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The Last Card
Is it ever too late for a second chance of love?Seventy-five years have passed since Lily Nancarrow lost her heart to the handsome American officer stationed in Cornwall during the Allied preparations for D Day. Long since retired to the fishing village where they fell in love a lifetime before, Lily is content with her life and at peace with the choices she has made - until a long-lost Christmas card arrives in the post…
Full of haunting nostalgia, The Last Card is a heart-warming novella of family secrets and lost love, with a poignant ending that will linger in the reader’s mind, set against a backdrop of the stunning Cornish landscape.
Ruth Saberton is a Winston Graham Prize for Fiction shortlisted author and an Amazon bestseller.
“One of my books of the year.” Being Anne
Amazon Reviews about Ruth Saberton’s books
“Will touch your soul and break your heart”
“Brilliant and inspired”
“Timeless”
“A true page turner”
“stunning landscape of Cornwall”
“Beautifully written”
Full of haunting nostalgia, The Last Card is a heart-warming novella of family secrets and lost love, with a poignant ending that will linger in the reader’s mind, set against a backdrop of the stunning Cornish landscape.
Ruth Saberton is a Winston Graham Prize for Fiction shortlisted author and an Amazon bestseller.
“One of my books of the year.” Being Anne
Amazon Reviews about Ruth Saberton’s books
“Will touch your soul and break your heart”
“Brilliant and inspired”
“Timeless”
“A true page turner”
“stunning landscape of Cornwall”
“Beautifully written”
97 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2019
257 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Saberton
47 books351 followersRuth Saberton is a bestselling British author with over 25 books written under her own and pen names. Her books feature romance and secrets and are set in beautiful Cornwall.
Her latest book THE LETTER is available now!
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruth-Saberto...
Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Ruth loves to to talk to her readers. Interact with her on her website www.ruthsaberton.com on Twitter @ruthsaberton
www.facebook.com/ruthsabertonauthor
Her latest book THE LETTER is available now!
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruth-Saberto...
Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Ruth loves to to talk to her readers. Interact with her on her website www.ruthsaberton.com on Twitter @ruthsaberton
www.facebook.com/ruthsabertonauthor
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 29, 2019
This is a recently released novella and my word, why isn't there more hype for it? The story and writing was simply beautiful. My heart broke, then mended, tears nearly fell... you get the picture. Set in lovely Cornwall, a girl called Lily falls in love with an American soldier. He then goes missing in action and for 75 years, no-one really knows what happened to him. Until a festive postcard from WW2 arrives on the now elderly Lily's doorstep. Really quick read, also available on KU (Kindle Unlimited) and one of the better novellas I've read this year. It is set both in present day and during WW2 with an interesting array of characters. Please pick this up!
August 31, 2020
The last card
This was an ok read, although not out of the ordinary except for the fact that they were both in their nineties which made it almost extraordinary, especially traveling from America to England. Would have been nice if they’d met at the church and attended the Christmas Eve service. It is indeed an extraordinary feat fir a woman in her nineties to cook up a storm and fill freezers with find. I love fiction but I feel this was a little unbelievable because of time frames and ages. Again some editing mistakes. But for many this will be a heartwarming story
This was an ok read, although not out of the ordinary except for the fact that they were both in their nineties which made it almost extraordinary, especially traveling from America to England. Would have been nice if they’d met at the church and attended the Christmas Eve service. It is indeed an extraordinary feat fir a woman in her nineties to cook up a storm and fill freezers with find. I love fiction but I feel this was a little unbelievable because of time frames and ages. Again some editing mistakes. But for many this will be a heartwarming story
February 16, 2023
This was a lovely little short story, which was well written and very sweet and heartfelt in places.
I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
December 27, 2020
The Last Card by Ruth Saberton
Warning this is a real tear jerker so make sure you have hankies at the ready.
Grandma Lily (known affectionately as Grilly) finds a Christmas card from the 1940s and proceeds to tell her grandaughter Ellen about the time she fell in love with an American serviceman during the war.
I'm not generally keen on period fiction, but The Last Card was so interesting and informative of what people had to endure back then. It had me captivated and moved to tears pretty much all the way through. Set in Cornwall at Christmas, there's plenty of description and Cornish history to picture how the village was now and during the war.
