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The Last Letters of Sally and Walter
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26With the tenacious spirit of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand and the long-lived verve of Thursday Murder Club comes a heartwarming story of a curmudgeon and a newcomer who strike up an unlikely friendship over cutthroat Scrabble at their retirement home, outrageously starting something new in their golden eras.
As a new resident of Golden Grove, an independent living community for active seniors, Sally wants to do everything in her power to start off on the right foot. But between navigating unspoken social rules of the community and leaving two struggling adult children back at home, fitting in becomes harder than she expected. So when she sees flyers advertising the Scrabble Club, she thinks she might as well give it a try. She quickly realizes her faux pas when she walks into the library to find just one man, Walter Kretzer, who has a reputation for being "a bit intense."
Walter has taken his Scrabble club a pinch too seriously in the past, but when he meets Sally, with her golden-flecked eyes and sensible style, and discovers she is something of a prodigy at the game, he can't help but feel his fate is about to change. As he draws Sally into the world of high-stakes Scrabble tournaments, his feelings for her grow and inspire him to take a hard look at his life. When the truth about Sally's reasons for moving to Golden Grove are suddenly exposed, Walter finds himself with the gumption to make his last chapter in life the best yet.
As a new resident of Golden Grove, an independent living community for active seniors, Sally wants to do everything in her power to start off on the right foot. But between navigating unspoken social rules of the community and leaving two struggling adult children back at home, fitting in becomes harder than she expected. So when she sees flyers advertising the Scrabble Club, she thinks she might as well give it a try. She quickly realizes her faux pas when she walks into the library to find just one man, Walter Kretzer, who has a reputation for being "a bit intense."
Walter has taken his Scrabble club a pinch too seriously in the past, but when he meets Sally, with her golden-flecked eyes and sensible style, and discovers she is something of a prodigy at the game, he can't help but feel his fate is about to change. As he draws Sally into the world of high-stakes Scrabble tournaments, his feelings for her grow and inspire him to take a hard look at his life. When the truth about Sally's reasons for moving to Golden Grove are suddenly exposed, Walter finds himself with the gumption to make his last chapter in life the best yet.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 27, 2026
12 people are currently reading
9098 people want to read
About the author
Cammie McGovern
13 books658 followersCammie McGovern was a Stegner Fellow at Stanford and received the Nelson Algren Award in short fiction. Her work has been published in Redbook, Seventeen, Glimmer Train, TriQuarterly, and other publications.
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November 27, 2025
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Sally is new to the Golden Grove senior living community. She is a Scrabble wizard who has some troubled adult children. When she walks into the library to join the Scrabble club, there is only one other member, Walter Kretzer. This turns into a battle of the tiles, so to speak, and through their love of words and the game, it turns into a romance. They talk about regrets, family dynamics, and health scares, and through it all, they come to realize it's never too late for second chances.
This book was such a winner for me in every possible way. It was like I was meeting some new friends and cheering them on. It's told realistically and is so raw and real. The main characters offer so much depth; they're not just older people, but people with a past, and they have both triumphs and failures in their lives. Reading about them and watching their relationship bloom and then flourish was such a treat and very moving. It is such a powerful, hopeful thing, and it just goes to show that connection is important at any age and can be found in the most unlikely places. I can't recommend this story enough—a perfect All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
Sally is new to the Golden Grove senior living community. She is a Scrabble wizard who has some troubled adult children. When she walks into the library to join the Scrabble club, there is only one other member, Walter Kretzer. This turns into a battle of the tiles, so to speak, and through their love of words and the game, it turns into a romance. They talk about regrets, family dynamics, and health scares, and through it all, they come to realize it's never too late for second chances.
This book was such a winner for me in every possible way. It was like I was meeting some new friends and cheering them on. It's told realistically and is so raw and real. The main characters offer so much depth; they're not just older people, but people with a past, and they have both triumphs and failures in their lives. Reading about them and watching their relationship bloom and then flourish was such a treat and very moving. It is such a powerful, hopeful thing, and it just goes to show that connection is important at any age and can be found in the most unlikely places. I can't recommend this story enough—a perfect All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
November 20, 2025
In the game of Scrabble, a “Bingo” is when a player uses all seven of their tiles in a single turn, earning an additional 50 point bonus to their score.
And, curmudgeon Walter Kretzer, a Scrabble enthusiast, shows us all how to play your whole hand in this story-both in Scrabble and in the game of life.
Sally Reynolds is new resident of Golden Grove, an independent living community for active seniors. When she sees flyers advertising the Scrabble Club, she thinks it might be a nice way to spend the evening and meet some of the other residents. But when she walks into the library, she finds just one man, Walter Kretzer, who over time, has driven all of the other hopeful players away with his cutthroat approach to the game.
As a player in Scrabble tournaments, Walter can recognize a prodigy of the game when he sees one, and he can't hold back his enthusiasm for sharing his love of the game with Sally. As he draws her into the world of Scrabble tournaments, his realizes that his enthusiasm isn’t just for teaching her the strategies and parallel plays of the game, it’s also for the woman mastering it-a woman who is making him nervous in a way that he hasn’t felt in decades.
Their friendship helps each to navigate their complicated relationships with their grown children, their aging (and failing) bodies and how to make the ABSOLUTE MOST of the golden years of their lives.
