Missy Carmichael’s life has become small.
Grieving for a family she has lost or lost touch with, she’s haunted by the echoes of her footsteps in her empty home. But a chance encounter in the park with two very different women opens the door to something new.
Another life beckons for Missy, if only she can be brave enough to grasp the opportunity. But seventy-nine is too late for a second chance. Isn’t it?
Read on to find out what our Preview readers thought of this wonderful novel:
A poignant, heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story about love, loneliness, hope and the power of human relationships. While Saving Missy got off to a slow start, I was able to quickly find the charm in this moving novel and by the end loved it. It’s refreshing to read about a more mature main character, I found all the characters quite relatable and I thought this novel was beautifully written and an enjoyable read. 4.5 stars – Maridel, NSW, 5 stars
Saving Missy is the kind of book you want to hurry up and read, curling up with a coffee and a box of chocolates, devouring both eagerly, while at the same time savouring each word, getting to know the characters and their complexities. Millicent (Missy) is fabulous. She’s old-fashioned and opinionated, loveable and lost. Sylvie is the sweetest. And then there’s Angela, bold and brash and brassy, and just what Missy needs. Beth Morrey captures the everyday poignantly, drawing the reader into Missy’s world, and it’s easy to find similarities in oneself, and family members, and neighbours, and the wider community. At a time when we are living longer and loneliness engulfs many, we need reminders of what the world has to offer, if we are brave enough to embrace it. Love and laughter. Fun and friendship. A chaotic community. Saving Missy is a delight. From the opening pages I knew I was in for a treat and I was not disappointed. – Teena, WA, 5 stars
Beth Morrey’s novel Saving Missy was a beautiful portrayal of loneliness and friendships. Through the character of Missy the reader has insight into the lives of the elderly and how isolated and lonely it can become. Beth has made Missy a realistic character who makes us feel empathy, love and thrown in some laughter. The personalities of all of the main characters leave us wanting to continue this journey of friendship with them all. This novel was heartbreaking at times and will leave a lasting impression on the reader. I look forward to reading more novels from Beth Morrey. – Christine, WA, 5 stars
How we define ourselves is often intertwined with our relationships: we are mothers/fathers, sons/daughters, brothers/sisters, and so forth. This begs the question: who do we become when these connections are lost. In Saving Missy, we encounter Missy, an almost 80-year old woman, who has found herself untethered to life after the passing of her husband and increasingly distant relationship with her adult children. I really empathised with Missy and her attempts to find herself again after everything that previously defined her was stripped away. Saving Missy is written entirely from Missy’s point of view, switching between the past and present. The writing is precise and beautiful, and the story is supported by an array of fascinating characters. Saving Missy made me smile a lot but also packed a strong emotional punch. One theme that particularly lingered in my mind was that of regret, not just of the things we do but the things we fail to do or say. Another important theme was how quickly life can change, sometimes for the better, as Missy contrasts the richness of her 80th birthday celebrations with the isolation of her 79th birthday. I am certain you will love reading this powerful, uplifting book. – Amanda, QLD, 5 stars
Missy is certainly a complicated lady! Luckily for her she has such good (new) friends in Sylvie, Angela and Otis, the wonderful Denzil, and others… Under her prickly exterior Missy’s a very interesting person who’s never (until now) had the time to put herself first. It was fascinating to watch her development throughout the book, as she softened and let people into her life. I could relate (from my own familys’ experience) to what Missy kept hidden, and felt for her, but especially for the person most affected by the situation. I won’t reveal her secret, so I’ll end by saying how beautiful it was to watch her (rather late) blooming – Ayesha, NSW, 3 stars
Better Reading Preview Missy’ is at cross road in her life. She is reflecting on her past and her age, while trying her best to traverse the future through the uninvited changes to her circumstances, upon which she procrastinates and ruminates. Her lifetime of regrets, misgivings, memories, circumstances, challenges and losses weigh her down; she is not good at seeing the blessings. However, the reader is also privy to, not only her self-doubt and reluctance, but also the joy ‘imposed’ on and enjoyed by her, along with the momentary emergence of her ‘alto ego’ which bursts forth as a consequence of, and through her experiences with those who have become her community; her ‘oikos’. For it is they who bring out the best in her, who value her, care about her and ultimately become her salvation and participate in the resolution of a lifetime’s relationship misgivings.
