An interesting take on the complexity of love in occupied France during WWII. Elise Chevalier is a patriot, trying to do her bit for her country. But then she falls in love with the wrong man. Set in 1944 and 1963, this is Elises story and how her life is turned upside down. A really powerful story, very well written, with empathy and understanding.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

A very enjoyable read; I read this book in 2 days as I couldn't put it down. Told in a duel timeline between Paris 1944 and 1963 it tells of a love story which could never be, and their daughter beginning to discover the truth.

The Last Hours In Paris by Ruth Druart is a powerful dual timeline novel that consumed me.
The action is set in Paris in 1944 and in a provincial village in 1963. It alternates between the two time periods and from three different points of view. “The past is part of who we are.” It links to the present as it cannot be severed. A lost life is calling with bittersweet memories.
Paris of 1944 was under Nazi occupation. It was a terrifying time. A period of distrust and distress. Lives could be interrupted at any time.
Against this backdrop, love can still bud and blossom. There were pockets of happiness creating warm memories.
Not all Germans were Nazis. We follow some of the action through the eyes of a broken young man, reluctantly conscripted into the Hitler youth, and then the war. At the eastern front he witnessed scenes that cannot be ‘unseen’ and was forever changed.
It was not only the residents of Paris who were held captive. “He wondered what it would be like to be free. To have choices.” We see the desire to just get dressed in ordinary clothes and not to have to put on a Nazi uniform. A deep longing to be just who he was created to be.
There were scenes of extraordinary bravery as ordinary people go the extra mile to help the vulnerable.
We witness the prejudice, judgement and cruelty of the ordinary residents of Paris. As the Nazis move out, the residents appoint themselves judge, jury and executioner of the innocent.
There is a search for roots. We all long to know where we have come from.
The Last Hours In Paris totally consumed me. It was such a powerful read… and it was all about love in its various forms. Grab yourself a copy today, you’ll be glad you did.
I received a free copy from the publishers via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Loved this book. Devoured the characters, marveled at the storyline And really didn't want it to end. So well written - highly recommend

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The entwining storylines of characters who have suffered great losses but also found love through the pain and suffering of the war was so beautiful. This book was heart-wrenching to read and really showcases through these characters a small glimpse of what it would be like for people during this time.

Elise is not yet out of her teens but she has seen so much cruelty and anguish whilst living through the German occupation of Paris in the second world war. Everything is not black and white and whilst the Germans are rounding up the Jewish community, sending them to camps and certain death, there are also French citizens who are eager to give up their neighbours ,to keep in the good books. of the occupiers. There are also citizens who are working for the French resistance, trying to make the occupation as difficult as possible for the Germans and also help the Jewish community escape, especially the children. Not all the German soldiers want the killings, they have a conscience but most are too scared to act upon it. Sebastian is one of the soldiers who wants nothing to do with the killings and cruelty, he is an interpreter, not really a soldier. When he meets Elise their lives change forever, falling in love and denying all obstacles. This book is so well written, bringing the story to life, it is heartbreaking but also uplifting and it will remain with me and I'm sure that it will be a book that I will reread.

Having already read "While Paris Sleeps" by this author, I knew I was in for a treat and I wasn't disappointed. She really depicts what it must have been like for the French under German occupation. However, at the same time, she makes you think. Not all Germans were Nazis and some of those that were had been indoctrinated at an early age. Not all the French were good, sometimes informing on their neighbours, especially on the Jews. All the characters were strongly depicted.

This is another WW2 story from Ruth Duart. It is sensitively told and a compelling read. She has obviously done meticulous research and the historical facts are accurate. Sebastian and Elise's love story is beautiful and poignant.

War brings them together.
Liberation will tear them apart. Let this story take you away for a few hours of reading bliss.
The story flowed effortlessly from chapter to chapter with a wonderfully descriptive vocabulary, bringing the reader into each character’s personality and surrounding imagery in such a colourful way.

Firstly I would like to say what an amazing book the blurb just didn't do it justice.
Outstandingly beautiful and extremely poignant.
This is my first book by this author and certainly will not be my last I can highly recommend

A beautiful story about love and family, and also heavier issues including heartbreak, betrayal, deportation, violence and death.

The characters were wonderful and very believable, The insight into how Sebastian had come to be working for the Nazis was well developed, albeit nothing groundbreaking. The plot, particularly the love story, was gripping and heartrending.

Whilst the dual timeline (1944/1963) worked well, the alternating points of view seemed unnecessary and also appeared to be somewhat confused between the first and third person. I also found the writing style a little simplistic, although on the flip-side this made it clear and easy to read.

Honestly this was so beautifully written that I really didn't want it to end at all.
This book is soo powerful and really opened my eyes to what the could have possibly of been like for those who fought to help the resistance.
Such beautiful character that it is impossible not to fall in love with them. Elise and Sebastian are so strong and it really is amazing how in such a short time they bring each other our of their shells and help them gain the strength they need to do the right thing.The author Ruth Druart portrayed them in such a way you felt everything that they felt and had you wanting to hide under the covers and not carry on reading but at the same time you have to read because you have to know how it ends!
The ending was so beautiful and absolutely perfect that it couldn't have ended any other way!

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When this book is described as powerful, honestly, that doesnt do this book justice. It is breathtakingly good.
It is well written with a gripping storyline and well developed characters that I took to my heart. This was a heartbreaking read that I didnt want to put down. I loved it and will think about it for a long time.