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Sunrise Over Mercy Court
There's life in these old dogs yet ... and they're about to discover it. A heartwarming and humorous story about rediscovering the small pleasures that make life worthwhile, from Australia's master storyteller.
Howard and Elsie Manning were born on the same day, met at kindergarten, and have been married for 59 years. They have lived sensible, productive lives, and raised two self-sufficient daughters. Now, at 78, they are bored with the predictability of life, fed up with contemporary society, have aching joints and dwindling finances, and - funeral by funeral - their circle of friends is shrinking. Worst of all, they are grieving for their beloved, recently deceased dog Maisie.
Together Howard and Elsie consider bringing their lives to a peaceful end, but it turns out leaving this world is not easy, especially if they want to avoid pain or mess. Even the apparently simple methods have much room for error, as they discover.
Then a knock at the door changes everything ...
Praise for Fiona McCallum
'Fiona McCallum is one of Australia's favourite authors, and Her Time to Shine is another inspiring tale about finding strength and overcoming obstacles.' -CANBERRA WEEKLY
Howard and Elsie Manning were born on the same day, met at kindergarten, and have been married for 59 years. They have lived sensible, productive lives, and raised two self-sufficient daughters. Now, at 78, they are bored with the predictability of life, fed up with contemporary society, have aching joints and dwindling finances, and - funeral by funeral - their circle of friends is shrinking. Worst of all, they are grieving for their beloved, recently deceased dog Maisie.
Together Howard and Elsie consider bringing their lives to a peaceful end, but it turns out leaving this world is not easy, especially if they want to avoid pain or mess. Even the apparently simple methods have much room for error, as they discover.
Then a knock at the door changes everything ...
Praise for Fiona McCallum
'Fiona McCallum is one of Australia's favourite authors, and Her Time to Shine is another inspiring tale about finding strength and overcoming obstacles.' -CANBERRA WEEKLY
454 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2023
30 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Fiona McCallum
22 books275 followers** Please be aware Fiona is not active on this site. She can be best found on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fionamccallu... **
Fiona McCallum spent her childhood years on the family cereal and wool farm outside the small town of Cleve on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula.
Fiona now lives in Adelaide and works full-time as a novelist. She writes "heart-warming journey of self-discovery stories" - often with a rural setting, sometimes with a romantic thread and sometimes without. Her tales tie together her love of animals and fascination with the journey people go on to find what really makes their heart sing and then follow their true passions to find happiness, even if it means taking risks and facing seemingly impossible obstacles. It's a storyline very close to Fiona's heart because it reflects her own life.
Fiona now has nine Australian bestsellers to her name: 'Paycheque', 'Nowhere Else', 'Wattle Creek', 'Saving Grace' (Book one of The Button Jar series), 'Time Will Tell' (Book two of The Button Jar series) and 'Meant To Be' (Book three (and at this stage final) in The Button Jar series), 'Leap of Faith', 'Standing Strong' (a sequel to Wattle Creek), and 'Finding Hannah'. Her tenth book, 'Making Peace' has just been released (late March 2018).
Fiona is proof dreams can come true...
Please note, Fiona isn't active here. She only signed up to try and get books by authors of the same name removed from her listing. (Note, this Fiona McCallum is not the clairvoyant and author of "Dear Fiona". Nor is she the Scottish academic who writes about Christianity in the Middle East.) She's too busy writing to be on multiple social media platforms and only does Facebook. She can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/fionamccallu...
Fiona McCallum spent her childhood years on the family cereal and wool farm outside the small town of Cleve on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula.
Fiona now lives in Adelaide and works full-time as a novelist. She writes "heart-warming journey of self-discovery stories" - often with a rural setting, sometimes with a romantic thread and sometimes without. Her tales tie together her love of animals and fascination with the journey people go on to find what really makes their heart sing and then follow their true passions to find happiness, even if it means taking risks and facing seemingly impossible obstacles. It's a storyline very close to Fiona's heart because it reflects her own life.
Fiona now has nine Australian bestsellers to her name: 'Paycheque', 'Nowhere Else', 'Wattle Creek', 'Saving Grace' (Book one of The Button Jar series), 'Time Will Tell' (Book two of The Button Jar series) and 'Meant To Be' (Book three (and at this stage final) in The Button Jar series), 'Leap of Faith', 'Standing Strong' (a sequel to Wattle Creek), and 'Finding Hannah'. Her tenth book, 'Making Peace' has just been released (late March 2018).
Fiona is proof dreams can come true...
Please note, Fiona isn't active here. She only signed up to try and get books by authors of the same name removed from her listing. (Note, this Fiona McCallum is not the clairvoyant and author of "Dear Fiona". Nor is she the Scottish academic who writes about Christianity in the Middle East.) She's too busy writing to be on multiple social media platforms and only does Facebook. She can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/fionamccallu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 7, 2023
Howard and Elsie Manning have been married for fifty nine years, to say their soulmates would describe their relationship perfectly and that’s not to say they don’t notice each others faults. They raised their two daughters Janine and Corinne to be decent humans, while running their accounting business and they retired fifteen years ago.
