would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awe inspiring book

this author certainly has a way of writing that pulls you into her stories, this has a 3 part storyline though 2 of them are during the war years and the other one is set in 2010

but they all merge to the final outcome

this story is based on saving the works of art from the nazis greed and how a certain few individuals played their part in saving the art works and also documenting where the nazis hid them so that when the war was over they could be re-claimed

its a story of bravery, love and fear and it will keep you reading right till the end and what an ending it was... not a dry eye to be had after finishing it

but what a cliff hanger
cant wait

Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion

This is the first in the Paris Sisters series and was unputdownable. It was very well researched and well written.

In turn, parts were heartrending, and very sad and tragic. The book highlighted the inhumanity of the Nazis towards Jews and the annexation of art and art history.
There was an interesting part about the Occupation of France by the Germans and how some of the French fraternised with the enemy while others worked within The Resistance which was thought provoking.
It was a very thoughtful and insightful read.

I read before bed often and this might not have been the best time to tackle a book of this subject - however I highly recommend it.

The Last Day in Paris by Suzanne Kelman is the first book in The Paris Sisters series, which promises to be a captivating and compelling historical fiction series. Told in alternating points of view, we are quickly pulled into the lives of three generations of women: Brigitte, Sophie, and Esther. Their stories are set in Paris during WWII and the occupation by the Nazi regime as well as in present-day.

Kelman dedicates her book to the memory of Rose Valland, an art historian and spy who dedicated herself to the documentation of stolen works of art by the Nazis just as Isabelle Valette did while working at the Louvre and the Jeu de Paume in Paris. These pieces included not only works by such famous artists as Picasso and Renoir but also those by Jewish artists such as Samuel Goldstein, Brigitte's husband. Kelman superbly created a story that ties Goldstein's painting--The Hayfields of Summer--to generations of strong women in this family.

The story gives life to multiple stories as we learn of Sophie's dementia, her daughter Esther's collapsed marriage, and Brigitte's brave efforts to save her husband's painting from the Nazis. In addition, we are introduced to Jules, a Resistance fighter; Edouard Dupont, an art dealer; and Marina, a woman who will place herself in a dangerous partnership with a Nazi. We quickly learn that each of these women has a story that needs to be told...stories that will leave us with powerful emotions...stories of love and loss, fighting for what they believe in when others question them, and courage that spans beyond the belief each holds in herself.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Last Day in Paris. Kelman's outstanding descriptions and dialogue make it seem as though the reader is there alongside her characters as they embrace their journeys with bravery, confidence, and love. I did not want their stories to end and am excited to continue reading the other books in this series.

I would like to thank the author, NetGalley, and Bookoutre for the ARC. This review and its opinions are my own.

This was a really good story that I found difficult to put down because I wanted to know what was going to happen. There are a few different time lines and a few main characters which did confuse me a little bit in the beginning, but once I got my head around who was who and from when, it was easy to read. The story revolves around the Nazi’s stealing artworks from Jewish people in Paris during the war and how individuals stood up to them. This can be read as a stand alone book, but the ending left a very big question that will obviously be answered in another book. I can’t wait for that next book and will keep my eyes open for it. Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The heartbreaking tale of Brigitte and Sophie and the triumph of Isabelle and discovery for Esther.

This is a captivating novel that brings both heartache and joy. Beautifully written, I loved it. This book is a great read. You could devour in one sitting or take your time. I especially loved Brigitte and Isabelle.

These women are so brave! It really does make you feel grateful for the safety of where we live.

If you love historical fiction and strong women, this book is for you!

Thanks so much to NetGalley for my ARC.

1940 Paris was not a good time for anyone and for Jews it was ominous. Isabella heeded the signs and when her husband was brutally gunned down, she decided there was no option but to send her daughter away. Doing the work she loved in an art gallery, she realized the plunder that was going on with the huge amount of robbed art going to Germany, apart from the horrendous destruction of modern art which Goering disliked.

