Absolutely golden book about two older people finding love and working out their problems through Scrabble and (you guessed it) community!! There is a LOT of Scrabble talk so be prepared for that. But it's not all fun and games (ha). I was crying at the ending; it's a sweet book but there are certainly some heavy bits, especially around the middle. Growing older can be a real challenge and the book doesn't sugar coat it; facing your past can be hard too! But there's always a chance for a second act, and the characters are loveable. This one made me think of "The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers" by Samuel Burr and "The Road to Tender Hearts" by Annie Hartnett.

NetGalley gave me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

CWs - Ableism, Death, Mental illness, Terminal illness, Medical content, Dementia, Grief, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Homophobia, Infertility, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Pregnancy, Infidelity, Racial slurs, Sexual content, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Alcohol

The Last Letters of Sally and Walter by Cammie McGovern is a poignant, heartwarming exploration of the golden years of life, framed through the quiet, tender friendship between Sally and Walter. Set in the sometimes lonely world of the Golden Grove retirement home, this novel delicately balances the sweetness of late-in-life connections with the harsh realities of aging, health struggles, and the inevitable passage of time.

The story revolves around the deepening friendship between Sally and Walter, whose relationship blossoms over games of Scrabble. There’s something inherently beautiful about the way their bond unfolds—both characters are shaped by their pasts, full of triumphs and regrets, yet it’s through their shared moments at the Scrabble board that they find solace and understanding in one another. The game becomes more than just a pastime; it’s a way for them to communicate unspoken fears and joys, to measure their progress not just in points but in the rhythms of their lives.

What sets this novel apart is how the author portrays aging. The narrative does not sugarcoat the physical and emotional toll that the years take. Sally and Walter are vivid, multi-dimensional characters who remind us that the elderly are not simply “old people” but individuals with rich histories and complex emotions. Their reflections on their pasts, their regrets, and their dreams for what little time they have left are gut-wrenchingly real. There’s an undeniable vulnerability in the way the novel addresses not just their aging bodies but also their difficult relationships with their grown children and the gnawing fear of mortality.

The story is at times uplifting—there are moments of tender humor, small victories, and heartwarming exchanges—but it doesn’t shy away from heartbreak. The realistic portrayal of Parkinson’s disease, heart issues, and even the quiet grief of infertility in the past serves as a stark reminder of how life doesn’t always unfold the way we wish. Yet, despite these moments of sadness, the book ultimately offers a message of resilience, the kind that only comes with years of living and learning to embrace both the joys and the hardships of life.

If you’re a fan of Scrabble, you’ll find a lot to love here, as the game serves as a metaphor for the characters’ lives—slowly building, strategizing, and sometimes requiring patience when the board is unkind. But even in the frustration of losing a round, Sally and Walter remind us that the game is worth playing, that every word, every move, every small victory counts.

For those who are drawn to character-driven stories with emotional depth and a touch of maturity, The Last Letters of Sally and Walter is a treat. It’s a quiet, reflective novel that offers both warmth and tears, a gentle reminder that growing old is not for the faint of heart—but it’s easier to navigate when you have a friend by your side.

4.5 stars

A lovely tale of two lonely people finding one another late in life thanks to, of all things, scrabble. Sally and Walter both had marriages that were long but neither happy nor unhappy. Now in their 70s, they've moved into a senior living community. Walter knows he's a bit odd and his only joy is Scrabble. Sally feels a zing when she starts playing him and then it becomes a thing as they move into tournaments with others. But Sally has a secret. She also has a son with issues who needs her help. Walter's son also needs him and thanks to the time he's spent with Sally, he recognizes what he needs to do. Scrabble fans likely will appreciate this more than those who have never played (I gained tips) but at heart this is a love story. Ironically, it's being published the week after Crossplay, the new NYT Games game, which is on line scrabble, debuted. It's a gentle story, well told, that will bring both a smile and perhaps a tear. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A very good read.

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.