Join us and Courtney as she talks about her new book, The Last Poem.

A moving and heart-rending debut about a grieving woman who moves to a charming small town and finds healing, friendship and love, from multi-million-copy bestselling poet Courtney Peppernell.

Wren Paisley is living her dream: she’s a successful author and poet, she adores the New York brownstone she calls home and, most importantly, she’s about to marry the love of her life. But everything changes when her fiancée, Lucy, dies in a tragic car crash that leaves a young bystander paralysed. Unable to escape the media frenzy, Wren goes on a road trip and winds up staying in the charming small town of Everston, Colorado.

It feels fortuitous when she learns that the local library holds a weekly grief support group that reads, of all things, poetry. Hesitantly, she joins, and slowly begins to build community with the other members, including Henry, a librarian mourning the loss of his brother; Emerson, a young woman recovering from a life-altering car accident; and Olivia, a complicated reporter who gives Wren butterflies. Finally, she can breathe again, and maybe even love again.

But how long can Wren keep her old life in the rear-view? Will she be able to build a new life in Everston, or will it all come crashing down when old truths come to light?

Author bio

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.

Entry includes an arrival drink and shared grazing

Contact the host of Books in Bars with Courtney Peppernell