An outstanding work of historical fiction about Nazi Germany, a department store, a necklace and true love. This has just the right combination of history, romance and suspense. An enchanting story and excellent character development. For fans of Kristin Harmel and Kristin Hannah.

Once again Pam Jenoff has written not only a captivating novel but she also written a story around a little known historical fact. Before reading this novel, I had never before heard of Lévitan which was a department store in Paris that was actually used by the Nazis as basically a prison work camp. Written in dual time periods, London in 1953 and the war years in Paris, Jenoff was able to weave fiction and history together that kept me reading past my bedtime! Normally dual time line World War II novels are set in current times so it was a bit different for me to see one written in the 1950's. However, I have to say I liked it because it told the story of Louise who was also involved with the war effort but now was trying to settle into "normal" family life postwar. Perfect for fans of historical fiction.

Intriguing story of WWII during 1944 and a store in Paris where some Jewish people were interned with the principal character a young wife of a cellist in the symphony. I liked reading this book because it was a different approach to the horrors of war inflected upon an occupied country (Paris for this book). Another bold way of tying situations and people together was by using 1953 and a different character trying to find the rightful owner of a Mizpah piece of jewelry. Another angle is what happens when the Red Cross goes into Germany with care packages for POWs. This would be a great book club selection. Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC; the opinions stated in my review are my own.

This was my first Pam Jenoff book and wow! I’m officially putting her backlist titles on my TBR now. In THE LAST TWILIGHT OF PARIS, I enjoyed the dual POVs (during and after WWII) that eventually connected in the end. It was a very captivating historical fiction read. I appreciated the author’s note in the back of the book. It’s amazing how you think you’ve learned about WWII to read books like this and realize that there’s still so much that happened that I never heard of. Highly recommended. Thank you to NetGalley and Park Row for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I have been a longtime fan of Pam Jenoff, and I'm thrilled that her newest, Last Twilight in Paris, is out now. I appreciate so much that after many books, Jenoff is still finding unique stories to tell about World War II experiences. This is another heartbreaking one, with a strong core of brave women at the center, as well as gentle love stories. Pam Jenoff does an excellent job communicating information and teaching in her writing without making it feel like a pedantic info dump, and I always leave her books feeling like I've been enlightened on something new.

This historical fiction novel was engrossing and heartfelt. I tend to shy away from WW II , but this one taught me something new! It was well researched and even has a mystery in the plot. I felt transported back in time and was immersed in the story.

Thank you to Park Row/Harlequin for providing me with an advance copy of this book.

Having previously read The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff, I was eager to dive into Last Twilight in Paris. I enjoyed her previous novel and look forward to reading more of her work.

This historical fiction novel is set in France during and after World War II, a period that, while covered in literature, still holds many untold stories—particularly about the Nazi occupation. I’ve read a few books on this subject about the harsh and horrific realities of that era.
Told through dual timelines, the novel follows two women:

- Louise Burns Emmond—After the war, Louise is married to Joe and raising two children, but her past is filled with uncertainty. Before Joe left to fight in the war, he didn’t marry her, leaving her in limbo. Determined to contribute, she volunteers with the Red Cross, a decision that will shape her journey.

- Helaine Weil—A young Jewish woman, Helaine was sheltered as a child due to a serious heart condition. Doctors warned she would never be strong enough to bear children, and her family kept a close watch over her. Through her story, we gain insight into the life of a Jewish Parisienne before and during the Nazi occupation. One of the most striking elements of her narrative is her time in the Levitan camp, a former Jewish-owned furniture store that was repurposed as a depository for belongings confiscated from Jewish families. I hadn’t heard of Levitan before, and learning about it was both fascinating and deeply unsettling.

Once again, Pam Jenoff crafts a compelling, emotional story that is difficult to put down. Her ability to weave historical detail into a gripping narrative makes Last Twilight in Paris both an enlightening and engrossing read. She has a remarkable talent for bringing history to life with vivid detail and deeply human characters, making her novels both immersive and unforgettable. This book is yet another testament to her ability to blend historical accuracy with powerful storytelling, leaving readers both moved and inspired.

https://allthatsinteresting.com/levitan

Inside Lévitan, The Nazi Department Store Where Jewish Prisoners Were Forced To Sell Their Belongings

Under the Nazi occupation of France, the Jewish-owned Parisian furniture store Lévitan was converted into a work camp where some 800 Jewish prisoners were held.

I decided to begin my review with the link and headline I discovered while searching for information about Lévitan. Having read numerous historical fiction novels set during World War II, which frequently delved into the atrocities committed in the various camps and even explored the sinister purposes of some, Lévitan was a name I had never come across before.