This story is incredibly romantic and heartbreaking and made me think of those who've left us. Parts of the story were in current day and had me picturing my own nan making Christmas puddings right into her senior years. Make sure you find out stories from your elderly family before it's too late, it's so easy to forget they had a life before they got old.
Highly recommended even though it made me cry ... a lot!
Warning this is a real tear jerker so make sure you have hankies at the ready.
Grandma Lily (known affectionately as Grilly) finds a Christmas card from the 1940s and proceeds to tell her grandaughter Ellen about the time she fell in love with an American serviceman during the war.
I'm not generally keen on period fiction, but The Last Card was so interesting and informative of what people had to endure back then. It had me captivated and moved to tears pretty much all the way through. Set in Cornwall at Christmas, there's plenty of description and Cornish history to picture how the village was now and during the war.
This story is incredibly romantic and heartbreaking and made me think of those who've left us. Parts of the story were in current day and had me picturing my own nan making Christmas puddings right into her senior years. Make sure you find out stories from your elderly family before it's too late, it's so easy to forget they had a life before they got old.
Highly recommended even though it made me cry ... a lot!
November 9, 2020
A little laboured in places, padding and comment but overall a gentle and moving read. Lovely to meet up again with Jay the Medic from another of her books and it brought hope for the future after 70 years of wondering and memories. A good short read. Pity about the editing errors which jar a little in places.
July 6, 2020
Full of haunting nostalgia, this is a heart warming novella of family secrets and lost love,set against a backdrop of the stunning Cornish landscape. It has been 75 years since Lily Nancarrow lost her heart to American GI, Casey McCabe, who was stationed in Cornwall during the Allied preparations for D-Day. She's long since retired to the fishing village of Pencallyn where they fell in love a lifetime before, and Lily is content with her life and at peace with the choices she has made-until a long lost Christmas card dating back from December 1st 1946 arrives in the post. In December 1943, Lily Nancarrow is living with her Rector father, Reverend Maxwell Nancarrow and her mother Rose. Her father is strict and doesn't like Lily attending dance halls filled with American soldiers, as he wants her to set a good, moral example, and the family has been grieving since Lily's brother, Harry, was KIA. Lily craves excitement in life and wants to be more than just the good rector's daughter who helps out at church. She also looks after young evacuees and takes care of her depressed mother. One day, Lily attends a children's party, and on the way meets Lieutenant Casey McCabe by accident, when he helps her out after she suddenly falls. Since that incident, Lily and Casey fall in love and spend time together, until Casey gets redeployed for the D-Day landings and Lily never hears from him again, so she presumed him dead. Heartbroken with grief, and compounded by her father's untimely death after the war, she and her mother move to London, and Lily eventually meets Edward, and even though they were happily married for decades, she never forgets Casey. Now, when an elderly Lily reads the Christmas card, she's shocked to learn that Casey was alive all along and she despairs of all the intervening years and his war's sufferings that separated them. Can they ever go back to the way they once were? Is it ever too late for a second chance at love? Meanwhile in the present day, Lily's granddaughter, Ellen, is a divorced schoolteacher reassessing her life whilst helping her grandmother out, and learns about the power of everlasting love.
June 18, 2020
This novella is so wonderful! Especially if you have read ‘The Promise’, you will love this story. It was lovely to see characters who you have met in passing in ‘The Promise’ reappear briefly with this story.
This story is so deliciously perfect, in a way that ‘The Letter’ could sadly never be. Even if you have never read one of Ruth’s stories before or unfamiliar with ‘The Letter’ or ‘The Promise’ this novella will stand alone on it’s own too. Here’s to new beginnings.
Casey Macabe writes for the very last time to his beloved Lily Nancarrow. Stationed at Pencallyn during the second world war, this North Carolina native swears only just about thawed out from the cold, damp Cornish winter. It had been years since they last saw each other and no matter how many times he wrote, Lily never responded. So this time really was the last time he would write to her.
Seventy years on Casey Macabe's Christmas Card arrives at The Rectory much to the shock and surprise of Lily who now in her nineties can't quite believe what she's seeing. For more than seventy years she'd believed that her love Casey had died during the second world war and now she was trying to wrap her head around the fact that he had survived.
It is all too late to make amends or could there be just a little Christmas magic left inside the card?
This story is so deliciously perfect, in a way that ‘The Letter’ could sadly never be. Even if you have never read one of Ruth’s stories before or unfamiliar with ‘The Letter’ or ‘The Promise’ this novella will stand alone on it’s own too. Here’s to new beginnings.
