The Last Camino

by Mackenzie Rhodes

One year after her husband’s death, Julie embarks on the 500-mile Camino de Santiago, a journey of pain, courage, friendship, and a life-changing surprise.


On the trail, Julie battles grueling climbs, injury, and her own doubts. But she also discovers unexpected pilgrims from around the world who walk beside her, share their stories, and remind her she isn't as alone as she thought.

What Julie doesn't know is that her late husband left behind one final surprise, a secret gift waiting for her at the end of the road.

Heartfelt, hopeful, and filled with the magic of the ancient path, The Last Camino is a story of second chances, the friendships that lift us, and of never knowing where life's journey will lead or end.

Genres: Fiction

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

Reviews

[Courtney Holcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story quite a lot 💜

[Esther Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK OF THE YEAR

I have very much enjoyed this book & almost didn’t pick this book up. My friend recently completed her Camino pilgrimage & that was what caught my attention. I love every aspect of this book that deeply touches your heart & reaches inside of you that only God can reach. Highly recommend!

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind Of A "Happily Ever After" Book

Although not a "bad" book, (if there even is such a thing) it simply felt too "orchestrated" to me.
It is a story about a woman, Julie Byrnes, her dying husband Daniel, adult daughter Nicole, dog Charlie and Julie and Daniel contemplating what Julie's life will be like after Daniel's passing which is imminent. One of Julie's pleasures has been walking, both short and long distances. Daniel had questioned if she might perhaps do another Camino walk through Spain as he remembered the peace and personal sense of growth it had brought her years ago. But she is unsure, understandably as she faces a tremendous loss of her husband. Then he passes...
She comes to the decision that perhaps a Camino would help her heal. She was told that Daniel had left her something in Spain that she wasn't to be told until she got to a certain city (from their home near Toronto, Canada) and met with this attorney Daniel had spoken to. Julie is intrigued. What could her husband have left her and why? Why did he not tell her? What if she didn't know him as well as she'd always thought? Well, the only way to know was to go, and so she did, with her daughter's blessing.
It is an okay but predictable story in some ways. Decently written but somehow a bit shallow for my taste.

[Jennifer Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Spiritual Journey.

This is a beautiful book. It combines the descriptions of the wonderful scenery with the spiritual journeys of those walking the Camino.
As the story progresses, we see the walkers meeting on the various routes of the Camino each on their own pilgrimage. We see the friendships unfold as they grow together while sharing the experiences of the Camino. They share spiritual growth through the communal life they share while walking their individual Camino. Life-long friendships are made.

[Miguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

One year after losing her husband, Daniel, Julie embarks on a pilgrimage known as the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain. Julie battles physical as well as emotional challenges as well as developing relationships with other pilgrimages. Before dying, Daniel has left her a surprise she will learn only after completing the Camino. This is a story of second chances and of overcoming physical and emotional challenges.

[Daina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A journey of contimplation and discovery

I liked the feeling of being real and honest. Life is messy, and we all have to figure out where we've been, where we are, and where we are going next. Also, the reminder that we need friends along the way.

[Lisa M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. I’ve read a few books about the Camino. Plenty of detail about different legs of the journey and the story behind it was warm and touching. I received this book in a drawing on Goodreads in return for a review.

[Kathy Cvetko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting & amazing about the Camino!

Hi, I loved learning about this walk and was inspired to, perhaps, check it out some day. Might do one of the shorter routes

[Debbie Trenker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read

Gives a lot of info about a subject I knew nothing about. Very real and believable. Truly enjoyed reading this

[James K. Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Camino is a journey for everyone

Very inspirational with characters that help tell the story and make the journey believable. Will never think of walking in the same way.

[Tasha ◡̎✌︎✈︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, one-sitting kind of read! I’ve been toying with the idea of walking the Camino Francés for a while, and after this book, I’m fairly convinced it’s no longer an if but a when.

[Carolyn Delong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

.I would recommend this book to my Pastor Karen who has walked this Camino. This story flows gently on this trail. Many interesting people interconnecting.

[Tess Ailshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read dozens of Camino and trail stories, and this is definitely among the best. Part travelog, part "now what" story, part healing, it glosses over some of the more challenging physical aspects of the Camino in favor of the growth. And to be honest, I don't know if it's autobiographical, fiction based on experience, or pure fiction, and I don't care.

The reported personal interactions of the Camino are highlighted in this story, and the clear idea that it takes a village - nay, a world - to make us whole is manifest.

I truly enjoyed reading this.