TW: Parkinson’s, Heart Issues, Infertility
I requested this book, because my late Grandmother was a Scrabble enthusiast who loved nothing more than playing a game with childhood ME. She owned a copy of the player’s “bible”- “ The Official Scrabble Player’s Dictionary” and knew all of those Scrabble words that you have never heard of before! She was also an avid reader and the person I was closest to in my family. SHE is the person I would choose to have one more dinner with if I could, because I am now old enough to wonder about the WOMAN behind those Scrabble tiles. What attracted her to the game? What genre of books was she reading? Back then, she was just my wonderful Grandmother. I wish we could play one last game.
I expected this book to be heartwarming and uplifting and AT TIMES it is, but it is also HEARTBREAKING and sometimes depressing, as I grew quite FOND of the characters and it doesn’t shy away from the cruel realities of Parkinson’s Disease, amongst other things. It also has an open door peek at intimacy in your seventies. Those things coupled with A LOT of Scrabble talk, which I found interesting for obvious reasons, means that this story may NOT be a fit for everyone, even though I mostly enjoyed it.
Did I mention a lot of Scrabble talk? 😉
A buddy read with Marilyn and DeAnn. Be sure to watch for their amazing reviews!
I am showing a new publication date of April 7, 2026 for this book.
Thank You to Sourcebooks Landmark for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
And, curmudgeon Walter Kretzer, a Scrabble enthusiast, shows us all how to play your whole hand in this story-both in Scrabble and in the game of life.
Sally Reynolds is new resident of Golden Grove, an independent living community for active seniors. When she sees flyers advertising the Scrabble Club, she thinks it might be a nice way to spend the evening and meet some of the other residents. But when she walks into the library, she finds just one man, Walter Kretzer, who over time, has driven all of the other hopeful players away with his cutthroat approach to the game.
As a player in Scrabble tournaments, Walter can recognize a prodigy of the game when he sees one, and he can't hold back his enthusiasm for sharing his love of the game with Sally. As he draws her into the world of Scrabble tournaments, his realizes that his enthusiasm isn’t just for teaching her the strategies and parallel plays of the game, it’s also for the woman mastering it-a woman who is making him nervous in a way that he hasn’t felt in decades.
Their friendship helps each to navigate their complicated relationships with their grown children, their aging (and failing) bodies and how to make the ABSOLUTE MOST of the golden years of their lives.
TW: Parkinson’s, Heart Issues, Infertility
I requested this book, because my late Grandmother was a Scrabble enthusiast who loved nothing more than playing a game with childhood ME. She owned a copy of the player’s “bible”- “ The Official Scrabble Player’s Dictionary” and knew all of those Scrabble words that you have never heard of before! She was also an avid reader and the person I was closest to in my family. SHE is the person I would choose to have one more dinner with if I could, because I am now old enough to wonder about the WOMAN behind those Scrabble tiles. What attracted her to the game? What genre of books was she reading? Back then, she was just my wonderful Grandmother. I wish we could play one last game.
I expected this book to be heartwarming and uplifting and AT TIMES it is, but it is also HEARTBREAKING and sometimes depressing, as I grew quite FOND of the characters and it doesn’t shy away from the cruel realities of Parkinson’s Disease, amongst other things. It also has an open door peek at intimacy in your seventies. Those things coupled with A LOT of Scrabble talk, which I found interesting for obvious reasons, means that this story may NOT be a fit for everyone, even though I mostly enjoyed it.
Did I mention a lot of Scrabble talk? 😉
A buddy read with Marilyn and DeAnn. Be sure to watch for their amazing reviews!
I am showing a new publication date of April 7, 2026 for this book.
Thank You to Sourcebooks Landmark for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
September 14, 2025
This story was filled with so much more than letters on a game board. Initially, Sally and Walter found friendship through their love of words and the time they spent studying and playing Scrabble. Their friendship became more intense as each of their chronic health concerns and family issues was revealed. Growing compassion, understanding, and learning to live together away from the board game, gradually became the focus and comfort in their world. One of my favorite memories of this story will stay in my heart- “...we all have the potential for new discoveries and second chapters.”
❤️📖❤️
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for providing me the opportunity to read the advanced e-copy of; The Last Letters of Sally and Walter by Cammie McGovern.
❤️📖❤️
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for providing me the opportunity to read the advanced e-copy of; The Last Letters of Sally and Walter by Cammie McGovern.
July 23, 2025
What a special book! This rom com brings us to an unusual setting for the genre: a retirement home. The Golden Grove is fairly common living facility and the author does a fantastic job of demonstrating how full of life these forgotten homes can be. Walter and Sally are such delightful characters and I thought the thread of scrabble through their relationship was brilliant. The plot thoughtfully unpacked what it means to look back at life while simultaneously having aspirations for the future. It challenges stereotypes about age and personal growth while remaining fun. Without spoiling any of the fun of this book, I’ll end by saying this is such a fantastic departure from what we’re seeing in romance right now and offers insight into more meaningful and cognitively based connections. Loved this one!
June 8, 2025
A deeply moving book. I loved the deeply flawed and sympathetic realistic characters.
September 17, 2025
This story has charm and Scrabble. Need I say more?
January 18, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up. Over the years I’ve learned that one of my very favorite types of books to read is one with older characters. (Not middle aged, though I do like those!) I haven’t ever really considered why but it may have something to do with the wisdom, focus on meaningful people/activities or perhaps it’s something else. No matter, I’m always an enthusiast.
The Last Letters Of Sally and Walter is perhaps slightly off the norm as this deals with more serious health diagnosis and a love story. Yet, it still delivers. It’s sweet yet not syrupy, it’s wise (and self-reflective) without being preachy. It also tackles the hard stuff. I didn’t love the end, it felt a little convenient and tied up with a neat bow but it’s okay as it worked.
