Overview

"An NPR Best Book of 2022 ""A master class in family and political drama, in star-crossed love stories and in capturing the enormity of what home is.""-NPR When Isabel Perez travels to Barcelona to save her sister Beatriz, she discovers a shocking family secret in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton's new novel. Barcelona, 1964. Exiled from Cuba after the revolution, Isabel Perez has learned to guard her heart and protect her family at all costs. After Isabel's sister Beatriz disappears in Barcelona, Isabel goes to Spain in search of her. Joining forces with an unlikely ally thrusts Isabel into her sister's dangerous world of espionage, but it's an unearthed piece of family history that transforms Isabel's life. Barcelona, 1936. Alicia Perez arrives in Barcelona after a difficult voyage from Cuba, her marriage in jeopardy and her young daughter Isabel in tow. Violence brews in Spain, the country on the brink of civil war, the rise of fascism threatening the world. When Cubans journey to Spain to join the International Brigades, Alicia's past comes back to haunt her as she is unexpectedly reunited with the man who once held her heart. Alicia and Isabel's lives intertwine, and the past and present collide, as a mother and daughter are forced to choose between their family's expectations and following their hearts."

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Reviews

There's no one better than Cleeton at intertwining tales of mothers and daughters with war and revolution... a riveting tale. -Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye Cleeton is a master at weaving together stories across dual timelines, and this is no exception. The novel pulses with her signature blend of intrigue, betrayal, and the redemptive power of unleashing family secrets. -Entertainment Weekly Cleeton vividly describes Barcelona through the eyes of her protagonists; the city, and its mixture of art and tragedy, is the perfect backdrop for Alicia's struggle and Isabel's soul-searching.... The Perez women display their strength in very different ways, and Cleeton celebrates each for their fortitude...[and] sensitively explores the multiple factors that affect her characters' decisions. Their lives are shaped not only by political events at home and abroad, but by their family's expectations and their precarious social status as immigrants to the U.S. Full of rich historical detail and vibrant characters, Our Last Days in Barcelona stands on its own, but also gives readers another glimpse into the continuing story of the Perez family. -Shelf Awareness Cleeton's devoted fans as well as readers new to her work will be captivated by this original and evocative story of love, loyalty, betrayal and redemption. -Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman With the Blue Star A profoundly moving story about sacrifices made in the name of family and legacy, and the lasting repercussions of losing one's homeland. Utterly captivating. -Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia Palace This novel of family, loss, and war is not only an extraordinary journey through some of the 20th century's most pivotal struggles, but also an epic tale of what can happen when we have the courage to face who we really are-perhaps the most revolutionary thought of all. I loved it. -Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names Nobody writes about the special bond between sisters as well as Chanel Cleeton. This is the book you're going to want to read this summer! -Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Orphan This sun-splashed story is one of longing, loyalty, and the many complicated ways in which we can love within a family.... Told with heart and beauty [it] is irresistible. -Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post Told with great care and sensitivity, this story will have you cheering for love's ability to prevail. -Susan Meissner, USA Today bestselling author of The Nature of Fragile Things Place, family, and sacrifice complete the beautiful landscape painted in Chanel Cleeton's riveting masterpiece. -Vanessa Riley, Bestselling Author of Island Queen Cleeton's complex female characters and evocative settings, spiced with a dollop of political drama, make this a pleasing outing. -Publishers Weekly Superbly paced, suspenseful, and sumptuous! -Weina Dai Randel, award-winning author of The Last Rose of Shanghai The Perez sisters are back in this moving follow-up to Next Year in Havana and When We Left Cuba. -Lorena Hughes, author of The Spanish Daughter Fans who've come to expect Cleeton's brilliant storytelling, vivid descriptions, historically accurate events, and beloved characters will rejoice in this extraordinary novel of heartbreak and resilience. -Lori Nelson Spielman, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany Thrills, excites and surprises you from the very first page. -Shelley Noble, New York Times bestselling author of Summer Island A powerhouse of a novel. Amidst the glamour and violence of Barcelona, Cleeton wraps the reader in a story that deals with the power of love, the bonds of family, and the heartbreaking choices to protect the ones we love. -Jennifer Probst, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Love Letters of Olivia Moretti Impeccably researched, Cleeton once again strikes that perfect balance between historical fiction and the kind of love story that appeals to the romantic in all of us. -Renee Rosen, USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces At once thrilling, nostalgic, and utterly romantic...Readers will fall in love with the brave and charming Perez women. -Zoraida Cordova, award-winning author of The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina A moving, beautifully written portrayal of the loss and limbo of displacement, and how women find the courage to begin again, to love again, and to ultimately become themselves against all odds. -Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author of Portrait of a Scotsman Cleeton masterfully weaves a tale about mothers, daughters, and sisters, the sacrifices they make, the daring they brave, but most of all the eye opening journey of self discovery. Not to be missed! -Eliza Knight, USA Today bestselling author of The Mayfair Bookshop This beautiful reflection on family, politics, and love will keep you reading late into the night. -Bryn Turnbull, Author of The Woman Before Wallis Another satisfying story filled with all of the daring and glamour we have come to expect from the Perez sisters. -Kaia Alderson, Author of Sisters in Arms A mesmerizing novel filled with anticipation, romance and surprises that will captivate readers until the end. -Georgie Blalock, Author of The Other Windsor Girl A breathtakingly beautiful tale of love and loss. Readers will gasp, cry, and swoon and relate to the women in this incredible novel. -Alana Quintana Albertson, Author of Ramon and Julieta A heartbreaking yet empowering story that beautifully depicts the strength of women as they bear the weight of familial obligation while trying to find their voice and follow their hearts. -Jane Igharo, Author of The Sweetest Remedy Praise for the novels of Chanel Cleeton A beautiful novel that's full of forbidden passions, family secrets and a lot of courage and sacrifice. -Reese Witherspoon A sweeping love story and tale of courage and familial and patriotic legacy that spans generations. -Entertainment Weekly Next Year in Havana reminds us that while love is complicated and occasionally heartbreaking, it's always worth the risk. -NPR A thrilling story about love, loss, and what we will do to go home again. Utterly unputdownable. -PopSugar A remarkable writer -The Washington Post You won't be able to put this one down. -Cosmopolitan With rich historical detail, incisive dialogue and a firebrand heroine, Cleeton paints a vivid portrait of a woman caught in the currents of a turbulent time yet determined to make her own way. -Shelf Awareness An exhilarating read with a fearless heroine. -Woman's World Has sex, drama, suspense...and pairs perfectly with a mojito. -People This Cuban-set historical novel is just what you need to get that ~extra-summery~ feeling -Bustle The Ultimate Beach Read -Real Simple Historical fiction fans will love this novel and its perfectly detailed descriptions of a long-gone era. This is another slam-dunk from Cleeton. -Library Journal (starred review)

