Caffeinated Reviewer

I love spending time with the Perez family and looked forward to settling in with Our Last Days in Barcelona by Chanel Cleeton. This historical fiction has it all from romance to suspense as Isabel Perez travels to Barcelona to find her sister Beatriz. Grab an iced coffee and see why this is the perfect beach read…

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.

This story focuses on the eldest daughter, Isabel Perez. The family has been exiled from Cuba and, as the oldest daughter; she felt the pressure and need of her family as they try to carve out a home in South Florida. She was a dutiful daughter and did what was expected, including marrying an older gentleman she did not love.

When Beatriz is unreachable in Spain, it is Isabel who books a flight to Barcelona to search for her. This trip will forever change her.

I have loved everything Cleeton has published, but it is her historical fictions that truly shine. Her stories of Cuba and the Perez family are rich, detailed, captivating and perfectly paced. From the landscaping to the bond between the siblings, these are stories that feel rich and real.

I love fictional stories set during historical periods and Cleeton touches on a few in Our Last Days in Barcelona. Things are unsettled in Spain and the author shares the climate of two periods.

Barcelona, 1964 Beatriz disappears in Barcelona, Isabel goes to Spain in search of her and joins forces with Diego who is also looking for Beatriz. She is soon making discoveries about her own past as she traipses across Spain. Along the way Isabel will find her passion, herself and maybe the chance at real love.

Barcelona, 1936 A young Alicia Perez journey’s to Spain from Cuba with her young daughter Isabel in tow. The country is on the brink of Civil War. Young men are traveling to Spain to fight the cause and among them is Roe’s husband.

The two timelines weave back and forth, giving us several stories. Cleeton kept me engaged with each thread she wove. I loved trying to figure out how these Perez women would tackle each problem with dignity and courage. I loved how the author wove them together, giving Isabel strength.

This historical fiction has it all from family honor to matters of the heart. It’s all set against the backdrop of Spain, from the civil war to the horrors of Guernica.

I am hoping Cleeton delivers more historical fiction romance and while each of the following books will work as standalone; they are intertwined by the Perez siblings. When We Left Cuba, The Last Train to Key West and The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba and Our Last Days in Barcelona.

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About Chanel Cleeton

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.

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About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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