What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last Letters of Sally and Walter
With 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, ebook
First published January 27, 2026
About the author
Cammie McGovern
15 books672 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
November 27, 2025
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
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.
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.
April 7, 2026
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!
NOW AVAILABLE!
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!
NOW AVAILABLE!
Thank You to Sourcebooks Landmark for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Sally Reynolds has just moved into Golden Grove, an independent living home for seniors, and she’s in her early seventies. Sally discovers the facility has a wide range of residents, activities and groups.
Sally comes across a flyer for the Scrabble Club, she arrives at the library at the designated time and there's only one other person present Walter Kretzer, who’s not a fan of small talk and is a stickler for following the rules.
Sally stays and Walter reintroduces her to scrabble, as a former teacher and a wordsmith, she’s good and they both enjoy the games they play. Walter is a member of National Scrabble Players Association, he no longer takes part in tournaments due to social anxiety and he thinks Sally should.
When Walter discovers the truth about Sally's reasons for moving to Golden Grove, he’s worried, he sees her as much more than a friend and opponent, is he being silly and what would their adult children Gavin, Rachel and Andrew, think and they have their own issues.
I received a copy of The Last Letters of Sally and Walter from Edelweiss Plus and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. I discovered author Cammie McGovern likes to writes books that include characters with a disability and I’m glad she does this and it’s inclusive.
While age is not classed as one, many older people feel misunderstood, ignored, waiting for the finale, this narrative makes you think about how it's a new chapter and stage in life, yes many have medical problems, and the importance of having an interest or hobby, keeping their bodies and minds active, and despite past relationships they might even find love again.
I had no idea how competitive scrabble is, I adored Sally and Walter and this a heart-warming and tender story and perfect choice for those who enjoyed Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand and five stars from me.
Sally comes across a flyer for the Scrabble Club, she arrives at the library at the designated time and there's only one other person present Walter Kretzer, who’s not a fan of small talk and is a stickler for following the rules.
Sally stays and Walter reintroduces her to scrabble, as a former teacher and a wordsmith, she’s good and they both enjoy the games they play. Walter is a member of National Scrabble Players Association, he no longer takes part in tournaments due to social anxiety and he thinks Sally should.
When Walter discovers the truth about Sally's reasons for moving to Golden Grove, he’s worried, he sees her as much more than a friend and opponent, is he being silly and what would their adult children Gavin, Rachel and Andrew, think and they have their own issues.
I received a copy of The Last Letters of Sally and Walter from Edelweiss Plus and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. I discovered author Cammie McGovern likes to writes books that include characters with a disability and I’m glad she does this and it’s inclusive.
While age is not classed as one, many older people feel misunderstood, ignored, waiting for the finale, this narrative makes you think about how it's a new chapter and stage in life, yes many have medical problems, and the importance of having an interest or hobby, keeping their bodies and minds active, and despite past relationships they might even find love again.
I had no idea how competitive scrabble is, I adored Sally and Walter and this a heart-warming and tender story and perfect choice for those who enjoyed Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand and five stars from me.
June 25, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
This was a delight. This book was picked for our June bookclub (being held tonight) and I just finished it. I had not heard of this book before; but I am always searching for a new author.
This was the perfect “feel good” book. We meet Sally and Walter who live in a retirement community, Golden Groves, and bond over the game of Scrabble. I mean who doesn’t love a good game of Scrabble? (My husband….🤣)
As they play and compete together, they open up about their failures…. In marriage and raising kids. And more importantly, their health and futures. There were many good quotes about raising children. In the end, all you want is for your kids to be happy.
This was a bit nerdy with all the scrabble references but so enjoyable and the bonus is I learnt a lot of new words. 🤓 Never give up on learning and trying something new, the key to aging gracefully.
This was a delight. This book was picked for our June bookclub (being held tonight) and I just finished it. I had not heard of this book before; but I am always searching for a new author.
This was the perfect “feel good” book. We meet Sally and Walter who live in a retirement community, Golden Groves, and bond over the game of Scrabble. I mean who doesn’t love a good game of Scrabble? (My husband….🤣)
As they play and compete together, they open up about their failures…. In marriage and raising kids. And more importantly, their health and futures. There were many good quotes about raising children. In the end, all you want is for your kids to be happy.
