How The Penguins Saved Veronica- Hazel Prior

This was every bit the uplifting, heartwarming novel its synopsis said it would be.  Veronica McCreedy, an 85 year old curmudgeon, is looking towards her final years and of a cause worthy of leaving her rather substantial fortune to. She tracks down a long lost relative- a grandson she has never known, but is anything but impressed upon their meeting. When a documentary about penguins in Antarctica tugged at her dusty old heartstrings, she made the decision to pack up and visit the team of scientists studying them. After a while this reluctant team and crotchety old lady warm up to each other and even take in an adorable penguin orphan named Pip.

Veronica’s icy exterior begins to thaw in Antarctica and when circumstances lead her skeptical grandson, Patrick, to the frozen tundra, they begin to see each other in a different light.

This is a book you’ll want to hug at the end. I am so relieved there’s a sequel because I simply need more of these tuxedoed birds in my life. This was charming comfort read but was certainly not sugar-coated, which I appreciated.

How The Penguins Saved Veronica is a wonderful choice for when you need a bit of cheering up, getting out of a reading slump, or just want an uplifting story.