Casey Macabe writes for the very last time to his beloved Lily Nancarrow. Stationed at Pencallyn during the second world war, this North Carolina native swears only just about thawed out from the cold, damp Cornish winter. It had been years since they last saw each other and no matter how many times he wrote, Lily never responded. So this time really was the last time he would write to her.
Seventy years on Casey Macabe's Christmas Card arrives at The Rectory much to the shock and surprise of Lily who now in her nineties can't quite believe what she's seeing. For more than seventy years she'd believed that her love Casey had died during the second world war and now she was trying to wrap her head around the fact that he had survived.
It is all too late to make amends or could there be just a little Christmas magic left inside the card?
March 30, 2021
A Rare Love Story
This story is a rare find. While romance novels are it really my preferred genre, I loved this story. The writing was so descriptive, and the feelings between the two main characters so palpable, the reader becomes lost in this world of love and war. Based in a backdrop of real WWII stories of coup!we who loved and then lost each other, this is a story of loss but then of renewed hope. There is some adult language, and toward the last quarter of the book, it needs a bit of editing, but overall a read that should not be missed!
This story is a rare find. While romance novels are it really my preferred genre, I loved this story. The writing was so descriptive, and the feelings between the two main characters so palpable, the reader becomes lost in this world of love and war. Based in a backdrop of real WWII stories of coup!we who loved and then lost each other, this is a story of loss but then of renewed hope. There is some adult language, and toward the last quarter of the book, it needs a bit of editing, but overall a read that should not be missed!
December 9, 2019
Beautiful
Maybe it is because I am so old I can feel all the emotions in this book. The tears streamed down my face thinking about these two lovely people and all that had happened in their lives and then the wonderful grandchildren, it all felt so real. Ruth Saberton has done it again - she puts so much love and feeling into her books they are a joy to read, even though I often need a box of tissues next to me
Maybe it is because I am so old I can feel all the emotions in this book. The tears streamed down my face thinking about these two lovely people and all that had happened in their lives and then the wonderful grandchildren, it all felt so real. Ruth Saberton has done it again - she puts so much love and feeling into her books they are a joy to read, even though I often need a box of tissues next to me
January 12, 2020
Love that lasted a lifetime.
What an emotional read, the best romance I have ever read. The book grips you from the very beginning with that beautiful letter that was finally delivered seventy years late! Casey and Lily were such lovely people who like so many separated by D day and then the Atlantic. It was great to meet up with Jay the medic from a previous book. I feel as if I know the area so well.
What an emotional read, the best romance I have ever read. The book grips you from the very beginning with that beautiful letter that was finally delivered seventy years late! Casey and Lily were such lovely people who like so many separated by D day and then the Atlantic. It was great to meet up with Jay the medic from a previous book. I feel as if I know the area so well.
June 14, 2021
Beautifully tragic, but surprisingly uplifting story. I so wished that Lily and Casey hadn’t spend seven decades apart. I truly felt for them. Their agony about missed chances and a lifetime apart was heartbreaking and I was teary-eyed on more than one occasion. Almost glad that this was only a novella. I think I couldn’t have endured any more. My heart was aching.
Definitely one of Ruth Saberton’s finer works.
Definitely one of Ruth Saberton’s finer works.
February 2, 2020
Love never dies
What a beautiful story. Life doesn't always turn out how one thinks it will be. A love beginning in the time of WWII, circumstances prevent their dream from being fulfilled. Then moving to present day Lil and Casey reunite. A love that surpassed 70+ years. True love knows no time frame. Thanks to the Writer for a wonderful story.
What a beautiful story. Life doesn't always turn out how one thinks it will be. A love beginning in the time of WWII, circumstances prevent their dream from being fulfilled. Then moving to present day Lil and Casey reunite. A love that surpassed 70+ years. True love knows no time frame. Thanks to the Writer for a wonderful story.
April 10, 2020
Lily and Casey met and fell in love in Cornwall prior to the D Day invasion. Through a series of events the couple lost touch with one another only to be reunited seventy-five years later.
A beautiful enduring love story which is representative of many true such stories.
Ruth Saberton has written a haunting war time love story.
A beautiful enduring love story which is representative of many true such stories.
Ruth Saberton has written a haunting war time love story.
