Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"This story is so beautiful and so enticing that I couldn't put this book down. A true page turner that will pull at your heart strings and leave you feeling in love with Everett and Lizzie.
Traveling through the unthinkable times of Pearl Harbor attack and the WWII, will have you feeling every pain, sorrow and emotion that Ever and Lizzie faced as they served our country. [...] This is a book I not only recommend you to read but also to own and keep it as a treasure for life." - Nanedsmomba, Reviewer and Blogger
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"An outstanding story of everlasting love during the devastating times of WWII. A story of the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese and the brave military that worked courageously to save lives amid the bombing. [...] The descriptions of Hawaii before, during, and after the attack on Pearl Harbor are so vivid as to give a glimpse to the person reading the story as if they are living the sights and sounds." - Shirley McAllister, Netgalley Reviewer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"Historical fiction as become one of my favorite genres, especially WII books even though they can be so emotional and hard to read. I have a list of all time favorites: The Nightingale (Kristin Hannah), The Flight Girls (Noelle Salazar) and Our Darkest Night (Jennifer Robson) just to name a few. Well now I will be adding The Last One Home to that list!!! I loved everything about this book. Being that we visited Pearl Harbor in 2013, I am extremely interested in books that focus on the attack of Pearl Harbor. [...] the love story between Lizzie and Everett was so beautifully written. This book will stay with me for a long time and I'm sure it will end up being one of my top favorites of 2021." - Cheri Hyland, Bookworm_Traveler
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"Wow!! Mrs. Ryan blew me away with this book. Her words paint such vivid pictures of what's unfolding throughout this beautifully written story. The story follows nurse Elisabeth Salzberg. In 2018 her grandson-in-law is interviewing her about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. "Lizzie goes back in time to 1941 and begins her story when she's twenty years old. Last One Home is a story of bravery, sadness, and being true to one's self. I felt every word that was written. I highly recommend!!" - Jena Stelly, Early Reviewer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"This is such a beautiful, powerful, and emotional story. Elizabeth is a nursing student on a naval base in Oahu, Hawaii. She has lived a sheltered life under the strict and watchful eye of her father who is the commander of the base. [...] When she has an awkward and hilarious meet cute with a movie star, Everett, who has joined the armed forces, they are instantly attracted to each other. But her father forbids her to see Everett. They find ways to spend time together and soon fall in love. They start to make plans together, until the attack on pearl harbor changes everything. [...] This historical romance will touch your soul and take your breath away. It is the kind of story I love to read, and I loved every moment of this beautiful, raw and emotional journey!" KGagnon, Early Reviewer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"This book is both character and plot driven. Although this a historical fiction/historical romance written about WWII, it was unlike any other WWII book I have ever read. This one focused on the love story between two Americans as they joined the war efforts. It is about placing your life on hold to help others, finding your true self, and to stand up for what you believe in. I enjoyed this perspective very much. It alluded to the events that were happening to the Jewish population, but it focused on the nurses and their role during the war. This book was so good." - AdventurousBookMaven, Netgalley Reviewer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"A work of historical fiction but yet the characters seemed so real. So many people endured such loss and heartache during WWII. This story brings a lot of the horrific events to life. Not that anyone wants to relive them but gives us a sense of what these soldiers and people lived through. Some were weak but most were strong and wanted to defend their country. We often hear of the men who fought for our freedom, but rarely do we hear of the strong and brave woman who helped the wounded. Fabulous story about strong woman, bravery, boldness, romance, and family." - Kristina L., Early Reviewer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"This beautiful book was so easy to fall for and in love with. Told in first person (my favourite!) in a dual timeline (love!) by an independent and compassionate woman who served as a nurse in WWII, it really tugged at my heart and pulled me in immediately. The story is gentle in ways yet does not skim over the awful realities of Pearl Harbour and other areas during WWII. Though the story revolves around the war, the themes of love, family, faith, perseverance and hope really shine through." - Brenda, Reviewer at Agora Books
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"This book absolutely destroyed me and had me sobbing by the end. Everything about it is just heart breaking and beautiful and just filled me with so much emotion. The story, the setting, the characters, it just all comes together to make one of the best historical fiction romances I've read in a long time. This is one of those books that will always stick with you once you've read it, it's been days and I still can't get this breathtaking story out of my head. I honestly don't think there are words adequate enough to describe how hard I fell for this book and the beautiful story of holds." - Ashley Daviau, Bookstagrammer and Top Goodreads Reviewer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"Last One Home is a spectacular story that will take you back to a heartbreaking time where extraordinary people stepped up and made a difference against all odds. This book may take you on a journey of devastation, heartbreak and fear, but it will also show you so much courage, strength and resiliency. [...] If you don't feel every emotion reading this book and the breathtaking way it was written, I would be shocked." Tracey Vuolo, Life Reads With Friends
