This book was amazing. At every page, I was dying for more. The plot was both filled with forbidden romance and overall badass-ery by Beatriz trying to save Cuba. There wasn’t really any points that I thought that there was too much of one of those two aspects. Cleeton really knows how to mix both politics and romance into one amazing book.

2 reviews - avg 4.5 stars

Beatriz Perez and her family fled Cuba when Castro took over. Her mother still holds fast to the wealthy elite attitude of marrying off her daughters, Beatriz included. But Beatriz has her own ideas and wants revenge for her lost life and dead twin brother.
She becomes embroiled in the high stakes game of espionage, all the while conducting a long term affair with an engaged Senator. Her love of Cuba influences her every decision. Can she find peace?
This novel incorporates the historical era seamlessly into the fictional families in Palm Beach. The underlining love story is almost heartbreaking, while at the same time maddening. Beatriz is a fascinating and strong woman lead character.
This book is definitely worth the read!
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Mind blown! I started this book thinking that I would read some suspense, some historical, and maybe a dash of a few other things, but what I got was so much more.
Beatriz wants to live her own life, make her own decisions, but it's more than that. She wants revenge, while her mother has other ideas for her daughters. On top of that, there is suspense, romance, emotional turmoil, espionage, affairs...and I can't say more without giving too much away. What I will say, the cast of characters is unique. Beatriz is strong-willed and headstrong. The story engages the reader and will having you turning the pages as quickly as you can read the words. The plot...woah. You have got to read this one for yourself. One click it today. 4.5 stars.

dnf i think i just read this book at the wrong time but i am so so excited to get back to this maybe this summer i just don't feel comfortable really reviewing this since it wasn't the book i honestly think it was just me and timing and sometimes that kind of thing happens

You may remember that Cleeton is the author of two of my favorite books, Fly With Me and Next Year in Havana. When We Left Cuba is the follow up to NYIH and I have been excited about Beatriz’ story since last year. I found Beatriz Perez to be incredibly intriguing and she did not disappoint.
Beatriz is smart and beautiful and a fighter. She is heartbroken about her family’s relocation to Florida after Castro takes over Cuba. She is counting down the days until she can return to Cuba. Much like in Next Year in Havana, the love the Perez family has for their home is devastatingly clear. When the story opens, Beatriz is participating in the social season and she is bored with it. Early on in the story she meets a handsome man, Nicholas Preston. It is very clear he is the love interest. Beatriz is a smart and very beautiful young woman, but she is bored by the expectations set by society, and her mother, for her.

Beatriz’s story centers around her determination to get Castro removed from power so she can return home. The story is heavy on the politics from the early 1960’s with a focus on relations between Cuba and the US. Where Next Year in Havana was heavy on visual depictions of Cuba that had me so taken with the story, We When Left Cuba lacked those descriptions and so the story felt lacking to me. The first part of the book dragged a little for me until Beatriz really found herself immersed in her new life.

This story is historical fiction with a pretty healthy side of romance. But because it is not a “true” romance, there are some themes that may not be for everyone, they include: espionage, death, politics, and infidelity. I’d like to talk about the infidelity just a smidge. So if you are interested in this book and don’t want to be spoiled, step away now. Beatriz falls in love with a young senator named Nick. Nick comes from a wealthy Connecticut family and he’s engaged. He and Beatriz fall in love. He is also involved with someone else. I did not hate this aspect, in fact I kind of loved it. I am not advocating for infidelity, but for me it felt very authentic to who Beatriz was. Also, love is MESSY AF. Is was for Beatriz. It often is for many people. I enjoyed seeing a messy love on page.

Overall I really enjoyed this story, it was a little heavy on the intrigue and not enough of the visual that I LOVED from NYIH, but it was still a solid read. I would definitely read more stories about the Perez family.

