A stunning debut novel of a young American woman who becomes a spy in Paris during World War II.
May 1940. Fleeing a glamorous Man... read full description
May 1940. Fleeing a glamorous Man... read full description
reviews
Apr 22, 2011
Kathy
rated it: 
Clara May Wagner flees her family’s decrepit, dusty family farm and heads for New York City, where she shakes the dust off her shoes and reinvents herself as the blueblood Claire Harris. Then she ruthlessly marries an extremely wealthy, but morally bankrupt, man to become the well-heeled, bejeweled, Claire Stone, socialite. By the time Claire flees her marriage, she is selfish and shallow. And those are her good points. She heads to Paris to reconnect with an old lover, another wealthy man who
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Jun 10, 2011
Catherine
rated it:
In most Fiction (outside of Romance and UF) I don’t need to like the main character to enjoy the story. I guess it’s because I don’t get attached to them the same way I do Romance and UF protagonists. It’s more like watching a movie as opposed to immersing yourself in a book. But the heroine, Claire, almost made a liar out of me. She irritated me so much in the beginning of the book that I wondered if I’d even be able to finish it.
Claire is an odd mix of innocence and cunning. She More...
Claire is an odd mix of innocence and cunning. She More...
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Jul 13, 2011
Lois
rated it:
I was excited to be a First Reads Giveaway Winner of this historical fiction. I like how it was set in Paris during WW II and enjoyed how the author contrasted the beauty of Paris against the horrors of the Nazi occupation with a wonderful love story woven throughout the plot.
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May 07, 2011
Tanya
rated it:
I can't believe I won another book this week through first-reads!
5/7/11
I couldn't get enough of The Last Time I Saw Paris, and read it in less than 24 hours. There's something so romantic about those heightened days during World War II. Sheene captures the mood of German-occupied Paris so well, showing how the people suffered as the Nazis partied. Her socialite heroine's transformation was believable, and I fell half in love with the novel's hero. All in all, a very en More...
5/7/11
I couldn't get enough of The Last Time I Saw Paris, and read it in less than 24 hours. There's something so romantic about those heightened days during World War II. Sheene captures the mood of German-occupied Paris so well, showing how the people suffered as the Nazis partied. Her socialite heroine's transformation was believable, and I fell half in love with the novel's hero. All in all, a very en More...
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Dec 08, 2011
Sonia
rated it: 
L’ultima volta che ho visto Parigi è di sicuro un romanzo che sa come presentarsi: ci si trova di fronte a un’immagine di copertina così romantica e struggente - così francese; si ha tra le mani un romanzo dal formato così piacevole… Si è davvero ben predisposti nei confronti della storia che presto ci verrà raccontata, qualunque essa sia.
Confesso che dopo essere stata affascinata dalle prime due pagine, le successive non mi hanno trasmesso subito nulla di positivo. Temevo fosse la solita More...
Confesso che dopo essere stata affascinata dalle prime due pagine, le successive non mi hanno trasmesso subito nulla di positivo. Temevo fosse la solita More...
Jul 18, 2011
Susan
rated it: 
One stubborn American woman, meets up with the French Resistance!
I loved it. It had everything I liked... drama. romance, suspense, a little action, a bit of history, and one of my favorite cities, Paris!
Although I did not like many of the characters at the beginning... especially Claire... they grew on me like friends. They were well rounded and I found myself rooting for them, even when they did things I just couldn't understand. I found that made the read even mor More...
I loved it. It had everything I liked... drama. romance, suspense, a little action, a bit of history, and one of my favorite cities, Paris!
Although I did not like many of the characters at the beginning... especially Claire... they grew on me like friends. They were well rounded and I found myself rooting for them, even when they did things I just couldn't understand. I found that made the read even mor More...
May 26, 2011
Virginia
rated it: 
This is the literary equivalent to a B movie. If I had to read anymore about Claire fingering her diamonds, the word "damn", or had the author list another stupid street in Paris (either leave your knowledge of street names out, or provide a map up front), I would have burned the book. The author seemed to mostly write this book to show off her 5 french phrases and insult intelligent people the world over, especially American women. If she was trying to show Claire's growth throughout
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(3 people liked it)
May 22, 2011
Bookaholics
rated it:
The Last Time I Saw Paris by Lynn Sheene
Historical Romance – May 3rd, 2011
4 stars
Claire Harris left her rich industrialist husband and Manhattan life and fled to Paris. She wanted to start her life all over again in the fabled city with a new identity. But she ignored the fact that Europe was at war and that Hitler’s army could be coming for Paris.