Working with the Resistance, Isabella had an ulterior reason for working in the gallery. She wanted to track and save her husbands masterpiece and this she did in the most devious and wonderful way. Fast forward several decades later to a dreary London suburb, and an even more frustrating life, we have Esther Isabella’s great grand daughter, the inheritor of the painting, and the events following which will change her life.

Involving hate against humanity, murder, scheming but also survival, romance and love the story is a remarkable one.

I finished The Last Day in Paris a few days ago. I can't stop thinking about it. The story grabbed me and it won't let go. I am looking forward to reading the next and the next and the next. The cliffhanger has me tied to the characters. I want, no,Es I need to know what comes next.

The dual timeline reminds us that what happened during WW2 still affects the families. It should still affect the rest of us. When Esther, the daughter of a holocaust survivor, is contacted by a gallery owner in France her family's story comes to life.

The reader is taken to Paris, France and the Nazi occupation. We witness the horrors. We witness the dedication to Paris. We witness the desire to survive. We witness the true meaning of family.

The reader is taken to present day France to see experience the aftermath of war. We see how those that protected the art of Paris are being honored. One thing I also learned, is that there is still more to learn, more to discover.

The Last Day in Paris is one of those story's that tug at the heart. The action kept me on the edge of my seat. At times the fear exploded of the pages. The drama was addictive. There was a lot going on during the war, not just those fighting, but those surviving. I can't wait to learn of the story.

This book was so enticing! I didn’t want to put it down. I loved this perspective of WWII. I haven’t read a book like it. It has some mystery, some action, some suspense, and whole other perspective on the stealing of Paris art. Something that does make a country its own personality. I just never thought about it. I’m so glad I read this book.

The Last Day In Paris is the first book in a new historical fiction series by Suzanne Kelman. Set mainly in Paris during WWII, the book is about looted art taken by the Nazis. The author uses duel timelines that switch between present time in England and during WWII in Paris.

The story is an intriguing tale of two brave women, Brigette and Isabelle, who risk their lives to save priceless art from being destroyed by the Nazis. It shows how life was during the war and how families struggled and were torn apart. The story comes together with the present when Esther is notified about an old painting that a relative did being found. The ending left some loose ends which will entice the reader to get the next book in the series to see what happens. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of this book.

Suzanne Kelman delivers another captivating read with "The Last Day in Paris," a poignant tale that seamlessly weaves together past and present, tragedy and triumph. From the heart-wrenching loss of a family torn apart by war to the enduring legacy of love and resilience, this novel grips readers from the first page and refuses to let go.

Kelman's masterful storytelling transports readers to the tumultuous days of World War II, where Brigitte's harrowing journey to save her family and her husband's cherished artwork unfolds against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris. As Brigitte navigates danger and deception with the help of the courageous Isabelle, the stakes couldn't be higher as they race against time to preserve their heritage and defy tyranny.

The emotional depth of the characters, particularly Brigitte and Samuel, resonates long after the last page is turned. Their unwavering love and sacrifice, epitomized by Samuel's poignant fairy tale and the symbolism of his beloved painting, "The Hayfields of Summer," serve as powerful reminders of the enduring power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Kelman seamlessly transitions between past and present, as Sophie's granddaughter, Esther, embarks on a journey of discovery that uncovers family secrets and connects her to her heritage in unexpected ways. Through Esther's quest for answers, Kelman explores themes of identity, heritage, and the enduring legacy of love across generations.

"The Last Day in Paris" is a triumph of storytelling, blending historical fiction with contemporary drama to create a rich tapestry of love, loss, and the enduring power of art and family. With its poignant narrative and unforgettable characters, this novel is a must-read for fans of WWII fiction and anyone who appreciates a beautifully crafted story that tugs at the heartstrings. Prepare to be moved to tears and inspired by this remarkable tale. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gratitude to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a review copy.