I can’t lie, I had mixed feelings about WHEN WE LEFT CUBA by Chanel Cleeton. I was so excited to start this after loving NEXT YEAR IN HAVANA last year. While I loved some parts, I felt pretty meh on others. The pacing felt wonky to me and at times I didn’t really know where the story’s direction was going. Historical fiction dealing with real life events that cannot be changed can be hit or miss for me as you know what the outcome is before you even start. It works great for some books depending on what the plot and who the characters—re: I read Tudor books all the time knowing who’s gonna die or be punished before even starting—but this book’s focus was on Beatriz wanting to kill Castro so I really did not know how this story was going to go. I liked Beatriz’s character and her desire to follow her own path, her loyalty to her brother and country, and her resistance not to be pushed into a box of what she ‘should’ do with her life. I was not a fan of the romance for a few spoilery reasons I won’t say but it just did not work for me in any way, shape, or form. I almost wish this book had a dual timeline aspect with the events Beatriz was going through before they left Cuba—pun intended—because I think I would have enjoyed it more and the pacing and allocation of plot would have been spread out better.🇨🇺
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I didn’t hate this book but I didn’t love it either, I enjoyed reading it and am glad I did but I don’t see myself going back to it anytime soon!👒

I’ve been so excited to tell you about this book I just read: When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton.

This book is a sequel to one I read and loved last year: Next Year in Havana.

This work of historical fiction is told from the perspective of Beatriz Perez, who fled Cuba with her family when Fidel took power (their exile is covered in the first book).

“It’s been nearly a year since we left Cuba for what was supposed to be a few months away until the world realized what Fidel Castro had done to our island, and American has welcomed us into her loving embrace – almost.”

Now living in Miami, the rest of her family is trying their best to assimilate, but Beatrice yearns for her homeland and decides to risk everything to save it.

Here are three things I loved about this book:

The history. This book covers the Kennedy election, assassination, and in between those, the Cuban missile crisis. Fidel makes an appearance. I didn’t realize he actually visited New York after taking power, but he did, and this is recreated in this book as Beatriz meets him.

The character. Beatriz is a such strong character.
“Men go off to war and are lauded heroes for sacrificing their lives for their country, for the dedication and patriotism. But women – why are our ambitions designed to end in marriage and motherhood? If we want something else, if your talents lie elsewhere, why isn’t that dedication equally praised and respected?”

Cuba. I talked in my post about the first book about how I went to Cuba many years ago and how it holds a special place in my heart and mind. It is such a contradictory, curious, and beautiful place. The love that she has for her country is understandable and admirable even though we can not agree with its government.
Ok I should have written the “four” things I loved about this book because there is a really good romance too!

This set of books is an amazing pair; I highly recommend!! My only criticism is that I feel the titles should be reversed. “When we left Cuba” more aptly describes the first book. I do love the first title, “Next Year in Havana” because that is what they toast to but it seems more appropriate as the title of the second book because she is actively trying to make that happen. But that’s just something that seemed funny to me.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me advance access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Five stars: A stirring story of love, intrigue, patriotism and courage as one woman fights for Cuba.