Advanced reader copy provided by Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley but all opinions are my own.
The Last Letters Of Sally and Walter is perhaps slightly off the norm as this deals with more serious health diagnosis and a love story. Yet, it still delivers. It’s sweet yet not syrupy, it’s wise (and self-reflective) without being preachy. It also tackles the hard stuff. I didn’t love the end, it felt a little convenient and tied up with a neat bow but it’s okay as it worked.
Advanced reader copy provided by Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley but all opinions are my own.
October 19, 2025
3.5 stars
I'm giving this a three-star rating, which for me is a good read with some caveats.
I adored the characters and their arcs with their children. It was so interesting to see Sally and Walter finding new things out about themselves later in life, and I really connected with the idea that it's never too late for a second chapter.
That said, the book got a bit muddled in the middle and A LOT MUDDLED in the ending section with a lot of heavy Scrabble talk. The pacing suffered, and by the end, it really dragged. The final chapters didn't work for me, and I was pretty disappointed with the ending. It felt like a lot was left unresolved, especially with Walter and Sally, and then it was just over.
All in all, this was a good read for me with lots to love.
I'm giving this a three-star rating, which for me is a good read with some caveats.
I adored the characters and their arcs with their children. It was so interesting to see Sally and Walter finding new things out about themselves later in life, and I really connected with the idea that it's never too late for a second chapter.
That said, the book got a bit muddled in the middle and A LOT MUDDLED in the ending section with a lot of heavy Scrabble talk. The pacing suffered, and by the end, it really dragged. The final chapters didn't work for me, and I was pretty disappointed with the ending. It felt like a lot was left unresolved, especially with Walter and Sally, and then it was just over.
All in all, this was a good read for me with lots to love.
October 17, 2025
I just want to state that my three stars doesn't mean that I think the book was bad. It was just a neutral reading experience for me. I felt like it got bogged down a little bit with Scrabble talk and that it didn't feel like anything fully got resolved. We didn't see Walter and Sally get married and it just abruptly ended it felt like. I do like that autism representation is becoming more of a norm in books these days though. That did feel nice. I also absolutely loved the characters. I helped my husband take care of his Oma that lived in a retirement home and it reminded me of that time before she passed so I also enjoyed that aspect of it. Overall, it was an okay read and I enjoyed some parts of it. Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!
August 16, 2025
What a wonderful, surprising book. The story of Sally and Walter as they move forward in old age was deeply moving. This is not a sad book but one that shows that even as we age there is opportunity to both deal with the indignities and be open to growth. With age comes wisdom and Cammie McGovern¡s writing captures this adage beautifully.
October 1, 2025
The Last Letters of Sally and Walter by Cammie McGovern is a tender, uplifting novel about finding love, purpose, and second chances later in life.
When Sally moves into a retirement community, she’s not ready to see herself as “old” just yet. But everything changes when she meets Walter, a fellow resident whose passion for Scrabble is as fierce as his personality. What begins as a test of wit and strategy soon blossoms into an unexpected friendship—and something deeper—as the two discover how much they still have to offer the world and each other.
McGovern’s storytelling shines in her ability to portray older characters with humor, dignity, and emotional depth. Themes of family, resilience, and connection thread throughout, while Scrabble serves as both a literal competition and a metaphor for life: we don’t choose the tiles we’re given, but we can make something meaningful out of them.
Heartfelt and wise, The Last Letters of Sally and Walter is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories of love, growth, and the beauty of new beginnings at any age.
When Sally moves into a retirement community, she’s not ready to see herself as “old” just yet. But everything changes when she meets Walter, a fellow resident whose passion for Scrabble is as fierce as his personality. What begins as a test of wit and strategy soon blossoms into an unexpected friendship—and something deeper—as the two discover how much they still have to offer the world and each other.
McGovern’s storytelling shines in her ability to portray older characters with humor, dignity, and emotional depth. Themes of family, resilience, and connection thread throughout, while Scrabble serves as both a literal competition and a metaphor for life: we don’t choose the tiles we’re given, but we can make something meaningful out of them.
Heartfelt and wise, The Last Letters of Sally and Walter is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories of love, growth, and the beauty of new beginnings at any age.
September 2, 2025
3.75 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an advanced readers copy of this book
The last letters of Sally and Walter is about (surprise) Sally and Walter, two residents of an eldery (not care) home where they are both part of the Scrabble club set up by Walter. Both have health issues, troubled relationships with their kids and they also try to revive their Scrabble club.
When I read the description I hoped it would be a community book, which this was, but a little less than I hoped. Let's say it was two thirds about Sally and Walter and the other third was for the community aspect.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an advanced readers copy of this book
The last letters of Sally and Walter is about (surprise) Sally and Walter, two residents of an eldery (not care) home where they are both part of the Scrabble club set up by Walter. Both have health issues, troubled relationships with their kids and they also try to revive their Scrabble club.
When I read the description I hoped it would be a community book, which this was, but a little less than I hoped. Let's say it was two thirds about Sally and Walter and the other third was for the community aspect.
November 30, 2025
The Last Letters of Sally and Walter by Cammie McGovern
I loved so much about Sally and Walter. I actually think I might be more Walter than Sally. Walter is so focused on whatever he is focused on in his life. While he is a lonely person in the midst of all going on around him and so very unwilling to bend in his pursuit of putting together a "by the rules" Scrabble club, meeting Sally changes his life and his outlook. To me, Sally is put together, smart and wise to the world in most ways despite having to play down that part of herself as a good wife to her late husband. A woman who now wants to be alone as life gets harder due to her health issues, to hide away except when she really feels like stepping out in public, someone who is respected and admired by others.
