When life is sweet, we have the most to lose. Wren Paisley is an award-winning poet and novelist and she is about to marry Lucy, the love of her life. Lucy is a respected art dealer who travels the country for her business. Wherever she goes, she takes a coaster back for Wren: a memento to share the trips when they were apart. Together they have built the perfect life enjoying the literati lifestyle of New York City.
Everything changes when Lucy is killed in a tragic car accident that doesn’t seem to make sense. Wren survives but her life can never be the same. The physical injuries will heal over time but the grief at losing the love of her life is paralysing. Unable to write, unable to think and hounded by reporters entranced by the sad tale of true love shattered, Wren takes off on a road trip across America. She visits every hotel and bar Lucy had brought home a coaster from until she arrives at Everston, Colorado.
Everston is a small town. Wren gradually settles into life there, even joining the local grief support group run by the personable Henry. Life has been a struggle for Henry after his twin brother died. He finds purpose in his work as a librarian and by organising the grief support group and the poetry evening. There’s no forgetting Lucy and the life they had together, but hope arrives in the person of Olivia.
The Last Poem is a very well-written novel which explores the shape, texture and meaning of grief. Peppernell’s characters are rich and their stories are unique and engaging. There are several storylines that weave gently through the seasons of Colorado. We survive hardship by sharing the burden with people we love. This is the sort of novel you want to share with the people you love.
Book review by Susan Gorgioski
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ABOUT THE AUTHORCourtney Peppernell is an internationally best-selling author from Australia, known for her deeply moving poetry and storytelling. Her beloved ‘Pillow Thoughts’ series, along with Watering the Soul, I Hope You Stay, Time Will Tell, and more, have resonated with readers around the world, selling millions of copies and being translated into multiple languages.
Blending themes of love, healing, and self-discovery, Courtney’s work has made a lasting impact in the poetry and contemporary literature space. She lives on the South Coast of NSW with her partner and spends her days writing and working on many projects, always accompanied by her beloved dogs and chickens.
Passionate about the power of storytelling, she hopes to continue creating work that fosters connection and healing for years to come.
Courtney’s debut fiction novel The Last Poem was released in March 2026.
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