It is 1960, one year after the wealthy and prestigious Perez family escaped Cuba and Castro’s regime. The family resettled in Florida, trying to carve out a new life and establish themselves. Beatriz is not happy in Florida. She wants to help free Cuba, and more than anything she wants Castro to pay for murdering her twin brother. Revenge drives Beatriz to the CIA where she agrees to help spy for the US government. Soon Beatriz finds herself caught in the fight for Cuba and a battle for her heart. Beatriz is never one to fall for a man. She has already turned down five marriage proposals, but at another social event in Palm Beach, Beatriz meets a handsome senator. Their attraction and chemistry is undeniable, but he is engaged to another. Will Beatriz be able to help free Cuba and be with the man she loves?
What I Liked:
*Next Year in Havana was one of my favorite reads of 2018, so I was eager to grab this companion novel: When We Left Cuba. Once again, Ms. Cleeton delivers a thrilling piece of historical fiction. I loved learning more about Cuba and the political events that headlined the 1960s.
*I adored Beatriz. She is first introduced in Next Year in Havana, and I was excited to get her story. Beatriz is the wild, unconventional one of the Perez sisters. I loved how fierce and courageous she was. I admired her strong will, her loyalty and compassion for Cuba. The best thing about Beatriz is that she didn’t care about social niceties and she refused to do what was expected of her. She shunned marriage, in favor of being a spy and gaining an education. Loved her ferocity!
*Even though this is a piece of historical fiction, there are plenty of real life events woven into the fabric of the story. The story takes place during the upheaval of the 1960s. The Cold War is in full swing, and Beatriz soon finds herself working for the American CIA to gain information on the Russians and Cuba. As the book progresses, the reader experiences through Beatriz’s eyes, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, The Cuban Missile Crisis and the Kennedy Assassination. I thought the author did a brilliant job with the material, and I could tell that she had done plenty of research to make this story come alive.
*There is a romance in this one, and surprisingly I enjoyed it. The romance is an unconventional one indeed. It starts out forbidden, and then it changes over the course of time. Even though the two were often at odds due to their intense political views, their chemistry and passion was undeniable. I loved that their was nothing easy about this relationship, from the raised eyebrows of society to the sacrifice and the disagreements over political views and ambitions. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
*The book ends in 2016 with Beatriz as an old woman celebrating the death of Castro with her family and friends. I loved catching up with her and seeing what she made of her unconventional and rebellious life. I was satisfied with the end, but still wanted more. I hope the author will consider writing another book from another Perez sister’s point of view as I can’t get enough of this series.
And The Not So Much:
*I wish the author had included a bit more detail on the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. If you don’t have any prior knowledge of these events, you might feel a little lost. I still don’t completely understand the Bay of Pigs. I also felt like the author didn’t quite capture the fear and terror felt in the US during the Cuban Missile Crisis. I felt like this part of the story missed the mark a tiny bit.
*The final chapter of the story fast forwards from the mid nineteen sixties to 2016. There is a brief recap of Beatriz’s life between that time, but I was left wanting so much more. There were many things I was left wondering about. As far as I am concerned, the book could have gone on a few more hundred pages.

When We Left Cuba is a fascinating and riveting novel that plunges the reader into the politics surrounding the fight for Cuba during the turbulent 1960s. Follow sugar heiress Beatriz Perez as she attempts to adapt to life in America while she continues to fight for Cuba. Once again, Ms. Cleeton impressed me, and I hope she will bring us more tales about Cuba. Don’t miss this one or the companion novel: Next Year in Havana.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

LOVED it!! After reading her first book - Next Year in Havana - I couldn't wait to read this one. Chanel has left me wanting so much more from this family. I don't usually feel that way with historical fiction. That's what makes these two books so incredibly special. This book takes place during the 1960's - and Chanel did an amazing job hitting all the historical moments of this time. I know there is going to be a third one and I can't wait!!

I adored Last Year in Havana, and so was ecstatic to receive a NetGalley of Cleeton's follow-up novel, When We Left Cuba. The novel tells the story of the infamous Aunt Beatriz from Last Year in Havana - a sugar queen who seems to collects wedding proposals like most women collect shoes. Obviously the enigmatic Beatriz has endless potential as a dynamic heroine, and for the most part, she was.

What I loved in Last Year in Havana was the dual-timeline/dual narratives of characters in different times and place, the current day narrator piecing together puzzle pieces of the past. It is my favourite historical fiction trope, to weave together two timelines and narrators - and I suppose that's what I was hoping for in When We Left Cuba. Instead, the narrative was fairly straightforward and linear, which I didn't find to be as engaging or intriguing, unfortunately.