There is only a rise in status for Walter to be seen with Sally, and raised eyebrows as to why Sally would want to spend time with Walter. But Sally is oh so clever and she sees past Walter's insecurities, recognizes some of her own insecurities in Walter, and best friendship grows. This is my favorite part of the story and as the story goes on both Walter and Sally change each other forever.
This story took me in all different directions. There were some laugh out loud moments for me, little surprises that had me laughing at the picture of what was happening. There was so much talk of Scrabble, very serious discussions between people who take Scrabble as seriously as a major offensive launch in WWII, and now I feel like I never want to play Scrabble again. I'm so not worthy to pick up one of those tiles after reading how it is "really" played. Then there is the talk of growing old, growing old with serious health situations that are never going to get better and will take everything away from you while you are helpless in your body, knowing what is going on but unable to do or say anything.
For all the bravery the story takes to show the hardships and realities of aging and certain health issues, I do wish the characters could have been left with more dignity and respect when it comes to their personal challenges. Yes, we can know there are diapers for some but that's about all we need to know. I do not want an open door romance when the main characters are in their seventies (actually, I prefer closed door romances for all ages). Let us know a little bit without showing us, please. Respect these aging people, we can acknowledge the hardships without having to feel like we are staring at their most delicate and personal moments.
I'd say the story doesn't hold back but I know it does. The realities of getting old and/or having debilitating health issues are so much more difficult than even this frank story shows us. It was hard getting past those realities while enjoying the funny, lighthearted parts of the story. I think it's important to know you will be reading about the realities of aging and debilitating health issues but also the realities of difficult marriages and families that can't connect even when they are in the same room together. Many issues in this story have outcomes that show that life can go on in much better ways even when one thinks they are getting close to rock bottom. But the story also wisely doesn't allow us to think we ever "get better" from the act of aging. It's going to get us, one way or another. But we can still "live" while we are alive, by adapting to the changes in our lives and also by being open to the friendship and love that is offered to us on our journey to the end. This story has so much to discuss and I enjoyed reading it with Jayme and DeAnn.
Expected pub January 27, 2026
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley for this ARC
I loved so much about Sally and Walter. I actually think I might be more Walter than Sally. Walter is so focused on whatever he is focused on in his life. While he is a lonely person in the midst of all going on around him and so very unwilling to bend in his pursuit of putting together a "by the rules" Scrabble club, meeting Sally changes his life and his outlook. To me, Sally is put together, smart and wise to the world in most ways despite having to play down that part of herself as a good wife to her late husband. A woman who now wants to be alone as life gets harder due to her health issues, to hide away except when she really feels like stepping out in public, someone who is respected and admired by others.
There is only a rise in status for Walter to be seen with Sally, and raised eyebrows as to why Sally would want to spend time with Walter. But Sally is oh so clever and she sees past Walter's insecurities, recognizes some of her own insecurities in Walter, and best friendship grows. This is my favorite part of the story and as the story goes on both Walter and Sally change each other forever.
This story took me in all different directions. There were some laugh out loud moments for me, little surprises that had me laughing at the picture of what was happening. There was so much talk of Scrabble, very serious discussions between people who take Scrabble as seriously as a major offensive launch in WWII, and now I feel like I never want to play Scrabble again. I'm so not worthy to pick up one of those tiles after reading how it is "really" played. Then there is the talk of growing old, growing old with serious health situations that are never going to get better and will take everything away from you while you are helpless in your body, knowing what is going on but unable to do or say anything.
For all the bravery the story takes to show the hardships and realities of aging and certain health issues, I do wish the characters could have been left with more dignity and respect when it comes to their personal challenges. Yes, we can know there are diapers for some but that's about all we need to know. I do not want an open door romance when the main characters are in their seventies (actually, I prefer closed door romances for all ages). Let us know a little bit without showing us, please. Respect these aging people, we can acknowledge the hardships without having to feel like we are staring at their most delicate and personal moments.
I'd say the story doesn't hold back but I know it does. The realities of getting old and/or having debilitating health issues are so much more difficult than even this frank story shows us. It was hard getting past those realities while enjoying the funny, lighthearted parts of the story. I think it's important to know you will be reading about the realities of aging and debilitating health issues but also the realities of difficult marriages and families that can't connect even when they are in the same room together. Many issues in this story have outcomes that show that life can go on in much better ways even when one thinks they are getting close to rock bottom. But the story also wisely doesn't allow us to think we ever "get better" from the act of aging. It's going to get us, one way or another. But we can still "live" while we are alive, by adapting to the changes in our lives and also by being open to the friendship and love that is offered to us on our journey to the end. This story has so much to discuss and I enjoyed reading it with Jayme and DeAnn.
Expected pub January 27, 2026
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
Before I'd even opened it, this reminded me of Samuel Burr's The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers. It just had that same feeling about it, and it was just as comforting to read.
The cover was very pretty and eye-catching.
I love stories where the protagonists are older people but they're front and centre. There's little I dislike more than authors putting in old people just to tick a box, or only having them in the background. But Cammie has been sensitive about it and our two main characters - whilst over 70 and thought of as old - are as cool and as fascinating as anyone half their age and I loved them both.
