An unforgettably romantic novel that spans four Christmases (1914-1918), Last Christmas in Paris explores the ruins of war, the strength of love, and the enduring hope of the Christmas season.New York Times bestselling author Hazel Gaynor has joined with Heather Webb to create this unforgettably romantic novel of the Great War.August 1914. England is at war. As Evie Elliott watches her brother, … 1914. England is at war. As Evie Elliott watches her brother, Will, and his best friend, Thomas Harding, depart for the front, she believes—as everyone does—that it will be over by Christmas, when the trio plan to celebrate the holiday among the romantic cafes of Paris.
But as history tells us, it all happened so differently…
Evie and Thomas experience a very different war. Frustrated by life as a privileged young lady, Evie longs to play a greater part in the conflict—but how?—and as Thomas struggles with the unimaginable realities of war he also faces personal battles back home where War Office regulations on press reporting cause trouble at his father’s newspaper business. Through their letters, Evie and Thomas share their greatest hopes and fears—and grow ever fonder from afar. Can love flourish amid the horror of the First World War, or will fate intervene?
Christmas 1968. With failing health, Thomas returns to Paris—a cherished packet of letters in hand—determined to lay to rest the ghosts of his past. But one final letter is waiting for him…
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I really enjoyed this World War I novel. The format of letters written back and forth could have been difficult to follow., However the author delineated each one so well that it was easy to keep track of who wrote what to whom. I recommended that the community where I live purchase it, and at least two friends elsewhere have read the book at my urging.
The book is written in letters to each of the characters! A fascinating way to tell the story!!
One of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. A must read
Beautiful, touching and an amazing book!!
It changed viewpoints before I could get bored. And the end tied everything up nicely. It was an intersting and pleasant story without being ridiculous and stupid sweet.
This was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. True, it was somewhat contrived…. and somewhat predictable… but the characters seemed very well developed and the descriptions of both England and the Front in World War I were very realistic. Two thumbs up!
Beautifully written, story of such a difficult time.
I liked the letter format of the book. Found it interesting and worth reading.
I did not expect this book to be totally comprised of letters. I much prefer reading a story and not just letters sent back and forth between the parties.
It lost my interest very early– I did not finish it.
Most of the book were letters sent during WW1
The characters and some of their struggles during this war are the same as we see today.
WWI through touching letters.
Nothing special
One of my favorite reads. I love the way it is written, in letters back and forth. I couldn’t put it down.
Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb is a fantastic read! In the beginning, I didn’t know if I’d like reading letters throughout the entire story, and at first I took my time reading it. However, as I kept reading, I found myself falling in love with this story. This historical fiction novel about the war that was thought to be over by Christmas 1914 drags on for four years. It affects Evie Elliott, her brother, Will, and their childhood friend, Thomas Harding. Will and Tom enlist and head to the Western Front. Since the war is thought to end at Christmas, they’re making plans to celebrate the end of the war and the holiday in Paris, but that is not to be. Through constant letters and telegrams from the time they leave home in August 1914 until the end of the war in November 1918, Tom and Evie’s relationship from childhood friends develops into a more beautiful bond, and one that the reader becomes so involved with. Once you start this novel, you can’t put it down. This is a beautifully written story that will keep you wanting to read more. Don’t let this one slip by. It’s definitely worth the read, and I highly recommend it.
I liked very much the way it was written throug letters between these amazing characters. Amazed by a woman’s point of view about the war, not only staying home in Englsnd but also taking action in France.
Really loved it. So easy to read I could not put it down!
A stunning epistolary novel and vivid portrayal of a love that blossomed during the brutality of World War 1. The characters’ voices are unforgettable, and the historical settings are rich and authentic. I can’t wait for the next collaboration between these two authors.
This book is written in an epistolary style which made it so enjoyable. The style also helped flesh out the characters which I felt I knew as people when the book ended. It’s also very informative about the role of the press in WWI.
Strange setup. It was all letters that combined to tell this wonderful historical story. Well researched. Read it for book club. Hard to put it down at all once about half way through it.
love it.
This was a wonderful Christmas book! I loved how it was written in letters to people. It was so unique. It was a beautiful love story written during WWI. These authors are now among my favorite!