I have been a big fan of Chanel Cleeton for a while now. I have loved all her books and whenever I see that she has a new book coming out, I fan-girl pretty hard! But this book in particular made me really fan-girl. Most of Cleeton’s have a strong historical fiction component but it’s mostly 1930s or 1950s/60s time period, which is fine but its truthfully not my favorite time in history.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Cleeton’s books but historically, the modern era isn’t my fav, but when I saw this book was coming out and it was set at the end of the 19th century, I couldn’t contain my excitement because that is my favorite time period! Since reading her books, I have come to really appreciate Cuban history. It’s history that I know nothing about but Cleeton makes me want to know all the Cuban things!

If you love historical fiction but haven’t read Cleeton’s books, you need to just stop reading this review and go grab one! Her books are so unique in their setting and history that you can’t help but be transported. There is a romance element but for me the real interest is in the history part, I mean I love the romance but the history is just so different and I truly feel like I am reading something fresh and new every time I read one of her books!

Summary
At the end of the nineteenth century, three revolutionary women fight for freedom in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s captivating new novel inspired by real-life events and the true story of a legendary Cuban woman–Evangelina Cisneros–who changed the course of history.

A feud rages in Gilded Age New York City between newspaper tycoons William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. When Grace Harrington lands a job at Hearst’s newspaper in 1896, she’s caught in a cutthroat world where one scoop can make or break your career, but it’s a story emerging from Cuba that changes her life.

Unjustly imprisoned in a notorious Havana women’s jail, eighteen-year-old Evangelina Cisneros dreams of a Cuba free from Spanish oppression. When Hearst learns of her plight and splashes her image on the front page of his paper, proclaiming her, “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba,” she becomes a rallying cry for American intervention in the battle for Cuban independence.

With the help of Marina Perez, a courier secretly working for the Cuban revolutionaries in Havana, Grace and Hearst’s staff attempt to free Evangelina. But when Cuban civilians are forced into reconcentration camps and the explosion of the USS Maine propels the United States and Spain toward war, the three women must risk everything in their fight for freedom. (summary from Goodreads)

Review
If I had to describe Cleeton’s books in one word it would be authentic. Every time I read one of her books, the research is top shelf and the writing is well crafted and elegant. I simply adore her books and cannot rave about them enough! The stories of the women are alway compelling, different, and fully realized. In this one I absolutely loved Evangelina! I thought that Beatriz was my favorite heroine of Cleeton’s but then came Evangelina and now she has taken that honor. I loved Evangelina and felt completely invested in her story. Grace and Marina were also developed and well researched but for me it was Evangeline that stood out as the most memorable.

As with Cleeton’s other books, this one pulled me in immediately and I became wrapped up in all the history, characters, and or course the romance elements. I do not want to give too much away about this book because I think it would appeal to so many readers. Even if you don’t love historical fiction, this book (as well as all her others) are well researched and interesting. She writes about patriotism, history, strong female characters, and the setting is exotic and simply different. So many historical fiction books are set in England or France during WWII and Cleeton’s books take us to Cuba during many different historical time periods so we can understand the complexity of the Cuban and American relationship. Her books are simply amazing, so just read them!

I will say though, that this one had a different feel than the others. It felt a little heavier than some of her other books but it was still an amazing read. I think what made it heavier for me was the reconcentration camps. But do not let the heavier content sway you or put you off to this one. It’s such a great story and I adored it even if it was a little heavier. It was a wonderful novel and I cannot say enough great things about this latest ‘Cuban novel’ from Cleeton. Is you want beautiful story telling, amazing research, and something different this is the author for you! Go read this book!

Book Info and Rating
Format320 pages, Hardcover

PublishedMay 4, 2021 by Berkley

ISBN9780593098875 (ISBN10: 0593098870)

Free review copy provided by publisher, Berkley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 5 stars

Genre: historical fiction

Chanel Cleeton is one of those authors whose books make me hit the “want to read” button on Goodreads every time a new release is announced. From "Next Year In Havana" to "The Last Train to Key West", I’m swept away into Cleeton’s stories.

