Saturday, April 13, 2019

When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton *BlogTour/Review*

When We Left Cuba
by Chanel Cleeton


April 9, 2019
Women’s Fiction/Historical Fiction
Penguin/Berkley



Book Summary: 

In 1960s Florida, a young Cuban exile will risk her life--and heart--to take back her country in this exhilarating historical novel from the author of Next Year in Havana, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick.

Beautiful. Daring. Deadly. 

The Cuban Revolution took everything from sugar heiress Beatriz Perez--her family, her people, her country. Recruited by the CIA to infiltrate Fidel Castro's inner circle and pulled into the dangerous world of espionage, Beatriz is consumed by her quest for revenge and her desire to reclaim the life she lost. 

As the Cold War swells like a hurricane over the shores of the Florida Strait, Beatriz is caught between the clash of Cuban American politics and the perils of a forbidden affair with a powerful man driven by ambitions of his own. When the ever-changing tides of history threaten everything she has fought for, she must make a choice between her past and future--but the wrong move could cost Beatriz everything--not just the island she loves, but also the man who has stolen her heart...


Book Links: 

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2KQM6MG

Learn more about When We Left Cuba including downloading the book club guide and more at: http://www.chanelcleeton.com/when-we-left-cuba




My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton is such a compelling, imaginative, and beautiful story. This is one of those books I couldn't put down and I was on the edge of my seat through the entire thing wondering what was next for Beatriz.

This story is full of so much drama, danger, and love that it's amazing taking it all in and looking for the next scenario to pop up. Beatriz is an inspiration. Her character is strong, vibrant, and so proud of her heritage. I loved that through the entire book she fought for the country she loved. Even when those priorities and the country changes, she still fights. This book has so much history in it as well. I loved that the author put in different parts from the period and they were so engaging and left you with so much pain in your heart for the souls that were lost. Beatriz has two of the most amazing men in this book that fight for her in a different way. I loved them both. Eduardo is such a good friend and he understands Beatriz in ways that no one else does. His character was suave and courageous and I hated everything he endured. Then Beatriz meets Nick and omg, it was instant love for me. His character is powerful, so full of heart and I wanted them together instantly. But this story isn't one of those where the two loves are instantly together. These two go through so much over the years and in the end no matter what path they take, it's a love that lives on forever. It was breathtaking and beautiful.

I give When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton 4 out of 5 STARS!

View all my reviews

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 Praise for When We Left Cuba:

A thrilling story about love, loss, and what we will do to go home again. Utterly un-put-down-able.
—PopSugar

A beautiful and utterly transporting novel.
—Publisher’s Weekly

Bold, unconventional Beatriz makes a heroine for the ages…A thrilling, thought-provoking read!
—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network

A gorgeously atmospheric homage to a country and a past that vibrates with emotion on every page.  Historic events, espionage, and a Kennedy-esque romance make this novel a rich read, but the addition of a formidable heroine truly makes it unputdownable.  This is not just historical fiction, but also an unrequited love story for a country and a way of life, as well as a journey of self-discovery for a woman torn between love and the two countries she calls home.
—Karen White, New York Times bestselling author 

Cleeton once again delivers a masterful tale of political intrigue tinged with personal heartbreak. Her ferocity and fearlessness can be found on every page, and Beatriz’s story—one of vengeance, betrayal, and bravery—astonishes and thrills.
—Fiona Davis, national bestselling author of The Masterpiece

Atmospheric and evocative, When We Left Cuba captivates with its compelling portrayals of the glamorous Cuban exile community and powerful forbidden love set against the dangerous intrigue of the Cold War. Unforgettable and unputdownable!
—Laura Kamoie, New York Times bestselling coauthor of My Dear Hamilton

By turns a captivating historical novel, a sweeping love story, and a daring tale of espionage—I absolutely adored this gem of a novel.
—Jillian Cantor, author of The Lost Letter and In Another Time

Oozing with atmosphere and intrigue, When We Left Cuba is an evocative, powerful and beautifully written historical novel which had me completely captivated from the first page to the last. Take a bow, Chanel Cleeton!
—Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter 

With a sure hand for historical detail, an impeccable eye for setting, and a heroine who grasps hold of your heart and never lets go, Chanel Cleeton has created another dazzlingly atmospheric and absorbing story of Cuba and its exiles. A beautiful and profoundly affecting novel from a writer whose work belongs on the shelves of every lover of historical fiction.
—Jennifer Robson, USA Today bestselling author of The Gown

Powerful, emotional and oh so real. One woman's fight to reclaim her own country, against all odds and no matter what the cost is intertwined with the real history of our lifetime and creates an unforgettable story.
—Rhys Bowen, New York Times and #1 Kindle bestselling author of The Tuscan Child and the Royal Spyness mysteries.

Scintillating…. An intriguing dive into the turbulent Cuban-American history of the 1960s, and the unorthodox choices made by a strong historical woman.
—Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Only Woman in the Room

Rich in historic detail, When We Left Cuba has it all—the excitement of a page-turning thriller, the sizzle of a steamy romance and the elegant prose of a master storyteller.
—Renée Rosen, author of Park Avenue Summer

Cleeton draws you into the glamour, intrigue, and uncertainty of the Cuban exile community just after Castro's coup through a heroine who could give Mata Hari a run for her money…. You'll be rooting for Beatriz to change the course of history—and find her own hard-won happily ever after.
—Lauren Willig, New York Times bestselling author of The English Wife

With a richly imagined setting and a heroine worth rooting for from the start, When We Left Cuba is thrilling and romantic, and timely to boot.
—Michelle Gable, New York Times bestselling author of The Summer I Met Jack

A compelling unputdownable story of love—for a man, for a country, for a past ripped away, and a future’s tenuous promise. When We Left Cuba swept me away.
—Shelley Noble, New York Times bestselling author of Lighthouse Beach.

Electric and fierce. Beatriz Perez’s romance with a handsome, important senator will sweep you away, but it’s her profound loyalty to Cuba and her formidable determination to be her own woman despite life-and-death odds that will really hold you in thrall.
—Kerri Maher, author of The Kennedy Debutante

 In a tale as tempestuous as Cuba itself, When We Left Cuba is the revolutionary story of one woman’s bold courage and her many sacrifices for her beloved country. An absolutely spectacular read!
—Stephanie Marie Thornton, author of American Princess

Beatriz Perez’s brand of vintage-Havana glamour dazzles with equal parts intrigue, rebellion, and romance to make for an unforgettable story.
—Elise Hooper, author of The Other Alcott 



GIVEWAY:
 $50 Barnes & Noble Gift Card, Lilly Pulitzer/Swell water bottle, Besame cosmetics vintage-inspired lipstick, palm tree notepad and pen set, signed When We Left Cuba recipe cards, and signed When We Left Cuba bookmarks. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Author Information: 

Chanel Cleeton is the USA Today bestselling author of Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick Next Year in Havana. Originally from Florida, Chanel 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. 

Author Links:

Website:   www.chanelcleeton.com
Facebook:   www.facebook.com/authorchanelcleeton
Facebook Reader Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1545366192398558/
Instagram:   www.instagram.com/chanelcleeton/
Twitter:   www.twitter.com/chanelcleeton
Goodreads:   www.goodreads.com/chanelcleeton
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2GFim2N




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