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People Watching in the Desert
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26A funny and big-hearted novel for readers of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and Remarkably Bright Creatures, about a lonely young woman who prefers to observe the world rather than participate in it, and the seismic repercussions that follow when she steps out of her own bubble.
Sonny Magee has spent most of her life alone, finding comfort in quiet solitude and scribbling in the private pages of her notebook. She lost her loving but troubled mother in childhood and was raised by an indifferent, sometimes cruel grandmother who left her scarred and naïve about life.
When Sonny mysteriously comes into a large sum of money, she finds herself in Arizona, at the luxury Sanctuary Resort & Spa. Out of her element and her comfort zone, she struggles with the spa’s doting staff and the unfamiliar wealth and constant small talk of her fellow guests.
Forced proximity introduces her to a cadre of eccentrics, and something akin to romance blossoms with a resort employee. Yet Sonny still feels most at peace when people watching from the margins, headphones on and scrawling in her notebook. But when a freak accident disturbs Sanctuary's carefully curated tranquility, a shocking twist crumbles Sonny’s inner world, and she finds herself unexpectedly—and maybe even pleasantly—surprised by the people around her.
Sonny Magee has spent most of her life alone, finding comfort in quiet solitude and scribbling in the private pages of her notebook. She lost her loving but troubled mother in childhood and was raised by an indifferent, sometimes cruel grandmother who left her scarred and naïve about life.
When Sonny mysteriously comes into a large sum of money, she finds herself in Arizona, at the luxury Sanctuary Resort & Spa. Out of her element and her comfort zone, she struggles with the spa’s doting staff and the unfamiliar wealth and constant small talk of her fellow guests.
Forced proximity introduces her to a cadre of eccentrics, and something akin to romance blossoms with a resort employee. Yet Sonny still feels most at peace when people watching from the margins, headphones on and scrawling in her notebook. But when a freak accident disturbs Sanctuary's carefully curated tranquility, a shocking twist crumbles Sonny’s inner world, and she finds herself unexpectedly—and maybe even pleasantly—surprised by the people around her.
400 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 28, 2026
People Watching in the Desert is a fantastic debut novel. The characters are intriguing, heartfelt and a bit odd, showcasing unique idiosyncrasies that speak in both a light hearted and serious way to what it means to be humans with different backgrounds and baggage.
The descriptions of the settings and environments make the images easily come to mind, but things are written in a way that one has freedom to dream and imagine as a reader what one is to be reading.
A must read for anyone who has ever asked What If? in any social setting, and a perfect novel to read to share with friends, just like Alanna would, or alone, like Sonny.
The descriptions of the settings and environments make the images easily come to mind, but things are written in a way that one has freedom to dream and imagine as a reader what one is to be reading.
A must read for anyone who has ever asked What If? in any social setting, and a perfect novel to read to share with friends, just like Alanna would, or alone, like Sonny.
June 25, 2026
What a surprise! I think I was expecting something more exhilarating, slightly thrilling, but I’m not at all disappointed in where the book took me. The first part reminded me of the show White Lotus with all the eccentric and secretive resort members. I caught early signs of the twist that happens halfway through, however there were so many follow up twists that I was still entertained. In a one sentence summary, we follow an awkward 20 something take a trip to a luxurious resort, where she gets acquainted with the other guests and slowly opens up, ultimately becoming a better version of her unique self. Would recommend and so happy I got an advanced copy!!
March 13, 2026
I read this as an ARC through my job and really loved it. It has slight White Lotus vibes, with a cast of messy, multidimensional characters that keep things entertaining. Sonny is a relatable and sympathetic main character, and it’s satisfying to watch her slowly come out of her shell and see how that ripples through the people around her. If you were ever called an “old soul” growing up, this one might resonate. Also, always here for weird girl representation!
June 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️My review: It took me exactly 5 minutes to get into this book. Sonny Magee is the MC and she is in AZ at a fancy spa. Something she has never done before having grown up without money, and with a very cold grandmother. It takes a while to figure out where Sonny’s sudden wealth has come from, and she is even more confused how to handle it.
Sonny loves to watch people and write about them. She meets and observes several interesting fellow spa guests and creates a relationship of sorts with the spa bartender Jack.
Sonny’s sheltered life and introvert tendencies make it hard for her to engage with others, but as time moves on at the spa, she learns about people and how to actually talk to them. Making up stories about the spa guests takes up time and Sonny starts to realize that fact and fiction can converge, overlap, and maybe blow up in your face.