Claire ended up working at La Vie en Fleurs where Madam Palain took Claire under her wing. In order to get forged ide More...
Historical Romance – May 3rd, 2011
4 stars
Claire Harris left her rich industrialist husband and Manhattan life and fled to Paris. She wanted to start her life all over again in the fabled city with a new identity. But she ignored the fact that Europe was at war and that Hitler’s army could be coming for Paris.
Claire ended up working at La Vie en Fleurs where Madam Palain took Claire under her wing. In order to get forged ide More...
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Feb 21, 2012
Jean
rated it:
This story was amazing! Claire Harris does what needs to be done and it is often far from pretty. When Claire is sixteen her mother dies; she flees her brutal father and overworked brothers for New York in the company of a Bible salesman. Within a few years she is living the life of a socialite, married to a very rich and brutal man - a life built on lies. When the lies are exposed she flees to Paris for her life and a former lover. Expecting a French version of her American socialite life, Clai
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Aug 06, 2011
Mackenzie
rated it:
"The Last Time I Saw Paris" was an extraordinary novel. I was hesitant to actually pick up the book because it looked like the typical star-crossed lovers story. But I was proved wrong. This story starts out with a young socialite woman who lives in New York City with a husband whom she does not love. She and her husband had a pact; he would marry her if she "helped" him in his business. Well something happens that was completely unexpected, so Clare (wife) heads to Paris to
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Jun 20, 2011
Farin
rated it:
The Last Time I Saw Paris was not what I expected it to be, in the very best sense. Lynn Sheene tells the incredible story of Claire, a woman who flees from New York to Paris after her past catches up with her. She arrives with the sole intention of meeting up with her lover and living the glamorous life, but walks into a country on the brink of war instead. In exchange for identity papers, Claire reluctantly begins working for the Resistance. As she sees the effects of the Nazi occupation on he
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Jul 19, 2011
Bonnie (Hands and Home Blog)
rated it:
Original review posted at: http://www.handsandhome.ca/2011/07/the-l...
The Last Time I Saw Paris is an absolutely breathtaking historical fiction, which takes place in occupied Paris during WWII. This book had it all for me. Beautiful writing, rich characters, romance, excitement, and gritty historical details.
Lynn Sheene is an exciting author for me because not only does she tell a fantastic story but also her writing is so descriptive that the settings and characters rea More...
The Last Time I Saw Paris is an absolutely breathtaking historical fiction, which takes place in occupied Paris during WWII. This book had it all for me. Beautiful writing, rich characters, romance, excitement, and gritty historical details.
Lynn Sheene is an exciting author for me because not only does she tell a fantastic story but also her writing is so descriptive that the settings and characters rea More...
Jun 29, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
Wow, it took me FOREVER to read this book!
I almost gave up on it early on when I felt like the author was ripping off other books. The strange man from the midwest showing up and revealing that the glamourous Manhattan socialite is really a runaway farmgirl named Clara May reminded me just a little too much of that part in Breakfast at Tiffany's when the strange man from the midwest shows up and reveals that the glamourous Manhattan socialite is really a runaway farmgirl named Lula More...
I almost gave up on it early on when I felt like the author was ripping off other books. The strange man from the midwest showing up and revealing that the glamourous Manhattan socialite is really a runaway farmgirl named Clara May reminded me just a little too much of that part in Breakfast at Tiffany's when the strange man from the midwest shows up and reveals that the glamourous Manhattan socialite is really a runaway farmgirl named Lula More...
Jul 16, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
Sheene had a lot of story to tell here and this was a bit oddly paced at times with some character development that suffered a little, but overall a pretty interesting and entertaining read about a woman who's built a life upon lies in upper crust 1940's Manhattan, only to discover herself and her truth in Nazi-occupied Paris where she joins the French resistance. It's a great concept, especially if you're a historical fiction buff, and Sheene mostly writes really well. The heroine getting her
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Jun 29, 2011
Karla
rated it:
3.5 stars
This was very enjoyable, compelling historical fiction. It started slowly but once Claire got involved with the resistance the speed picked up and there was plenty of action. There is a romance in the story but the main characters are apart for much of the book. I think the author did a good job describing the setting and developing the characters.
