How to Read Beth Morrey's Books
Beth Morrey writes contemporary fiction focused on the beauty of human connection, second chances, and midlife or late-life reinvention. Since all of her books are standalone novels rather than interconnected series, you can read them in any order you choose. However, we highly recommend reading them in publication order to fully appreciate the development of her signature warmth and narrative style.
Beth Morrey Books in Publication Order
Here is the list of Beth Morrey's books in order of their release, including the alternate titles they received for the US and UK markets:
- Saving Missy (UK) / The Love Story of Missy Carmichael (US) (2020)
- Em & Me (UK) / Delphine Jones Takes a Chance (US) (2022)
- Lucky Day (UK) / Clover Hendry's Day Off (US) (2024)
- Isabella's Not Dead (2025)
A Closer Look at the Books
Saving Missy / The Love Story of Missy Carmichael (2020)
At seventy-nine, Missy Carmichael is lonely. Her husband is gone, her daughter is estranged, and her son is thousands of miles away in Australia. Missy spends her days in her large, quiet London house, convinced she has nothing left to live for. But when a chance encounter in a park brings a chaotic dog and a group of quirky, energetic neighbors into her life, Missy is forced to open her heart to the community around her. This debut novel is a powerful exploration of grief, friendship, and the truth that it is never too late to start over.
Em & Me / Delphine Jones Takes a Chance (2022)
Delphine Jones is stuck in a rut. At thirty-six, she has dedicated her life to raising her bright eleven-year-old daughter, Em, and looking after her depressed father. Her own dreams were shelved long ago after a teenage pregnancy changed the course of her life. When an unexpected opportunity arises, Delphine is nudged to take a chance on herself, rediscover her passions, and unravel the secrets of her family's past. It is a story about the strength of single mothers, the joy of learning, and finding your voice.
Lucky Day / Clover Hendry's Day Off (2024)
Clover Hendry is always the reliable one. She spends her life looking after her family, managing her job, and playing by the rules. But one day, Clover decides she has had enough. She takes a spontaneous day off to do exactly what she wants, triggering a chain of events that leads her to confront buried secrets, reevaluate her relationships, and figure out who she really is when she is not living for everyone else.
Isabella's Not Dead (2025)
Gwen is fifty-three, newly unemployed, and facing an empty nest as her children grow up. Feeling adrift, she decides to solve a mystery that has haunted her for fifteen years: the sudden disappearance of her best friend, Isabella, who ghosted her without explanation. Despite what everyone else tells her, Gwen is convinced Isabella is still alive. Her quest for answers leads her on a journey across England and Europe, offering a humorous and moving look at midlife rediscovery and the lasting impact of female friendships.
What to Know Before You Start
Before you dive into Beth Morrey's world, keep these quick tips in mind:
- Watch the Titles: Because her novels are published under different names in the US and the UK, make sure you don't accidentally buy the same book twice! Always cross-reference the US and UK titles listed above.
- For Fans of "Uplit": If you enjoy books like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, or the character-driven stories of Nick Hornby, you will feel right at home with Morrey's novels.
- The Ultimate Starting Point: Start with her debut, Saving Missy. It remains her most famous and widely praised novel, perfectly showcasing her ability to write lovable, flawed, and deeply human characters.