Set in London and populated with folk wrestling with recognisably current issues, Beth Morrey skilfully holds back salient information from the reader, to then, subtly reveal it, enhancing the impact of key revelations hither to missing from the plot’s puzzle. The characters are intergenerational, recognisable and authentic, replete with a spectrum of human gifts and foibles, encompassing the aging human experience, embellished within a community.
I enjoyed ‘Saving Missy; the community, its humour and its pathos. – Nell, NSW, 4 stars
Wow wow WOW! This book is destined to be a best seller. Keep your tissues close by! It took me a little while to get into it but it was so worth it! 5 stars – Hannah, NT, 5 stars
It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did I really enjoyed it. – Brielle, NSW, 3 stars
Missy is in her dressing gown when we meet and she is staring down the rest of her life. The reader can instantly relate to Missy in the sense that we all experience life. We all experience it – utter elation, the painfully horrid experiences and all the inbetweens that life offers to us. Beth Morrey explores both the present and the past and seamlessly guides the reader through. To quote Morrey and reflect this novel so perfectly she writes at one point during the book, “The magic doesn’t stop the worst happening. THe worst happens all the time, ever day. And then life goes on. And you just hang on and hope that you can keep whatever crumbs and tiny white teeth are left.” This book is magical and pulls on all the possible heartstrings. – Kasey, QLD, 4 stars
I was completely drawn into Saving Missy, and I found myself getting completely lost in the characters, the emerging back stories and their lives moving forward. The way the book is written, you feel the pain, disappointment and yet also joy, as their parents lives move along. This book at times left me with a heavy heart, reeling from such upset and tragedy. Then also a positive spirit, great big smile on my face and a faith in the goodness of human nature. Along with the couple of big twists to the story, there were many times that I just didn’t want to put the book down and stop reading. Such an engaging book by Beth Morrey – Kathryn, VIC, 4 stars
This is a beautiful story with a refreshingly different protagonist. I cried buckets as I was reminded of the importance of community and the joy of female friendship. so glad i got to #meetmissy – Lyndal, VIC, 5 stars
Saving Missy is a truly beautiful story about 79 year old Missy, who is living a quiet, lonely life in her twilight years. Her adult children having moved away, and she has no social circle at all, until she meets some unlikely friends. These friendships, and one beautiful dog, light a spark in Missy and she begins to thrive. I found this story so relatable. It will touch a nerve with everyone, as we all have that fear of loneliness and one day being alone. Missy’s story is inspiring though, no matter how old we are, or how long we have lived inside our own bubble it is possible re-invent yourself and find a new outlook on life and make new friends. This book has many funny moments but will also have you reaching for the tissues. Missy’s new friends save her from herself in a way, the kindness they show her is uplifting and has me hoping I will be lucky to have friends like these in my older years. There is also a surprising, unexpected twist which makes complete sense and is cleverly done by the author. Thank you Better Reading and Harper Collins for my advanced copy, it’s a privilege to give my review on the touching story of Saving Missy. – Kim, VIC, 5 stars
This is a story of life and love lost and found! It is a story that transcends time and generations, it is a story of finding friendships and helping others and it is a story that is a part of everyone’s lives. A novel yes, a true story absolutely. Missy a woman in her later years has loved and lost but now she finds friendship in the most unlikely places (for her). Secrets and thoughts that have been held in for far too long emerge, confidence that has been lacking for so long has brought new life and family ties once broken are now repaired. I loved this book more than I thought I would, it brings our everyday normal lives to the fore, making us think that there is always hope, love and friendship waiting for you but sometimes you just need a little push to get out there and see the world that is there spinning around you! I recommend everyone read this book! – Donna, TAS, 5 stars
Missy Carmichael is an elderly widow feeling the desolate loneliness of a large empty house now that her husband is no longer with her and her two children have moved on with their lives. Son Alistair is living in Australia and keeps in touch via email but Missy is finding it hard to have anything interesting to email about. Whilst her daughter, Melanie lives closer their relationship is strained after an argument and they very rarely have contact. I immediately felt sympathetic towards Missy’s situation but as you get to know her you can see she is quite a negative person with words like impostor, fraud, fuddy-duddy often peppering her thoughts. She had a habit of judging people by their appearance and i think she thought other people were judging her as she was frequently humiliated, embarrassed or mortified in public. Saving Missy is a beautifully written, heart-felt story about friendship, opening yourself up to new experiences and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. I really enjoyed the way Missy slowly opened up and changed proving you are never too old to change, grow and make new friends. – Veronica, NSW, 5 stars
