Lizzie is a strong, independent young lady, with strong feminist views ahead of her time. She was incredibly anti-love and relationships and being pigeon-holed into the role of wife and homemaker. Until she meets Everett. With war tearing them apart, we see how Lizzie reevaluates her perspective while she struggles with what is more important, her independence and keeping her mom's legacy or love. The story was touching, anxiety provoking and ultimately left me tearing up because of the beautiful ending.

Historical fiction books based on WWII are some of my favorite to read. This was focused on the attack on Pearl Harbor. The story covers Elizabeth Salzberg’s life and struggles. Between the fact her strict father is the naval commander for the Pacific fleet and her need to make a difference during the war. She finds herself serving with the Army Nurse Corps in a lot of Europe. Elizabeth’s dedication and her strength and courage was admirable as well as her compassion as she faced so many difficulties.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. A good WWII Novel. Apparently it is based of real events. So if you like historical books. I highly recommend.

This novel is an exceptional example of the kind that would make almost anyone fall in love with historical fiction. Inspired by the events of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and thereafter the entry into World War II by the United States. A gut-wrenching WWII novel that convincingly recreates the brutality, displays of courage and survival in a powerful and unforgettable story of love and strength in the face of war.

Pearl Harbor, 1941 Elizabeth was raised in a military family and she is studying to be a nurse. On that fateful day in December when Pearl Harbor was attacked, Elizabeth’s life changed forever. Everett Anderson is a former Hollywood actor and is now serving his country as a paratrooper. Elizabeth and Everett are secretly seeing each other and were hoping that their life together would turn out very differently than the course it is about to take. Elizabeth also has a desire to serve her country in their time of need and she enlists as a nurse into the Army Nurse Corps. She is immediately transferred into the middle of the conflict in Europe.

I absolutely love the amazing descriptions that the author portrays throughout this story. I completely enjoyed the story of Elizabeth and Everett and how their life unfolded. There were so many things, so many obstacles they had to overcome. They sacrificed everything for their country and for each other. This story of courage and heroism was well written. I found myself to be teary-eyed throughout most of the book as it hit all the emotions.. This book made me ponder about the world events during World War II. So many told and untold stories. I absolutely loved it, don’t pass this one up. It is sure to stay with me for a long while.

Thank you Shari J. Ryan for such a wonderfully told story. I enjoyed it very much and I highly recommend it.

This was such a beautiful historical fiction story. This story got my interest right away. I loved the characters and found myself invested in them, and the story itself. It was so different that what I have read before, and I loved it. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, I highly recommend this one!

3.5 stars. A great (relatively) quick read for fans of WW2 historical fiction. While I didn't love it as much as other reviewers (I found the conversation either stilted or too syrup-y) I did enjoy myself. Shari Ryan does an excellent job of really securing the reader in the place of the book (it made me wish for seafood and swooshy skirts on a beach...)

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I really had to slog through this book, but the premise was so enticing I really wanted to know what happened next. The writing was sometimes hard to get through with sections formatted weirdly, but the story as a whole was interesting.

It was a great novel. Loved reading it and the writer is great. Would most likely read again and recommend to others.

This was a very fine book that I can highly recommend. I felt I learned a lot about the era and events at Pearl Harbor just prior and during the bombing and also WWII in Europe from a young Jewish nurse’s perspective. The characters were well drawn, well depicted, and I felt I could believe them. Perhaps the relationship between a famous Hollywood actor/soldier and our heroine felt a bit contrived. I felt it was rather unnecessary to have him be a prominent actor rather than just another soldier but it wasn’t a big deal. I liked the story, the interactions between the various nurses and the basic family unit of a base commander, two older brothers and the heroine of our story all heavily involved in the WWII effort.

I had a really tough time getting into this novel. I actually put it down for a bit hoping that when I went back to it, I would become more invested. I did end up enjoying it, however it wasn't the read I was hoping for. I truly believe it was a case of "it's me, not you" for this one.

I will say the author's descriptions of Pearl Harbour in the 1940's were captivating. She did an excellent job of taking you back in time to the sights and sounds of the setting.

**Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel**

What a gorgeous cover! This WWII story begins in Hawaii which gives a different perspective of the war from other WWII novels. Activity then moves to England and Europe. It’s a good love story between a movie star soldier and a nurse with a sweet ending. The book is enthralling ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Breathtaking views of Hawaii and exquisite beaches begin to reel you into this heartfelt love story. A love story draws you in and entices you to continue reading...one more chapter and another. Shari J. Ryan creates such a lovely story that is based on actual historical events (WWII and The Attack on Pearl Harbor) that take control of the young lives of Elizabeth Salzburg and Everett Andersen.
The story begins with Elizabeth towards the end of her life and is being interviewed about her experience in the Pearl Harbor Attack. Elizabeth is telling their story through her memories and her journal to her granddaughter’s husband. She has difficulty remembering events but has vivid recollections when she begins to reminisce about the events. Many of our elderly generations survived so much back then and fought valiantly for so many causes. It is a fascinating generation.
Elizabeth was living on base with her father and older two brothers while studying to become a nurse when fate stepped in, and Everett Andersen collided. Everett is a famous movie actor that left Hollywood to serve his country in the Army Corps. The two bumped into each other, literally, and the young love of the 1940s is just a glamorous as you can dream. When Elizabeth is faced with Everett again, it is to suture his stunning face. Elizabeth and Everett continue to nurture their relationship behind her father's back (he is a commander on the Naval base). The attack on Pearl Harbor takes place and changes their lives and tests their relationship and emotional wellbeing. It was at this time in many young American's lives they heroically signed up to serve our country. Elizabeth and Everett were no different.
This story grabs ahold of your heart and refuses to release until the end. You find yourself transported back in time with Elizabeth and back to the current time throughout the story. This is not a time-traveling novel where you have no idea who or where the character is. “The Last One Home” provides a beautifully blended story that carries you through the memories of the elegant past of Elizabeth Salzburg. The raw emotional detail of this love story will stay with you. I highly recommend this historical romance for any reader.
What a phenomenal read!! Thank you, NetGalley and Shari Ryan for an advanced reader's copy.

The Last One Home had me hooked from page 1. Watching Elizabeth grow and adapt and learn from her experiences during The Pearl Harbor attack give her the fuel she needs to pursue her dream. She didn't know that joining the Army Nurse Corps would take her all over the world. This book is from a different perspective., the nurses taking care of the soldiers and wounded during war time. I loved this book.

Thanks to NetGalley for my gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Last One Home is about Lizzie, a 21 year old nurse who lives in Oahu with her father and twin brother. Her father and brothers are in the navy and she has spent the years since her mother’s passing taking care of them. However, after surviving the Pearl Harbor attack, she decides to put her nursing skills to good use and enlists in the Army Nurse Corps. Meanwhile her budding romance with a Hollywood actor, Everett, is tested when she is deployed to places unknown. This is a beautifully written story of hope, courage, strength, and a love to stand the test of war and time.

I usually stay away from historical fiction but found myself drawn to this book because of the beautiful cover. I'm very happy that I was approved to read Last One Home as it is absolutely beautifully written story. I cannot wait to read more by Shari Ryan.

Thank you @netgalley and @last.words.sharijryan for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book started out in Hawaii and flips back and forth between the past and present. The author's descriptions of the island made me think I was there living the story with the characters.
The book's past starts out before Pearl Harbour and moves through WW2.
I enjoyed the story, the love, it made me smile and cry at times. I give this book 3.5 stars, only because I didn’t appreciate the way the dialogue was written for the male love interest in the book.
Aside from that, it’s a good romantic story centred around the American side of WW2.

Ms. Ryan tells a beautiful story on Pearl Harbour before the bombing. The life that happened there before the destruction which was fascinating to my little history heart.
I loved following Elizabeth's life on the island; strict yet loving family, friends, being a nurse and giving love and your heart a chance.
I would definitely definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for their next historical read or you're just curious to know what life looked like before the bombing

This book draws you in right away! If you like Historical Fiction, this book is for you. Elizabeth Salzberg is a young Jewish woman studying to become a nurse in Hawaii in 1941. We are truly transported back in time to the events before and during Pearl Harbor. Elizabeth lives a sheltered life with her father and two brothers. She falls in love with Everett Anderson, an actor turned soldier.
I loved how Shari Ryan really captured the mood of the time. Elizabeth was a complex character and I enjoyed seeing her evolve during the story. It takes place in 2018, and goes back to 1941 during flashbacks.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Anyone that loves historic romances set in tropical locations will love this story. Beautifully written and perfectly executed.