I look forward to Chanel Cleeton’s releases and devoured The Cuban Heiress. The story takes place aboard the SS Morro Castle. History buffs will remember its tragic tale, and what happens on board will intrigue you as we get to know an heiress and a dead woman.
by Chanel Cleeton
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
In 1934, a luxury cruise becomes a fight for survival as two women’s pasts collide on a round-trip voyage from New York to Havana in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton's page-turning new novel inspired by the true story of the SS Morro Castle.
New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead—and why.
Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her—and her prey is on the ship.
As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all.
The Cuban Heiress was an addictive tale that takes us aboard the SS Morro Castle on a round-trip journey from New York to Cuba. The tale takes place in 1934 and passengers are looking to escape from the pressures of one of the worst years during the Great Depression.
The passengers we meet aren’t at all as they seem. We have Catherine Dohan, a New York Heiress who boards with her finance and his young daughter. Then there is Elena Palacio, a dead woman. Also on board are Harry, a polished and charismatic thief, and Julio, a Cuban smuggler.
The tale that unfolds held me captive from romantic aspects to murder. It had a tight tension as we learned more about the characters. While the story isn’t steeped in as much history as her previous books, so many aspects ring true for the period from Elena’s supposed death to Catherine’s clever escapades.
Cleeton paints realistic tales and characters you are drawn to. From the first page to the last, I slipped away and was a passenger, observing all that occurred.
The two stories slowly entwine in this fast-paced tale until I could barley set the book down. It all came together as the ship caught fire. But the story doesn’t end there as Cleeton shares what happened to the survivors.
Bravo! I look forward to the next story Cleeton shares with us. Fans of historical fiction with a side-dish of romance will want to take the Cuban Heiress for a sail down the Atlantic.
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
Sophie
OK that’s it! I thought about reading Chanel Cleeton’s books before but now it’s decided! I am adding that one for next month. Thank you for the review!
Kimberly
This makes me happy. I love her books.
DEBBIE HAUPT
Oh this looks good Kim I too really enjoy her novels I look forward to adding this to my collection
Kimberly
Happy reading Debbie!
Lover of Romance
Wow! What a stellar review you have of this one. I have been really intrigued by her historical fiction and love the aspects of mystery and the two plot lines combining. Definitely want to pick this one up once I get through her romances.
Kimberly
I loved her contemporary series, but she really excels with these historical fictions.
Katherine
I’ve had this author on my TBR for years and this one especially appeals to me because of the mystery element. I’m really looking forward to reading this one. Great review!
Kimberly
Enjoy Katherine!
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I enjoyed her Flying Aces series and I read the first one of her historical series. This one sounds like more like my kind of read. I’ll check it out!
Kimberly
I have read both and loved them. I hope you try this.
Mary Kirkland
While I don’t read this genre all that much this does sound like it would be pretty good.
Kimberly
Thanks Mary.
Nadene
This sounds intriguing..
Kimberly
Have you read any of her books? I think you’d love her contemporary series.
Anne - Books of My Heart
Sophia liked this one too. I have one of her books, signed even because I met her. But I’ve yet to read. I sometimes struggle with historical fiction because I want to know what really happened instead. I do want to try her work sometime. Great review!
Kimberly
I love these because they are steeped in facts or surrounding actual events.
Sophia Rose
Yes! That was exactly how it struck me. I read it so fast. 🙂
Kimberly
Yay. I love her books.
Taylor @ Taylor Fenner’s Bookish World
This sounds so good! I seem to be drawn to historical tragedies that occurred on ships so I will definitely check this one out!
Kimberly
I adore this author and hope that you do!