I have reduced my historical fiction reads, as I was getting a little jaded. But for Suzanne Kelman’s books, I will always make an exception. I liked how she has changed the theatre of action and plots in each of her historical fiction novels. This is another heart-warming story set in France & England with a set of lovely characters.

The story is told in two timelines – starting in 1939 with France set to be invaded by Hitler, and 2010 in England.

Paris, 1939 onwards – Samuel & Brigette Goldstein know difficult times are ahead, with Hitler’s invasion being imminent and they being Jewish. They try to shield their daughter Sophie to the extent possible. Samuel is a well-known painter and ‘Hayfields of Paris’ is his best known work. The invasion happens, and Samuel is killed shortly after, being accused of being part of a resistance working against the Reich. Isabelle Valette works at the Louvre, and must now work with the Nazis in cataloguing stolen/confiscated artwork. Many are to be shipped to Germany, and undesirable work is to destroyed. Brigette starts work in the Louvre and becomes friends with Isabelle. There are also a few who have aligned with the Nazis.

2010, London – Esther Harrington is divorced and is struggling to raise her sons Daniel & Henry. Her ex-husband is now with someone else, and looking for ways to cut the allowance he gives Esther & his sons. Esther receives a call from an art dealer Edouard Dupont in Paris. Esther is Brigette Goldstein’s granddaughter, and her mother Sophie is in a home with dementia. Edouard says it is important that Esther travels to Paris to discuss an important matter. Esther reluctantly makes the trip, and as a result learns more about what her family went through.

The strength of this book are the amazing female characters (as in a few of her other books as well). I loved how the characters of Brigette, Isabelle, Sophie and Esther developed, each of them drawing upon strength they never thought they had. Edouard’s character is a nice supporting one, though some of the development was abrupt. Suzanne mentions in the afterword that though the story is fiction, it draws upon real life experiences of Jewish artists and the resistance in France during the second world war. That is quite apparent, as the feel is very real and you cannot but feel for what the characters go through.

This is a book with a lot of heart and one that I recommend strongly. The book ends with Isabelle receiving word about one of her sisters and it looks like the following book will pick up the thread from there. I will eagerly await that.

My rating: 4.5 / 5.

4.5 stars rounded up
This is a dual timeline novel set in Paris during WW2, and England in 2010. There are several POVs, but each is clearly marked, so it is easy to keep track of whose story each chapter is about.
I haven't read much about the art world during WW2, so this was a very insightful read for me and I was hooked from the very first page. I can't imagine having to live in such fear, bearing witness to such heinous acts, but I'm also left in awe of the heroic and selfless acts of citizens during that time. These stories need to be told, and the author has brought these characters to life tastefully while still portraying the realities of the Nazi occupation in Paris. The characters are relatable and the romance sweet, and while there is some intimacy, it is not explicit.
I love Suzanne's writing style - fast paced and easy reading with historical events woven into the story, I felt all the emotions and could envisage each scene as it played out. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fast paced WW2 historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a free ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

It is 1944 and Brigitte Goldstein and her husband are trying to keep their young daughter, Sophie, calm as news of the German occupation in Paris spreads.

In the Louvre, the workers are working day and night to save many paintings, including Picasso, Renoir and also a painting by Brigitte’s husband, an up and coming artist.

In 2010, Esther’s Mum, Sophie, is in accommodation due to her Dementia. Her bad days outweigh the good ones. Esther is divorced with two boys, Daniel and Henry. Her ex-husband seems to do all he can to make life even harder for her.

When Esther receives a phone call from an art dealer in France, saying she needs to come and view something that has been found in an apartment wall that belonged to her grandmother, Esther goes to Paris as soon as she can. While in Paris, she starts delving into her family history and wants to find out how the painting ended up in the wall of an apartment.

This is a well written story, told over two timelines. I knew that the Germans had stolen paintings and valuables, but hadn’t known the half of it.

The story touches on the Resistance and the work they did to try and stop the valuables from being taken back to Germany.

