January 5, 2018
War changes everything….
Last Christmas in Paris: A Novel of WW 1 by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Genre/categories: historical fiction (WW 1), epistolary, war, romantic
*Linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy: Quick Lit January
***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Summary:
At the beginning of WW 1 as Evie watches her brother, Will, and his best friend, Thomas, leave for the front, she (and nearly everyone) naively believes the war will be over by Christmas. To keep their spirits up, the three make plans for celebrating Christmas in Paris. The Great War, as we know from history, turned out much differently. While Thomas and Will struggle with the horrific realities of war, Evie does her part by writing to each of them. Through letters, Evie and Thomas grow fond of each other and find it easy to share their deepest hopes and fears through letters. Evie is a high-spirited, determined, and independent young woman who wants to more fully participate in the war effort. Through her interests in writing, she writes columns for a newspaper on the topic of war from a woman’s point of view. These columns become more controversial as she finds it difficult to write anything but the truth. Eventually, she travels to France to be closer to the front as she wants to contribute to the war effort in a more significant way. Will Evie and Thomas and their love survive the war? Will they ever make it to Paris to celebrate Christmas?
Amazon Rating (January): 4.6 Stars
My Thoughts:
The title is a bit misleading as the story does not take place at Christmas….Christmas in Paris is mostly a symbol of hope, celebration, and happier times. In addition, I think it symbolizes the tremendous loss of innocence and lost years.
Despite the heavy subject matter of WW 1, Last Christmas in Paris is a mostly light, easy, endearing, and romantic read. I loved it and there is a high likelihood it will end up on my favorites of 2018 list at year’s end. It reminded me of my other favorites Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and Chilbury Ladies’ Choir. If you’ve read either one and loved it, then The Last Christmas in Paris must be added to your TBR immediately!
Themes play an important part in my enjoyment of literature. In Last Christmas in Paris, there were several themes to ponder including themes of hope, tragedy, humor, friendship, and love. First, we must recognize and honor the service of the heroic young men who served in WW 1. Through the bravery, endurance, loyalty, and determination of Lieutenant Thomas Harding, readers can imagine the sacrifice and horrors of war. My mom said that this story reminded her of what her dad (my grandfather) told her about WW1 (he received a Purple Heart). Next, we can be inspired by independent, determined, and free-spirited Evie, an aspiring writer, and her chagrin at having been left behind. Evie represents the role of many women in WW1.
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me:
I am a free human being with an independent will.”“One must always have an adventure in life, or the promise of it, at least.” ~Evie
In addition to some great insights into WW1, the story includes a bit of romance as the letter writing process unfolds. Through reading their letters, I can imagine thousands of similar relationships that bloomed over the years of the Great War.
“I will reserve my shoulder for the curve of your cheek anytime. I hope I am lucky enough to feel it again.”
“Letters make one uncommonly honest, don’t you think? I’ve told you things in words that I would have been far too shy or distracted to tell you in person.”
I was also struck by the angst, tediousness, and patience of communicating solely by snail mail! From our modern perspective of instant communication, it’s amazing to be transported back to the realities of life in the early 1900s when beautiful letter writing on elegant stationery defined the times.
I loved the gentleness of Last Christmas in Paris, and I felt as close to the characters as if I had stumbled upon the letters of my great grandparents in their attic. Trust me, you need this book in your life!
Last Christmas in Paris is enthusiastically recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction, epistolary format, and are looking for an easy, enjoyable, engaging, charming, chaste, and uplifting read. Also recommended for book clubs for its interesting themes. In fact, as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day approaches, this would make a thoughtful gift for your wife, mom, or grandmother. You’re welcome.
My Rating: 5 romantic Paris Stars
Last Christmas in Paris Information Here
Meet the Authors, Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Hazel Gaynor is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of A MEMORY OF VIOLETS and THE GIRL WHO CAME HOME, for which she received the 2015 RNA Historical Novel of the Year award. Her third novel THE GIRL FROM THE SAVOY was an Irish Times and Globe & Mail Canada bestseller, and was shortlisted for the BGE Irish Book Awards Popular Fiction Book of the Year.
In 2017, Hazel will release two historical novels: THE COTTINGLEY SECRET (August, William Morrow/HarperCollins) and LAST CHRISTMAS IN PARIS (October, William Morrow/HarperCollins).
Hazel was selected by the US Library Journal as one of ‘Ten Big Breakout Authors’ for 2015 and was a WHSmith Fresh Talent selection in spring 2015. Her work has been translated into several languages and she is represented by Michelle Brower of Aevitas Creative Management, New York.
For more information, visit http://www.hazelgaynor.com
Heather Webb is the internationally bestselling author of historical fiction, including Becoming Josephine, Rodin’s Lover, and Last Christmas in Paris, which have been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan, Elle, France Magazine, and more, as well as received national starred reviews. Rodin’s Lover was a Goodreads Top Pick in 2015. To date, Heather’s novels have sold in multiple countries worldwide. She is also a professional freelance editor, foodie, and travel fiend. She lives in New England with her family and one feisty rabbit.
Heather is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and Romance Writers of America.
QOTD:
What is your favorite WW1 historical fiction read?
Have you read Last Christmas in Paris or is it on your TBR?
Happy Reading Book Buddies!
“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke
“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes
“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
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~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text
Looking Ahead:
Next week I’ll review This Must Be the Place
by Maggie O’Farrell
This Must Be the Place Information Here
What are you reading this week?
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I picked that one up hoping for a nice Christmas read! Which it wasn’t, really at all, but I still enjoyed it! The title is just a little misleading!
Yes I agree the title is misleading in that way….. similar to Backman’s new novella”The Deal of a Lifetime” with its Christmas tree cover. Thanks for stopping in to comment!
I was bummed to have found out about Last Christmas in Paris after Christmas until a friend said it is not focused on Christmas and can be read at any time of the year. I am adding it to my to-be-read list. Great review! My December reviews are here: https://elle-alice.blogspot.ca/2018/01/december-book-reviews.html
Yes….the title and pic are misleading….read it any time! Let me know what you think! Happy reading and thanks for stopping by to comment!
P.s. thanks for the link Elena…. I’ll check out your reviews!
[…] My full review […]
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[…] they are gentle and lovely reads) I love the epistolary format of both of these love stories. Last Christmas review here. Guernsey not reviewed because I read it before I started blogging, but I must mention that the film […]
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[…] they are gentle and lovely reads) I love the epistolary format of both of these love stories. Last Christmas review here. Guernsey not reviewed because I read it before I started blogging, but I must mention that the film […]
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LOVED THIS REVIEW, Carol.YEP, DEFINITELY GONNA READ IT NOW!! 😍😍🦋
Thanks Rain! Let me know how it goes!
I sure will!!
This was SUCH a good book! I also loved their Meet me in Monaco, and they have another one coming up!
I’m happy to hear we both loved it!
Hmmm, maybe it won’t fit my Christmas Readathon, but I like the sounds of the themes so might still try and fit it in regardless.
Definitely a must read! On my lifetime favs list!
Oh, I definitely need to read it now. I have enjoyed so many books you have recommended.
Enjoy!🙌
[…] Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb (WW1 histfic, epistolary format, *on my lifetime favs list*) My review of Last Christmas here. […]
[…] the premise and their mission. My expectations are high for authors Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb (The Last Christmas in Paris and Meet Me in Monaco) and they did not disappoint. As you know if you follow my reviews, enjoyment […]
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