Collection
Publication
Berkley (2019), 368 pages
Description
Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML: In 1960's 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. 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..… (more)
Similar in this library
User reviews
LibraryThing member susan0316
This follow up novel about the Perez family from Next Year in Havana is Beatriz's story. The main character is so well written that all of her actions fit in with her personality. The setting in Miami is beautiful and the plot of the novel is very intriguing.
The Perez family was forced out of Cuba
This was a wonderful intriguing story and the author did very detailed research of this time period to make it even more realistic. The character of Beatrix is fantastically written with her desires for revenge and love at odds with each other.
Note: This can be read as a stand-alone with no confusion but the first book is so good that you really don't want to miss it.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
The Perez family was forced out of Cuba
Show More
when Fidel Castro took over the island. This novel starts several years after their expulsion from their home and Beatrix is still longing to return to her life and home in Cuba. Her yearning is so strong that she makes some dangerous decisions trying to do hr part to get Castro out of power and gets involved with the CIA. After that her life is filled with danger and her quest for revenge and desire to reclaim the life she lost. She believes that Castro killed her twin brother and she wants revenge for this death. During the same time period, Beatrix meets a man who consumes her dreams and who is engaged and totally out of her league in society. As the Cold War continues, Beatrix must make a decision between her quest for revenge and her desire to spend her life with the man she loves.This was a wonderful intriguing story and the author did very detailed research of this time period to make it even more realistic. The character of Beatrix is fantastically written with her desires for revenge and love at odds with each other.
Note: This can be read as a stand-alone with no confusion but the first book is so good that you really don't want to miss it.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Show Less
LibraryThing member teachlz
Chanel Cleeton , Author of “When We Left Cuba” has written an intense, captivating, enthralling, riveting, emotional, page-turning, and thought-provoking novel. I loved everything about Chanel Cleeton’s novel. The Genres for this Novel are Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, and Suspense.
After the Cuban Revolution, the Perez family is forced to come to America. The family is trying to regain the loss of their sugar empire they had in Cuba.Beatriz Perez especially feels the loss of her country, , her friends, and the death of her brother. Beatriz has blamed the old regime, and now holds Fidel Castro responsible. The CIA wants Beatriz to infiltrate Castro’s regime. Beatriz’s strong-willed mother wants her to get married.
Beatriz faces danger and death if she pursues her revenge. What will she decide to do? There are betrayals, espionage, and spies as the Cold War intensifies. Also the Perez family is slowly adjusting to the American way of life. Is there any way the problems of the past can be worked out so Beatriz can live safely in the present?
I love that Beatriz is a strong-willed, brave and resourceful woman who tries to own her decisions. I highly recommend this unpredictable and suspenseful novel to those readers who love Historical Fiction. I received an ARC. Happy Reading!
Show More
The time-line for this story is from the Cuban Revolution , the Cold War, the Bay of Pigs, President Kennedy’s election and so much more. I appreciate the historical details and research the author has done to provide such an intoxicating background and part of the story. Chanel Cleeton describes her colorful cast of characters as complex, complicated and dramatic. This novel would make a wonderful screen play, movie or series. I also appreciate Chanel Cleeton’s vivid description of the characters and landscape.After the Cuban Revolution, the Perez family is forced to come to America. The family is trying to regain the loss of their sugar empire they had in Cuba.Beatriz Perez especially feels the loss of her country, , her friends, and the death of her brother. Beatriz has blamed the old regime, and now holds Fidel Castro responsible. The CIA wants Beatriz to infiltrate Castro’s regime. Beatriz’s strong-willed mother wants her to get married.
Beatriz faces danger and death if she pursues her revenge. What will she decide to do? There are betrayals, espionage, and spies as the Cold War intensifies. Also the Perez family is slowly adjusting to the American way of life. Is there any way the problems of the past can be worked out so Beatriz can live safely in the present?
I love that Beatriz is a strong-willed, brave and resourceful woman who tries to own her decisions. I highly recommend this unpredictable and suspenseful novel to those readers who love Historical Fiction. I received an ARC. Happy Reading!
Show Less
LibraryThing member Carolesrandomlife
This was such a wonderful story! I really enjoyed Chanel Cleeton's Next Year in Havana so I was really excited to learn that one of my favorite characters in that book would get to tell her own story. This is that story. The events in this book take place after those in Next Year in Havana and
This is really a big story. Beatriz and her family are living in Florida after fleeing Cuba when Castro came into power. The family has suffered a lot of losses and it has been a difficult adjustment. Beatriz and her family hope to go back to Cuba but are also trying to make a life in Florida. Beatriz's mother would like to see all of her daughters married but Beatriz has other ideas. She has turned down quite a few marriage proposals and is more focused on revenge.
