Chanel Cleeton is an autobuy for me, from her contemporary romance to her historical fiction. The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes shares the story of a mysterious book and spans from 1900 Boston to 2024 London in this captivating tale.
by Chanel Cleeton
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm *affiliate
A mysterious book with a legacy spanning from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day unites three women in this unforgettable novel from New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton.
London, 2024: When American expat Margo Reynolds is hired to source a book that’s more than one hundred and twenty years old, she thinks her greatest challenge is going to be that there’s only one copy in existence. However, it quickly becomes clear that her client isn’t the only person determined to procure the book at any cost. Thrust into a deadly quest, Margo teams up with an unlikely ally—the man she loved and lost—and is forced to confront the ghosts of her own past as the lingering feelings that simmer between them ignite.
Havana, 1966: Pilar Castillo’s days are spent working as a librarian in Havana, her nights spent hoping for her husband’s freedom after his unjust imprisonment. But Pilar has a secret that could jeopardize her life. She’s fighting Fidel’s regime in her own way, and when she comes into possession of a book that was published more than sixty years earlier, she must decide how much she’s willing to risk to protect the literary works entrusted to her care.
Boston, 1900: For Cuban teacher Eva Fuentes, traveling from Havana to Harvard to participate in the largest cultural exchange between Cuba and the United States is not only a chance to represent her country at a critical time in its bid for independence, but also an opportunity to work on the book she’s writing. When a moonlit encounter with an enigmatic stranger alters the course of Eva’s summer at Harvard, and as secrets, lies, and forbidden love rise to the surface, Eva’s life—and legacy—is irrevocably changed.
Our story begins in 2024 London, where American expat Margo Reynolds has earned a reputation for acquiring lost and rare antiquities. When she is asked to find a mysterious book published over a century ago. It is believed there is only one copy left — the original. The title is surrounded in mystery, and apparently she isn’t the only one hunting for it.
We trace the book along with Margo and learn of the book’s origin story and travels.
The lost story was written by Eva Fuentes, an aspiring writer and young Cuban teacher, who was sent to study at Harvard in the summer of 1990. In Boston, she met a charismatic young man, and their whirlwind romance changed her life. When she returns to Cuba, she writes about it. It’s a story of forbidden romance, lies and secrets.
In 1966 Havana, a young librarian, Pilar Castillo, protects books subject to being destroyed by Fidel Castro. When her husband is imprisoned and she suspects Castro’s men know about the books she has hidden, she asks a neighbor fleeing Cuba to return the lost story to its rightful owner. I adored Pilar. How could I not? This brave young woman protected books. Now more than ever, her storyline felt relevant.
Rich in history, once again Cleeton held me captive as we learned about Eva, Pilar and Margo. I loved how the author weaved everything together, from the person interested in possessing the book to Eva’s story and the brave actions of librarian Pilar. Traveling from my reading chair, I found myself transported.
The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is the type of story that sticks with you long after you’ve closed the book. I highly recommend for book clubs and readers who enjoy historical fiction and mystery.
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
Katherine
I have really enjoyed everything I’ve read by this author and this was put on my TBR as soon as I saw that it was coming out. I’m so glad to see you enjoyed it!
Sophie
Oooh that certainly makes me want to read it! Maybe listen to it as I love that kind of books in audio!
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I enjoyed Cleeton’s contemporary romances, but this sounds really good, too! As you said, it seems perfect for a Book Club read!
Anne - Books of My Heart
Sophia enjoyed this one too.
Mary Kirkland
Trying to hunt down a book that there’s only 1 of sounds daunting.
hena
Sounds good.. What a beautiful cover.
Sophia Rose
Pilar’s part of the story was the one that fascinated me the most and kept me in suspense. I loved all three women’s stories, though.