Like everyone they found the Covid pandemic a struggle, all the activates they enjoyed were cancelled, grocery shopping became a nightmare, they spent time in lock down and together. Now, on the other side of Covid, with their seventy ninth birthdays approaching and they were born on the same day, so many things have changed, many of their friends have passed away and like many older people they feel invisible and are find doing everyday tasks a real challenge. They’re not as agile as they once were, both have various aches and pains and even getting up of the floor is a big struggle.
Maisie their beloved canine companion has recently passed away, all of her things have been packed away and all they have left are the memories. Taking Maisie for her daily walk, her always greeting them at the front door, the sound of her nails tapping on the floor and keeping them company while they pottered around the house.
Howard and Elsie are considering ending their lives together, peacefully, while they can make the choice, under their own terms and they investigate ways. Neither are fans of pain, mess, they don’t want to botch the job and they discover it’s a lot harder than they thought. One day they get an unexpected knock at their front door, new neighbours have moved in next door and they will have a major impact on Howard and Elsie life and the decisions they make.
I received a copy of Sunrise Over Mercy Court by Fiona McCallum from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. I thought this was going to be the most depressing and negative story I have ever read and I was pleasantly surprised. The narrative looks at what’s it’s like to be an older person, trying to live in a world that’s constantly changing, everything moves at a faster pace and while you’re getting slower and circle of friends is getting smaller. Ms. McCallum makes you walk in an older persons shoes, you see things from their point of view and it’s very confronting and especially if your own parents are a similar age to the two main characters.
Howard and Elsie start to notice the little things around them and what they don’t want to lose, it's a story about finding hope when you least expect it, laughter really is the best medicine, and the joy found in making new friends. Four stars from me, a slow moving and thought provoking novel by Fiona McCallum, about aging and living life to it's fullest.
Like everyone they found the Covid pandemic a struggle, all the activates they enjoyed were cancelled, grocery shopping became a nightmare, they spent time in lock down and together. Now, on the other side of Covid, with their seventy ninth birthdays approaching and they were born on the same day, so many things have changed, many of their friends have passed away and like many older people they feel invisible and are find doing everyday tasks a real challenge. They’re not as agile as they once were, both have various aches and pains and even getting up of the floor is a big struggle.
Maisie their beloved canine companion has recently passed away, all of her things have been packed away and all they have left are the memories. Taking Maisie for her daily walk, her always greeting them at the front door, the sound of her nails tapping on the floor and keeping them company while they pottered around the house.
Howard and Elsie are considering ending their lives together, peacefully, while they can make the choice, under their own terms and they investigate ways. Neither are fans of pain, mess, they don’t want to botch the job and they discover it’s a lot harder than they thought. One day they get an unexpected knock at their front door, new neighbours have moved in next door and they will have a major impact on Howard and Elsie life and the decisions they make.
I received a copy of Sunrise Over Mercy Court by Fiona McCallum from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. I thought this was going to be the most depressing and negative story I have ever read and I was pleasantly surprised. The narrative looks at what’s it’s like to be an older person, trying to live in a world that’s constantly changing, everything moves at a faster pace and while you’re getting slower and circle of friends is getting smaller. Ms. McCallum makes you walk in an older persons shoes, you see things from their point of view and it’s very confronting and especially if your own parents are a similar age to the two main characters.
Howard and Elsie start to notice the little things around them and what they don’t want to lose, it's a story about finding hope when you least expect it, laughter really is the best medicine, and the joy found in making new friends. Four stars from me, a slow moving and thought provoking novel by Fiona McCallum, about aging and living life to it's fullest.
June 3, 2023
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
In her fifteenth novel, Fiona McCallum draws on her favourite topics to write about – human nature, care of animals and life itself. Sunrise Over Mercy Court is a tale of human relationships, connection, loss and renewed hope. It is another tender tale from bestselling author Fiona McCallum.
Meet Howard and Elsie Manning, an ageing couple who have been married and in each other’s lives for almost six decades. This practical and responsible couple are the happy parents of two daughters, who have grown up to become successful adults. But lately Howard and Elsie have felt bored and dissatisfied with their lives. They can’t keep up with current social trends and life just seems dull. Together with the usual aches and pains of old age, along with a tight budget to stick to, friendships are also fading fast as friends pass away. The shock loss of their beloved family pet Maisie hits Howard and Elsie hard, forcing them to reassess their future. As Howard and Elsie start to formulate a plan around ending their life their way, a surprise encounter interrupts their plans. Will Howard and Elsie end or extend their lives?
Fiona McCallum is a heartfelt and sensitive storyteller. Over her fifteen-book strong writing career she has written many memorable books about loss, grief, life challenges, forgiveness, hope and inner strength issues. The subject matter of Sunrise Over Mercy Court mainly concerns itself with ageing, loss and end of life matters. Initially I found it a touch melancholy, but as the story progressed, I came to appreciate McCallum’s intent.