I'm frequently reading books and think "This would be a fabulous read if the author had only changed this or that More...
This was very enjoyable, compelling historical fiction. It started slowly but once Claire got involved with the resistance the speed picked up and there was plenty of action. There is a romance in the story but the main characters are apart for much of the book. I think the author did a good job describing the setting and developing the characters.
I'm frequently reading books and think "This would be a fabulous read if the author had only changed this or that More...
Apr 20, 2011
Dimity
rated it:
I won this historic fiction novel from the First Reads program. I entered because I have been satisfying my historic fiction itch with a lot of WWII novels lately. I mainly read books about Great Britain during the war so I enjoyed that this one was set in France because it was a nice change of pace for me.
I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book because I didn’t really enjoy any of the characters. Thankfully, Claire grew on me with time but she started out awfully flat. In More...
I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book because I didn’t really enjoy any of the characters. Thankfully, Claire grew on me with time but she started out awfully flat. In More...
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Dec 10, 2011
Diana
rated it:
When I was given this book I wasn't quite sure I wanted to read a book about the German Occupation of Paris but I picked it up and must say 1/2 way through I couldn't put it down. This book gives you drama, mystery, suspense and yes romance not just for a man but for a city.
I must admit that I got lost in the authors names of streets and french phrases and wish there had been a map and dictionary in the back but it did not deter me from enjoying the book. We sometimes forget the bravery o More...
I must admit that I got lost in the authors names of streets and french phrases and wish there had been a map and dictionary in the back but it did not deter me from enjoying the book. We sometimes forget the bravery o More...
Apr 23, 2011
Megan
rated it:
I was very excited to win this book on first reads, I haven't read a good historical fiction novel in a while.
The story follows Claire Harris Stone, originally a poor farm girl who escaped her family's dirt farm to the bigger city of New York. Using her feminine wiles to social climb her way up to a loveless, but wealthy marriage, Claire's time as New York socialite ends quickly as her true roots are uncovered. She runs away to Paris, a city glamorized by her previous lover Laurent More...
The story follows Claire Harris Stone, originally a poor farm girl who escaped her family's dirt farm to the bigger city of New York. Using her feminine wiles to social climb her way up to a loveless, but wealthy marriage, Claire's time as New York socialite ends quickly as her true roots are uncovered. She runs away to Paris, a city glamorized by her previous lover Laurent More...
Apr 20, 2011
Jen
rated it:
This was simply a treat. Ms. Sheene has such a talent of creating an occupied Paris in WWII. I just wanted to devour the book and I did in a weekend. The story was compelling and the heroine was fascinating. I could easily imagine a January Jones-like Hollywood actress portraying Claire in the movie version of this book.
However, there are two reasons that prevented me from giving this book five stars: One, the writing at times was rough, much too hurried in the fine details. Ms More...
However, there are two reasons that prevented me from giving this book five stars: One, the writing at times was rough, much too hurried in the fine details. Ms More...
Feb 10, 2012
I loved this book for a simple reason: Clara May is not a damsel in distress.
At first, I was annoyed by her perfect life, her outright snobbish behavior.
But, then, as her true story began to unravel, I fell utterly in love. The woman refuses to give up! She risks her life, jumps through all sorts of hoops, and remains strong throughout.
The setting is absolutely wonderful, full of lovely descriptions of Paris, even during a war. I love the flower shop, and Madam's character is More...
At first, I was annoyed by her perfect life, her outright snobbish behavior.
But, then, as her true story began to unravel, I fell utterly in love. The woman refuses to give up! She risks her life, jumps through all sorts of hoops, and remains strong throughout.
The setting is absolutely wonderful, full of lovely descriptions of Paris, even during a war. I love the flower shop, and Madam's character is More...
May 14, 2011
Tori Benson
rated it:
Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/05/review...
Favorite Quote: “You are late.”
Clare Harris reinvented herself from dirt poor farmer’s daughter into a dazzling socialite. She marries into money only to find out that her husband requires her to use her beauty and considerable charms on his clients. Claire has spent her whole life burying her emotions; this is a walk in the park for her. But when her past catches up with her, she knows that she must escape he More...