Saving Missy is a beautifully crafted novel about the changes and transitions one goes through in life as you get older, and the beautiful strangers who become friends if you just let them in. Missy is a complex character who weaves herself around you, letting you get to know her little by little, as she keeps her carefully constructed life close to her chest. A rich, diverse range of characters help Missy confront her past and future, while making their way into her heart. I must admit while I enjoyed this story, I found the beginning of the book didn’t grab my attention as I had hoped, but once the characters were established, it was a much more enjoyable read. Everyone can find a part of Missy they can relate too. – Mel, NSW, 3 stars
I enjoyed getting to know Missy throughout the book. The value of friendship, regardless of age was pertinent in this novel. An unexpected twist towards the end awaits! An enjoyable read! – Amanda, QLD, 4 stars
This book is great! I can see myself as Missy when i reach her age. She is defensive and but tolerant towards those around her. She is lonely but won’t reach out to anybody as she doesn’t want to be a burden. Her character is very likable and had me comparing myself to her. I have enjoyed this book and i recommend it. – Tracey, QLD, 5 stars
I found it difficult to enjoy this book until about 4 chapters in. I’m glad I persisted with it, reading about intergenerational friendships was a lovely change to other fiction I have read lately. The surprise at the end **redacted due to potential spoilers** I would never have predicted! – Alanna, TAS, 3 stars
Just loved her, wanted to be her friend, felt like I was on a journey with her right to the end. – Lynette, NSW, 4 stars
Saving Missy was the most delightful, heartwarming book I’ve read in a while. Thoroughly enjoyable and a story that had me reading in to the wee hours. Just one more chapter…!! A must read for 2020. – Rebecca, TAS, 5 stars
A touching read about a relatively common issue in our society these days, being elderly and lonely. This story gives hope because you can never tell what’s around the corner! Missy (Millicent) thought she was destined to live a lonely existence for the rest of her twilight years. Her darling husband Leo sadly isn’t with her anymore. Missy lives in their large and mostly empty house including an attic filled with fascinating things of the past and valuable pieces. It’s a home too big and lonely for one person. Missy’s very reserved but likes to indulge in a drink or two and she’s holding onto a heart wrenching, secret, one that had filled her life with grief and guilt since she was a young woman. Her son Alistair and her beloved grandson Arthur have moved to Australia and she misses them terribly. Sadly Missy has a mostly strained relationship with her daughter Melanie, who after a bad argument never visits her anymore. On a cold bitterly day, Missy is off to see the ‘fish stunning’ at the local park, why would you electrocute fish? It would be something to do after all and she needed something interesting to write about that she could put into her emails to Alistair, her son. A chance encounter and the kindness of strangers at the park suddenly turn Missy’s life around. Missy finds herself with the most unlikely of friendships that gives her life a whole new meaning and purpose. There is an unexpected twist towards the end of the story to which I’ve got to admit I didn’t see coming, I was totally surprised, brilliant! A heart warming, unique and beautiful debut novel. The story was well paced, realistic and breathtakingly enjoyable. – Gloria, SA, 4 stars
Wow…all I can say is wow. Even after I finished reading Saving Missy by Beth Morrey I couldn’t stop thinking about the character of Missy. Missy’s character leapt off of the page. Morrey’s exquisite writing made me feel every sad and happy moment that Missy experienced. This is definitely a book I will read a couple of times over! – Jessie, VIC, 5 stars
Loved this book, she’s an awesome writer! Got me in from page one. Can’t wait to read more books by this author. 5 stars 👍🏻 – Gaye, NSW, 5 stars
Equal parts hearbreaking and heartwarming, Saving Missy is an engaging and emotional read that will remain with you well beyond the final page. You could be forgiven for thinking a novel chronicling the trials and tribulations of a wisened heroine would lack wider appeal however I believe the novel’s exploration of the feelings of isolation will resonate with readers of all ages and experiences. Our 79 year old protagonist Missy lives alone and spends her days rattling around in her cavernous family home. Largely estranged from her daughter and with her favourite son and grandchild living across the globe, Missy suffers acutely from loneliness and has closed herself off from the world both physically and emotionally. Beneath this prickly facade there lies a yearning for companionship and with the help and persistence of a few new friends, especially a dog named Bob, Missy is exposed to experiences that give her life renewed purpose. Interspersed with stories from Missy’s past and present, the narrative is well paced and includes some interesting and unexpected twists and turns. Although not a genre I would typically seek out, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone seeking a well-told, human-centric tale. – Anna, QLD, 4 stars