Set in Adelaide in post covid and lockdown times, Fiona MacCallum has brought to life present day times and Australian society with plenty of realism. I can understand how Elsie and Howard Manning felt, as I’m sure my own parents feel very much the same as this couple. There are moments too where I feel that I am not in touch with current day happenings and the world is changing far too fast. It is easier to give up! McCallum has captured these sentiments well. End of life and the ability to make a personal decision when it is best to leave this world is a very topical subject line. As our population ages it is becoming a bigger issue and euthanasia is growing momentum. Hats off to Fiona McCallum for tackling this morally conflicting topic in her latest novel.
Loss and grief are touched on in a compassionate and knowing manner by McCallum. The death of the central couple’s beloved pet Maisie highlights just how important animals are to our mental health and wellbeing. My heart did go out to this sad couple. It does sound like there are plenty of gloomy days in Sunrise Over Mercy Court, but things look up for Elsie and Howard when they make a vital connection with a neighbour. McCallum fills the book with moments of happiness, laughter, hope and renewal. I enjoyed these aspects of this heart rendering tale.
If you are seeking an in touch and personal novel about life, it is time to pick up Sunrise Over Mercy Court from the great Fiona McCallum Australian author.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
In her fifteenth novel, Fiona McCallum draws on her favourite topics to write about – human nature, care of animals and life itself. Sunrise Over Mercy Court is a tale of human relationships, connection, loss and renewed hope. It is another tender tale from bestselling author Fiona McCallum.
Meet Howard and Elsie Manning, an ageing couple who have been married and in each other’s lives for almost six decades. This practical and responsible couple are the happy parents of two daughters, who have grown up to become successful adults. But lately Howard and Elsie have felt bored and dissatisfied with their lives. They can’t keep up with current social trends and life just seems dull. Together with the usual aches and pains of old age, along with a tight budget to stick to, friendships are also fading fast as friends pass away. The shock loss of their beloved family pet Maisie hits Howard and Elsie hard, forcing them to reassess their future. As Howard and Elsie start to formulate a plan around ending their life their way, a surprise encounter interrupts their plans. Will Howard and Elsie end or extend their lives?
Fiona McCallum is a heartfelt and sensitive storyteller. Over her fifteen-book strong writing career she has written many memorable books about loss, grief, life challenges, forgiveness, hope and inner strength issues. The subject matter of Sunrise Over Mercy Court mainly concerns itself with ageing, loss and end of life matters. Initially I found it a touch melancholy, but as the story progressed, I came to appreciate McCallum’s intent.
Set in Adelaide in post covid and lockdown times, Fiona MacCallum has brought to life present day times and Australian society with plenty of realism. I can understand how Elsie and Howard Manning felt, as I’m sure my own parents feel very much the same as this couple. There are moments too where I feel that I am not in touch with current day happenings and the world is changing far too fast. It is easier to give up! McCallum has captured these sentiments well. End of life and the ability to make a personal decision when it is best to leave this world is a very topical subject line. As our population ages it is becoming a bigger issue and euthanasia is growing momentum. Hats off to Fiona McCallum for tackling this morally conflicting topic in her latest novel.
Loss and grief are touched on in a compassionate and knowing manner by McCallum. The death of the central couple’s beloved pet Maisie highlights just how important animals are to our mental health and wellbeing. My heart did go out to this sad couple. It does sound like there are plenty of gloomy days in Sunrise Over Mercy Court, but things look up for Elsie and Howard when they make a vital connection with a neighbour. McCallum fills the book with moments of happiness, laughter, hope and renewal. I enjoyed these aspects of this heart rendering tale.
If you are seeking an in touch and personal novel about life, it is time to pick up Sunrise Over Mercy Court from the great Fiona McCallum Australian author.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
April 17, 2023
I love Fiona's books but I struggled with the start of this one. I pushed on and it did greatly improve. Not my favourite but still ended up enjoying it.
April 17, 2024
I have read a few of Fiona McCallum's novels and I have really enjoyed them. However, Sunrise Over Mercy Court was a miss for me.
Sunrise Over Mercy Court was quite depressing and I couldn't at all connect with Elsie and Howard. Their talk of methods of suicide were so ludicrous it was funny. Then I felt bad for thinking it was funny because it is a serious topic.
I really don't like the use of drugs to add humour in a story, even if they are light recreational drugs.
Even though this novel wasn't a hit with me I do enjoy Fiona's stories that generally centre around middle age women and I will be looking out for her next book.
Sunrise Over Mercy Court was quite depressing and I couldn't at all connect with Elsie and Howard. Their talk of methods of suicide were so ludicrous it was funny. Then I felt bad for thinking it was funny because it is a serious topic.
I really don't like the use of drugs to add humour in a story, even if they are light recreational drugs.
Even though this novel wasn't a hit with me I do enjoy Fiona's stories that generally centre around middle age women and I will be looking out for her next book.
April 19, 2023
I really struggled with this book . The constant repetitive dialogue did my head in . Whilst the story line was good it could have been halved by cutting out the constant repeating dialogue. I am normally a fan of her books and have read them all but like the button jar series where she was constantly answering her mobile with Hello Emily speaking it was just too much.
May 27, 2023
This book did my head in, if I read the word “said” one more time I would have screamed! There are many alternatives!
