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Loon Point

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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.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2026

451 people are currently reading
8938 people want to read

About the author

Carrie Classon

2 books53 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
Profile Image for Shelley's Book Nook.
545 reviews2,160 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 4, 2026
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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.
Profile Image for Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo).
1,588 reviews4,702 followers
January 27, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Sarah.
285 reviews122 followers
January 27, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Karen.
765 reviews2,040 followers
January 3, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Michelle .
1,092 reviews1,901 followers
February 3, 2026
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.




Profile Image for Terry.
115 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 12, 2026
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?
Profile Image for Jonetta.
2,641 reviews1,347 followers
February 6, 2026
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.)
Profile Image for Genni.
176 reviews53 followers
March 10, 2026
A profound and heartfelt read that is going straight to the favorites list!

To think I almost sent this one into the DNF list! Time and time again I start a book, possibly on a bad day, and it doesn't grab me in the first chapter or two. I now have a hard rule to give all books a true 50-75 page chance. My moods and experiences can change on the daily, I almost missed out on so many 5 star favorites because of this. If Loon Point doesn't grab you right away, I urge you to keep reading. The many 4-5 star reviews are spot on.

I listened via Kindle unlimited with Audio, the narration is very well done- 'duet style' with 3 narrators seamless orchestrating this profound, cathartic novel.

The 411☎️: A work of contemporary fiction, the story unfolds at The Last Resort, a remote group of lakeside cabins in the North Woods MN, inherited by protagonist Norry Last. The main characters include Norry (the resort owner), Lizzie (a resilient 8-year-old), Wendell (a grumpy older man with a lot of growing up to do), and Bud (the all giving handyman) Cat (Lizzie's mother, facing difficult choices and demons of her own)---Mr. Benson- the dog- he's a fantastic character all on his own! The novel focuses on found family, healing from past trauma, choosing to be optimistic when faced with great disappointment, and the importance of human connection. The story explores themes of loneliness, addiction, and the power of kindness, as these strangers become an unlikely family, learning to care for each other and find joy in their shared experiences.

The feels😢:
Loon Point is highly character driven. In the beginning (2-3 chapters) the unfolding of the characters was almost a deal breaker for me- again I think it was timing. However, the character development is truly the best I've ever read. As soon as these characters clicked with me, they latched on hard and I could not break away. To read (or in my case listen) to each character evolve proved Carrie Classon to be an absolutely gifted writer of this genre. Norry was a little wishy washy to start, a bit of the 'whoa is me'. Wendell was a cantankerous old man only wanting to leave this world, feeling he had nothing to offer. Rather he was too good for this world and was never truly appreciated. Lizzie's relationship with her mother was the most heartbreaking of all. Yet, to watch each of these characters grow and change was transformative. With each change I felt every emotion; the sadness, the anger, the elation and joy! Real tears fell and this is a rare occurrence for me.

📖From Classon's webpage: ...”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.”

I cannot wait to read more from this author and highly recommend this book either audio or written to any fans of character driven fiction.
Profile Image for Shelbs.
2 reviews
February 9, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Debbi.
479 reviews117 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 17, 2025
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
Profile Image for Jan.
917 reviews273 followers
March 8, 2026
Absolutely charming and heartwarming, it's a real feel good book. Lovely characters and a delightful story. I miss it now I've finished it.
Profile Image for Rachel Pepper.
132 reviews
October 12, 2025
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.
Profile Image for ☼Bookish in Virginia☼ .
1,331 reviews68 followers
February 27, 2026

Exactly what I was expecting. A sappy, cozy story about forging a family from scraps.

Norry Last is the owner-operator of The Last Resort, which was founded by her father. The resort is a collection of 1930s built cabins on a lake in northern Minnesota. It's part of a small community of mere hundreds which means that everyone knows everyone... and has since they were wee babes.

Norry came back after college when her dad became seriously ill. He had assumed she'd sell the place after he was gone and move back to the city, but Norry fell in love with the resort again. The woods, the campers and fishermen, the loons and the changing of the seasons... she loved it all. So she settled down and settled in to a comfortable life.

What she didn't realize was that a skinny fourth grader and her mother were going to turn her life upside down.

~

The wordsmithing was good and the story was full of compassion and revelation and discovery by the characters. The only drawback I would say would be that it twas a bit repetitive in driving home it's points. Predictable outcome which is more or less why we have comfy reads.

Would read another book by this author and, in fact, would read another book about this community.
45 reviews4 followers
March 9, 2026
3-3,5 ⭐️

Mooi verhaal, heb er van genoten :) Maar denk ook ergens dat ie wel een beetje forgetable is uiteindelijk. We'll see..
61 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Laura Johnson.
87 reviews30 followers
February 2, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Maria.
460 reviews39 followers
February 6, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Deanne.
33 reviews4 followers
February 11, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Shine with Shauna.
529 reviews10 followers
November 3, 2025
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.
Profile Image for peckidge.
72 reviews14 followers
August 30, 2025
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!
Profile Image for Shawna Briseno.
471 reviews14 followers
September 16, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Tam&#x1f4d6;.
781 reviews13 followers
September 16, 2025
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?
Profile Image for Lyndi (mibookobsession).
1,634 reviews48 followers
January 30, 2026
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
Profile Image for Bonnie Grover.
941 reviews26 followers
February 17, 2026
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.”

Profile Image for Thomas Kelley.
446 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 27, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Diana Green.
Author 17 books306 followers
February 3, 2026
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.

1 review
February 7, 2026
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.
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