Cleeton's devoted fans as well as readers new to her work will be captivated by this original and evocative story of love, loyalty, betrayal and redemption. -Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman With the Blue Star Praise for the novels of Chanel Cleeton Cleeton always delivers! -Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of The Women of Chateau Lafayette A thrilling story about love, loss, and what we will do to go home again. Utterly unputdownable. -PopSugar A remarkable writer -The Washington Post You won't be able to put this one down. -Cosmopolitan With rich historical detail, incisive dialogue and a firebrand heroine, Cleeton paints a vivid portrait of a woman caught in the currents of a turbulent time yet determined to make her own way. -Shelf Awareness An exhilarating read with a fearless heroine. -Woman's World Has sex, drama, suspense...and pairs perfectly with a mojito. -People A beautiful novel that's full of forbidden passions, family secrets and a lot of courage and sacrifice. -Reese Witherspoon A sweeping love story and tale of courage and familial and patriotic legacy that spans generations. -Entertainment Weekly This Cuban-set historical novel is just what you need to get that ~extra-summery~ feeling -Bustle The Ultimate Beach Read -Real Simple Next Year in Havana reminds us that while love is complicated and occasionally heartbreaking, it's always worth the risk. -NPR Cleeton is skilled at immersing readers into the culture and the period of her stories while creating vibrant characters, especially women, in a fast-paced, thoroughly engaging read. -Denny S. Bryce, Author of Wild Women and the Blues In this powerful, page-turner, Chanel Cleeton...The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba shines the light on the fierce women who played a critical role in this important juncture in time-women who are determined not to be forgotten. -Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Mystery of Mrs. Christie Nobody writes about Cuban women-their lives, their loves and their bravery-like Chanel Cleeton does. A truly beautiful book. -Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Secret Historical fiction fans will love this novel and its perfectly detailed descriptions of a long-gone era. This is another slam-dunk from Cleeton. -Library Journal (starred review)