April 20, 2023
This was my first Fiona McCallum novel and won’t be my last. What a delightful story this was from beginning to end. It tells the story of Howard & Elsie who have been life long partners and married for 59 years, now in their late 70’s who have decided they don’t want to live much longer and plan their demise. There are some very funny situations in the book which made me smile!
Just when they think they have it all planned out there is a knock at the door which changes their lives in a wonderful uplifting way.
I loved the writing and the characters in this novel. The storyline was authentic and I could relate to some of the situations within especially with them living through Covid and the effect that has on people now.
Highly recommend this book to readers of Women’s Fiction who like character driven stories. Thank you to Harlequin/Harper Collins Australia for the copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Just when they think they have it all planned out there is a knock at the door which changes their lives in a wonderful uplifting way.
I loved the writing and the characters in this novel. The storyline was authentic and I could relate to some of the situations within especially with them living through Covid and the effect that has on people now.
Highly recommend this book to readers of Women’s Fiction who like character driven stories. Thank you to Harlequin/Harper Collins Australia for the copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2023
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Sunrise Over Mercy Court is a beautiful, unique and wonderful tale about love, loss, friendship, honesty, family, growing old and feeling unseen by writer extraordinaire Fiona McCallum.
Howard and Elsie Manning are 78 years old and are tired with everyday life.
They were born on the same day, have had successful working lives, two daughters and feel like they are just existing.
They ache all over, they are just surviving financially and all their friends are dying.
And to top it off, their beautiful puppy Maisie has arrived in heaven.
So a plan is formed.
They want to leave this world on their terms, peacefully and together.
Then, one day, comes an unexpected knock on the door……….
I’ve made it no secret that I’m a big fan of Fiona’s books and having read everything to date, I’m can firmly say this is definitely my favourite.
Emotionally moving and topically important this character driven gem of a read is thoroughly entertaining.
Her wonderful wording and descriptive atmosphere welcomes the reader with open arms and continues to squeeze until the final sentence.
Letting go and leaving with a feeling of satisfaction and an enjoyable reading experience.
There’s no doubt that this book will be with me for a long time to come.
Life can be difficult as we age, we face challenges and hurdles we find hard to overcome and become invisible in society and sometimes a small moment or distraction can make the world of difference.
I adored every word and paragraph and loved the plot even more.
A well deserved five stars and comes highly recommended.
Sunrise Over Mercy Court is a beautiful, unique and wonderful tale about love, loss, friendship, honesty, family, growing old and feeling unseen by writer extraordinaire Fiona McCallum.
Howard and Elsie Manning are 78 years old and are tired with everyday life.
They were born on the same day, have had successful working lives, two daughters and feel like they are just existing.
They ache all over, they are just surviving financially and all their friends are dying.
And to top it off, their beautiful puppy Maisie has arrived in heaven.
So a plan is formed.
They want to leave this world on their terms, peacefully and together.
Then, one day, comes an unexpected knock on the door……….
I’ve made it no secret that I’m a big fan of Fiona’s books and having read everything to date, I’m can firmly say this is definitely my favourite.
Emotionally moving and topically important this character driven gem of a read is thoroughly entertaining.
Her wonderful wording and descriptive atmosphere welcomes the reader with open arms and continues to squeeze until the final sentence.
Letting go and leaving with a feeling of satisfaction and an enjoyable reading experience.
There’s no doubt that this book will be with me for a long time to come.
Life can be difficult as we age, we face challenges and hurdles we find hard to overcome and become invisible in society and sometimes a small moment or distraction can make the world of difference.
I adored every word and paragraph and loved the plot even more.
A well deserved five stars and comes highly recommended.
Read
June 17, 2023I’d say to anyone in their sixties or beyond perhaps this isn’t the book for you. If you are in that age group, the first half of the book will likely depress you even more than you probably already are. I was tempted to give up myself. I didn’t and persevered on to an almost fairytale ending when all their gripes and problems appear to have been resolved apart from the last one- no one can yet cure old age. So definitely not my book.
June 26, 2024
Why I keep believing Kobos recommendations and offers I cannot imagine. The concept is good - elderly people feeling increasingly ‘invisible’ to others, steady round of funerals to attend and acknowledging their own failing faculties but that is about the only praise I can give. The writing was repetitive and tedious. The 8 yrs old child was precocious in the extreme, not a plausible character. The ending was sugar sweet. Not a particularly enjoyable read.
April 8, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this book.
I found this story hard to settle into at first- I think because of it's focus on covid and lockdowns. But once that was out of the way I began to really enjoy the book.
The relationship between Elsie and Howard is so sweet and entertaining. Adding in Milly and Connor is a great combo as they give the story more to expand on and bring entertainment and liveliness to Howard and Elsie.
Fiona's books always have wonderful relationships between the characters and some depth in the storyline. Sunrise Over Mercy Court was no different once it got going. The story is about finding enjoyment in life and how important it is to feel seen.
I found this story hard to settle into at first- I think because of it's focus on covid and lockdowns. But once that was out of the way I began to really enjoy the book.