I found the story to be touching at times and my heart went out to Sophie when she was a child. For a young child to watch their father being shot dead blows my mind, and makes me think how lucky we were not to be invaded in England.

My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

‘And so, we begin,’ he murmured, his voice carrying a weight of solemnity. ‘An adventure none of us wanted, yet one we must face.’

Book 1 of The Paris Sisters series, “The Last Day in Paris” by Suzanne Kelman explores the complexities of love, sacrifice, and heritage in the midst of World War II. Having loved some of Kelman’s prior work, such as “When We Were Brave,” I was quite excited to read this new novel, yet was left with mixed feelings.

The story largely follows the lives of Brigitte Goldstein, a Jewish Frenchwoman, and Isabelle Vallete, a curator at the Louvre Museum, in Paris throughout the Second World War, as well as that of Brigitte’s granddaughter, Esther Walker’s, in England in 2010. Anticipating the German occupation, Isabelle and her colleagues set to quickly and quietly sneaking out precious works of art before the Reich invades the city – something that truly happened in real life, though the novel wasn’t entirely accurate in its portrayal. Once the Nazis have embedded themselves at the museum and begin claiming, stealing, or destroying art across the country, Isabelle resolves to keep a journal of each occurrence in hopes of returning the art to where it belongs after the war. Meanwhile, even though she knows Paris is getting more and more dangerous for Jews by the day, and that she needs to get her daughter, Sophie, to safety, Brigitte is desperate to find her late husband’s painting, seized by the Nazis early on. Thus, she obtains false papers and begins working at the Jeu de Paume Museum alongside Isabelle. Will they succeed in their missions? Throughout the book, we are also given glimpses of Esther, a divorced, single mother, as she navigates through life upon the discovery of the painting and finally unravels the mystery behind her mother’s childhood and what truly happened to her grandparents during the war.

The dual timelines set in Paris during the German occupation and England decades later offer multiple perspectives on the story, and the author’s ability to create a compelling opening hook had me engaged from the start. However, a significant spoiler early on regarding Brigitte raised questions about the character’s choices. Additionally, the character of Esther unfortunately failed to resonate with me. In a time where knowledge about World War II and the Holocaust is widespread, Esther’s lack of awareness felt unrealistic. Her attitude towards her situation, combined with a lack of depth in her character, made her less relatable and more of a hindrance to the story. Finally, the ethically questionable subplot involving Esther and the painting really frustrated me.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the parts of the novel that were set during the war, and I particularly liked Isabelle, whose character and storyline was inspired by Rose Valland, an art historian from Paris who indeed documented the fate of thousands of stolen artworks.

I need to know what happens next! What else can Esther unearth? What happened to the other children that were smuggled out of Paris with Sophie? I have lingering questions that demand answers and I look forward to reading the next installment of The Paris Sisters series.

Once again, another riveting read from Suzanne Kelman! Once I started I could not put this book down and found myself lost in the lives of these remarkable characters that reached into my heart and pulled every emotional string imaginable. There is so much suffering and fear on these pages that it left me in tears. It was easy to see every perspective and feel the tension in numerous scenes. The chapters were well executed in length and content. Enough to provide bursts of the plot that kept me on the edge of my seat with expectation and holding my breath at times.

Suzanne continues to carve some deep marks into my heart with her fiction and this latest offering was no exception. The Last Day in Paris is guaranteed to make you cry as it did me. Suzanne creates haunting atmosphere and stunning visuals with her descriptions and I was transported completely into the middle of the dramas and locations. I could feel the pain of the victims and agonise with them. When Brigitte is faced with making the hardest decision imaginable, I could sympathise. Her choice to send her child away is a tough one—even if it is to keep Sophie safe.

It was traumatic to watch Brigitte lose her husband and Sophie, her father. I don’t think that image will ever leave my mind. Their happy family outing turns into a disaster when the Gestapo arrive to capture Brigitte’s husband, Samuel. He is painting one of his gorgeous scenes when they arrive and so engrossed in his artistic activity that the sense of imminent danger is muted in him. When he is accused of being involved with the Resistance, we know the outcome will be bad.

