Join a book club that is reading Last Christmas in Paris: A Novel of World War I!

Petticoats and Pernod - A Historical Fiction Book Club

Curl up in your comfy chair with your favorite beverage and some great period literature, then meet us online to discuss your thoughts.

Last Christmas in Paris: A Novel of World War I

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, 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...

BUY THE BOOK

400 pages

Average rating: 7.69

88 RATINGS

|

3 REVIEWS

Community Reviews

blewballoon
Nov 21, 2024
10/10 stars
I highly recommend the audiobook of this, if you like audiobooks. All of the narrators were excellent, and having a variety of narrators does help a lot with an epistolary novel to help you keep track of who wrote the letter you're reading. If you enjoyed this, I would also recommend the audiobook of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, which is another story told via an exchange of letters, but just after WWII. I did cry while listening to this and wrapping Christmas gifts after the death of Will, when his letter to Evie is read, so be aware this is a more somber Christmas read. Many of the tragedies and horrors of WWI are touched on. If you watched Downton Abbey season 2 (or similar media about that period) you will already be aware of some of them. Despite the surrounding darkness, the characters try so hard to keep seeking beauty and connection in their lives. The romance is slowly unfolded across many letters, but the friendships are always clear and strong.
Sally St Clair
Feb 03, 2024
8/10 stars
It was a delight to read during the month of December. I haven't read a love story in a long time and enjoyed this one, along with strengthening my respect for world history.
winona_reads
Mar 28, 2023
10/10 stars
YUP reading this every year oh my heart!

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.