The Love Story of Missy Carmichael by Beth Morrey

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Boy meets girl. Girl meets boy. Woman meets dog…

The world has changed around Missy Carmichael. At seventy-nine, she’s estranged from her daughter, her son and only grandson live across the world in Australia, and her great love is gone. Missy spends her days with a sip of sherry, scrubbing the kitchen in her big empty house and reliving her past–though it’s her mistakes, and secrets, that she allows to shine brightest. The last thing Missy expects is for two perfect strangers and one spirited dog to break through her prickly exterior and show Missy just how much love she still has to give. Filled with wry laughter and deep insights into the stories we tell ourselves, The Love Story of Missy Carmichael shows us it’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. It’s never too late to love.

Honestly, if you put Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and A Man Called Ove into the blurb of a book, I’ll be definitely picking it up. I actually devoured the audiobook in three days. and it gave me all the feels I liked about the two above mentioned books. It was heart-warming, thoughtful, endearing, and moving. They call it a “coming-of-old” old story, and it fits, it was a celebration of life, even when the GOOD years have gone by.

The Love Story of Missy Carmichael by Beth Morrey | BOOK REVIEW

BOOK REVIEW

MY THOUGHTS

The entire book was endearing in so many ways. It was also emotional, and I cried at one particular scene. It had many tender moments but also so many LOL dialogues. And most of all it was full of Britishness, which I adore.

Let’s get started:

The book was full of fantastic characters.

From the main character Missy, an old woman, with secrets, and a drinking problem, and someone who pretty much gave up on life and life’s wonderful moments. To all the new friends she made throughout the book. I loved Angela, her Irish brogue and demeanor was just perfect! Boy, Missy and Angela were so opposite and they still mixed so well, their friendship was just wonderful! And then there was little Otis, a boy who Missy could be grandma to. But most of all there was Bob(by), a dog that filled Missy’s heart to the brim.

The story was more than I expected.

It had depth and twists, and it just pulled me in. We meet Missy when she is seventy-nine years old, stuck in a rut, feeling unneeded, and having no purpose in life. She is drinking too much, and just giving up on everything since nothing is ever going to change. She accepted that this would be her life until she died. But then we also meet her when she falls in love as a young girl, with all the ups and downs that come with marriage and family. Past mistakes as well as regrets.

Missy was so very reluctant to open up to new people and opportunities, but slowly, and with lots of intervention from new friends, she started new routines thanks to Bobby, took invitations to lunch, and forged new friendships, her life got a new influx of LIFE and energy.

What I took away from the book:

What I loved the most about this book was the friendships Missy made. Everyone helped each other, and came together to support the other, it wasn’t just one person against the world. The support and love between the characters carried this story and stole my heart. I loved them all!!

In the end, this book was uplifting, heart-warming, touching, endearing, and yes it made me cry.

About the audiobook:

It was FANTASTIC!!! I don’t usually point out the audiobook, because most are just fine but also nothing to talk about. But Harriet Walter was perfect for Missy. Her voices were on point, she made me chuckle just with the inflection of her voice. Rather outstanding work!!

Book recommendations: Other books I loved with senior characters are A Man Called One (audiobook is exceptional), The Big Finish, and The Lido.

FOUR STARS

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I received a hardcover copy of this book from Penguin Random House for free.
My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.

The Love Story of Missy Carmichael by Beth Morrey | BOOK REVIEW