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 see some highlights from our Preview readers :
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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