When Brigitte (a Jew) goes to work at the Louvre (with falsified identity papers) she is on a mission to save her husband’s painting before the Nazis get their hands on it. She develops a strong bond with Isabelle, the curator, who is also helping the Resistance to save as many pieces of art as possible. Things begin to turn quickly as the Nazis take over. Brigitte’s time to save her daughter and mother and her husband’s artwork is limited. She must work quickly with Isabelle’s help. They encounter some obstacles and dire events begin to happen. Not only are they up against the Nazis stealing and destroying precious artwork, but there’s a thief and traitor in their midst.

I thought the beautiful fairy-tale that Samuel shared with his daughter, Sophie, spoke volumes of their circumstance as he was trying to express the fear, hurt and danger brought into their lives by the Nazis. As he said, … ‘an ogre stormed into the land with anger and words that threatened to weaken even the bravest hearts. A creature who believed that only those who looked and acted like him were important, and was cruel to people who were different.’ Samuel continues his tale on a positive note, though, telling Sophie that one day the ogre will leave because the love they all share is stronger than his hate. Samuel also leaves his daughter with nuggets of wisdom: that no matter what the world says, she is special, worthy and loved as she is. Also, like the girl in his story, she has courage.

The eternal love of Brigitte and Samuel (even after he is gone) is profoundly present throughout the story. But not without its connection to a special painting by Samuel, The Hayfields of Summer, that he felt reflected his heart the most. Its “brushstrokes (are) alive with his dreams and visions...” And when this valuable piece comes under threat, Brigitte sacrifices everything to save it. She wants to preserve this last piece of him—a reminder of his love and talent to be passed down to their daughter and future generations.

In the future, we meet Sophie’s daughter, Esther, who has two boys. While trying to survive the trauma of a recent divorce, she is contacted about a painting of value that now belongs to her—found in a house that her grandparents once lived. Her mother is alive but suffers Alzheimer’s making it difficult to ask about family. Esther seeks answers and must make a journey to Paris, yet what she finds there not only is a bridge to her family’s past but also a glimpse of her future. I enjoyed this part of the story just as much as the historical thread as it is all part of the big picture of this family from WW2 to modern day.

The importance of art, the power of love, the eternal link to family and heritage are big messages in The Last Day in Paris. From these topics spring courage, resistance, survival, endurance and fresh starts. These characters shine with heart, substance and fortitude when everything is against them. It’s a tragic but triumphant story, beautifully delivered that WW2 fiction lovers must read. But keep the tissues close. There’ll be lots of tears! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.

Esther is contacted by an art dealer/restorer in Paris about a painting that was found hidden in a wall that he believes belongs to her mother. Esther’s mother is suffering from dementia, so she is unable to ask her for guidance. Esther knew that her grandparents had passed away during the war, but she never knew the circumstances behind it. This mysterious painting uncovered during construction has piqued her interest and, on a whim, decides to go to Paris to check it out.

Told in multiple timelines (mostly 1940’s), via multiple characters, we learn the history and importance of this painting to Esther’s family and the history of family members. This story focuses on the precious art that was confiscated, in some cases destroyed by the Nazi’s and the efforts of those that tried to work against them.

It was a lovely story, easy to decipher with short chapters, that moved quickly.

I found the writing style very descriptive, the emotion was obvious at times and quick to pass. The ending had me a little confused, it ended abruptly without any real closure. The epilogue was vague, which left me to assume. I wish the end was little more tied up – but I believe the plan to make this a series, so perhaps closure was not the goal.

I think this would be a great read for someone looking for a light, easier read about WWII and the impact to the art of Paris and its people.

Thank-you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the eARC.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Suzanne Kelman has a number of works of historical fiction in her repertoire, all featuring strong female characters. In her most recent, the first in a planned series called The Paris Sisters, both the style and story will not disappoint her readers.