This was a bit nerdy with all the scrabble references but so enjoyable and the bonus is I learnt a lot of new words. 🤓 Never give up on learning and trying something new, the key to aging gracefully.
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.
April 9, 2026
I just finished The Last Letters of Sally and Walter by Cammie McGovern, and I have a mix of appreciation and hesitation about it.
The story follows two people in assisted living—Sally, who is living with a serious illness, and Walter, who becomes her unexpected connection through a school assignment involving letter writing. As their correspondence grows, so does their bond, unfolding into a thoughtful and emotional exploration of friendship, mortality, and the ways people reach each other when life feels uncertain. Along the way, the book weaves in the world of competitive Scrabble, which becomes an important and surprisingly engaging part of the story.
That competitive Scrabble element was honestly one of my favorite parts. It added such a unique and interesting layer, and I loved getting a glimpse into that world—it made the book feel fresh and gave the characters something meaningful to connect over. It’s not something you see often in fiction, and it really worked for me.
McGovern’s writing is gentle and reflective, and she handles difficult themes with care and sensitivity. The characters feel real in their struggles, and their relationship develops in a way that feels authentic rather than rushed. There are some genuinely touching moments that stayed with me after I finished.
That said, this book leans heavily into sadness. While I understand that it fits the subject matter, it was a bit more emotionally heavy than I personally enjoy. I found myself wishing for a little more balance—some lighter or hopeful moments to break up the weight of the story. Because of that, it didn’t fully resonate with me as much as I’d hoped.
Overall, it’s a meaningful, well-written novel with a unique premise and setting, especially if you enjoy character-driven stories and don’t mind an emotional read. Just be prepared—it definitely tugs at the heartstrings.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story follows two people in assisted living—Sally, who is living with a serious illness, and Walter, who becomes her unexpected connection through a school assignment involving letter writing. As their correspondence grows, so does their bond, unfolding into a thoughtful and emotional exploration of friendship, mortality, and the ways people reach each other when life feels uncertain. Along the way, the book weaves in the world of competitive Scrabble, which becomes an important and surprisingly engaging part of the story.
That competitive Scrabble element was honestly one of my favorite parts. It added such a unique and interesting layer, and I loved getting a glimpse into that world—it made the book feel fresh and gave the characters something meaningful to connect over. It’s not something you see often in fiction, and it really worked for me.
McGovern’s writing is gentle and reflective, and she handles difficult themes with care and sensitivity. The characters feel real in their struggles, and their relationship develops in a way that feels authentic rather than rushed. There are some genuinely touching moments that stayed with me after I finished.
That said, this book leans heavily into sadness. While I understand that it fits the subject matter, it was a bit more emotionally heavy than I personally enjoy. I found myself wishing for a little more balance—some lighter or hopeful moments to break up the weight of the story. Because of that, it didn’t fully resonate with me as much as I’d hoped.
Overall, it’s a meaningful, well-written novel with a unique premise and setting, especially if you enjoy character-driven stories and don’t mind an emotional read. Just be prepared—it definitely tugs at the heartstrings.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 25, 2026
4.5 stars.
This late in life second chances romance is heartwarming, Full of humor, warmth, and lots of scrabble talk, while dealing with some weightier issues, such as parental guilt, regret over marital choices, sadness about relationships with one's child(ren), as well as considerations about failing health.
Sally moves into Golden Grove, an independent living community, and slowly learns the rules of the community, while making friends. An impulse decision to check out the Scrabble Club has her make the acquaintance of Walter, an "intense" scrabble player, and loner at the community.
After playing well against him (Sally's many years dormant competitive spirit is awakened), he convinces her to train and enter into a scrabble tournament. They spend a lot of time playing games, and she learns a lot about how to score big points. But the two also begin connecting, sharing aspects of their pre-Golden Grove lives, with Walter finding it easy to talk to Sally, and she, who always felt it was better not to be open about hard topics, is surprised by his willingness to share.