I found myself surprised at several points in the book and then not wanting to put the book down so I could find out more. I loved reading the inner workings of Sonny’s mind and imagination and her constant “what ifs…”.
A really thoughtful book with fascinating characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Publishing for an advance digital copy to review. These opinions are my own.
Sonny loves to watch people and write about them. She meets and observes several interesting fellow spa guests and creates a relationship of sorts with the spa bartender Jack.
Sonny’s sheltered life and introvert tendencies make it hard for her to engage with others, but as time moves on at the spa, she learns about people and how to actually talk to them. Making up stories about the spa guests takes up time and Sonny starts to realize that fact and fiction can converge, overlap, and maybe blow up in your face.
I found myself surprised at several points in the book and then not wanting to put the book down so I could find out more. I loved reading the inner workings of Sonny’s mind and imagination and her constant “what ifs…”.
A really thoughtful book with fascinating characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Publishing for an advance digital copy to review. These opinions are my own.
June 10, 2026
(ARC) 5⭐️ This is like White Lotus meets Harriet the Spy. I know, I know…stay with me.
Meet Sonny, our lovable neurodivergent FMC. She suddenly comes into some unexpected money and decides to treat herself to a luxury resort stay, which is a world she’s never really had access to and one filled with people she doesn’t usually cross paths with. Sonny’s favorite hobby is people watching, but she takes it a teensy bit too far and finds herself in a bit of a predicament.
You’re probably going to start this book and think, “wtf, Maddi? This is your five-star read?” Trust the process. This is a quiet book that needs time to marinate. The stories within stories within stories are so bleeping good that by the end you’ll be chanting right alongside me: more weird girls, more luxury resorts, more unhinged plots.
You know how you’re always saying, “I wish I could read something different”? Well, congrats. Your search is over. This novel is fresh af.
Meet Sonny, our lovable neurodivergent FMC. She suddenly comes into some unexpected money and decides to treat herself to a luxury resort stay, which is a world she’s never really had access to and one filled with people she doesn’t usually cross paths with. Sonny’s favorite hobby is people watching, but she takes it a teensy bit too far and finds herself in a bit of a predicament.
You’re probably going to start this book and think, “wtf, Maddi? This is your five-star read?” Trust the process. This is a quiet book that needs time to marinate. The stories within stories within stories are so bleeping good that by the end you’ll be chanting right alongside me: more weird girls, more luxury resorts, more unhinged plots.
You know how you’re always saying, “I wish I could read something different”? Well, congrats. Your search is over. This novel is fresh af.
Review of advance copy
A heartfelt thank you to Matt and Shawnee from ‘The Bookstore (and Get Lit Wine Bar)’ in Lenox, MA, for trusting me to read their advanced copy of “People Watching In the Desert“ by Cali Adeline in exchange for my honest feedback. If you find yourself in Lenox, you’ve got to stop by their store and have a glass of wine while you read a new book! Brilliant place and wonderful people who thought to combine two of my favorite things!
For me, this book hit a home run because of the main character. If you’re anything like me and are a fan of Fredrik Backman’s “A Man Called Ove” and “Britt-Marie Was Here”, Helen Hoang’s “The Kiss Quotient” series, Gail Honeyman’s “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine”, and Anna Johnston’s “The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife” - then this book is your jam!
At 25, Sonny is newly wealthy yet stubbornly frugal. She is not the kind of protagonist who invites easy admiration or even easy understanding. She exists in a quiet contradiction: a millionaire who withholds from herself, a writer who prefers imagining people over actually knowing them. The novel’s pulse lives in that tension.
Sonny has taken this trip to Sanctuary because her mom always told her about how wonderful the night sky is in the desert. Sonny, who lost her mom to a drug overdose when she was just 10-years-old, was raised by a grandmother who was cold and unforgiving. For whatever reason, poor socialization or possibly on the spectrum, she spends much of her time observing others and recording invented lives in her notebook, turning strangers into characters she can control. It’s a subtle but striking commentary on distance—how storytelling can become both a bridge and a barrier. She watches because it’s safer than participating. She writes because it’s easier than connecting. And yet, the act itself reveals a deep, almost reluctant longing for something more human and less curated.