This story was filled with excitement. Beatriz works with the CIA and let's just say that her life is far from boring. She was passionate about the cause that she was working towards and it was really quite interesting to see her in action. Some of her missions were more exciting than others but it was great to see her in action.
I was really taken by the romance in this story. It was not your average romance and I am actually somewhat surprised that I was so taken with it but I just found myself swept away by their chemistry. Nick and Beatriz were just great together. They were incredibly attracted to each other and couldn't seem to stay apart even when they tried. There were so many things that seemed to work against the possibility of a relationship between them but they just couldn't stay away from each other. There were things about their relationship that made me sad and I wouldn't necessarily say everything turns out well but I think they were both better for knowing each other.
I really enjoyed the politics and history that were a part of this book. This was such an eventful period of time and I loved seeing some of the events that I have learned about worked into this story. I thought that all of the little details that the author included really added to the authenticity of the story.
I would highly recommend this book to others. This was a captivating story about a passionate character working to make a difference in the world while trying to find some happiness for herself. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley.
Show More
while I enjoyed seeing all of the characters again, this story stands on its own. I was hooked by this story from the very beginning and had a fantastic time with this book.This is really a big story. Beatriz and her family are living in Florida after fleeing Cuba when Castro came into power. The family has suffered a lot of losses and it has been a difficult adjustment. Beatriz and her family hope to go back to Cuba but are also trying to make a life in Florida. Beatriz's mother would like to see all of her daughters married but Beatriz has other ideas. She has turned down quite a few marriage proposals and is more focused on revenge.
This story was filled with excitement. Beatriz works with the CIA and let's just say that her life is far from boring. She was passionate about the cause that she was working towards and it was really quite interesting to see her in action. Some of her missions were more exciting than others but it was great to see her in action.
I was really taken by the romance in this story. It was not your average romance and I am actually somewhat surprised that I was so taken with it but I just found myself swept away by their chemistry. Nick and Beatriz were just great together. They were incredibly attracted to each other and couldn't seem to stay apart even when they tried. There were so many things that seemed to work against the possibility of a relationship between them but they just couldn't stay away from each other. There were things about their relationship that made me sad and I wouldn't necessarily say everything turns out well but I think they were both better for knowing each other.
I really enjoyed the politics and history that were a part of this book. This was such an eventful period of time and I loved seeing some of the events that I have learned about worked into this story. I thought that all of the little details that the author included really added to the authenticity of the story.
I would highly recommend this book to others. This was a captivating story about a passionate character working to make a difference in the world while trying to find some happiness for herself. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley.
Show Less
LibraryThing member fredreeca
Beatriz lost everything during the Cuban revolution. She lost her home, her country but the worst was losing her brother. She and her family are trying to make a new life in Florida. It has not been as easy as Beatriz expected. She is a beautiful young lady with a fierce love of Cuba and this gets
Beatriz is one tough lady and y’all know…I love tough women characters! She is determined to fight back regardless of the cost. And believe me, it cost her plenty. Between the CIA, a friend who is possibly the enemy and a political, married love interest, Beatriz’s reputation is shattered. This does not stop her in the least!
This story is so compelling. I don’t think I have read many books set in Cuba during this time period. Fidel Castro and the tragedy of the Cuban revolution is absolutely riveting. However, the CIA part of this story seemed a little far fetched to me. But, that is just a minor issue. The tale and the characters are woven together so strategically and the author has crafted such a unique storyline that no one needs to miss this one. Plus the cover is fabulous!
I received this novel from the author for a honest review.
Show More
her into a heap of trouble.Beatriz is one tough lady and y’all know…I love tough women characters! She is determined to fight back regardless of the cost. And believe me, it cost her plenty. Between the CIA, a friend who is possibly the enemy and a political, married love interest, Beatriz’s reputation is shattered. This does not stop her in the least!
This story is so compelling. I don’t think I have read many books set in Cuba during this time period. Fidel Castro and the tragedy of the Cuban revolution is absolutely riveting. However, the CIA part of this story seemed a little far fetched to me. But, that is just a minor issue. The tale and the characters are woven together so strategically and the author has crafted such a unique storyline that no one needs to miss this one. Plus the cover is fabulous!
