I finished the best book over the weekend. I actually read it in two sittings! Set during World War I, Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb was a such a good read. The book is told through an exchange of letters between two friends. Evie and Thomas grew up together in the English countryside. He was the best friend of her brother Will, and she was the little tag along throughout their childhood. Will and Thomas join the war effort and are sent to the fronts in France, while Evie stays behind wondering how to occupy herself productively.
Their letter exchange starts out as a gesture of friendship and support between the young people, but turns into something much more. The book was well researched from a historical perspective, and I felt the descriptions of life in the trenches in France in 1914 were very accurately depicted. The way of life for the women left behind in England is well told also. Evie is keen to do something in support of the war effort, and ends up getting a job at the newspaper owned by Thomas' family. She becomes one of the first female journalists to relay the truth and horror of what was really going on in France, while the majority of newspapers at the time put a much more positive and false spin on events. Her truth telling was seen as unpatriotic by many, and it was felt she should have been sharing knitting patterns or recipes rather than involving herself in the manner she chose. The book is about freedom of speech, the beginning of the women's rights movement, and the horror of war.
But the romance....This was one of the best romances I have read in a long time. The relationship between Evie and Thomas is so sweet and touching. Frustrating too, but that makes the story even more compelling. The story is not particularly Christmassy, despite the title, but I found it totally wonderful. Give this one a try if you love a good historical book, the letter writing style, and a terrific romance. Right now it is only $6.99 on Amazon for the Kindle.
Sounds like a winner to me! Thanks Nicole for the recommendation.
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | December 11, 2018 at 05:35 AM
Interesting! I have a friend who loves this type historical book so will let her know about this one. Thanks!
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | December 11, 2018 at 07:39 AM
Sounds great!
Posted by: Hildy | December 11, 2018 at 09:10 AM
Will definitely read. Love your recommendations and follow you on Goodreads. I so miss the small Wisconsin town that I grew up in. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Barbara Groeschell | December 12, 2018 at 05:05 AM
I read this last year and loved it! By the way, I love all your book suggestions and reviews.
Posted by: Peggy | December 12, 2018 at 05:05 PM
Thanks for the recommendation- sounds like a good story and I’ve added it to my long list!
Posted by: Jennifer in Indy | December 18, 2018 at 05:39 AM