When Sonny is forced to interact with other guests, we see her deficits on display. Adeline resists the urge to “fix” Sonny. Instead, she allows her to remain odd, sometimes uncomfortably so. Sonny forces herself into social situations like someone stepping into cold water—hesitant, self-aware, and never quite at ease. These moments are not triumphant breakthroughs but small, awkward negotiations with herself. That’s where the novel feels most honest: in its refusal to turn growth into spectacle.
The desert setting amplifies Sonny’s inner world in a way that feels intentional rather than symbolic for symbolism’s sake. The openness doesn’t free her; it exposes her. With fewer distractions, her habits—watching, withholding, imagining—become sharper, almost unavoidable. The stillness gives her nowhere to hide, even as she tries to retreat into observation.
What’s especially compelling is how the book quietly questions the ethics of “people watching.” Sonny’s imagined narratives are creative, sometimes cruel, but they’re also projections. The novel gently asks: what does it mean to construct people instead of meeting them? And what do we lose when we prefer the version we’ve written over the one that exists?
By the end, there’s no dramatic transformation, no clean resolution where Sonny suddenly becomes fully open or socially fluent. Instead, there’s a subtle shift—an awareness, perhaps, that observing life is not the same as living it. It’s a quiet realization, but one that feels earned. And while Sonny does make some progress, we are not left with the happy ending that we find ourselves rooting for.
People Watching in the Desert stands out because it trusts the reader to sit with discomfort, ambiguity, and a protagonist who doesn’t perform likability. It’s less about what happens and more about how someone chooses to remain at a distance—and what it costs them. That restraint is what makes the novel feel both intimate and haunting long after it’s over.
#bookstoreinlenox.com #books andwineinoneplace #twoofmyfavoritethings #lenoxmassachusetts #peoplewatchinginthedesert #caliadeline #oasisretreat #yesplease
For me, this book hit a home run because of the main character. If you’re anything like me and are a fan of Fredrik Backman’s “A Man Called Ove” and “Britt-Marie Was Here”, Helen Hoang’s “The Kiss Quotient” series, Gail Honeyman’s “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine”, and Anna Johnston’s “The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife” - then this book is your jam!
At 25, Sonny is newly wealthy yet stubbornly frugal. She is not the kind of protagonist who invites easy admiration or even easy understanding. She exists in a quiet contradiction: a millionaire who withholds from herself, a writer who prefers imagining people over actually knowing them. The novel’s pulse lives in that tension.
Sonny has taken this trip to Sanctuary because her mom always told her about how wonderful the night sky is in the desert. Sonny, who lost her mom to a drug overdose when she was just 10-years-old, was raised by a grandmother who was cold and unforgiving. For whatever reason, poor socialization or possibly on the spectrum, she spends much of her time observing others and recording invented lives in her notebook, turning strangers into characters she can control. It’s a subtle but striking commentary on distance—how storytelling can become both a bridge and a barrier. She watches because it’s safer than participating. She writes because it’s easier than connecting. And yet, the act itself reveals a deep, almost reluctant longing for something more human and less curated.
When Sonny is forced to interact with other guests, we see her deficits on display. Adeline resists the urge to “fix” Sonny. Instead, she allows her to remain odd, sometimes uncomfortably so. Sonny forces herself into social situations like someone stepping into cold water—hesitant, self-aware, and never quite at ease. These moments are not triumphant breakthroughs but small, awkward negotiations with herself. That’s where the novel feels most honest: in its refusal to turn growth into spectacle.
The desert setting amplifies Sonny’s inner world in a way that feels intentional rather than symbolic for symbolism’s sake. The openness doesn’t free her; it exposes her. With fewer distractions, her habits—watching, withholding, imagining—become sharper, almost unavoidable. The stillness gives her nowhere to hide, even as she tries to retreat into observation.
What’s especially compelling is how the book quietly questions the ethics of “people watching.” Sonny’s imagined narratives are creative, sometimes cruel, but they’re also projections. The novel gently asks: what does it mean to construct people instead of meeting them? And what do we lose when we prefer the version we’ve written over the one that exists?
By the end, there’s no dramatic transformation, no clean resolution where Sonny suddenly becomes fully open or socially fluent. Instead, there’s a subtle shift—an awareness, perhaps, that observing life is not the same as living it. It’s a quiet realization, but one that feels earned. And while Sonny does make some progress, we are not left with the happy ending that we find ourselves rooting for.
People Watching in the Desert stands out because it trusts the reader to sit with discomfort, ambiguity, and a protagonist who doesn’t perform likability. It’s less about what happens and more about how someone chooses to remain at a distance—and what it costs them. That restraint is what makes the novel feel both intimate and haunting long after it’s over.