June 1, 2020
The Last Card
Another beautiful book Ruth. I loved it and as usual your descriptive prose is so enchanting. The strength of the characters makes you feel as if you can identify with them. Marvellous. I’m looking forward to the next one of your books. It seems I’ve become addicted.
Another beautiful book Ruth. I loved it and as usual your descriptive prose is so enchanting. The strength of the characters makes you feel as if you can identify with them. Marvellous. I’m looking forward to the next one of your books. It seems I’ve become addicted.
January 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. I had feelings for both the hero and the heroine. It brought to life the horrors of World War II and revealed a lot of what the participants went through and felt. I would recommend this read to anyone who likes a good romance. I adore Ruth Saberton.
February 8, 2021
Perfect book
How lovely to read that this book was loosely based upon a true story.
Though so very sad how selfish loved ones can be denying true love
And how love can last an eternity with a true soul mate.
I beautifully written story full of hope love and sadness
Read in 2 sittings, Ruth is truly a magical writer.
How lovely to read that this book was loosely based upon a true story.
Though so very sad how selfish loved ones can be denying true love
And how love can last an eternity with a true soul mate.
I beautifully written story full of hope love and sadness
Read in 2 sittings, Ruth is truly a magical writer.
June 6, 2021
5 stars
I have been reading these books centered during world war two and have found the stories fascinating. The author captures the imagination of the reader and seems to transport you into the story. She weaves spell binding stories that are heartbreak at times and then joyful. Very well written. First rate editing job also.
I have been reading these books centered during world war two and have found the stories fascinating. The author captures the imagination of the reader and seems to transport you into the story. She weaves spell binding stories that are heartbreak at times and then joyful. Very well written. First rate editing job also.
November 30, 2022
excellent
I love the way Ruth describes the world the story is in and the feelings of the people involved. Such a romantic read. I recommend it to all readers who enjoy the war years time and also love the CORNWALL connection. My best friend lived in and around Fowey for years and it is a beautiful place
I love the way Ruth describes the world the story is in and the feelings of the people involved. Such a romantic read. I recommend it to all readers who enjoy the war years time and also love the CORNWALL connection. My best friend lived in and around Fowey for years and it is a beautiful place
December 8, 2019
Romance
A wonderful story, heartbreaking in its way but one which had a happy ending. How often this kind of thing happen in reality....how often the tale ended badly. A wet, windy Sunday afternoon read in the run up to Christmas.
A wonderful story, heartbreaking in its way but one which had a happy ending. How often this kind of thing happen in reality....how often the tale ended badly. A wet, windy Sunday afternoon read in the run up to Christmas.
December 30, 2019
Best book I have read in a long time!
What an incredible story. It was very well told and I could feel the amazing love of these two people. I look forward to reading more by this author.
What an incredible story. It was very well told and I could feel the amazing love of these two people. I look forward to reading more by this author.
October 1, 2020
Excellent book
I enjoyed reading this lovely story lots of information about
World war 2 and how young girls met American servicemen
I enjoyed reading this lovely story lots of information about
World war 2 and how young girls met American servicemen
November 25, 2020
Nice novella. War time love story between English Lily and American Casey. Sad in parts but with a happy ending.
December 3, 2020
Waterproof mascara and a box of tissues again
What a lovely story, I felt I was there with Lily and Casey, and how wicked of who ever hid his letters.
What a lovely story, I felt I was there with Lily and Casey, and how wicked of who ever hid his letters.
December 28, 2020
A different take on wartime romance. I really enjoyed it!
April 13, 2025
What a delightful story. I’ve read several of Ruth Saberton’s novels, and this one might be my favorite.
Have your tissues handy, you’re going to need them.
Have your tissues handy, you’re going to need them.
July 13, 2025
A wonderful story
Such a brilliant story and so beautifully told. I have enjoyed all Ruth Saberton’s books. She has a way of bringing the characters to life
Such a brilliant story and so beautifully told. I have enjoyed all Ruth Saberton’s books. She has a way of bringing the characters to life
Want to read
January 5, 2020Wonderful and touching story!! I definitely want to read more by this author!!
July 7, 2020
Nostalgic read
A story to pull at your heartstrings. Yet again Ruth Saberton draws the reader back to Cornwall during the war. A wonderful read.
A story to pull at your heartstrings. Yet again Ruth Saberton draws the reader back to Cornwall during the war. A wonderful read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews