Pam Jenoff's latest historical novel is a gripping tale of two women navigating the perils of World War II Paris. Through the perspectives of Louise, a non-Jewish Red Cross volunteer, and Helaine, a young Jewish woman who married outside the faith, the story explores themes of survival, identity, and resilience.
The narrative skillfully moves between wartime Paris and 1953 London, creating a compelling temporal landscape. At the heart of the story is Louise's quest to find the rightful owner of a mysterious necklace, which serves as a powerful narrative thread connecting the characters' lives.
Jenoff excels in crafting complex, strong female protagonists who demonstrate extraordinary courage in the face of historical upheaval. The dual narrative provides intimate insights into the challenges faced by women during this tumultuous period, revealing the nuanced ways individuals survived and persevered.
The novel's intricate plot, with its unexpected twists and emotional depth, will captivate readers interested in World War II historical fiction. Jenoff once again proves her ability to humanize historical events through personal, intimate storytelling.
A must-read for fans of historical fiction that brings lesser-known stories of wartime survival to light.

I absolutely loved this one! It was my first by Jenoff, but it definitely won't be my last. I can't believe it took me this long to read one of her novels! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

“Last Twilight in Paris” by Pam Jenoff pulls you in with its dual timelines and emotional depth. Louise, living in postwar London in 1953, finds a mysterious necklace that brings back haunting memories of her time with the Red Cross during the war. As she searches for the truth, we’re transported to 1940s Paris to meet Helaine, a Jewish woman caught up in the horrors of Nazi occupation and imprisoned in Lévitan, a department store turned prison.

The story is fast-paced and shines a light on a part of history I had no idea about—how a Parisian store was used by Nazis as a prison and storage space for stolen goods. Both Louise and Helaine’s stories are filled with love, loss, and determination, and the way their lives connect kept me reading.

If you’re into WWII fiction, especially stories about little-known parts of history, this one’s for you. It’s a mix of romance, mystery, and resilience that will stick with you after you’re done reading. 4 stars!

A women in early fifties Britain comes across a necklace that brings back memories of her time in World War II as a relief worker, while a woman in 1940s France leaves her sheltered home to marry a musician. The author weaves the two stories together in this tale of war, love and betrayal. Jenoff's stories are always intriguing, and this is no exception.

COMPLAINT - This book could nto be read on any hand held device. I was unable to change the font size and gave up. I was too frustrated to zoom in and out to read.

Please update the format

A riveting WW2 novel perfect for fans of historical fiction, LAST TWILIGHT IN PARIS exposes a little-known aspect of the war: the Levitan Department Store, which became a prison of sorts. Jenoff expertly weaves together multiple timelines and characters linked by an heirloom charm necklace. There is plenty of suspense to keep you turning the pages.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

Pam Jenoff once again has brought to light a part of WWII history that we do not usually hear or read about. A powerful mystery and riveting story of survival, love, and bravery during a very dark time in history.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advanced copy of this wonderful novel. Looking forward to what Ms. Jenoff has in store for us next!

Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Publishing for an early copy of Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff

Regular readers of historical fiction will no doubt find the little-known Levitan Department Store of Paris an intriguing setting for Nazi criminals to carry out the evil deed of separating stolen items and shipping them to Germany. Author Pam Jenoff has once again given readers a detailed, fast=paced and emotional experience that does not let up even at the conclusion of the War.

Jenoff has made use of multiple times lines and characters to share the story of an heirloom necklace that holds secrets that could affect those on both sides of the horrific conflict. Harriet, the young Jewish woman who falls in love with a cello player, marries against her parents' wishes, suffers separation from her husband and is taken prisoner to the branch of the Drancy detention camp in the heart of Paris, the former Levitan Department Store. Louise, a young British woman who joins a Red Cross mission to get packages to those in need in occupied France, learns of the mystery surrounding a Mizpah charm necklace and is relentless in finding the owner. Accusations of collaboration and not knowing a loved one's fate add to this highly-charged plot.

Pam Jenoff has a real gift for relating historical fiction in a clear manner which is invaluable in getting close to the characters.

A few of the occurrences in the book do seem a bit too convenient during such a stressful and confusing time, but the overall effort here is a winner for readers.

Jenoff is back with another amazing WWII historical fiction read-this one about a necklace, a French department store and two women’s stories. What I love about Jenoff’s writing is that there is action starting on page one. She educates and informs through the plot and not alongside it, so there is no slow burn build up or opportunities to put the book aside. This was my first time hearing about Lévitan, a French department store that housed arrested Jews during WWII. These Jews sorted through the stolen items taken from homes and displayed them for Nazi officials to buy. Alongside this piece of history, Jenoff weaves in a fabulous mystery that connects two women during their years surviving the war and a quest to figure out the truth ten years after.

Pam Jenoff always manages to weave the best WW2 stories around circumstances forgotten to history. In this case, the plot revolves around a lost and found necklace, which leads to the Lévitan, a once famous Jewish owned furniture store in Paris that the Nazi used as a warehouse/store front to house seized Jewish owned heirlooms, furniture and so much more. Nazis officers could browse the looted goods and choose what they wanted for their own. Adding insult to injury, the store was also used as an internment camp for nearly 800 prisoners who were forced to organize and repair the stolen items. Imagine, finding your own heirlooms among the items you're forced to display for sale. That's what happens to newlywed Helene, who has become separated from her husband, Gabriel, as spends her days at Lévitan wondering if he is still alive. On the other side of the plot is Louise, an English woman who volunteers to help deliver Red Cross care packages to POWs. Louise befriends Franny, a fellow volunteer and performer, who is fearless at taking risks to help prisoners. When one prisoner asks Franny to deliver a necklace for him, Louise refuses to assist out of fear. Fast forward to1953 when Louise is a housewife working in an antiques shop, she comes across a necklace that looks identical to the one Franny was asked to deliver. Louise becomes obsessed with finding out who the necklace was intended for and what happened to the prisoner Franny was trying to help.    
There are so many interesting historical details to this novel. As always, the author weaves a tale that tears your heart apart and puts it back together again. Jenoff's novels are always memorable and stir the empathy we all need to have, and for that reason, she is a must buy author for me.

"Now I see that it is okay to tell my story and that my suffering is as real as anyone else's."
My first Pam Jenoff read and I definitely will come back to her again. l'd describe this as an extremely digestible WWIl historical fiction. It's a great place to start if you're new to the genre. The plot lines are easy to follow and keep you intrigued start to finish. The characters are well fleshed out and given unique traits to stand out. I specifically loved reading about Helaine's upbringing and her break from an overbearing family. Jenoff's storytelling puts the mystery and characters first and historical context second. Not at all a bad thing but I definitely prefer a more history oriented approach. I wanted to find myself sobbing reading this but unfortunately did not. I did tear up a bit at the bus scene at the end (iykyk). The ending wrapped up nicely.
This book was sent to me as an ARC through netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.

This one took me a little bit to become invested in the story. After I did though, I couldn’t put it down.

The story of Helaine broke my heart. So many things endured because of hatred. Her determination to make it was inspirational and powerful and I really looked forward to the chapters about her.

Louise’s story was not what I was expecting. We slowly find out what she faced in her service during the war. Somehow I missed a huge clue that would have tipped me off to what actually happened. Watching her side of the story come together kept me flipping pages.

Jenoff always writes memorable characters and this book is no exception. This ended up being a unique story with a bit of history I was unfamiliar with. Be sure to read the note at the end.

Thank you to Harlequin for the copy of this book. All views are my own.

“Last Twilight in Paris” is a historical fiction WWII book by Pam Jenoff. In this book, the reader follows two women - different timelines - as a mystery unfolds. I found this book to be very slow moving as the lead up to the mystery unfolding happened, which is (for me) a bit surprising from Ms. Jenoff. While I knew places like the Levitan existed, I didn’t know the full extent of the ins-outs of a place like that. Once the mystery began unfolding more quickly, I found the pace of the book quickened and I began enjoying the book more. I think if one likes Ms. Jenoff’s books or historical WWII fiction in general, this could be an interesting book to read. Do read Ms. Jenoff’s author’s note, where she gives more information about how this book came to be - it was very interesting.

Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff Historial novel about a little known piece of WWII history. The Lévitan, a well-known Paris department store was utilized as a work camp to distribute and sort through European Jews' confiscated property. The story moves slowly since it is told from several points of view and timelines. The work is characterized by a strong sense of love and hope.

Thank you to the author, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff

Another WWII winner by Pam Jenoff! Two stories are intertwined about two different women and their families during the Nazi occupation in France and post war Britain. Louise and Helaine’s experiences differ greatly, yet they both share the trait of dogged determination.

The mystery of a Mizpah necklace- where two halves come together to form a whole-forms the center of this tale. While Helaine is physically and emotionally separated from her family, Louise is separated emotionally from her husband suffering from WWII PTSD. This necklace serves symbolically as their bond.

I totally missed a huge clue in the story about two of the characters and salute Ms. Jenoff for pulling that off. Well done! Four stars from this reviewer.

If you love Pam Jenoff books, you will not be disappointed with this latest book. It was a wonderful WWII book showcasing two strong women. I loved how it was written from two perspectives, Louise, a non-Jewish RedCross volunteer and a young Jewish woman,Helaine, who married a non-Jew. The story goes back and forth between wartime Paris and 1953 London. There are twists and turns as Louise tries to find the rightful owner of a missing necklace.

Thank you NetGallery for giving me the opportunity to preview this gem.

When forces are determined to keep the truth buried, Helaine and Louise show how love and sacrifice thwart the efforts and illuminate the path to second chances. Jenoff showcased the juxtaposition of her main characters well and readers will have a compelling story that showcases two difficult, yet very different wartime experiences.

I always anticipate and appreciate a Jenoff book because I know I’ll get a well-researched and well-written piece of historical fiction that explores a little-known piece of history. Jenoff explored the complex wartime role of the Red Cross in Europe, piqued my interest in Mizpah charms, and wrapped me up in a compelling story about a Red Cross volunteer and a Jewish Holocaust victim.

I was most invested in Helaine and Gabriel’s story and enjoyed uncovering the threads of mystery.

I quickly found myself down a Google rabbit hole investigating the author’s inspiration for this book and have added Juliet Blackwell’s book, The Paris Showroom to my tbr in an effort to learn more.

I was gifted this copy by Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

We meet Louise who had helped the war effort by first donating her time with the Red Cross then actually going overseas to deliver packages with them. We meet her after the war has ended and her husband has come home changed and scarred by the war. She is now a housewife taking care of the home and the children while her husband goes to work and is still not quite with them when he comes home. Her adventure into the past starts when she finds a necklace while sorting goods at the secondhand shop. It reminds her of a different time and sets her off to find out the origin of the necklace and see if she can find out what happened to her friend all those years ago. What will Louise find when she starts this journey to uncover the truth? Will she find resistance from everyone, or will she be able to follow the crumbs to lead her to victory?

Pam Jenoff brings us the story of Louise and her quest to uncover the truth about her friend, the necklace, and the ugliness of war. We meet different characters and follow along as they live out their lives and the consequences of their decisions - both good and bad. Read to see if Louise finds the owner of the necklace and what her connection to it is. As you read, you are drawn into the story and keep going to find out what happens next. There are some parts that are difficult to digest and there are other parts where you are trying to keep up with them.

I have read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for this privilege. I look forward to reading more from this author.

This was a strong historical romance book, though I am finding I have enjoyed others more. Something seemed to be missing for me here. Still enjoyed though.

We meet Louise who delivered packages to prisoners of war during World War II and Helaine who was a prisoner in the Levitan department store taken over by the Nazis that housed goods stolen from Jewish homes.

The prisoners had to sort through all of the goods, and the German officers would stop by to buy it.

Louise now has a husband and twin children and works in a secondhand store. One day she found a necklace that she recognized as one similar to the one her friend Franny had.

How did the necklace happen to be in a box with other items that came to the second hand shop with the name Levitan Department Store on the outside?

Could it be the same one?

Louise travels to France and meets her old heartthrob but he disappears and she continues to try to solve the mystery of the necklace and to find out what really happened to her friend Franny.

Will she find out about the necklace or simply find what prisoners housed in the department store endured and were forced to do?

We learn of Heleine’s fate, her eventual arrest because she was Jewish, and her time in the department store.

If you have read Pam Jenoff’s books, you know you will be reading a marvelous, well-researched historical gem with a pull-you-in storyline and with characters you will love and be able to feel their every emotion. 5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.