I read this book just before travelling to Havana. It it very interesting and provides a lot of background on the situation in Cuba. It is set in the early 1960s in Florida, just after Castro has taken power in Cuba. The main character comes from a wealthy sugar-growing family in Havana. Her twin brother was killed during the revolution against Batista. She believes Castro is responsible for his death and wants revenge. Part historical fiction, romance with a bit of espionage thrown in. An enjoyable read.

While I almost always avoid political commentary of any kind in my reviews, there are times when it is really hard. Please accept my apologies in advance if I cross the line with this one! Chanel Cleeton has written a fascinating sequel to her book Next Year in Havana which introduces us to the Perez family and the island of Cuba during the years of unrest, revolt, and the subsequent takeover by Fidel Castro. When We Left Cuba is the story of Beatriz Perez whom we met briefly in the first book, kind of a teaser for this complex woman born out of time into a world where women were almost like children – present to be seen and not heard. She is a character who loves her Cuba and her family deeply and who refuses to be shoved into the mold dictated by her heritage and the fact that she is a woman. She is a character who will stick with you and through whose idealistic, but nevertheless jaded eyes you will see how easy it is for political activism and revolution to go terribly awry; there is a very good reason why there are so many cliches about the corrupting effects of power. She is also a character who is flawed. She desires revenge at any cost and the love of a man who seems out of her reach. Whether you see Beatriz as courageous or foolish, you will be awed by the lengths to which she will go during a time when courage and resourcefulness were not desirable qualities in a woman.Chanel Cleeton  impressed me with Next Year in Havana which I listened to on audio and reviewed. It was rich in historical detail, and the past and present timelines gave it an almost dreamlike quality. When We Left Cuba has a very different feel. While it still has the historical detail, it is very much Beatriz's story and gives the reader a clear vision of the events surrounding the Cuban Revolution through the eyes of a complex and captivating character. Readers will be able to envision the contrast between the Cuba that was, the Cuba that was hoped for, and the Cuba that exists today. To those who want to toy with our precious democracy, I say "Look at Cuba and be careful what you wish for."

After the Cuban Revolution, Beatriz is still reeling from her family's exile from their homeland and grieving the murder of her twin brother. When she's approached by the CIA with an opportunity to infiltrate Fidel Castro's inner circle, she sees a chance for revenge.

I loved Next Year in Havana, but WOW I loved this book even more! Beatriz is the perfect heroine - smart, brave, passionate, daring - and her story was the perfect mix of thrill, drama, and romance. The pacing of When We Left Cuba is perfection; I couldn't put it down! Beatriz's story is connected to what we read in Next Year in Havana, but this book could absolutely be read as a standalone. In fact, I might recommend starting with WWLC and then moving to NYIH. The epilogue dropped some breadcrumbs for the next book from Chanel Cleeton and I already can't wait to read it. This book is the perfect fit for anyone who loves historical fiction, espionage, or forbidden romance - actually, for anyone who loves a good story.

ADULT AUDIOBOOKS
APRIL 22, 2019 LEAVE A COMMENT
I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Adult AudiobooksWhen We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton
Also by this author: Next Year in Havana
Narrator: Kyla Garcia
Length: 11 Hours
Published by Penguin on April 9, 2019
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Women
Pages: 368
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: Library, Publisher
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 9780451490865
Goodreads
five-stars
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...

WHAT DID I THINK OF WHEN WE LEFT CUBA BY CHANEL CLEETON?
When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton is so evocative of summer and intrigue and an all around excellent read. It is a companion to Next Year In Havana and features Beatriz Perez. Beatriz is renowned for her beauty, leaving proposals in her wake. So, it goes without saying that yes, there is certainly some romance in this book. Basically Beatriz and her family are in Florida, making new lives from themselves and picking up the pieces after fleeing Cuba. Beatriz ends up catching the eye of this one man, Nick, who is a senator. Unfortunately, he’s already engaged to this girl whose family is a big deal to society. Beatriz embarks on quite the affair with Nick. Meanwhile, she also gets suckered in by the CIA to do some spying both in Cuba as well as London.