Attending her first tournament is an eye opener for Sally, but it's also a shock to her physically, and her health takes a turn for the worse. Walter, meanwhile, has a poor experience with a young, cheating player, and is disillusioned about the intent of the competitions.
Sally's and Walter's lives are totally changed over the course of the novel, with each discovering how much they have come to care for each other, and how their opening up to each other helps them confront with their fractured and painful relationships with their own children. Intriguingly, Sally's interest in Scrabble also helps her bond with her son, and he in turn finds his life changed by the game and competing, while Walter's son and he finally begin to actually understand one another.
It's a lovely story, and it's wonderful the way Scrabble bonds Sally and Walter, but also helps both forge meaningful connections with their families. The story is warm, and so, so hopeful.
This late in life second chances romance is heartwarming, Full of humor, warmth, and lots of scrabble talk, while dealing with some weightier issues, such as parental guilt, regret over marital choices, sadness about relationships with one's child(ren), as well as considerations about failing health.
Sally moves into Golden Grove, an independent living community, and slowly learns the rules of the community, while making friends. An impulse decision to check out the Scrabble Club has her make the acquaintance of Walter, an "intense" scrabble player, and loner at the community.
After playing well against him (Sally's many years dormant competitive spirit is awakened), he convinces her to train and enter into a scrabble tournament. They spend a lot of time playing games, and she learns a lot about how to score big points. But the two also begin connecting, sharing aspects of their pre-Golden Grove lives, with Walter finding it easy to talk to Sally, and she, who always felt it was better not to be open about hard topics, is surprised by his willingness to share.
Attending her first tournament is an eye opener for Sally, but it's also a shock to her physically, and her health takes a turn for the worse. Walter, meanwhile, has a poor experience with a young, cheating player, and is disillusioned about the intent of the competitions.
Sally's and Walter's lives are totally changed over the course of the novel, with each discovering how much they have come to care for each other, and how their opening up to each other helps them confront with their fractured and painful relationships with their own children. Intriguingly, Sally's interest in Scrabble also helps her bond with her son, and he in turn finds his life changed by the game and competing, while Walter's son and he finally begin to actually understand one another.
It's a lovely story, and it's wonderful the way Scrabble bonds Sally and Walter, but also helps both forge meaningful connections with their families. The story is warm, and so, so hopeful.
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!
Did Not Finish
May 1, 2026This was a book club pick and I was very wary about it from the time they read the description at our previous meeting. I ultimately didn't finish--I didn't think that the content around life regrets was really good for me as I helped to plan my mom's memorial. But I did appreciate that the book wasn't afraid to present both protagonists as flawed parents. And I genuinely liked the scrabble!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
[3.5☆]
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 & 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿 is a novel filled with second chances, family struggles, and Scrabble.
I am a sucker for the elderly characters, and Sally & Walter checked that box. The friendship that bloomed between them was endearing. I enjoyed the way they opened up about their past struggles to one another which in turn helped them to start navigating their present life for the better. It was also heartwarming to watch them take a chance and welcome new beginnings in their golden years in spite of the constant hurdles that popped up for them.
I'll be honest, though: this wasn't what I was anticipating from the premise, and maybe that's on me. I love stories with elderly characters and had high hopes, but this was just lacking a certain charisma and charm. There was a lot of heavy familial and health issues and not much to lighten the load. I wanted some competitive witty banter over the Scrabble board but instead got more of a Scrabble gameplay tutorial that bogged down the story a bit. I couldn't help but wonder if maybe Sally & Walter could check out another club to liven things up a smidge... perhaps there was one that met on Thursdays... and solved murders or something... I don't know.
Anyways! Overall, it's a good read, but maybe temper your expectations before going into it. And listen, don't namedrop TMC in the marketing if you don't intend to deliver to the fullest to me. If you need me, I'll still be spending my planned retirement at Cooper's Chase over Golden Grove.
✨ Thank you Landmark & Net Galley for the DRC!
[𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 4•7•2026]
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 & 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿 is a novel filled with second chances, family struggles, and Scrabble.
