Saving Missy

I don't think you can fail to be touched by this story; it has something for everyone and is packed with, more than anything, understanding. Missy Carmichael finds herself living alone in the large family home where only she is left now. Her grown-up children each have their own lives and she finds each day is the same - they all run into each other with nothing to distinguish them. Then a stroll in the park results in tentative friendships which have the potential to change her life . . . Such a wonderful story! The kind which you just sink into and identify with each character so easily. There are lots of Missy's around, but rarely do we see behind the outer shell. This novel absorbed me, heart and soul; I have smiled and wiped away a tear more than once whilst reading. I'm always amazed at the intricate details some authors can pluck from their characters, and Beth Morrey has written intimately and tenderly about Missy. A heart-wrenching novel but one which definitely has the feel-good factor too. This is a well-rounded, complete tale - beautifully written, and fully worth 4.5*.

Saving Missy tells the story of an elderly woman who feels lonely and only gets out of the house so that she can have something to tell her son Alistair about. As she misses her son and grandson after their move to Australia, Missy spends a lot of time moping and pining for her far away family. However, after fainting in the park, Missy meets friendly Sylvie, loud and opinionated Angela (who Missy is not so fond of at first) and little Otis. This book tells the story of unlikely developing friendships and a route out of loneliness for Missy. I really liked this book and loved hearing how the relationships between Missy and others developed. This is a well-written book and I am glad that I have had the chance to read it. The kindness shown towards Missy by Sylvie in particular, but other characters too, will stay with me as I remember the way Missy navigated a life she had fallen out of love with.

a thoroughly enjoyable happy but poignant story - we need more communities like the one in the book.