This book was such an escapist read. I felt as though I was swept away but also like I learned something. I mean, the Bay Of Pigs and Cuban Missile Crisis was something we touched on for like a week in high school history. It was not something that we were made to learn the importance or magnitude of it. Cleeton really impresses that on us as we read and made these historical events real and poignant. ALSO, I just want to put out there that Beatriz is quite the fascinating, headstrong character and I loved her. I could happily read more books about her, if When We Left Cuba wasn’t so self contained. FYI, you do not need to have read Next Year In Havana to be able to enjoy this book.

HOW’S THE NARRATION?
When We Left Cuba is narrated by Kyla Garcia. She does an excellent job conveying mood and different characters. The audiobook is 11 hours long and it just flies by. I mean, I was sad to see it end, because it was a good and compelling listen. This audiobook was the type that was easy to listen to, pay attention to, and understand exactly what is going on. I think if you’re looking for a great historical fiction to listen to, this book should fit the bill.

Beatriz Perez is an intriguing character - she is someone who is fully herself and won’t be squashed by expectations of her family or society. She is strongly motivated by a desire to return to Cuba and to avenge her brother’s death.

When she is approached by the CIA and asked to help with plans to take down Castro - she boldly agrees. At the same time - she is starting a dangerous flirtation with a man who is already engaged.

This book has a lot of intrigue and Beatriz is ultimately faced with some really difficult decisions. I enjoyed seeing where things went but for some reason I didn’t fully connect with this book. I wasn’t anxious to get back to it whenever I set it down.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

Let’s start off with the facts - Chanel Cleeton has a masterful talent at bringing characters and locations to vivid, screaming life on the page.

And this book is magnificent.

I am just so excited for this book to be in the world - I loved Next Year in Havana, and Beatriz was my very favourite character when that book launched, so to have a whole book dedicated to her story is SO EXCITING. It doesn’t disappoint either - Beatriz is my spirit animal. 💋

Everything about this story is magic - picking up from the Perez family having fled Cuba after the revolution and Castro coming into power, a young Beatriz is coming to terms with her new reality in America - and her desperation for wanting to continue to fight for a country she loves so passionately.

I LOVE how Chanel writes her characters, they are so full of life and vibrant, I genuinely feel like Beatriz is someone I know in this world. I connect with her so deeply that watching her story unfold, I felt every single emotion she was feeling - the anger, frustration, love, joy, sadness, relief - all of it. Everything that I loved about Beatriz in the first book is simply reinforced in this book - she is just as feisty and wild as she was before, rebellious and determined, smart, strong, beautiful, vulnerable, assured and relentless in seeking justice for her country falling apart. I could not have asked for more from this second installment.

Most importantly, Chanel stayed true to the core of Beatriz - even when I was so maddeningly frustrated with some of her choices and decisions, I knew at my heart that it would have been exactly what Beatriz would have done, that she never would have faltered in her faith or her conviction, and that she would have stood her ground even in the face of enormous personal loss. I absolutely respect this in an author and a character - Chanel did not take the easy way out, she didn’t write the predictable love story, she didn’t relent in seeking the life that Beatriz knew she needed to lead, despite all the consequences of those choices.

As with all books, I am hesitant to say too much, as it truly is the readers singular joy to get to devour a story whole and with minimal spoiler. So I won’t let on any more, except to say that this book is everything I hoped it would be, and then some. Its one that you can read as a standalone, but I promise, you won’t want to miss the magic of Next Year in Havana either. These are beautiful stories that reflect such a tumultuous time in the world, and do so with humanity, empathy and true passion for a country and a culture. Books that should be on every bookworms pile.

I laughed, I cried and I celebrated with Beatriz all the days of her life. I loved every single page, and I cannot WAIT to see what other bookworms think of this one. It will be the perfect summer read - I know I’ll be visiting it again from the comfort of my home patio with a sangria in hand.

Let me start off by saying that I LOVED Next Year in Havana. This book, while still amazing did not live up to my expectations. I would like to read this as an audiobook later on to see if I feel differently as the audiobook for NYiH really stood out to me. This book mainly felt like it was a constant war between Beatriz wanting to go home to Cuba, Nick saying be careful and to stop doing espionage and her saying no. I guess it might be reminicient of true spywork, but it seemed like not too much happened in this novel compared to the first one. However, I loved Chanel Cleeton's writing style and how well her descriptions flowed. Beatriz;s personality and her inner struggles felt very real and I really appreciated how she never really bowed to anyone elses' expecations or requests if they didn't fall in line with what she wanted.

I read Next Year in Havana just this past January and fell completely in love with the story and the author’s writing. So when I heard that Chanel Cleeton had written a companion novel (which came out yesterday!), I couldn’t have been more excited. Especially, when I heard it was about Beatriz. Even though she was a secondary character in the previous book, Beatriz Perez is not someone you can ignore. This new novel picks up after her family has fled Cuba in exile and settled in Florida during the 1960s. But unlike the rest of her family, she’s unable to let go of what they lost and a need to get revenge. So when the CIA recruit her to infiltrate Fidel Castro’s circle, she is all in. We see what a life of espionage does to her as American and Cuban politics clash, her family continues to place pressure on her and Beatriz falls in love with a man with ambitions of his own. I loved everything about Beatriz. Her agency, intelligence, ambition and vulnerability. She is so much more than the just the beautiful woman everyone sees. I was fascinated by her life and the romance aspect was very much swoon worthy. And again, the author balances the fictional aspect and the history part of it perfectly.

Do I recommend? Absolutely! I’m hoping for more of the Perez sisters and just more from this author in general.

Let me start off by saying, I'm not a huge historical girl. I don't hate it but I just don't gravitate towards it. I don't know if it's cause this is the 60s and that doesn't feel super distant or because Next Year in Havana slowly opened the door by being half in the past, but I absolutely loved this one.

Beatriz is fiery and determined and I loved absolutely everything about her. I loved her commitment to her country and her ideals above all else. Maybe things don't always work out for her, but she's committed to her goals 1000% and I super admire that.

The political intrigue and the espionage mixed with Beatriz' love story were absolutely everything. Jumping back and walking with Beatriz definitely made me feel like I was back in that time with her. I loved that she was such a free spirit also. She would not let anyone set her back or underestimate her. She was so tough and driven and I am absolutely obsessed with her.

4.5 stars!

Let me preface this review with some real talk... Next Year in Havana was just not for me. I made multiple attempts to read it but it didn't grab me. I saw the cover for When We Left Cuba and I read the blurb and I said, hmmm.. maybe I'll give Chanel Cleeton another try. I am very glad I did! Beatriz Perez was one hell of a character who I enjoyed getting to know - a socialite turned CIA spy ... turned Senator's mistress?! There were so many layers to this wonderful character and I was utterly engrossed in the story from page 1.

I hope Cleeton writes more about the other Perez family members in the future as I do find the Cuban history to be very interesting and not a time period I know a ton about!

There's something about a story that says "Inspired by a true story" that makes my heart clench. While I was reading A Song for the Stars I could feel it happening quite often. Imagine living in the Hawaiian Islands in 1779. Your world is small. You only know what's on your island. When new people come bringing their traditions and unfamiliar wares, your world gets even smaller.

Maile and John meet under very heartbreaking circumstances. She is told to train him in their ways, so he can navigate and find his way home. But the more time they spend together learning and sharing, the more time their hearts soften to each other.

I loved watching them interact. She was so angry and devastated in the beginning, my heart broke for her. She starts out leery of him but, then John's openness and eagerness to learn about her makes her question what she originally thought. Soon she realizes that her heart may find healing after all.

This story was beautifully written I could see and feel the world around me. And knowing that these are the author's ancestors, makes this story all the more real.