Here is my first review for 2018!
I'm starting off with a book that is released tomorrow, Next Year in Havana. This is the first book in a new series by Chanel Cleeton, and I was pleasantly surprised as to how much I enjoyed it!
Title: Next Year in Havana
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Genre: Historical Contemporary Romance
After the death of her beloved grandmother, a Cuban-American woman travels to Havana, where she discovers the roots of her identity--and unearths a family secret hidden since the revolution...
Havana, 1958. The daughter of a sugar baron, nineteen-year-old Elisa Perez is part of Cuba's high society, where she is largely sheltered from the country's growing political unrest--until she embarks on a clandestine affair with a passionate revolutionary...
Miami, 2017. Freelance writer Marisol Ferrera grew up hearing romantic stories of Cuba from her late grandmother Elisa, who was forced to flee with her family during the revolution. Elisa's last wish was for Marisol to scatter her ashes in the country of her birth.
Arriving in Havana, Marisol comes face-to-face with the contrast of Cuba's tropical, timeless beauty and its perilous political climate. When more family history comes to light and Marisol finds herself attracted to a man with secrets of his own, she'll need the lessons of her grandmother's past to help her understand the true meaning of courage.
Havana, 1958. The daughter of a sugar baron, nineteen-year-old Elisa Perez is part of Cuba's high society, where she is largely sheltered from the country's growing political unrest--until she embarks on a clandestine affair with a passionate revolutionary...
Miami, 2017. Freelance writer Marisol Ferrera grew up hearing romantic stories of Cuba from her late grandmother Elisa, who was forced to flee with her family during the revolution. Elisa's last wish was for Marisol to scatter her ashes in the country of her birth.
Arriving in Havana, Marisol comes face-to-face with the contrast of Cuba's tropical, timeless beauty and its perilous political climate. When more family history comes to light and Marisol finds herself attracted to a man with secrets of his own, she'll need the lessons of her grandmother's past to help her understand the true meaning of courage.
Next Year in Havana was a read that really touched my heart. I loved that it was told through two perspectives: Marisol—present day—and her Great Grandmother Elisa—past. Although I've never been to Cuba, it was interesting to get their perspectives on a country where their people struggle daily, unless they are born into wealth.
Marisol was in Cuba so she could scatter her Grandmothers ashes. She met a lot of people that her Grandmother knew and saw a different side to Elisa, that left her wondering if she truly knew the person who raised her. She uncovered secrets, discovered some truths and allowed her heart to fall for someone when she least expected it.
I loved Elisa's perspective, seeing the difficulties she had to face and how politics dictated her life. She fell in love with a guy that her family would never approve of and was willing to put herself in danger to save him. She had to leave the only home she knew to begin again in a new country. I could never imagine how hard that would be!
I've read about 90% of Chanel Cleeton's work, and to be honest, I wasn't sure that I'd enjoy this one, so boy was I happy to be proven wrong! I loved both time-lines and was introduced to a lot of characters, some I can't wait to see more of. The romances were sweet and the story was addictive, even with the hint of danger on the horizon. I would've liked a little more of Marisol after she returned home, instead the ending felt a little rushed. I am looking forward to Beatriz's story (Elisa's sister). Being the carefree and deceptive sister, I'm sure it will be an entertaining ride!
Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have two Quotes today. One featuring Elisa and Pablo, the other with Marisol and Luis!
Pablo takes my hand, his thumb stroking the inside of my wrist, teasing the soft skin there.
“You’re going to be difficult to walk away from, aren’t you?” he asks, his voice resigned.
My heart thuds.
“I hope so.”
Kindle Arc Loc 1510
My fingertips trail against the sea as it caresses my navel. I dive under the waves, and when I pop up again, Luis is there, his back to the sun, watching me.
It feels like a line of dominoes falling into place, like somehow I was meant to end up here, with the grandson of beloved family friends, my feet on Cuban soil, history catching up to me.
I take a step forward. Then another. I stop an inch away from Luis, and our lips meet, the salt from the sea between us, the smell of the ocean filling my nostrils, the sun warming his skin beneath my hands, his beard scratchy against my cheek.
Ages pass before we come up for air.
Kindle Arc Loc 2911
Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup
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 & Political Science. Chanel also received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. She loves to travel and has lived in the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.
Other reviews featuring Chanel Cleeton
Wild Aces series
Into the Blue #2
On Broken Wings #3
Capital Confessions series
Flirting with Scandal #1
Playing with Trouble #2
Falling for Danger #3
International School series
Wild Aces series
Into the Blue #2
On Broken Wings #3
Capital Confessions series
Flirting with Scandal #1
Playing with Trouble #2
Falling for Danger #3
International School series
I See London #1
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