Beautiful! In equal parts heart wrenching and heart warming, I absolutely loved this novel, it is a reminder that life and love is out there l, often when and where you least expect it, you just have to let it in. I couldn’t put it done, totally entranced by Missy. You will find yourself crying tears of sadness and joy with each chapter. – Dianne, SA, 5 stars
Simply FABULOUS – Saving Missy was an absolute delight to read from the very beginning. What a lovable bunch of mismatched characters that everyone would love to welcome into their friendship circle. I laughed and cried and can not recommend this delightful book enough. The story is REAL it is beautifully written and is full of tenderness, humour, sadness, enjoyment and everyday life. There is something in this for everyone and I feel many will relate to the situation Missy finds herself in at 79 with her family grown up and her husband gone. It would be lovely to think that everyone would also find the friends that will change her life for ever, as she will theirs. I will not forget this for some time. Add this to your TBR pile now and enjoy the journey. Thank you Better Reading for yet another wonderful read. – Debbie, VIC, 5 stars
Sweet and heartwarming, sad and heartbreaking. A story about love and loss, hope and loneliness, and how friendship can move mountains when being with people is the last thing on your mind. Beautifully written with great, relatable characters. Fall in love with Missy as she tries to navigate through her loneliness in her senior years…bring the tissues. – Hanadi, NSW, 5 stars
This is a delightful book, I really enjoyed it. Missy is a prickly almost 80 year old who is coping with living on her own, bills, and the life and lies she has led. Through a bit of sheer determination she makes friends, reunites with family and makes peace with her younger self. This is a book about the power of friendship (I want to be friends with all the characters), the healing nature of dogs, and how to live your best life. It wound up a bit too quickly and neatly, and the twist was definitely a surprise, but overall I highly recommend it – Emily, VIC, 4 stars
Saving Missy by Beth Morrey was a very enjoyable book. Missy is the central character, living on her own, missing her grown children. She has shut herself away from people, and the story covers her gradually letting down her defences, and beginning to mix and make new friends. It covers some interesting themes, and the story has some surprising twists. I thoroughly recommend it. – Fay, VIC, 4 stars
Missy is a feisty, strong willed character with soft underbelly. I want a friend and neighbour like Missy! A thoroughly enjoyable read. I found myself laughing out loud at some of Missy’s antics and thoughts. – Kelly, QLD, 5 stars
This book was a moving, heartwarming tale of second chances and life beginning at 80! Missy is a wonderfully flawed but lovable character and her friends are generous and kind. The relationships that Missy forges with strangers in the park, with her children, and most of all with a dog named Bob are heartfelt and touching. Slowly teasing out the story of Missy’s life through the pages kept me riveted. A lovely story. – Kristy, NSW, 4 stars
An elderly grandmother, lonely and alone in a big old house. A young boy and his busy single mother. A dog whose family can’t keep her just now. An interior designer itching for a project. A thuggish-looking dog-owner and a bunch of militant dog-walkers. It could be a match made in heaven, if a certain person can unbend enough to accept the help and love and care on offer. Over the fifteen months that follow, Missy Carmichael learns to do just that, and more. This debut novel is a wonderfully uplifting read. – Marianne, NSW, 5 stars
I’ve just finished reading my early reading advanced copy of Saving Missy by Beth Morrey which I won thanks to Better Reading and Harper Collins. It’s a beautifully written tale about Missy, who is at the crossroads of her life and feels like she has nothing worthwhile left to contribute to her community and society in general. With the help of some beautiful people and a dog named Bobby, she didnt feel she needed in her life she is forced to open up about past hurts, mistakes and confront ghosts so that she is able to forgive herself and move forward allowing herself to love and trust again. It’s a beautifully motivational book to prove no matter your age you’ve always got something to offer and educate the younger generation and also learn new things about yourself too. I loved this book as a few of the characters reminded me of people I know. A lovely story. Thanks for the opportunity to review this great book. – Janet, NSW, 5 stars
A heartwarming story of family,friendship with a bit of loneliness that keeps you turning pages tothe end. An endearing novel. – Laraine, QLD, 4 stars
