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Table of Contents
About The Book
She lost the love of her life. Then she found a town full of people learning how to live again.
Wren Paisley had everything she ever wanted: a successful career, a beautiful New York brownstone, and a future with the woman she loved.
Then, in an instant, everything changed.
After the tragic death of her fiancée, Lucy, Wren flees the life she once knew and finds herself in the small town of Everston, Colorado. She tells herself it's only temporary—a place to escape the grief, the memories, and the relentless attention that followed Lucy's death.
Instead, she finds a community.
When Wren discovers a grief support group that meets in the local library and shares a love of poetry, she reluctantly joins. There she meets a cast of unforgettable people, each carrying heartbreaks of their own: Henry, a librarian mourning his brother; Emerson, a young woman rebuilding her life after a devastating accident; and Olivia, a journalist who awakens feelings Wren never thought she'd experience again.
For the first time since losing Lucy, Wren begins to imagine a future she actually wants.
But grief doesn't disappear simply because you keep moving. And as old secrets and painful truths catch up with her, Wren must decide whether she's ready to let go of the life she lost and embrace the one waiting for her.
Heartbreaking, hopeful, and deeply uplifting, The Last Poem is a moving story about grief, friendship, healing, and discovering that even after unimaginable loss, life—and love—can find you again.
Wren Paisley had everything she ever wanted: a successful career, a beautiful New York brownstone, and a future with the woman she loved.
Then, in an instant, everything changed.
After the tragic death of her fiancée, Lucy, Wren flees the life she once knew and finds herself in the small town of Everston, Colorado. She tells herself it's only temporary—a place to escape the grief, the memories, and the relentless attention that followed Lucy's death.
Instead, she finds a community.
When Wren discovers a grief support group that meets in the local library and shares a love of poetry, she reluctantly joins. There she meets a cast of unforgettable people, each carrying heartbreaks of their own: Henry, a librarian mourning his brother; Emerson, a young woman rebuilding her life after a devastating accident; and Olivia, a journalist who awakens feelings Wren never thought she'd experience again.
For the first time since losing Lucy, Wren begins to imagine a future she actually wants.
But grief doesn't disappear simply because you keep moving. And as old secrets and painful truths catch up with her, Wren must decide whether she's ready to let go of the life she lost and embrace the one waiting for her.
Heartbreaking, hopeful, and deeply uplifting, The Last Poem is a moving story about grief, friendship, healing, and discovering that even after unimaginable loss, life—and love—can find you again.
About The Author
Photograph © Sammy Graham
Courtney Peppernell is an internationally bestselling author, known for her moving poetry and storytelling. A multi–million-copy selling writer, 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 and have been translated into many languages. Blending themes of love, healing, and self-discovery, Courtney’s work spans both poetry and fiction, leaving a lasting impact in contemporary literature. She lives on the south coast of NSW with her partner and spends her days writing, always accompanied by her beloved dogs and chickens. For more, follow Courtney on Instagram and TikTok at @courtneypeppernell.
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia (February 24, 2026)
- Length: 400 pages
- ISBN13: 9781761631894
Raves and Reviews
‘Courtney’s poetry is truly sublime and this beautiful novel is nothing short of soup for the soul.’
– Lisa Wilkinson
‘This might be Peppernell’s first literary novel, but her skill as a poet is evident in her poised, lyrical writing, which often floats off the page. If you’re looking for a charming read with a side of poetry, pick up The Last Poem and shed a tear or two in the company of its endearing characters.’
– The Australian
'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 engaging ... This is the sort of novel you want to share with the people you love.'
– Good Reading
‘Courtney Peppernell has crafted a truly poetic masterpiece that represents every shape and layer of grief. The Last Poem is a heartfelt, raw, and deeply moving story of finding strength, healing, and hope in unexpected places … Whatever you do, do not miss this one.’
– Becka Mack, author of Consider Me
‘The Last Poem is a book with its heart cracked wide open, with all the riches of love and the steep cost of grief on display. Courtney Peppernell takes us on a journey from the darkest days of loss to the tender hope of new love and healing. Grab the tissue box and get ready to feel all the feels.’
– Amy Matthews, author of Someone Else’s Bucket List
‘A beautifully crafted novel about life, loss and finding love again, The Last Poem is the kind of book that both breaks your heart and heals it at the same time. I loved it!’
– Jess Kitching, author of The Life Experiment
Resources and Downloads
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Book Cover Image (jpg): The Last Poem
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Author Photo (jpg): Courtney Peppernell Photograph © Sammy Graham(0.1 MB)
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