Cleeton's devoted fans as well as readers new to her work will be captivated by this original and evocative story of love, loyalty, betrayal and redemption. -Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman With the Blue Star Cleeton's tour de force of a novel . . . is a profoundly moving story about sacrifices made in the name of family and legacy, and the lasting repercussions of losing one's homeland. Utterly captivating. -Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia Palace Chanel Cleeton delivers a perfectly rendered novel of three memorable women bearing both the unfair weight of family expectations and the regrets of missed opportunities, but who nevertheless refuse to give up on hope and second chances. Told with great care and sensitivity, this story will have you cheering for love's ability to prevail. -Susan Meissner, USA Today bestselling author of The Nature of Fragile Things Cleeton delivers, big-time! Once again, Chanel Cleeton captivates with her evocative prose and first-rate storytelling. The Perez women come to life when their stories collide in this unforgettable tale of love, loss, secrets, and suspense. Fans who've come to expect Cleeton's brilliant story-telling, vivid descriptions, historically accurate events, and beloved characters will rejoice in this extraordinary novel of heartbreak and resilience. At its heart an exquisite love story, Our Last Days in Barcelona illustrates the life-altering sacrifices women will make for the sake of their families. -Lori Nelson Spielman, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany A story of despair, love and healing amidst the growing threat of fascism in Spain and its ties to Cuba. Our Last Days in Barcelona thrills, excites and surprises you from the very first page. -Shelley Noble, New York Times bestselling author of Summer Island Praise for the novels of Chanel Cleeton Cleeton always delivers! -Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of The Women of Chateau Lafayette A thrilling story about love, loss, and what we will do to go home again. Utterly unputdownable. -PopSugar A remarkable writer -The Washington Post You won't be able to put this one down. -Cosmopolitan With rich historical detail, incisive dialogue and a firebrand heroine, Cleeton paints a vivid portrait of a woman caught in the currents of a turbulent time yet determined to make her own way. -Shelf Awareness An exhilarating read with a fearless heroine. -Woman's World Has sex, drama, suspense...and pairs perfectly with a mojito. -People A beautiful novel that's full of forbidden passions, family secrets and a lot of courage and sacrifice. -Reese Witherspoon A sweeping love story and tale of courage and familial and patriotic legacy that spans generations. -Entertainment Weekly This Cuban-set historical novel is just what you need to get that ~extra-summery~ feeling -Bustle The Ultimate Beach Read -Real Simple Next Year in Havana reminds us that while love is complicated and occasionally heartbreaking, it's always worth the risk. -NPR Cleeton is skilled at immersing readers into the culture and the period of her stories while creating vibrant characters, especially women, in a fast-paced, thoroughly engaging read. -Denny S. Bryce, Author of Wild Women and the Blues In this powerful, page-turner, Chanel Cleeton...The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba shines the light on the fierce women who played a critical role in this important juncture in time-women who are determined not to be forgotten. -Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Mystery of Mrs. Christie Nobody writes about Cuban women-their lives, their loves and their bravery-like Chanel Cleeton does. A truly beautiful book. -Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Secret Historical fiction fans will love this novel and its perfectly detailed descriptions of a long-gone era. This is another slam-dunk from Cleeton. -Library Journal (starred review)