Set primarily during the Nazi occupation of Paris that began in 1940, the author describes the rising tensions in a city besieged by forces with seemingly untold power. For Parisians, memories of the Great War are nowhere near forgotten, its scars still raw. The older generation are terrified of reliving the hunger, the daily threats and losses. The younger generation, with only the vaguest recollection, if any, try to reassure themselves and their elders that it won’t happen again, that what they have heard about Nazi brutality, especially against Jews, is exaggerated.

The prologue thrusts readers into the crux of the story: an unnamed woman, later identified as Isabelle Vallette, runs only literal steps ahead of her Nazi pursuers and barely manages tonhide a package containing a picture in a wall of an empty house, the dying wish of her friend Brigitte Goldstein. A letter is attached to the picture’s back.

Kelman then switches the time frame and location to England in 2010. Esther Walker, recently divorced mother of two young boys, is battling her unfailingly thoughtless and arrogant ex husband, who left her for another woman with whom he is comfortably ensconced. Esther, meanwhile, is fully occupied with the boys, mounting bills, and his lack of responsibility or reliability. She is very much missing her mother, whose dementia has obliged her to move into a seniors’ facility. Then she receives one of those magical mystical phone calls that opens a whole new world of possibilities to her—as well as a whole new history she had known nothing about.

In the darkening past, in occupied Paris, the story involves the Vallette family, four loving sisters, two of whom are married to Jews. Isabelle is a curator at the Louvre, working day and night to hide, or ship out, as much as possible of the collection before the Nazis take it. Into this fraught setting enters Brigitte, a young Jewish mother whose artist-husband was summarily shot before her and their young daughter Sophie. With falsified identity papers, she takes a job at the Louvre, while trying to locate a famous painting of her deceased father’s before the Nazis do. She is also working to smuggle her mother and daughter out of the city, as Jews are deported in greater numbers every day. The rest of the novel untangles how these women, both from artistic, well to do families, one Gentile and one Christian, form a deep and redemptive bond, and how its legacy half a century later changes the life of another despairing young woman and shows her what she is and can be.

The characters are admirable, though the present-day ex and his new wife are very predictable in their utter lack of qualities to be admired. The narrative involving occupied Paris, the Louvre, and the mystery of the painting and its message, however, are suspenseful and compelling.

This was my first Suzanne Kelman novel, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it! While the historical events during the war were not new to me, this was the first time a WWII storyline took me behind the scenes of the art world. The book weaves an intriguing tale of two brave women -- Brigette and Isabelle -- risking their lives to keep priceless works of art from being stolen or destroyed by the Reich. The struggles they faced and the bravery they showed had me feeling all the feels. While their stories were the primary focus of this book, I wish there had been a bit more on Esther, a third yet relevant side character whose story takes place in the present. Perhaps we'll read more of her in the second Paris Sisters book, which I look forward to reading! Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Last Day in Paris will capture your heart, have you shed a tear or two and be in awe of the strength of people during WWII.

The story is told in dual time lines: Esther in present day and Isabelle during the war.

Isabelle works at the Louvre and is putting her life and that of her family at risk to save treasured art work that the Germans are stealing.

She meets Brigitte who is desperately in search of a painting done by her late husband.

Together with the Resistance they are determined to save as much art work as they can.

Esther gets a call that will change her life and she is off to Paris and is determined to find out the story of her grandmother's life.

The atmosphere is tense at times and you will hold your breath more than once.

Suzanne Kelman always tells a remarkable story based on historical fiction and The Last Day in Paris is no exception.

I can't wait to see where Book 2 will take us.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an informative and outstanding read.

This was a great start to the Paris sisters series, i thought the World War 2 elements were felt realistic and that the characters belong story. I enjoyed getting to read about the 2 women in the story and how they were tied together throughout a horrific time. Suzanne Kelman has a great writing style that makes me want to read the second book in the series. Because I cared so much about what was happening to these characters. Some of the situations were heartbreaking and I thought it showed World War 2 perfectly.