In this heartwarming and utterly unforgettable tale, we encounter Louise, a selfless woman whose life took an unexpected turn in 1953. While rummaging through a box in London, she stumbled upon a necklace bearing the name of a Parisian department store. Intrigued, Louise couldn’t shake the feeling that she had seen this necklace before. As the narrative unfolds, we are transported back to the tumultuous era of World War II, where Louise served as a dedicated Red Cross worker. It is during this time that we witness the devastating loss of her dear friend, Franny, a renowned actress who dedicated her performances to entertaining the POWs.

Our other primary protagonist in this story is Helaine, a sheltered young Jewish woman, Prior to the outbreak of the war, she falls in love with a cellist named Gabriel. As he is not Jewish, this presents a problem with her parents, especially her father. Nonetheless, she marries him, and the two scrape by due to his music. However, as the war has started to invade other parts of Europe, including Paris, a gulf begins to grow between them.

Louise is relentless in her determination for trying to find out whatever she can about the necklace she found, despite any obstacles she may face. More importantly, Louise is more determined to find the truth about the department store called Lévitan and how it became a labor camp and what Jews were imprisoned there.

As most stories about the war have a strong impact on me, this one did as well. In fact, I was brought to tears more than once in the story. I loved reading Pam Jenoff’s comments before and after the story that illustrate her reasons for writing these impactful World War II stories, And, although using literary license when necessary, she clearly brings attention to yet another cruel way in which the Germans treated the Jews.

Quite often when reading these World War II stories, I am reading stories that took place in Germany, and we all know what happened there. However, to see how in Paris the Jews were treated no better, and how some of them were housed, was utterly heartbreaking. I’ve only had occasion to read two previous books by this knowledgeable author, but that is a situation I plan on changing in the coming year.

Many thanks to Park Row and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Loved it!! In all the historical fiction books that I read and documentaries that I watched, I never heard anything about Lévitan. The Parisian department store was turned into a Nazi camp, where they could buy items that were stolen from the Jewish homes that were ransacked. That's where Helaine has found herself during WWII, after her husband left to tour Germany with a small group of musicians. Helaine led such a sheltered life after contracting influenza at five. Her parents kept her in the house, almost a prisoner. A prisoner that never wanted for anything except leaving the house. At eighteen she's finally able to take a walk around the block alone. She meets Gabriel while he's playing his cello. Helaine is from an extremely wealthy Jewish family, while Gabriel is not. Her life immediately goes into a new direction. During the war, Louise joined the Red Cross and found herself handing out care packages to prisoners in Germany. Along the way she meets Franny. Franny would sing, entertain the men and pose for photos. After the war, Louise is married with children and works at a thrift shop. She happens to come across a necklace that she remembered seeing years ago. She saw a man give it to Franny at one of the camps. The same night that something happened to Franny. Louise makes it her mission to find out all she can about the necklace and even asks help from Ian, who was with the Red Cross. Loved the mystery behind the necklace and Franny. There were so many twists and turns with who was involved and what was really going on. Loved finding out the truth about Franny. I wasn't sure how Helaine and Louise's paths would cross when I first started the book. Loved the ending when everything was finally revealed.

Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, story and writing style. I enjoyed how the book alternated between Helaine and Louise. Loved reading about Louise during her time with the Red Cross. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin Trade Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wow—what a gripping read! This story pulls you right into the chaos of wartime Paris, where love, survival, and truth are all on the line. It’s fast-paced, emotional, and completely immersive. I loved how it balanced romance with the harsh realities of war, making every moment feel so intense and real. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong characters and high stakes, this one is definitely worth picking up!

✨ This is a very interesting, and most typical, WWII historical fiction novel. If you’ve enjoyed other Jenoff novels or other books in this genre, I’m sure you’ll like this.

✨ The reason I keep coming back to HF is because I always learn something while being captivated by a great story— and this book is no exception. It focuses largely on a large Paris department store that was turned into a prison during the war. Prisoners were forced to sort the items stolen from Jewish homes, then work as shop girls as German officers got their pick of the goods.

✨ It also focuses on a part of the resistance including an actress who used her position as a performer for German soldiers to help allied prisoners— based on an actual person.

✨ Jenoff uses multiple POV’s and multiple timelines to weave an engaging story that kept me interested throughout. Again, if you enjoy this stories, this will be a hit. Again, it’s out today! Is this on your TBR? If you read historical fiction, do you have a particular subject or time period you like to read about most?

I love WWII era books. Last Twilight in Paris is a unique look at Lévitan, a story that held prisoners in Paris. The dual timelines were perfect for this story and I love the twist…never saw it coming but I should have.