What Cleeton does so well is tell a tale of women facing obstacles, often related to discrimination or deeper issues. I’m so glad I read this book, if only to learn about the Cuban revolution in the 1890s. I didn’t really know anything about the Spanish occupation of Cuba, and it was heart-breaking to learn about the suffering that the lower classes in particular experienced. This book is important for that reason alone, as it’s a big part of Cuban history. It’s also a look at how the US interacts with Cuba. One of the main characters, Evangelina, is based on a real person from history, and you better believe I googled her because of this book. I love learning about fascinating people from history

I think where I really struggled with this book is the writing. For some reason, I felt like this book was a lot of showing and exposition instead of dialogue. It read more like nonfiction or an actual history book, in a way, because of this. This is most often the case with Marina’s chapters since her story time jumps quite a bit. But it also happens with Evangelina. The writing felt like it kept readers – or at least me – at a distance because it’s short descriptions of events rather than dialogue and interaction with other characters. In my opinion, it meant the characters were being moved along for the sake of covering a lot of the occupation and revolution rather than allowing for fully fleshed, compelling characters. That’s not to say the insight we gain from their perspectives isn’t valuable, that I didn’t feel for each of these women, and that I wasn’t rooting for them. It’s impossible not to feel for them and root for them. And towards the end we do get more dialogue in Marina and Evangelina’s chapters. But it honestly made it so difficult to fall into the story like I normally do with Cleeton’s work.

The character that IS fleshed out and compelling is Grace. Here, we get the most dialogue and character interaction. Again there are time jumps since the story spans years, but it’s less jarring. I loved seeing Grace fight to make space for herself in her chosen profession, which was male-dominated (surprising no one). Yes, she shouldn’t have to fight for space, but I appreciate that her and other early female journalists did. Grace wants to tell stories that matter. Or stories that go beyond what typical gender roles dictate feminine topics to be. I found myself looking forward to her POV for so many reasons.

A big element of Cleeton’s books is romance. While her characters go through heavy, difficult things, it’s common for there to be a HEA in the form of romance. Evangelina’s romance was very much insta-love in the way it’s told here, but at the same time it’s very sweet. (Though Evangelina’s trauma does make me question some things she says in regards to the love interest). Marina’s romance is almost entirely off the page, but the ending is moving. Grace’s romance is more of a slow burn, with a man who challenges her (there’s banter, folks). But once again her romance is more well-written and enjoyable to read. I live for their tension and passion.

I’m sad I struggled with this book. I’m grateful for the story and I appreciate all I learned from it, though. The writing style for two of the POVs were just not my cup of tea, and that’s okay. I don’t want to put anyone off this book. There’s a lot here to love. For instance, the romance. Grace’s journey. Seeing women defy the odds to fight for themselves and others. The message and history within are powerful and important. You know I’ll be reading Cleeton’s next book.

I was so humbled by this true story and by real life events of courageous women who fight to free Evangelina, who is imprisoned in Cuba after refusing the advances of a prominent Spanish official while living in political exile with her father.

There is Grace Harrington who was a reporter for an American newspaper intent on helping free Evangelina. With competition hot and heavy between newspapers, The New York Journal and The New York World, they begin to wage battle for coverage of Evangelina, who becomes known as THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN CUBA. This is bound to drag the United States into the conflict with Cuba and Spain and Cuba’s battle for Independence. And finally their is the bold & undercover American courier and informant to Cuba that brings the news about the explosion of the USS Maine. This certainly being a driver into propelling the US into conflict.

The power of each woman’s voice makes you think about their story as the witness and live it. The Author brings forth the raw emotion, sacrifice and inspiration of this historical piece. It is well researched, moving and memorable. All her books are must reads.

Being a Cuban-American daughter/granddaughter of Cuban immigrants I just want to soak up all the stories about Cuba. I was first introduced to Ms. Cleeton with Next Year In Havana and her words will forever live in my heart.
I do not read historical romances but Chanel Cleeton really has me loving this genre. Her words will transport you to this time period and will leave you clutching your book/kindle. I can not recommend Ms. Cleeton more. She is an absolute must read for me!!!

Chanel Cleeton’s fourth historical novel explores the nature of freedom on multiple levels, from the dynamics of international politics to the individual dilemmas of three bold women. They all become embroiled, in different ways, in Cuba’s fight for independence. They also find themselves caught between society’s expectations and the images they want to craft for themselves.

Set in the late 19th century, the book’s subject is the lead-up to the Spanish-American War, an event rarely touched upon in historical fiction, especially from the female viewpoint.

As the Cuban people strive to overturn the repressive rule of their Spanish colonizers, Evangelina Cisneros, a young Cuban woman, is thrust into a grim women’s prison in Havana under false political charges. She’s a historical figure, and her plotline aligns with real-life history. The other two protagonists are Grace Harrington, an American newspaper journalist working for William Randolph Hearst’s New York Journal, and Marina Perez, a Cuban farmer’s wife forced to leave her home with her family, travel across the ruined countryside, and endure dire conditions in a reconcentration camp.