It flits between Sally and Walter's POVs which was delightful. I love reading stories across multiple voices, but if there's too many then it gets confusing. So just sticking to the two of them really helped elevate the story.
I loved this relationship between the two of them. I won't spoil it by saying if it is just a friendship or if the relationship turns into something romantic, you'll have to find out for yourself - but they were so wonderful together, and individually. They brought out the best and the worst of each other and I couldn't stop smiling at them.
There's a big emphasis on Scrabble. Now I will hold my hand up and say I don't think I've ever played Scrabble before, or if I have it was many, many years ago. And so I have effectively no knowledge of it and can't say it was ever a game I felt thrilled about. And whilst it is a key part of this story, it somehow blurs into the background, becoming a stage for Sally and Walter to stand upon. So if you're not a Scrabble fan and think that means this book won't be for you, you are mistaken.
It is slightly repetitive in the middle and maybe that could have been slimmed down, but overall it's a great pace. It's not a 100mph fast-paced, action-packed story. It's very gentle and calming and relaxing and so easy to read.
It was sadder than I thought it'd be. I won't spoil it by saying what happens and to whom, that's for you to find out, but it is really very moving, and not necessarily because it's sad. Seeing these older characters rediscover joy was beautiful.
I read the first half in bed one evening and finished it over breakfast, it was so addictive.
Before I'd even opened it, this reminded me of Samuel Burr's The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers. It just had that same feeling about it, and it was just as comforting to read.
The cover was very pretty and eye-catching.
I love stories where the protagonists are older people but they're front and centre. There's little I dislike more than authors putting in old people just to tick a box, or only having them in the background. But Cammie has been sensitive about it and our two main characters - whilst over 70 and thought of as old - are as cool and as fascinating as anyone half their age and I loved them both.
It flits between Sally and Walter's POVs which was delightful. I love reading stories across multiple voices, but if there's too many then it gets confusing. So just sticking to the two of them really helped elevate the story.
I loved this relationship between the two of them. I won't spoil it by saying if it is just a friendship or if the relationship turns into something romantic, you'll have to find out for yourself - but they were so wonderful together, and individually. They brought out the best and the worst of each other and I couldn't stop smiling at them.
There's a big emphasis on Scrabble. Now I will hold my hand up and say I don't think I've ever played Scrabble before, or if I have it was many, many years ago. And so I have effectively no knowledge of it and can't say it was ever a game I felt thrilled about. And whilst it is a key part of this story, it somehow blurs into the background, becoming a stage for Sally and Walter to stand upon. So if you're not a Scrabble fan and think that means this book won't be for you, you are mistaken.
It is slightly repetitive in the middle and maybe that could have been slimmed down, but overall it's a great pace. It's not a 100mph fast-paced, action-packed story. It's very gentle and calming and relaxing and so easy to read.
It was sadder than I thought it'd be. I won't spoil it by saying what happens and to whom, that's for you to find out, but it is really very moving, and not necessarily because it's sad. Seeing these older characters rediscover joy was beautiful.
I read the first half in bed one evening and finished it over breakfast, it was so addictive.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
😢🤍 Oh my heart! "As a new resident of Golden Grove, an independent living community for active seniors, Sally wants to do everything in her power to start off on the right foot. But between navigating unspoken social rules of the community and leaving two struggling adult children back at home, fitting in becomes harder than she expected. So when she sees flyers advertising the Scrabble Club, she thinks she might as well give it a try. She quickly realizes her faux pas when she walks into the library to find just one man, Walter Kretzer, who has a reputation for being "a bit intense."
Oh Walter, such a lonely man in the middle of a crowded room. He lives in his own boundary of rules, especially with the beloved game Scrabble, but also in life, never the popular one. What was deemed to be a Scrabble Club, became a one man show due to his arrogance of the game. But, Geez, I love him with all his quirks and difficult behaviors. We all know someone relatable.
Sally, on the other hand, is grace and poise and loved by all. When she becomes part of the "Scrabble society" with Walter, they have an endearing friendship. This allows him to be encompassed by others. They are good for each other and she becomes a Scrabble prodigy.
Life at the Golden Grove is for active seniors, so when Parkinson tries to overcome Sally, she fights back with zeal and finds the drive to make things happen. The story is thick with debilitating moments, real thoughts of aging, critical moments and decisions that may not be for everyone. Watching my own loved ones struggle with the invasion, I cried. What is difficult is not having the ability to change your course, no matter how much your mind wants to. Then there are the LOL moments and a lot of surprises...some I had rather not know....
The struggle with family members, regrets and the ever evolving changes life throws at us kept me wondering where this would all end. A great story and one I will not be able to forget.
Thank you NetGalley, Cammie McGovern and Source books Landmark for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Oh Walter, such a lonely man in the middle of a crowded room. He lives in his own boundary of rules, especially with the beloved game Scrabble, but also in life, never the popular one. What was deemed to be a Scrabble Club, became a one man show due to his arrogance of the game. But, Geez, I love him with all his quirks and difficult behaviors. We all know someone relatable.
Sally, on the other hand, is grace and poise and loved by all. When she becomes part of the "Scrabble society" with Walter, they have an endearing friendship. This allows him to be encompassed by others. They are good for each other and she becomes a Scrabble prodigy.
Life at the Golden Grove is for active seniors, so when Parkinson tries to overcome Sally, she fights back with zeal and finds the drive to make things happen. The story is thick with debilitating moments, real thoughts of aging, critical moments and decisions that may not be for everyone. Watching my own loved ones struggle with the invasion, I cried. What is difficult is not having the ability to change your course, no matter how much your mind wants to. Then there are the LOL moments and a lot of surprises...some I had rather not know....