I received this novel from the author for a honest review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member wagner.sarah35
With the way Next Year in Havana ended, I hoped the author would choose to write Beatriz Perez's story next. And, of course, she did! I'll admit that this novel did not capture my imagination the way that the first one did, but it nevertheless makes for very good reading. Beatriz is a great
Show More
character and her adventures spying for the CIA while also exploring a romantic relationship with a senator are exactly what I would expect from her. I really enjoyed spending more time with this character and I look forward to what Chanel Cleeton writes next! Show Less
LibraryThing member etxgardener
This is Cleeton's second book and is the prequel to Last Year in Havana and concentrates on Alisha's older sister, Beatriz. The Cuban it ithe end of 1960 and teh Perez family is coming to the realization that Fidel Castro will not just be a momentary aggravation in their lives. He is in power for
This book is implausible to say the least. An untrained young woman is sent to Cuba to try to poison Castro. Meanwhile she is more or less openly living with a US Senator and there are no adverse consequences. I guess the reader just has to suspend logical reality when reading these books.
Show More
the long haul. Beatriz's father has started rebuilding his sugar business in the United states and her mother is preoccupied with trying to find suitable husbands for her daughters. But what Beatriz is interested in is revenge for her twin brother's death at the hands of Castro. With the help of a family friend, Eduardo Diaz, she is recruited into the CIA with the goal of killing Castro. But then Senator Nicholas Randolph Preston III enters her world at a Palm Beach party and everything changesThis book is implausible to say the least. An untrained young woman is sent to Cuba to try to poison Castro. Meanwhile she is more or less openly living with a US Senator and there are no adverse consequences. I guess the reader just has to suspend logical reality when reading these books.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Nancyjcbs
This is the second Chanel Cleeton book I've read and it follows the release of Next Year In Havana. I preferred Next Year in Havana. One of the main reasons I enjoyed Next Year in Havana because I was transported to Havana as it was so beautifully described. This novel takes place almost
But I did enjoy the story, the possibilities, and the characters. It was ironic that the main character was Beatriz because this novel felt very similar to books I've enjoyed by Beatriz Willaims.
Show More
exclusively in Palm Beach. I also felt this was a little heavy on the romance and that aspect overwhelmed the political/historical turmoil.But I did enjoy the story, the possibilities, and the characters. It was ironic that the main character was Beatriz because this novel felt very similar to books I've enjoyed by Beatriz Willaims.
Show Less
LibraryThing member bookczuk
Having recently read Next Year in Havana I was eager to read this sister story, involving many of the same characters. Lots of history, angst, passion, passionate angst. Do people really have those wordy conversations? Sometimes, it seemed they talked for paragraphs.
I was just a kid when the Bay
I was just a kid when the Bay
Show More
of Pigs and Cuban Missile crisis occurred, and all I really remember was the funny sounding Bay name, and "Duck and Cover". It was interesting, as an adult, to read more about the politics of the time. Show Less
LibraryThing member lbswiener
When We Left Cuba is an interesting story about a woman who lives to avenge her twin brother's death who she claims was murdered by Fidel Castro. There was romance, intrigue, murder and Cuba from a different perspective. Because the book was just too long it only rates three and one half stars from
Show More
this review. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookwyrmm
Lots of intrigue and history, but the flash-forwards didn't need to be.
LibraryThing member KatrinaShawver
I finished When We Left Cuba in two days. The story and characters sucked me in and I enjoyed the entire trip. Chanel Cleeton writes a good story and I love her prose. I saw this book on a table in a bookstore nine months ago, and it had been on my to-read list since then. After starting two other
Show More
books I couldn't get into, this was fun. I'm not usually into a book classified as Romance, nor do I care what it is classified as. It was a fun read - espionage, hidden lover, gorgeous protagonist, all set against the conflict of Cuba and the US in the early 1960s. As far as I can tell, the author got her history right, (I'm not an expert on the time period), something I take seriously in fiction or nonfiction. I didn't even know until the end that it is a sequel to an earlier book, Next Year in Havana. This book stands by itself. All in all, a quick read and fun break from more serious choices. I enjoyed it from start to finish. Show Less
LibraryThing member clp412
I enjoyed Beatriz's story so much! This book was so different from Next Year in Havana and at first I wanted more about life in Cuba, but by the end I loved who Beatriz was and what she stood for! This is a great summer read!
ISBN
045149086X / 9780451490865