The relationship between Elsie and Howard is so sweet and entertaining. Adding in Milly and Connor is a great combo as they give the story more to expand on and bring entertainment and liveliness to Howard and Elsie.
Fiona's books always have wonderful relationships between the characters and some depth in the storyline. Sunrise Over Mercy Court was no different once it got going. The story is about finding enjoyment in life and how important it is to feel seen.
April 12, 2024
This story had promise, and had glimpses of humour which made it somewhat enjoyable. However it just felt like it droned on and on, the constant tripping over each other to be nice was irritating and made it unbelievable. I kept going in the hopes it would improve but it really didn’t for me sadly.
March 21, 2023
This book is a heartwarming read, a wonderful tribute to growing old and keeping purpose to your life!
The main characters, Howard and Elsie are truly soulmates, unfortunately retirement has become boring to them. It’s true that the elderly come to believe that they’re no longer needed, sadly Howard and Elsie decide to plan their end of life!
The storyline is amazingly well written, the description of struggles faced in daily activities is spot on. I love how Howard is so in tune with Elsie’s needs and feelings, they intuitively know what each other is thinking!
What a wonderful day when new neighbours bring meaning and a sense of family and friendship to Howard and Elsie’s lives! It’s not long until Howard and Elsie are ‘grandparents’, their daughters return to show their love and a new pet convinces them to look anew at difficult life choices!
This book reminds us to laugh together, live life with kindness and embrace our friendships, after all, it’s not only the elderly that are lonely!
Huge congratulations and thanks to Harlequin Australia, NetGalley and the wonderful Fiona McCallum for the opportunity to read this special book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The main characters, Howard and Elsie are truly soulmates, unfortunately retirement has become boring to them. It’s true that the elderly come to believe that they’re no longer needed, sadly Howard and Elsie decide to plan their end of life!
The storyline is amazingly well written, the description of struggles faced in daily activities is spot on. I love how Howard is so in tune with Elsie’s needs and feelings, they intuitively know what each other is thinking!
What a wonderful day when new neighbours bring meaning and a sense of family and friendship to Howard and Elsie’s lives! It’s not long until Howard and Elsie are ‘grandparents’, their daughters return to show their love and a new pet convinces them to look anew at difficult life choices!
This book reminds us to laugh together, live life with kindness and embrace our friendships, after all, it’s not only the elderly that are lonely!
Huge congratulations and thanks to Harlequin Australia, NetGalley and the wonderful Fiona McCallum for the opportunity to read this special book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 14, 2023
“Sunrise Over Mercy Court” isn’t a particularly original tale, but it’s engagingly told with appealing characters. Most readers will thoroughly enjoy it despite the lack of surprises.
Howard and Elsie Manning were born on the same day, met in kindergarten, and have been married for 59 years. At 78 they can look back with satisfaction on a good life: they’ve raised two daughters, they had a successful business, they were a solid part of the community.
But now both daughters live interstate. Their beloved dog Maisie has died. Their big social outings tend to be funerals, as yet another friend gives up the ghost. Their money is going to run out soon. And they’re both very conscious that their reasonably good health may not last much longer either.
Howard and Elsie decide to end their lives. However, this proves much harder than they thought it would be. They want no pain, no mess for anyone to clean up, and no possibility that anyone else could be blamed. It turns out that even the simplest methods have considerable room for error.
And then the arrival of new neighbours changes everything.
There is a gentle humor to much of this story. Howard and Elsie are pretty realistic about the problems of aging, and generally they approach them with a calm acceptance and good humor. Mostly you’ll smile at this rather than laughing out loud, but the gentle positivity infuses the entire narrative and makes for a very pleasant read.
I did feel that the novel lost some momentum once Howard and Elsie became distracted from their immediate mission to kill themselves. After that the story felt more cliched, and as though it wasn’t quite as well focused – as though there wasn’t much of a point to this story.
And yes, I do know there was a point, and it’s made in the end. It’s just that it didn’t feel like a very sharp point, and the second half of the novel in particular seemed to meander a bit.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed this novel quite a lot. It’s not a very demanding read, and I appreciated the humor. Elsie and Howard are very likable characters. So, in fact, are most of the characters in the novel. This is a novel looking for the best in people, not the worst.
This is a lovely positive read that will leave you feeling warm and benevolent. It would be an excellent choice for an occasion when you want a substantial novel that’s easy to read and guaranteed to make you feel good.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
Howard and Elsie Manning were born on the same day, met in kindergarten, and have been married for 59 years. At 78 they can look back with satisfaction on a good life: they’ve raised two daughters, they had a successful business, they were a solid part of the community.
But now both daughters live interstate. Their beloved dog Maisie has died. Their big social outings tend to be funerals, as yet another friend gives up the ghost. Their money is going to run out soon. And they’re both very conscious that their reasonably good health may not last much longer either.
Howard and Elsie decide to end their lives. However, this proves much harder than they thought it would be. They want no pain, no mess for anyone to clean up, and no possibility that anyone else could be blamed. It turns out that even the simplest methods have considerable room for error.