The struggle with family members, regrets and the ever evolving changes life throws at us kept me wondering where this would all end. A great story and one I will not be able to forget.
Thank you NetGalley, Cammie McGovern and Source books Landmark for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 7, 2025
This book was charming, witty, realistic, and an absolute wonderful read! It is the story of Sally and Walter; two residents of the Golden Grove Independent Senior Living Center. They find a common bond and form a deep friendship over Scrabble.
I expected a story about two geriatric adults filled with sadness and frustration over changing and moving into a new stage of life. Instead, The Last Letters of Sally and Walter was uplifting and took and realistic look at examining their lives in retrospect while accepting the natural circumstances of getting older.
Both Sally and Walter are incredibly believable characters. They both have a life of experience, triumphs, and failures they remember throughout the story. These flashbacks reflect so much thought and maturity I grew to love both of them. It gave me a new insight to aging and being human. The other main component to this book was Scrabble. It is clear the author understands the game and is adept at describing the excitement of playing the game. The author's vocabulary throughout the book is beautiful.
The overall pacing of the book was incredible. It is told from alternative first person perspectives of Walter and Sally. This format gave so much insight into the motivations and actions of each character. They never did anything to produced drama for the sake of drama.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for something humorous, light, and honest.
*** Many thanks to Netgalley and publishers for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ***
I expected a story about two geriatric adults filled with sadness and frustration over changing and moving into a new stage of life. Instead, The Last Letters of Sally and Walter was uplifting and took and realistic look at examining their lives in retrospect while accepting the natural circumstances of getting older.
Both Sally and Walter are incredibly believable characters. They both have a life of experience, triumphs, and failures they remember throughout the story. These flashbacks reflect so much thought and maturity I grew to love both of them. It gave me a new insight to aging and being human. The other main component to this book was Scrabble. It is clear the author understands the game and is adept at describing the excitement of playing the game. The author's vocabulary throughout the book is beautiful.
The overall pacing of the book was incredible. It is told from alternative first person perspectives of Walter and Sally. This format gave so much insight into the motivations and actions of each character. They never did anything to produced drama for the sake of drama.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for something humorous, light, and honest.
*** Many thanks to Netgalley and publishers for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ***
November 1, 2025
The appeal of the Scrabble angle was strong! Growing up, my mother was a keen scrabble player, so I have nothing but fond memories. In a world in which human connection is dwindling, I loved the board game community featured in this book even more.
As we all do, Sally and Walter are aging and needing the support of an independent living community. Clubs and activities abound, but they both find themselves bonding over Scrabble. It's lovely. But, there's more than Scrabble. Looking back at choices made and actions taken as both a spouse and a parent, Sally and Walter focus on making amends, accepting the things that you cannot change and embracing second chances. They also discover that challenges are best faced with the support of others. It really is endearing.
My only constructive criticism is that the Scrabble angle possibly went into too much depth, which didn't feel needed. I was also a bit disappointed with the ending. I don't know what I was after, but it felt a little too perfect or forced. With that said, don't let that keep you from this heartwarming read. I can't seem to keep myself away from books containing characters in their sunset years.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an advanced digital copy via NetGalley. It was a pleasure to read! These thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
As we all do, Sally and Walter are aging and needing the support of an independent living community. Clubs and activities abound, but they both find themselves bonding over Scrabble. It's lovely. But, there's more than Scrabble. Looking back at choices made and actions taken as both a spouse and a parent, Sally and Walter focus on making amends, accepting the things that you cannot change and embracing second chances. They also discover that challenges are best faced with the support of others. It really is endearing.
My only constructive criticism is that the Scrabble angle possibly went into too much depth, which didn't feel needed. I was also a bit disappointed with the ending. I don't know what I was after, but it felt a little too perfect or forced. With that said, don't let that keep you from this heartwarming read. I can't seem to keep myself away from books containing characters in their sunset years.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an advanced digital copy via NetGalley. It was a pleasure to read! These thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
November 30, 2025
3.5 Scrabble stars
Senior independent living is filled with clubs and activities to keep residents engaged. At Golden Grove, the once-popular Scrabble Club is down to one member, Walter. He is a stickler for the rules, and things got too intense for others to participate. That all changes, though, when Sally, a former teacher, arrives at Golden Grove and discovers that she’s a natural player.
I had no idea that competitive Scrabble tournaments exist. I’ve never been a great player, but I’ve never studied like Sally and Walter! It was interesting to read some of the tips and tricks.
But this much is about so much more than Scrabble. It’s about friendship, aging, and finding ways to make genuine connections.
At times, there was too much detail about aging and illness to keep me engaged. This one doesn’t shrink away from sharing how aging takes its toll on the human body. I still enjoyed it, but it wasn't as uplifting as some others in this genre.
Marilyn, Jayme, and I enjoyed a buddy read with this one.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one. Scheduled to release on 4.7.2026.
Senior independent living is filled with clubs and activities to keep residents engaged. At Golden Grove, the once-popular Scrabble Club is down to one member, Walter. He is a stickler for the rules, and things got too intense for others to participate. That all changes, though, when Sally, a former teacher, arrives at Golden Grove and discovers that she’s a natural player.
I had no idea that competitive Scrabble tournaments exist. I’ve never been a great player, but I’ve never studied like Sally and Walter! It was interesting to read some of the tips and tricks.