Saving Missy is a book that is going to talked about a lot in 2020. It is a fantastic debut novel and I look forward to seeing what Beth Morrey has for us next. This book was a slow burn for me, it took a while for me to become fully invested in the story and characters but once I was there it was hard to put down. It did make a change from the thrillers that I usually read and I really enjoyed it – even if it did make me cry!! Missy Carmichael is 79, lives in London and is lonely. Her children have left home – her son has moved to Australia with his wife and son, and she is estranged from her daughter after a big argument. The love of her life is gone and she is still living in their large family home by herself. She knows that she has not done anything to help herself so on New Years Day she heads to the park nearby and meets Sylvie and Angela and her son Otis. Little does she know that these women are going to change her life for the better. She suddenly has friends, and a reason to leave the house. She even agrees to look after a dog. She lonely life becomes full and busy. We learn about Missy’s eventful life as she reminisces about her family and her life. At 79 she has a lot of stories. In the beginning Missy was not easy to like. As we get to know her she becomes more likeable and I began to care for her and what happened to her. It is an emotional story so have your tissues ready. Her relationships with these women and especially the dog are lovely to watch flourish. Thanks so much to Harper Collins and Better Reading for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are no way biased. Released in Australia in February 2020 – definitely one to look out for. – Mandy, NSW, 4 stars
The saving of Missy begins at the local pond as the fish are being stunned for relocation. In a life devoid of interest or excitement, it was an event to be the subject of an email to her darling son Alistair and grandson Arthur living across the world in Australia. Missy, aged 79, has passed out and awakens to the eclectic Sylvie ministering to her. Coffee invitations follow, but Missy is living in her lonely bubble, her ‘oikos’ limited to family and home. Well meaning strangers are an unwelcome intrusion. But these strangers are persistently crossing her path until they breach the threshold and grouchy Missy tentatively lets them in to her life. Sylvie, a stylist in awe of Missy’s time warp home and treasure filled attic supplies delicious treats and unconditional friendship. Angela, outrageous and slightly manic develops an interdependence which brings uplifting benefits to both. Otis, Angela’s young son, wears his superhero costumes like the boy wonder he is, capable of leaping into Missy’s heart faster than a speeding locomotive. Bob the dog, in need of a temporary home, becomes a confidante and the catalyst to an ever widening circle, a social group offering Missy previously lacking quality time and companionship. This however is not a treacly sweet story about overcoming the loneliness of old age. Missy’s griefs, secrets and regrets are revealed throughout the narrative and they emphatically and emotionally resonate, reminding us of the power of friendship, belonging and love. In ‘Saving Missy’ Beth Morrey’s message is to have the courage to carry onwards and upwards to live a fulfilling life. – Anita, QLD, 4 stars
Saving Missy is a book of quiet revelations. The type of book that captures you so stealthily that you don’t even realise you’ve been caught until you’re in tears, and then smiling. I loved it! Missy Carmichael is lonely. She’s estranged from her daughter, her son and grandson live overseas, and her husband has gone. One day her life changes. She faints in the park. She meets people, and through them more people, and a dog. As the story progresses, we learn more of Missy’s life, both in the past and now. And eventually we learn the biggest secret of them all. I broke my own personal rule of reading, I fell in love with Bobby, the dog. She was so lovely I couldn’t help myself. She brought so much joy into Missy’s life and plunged me into joy and sadness. I loved reading about her. I loved all of Missy’s new friends. And I loved the hard to love but loveable Missy too. Saving Missy earned 5 stars from me. – Daniella, QLD, 5 stars
“Saving Missy” is permeated with hope and with the view that there are many decent people out there. Morrey rouses an emotional response without being manipulative. She has created genuine characters, placed them in a situation most will be able to empathise with, and then essentially showed us a glorious future for Missy. Each character is strong and distinctive, and you’ll likely feel they’re familiar – that in one aspect or another, they’re like someone you know. Not all are immediately likeable, but like Missy, you’ll probably find they grow on you. Missy is central to the novel, and she’s a wonderful character. Her shyness, her worries about what other people think, her fretting about how they’ll react to her, her feeling that often she either says the wrong thing… These are things most people have experienced to some degree. She draws readers’ empathy. This is a wonderful book. It’s deeply moving, and evokes so many different feelings: sadness, fear, joy, occasional laughter. I loved what it said about people in general, I loved seeing Missy emerge from her self-imposed isolation, I loved the sense of hope that permeated the novel. Go and read “Saving Missy”. I doubt you’ll regret it. – Lorraine, ACT, 5 stars