And then the arrival of new neighbours changes everything.
There is a gentle humor to much of this story. Howard and Elsie are pretty realistic about the problems of aging, and generally they approach them with a calm acceptance and good humor. Mostly you’ll smile at this rather than laughing out loud, but the gentle positivity infuses the entire narrative and makes for a very pleasant read.
I did feel that the novel lost some momentum once Howard and Elsie became distracted from their immediate mission to kill themselves. After that the story felt more cliched, and as though it wasn’t quite as well focused – as though there wasn’t much of a point to this story.
And yes, I do know there was a point, and it’s made in the end. It’s just that it didn’t feel like a very sharp point, and the second half of the novel in particular seemed to meander a bit.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed this novel quite a lot. It’s not a very demanding read, and I appreciated the humor. Elsie and Howard are very likable characters. So, in fact, are most of the characters in the novel. This is a novel looking for the best in people, not the worst.
This is a lovely positive read that will leave you feeling warm and benevolent. It would be an excellent choice for an occasion when you want a substantial novel that’s easy to read and guaranteed to make you feel good.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
Read
March 6, 2023Howard and Elsie Manning were born on the same day, met at kindergarten, and have been married for 59 years. They have lived sensible, productive lives, and raised two self-sufficient daughters. Now, at 78, they are bored with the predictability of life, fed up with contemporary society, have aching joints and dwindling finances, and - funeral by funeral - their circle of friends is shrinking. Worst of all, they are grieving for their beloved, recently deceased dog Maisie.
Together Howard and Elsie consider bringing their lives to a peaceful end, but it turns out leaving this world is not easy, especially if they want to avoid pain or mess. Even the apparently simple methods have much room for error, as they discover.
Then a knock at the door changes everything...
I've not read anything by this author previously, and am not sure if this is a debut book or not.
This was a very easy read, despite the blurb, there was nothing heavy or depressing about it. The perspectives of the older characters is interesting, and their love for one another is very sweet. A well rounded read, finished in just over two hours.
Thank you to @netgalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
#romance #bookreview #bookstagram #contemporaryromance #netgalley
Together Howard and Elsie consider bringing their lives to a peaceful end, but it turns out leaving this world is not easy, especially if they want to avoid pain or mess. Even the apparently simple methods have much room for error, as they discover.
Then a knock at the door changes everything...
I've not read anything by this author previously, and am not sure if this is a debut book or not.
This was a very easy read, despite the blurb, there was nothing heavy or depressing about it. The perspectives of the older characters is interesting, and their love for one another is very sweet. A well rounded read, finished in just over two hours.
Thank you to @netgalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
#romance #bookreview #bookstagram #contemporaryromance #netgalley
December 12, 2023
[This review was written by my partner, I haven't read the book for obvious reasons, but she asked me to share this more widely]
It’s true that the back cover blurb of Sunrise over Mercy Court lets the reader know that the main characters are planning to die by suicide, until something changes their minds. But I would have appreciated a clearer warning that the life-saving knock on the door doesn’t come till page 179, which means we get 178 pages in which a 78-year-old couple, Elsie and Howard, have four or five conversations about various methods of killing themselves, in a register that sounded fairly flippant to me, and then (unsuccessfully) attempt suicide.
The author also makes sure that her readers know the right way to go about electrocuting themselves, extracting cyanide from apple pips, or getting a lethal dose of carbon monoxide, which struck me as actively dangerous. My mother died by suicide, for much the same reasons as Elsie and Howard are thinking about it, and it hurts to imagine anyone in her situation reading this book.
If HQ is planning to reprint it, I hope they at least give it the standard trigger warning and the number of a suicide prevention phone line, to show they’re aware that elder suicide is a real thing, not just a plot point.
It’s true that the back cover blurb of Sunrise over Mercy Court lets the reader know that the main characters are planning to die by suicide, until something changes their minds. But I would have appreciated a clearer warning that the life-saving knock on the door doesn’t come till page 179, which means we get 178 pages in which a 78-year-old couple, Elsie and Howard, have four or five conversations about various methods of killing themselves, in a register that sounded fairly flippant to me, and then (unsuccessfully) attempt suicide.
The author also makes sure that her readers know the right way to go about electrocuting themselves, extracting cyanide from apple pips, or getting a lethal dose of carbon monoxide, which struck me as actively dangerous. My mother died by suicide, for much the same reasons as Elsie and Howard are thinking about it, and it hurts to imagine anyone in her situation reading this book.
If HQ is planning to reprint it, I hope they at least give it the standard trigger warning and the number of a suicide prevention phone line, to show they’re aware that elder suicide is a real thing, not just a plot point.
April 13, 2025
I loved the premise, & I did enjoy the book, but it was a very slow, meandering process that could have done with some tightening up, & some more humour. Depression in the elderly is not a particularly funny subject, of course, & there were amusing moments, but the constant stilted conversations definitely needed a bit more pep.
Elsie & Howard Manning have decided to put paid to their existence. The thought of being without each other is intolerable; their dog has died; their children are fine & living hundreds of miles away; everything is sorted & itemised: it's time to go. If only they could find the perfect means to that end, something that wouldn't involve anyone else. This proves to be a rather more difficult task than they had at first supposed.
