Dear Missing Friend
by Susan McGuirk
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Pub Date May 19 2026 | Archive Date Jul 31 2026
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Description
Through letters exchanged across oceans and Manhattan streets, Irish immigrant Catherine McGuirk navigates love, ambition, and heartbreak. Torn between her seafaring husband, the suitor she once refused, and her own dreams, Catherine’s fate unfolds in an intimate, epistolary saga of passion, resilience, and 19th-century life.
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
In Susan McGuirk’s epistolary novel Dear Missing Friend, letters go where the heart is meant to travel, enabling a kind of freedom that feels unattainable in daily life.
—Foreword Reviews
Fans of historical novels will find much to like in McGuirk’s debut. An ambitious work of historical fiction.
—Kirkus Review
McGuirk creates a powerful foundation for a story that embraces many elements, from history to mystery, using Catherine’s strengths and character to bring this era to life. Recommendable to book clubs.
—Midwest Book Review
Marketing Plan
Marketing Plan
Build my presence on Bluesky, Substack, Instagram, Goodreads and my website: https://susanmcguirk.com
Amazon Ads running from 5/19 – 12/24/26.
Goodreads Giveaway 4/7-5/5/26.
Launch Party at Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum 5/16/26.
Blog Tour by Over The River PR 5/19 -6/2/26 and media outreach.
Book Trib’s Dans Paper group ad in Dan’s Papers Summer Preview edition.
Participation in East Hampton Author’s Night 8/8/26 with the help of WordHampton – who will also do local media outreach.
Outreach to East End bookstores and historical/cultural venues that sell books.
Outreach to New York City bookstores and historical houses/museums that sell books.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781961864542 |
| PRICE | $4.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 318 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 8 members
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1491639
i love the way this book is set out. it was something all on its own which id never read the like before. i got stuck right in. its one of those books where you want to fold down pages and highlight certain bits to remember. there is a more personal touch with this book. and i was rooting for our character so much not least because i know of course what woman like her we meant to our history and woman as a whole. it was historical fiction sure, but the characters leapt off the pages with how Susan writes them. each moment comes to life so i could picture their places in the old pictures of the time. it packs an authentic telling of the time as well as creating a story to get involved in to lead us through both the fact and fictional elements.
when i learn of books like this i sometimes wonder how people survived in this time? it sounds weak of me to say that and i feel a little ashamed to admit it. but i do often think it was such a tricky time especially for woman. but i suppose you can only be witness to time you are at so maybe like now for our society it just is.
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