#bookstoreinlenox.com #books andwineinoneplace #twoofmyfavoritethings #lenoxmassachusetts #peoplewatchinginthedesert #caliadeline #oasisretreat #yesplease
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If your favorite books feature quirky, socially awkward characters who slowly work their way into your heart, add People Watching in the Desert to your TBR.
It took me all of five minutes to get hooked.
Sonny Magee has recently come into money and, despite growing up with very little, finds herself at an upscale spa in Arizona. She's far more comfortable observing people than talking to them, so she spends her days watching the other guests, inventing stories about their lives, and scribbling down her thoughts. But as she begins forming unexpected connections, she discovers that the stories we tell ourselves about other people, and about ourselves, aren't always true.
This is exactly the kind of character-driven fiction I love. If you enjoyed books like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, A Man Called Ove, or Remarkably Bright Creatures, this has that same ability to take a seemingly prickly, unconventional protagonist and slowly reveal the vulnerable person underneath.
What I loved most was being inside Sonny's head. Her observations, constant "what ifs," and vivid imagination kept surprising me, and more than once I found myself completely wrong about where the story was headed.
Beneath its quiet exterior, this is a thoughtful novel about loneliness, self-perception, first impressions, and the narratives we create to make sense of the world around us.
Thank you to @netgalley and @hapercollins for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
It took me all of five minutes to get hooked.
Sonny Magee has recently come into money and, despite growing up with very little, finds herself at an upscale spa in Arizona. She's far more comfortable observing people than talking to them, so she spends her days watching the other guests, inventing stories about their lives, and scribbling down her thoughts. But as she begins forming unexpected connections, she discovers that the stories we tell ourselves about other people, and about ourselves, aren't always true.
This is exactly the kind of character-driven fiction I love. If you enjoyed books like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, A Man Called Ove, or Remarkably Bright Creatures, this has that same ability to take a seemingly prickly, unconventional protagonist and slowly reveal the vulnerable person underneath.
What I loved most was being inside Sonny's head. Her observations, constant "what ifs," and vivid imagination kept surprising me, and more than once I found myself completely wrong about where the story was headed.
Beneath its quiet exterior, this is a thoughtful novel about loneliness, self-perception, first impressions, and the narratives we create to make sense of the world around us.
Thank you to @netgalley and @hapercollins for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars rounded up.
This is a really interesting book. The midpoint twist is something I'd genuinely never encountered before, and without giving anything away, it reframes the entire story and opens up a unique way of understanding Sonny as a character. On a craft level, it's ambitious and original in a way I enjoyed.
Where it fell short for me was the emotional connection. There's a lot of setup, and the first half of the book is quite slow. The book is positioned in the warm, big-hearted Eleanor Oliphant vein, but for me, it read cooler and more detached, lacking the emotional pulse that would have tipped it from interesting into unforgettable.
That detachment may be exactly right for the reader it's meant for. If you gravitate toward quieter, more cerebral fiction, this could really land for you.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Harper for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a really interesting book. The midpoint twist is something I'd genuinely never encountered before, and without giving anything away, it reframes the entire story and opens up a unique way of understanding Sonny as a character. On a craft level, it's ambitious and original in a way I enjoyed.
Where it fell short for me was the emotional connection. There's a lot of setup, and the first half of the book is quite slow. The book is positioned in the warm, big-hearted Eleanor Oliphant vein, but for me, it read cooler and more detached, lacking the emotional pulse that would have tipped it from interesting into unforgettable.
That detachment may be exactly right for the reader it's meant for. If you gravitate toward quieter, more cerebral fiction, this could really land for you.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Harper for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed People Watching In The Desert. The story was engaging and kept my interest from start to finish. I do not want to give anything away, but the authors plot kept me thinking and guessing throughout (which I loved).
When I read the summary of the book on the back cover, I felt like I would really relate to Sonny (which I did). Her thoughts and experiences felt realistic, which made the story more meaningful to me. Because of this connection, I became very invested and had a hard time putting the book down. The humor and the sarcasm added another fun layer. The detailed description of the Resort made me feel like I was there.
I highly recommend this to all readers who enjoy relatable characters and emotional depth!