But this much is about so much more than Scrabble. It’s about friendship, aging, and finding ways to make genuine connections.
At times, there was too much detail about aging and illness to keep me engaged. This one doesn’t shrink away from sharing how aging takes its toll on the human body. I still enjoyed it, but it wasn't as uplifting as some others in this genre.
Marilyn, Jayme, and I enjoyed a buddy read with this one.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one. Scheduled to release on 4.7.2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Last Letters of Sally and Walter by Cammie McGovern
This was a realistic yet encouraging look into living your best life at any age and making the best of the circumstances you find yourself in. I enjoyed how Sally and Walter made in-roads with improving their relationships with family and friends without completely changing who any of them fundamentally were as people.
The development of Sally and Walter's friendship-to-romance was very sweet. The scrabble aspect woven throughout the story was much more interesting than I expected. I'd like to get my hands on some copies of Walter's word sheets!
4/5 stars. This book was at times humorous and uplifting, yet also takes a very realistic look at aging and the trials that come with it. Ultimately, this is a story about family and connection with others and how they are truly the most important things in life.
Thank you to NetGalley, Cammie McGovern, and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was a realistic yet encouraging look into living your best life at any age and making the best of the circumstances you find yourself in. I enjoyed how Sally and Walter made in-roads with improving their relationships with family and friends without completely changing who any of them fundamentally were as people.
The development of Sally and Walter's friendship-to-romance was very sweet. The scrabble aspect woven throughout the story was much more interesting than I expected. I'd like to get my hands on some copies of Walter's word sheets!
4/5 stars. This book was at times humorous and uplifting, yet also takes a very realistic look at aging and the trials that come with it. Ultimately, this is a story about family and connection with others and how they are truly the most important things in life.
Thank you to NetGalley, Cammie McGovern, and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 22, 2025
Obsessed. Loved. Emotional.
A book about friendship, forgiveness, second chances, and love - both for yourself and for others.
Meeting at Golden Groves, a senior living facility, Sally (a new resident) sees a flier for a Scrabble Club. Interested, she decides to attend but finds only one person who showed up; Walter, the man who started the club. Walter has lived at Golden Groves for a couple of years and is ecstatic someone came to his once very-popular club. As Sally sits down, both of their lives immediately change.
I absolutely LOVED this book! I adored Sally and the journey she’s been on, both with her children and, with herself. I feel we would easily become friends and could enjoy one another’s company in silence.
And I fell head over heels in love with Walter and how reflective he was about his life - looking back and seeing how he could have said, done, or handled an incident with more empathy or compassion especially his son.
This was a FIVE-STAR read and one I most definitely recommend! If there is one book to pre-order for your 2026 reading goal, this is it!
I’m showing two release dates so I would check wherever you get books from. April 7th, 2026 appears to be the most current release date, however.
Thank you NetGalley, Cammie McGovern, and Sourcebooks Landmark for this absolutely delightful, lovely, and emotional ARC!
A book about friendship, forgiveness, second chances, and love - both for yourself and for others.
Meeting at Golden Groves, a senior living facility, Sally (a new resident) sees a flier for a Scrabble Club. Interested, she decides to attend but finds only one person who showed up; Walter, the man who started the club. Walter has lived at Golden Groves for a couple of years and is ecstatic someone came to his once very-popular club. As Sally sits down, both of their lives immediately change.
I absolutely LOVED this book! I adored Sally and the journey she’s been on, both with her children and, with herself. I feel we would easily become friends and could enjoy one another’s company in silence.
And I fell head over heels in love with Walter and how reflective he was about his life - looking back and seeing how he could have said, done, or handled an incident with more empathy or compassion especially his son.
This was a FIVE-STAR read and one I most definitely recommend! If there is one book to pre-order for your 2026 reading goal, this is it!
I’m showing two release dates so I would check wherever you get books from. April 7th, 2026 appears to be the most current release date, however.
Thank you NetGalley, Cammie McGovern, and Sourcebooks Landmark for this absolutely delightful, lovely, and emotional ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3,5 stars rounded up to 4.
This was a book about Sally and Walter two septuagenarian people living in an independent living community for senior citizens who still have a lot of life left to live. They form a friendship through playing „Scrabble“ and end up being more than just friends who play Scrabble. The main characters are interesting and I liked reading about their lives when they were younger and how their relationship progressed. There are some serious health problems they have to deal with and then both worry about their adult children. The story itself was interesting but I really felt there was too much emphasis on all things „Scrabble“. I get it, they are enthusiasts who are playing on a competetive level but I really didn‘t need to read that much about all the strategies, learning tactics and wordlists. Also the ending felt a bit abrupt, especially considering how much to and fro there was througout the rest of the book.
All in all an interesting book but not a must-read for me.
I received an ARC via netgalley.com and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a book about Sally and Walter two septuagenarian people living in an independent living community for senior citizens who still have a lot of life left to live. They form a friendship through playing „Scrabble“ and end up being more than just friends who play Scrabble. The main characters are interesting and I liked reading about their lives when they were younger and how their relationship progressed. There are some serious health problems they have to deal with and then both worry about their adult children. The story itself was interesting but I really felt there was too much emphasis on all things „Scrabble“. I get it, they are enthusiasts who are playing on a competetive level but I really didn‘t need to read that much about all the strategies, learning tactics and wordlists. Also the ending felt a bit abrupt, especially considering how much to and fro there was througout the rest of the book.
All in all an interesting book but not a must-read for me.
