams, but now he's scratching out a miserable existence. He's in his seventies and thinks suicide would be a grand option if only he had the energy to prepare. But he doesn't. A terrifying incident leaves him in need of rescue. He loses everything he owns including the roof over his head. He ends up staying in one of Norrey's cabins and wearing donated clothing from people reaching out to him.
🧑🏻‍🚒
Bud is one of those amazing humans that has more integrity in his pinky finger than most have in their entire being. There's no flash but plenty of substance. He does whatever he can to make connections and help others. He is salt of the earth; anyone would be lucky to count him as a friend.
🚤 🔥
I introduced the characters which I don't always do because this is a story driven by its characters and their interactions. The found family vibes are perfection. The poignant moments felt rooted in reality sans manipulation. The friendships and second chances are restorative. The slow burn (clean) romance was balanced and heartfelt. Classon's no frills writing style was chef's kiss! 🤌🏻

I picked this up during a bout of recent insomnia and ended up reading for hours on end, twice.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
All the stars!

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for providing an ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Todd Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d previously read Ms. Classon’s memoir Blue Yarn, so I already knew the writing in this, her first novel, was going to be smooth and superb. And I wasn’t wrong. Rare for me, I quickly read it over two evenings, but the writing goes beyond the readable and enjoyable. It is of a special quality, all too uncommon and much needed. Optimism. She’s a glass-more-than-half-full kind of thinker.

Loon Point, the novel and the place, is filled with memorable characters, all worth rooting for. There really, truly isn’t a villain. Or, I should say there clearly is a villain, but the character of Cat is broken and struggling and understandable for anyone who has ever experienced disappointment and never quite found a way to view life through better eyes, with or without the help of an ophthalmologist.

Based on what I know of Ms. Classon from her memoir, I detected parts of her in every character, especially Norry Last, the owner and manager of The Last Resort, a place and name that playfully giggles its way throughout the text. I also recognized a shared enjoyment of bedroom intimacy between author and Norry. Bud is a hairy, snoring, bed-hogging, and caring wonder of a man.

My favorite character, though, is Wendell. Aged and initially tragically troubled, he goes through the greatest change, rediscovering his young desire to have a positive impact on the world, something long since soured. I recognize his lack of fortitude in myself. He especially gave up far too easily after a single screenplay was rejected (he wasn’t meant for Hollywood) and I’ve given up just as quickly, and in as silly of fashion, numerous times. I’ll be having cataract surgery soon. Maybe I’ll see the world anew with the help of an ophthalmologist as did Wendell – and as I wish Cat figuratively had.

I best knew I loved this book when I noticed two echoes from my own writing. Lizzie, a child character, and her adopted dog both sigh at times and take a breath as if they’ve been holding their breath all day. It reminded me of a line from my own memoir:

“…she exhaled a sigh of relief as if she’d been holding her breath her whole life.”

And Classon’s epigraph, “This book is dedicated to my parents… [who] planted the crazy idea that I could do pretty much anything I set my mind to,” reminded me of another passage:

“I shook my third grade teacher’s hand and I told her I feared living in North Dakota.

“She smiled and said, ‘Todd. I’ve known you for a long time and one thing I know about you is you’ll find a way to be happy no matter where you are.’”

No, optimism isn’t crazy. It’s most welcome.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚Loon Point
✍🏻Carrie Classon
Blurb:
Set against the rugged beauty of the northern woods, the heartwarming first novel by columnist Carrie Classon explores how chosen family can sweeten bitterness into surprising joy.

Alone in the Northwoods, Norry Last settles in for another springtime lull at the remote resort she inherited from her father. She’s content with the solitude, maybe resigned. But when a blizzard hits, those little cabins by the lake start to fill up fast.

First to arrive is Lizzie, an eight-year-old with resilience and wisdom beyond her years, neglected by a mother struggling with addiction. Next comes Wendell, a cantankerous old fellow whose house collapses in the storm, the same way hope collapsed inside him long before. And then there’s Bud, the helpful handyman who’s always buzzing around, his kindness thawing something Norry thought she’d buried deep in the Minnesota snow.

As white melts to green, The Last Resort’s unlikely companions learn to share space, stories, and quiet comforts—an unexpected family that makes perfect sense. After all, Lizzie needs to be cared for. Wendell needs to care. Norry needs to open up. And Bud? Bud just might fix everything.
My Thoughts:
This book is quietly beautiful. From the beginning when we meet our four characters and a withering dog, we are not sure where they will interact and what types of relationships they will build together. We see that Norry and Bud are caregivers and Lizzie and Wendell are in need of taking that care, but the building of those connections occurs in this light pace, moving forward and never hurried. I recommend this book for general fiction fans, romance readers (it is a beautiful, slow blossoming love with some giddiness) and those who enjoy a small town or northern setting. There is so much grace in this book for fellow humans and nature and ways people continue to hurt. It is imaginative and surprising and extremely well-constructed. Bravo to Carrie Classon.
Thanks NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Author Carrie Classon for the advanced copy of "Loon Point" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LakeUnionPublishing
#LoonPoint
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧 Audio Review: I adored this audiobook! The narration really brought the characters and story to life! I felt as if I were a part of the story just by listening to it. Highly recommend the audio, although I know it’ll be great either way.

📝 Story Review: An excellent debut novel!

A bittersweet story about people whose lives become entwined and how they find themselves while helping others and being helped.

A little girl who is neglected by her young mother who is battling addiction.
A cantankerous old man who loses his home and belongings, and feels as if there’s no reason to keep living.
An all around good guy who wants to help everyone and has a sweet spot for the resorts owner.
The resorts owner, a woman who opens her home and heart to a lost little girl and her dog, who welcomes a newly homeless old man, who doesn’t realize there’s a man right in front of her who loves her. How has she been ok being alone for so long, when these additions to her life mean so much to her and add so much to her life?

This story was especially poignant with some very sensitive topics. Please check CW’s before diving in. It was beautifully written, just emotional. I’d definitely be interested in reading other books by this author!

My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
Spice: 🌶️ 1/5
Emotional: 😢😢😢 3.5/5

Tropes 👇

- Winter time ☃️
- Small town/woodsy retreat 🪵🔥🎣
- Canine companion 🐕
- Found family
- Friends to lovers
- Learning to love again 💞
- Banding together in times of distress
- Finding your place in the world

CW’s 👇

- Losing your home
- Loss of identity
- Drug usage
- Drug overdose
- Neglected child
- Heart attack
- Death of a parent
- Brief mentions of school-bus bullies
- Contemplation of committing suicide

Audio Release Date: January 27, 2026
Audio Run Time: 8 hrs, 39 mins
Narrated By: Aasne Vigesaa; Malcolm Hillgartner & Kate Coventry.
Genre: Fiction/Women’s Fiction
POV: Third Person; Multi.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC in return for my honest review.