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"Such an amazing and well thought out story! The author vividly describes the happenings after Pearl Harbor was bombed and the happenings on the hospital ship as Elizabeth worked to help save lives immediately after the bombings. I did not want to put this book down to tend to the necessities of life, one thing being sleep. As I read, I felt I was right there with Elizabeth and the sick and dying she tended in various area of Europe during WWII, and going through her struggles along with her. Many parts of the book are emotional, and keeping a tissue close by is a good idea. If you are a WWII history buff, or a fan of historical fiction, do not miss this book." Carol Deegan, Netgalley Reviewer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Set during the attack on Pearl Harbour it was interesting as well as harrowing in its description." - Alayne Emmett, Top Goodreads Reviewer
"This was such a wonderful read! I haven't read a historical fiction that's kept me on the edge of my seat reading, like this one did, in a while. The characters were all well thought out and developed, the time jumps weren't ever confusing or disorientating and the writing was so vivid, I felt as if I was really there. Ryan does a remarkable job of pulling the emotions out of you as you read, this was an entertaining read from start to finish, one that I'm grateful to have experienced. A must read for historical fiction fans!" - Emma, Pages of Achilles, Bookstagrammer, and Netgalley Reviewer
"Historical fiction is my favorite genre so I was so excited to read this one! I love that the story is centered on Pearl Harbor, an important piece of history that I often don't read about. This was a quick, fun read I couldn't put down. The narrative around Everett and Elizabeth had me turning pages so fast, eager to see the destiny of their relationship. I love this one and will be recommending to all historical fictional fans." - Samantha (Samis-Bookshelf), Amazon Marketing Manager at Amazon Books, and Bookstagrammer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"From start to finish, I absolutely loved this book. [...] Someone In Hollywood should snap up the rights to this because it would make a great movie! [...] I also love that this is yet another perspective of WWII that I haven't read much about....a nurses for one but also from someone who experienced Pearl Harbor and then made their way to Europe." - Sydney Long, Netgalley Reviewer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Once again Ryan drags me reluctantly into the past and I end up enjoying every moment. [...] Elizabeth grew up in a military family and is studying to be a nurse when Pearl Harbor is attacked in December of 1941. [...] Her enlistment in the Army Nurse Corps takes this young Jewish woman into the heart of the conflict in Europe. [...] This epic love story that conquers insurmountable odds will be one of your very best reads this year, so make sure you don't miss it! - Book Addict Blogger
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This is my first Shari J. Ryan book and it most certainly will not be my last. I was enthralled by the notion of a Pearl Harbor Romance, and it delivered on so many levels. [...] This is a beautiful rendition of the events of Pearl Harbor through the perspective of a woman so young and impressionable that she had to leave her mark on the world and my heart! - Gab Mce, Reviewer and Blogger
From the Author
Throughout my journey of writing novels over the last decade, I have come to find that I am most passionate about true-to-life stories from WWII. My idea of Historical Fiction are stories based on real events but spun into broader stories to offer a full view of a life from a different time. Over the last few years, I have spent my time focusing on the Holocaust and Pearl Harbor, and I have developed a new type of understanding and appreciation for the generations who fought and struggled during those times. My hours of research and learning about historical moments has given me a drive to dive in a little deeper with hope of keeping the generations from WWII alive in our minds through detailed descriptions and relatable emotions.
From the Inside Flap
Last One Home is a Historical Fiction novel based on true life events beginning with the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. This Historical Fiction is told in a first-person perspective, focusing on strong women during WWII.
From the Back Cover
Other WWII Historical Fiction and Women's Fiction Novels by Shari J. Ryan Include:- Last Words, WWII Historical Fiction
- The Other Blue Sky, WWII Historical Fiction
- Unspoken Words, WWII Historical Fiction
- Fall to Pieces, Women's Fiction
- Shattered Stars, Women's Fiction
- The Heart Series: A Heart of Time & A Missing Heart, Women's Fiction
About the Author
Shari J. Ryan is a USA Today Bestselling Author of Women's Fiction and WWII Historical Fiction. With stories about the Holocaust and Pearl Harbor, Shari paints a vivid reminder of what life was like during WWII.
Shortly after graduation from Johnson & Wales with a bachelor's degree in marketing, Shari began her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer. She then found her passion for writing books in 2012 after her second son was born. Shari has been slaying words ever since. With two Rone Awards and over 125k books sold, Shari has hit the USA Today Bestseller List, the Amazon's Top 100, Barnes & Noble's Top Ten, and iBooks at number one. Some of Shari's bestselling books include WWII Historical Fiction Novels, Last Words, The Other Blue Sky, Unspoken Words and the Contemporary Romance Series, A Heart of Time. Shari, a lifelong Boston girl, is happily married to her personal hero and US Marine and has two wonderful little boys.