I loved this book. Such a light-hearted exploration of the loneliness that creeps up on people in old age, especially when their children have left home. This book is very moving and well worth reading. Missy is a sad, bitter, lonely old lady who has pushed everyone in her life away. She struggles with processing how her life has travelled and the choices she has made along the way. It is almost like Missy is punishing herself until the kindness of strangers helps her in a way those closest to her were unable to. By letting people gradually in to her life, Missy is able to start living again. – Karyn, ACT, 4 stars
I absolutely loved this book! I see myself as being like Missy aka Millicent as I grow older by being very independent & lonely & not wanting to be a burden on others is how I see myself in my twilight years too. This book evokes emotion & has me thinking about the elders in my life. It tugs at your heart strings. You cannot help but feel empathy & sympathy for Missy. – Tracey, QLD, 4 stars
Delightful read. Comparable to Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, but I found Missy is much more aware of her shortcomings. The book moves along at a lovely pace with comforting predictability punctuated with both happy and tragic plot twists. The inclusion of Bob the dog was perfect, breaking down some of Missy’s barriers and opening up a new world, which helped her heal old wounds. I am hoping for sequel! – Abi, NSW, 5 stars
Saving Missy – a tender, heartwarming novel about love, loss and the value of friendship, especially as we get older. I laughed and cried and fell in love with the richness of all the beautiful characters in the storey, and find myself wishing for a sequel to continue the storey of Missy and what her and her new friends get up to next! – Rachel, QLD, 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book- from the first few pages right to the ending- which was not what I expected. The writing was a style I love, with a few main characters who I got to know very well. The book was similar, but a little different, to Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine- so if you enjoyed that book you will love this. I read it in a few days- it was addictive and I feel as though this story will stay with me for a long time – congratulations Beth Morrey- you nailed it – thank you x – Stacey, NSW, 5 stars
Beautifully written such a heart warming book, Missy is such a lovely character who readers will adore love kindness friendship sadness this book has it all – Deborah, NSW, 5 stars
A heart-warming story portraying the courage of Missy as she reaches out to the unknown. Being devoured by grief and loneliness, Missy must accept help from those around her. Missy re-learns what it is to love, laugh and be accepted. – Chloe, VIC, 4 stars
This story totally reminds me of a couple of points in life. Firstly, love your family but you still have to let them go at some stage as they’ll have their own life. Secondly, there are still kind and nice people around us who will brighten our life. It’s a heartwarming story of friendship. “People help other people” – Vivi, NSW, 5 stars
This book is a real ‘gem’! For some reason I did not have very high expectations of it but found once I started, I could not put it down. Such a heartwarming story of tensions within a family and the fraught relationships that go with them. Missy is a much more complicated character than first thought and so there are lots of twists and reveals that make this an excellent, heart warming read. – Jenny, VIC, 5 stars
What a beautiful, heart warming, story. I simply loved it. Often reading through tears of heartbreak and joy, I felt like I was one with Missy (and Bobby), feeling her ups and downs with her. Don’t be discouraged by the tears. This is ultimately an uplifting story. It’s never too late to make new friends, mend past relationships, dream of the future and live in the now. Saving Missy, a pure joy to read. – Alice, NSW, 5 stars
Saving Missy is a story about a lady in her later life and trials and tribulations associated with this. I loved the themes explored in this book including love, loss, regret, family and friendship. Such a brilliant book and so relevant for all ages. So insightful! Love love love!! – Katarzyna, VIC, 5 stars
Missy is a 70+ lady dealing not only with living in an empty nest, but also the sadness that comes with memories, regrets, loneliness and guilt. There are many moments I’m sure readers can relate to. In amongst all these emotions and at the age of 79 Missy finds friendship, love, acceptance and the art of ‘letting go’. I truly fell in love with this book and with most of its characters especially Missy. It made me smile to myself, laugh out loud, tingle all over and shed tears. I love that after a life not quite lived to its full potential, we can all embrace a second chance. This is a book that explores the realities of what can go right and wrong in life, but if we are willing to open ourselves up to the unexpected and embrace those moments that might make us feel a little uncomfortable, we can find joy, laughter, love, understanding and fun despite our current situation. A beautiful debut novel and I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next. – Di, QLD, 5 stars
