Love Leads The Way

The Last Train From Paris by Juliet Greenwood is a powerful, heart wrenching historical novel.

The book is set over two time periods – 1964 in Cornwall and also in France from 1939-1945. The war years were a terrible time as the Nazis marched into France in 1940. Life went from gay and carefree to fearful and persecuted.

We follow a family as they flee to the South. Even civilians were at risk of aircraft firing on them. Terrible sights were seen along the way. Kind hearts helped where they could. People were determined to survive. “She would fight to tell their stories.”

Nazi ideology infiltrated lives. It could split families as opinions would be divided. Sometimes previously loving family members were brain washed by Hitler, forcing other members to flee for their lives.

The handicapped were in grave danger. It took much courage to keep a baby with a hare lip safe. Sometimes love means letting go. We witness instances of sacrificial love.

There is a beautiful friendship between a young French girl and a young English girl. Both support each other. Their friendship is tested but comes up trumps.

Whilst France was on the frontline of war, Britain was also suffering due to the Blitz. Lives were ripped apart in an instant as we witness the fragility of life.

Cornwall was a breath of fresh air – literally and figuratively. It is in sharp contrast to occupied France.

All the characters were well drawn, likable and realistic. The bravery it took to make impossible choices is admirable.

The Last Train From Paris tells of love and sacrifice. It is a powerful read.

I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON

The Last Train from Paris

For Iris, each visit to her mother in St Mabon’s Cove, Cornwall has been the same – a serene escape from the city. But today, as she breathes in the salt air on the doorstep of her beloved childhood home, a heavy weight of anticipation settles over her. Iris knows she’s adopted, but any questions about where she came from have always been shut down by her parents, who can’t bear to revisit the past.

Now, Iris can’t stop thinking about what she’s read on the official paperwork: BABY GIRL, FRANCE, 1939 – the year war was declared with Nazi Germany.

When Iris confronts her mother, she hits the same wall of pain and resistance as whenever she mentions the war. That is, until her mother tearfully hands her an old tin of letters, tucked neatly beside a delicate piece of ivory wool.

Retreating to the loft, Iris steels herself to at last learn the truth, however painful it might be. But, as she peels back each layer of history before her, a sensation of dread grows inside her. The past is calling, and its secrets are more intricate and tangled than Iris could ever have imagined.

The year is 1939, and in Paris, France a young woman is about to commit a terrible betrayal… 

A beautifully written and addictively compelling historical novel about the terrible choices ordinary people were forced to make in the horrors of World War Two. If you loved The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network and The Nightingale, you will devour this book.

What readers are saying about Juliet Greenwood:

“This was fantastic! Perfect for a Kate Morton or Lucinda Riley hangover, this book will draw you in and won’t let go until you’ve read the last page. This book was unputdownable – fascinating characters, excellent writing, and a plot that keeps you turning the pages. I loved every second of it.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I found myself reading chapter after chapter, unable to put it down. A first-time read by this author but certainly not the last.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“For readers of Kate Morton and Lucinda Riley, this book will be one of your favorites… A historical novel that will keep you reading until the end.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“An absolutely brilliant read. I could not put it down…I loved how the war changed everyone and it was a gripping story… I really loved it. Cannot recommend it enough.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Did everything that I was looking for… it left me wanting to read more from Juliet Greenwood.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Purchase Link – https://geni.us/290-al-aut-am

Author Bio –

Juliet Greenwood is a historical novelist, now published by Storm Publishing. Her first novel was a finalist for The People’s Book Prize and two of her books reached the top 5 in the UK Kindle store. Juliet has always been a bookworm and a storyteller, writing her first novel (a sweeping historical epic) at the age of ten. She lives in a traditional cottage in Snowdonia, North Wales, set between the mountains and the sea, with an overgrown garden (good for insects!) and a surprisingly successful grapevine.

Social Media Links –

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Website:              http://www.julietgreenwood.co.uk/

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