We are delighted to share that the life-affirming debut The Love Story of Missy Carmichael by Beth Morrey is now available in the US in paperback.
This heartwarming coming-of-old debut charmed the world when it was first published in 2020 as Saving Missy (HarperCollins / HarperFiction) in the UK and The Love Story of Missy Carmichael (Penguin Random House / Putnam) in the US.
It became a Sunday Times bestselling novel in the UK soon after publication, soaring in at No. 6. It was also featured in The Telegraph, Sunday Times Culture, Bustle and The Bookseller, and Beth herself was chosen as one of the ‘Best Debut Novelists of 2020‘ by the Observer. More recently, this beautifully written novel was featured in Woman & Home’s 2020 Book Club Awards as their Best Heartwarming Read, and Beth wrote a hilariously relatable Lockdown Diary for Red Magazine.
The Love Story of Missy Carmichael has also seen plenty of praise from US press outlets. It was chosen as one of Christian Science Monitor’s best books of April 2020, and it was also the Winner of the Bronze Award for the NY Radio Awards. Take a look at the glowing reviews Beth has received in the run-up to her paperback publication:
‘The success of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine has blazed a trail for books about offbeat characters, and this is one of the best I’ve read…A joyful read about the power of people in saving each other.’ Good Housekeeping
‘A charming story about the way that connecting with others can heal a broken spirit…Fans of Fredrik Backman and Rachel Joyce will enjoy this uplifting (but never saccharine) “coming of old” story.’ Library Journal (starred review)
‘Morrey has deftly created a series of love stories, interwoven together and told in snippets through time…Pain, grief, and hurt are all part of life in this moving portrayal of the many forms love can take.’ Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
‘A generous-hearted story showing the transformative power of friendship and community, whatever our time of life. Morrey writes about loneliness and old age with a wonderful lightness of touch…A fabulously enjoyable book!’ Sarah Haywood, author of The Cactus
‘The particular success of this book lies in its shrewdly unsentimental celebration of kindness, community and mutually-supportive women. …[It’s] is a breath of fresh air and already I want to read the next one!’ Felicity Hayes-McCoy, author of The Library at the Edge of the World
‘At a time when people are having to isolate, [this novel is] a balm, offering an expansive sense of love and possibility when the main characters feel like those chances are gone.’ Christian Science Monitor
We can’t wait for you to meet Missy…
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; the sound of the radio in the dark; the tick-tick-tick of the watching clock.
Spiky and defensive, Missy knows that her loneliness is all her own fault. She deserves no more than this; not after what she’s done. But a chance encounter in the park with two very different women and one lovable dog 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?
A huge congratulations to Beth on this very special day! And if you haven’t had a chance to pre-order a copy, you can buy one here.