**redacted due to potential spoilers** I thoroughly enjoyed this book and really felt for Missy! Given that a lot of us are no longer surrounded by our family I feel that this book addressed some of the challenges of ageing in the future. It was wonderful to see the community coming together in this book to help Missy. There are also a few surprises in there that you don’t expect at the end. This is a book to make you smile, laugh and maybe even cry. – Virginia, NSW< 4 stars
I have just had the great pleasure of reading an uncorrected proof copy of Saving Missy. I absolutely loved Missy’s story! Beth Morrey has the most wonderful way of putting life and appeal into her characters. I got so caught up in Missy’s life that she became very real to me – a friend. With hand on heart, I read every word. I didn’t want to miss anything. Missy’s story, which is told in flashbacks, made me laugh and cry. Beth Morrey bought colour and life onto every page. Bobby, Angela, Otis, Sylvia and the rest of Missy’s friends were amazing. They all shared a bond of friendship which was very special and had no age or background barriers. I loved Beth’s page turning way of writing. I wanted to finish Missy’s story but I still wanted extra pages as I felt a real letdown when it finished. What more can a reader ask for? I hope Saving Missy wins all the praise and prizes it deserves. – Andrew, ACT, 5 stars
Saving Missy was a beautiful book, I absolutely loved Missy and her life story. Made me laugh and cry it was so lovely and I adored Bob. Great book – Elizabeth, NSW, 5 stars
I’m of two minds about this book. On the one hand it’s a charming and heart-warming story about the loneliness of old age and the importance of friendship. The concept is well developed, the characters believable, interesting, and their relationships complex. The writing is beautiful and well-paced, and provides both humour and poignancy. However, I felt an uneasiness while reading this book – I appreciate that Missy is meant to be, at times, unlikeable – and this is one of the strength of this narrative – but there was an undercurrent that felt as if the writer *herself* didn’t like Missy, which spoiled a full enjoyment of what otherwise would have been a very good novel. – Dominique, SA, 3 stars
Millicent Carmichael or ‘Missy’ is a lonely old lady who lives by herself in a ‘time warp’ of a house. Her husband Leo has passed away; her son Alistair and much loved grandson Arthur, live across the world in Australia and she rarely sees her estranged daughter Melanie. Missy is so lonely she doesn’t quite know how to escape the situation or how to make friends. She only ventures out of her house in the hope she sees something different that she can write to Alistair about. Missy while out walking in the park to see the local fish pond being cleaned, an outing she is going to write to Alistair about, has a minor blackout and is cared for by a lovely lady, Sylvie. Once Missy recovers Sylvie invites her and another woman Angela out for coffee but Missy declines . Chance encounters see Missy bumping into Sylvie and Angela again. Angela who has a young son Otis invites Missy to the park. This chance encounter slowly changes Missy’s life. The kindness of others, the power of friendship, the sadness of being lonely are all dealt with in a beautifully crafted story about who Missy really is. A really heartwarming story. – Karyn, ACT, 4 stars
A wonderful heart warming book about an elderly lady, Missy who has lost her husband Leo, and resigns herself to the fact that she will slowly wither away alone in her big house. Little did she know that her life would take a surprising turn after one of her visits to the park and a nibble on a croissant! I was captivated by Missy from the start and hoped that her life would improve from what her thoughts had condemned her to accept. This book highlights the importance of people and connection regardless of one’s age, circumstance or background. Sylvie, Angela and Otis especially bring home this message to Missy! – Veronica, NSW, 5 stars
So many of us think we have to do life on our own, only letting others in on a surface level. Anything deeper, well, we don’t want to be a burden. Instead, we’ll be ‘tough’ and push through. That’s what Missy’s doing. Missy Carmichael is in her late 70s, and she’s been through lots of rough times, from a childhood in wartime London to a marriage filled with doubt and challenges in motherhood. She’s always tried to stay strong and stoic, and make others happy – but she’s lost herself through the years. ‘Saving Missy’ is set to a backdrop of a troubled mid-Brexit London, the perfect setting to explore a life of missed opportunity, secrets and questions. It’s an engaging read, revealing little pieces of Missy’s life as the story progresses and as she deepens her new friendships with a series of new people. I was interested in Missy’s story, but really only fell in deep near the end, so am keen to re-read it and see if I can take that newly found connection through the whole story next time. – Megan, VIC, 4 stars
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