Luckily for all involved, new neighbours arrive, which perks them up no end, gives the Mannings an outside interest & a new direction for their thoughts. Eight-year-old Milly is a breath of fresh air & becomes a surrogate grandchild for them, but their finances are dwindling & they hadn't planned on hanging around much longer, so what does the future hold for them?
An enjoyable tale, if a bit drawn out. I'll try another from this author. 3.5★ rounded up.
Elsie & Howard Manning have decided to put paid to their existence. The thought of being without each other is intolerable; their dog has died; their children are fine & living hundreds of miles away; everything is sorted & itemised: it's time to go. If only they could find the perfect means to that end, something that wouldn't involve anyone else. This proves to be a rather more difficult task than they had at first supposed.
Luckily for all involved, new neighbours arrive, which perks them up no end, gives the Mannings an outside interest & a new direction for their thoughts. Eight-year-old Milly is a breath of fresh air & becomes a surrogate grandchild for them, but their finances are dwindling & they hadn't planned on hanging around much longer, so what does the future hold for them?
An enjoyable tale, if a bit drawn out. I'll try another from this author. 3.5★ rounded up.
May 10, 2023
I found this book a bit tedious and depressing for what seemed too many chapters early on. I thought that part could have been reduced substantially and still have given us enough understanding of the elderly couple's life and state of mind.
The happier part of the book was much better although didn't seem to be up to Fiona McCallum's usual standard. I listened to the audiobook so having to hear, "Howard said" and "Elsie said" after everything each character spoke was also tedious. It reminded me of when we wrote essays at school and the teacher would comment about using different vocabulary that meant the same thing to make it more interesting. For example, "Howard murmured" or "Elsie replied" A little variety would have made the listening and, no doubt, the reading of this story less repetitive and much more interesting.
The story itself was a good one but not as well written as usual by this author.
The happier part of the book was much better although didn't seem to be up to Fiona McCallum's usual standard. I listened to the audiobook so having to hear, "Howard said" and "Elsie said" after everything each character spoke was also tedious. It reminded me of when we wrote essays at school and the teacher would comment about using different vocabulary that meant the same thing to make it more interesting. For example, "Howard murmured" or "Elsie replied" A little variety would have made the listening and, no doubt, the reading of this story less repetitive and much more interesting.
The story itself was a good one but not as well written as usual by this author.
April 7, 2023
Sunrise Over Mercy Court by Fiona McCallum is a feel good, delightful and heart warming story. Set in Adelaide in the post lock down periods of the Pandemic, we meet an elderly couple, Elsie and Howard who are longer enjoying their life. There search for a means to end their life together is amusing. When new neighbours move in their life takes on a different direction.
A light and cozy read that for the most part is interesting though there were times when I felt the dialogue was a bit too laboured even if it was with two eight year old children. Despite this, it was still a good read.
Recommended read for something light and fluffy.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from Harlequin Australia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#SunriseOverMercyCourt #Netgalley
A light and cozy read that for the most part is interesting though there were times when I felt the dialogue was a bit too laboured even if it was with two eight year old children. Despite this, it was still a good read.
Recommended read for something light and fluffy.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from Harlequin Australia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#SunriseOverMercyCourt #Netgalley
April 13, 2023
A beautiful, gently told story, Sunrise Over Mercy Court is just lovely! The story starts with Elsie and Howard, both 78, feeling their age and bored with their lives, considering joint suicide before they turn 79. The somber theme is lifted by humorous moments and these two are really endearing characters. I loved their careful preparations as well the foibles of old age that troubled them on and off through the book. The introduction of two children, Milly and Connor, into their lives added a delightful change to their attitudes. I remembered so much of my own childhood as I read about Elsie whipping up costumes and Howard making tin can stilts for them. Chickens One, Two and three (particularly Two) and Brian the robotic vacuum cleaner added entertaining depth to what really has been a warm and wonderful story.
February 18, 2023
Howard and Elsie are feeling old. There children live in another state and they are ready to let their lives end quietly.
But, life never goes the way they planned. They are losing friends fast, their bodies are slowing down and they are being careful not to spend to much.
But along comes their new neighbours. Milly is a breath of fresh air that enlightens their lives, among other things that they haven’t told their daughters about.
Howard and Elsie are beginning to feel like they are living again and have some encouragement to keep going, especially as they get some surprises that make them feel like a family again.
Thanks to #netgalley for an early reading of this fabulous story.
Note: spoilers are in this review.
But, life never goes the way they planned. They are losing friends fast, their bodies are slowing down and they are being careful not to spend to much.
But along comes their new neighbours. Milly is a breath of fresh air that enlightens their lives, among other things that they haven’t told their daughters about.
Howard and Elsie are beginning to feel like they are living again and have some encouragement to keep going, especially as they get some surprises that make them feel like a family again.
Thanks to #netgalley for an early reading of this fabulous story.
Note: spoilers are in this review.