I am a sucker for the elderly characters, and Sally & Walter checked that box. The friendship that bloomed between them was endearing. I enjoyed the way they opened up about their past struggles to one another which in turn helped them to start navigating their present life for the better. It was also heartwarming to watch them take a chance and welcome new beginnings in their golden years in spite of the constant hurdles that popped up for them.
I'll be honest, though: this wasn't what I was anticipating from the premise, and maybe that's on me. I love stories with elderly characters and had high hopes, but this was just lacking a certain charisma and charm. There was a lot of heavy familial and health issues and not much to lighten the load. I wanted some competitive witty banter over the Scrabble board but instead got more of a Scrabble gameplay tutorial that bogged down the story a bit. I couldn't help but wonder if maybe Sally & Walter could check out another club to liven things up a smidge... perhaps there was one that met on Thursdays... and solved murders or something... I don't know.
Anyways! Overall, it's a good read, but maybe temper your expectations before going into it. And listen, don't namedrop TMC in the marketing if you don't intend to deliver to the fullest to me. If you need me, I'll still be spending my planned retirement at Cooper's Chase over Golden Grove.
✨ Thank you Landmark & Net Galley for the DRC!
[𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 4•7•2026]
September 17, 2025
This story has charm and Scrabble. Need I say more?
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.
June 8, 2025
A deeply moving book. I loved the deeply flawed and sympathetic realistic characters.
May 15, 2026
Maybe 3.5⭐️ . It was a good quick read! Quite enjoyable!
June 19, 2026
What a great book, especially if you are a Scrabble fan!
Read
February 27, 2026All my life try to write best letter
my last was all my road joint
crush at yr last lettter
yr heart was better
our suyrob fload there
at scrabble bord
at any club our soul meet
draw file of apple
hung our life at long tree
words fly around us as dove want to rest
we race our heart by words
by love by care by passion letter share
our pen write more at board of love
all the step to dungoan of letter was cool
we burn our heart at love coal
at golden dream we write our name
at best heart
love
my last was all my road joint
crush at yr last lettter
yr heart was better
our suyrob fload there
at scrabble bord
at any club our soul meet
draw file of apple
hung our life at long tree
words fly around us as dove want to rest
we race our heart by words
by love by care by passion letter share
our pen write more at board of love
all the step to dungoan of letter was cool
we burn our heart at love coal
at golden dream we write our name
at best heart
love
May 6, 2026
Despite the low ratings on Goodreads, I really loved this book. I loved that it centered around scrabble and wordplay and featured older protagonists. I don’t think they sugar coated the aging process and did a good job of making it seem realistic
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
June 11, 2026
On the surface, "The Last Letters Of Sally And Walter" is a book about two elderly adults who live in an independent living community who meet over a Scrabble board and discover a bond - with Scrabble, and with each other. Look deeper though, because you will discover a novel with hidden depths.
Walter is a widower with a curmudgeon like personality. He has one adult son with whom he has a very tenuous relationship. He loves playing Scrabble and even started a Scrabble Club within the Golden Grove community. At first it was popular, but then members dwindled away to nothing when they realized that Walter was VERY serious about the game and liked to strictly adhere to the rules.
Sally is a newcomer to Golden Grove. She has two adult children who are off living their own lives - not at all happily. Because of a recent diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, she thought she should be in a place with other people around for support. One day, shortly after she moves in, she encounters Walter in the common room. He is all alone, and sat before a Scrabble board. She agrees to play with him, though she knows little to nothing about the game. Quickly, they both realize that Sally is a bit of a Scrabble prodigy. With Walter's guidance, and many, many practise games, she actually enters a Scrabble tournament.
Meanwhile, Sally and Walter begin to have deep feelings for one another. However, life throws them an unwelcome curve ball when they both have serious medical issues. Both of them, take different emotional paths in dealing with their prospective illnesses.
They was a warm hug of a book! Yes, Sally and Walter found love at an advanced age, but they were such well rounded out characters that I was very sad to leave them when I turned the final page. Their rapport and honesty shone from each and every page. Nothing is sugar-coated and the indignities of aging is well described.
Yes, there was indeed lots of Scrabble talk within these pages, however the book was so steadily paced and expertly plotted that even people who are not fans of the game will no doubt enjoy it.