When I read the summary of the book on the back cover, I felt like I would really relate to Sonny (which I did). Her thoughts and experiences felt realistic, which made the story more meaningful to me. Because of this connection, I became very invested and had a hard time putting the book down. The humor and the sarcasm added another fun layer. The detailed description of the Resort made me feel like I was there.
I highly recommend this to all readers who enjoy relatable characters and emotional depth!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
this book has officially pulled me out of my reading slump! i’m a big fan of this particular brand of fiction and really enjoyed titles like eleanor oliphant is completely fine, the cactus, a man called ove, remarkably bright creatures, and other quirky character-driven novels that peel back the MC’s harsh exterior to reveal a neurodivergent psyche damaged by past trauma. People Watching in the Desert took the best parts of this trope and wove them into a beautiful story about the stories we tell ourselves — the judgement of strangers based on nothing but vibes, the negative self-talk that hijacks personal narrative, and the thin line between fact and fiction. thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. the pleasure is all mine!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5/5
I found People Watching in the Desert quite entertaining as the format jumps between Sonny’s reality and her stories about these individuals at the resort. She is a peculiar young woman with a sad past that sheds light on her mannerisms and social skills. The resort, Sanctuary, was a fun place to imagine, and the author did an amazing job of detailing the environment and property.
Some of Sonny’s stories I found less gripping than others, and at one point the story names and real names were hard to follow. I was intrigued to figure out the reasoning behind the sudden amount of wealth Sonny came into, which was the main hook for me. My expectations were not necessarily met as I was hoping for a bit more of a thrill based on the description, but I did enjoy this novel as a whole.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Collins for the Advanced Copy.
I found People Watching in the Desert quite entertaining as the format jumps between Sonny’s reality and her stories about these individuals at the resort. She is a peculiar young woman with a sad past that sheds light on her mannerisms and social skills. The resort, Sanctuary, was a fun place to imagine, and the author did an amazing job of detailing the environment and property.
Some of Sonny’s stories I found less gripping than others, and at one point the story names and real names were hard to follow. I was intrigued to figure out the reasoning behind the sudden amount of wealth Sonny came into, which was the main hook for me. My expectations were not necessarily met as I was hoping for a bit more of a thrill based on the description, but I did enjoy this novel as a whole.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Collins for the Advanced Copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 | 4.5 stars rounded down
People Watching in the Desert follows Sonny, a young woman who escapes her comfort zone for a luxury Arizona wellness retreat after mysteriously coming into a very large amount of money. While at the retreat, she is forced to confront the truth about her isolated life as she observes the other guests.
This is definitely a book for lovers of a character study, which I am. There is very little that happens in terms of action, with much of the book examining the human condition in an honest, heartfelt, and humorous way. Despite the little action, this story still had plenty of twists and turns that suprised me.
Sonny is very complex main character who I couldn't help but love.
I think if you enjoy Anxious People by Fredrik Backman, you'll really like this one.
Thank you so much to Harper Books for the advance copy!
People Watching in the Desert follows Sonny, a young woman who escapes her comfort zone for a luxury Arizona wellness retreat after mysteriously coming into a very large amount of money. While at the retreat, she is forced to confront the truth about her isolated life as she observes the other guests.
This is definitely a book for lovers of a character study, which I am. There is very little that happens in terms of action, with much of the book examining the human condition in an honest, heartfelt, and humorous way. Despite the little action, this story still had plenty of twists and turns that suprised me.
Sonny is very complex main character who I couldn't help but love.
I think if you enjoy Anxious People by Fredrik Backman, you'll really like this one.
Thank you so much to Harper Books for the advance copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 Stars! Thank you to Harper for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.
I really, really, ended up loving this book! This is one of those stories I know I'll think about regularly for the foreseeable future.
Sonny is such a complex and relatable main character. I really related to the way she observed the world and thought about things in her head. Her story is deeply sad, but this story left me feeling very hopeful for our main characters future.
My favorite part was hearing all the stories Sonny created. I actually wish there was a little more of this in the book.
This book definitely has some White Lotus vibes too, but is much more lighthearted than the show. Overall a sad, sweet, fun, and thought-provoking read!
I really, really, ended up loving this book! This is one of those stories I know I'll think about regularly for the foreseeable future.
Sonny is such a complex and relatable main character. I really related to the way she observed the world and thought about things in her head. Her story is deeply sad, but this story left me feeling very hopeful for our main characters future.
My favorite part was hearing all the stories Sonny created. I actually wish there was a little more of this in the book.
This book definitely has some White Lotus vibes too, but is much more lighthearted than the show. Overall a sad, sweet, fun, and thought-provoking read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Harper for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sonny is a complex character with childhood trauma & neurodivergent. Some readers may relate to her because she prefers to keep things to herself and people watch. I enjoy the exploration of Sonny's past and how it shaped her as the women today. Also, I enjoy her insight about the people at the resort (where the story takes place) and her developing a connection with one of the guests.
Although the novel started off slow and I personally had trouble following some of the other characters' perspective, I found People Watching in the Desert interesting to read. People Watching in the Desert will publish on July 14, 2026!
Sonny is a complex character with childhood trauma & neurodivergent. Some readers may relate to her because she prefers to keep things to herself and people watch. I enjoy the exploration of Sonny's past and how it shaped her as the women today. Also, I enjoy her insight about the people at the resort (where the story takes place) and her developing a connection with one of the guests.
Although the novel started off slow and I personally had trouble following some of the other characters' perspective, I found People Watching in the Desert interesting to read. People Watching in the Desert will publish on July 14, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had me in a chokehold from the very first page because Sonny’s perception of the world was so relatable and funny. I liked the short chapters and although I saw the twist coming, I very much enjoyed it. These characters were realistic and flawed but also so endearing. I appreciated the honesty in which they spoke to each other and it was beautiful to watch their connections form and slowly change the way Sonny viewed the world. I’ll keep this short to avoid spoilers but I would definitely recommend this!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
June 15, 2026
This was so different than what I expected! In some ways it’s different than anything I’ve ever read. It’s clever, quirky, funny, and so well executed. You can’t help but root for the characters and despite some intense topics it doesn’t feel heavy or dark. It’s such a fun read that will also make you think about how we perceive (or judge) people, how they perceive us, and about the versions of ourselves we put out into the world. It was so fun to unravel this story!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
June 16, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy from Goodreads Giveaway.
Sunny is socially awkward and likes to live watching others, creating fictional stories about the people she watches. She was barely able to make ends meet until she came into a large sum of money and planned a trip to Sanctuary in New Mexico with hopes of seeing the wild horses her mom used to talk about. She spends most of her time observing others and creating stories until she pivots and starts to engage and be more involved with her life.
Sunny is socially awkward and likes to live watching others, creating fictional stories about the people she watches. She was barely able to make ends meet until she came into a large sum of money and planned a trip to Sanctuary in New Mexico with hopes of seeing the wild horses her mom used to talk about. She spends most of her time observing others and creating stories until she pivots and starts to engage and be more involved with her life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am usually a non-fiction reader (male) but this booked looked very interesting. It was a great read! I enjoyed Sonny’s journey throughout her stay at the resort. The twists and turns in the book really surprised me. They kept me thinking and guessing. I was very satisfied and happy on how Sonny’s journey ended. Enjoyed the unique writing style. I highly recommend this book!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A book about found family.
Sonny is on a retreat, with her newly found money. She meets a cast of characters while there. She also takes the time to be honest with herself and learn to be honest with others.
This book was not for me. The story was very different than anything out there. Even though this didn't work for me, I would give this book a chance.
Sonny is on a retreat, with her newly found money. She meets a cast of characters while there. She also takes the time to be honest with herself and learn to be honest with others.
This book was not for me. The story was very different than anything out there. Even though this didn't work for me, I would give this book a chance.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sweet and light book. The setting and characters were fun, the drama relatively low-stakes. A tad bit cliché but I had a nice time. Would recommend to fans of The Wedding People or anyone looking for an off-beat beach-, I mean, desert-, read.
June 17, 2026
I very much enjoyed this novel about a reclusive girl with a sad background trying to tiptoe into the real world by going to a fancy spa resort in the desert. She encounters all kinds of people who are not quite how they first appear and she learns to appreciate them for who they actually are.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A warm cozy hug of a book. Feel good, second chances, found family, healing.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
*I received an ARC copy of the book for free in a giveaway. Thank you to the author.*
I will admit that I was a bit confused in the first part of the book, but the second part of the book hooks you!
I truly enjoyed the mental image vs real image descriptions of things and people. Helps normalize how most if not all people think.
Very slice of life, but with a cherry on top.
I will admit that I was a bit confused in the first part of the book, but the second part of the book hooks you!
I truly enjoyed the mental image vs real image descriptions of things and people. Helps normalize how most if not all people think.
Very slice of life, but with a cherry on top.
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