The Love Story of Missy Carmichael by Beth Morrey

Millicent or “Missy” has been feeling quite lost since her son, along with her beloved grandson, moved all the way to Australia. Her loneliness has been a constant for her, as she is not a gregarious sort, never made friends easily. That had always been her husband’s gift. But now she finds herself mostly in her large, empty home, occasionally venturing out merely to get necessities. That is, until she inadvertently meets the very colorful Angela and her young son (who reminds Missy of her grandson). When Angela begs Missy to care for her friend’s dog, Bob (a female dog, by the way), this opens up possibilities for Missy in the most unexpected ways.

This is one of those unique books that upon opening the pages, opens your heart. While Missy may be awkward and uneasy around others, she is also insightful and kind and loyal, and those around her see this and gravitate to her, in spite of her own discomfort. She has also been wronged and has pent-up anger and resentment. She is a complex human – but aren’t we all? It still fills me with awe how an author can create a character as genuine as Missy, that we can love and relate to on such a basic level.

There are also surprises here, some unseen truths that are gradually revealed. Missy’s story is told in slices, in past memories that are triggered by her experiences in the present. We learn of her relationship with her husband, more complicated than it appears to be at first. We learn why she’s been estranged from her daughter and how they might find a way back to each other. And we learn how she might forge a path to a life that balances her own needs with the needs of others, a struggle she’s had since early days.

Another aspect of this book I appreciated is how it highlights the wonders of caring for a pet. While not everyone feels that the benefit outweighs the cost, I believe that these small creatures we care for truly give back more than they receive. As I sit here writing this with my own cat nestled contentedly on a stack of papers right next to my computer, I smile as I think of how Bob brought a new kind of love to Missy and opened her up to a whole new community (of dog walkers in her neighborhood). It is a unique and tender connection (except of course when my cat decides to communicate his love by nibbling on me…).

This is a MUST READ, in my opinion. Just a heartwarming story with lovable, imperfect, characters. I’d love to hear what others think!