As with most WWII books, this book is a story of the strength of not giving up, enduring the horrors of war, and surviving by any means you can. I felt connected to the characters and invested in both storylines. I enjoyed Louise’s story and the fact that she felt the need to find the answers she was looking for, she also kept in mind her family and their needs. Helaine’s story is about a woman who followed her heart and I was hopeful that all would work out for her.

I am so excited this is Pam Jenoff’s latest book. My Dad and I read all her books together. My Dad turned 91, September 20th. Pam Jenoff is his favorite author and I love her books, too. He wants the Physical Book though. Fortunately, he is doing much better, so will order the Book for Him from Barnes & Noble and Signed by Pam Jenoff. He will love that. It is Spectacular just to look at.

I Read this book in 3 days, stayed up late to finish. The Stories Pam Jenoff comes up with are always so interesting. In a Paris Department Store, Lévitan, there are Jewish People Arrested and housed there. During the day, they must work unloading and sorting all the furniture, accessories, and home goods from Jewish Families Homes. The Jewish People have been sent East, clearly with no plans of Returning. Then the Merchandise is displayed and Germans can purchase it. This is horrible, but actually happened.

So, a young couple Helaine and her husband, Gabriel who is a top Cello Player, are trying to start a life together when the war harshly stumbles over their lives. Gabriel must leave the Country to play in an Orchestra and Helaine is Jewish, so eventually she ends up at Levitan. This is considered a good place to be compared to the Camps many are sent to, but it is brutal to be there. Helaine does not know if Gabriel is alright or her parents either. Helaine sneaks to the Rooftop and sees the glorious beauty of Paris all around her, and is in shock that she is caged in an Upscale Department Store frightened and hungry all the time.

Then there is Louise. She is eager to help with the war effort and volunteers to help The Red Cross. She even agrees to go into enemy territory to bring POW’s Care Packages with Food and Supplies. This is quite dangerous though. She meets a performer, Franny and each sees a kindred soul in the other. Yet, Franny seems to possibly be taking too many risks to help those suffering. She wants Louise to help deliver a heart necklace to a man’s wife. Louise wants to help, but also get home safely.

In 1953, Louise has married her husband, Joe, carrying psychological wounds from the war. They have two children and life has become a bit stifling for her. She works at a Shop in England, sorting out seconds hand goods. Her eye catches a heart shaped necklace, just like the one she saw back during the War. Could it possibly be the same one and if so, she wants to know the full story. So, she sets off to London and Paris to find out. It is quite a story.

It was so heartbreaking all the pain the war caused so many people, but through all that struggle we are reminded that even wounded people still can find ways to savor the joy in life. All the pieces of the story blend seamlessly and there is much beauty left after all the destruction.

Love Wins over Hate, even if you end up losing someone you love. My Dad is Going to love this Book. I love you, Dad. Can’t wait to talk this one over with you. 💕 In Loving Tribute to my Father who passed on 12/28/24. So, sorry it was not meant to be. Love Wins Though. Miss You so Very Much.

4.75 – 5 STARS

“Last Twilight in Paris” is a compelling historical fiction that shines a light on a little known piece of WWII history…Levitan…a Parisian store turned Nazi camp where Jews were forced to sort and sell items appropriated from Jewish homes.

The fictional portion of the story centers around two couples, a found necklace, and a tragic, suspicious death. The story unfolds slowly through a dual timeline, told in two alternating points of view—Helaine, a young and naïve Jewish woman living in Paris during wartime, and Louise, a British wife and mother who struggles with domestic life after having served as a Red Cross volunteer in war-torn Europe.

Initially, I struggled with the time period shifts, but it wasn’t long before I was drawn into this well-researched, heartbreaking saga which held me captive right up until the very end when all of the pieces finally fall into place.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last.

Im a huge fan of this author and know that every book she writes comes with a lot of detail and experience that she's uncovered within her past jobs both with the army and the US consulate in Poland. What I love about her HF books that take place during the War years is that even though we all know how it will end up; we know the pain and waves of destruction the Nazi's left...we get to feel it from different voices. It's a pet peeve of mine when I see a reader say that they've already read "enough WWII" books...because every one I read is a new voice. A new footstep. And those voices need to keep coming. I read a stat the other day that the younger generation (current teens) are among the most skeptical that the Holocaust happened. and for that reason alone, these books must be made.