In this powerful, page-turner, Chanel Cleeton has interwoven the stories of three unforgettable historical women against the fiery backdrop of the Spanish-American war and the Cuban fight for freedom from the Spanish. Using the brave acts of real-life historical women as inspiration, The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba shines the light on the fierce women who played a critical role in this important juncture in time-women who are determined not to be forgotten. -Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, on The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba Cleeton always delivers! This time, with The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba, a well-researched tale set against the backdrop of a newspaper war. With moguls determined to drag the United States into the conflict between Cuba and Spain, this novel's women--the reporter, the revolutionary, and the beauty-are all brought vividly to life in a lovingly rendered novel about the triumphs and tragedies of war. -Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of The Women of Chateau Layfayette, on The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba Nobody writes about Cuban women-their lives, their loves and their bravery-like Chanel Cleeton does. A truly beautiful book. -Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Secret, on The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba Historical fiction fans will love this novel and its perfectly detailed descriptions of a long-gone era. This is another slam-dunk from Cleeton. -Library Journal (starred review), on The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba An enchanting historical novel.... Cleeton skillfully brings off the three strong women's heartbreaking stories with intriguing twists and turns and a delightful finale. With impeccable research and perfect pacing, Cleeton makes the most of her subject. -Publishers Weekly on The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba With a splash of romance and a healthy helping of history, this novel will be a hit for all collections. -Booklist, on The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba A truly fascinating novel, layered with drama and danger in which Cleeton shines a light on Cuba's battle for independence through the voices of three dynamic women. As always, Cleeton writes with a passion for her subject that is evident on every page. The depth of her research, and the authenticity of her characters, ensures a wonderfully immersive and compulsive read. -Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of When We Were Young and Brave, on The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba Chanel Cleeton uncovers a fascinating bit of little-known history about the Spanish-American War and delivers the real-life story of Evangelina Cisneros in glorious, page-turning detail. The events of her life stoked the circulation wars between Pulitzer and Hearst and highlighted the power of the press. Filled with rich historical facts and strong-minded female characters, you'll want to keep Google open to learn even more about Cuba's struggle for independence. The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba is Cleeton's best book yet! -Renee Rosen, National bestselling author Park Avenue Summer, on The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba Entertaining, educational, and deeply moving, The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba is an unputdownable read-I couldn't get enough of the admirable women characters, the history, and the prevailance of romance and hope. -Evie Dunmore, National bestselling author of A Rogue of One's Own, on The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba Chanel Cleeton's latest page-turner braids together ambitious Gilded Age threads-the seamy world of yellow journalism, the drama of the Spanish-American War, and the meddling role of Society in the lives of women-with the lives of three memorable heroines whose intersecting paths to love and independence will keep you up late into the night. -Kerri Maher, Author of The Girl in White Gloves, on The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba Once again, Chanel Cleeton brings Cuban history to vivid life in her captivating new novel, The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba. Skillfully intertwining the lives of three women whose lives are irrevocably shaped by the Cuban War of Independence, Cleeton's page-turning novel showcases the many ways that war can be waged-even by those who never lift a gun. -Bryn Turnbull, Author of The Woman Before Wallis, on The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba Praise for the novels of Chanel Cleeton A thrilling story about love, loss, and what we will do to go home again. Utterly unputdownable. -PopSugar A remarkable writer -The Washington Post You won't be able to put this one down. -Cosmopolitan With rich historical detail, incisive dialogue and a firebrand heroine, Cleeton paints a vivid portrait of a woman caught in the currents of a turbulent time yet determined to make her own way. -Shelf Awareness An exhilarating read with a fearless heroine. -Woman's World Has sex, drama, suspense...and pairs perfectly with a mojito. -People A beautiful novel that's full of forbidden passions, family secrets and a lot of courage and sacrifice. -Reese Witherspoon A sweeping love story and tale of courage and familial and patriotic legacy that spans generations. -Entertainment Weekly This Cuban-set historical novel is just what you need to get that ~extra-summery~ feeling -Bustle The Ultimate Beach Read -Real Simple Next Year in Havana reminds us that while love is complicated and occasionally heartbreaking, it's always worth the risk. -NPR Cleeton is skilled at immersing readers into the culture and the period of her stories while creating vibrant characters, especially women, in a fast-paced, thoroughly engaging read. -Denny S. Bryce, Author of Wild Women and the Blues

Author Information

Originally from Florida, Chanel Cleeton grew up on stories of her family's exodus from Cuba following the events of the Cuban Revolution. Her passion for politics and history continued during her years spent studying in England, where she earned a bachelor's degree in International Relations from Richmond, The American International University in London, and a master's degree in Global Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Chanel also received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

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