April 1, 2023
I could easily relate to this book as I believe it is something everyone will think about at some stage in their lives. Howard and Elise are coming up into there 80s and they want to leave the world on there own terms. There beloved dog Maise has just passed away and as I'm sure alot of the elderly feel they feel invisible. Until a knock at the door from some new neighbours changes everything and gives them a fresh view on life. The characters are all lovely and I easily connected to them. As a dog mum myself, my heart broke when dear Maise passed. Young Milly is a breath of fresh air and I really loved how kind and respectful she is especially to her elders. I had a lot of different feelings while reading but the one that stood out the most was hope. A very enjoyable and pleasant read.
April 27, 2023
Howard and Elsie were born on the same day, met at Kinder and have been married for nearly 60 years. Feeling they have reached the end of their usefulness on earth, and are no longer needed by their adult daughters, they make plans to end life together. As plans were finalised, they get new neighbours: a single Dad and his young daughter who manages to breathe new life into Howard and Elsie and give them a reason to live. A beautiful story with great insights into how we need to take better care of the older generation.
July 13, 2023
A charming story with charming characters. Old age can be so much fun :-)
There's life in these old dogs yet ... and they're about to discover it. A heartwarming and humorous story about rediscovering the small pleasures that make life worthwhile, from Australia's master storyteller.
Howard and Elsie Manning were born on the same day, met at kindergarten, and have been married for 59 years. They have lived sensible, productive lives, and raised two self-sufficient daughters. Now, at 78, they are bored with the predictability of life, fed up with contemporary society, have aching joints and dwindling finances, and - funeral by funeral - their circle of friends is shrinking. Worst of all, they are grieving for their beloved, recently deceased dog Maisie.
Together Howard and Elsie consider bringing their lives to a peaceful end, but it turns out leaving this world is not easy, especially if they want to avoid pain or mess. Even the apparently simple methods have much room for error, as they discover.
Then a knock at the door changes everything ...
There's life in these old dogs yet ... and they're about to discover it. A heartwarming and humorous story about rediscovering the small pleasures that make life worthwhile, from Australia's master storyteller.
Howard and Elsie Manning were born on the same day, met at kindergarten, and have been married for 59 years. They have lived sensible, productive lives, and raised two self-sufficient daughters. Now, at 78, they are bored with the predictability of life, fed up with contemporary society, have aching joints and dwindling finances, and - funeral by funeral - their circle of friends is shrinking. Worst of all, they are grieving for their beloved, recently deceased dog Maisie.
Together Howard and Elsie consider bringing their lives to a peaceful end, but it turns out leaving this world is not easy, especially if they want to avoid pain or mess. Even the apparently simple methods have much room for error, as they discover.
Then a knock at the door changes everything ...
June 6, 2023
I did enjoy this book, and for the most part, the characters were engaging, I did find it repetitive in some of the conversations but that is the nuance of inner dialogue!
The story is well set out, two elderly people who have spent a lot of years together, and cannot bear the thought of not being together, it was heartwarming and amusing what they get up to, and the chance meeting with new neighbours.
It was a different read to what I was expecting, but it was enjoyable nonetheless,
The story is well set out, two elderly people who have spent a lot of years together, and cannot bear the thought of not being together, it was heartwarming and amusing what they get up to, and the chance meeting with new neighbours.
It was a different read to what I was expecting, but it was enjoyable nonetheless,
August 16, 2023
A delight
You know you have invested in a story with all your heart when you wish the ending was not just one small chapter away.
Ever character was a delight, even Brian the robot-vac.
The storyline was actually deeply serious but the way the subject of the isolation of our seniors within modern society was handled was clever.
I confess to bouts of chuckling out loud through many of the later chapters.
You know you have invested in a story with all your heart when you wish the ending was not just one small chapter away.
Ever character was a delight, even Brian the robot-vac.
The storyline was actually deeply serious but the way the subject of the isolation of our seniors within modern society was handled was clever.
I confess to bouts of chuckling out loud through many of the later chapters.
November 8, 2023
Fiona McCallum told a wonderful story about how children (friends, family and neighbours) can have such a positive effect on the lives of elderly people. At the start of the story an aged couple were focussing on the end of their lives but when they met up with two young children who moved in over the road their lives became so positive and their focus changed to enjoying their current lives and thinking of the future.
May 9, 2023
A delightful book! I had a few laughs along the way, but my goodness, I could appreciate the seriousness of the themes of loneliness, ageing, losing pets and friends, fear of losing your soulmate and the need for connection. The characters were wonderful, especially Milly. We all need to be needed, just at times its hard to get it to happen.
July 28, 2023
First couple of chapters were ok but that’s where it ended for me. So much repetition in the book. I kept thinking move it on, is something going to happen to wake me up! I could have given up reading it but I really thought it would get better. I usually love Fiona’s books. Very disappointed.
September 2, 2023
I really loved this book and even as a carer it challenged me a bit in my thinking. The only issue I had with it was the ending, would two grown women who had those parents tell their parents they were selfish for trying to take their own lives? Really? They would know better!!! But other than that I laughed so much I couldn’t breathe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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