There were myriad themes running throughout the novel. Parental regret being foremost. Is there one parent in the world who doesn't think they made mistakes with their children? Who maybe feels guilty over how their actions affected their children and how those children cope with being adults?
A delightful novel that gives us all hope for second chances. it reeks of empathy. A quality that the world need more of...
Walter is a widower with a curmudgeon like personality. He has one adult son with whom he has a very tenuous relationship. He loves playing Scrabble and even started a Scrabble Club within the Golden Grove community. At first it was popular, but then members dwindled away to nothing when they realized that Walter was VERY serious about the game and liked to strictly adhere to the rules.
Sally is a newcomer to Golden Grove. She has two adult children who are off living their own lives - not at all happily. Because of a recent diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, she thought she should be in a place with other people around for support. One day, shortly after she moves in, she encounters Walter in the common room. He is all alone, and sat before a Scrabble board. She agrees to play with him, though she knows little to nothing about the game. Quickly, they both realize that Sally is a bit of a Scrabble prodigy. With Walter's guidance, and many, many practise games, she actually enters a Scrabble tournament.
Meanwhile, Sally and Walter begin to have deep feelings for one another. However, life throws them an unwelcome curve ball when they both have serious medical issues. Both of them, take different emotional paths in dealing with their prospective illnesses.
They was a warm hug of a book! Yes, Sally and Walter found love at an advanced age, but they were such well rounded out characters that I was very sad to leave them when I turned the final page. Their rapport and honesty shone from each and every page. Nothing is sugar-coated and the indignities of aging is well described.
Yes, there was indeed lots of Scrabble talk within these pages, however the book was so steadily paced and expertly plotted that even people who are not fans of the game will no doubt enjoy it.
There were myriad themes running throughout the novel. Parental regret being foremost. Is there one parent in the world who doesn't think they made mistakes with their children? Who maybe feels guilty over how their actions affected their children and how those children cope with being adults?
A delightful novel that gives us all hope for second chances. it reeks of empathy. A quality that the world need more of...
May 5, 2026
3⭐️
Was expecting a slow, cozy, maybe somewhat meandering (in a good way) book. I was originally unsure if I was enjoying the book and found the characters hard to root for, but ended up finding their reflections and perspectives on their pasts, their regrets, and how to navigate aging, a little cathartic, viewing their reflections through their eyes and how their insecurities color their world. This was a more reflective and emotionally heavier book than I expected but still had a nice lightness to it.
Was expecting a slow, cozy, maybe somewhat meandering (in a good way) book. I was originally unsure if I was enjoying the book and found the characters hard to root for, but ended up finding their reflections and perspectives on their pasts, their regrets, and how to navigate aging, a little cathartic, viewing their reflections through their eyes and how their insecurities color their world. This was a more reflective and emotionally heavier book than I expected but still had a nice lightness to it.
April 24, 2026
I wish I had not listened to the audiobook. The performance by Fred Sanders, the male narrator, certifies this as one of the three worst male narrations I have ever heard. A robot would have done a better job. The producer would have achieved a better product if the female narrator did all of it.
The story makes you consider life-changing disabilities that can affect people in their 70s, and how they should carry on with their lives.
The story makes you consider life-changing disabilities that can affect people in their 70s, and how they should carry on with their lives.
June 24, 2026
Coming to terms with your past to move forward. With Scrabble as a backdrop, two seniors reconnect with their grown children and find love with each other. Growing old is messy—physically and mentally—but there can still be passion.
May 17, 2026
There were a few elements I could have done without, but this book really moved me. As someone who deals with autoimmune disease and has recently had to face some downward progression of it, the themes of this book were very touching and real. I loved the idea that a person is not defined by their diagnosis and that even though those same diagnoses have to be faced and accepted, you can still be open to new possibilities and enjoy life. Another theme was the gift of having someone who loves you and knows who you are at the core, even when your body doesn’t operate the same way it used to. It made me love and appreciate my husband even more, since he has been the best example of loving me through thick and thin and in sickness that never quite goes away. This book was very touching.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews