Last Christmas In Paris.

 

 

★★★★★

August 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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A heartwarming story of friendship, love, and hope. 

I had no idea what to expect from this book. This was the first book I ever read by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb , and I'm delighted that I picked to read it first. I finished it last night, and so many emotions are still running through my head. It was unlike any other historical fiction or romance story I'd ever read, but it was also one of the most beautiful. I can't get the story or characters out of my mind. Last Christmas In Paris is a story you'll remember and share with friends. That is exactly what I did, and I even recommended it to friends who love reading. I have much to say about this book, but I can only say so much without giving too much away. Last Christmas In Paris is more than just a love story; it's also about friendship, fear, and hope. 

Last Christmas In Paris is not what I expected it to be, and at first, I was unsure about the writing style. That skepticism only lasted a few pages, and I discovered I was so engaged in the novel I spent hours reading because I couldn't find a good spot to stop. I liked how the letters were between different characters, but my favorites were between Evie and Tom and Evie and Alice. I think of all the characters; the three of them were my favorites. Evie and Tom needed each other, and I believe that the letters they sent to each other helped them get through the horrific war. On the other hand, I appreciated Alice's support and the fact that she was always there for Evie when she needed counsel, regardless of the situation. 

Within the first few letters, I noticed that Tom and Evie's relationship had transformed; there was such a strong connection. Throughout the novel, I hoped and rooted for them to realize how much they cared for each other. I only prayed they'd recognize it before it was too late. I'm not sure what it was about this book, but it affected me; I'm continuing to feel all the emotions. Now I'm looking forward to reading the other books they Co-wrote together as well as their solo ones. My only regret is that I hadn't read it sooner.