Favorite Quote: “You are late.”
Clare Harris reinvented herself from dirt poor farmer’s daughter into a dazzling socialite. She marries into money only to find out that her husband requires her to use her beauty and considerable charms on his clients. Claire has spent her whole life burying her emotions; this is a walk in the park for her. But when her past catches up with her, she knows that she must escape he More...
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Aug 31, 2011
Melanie
rated it:
I thought this book was good. For some reason, maybe the beautiful cover, I was expecting a bit more from it. Really, it was a glorified romance novel. I don't particularly like these women who seem obsessed with finding/saving their "true love" at all costs. That being said however, I definitely enjoyed the historical aspects of this story and would love to see the movies, if only for the costumes. Lynn Sheene did an excellent job of conjuring visuals, which I do enjoy. However,
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Jul 26, 2011
Michelle
rated it: 
This book had so much potential and fell so flat for me. You would think the story of a self-made American socialite getting caught up in the romance and intrigue of WWII-era Paris would be pretty irresistible. But this wasn't. The writing was disjointed and sometimes hard to follow. The sexual references - and there were quite a few - felt salacious rather than honest. I ultimately just was not interested in the main character's journey and that was a real disappointment. I skimmed the last 100
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Aug 16, 2011
Beth
rated it:
Quite an enjoyable read. Made me think of the last time I saw Paris! I think the author could have come up with a more creative book title for her first novel debut. The storyline (historical fiction of Paris occupied by the Nazis and the Resistance fighters trying to stay under the radar) was highly entertaining. Loved the heroine and how she has changed from being a spoiled NYC socialite to an unwilling Resistance fighter who was caught up in the dangerous web of deceit, betrayal, and su
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Aug 10, 2011
Kit
rated it:
The Last Time I Saw Paris is an historical novel that reads like a thriller. Set in WWII, the story involves an American socialite who arrives in Paris just as the Germans do and finds herself(reluctantly) involved in the Resistance movement. The writing was a bit choppy at the beginning, but the story line is so compelling, I didn’t have time to worry about it. This is the author’s first novel and I am hopeful there will be more to follow - with a more attentive editor in the future. She te
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May 12, 2011
Shannon
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Feb 04, 2012
Jen
rated it:
This book provided an interesting look at the Resistance fighters who risked everything to covertly fight the Nazi's that occupied Paris, France during WWII. The book certainly makes you respect these courageous men and women during this horrible time in history. However, the young woman at the center of the plot, Claire Harris, an American that moves to Paris in May of 1940 to find her French lover, doesn't really seem to understand the full extent of what the French resistance is truly fight
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Aug 27, 2011
Lisa
rated it:
An emotional and heartfelt novel about the relentless determination of one woman, The Last Time I Saw Paris is an outstanding read.
Claire Harris Stone is living the life others can only dream of as an elite socialite in Manhattan. Yet her past has finally caught up with her and she is on the run to a new life and a new start. Claire has never had roots to tie her down to one place...until she meets Paris. She knows she belongs here and that she has finally found her home. Unfortunately More...
Claire Harris Stone is living the life others can only dream of as an elite socialite in Manhattan. Yet her past has finally caught up with her and she is on the run to a new life and a new start. Claire has never had roots to tie her down to one place...until she meets Paris. She knows she belongs here and that she has finally found her home. Unfortunately More...
Nov 30, 2011
Kellie Reed
rated it:
This book was...amazing! I couldn't put it down. The intensity of the book was what kept me reading. Also, the romance she has with Paris, flowers, men, it was beautiful. It made me want to be next to her. The main thing i loved though was her involvement with the french resistance. The passion, courage, and strength they had to do what they did is amazing. Lynn Sheene is an amazing author and i give her a job well done with this book. It was beautiful and made me want to visit Paris again. I ca
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May 24, 2011
Joleen
rated it:
I don't think I have read many books about the French Resistance during World War II. Claire who has risen the social ladder in New York City through lies and deciet goes to Paris to start a new life not knowing that Paris is about to be attacked by the Germans. Claire gets illegal papers and works in a flower shop to save her life. She is pulled into the resistance but it pulls out a part of Claire she didn't know she possessed.
Most of the book dealt with staying alive and her work with More...
Most of the book dealt with staying alive and her work with More...