In the Authors Note, we read about the "gasp" that she finds in history which is how she gets her ideas. In this book it was about a furniture store in Pairs where Jews were forced to sort and sell objects from Jewish homes to German officers. As I mentioned previously, I hadn't heard about this part of the war, and so it piqued my own gasp of yet another thread of pain that hasn't been talked about. No other books I've read even shares this little tidbit of information...and loved that the author took that and created the storyline that would connect a Jewish voice with a non-Jew in the 1950's . I also appreciated the mental health aspect of Joe, her husband who may be loving and a good man but he held so much pain inside after the war and was expected to just "get on with it".

all in all, I enjoyed the book, recommend it. but it needed a little bit more for me for 5 stars. My favourite of Jenoff's is the Woman with the Blue Star. Highly recommend you starting there if you are new to her work.

3.75 star

This historical fiction novel includes a multi-layered plot, mesmerizing and realistic characters, dual timelines and two different points of view. The timelines are close together, in the 40’s during the war and in the 50’s following the war and I found this a unique perspective from most historical fiction. One narrator is Helaine, a Jew in Paris who is captured and forced to work in a former upscale department store. There she has to sort and sell things that the Nazis have confiscated from the Jewish people they have sent to prison camps. The second narrator is Louise, a housewife in London who finds a necklace that she saw on the day a good friend died during the war. Louise is determined to go on a quest to find the other half of the necklace and to find out what really happened the night that Franny died. There are a lot of characters, a great deal of history and a completely absorbing plot as Louise follows the clues to a resolution and Helaine’s story of forced labor and being away from her beloved husband are told. I enjoyed the details of the story, especially the way the layers dovetailed together seamlessly at the conclusion. I also liked meeting the characters who were realistically flawed, with love lives that were not perfect and their dreams that they tried to fulfill. This is a timeless story of persistence, friendship, loyalty and tragedy that is memorable and a great book for discussion.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. (Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”)

In 1953 London, Louise is adjusting to her postwar role as a housewife when she discovers a necklace in a box at a secondhand shop. The box is marked with the name of a department store in Paris, and she is certain she has seen the necklace before, when she worked with the Red Cross in Nazi-occupied Europe —and that it holds the key to the mysterious death of her friend Franny during the war. Following a trail of clues to Paris, Louise seeks help from her former boss Ian, with whom she shares a romantic history. The necklace leads them to discover the dark history of Lévitan—a once-glamorous department store with dark secrets and a woman named Helaine. Louise tries to find the connection between the necklace, Levitan, and her friend's death, but nothing is as it seems.

Pam Jenoff is a master at turning mostly unknown incidents during WWII into gripping historical fiction. I have followed her for several years and read many of her books and am always looking for more. She develops the facts into historical fiction with amazing characters. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book, another amazing book in the WWII genre of historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and Park Row for this ARC copy.

Last Twilight in Paris follows the lives of two women during WWII + the years that follow: Louise and Helaine.

It’s 1943. Helaine is a Jewish woman who is imprisoned during WWII and forced to work in a department-store-turned-camp selling goods taken from Jewish homes. Helaine’s husband, Gabriel, is a cellist for the symphony who disappears under odd circumstances. Helaine is desperate to find answers about her husband and survive.

It’s 1953. Louise is a housewife in the country outside of London. She finds a necklace at the shop where she works that she is certain she saw during her Red Cross days in the war. The necklace brings up so many unanswered questions, and she is determined to figure out who the necklace belonged to, why it’s showing up now, why it showed up during the war, and what it’s potential connection is to people she knew in the Red Cross.

The two stories of these women are woven together seamlessly, and the alternating timelines and perspectives works really well. I love when a historical fiction novel discusses a lesser-known part of history. While the atrocities of WWII are well-known, the Lévitan department store-turned-Jewish-labor-camp is not. The complex role of the Red Cross during the war isn’t always dissected in novels, either, and Last Twilight in Paris touched on some of the questions I’ve had when thinking about WWII.

This book hooked me from the start and I had a hard time putting it down! I really enjoyed the story and the characters, and I flew through the pages because I wanted to know what all the connections were. All historical fiction lovers will want this on their shelves. This was my first Pam Jenoff novel and certainly won’t be my last. With some mystery, romance, and deep friendship, this book tells a beautiful and gripping story that comes together perfectly.

I always enjoy Pam Jenoff books and this one was no different. I also love WW2 topics and this was a good one with a different sort of twist. overall a good read if you like historical fiction.

I have read a number of the historical fiction titles written by Ms. Jenoff. She has mastered the craft of telling involving stories that feature characters about whom readers will care. That is certainly the case in this story which echoes the trauma of WWII and is told through two principal narrators. There are sadnesses, mystery and a department store in these pages. Intriguing for sure.

It is easy to recommend this title to those who already know this author and/or to those who are coming to her stories for the first time. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this one.

Many thanks to the team at HTP for the invite to this blog tour.