I received an ARC via netgalley.com and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
I promised an honest review so here it is: this book was a drag. I was SO excited to receive an early copy as it seemed right up my alley: two elderly individuals strike up a friendship that might become more through the joy of board games. However, this doesn’t work when the plot is 90% Scrabble talk. I understand that it is an important factor to the story, but by the halfway mark, I felt like the only thing we knew about the characters was their Scrabble ability, aside from a few remarks about their past.
Additionally, and this is a personal issue, I found Walter incredibly whiny and overbearing. While I typically love elderly men as main characters (see my 5 star reviews of A Man Called Ove and The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife), Walter’s POV was so off-putting and exhausting to read. I wanted to like this so bad, but it just really missed the mark for me.
1/5 stars
I promised an honest review so here it is: this book was a drag. I was SO excited to receive an early copy as it seemed right up my alley: two elderly individuals strike up a friendship that might become more through the joy of board games. However, this doesn’t work when the plot is 90% Scrabble talk. I understand that it is an important factor to the story, but by the halfway mark, I felt like the only thing we knew about the characters was their Scrabble ability, aside from a few remarks about their past.
Additionally, and this is a personal issue, I found Walter incredibly whiny and overbearing. While I typically love elderly men as main characters (see my 5 star reviews of A Man Called Ove and The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife), Walter’s POV was so off-putting and exhausting to read. I wanted to like this so bad, but it just really missed the mark for me.
1/5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Beautiful story
I really enjoyed this book, I am younger than Sally and Walter, but so much of their story and the Golden Grove community was familiar to me based on my Dad’s experiences at a similar place. Like Sally and Walter, he found love again at the facility, but unfortunately his story didn’t end as well.
The author knows her subject and researched it well, both the scrabble part and the facility itself. I didn’t know much about scrabble so I found this book interesting, and I was very invested in Sally, Walter, their children and the other residents at Golden Grove.
If you have been a caregiver for an older person, enjoyed playing board games or are interested in just reading a good book, this is for you.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book, I am younger than Sally and Walter, but so much of their story and the Golden Grove community was familiar to me based on my Dad’s experiences at a similar place. Like Sally and Walter, he found love again at the facility, but unfortunately his story didn’t end as well.
The author knows her subject and researched it well, both the scrabble part and the facility itself. I didn’t know much about scrabble so I found this book interesting, and I was very invested in Sally, Walter, their children and the other residents at Golden Grove.
If you have been a caregiver for an older person, enjoyed playing board games or are interested in just reading a good book, this is for you.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
November 29, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley & the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
So I liked the originality of the plot, but a few things didn't work for me. For one, the pacing. It definitely dragged in parts and I think more could have been done with the relationship and the final tournament to fill in those gaps. Also, the chemistry really needed some work. I wish we could have seen the great banter that's in the last few pages, throughout the entire book. I didn't feel the spark or energy before that, and for so long it felt one sided. The overall theme of "repressed feelings" and inability to express feelings got a little old and repetitive.
Overall, a cute read and a must for Scrabble lovers.
3.5 stars
So I liked the originality of the plot, but a few things didn't work for me. For one, the pacing. It definitely dragged in parts and I think more could have been done with the relationship and the final tournament to fill in those gaps. Also, the chemistry really needed some work. I wish we could have seen the great banter that's in the last few pages, throughout the entire book. I didn't feel the spark or energy before that, and for so long it felt one sided. The overall theme of "repressed feelings" and inability to express feelings got a little old and repetitive.
Overall, a cute read and a must for Scrabble lovers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a really cute read. I loved that the characters were older, living in a place for seniors who want independent living. I enjoyed that they rediscovered things about themselves, and opened up to one another about their past, present and future. I enjoyed the honesty between them and the emotions could be felt throughout the pages. I loved the connection to Scrabble, however I think that at times it was overdone. I wanted more interaction between the two and less details about the game. At times the book moved too slowly for me, but other parts I could not put down. Overall, I enjoyed reading about the life of Walter and Sally and how no matter the age or stage in life, making connections is incredibly important. Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.
September 18, 2025
This was a delightful and heartwarming story about Walter and Sally who meet at a retirement home. Their friendship begins over him teaching her the game of Scrabble and slowly grows into something deeper. Despite the challenges of health problems and family struggles, the story shows how love and companionship can still bloom later in life. A sweet and touching read. The scrabble element made for a clever and fun angle.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are strictly my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are strictly my own.
November 23, 2025
The latest book from Cammie McGovern breaks significantly new ground, as it is set in a retirement home and features older adults (her previous books were mostly YA or mysteries). A very touching romance develops between the two main characters arising from the unlikely source of their common passion for Scrabble. We learn the backstories of these characters and others through their interactions in playing this game. The alternation between the voices of these characters, characteristic of McGovern's other novels, quickly draws the reader in and engages throughout. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book had what I enjoy reading about. Elderly main characters with a lot of life in them. Unfortunately, I could have done with 50% less of the Scrabble writing. I don't know if it was used as filler to make a certain page count, but I found it made the story drag. Were we supposed to like Walter? I didn't. I've read several other books with elderly curmudgeon characters that I wound up loving by the end. But not this one. I would recommend this book if you love to play Scrabble. Otherwise, pass on it.
August 26, 2025
This was a good book. It did get a little bogged down in all the Scrabble words at first. As I kept reading it became more about parenting, mistakes made in marriages, living with health issues, and finding romantic love later in life. I really enjoyed it!
September 17, 2025
Fabulous story, and excellent character development.
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