It takes a little while to get used to all three viewpoints and the switches among them, but the stories come together in a powerful way.

Competition between Hearst’s paper and Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World is cutthroat, and Grace places herself in the thick of it. Operating under the principle that it’s important not just to report on the news, but act on it, the Journal aims to pressure the United States into backing Cuban independence. When Hearst learns about Evangelina languishing in prison, the paper takes her up as a symbol of injustice, declares her the “most beautiful girl in Cuba,” and plans to break her out. Under the guise of a laundress, Marina delivers secret messages for the rebels while worrying desperately about her beloved husband, who’s separated from her and their daughter while fighting for freedom.

I thoroughly enjoyed this multifaceted view of this pivotal historical time: the view of late 19th-century Cuba from the Cuban and American perspectives, the action-intensive plot, and the women’s different but equally touching love stories. Their emotionally grabbing quests for self-determination run alongside that of Cuba in this wide-ranging and page-turning tale.

Once again, I'm transported back in time and place. This author has the magic that makes you feel as if you are actually there. This book follows two stories, and it is based on true events. Add this to your must read list today!

If you like historical fiction and haven't read any Chanel Cleeton yet, I highly recommend picking up her newest book - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐛𝐚⁣!

Three amazing women come to life in this book set in NYC and Cuba as Cuba fights for its independence in the 1890s and as the US gets involved in the fight and the Spanish American War. One of the main characters is based on the real life Evangelina Cisneros who has an incredible story.

I loved everything about this from Gilded Age New York scenes and Grace wanting to be a real journalist and not writing the society columns. To the Yellow Journalism and helping the US get involved by the race to be the best paper by William Randolph Hearst vs Joseph Pulitzer. The Cuban scenes with the reconcentration camps and Marina were hard to read but I didn't know much about the Spanish American War from the Cuban side.

The writing grabs you and you are immersed in all three women's lives and see what Cuban independence means for them. I love learning more about a part of history that I knew a little about and did a little more research on after reading.

Plus, Marina Perez is the great great aunt of Elisa and Beatriz in Next Year in Havana/When We Left Cuba. You don't need to read any of her other books before this one.

I can't recommend this book enough!

With trends in historical fiction, it can be a challenge for readers to find new titles outside of the current “it” historical time period/location. I enjoyed reading The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba for both the characters as well as learning about an area of history I know little.

I am a library paraprofessional and received an advance copy from NetGalley. Opinions are my own.

I really enjoy Chanel Cleeton’s books and this was no exception. This story is based around three amazing women at the end of the 19th century. Evangelina Cisneros is the real person the book is based around. I love these fact/fiction books. This book is again well researched by the author. I really was not aware of these events in Cuba and I really appreciated being able to learn more about the fight for Cuba’s independence. A must read for lovers of historical fiction.

I am definitely one of those readers who loves books based on true stories, and that probably made me enjoy The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton even more. I didn't know anything about Evangelina Cisneros and very little about the battle for Cuban independence before reading this, and I found it both fascinating and incredibly informational (especially the author's note at the end). I love reading about the Gilded Age in New York and was very impressed with the way Cleeton tied her three main characters together. I started keeping notes in the notepad on my phone so I wouldn't miss anything about the three women, and I am really glad I did that. The book is told from the viewpoints of Evangelina, a journalist named Grace in New York, and Marina who is living in a reconcentration camp in Havana. Each of these women were strong, motivated, and fought for what is right which are qualities I love in my female leads.

The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba really brought Havana to life for me, and while there are some parts that are definitely hard to read, nothing is overly gruesome or descriptive. I was expecting it to tug at my heartstrings a bit more, but overall this was still an emotional read that brings alive the fight for freedom in Cuba back in the late 1800s. This was my first time reading a book by Cleeton, but it will certainly not be my last, and I highly recommend the audiobook to you audio fans out there. I listened to the last half of the book and wished I could have listened to the entire thing since it was done so well. It was a full cast with Frankie Corzo, Holly Linneman & Rebecca Soler narrating each of the three women, and they each did such an amazing job.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fascinating historical fiction about American journalist, Grace Harrington; Cuban courier/ revolutionary Marina Sandoval; and real historical figure, Evangelina Cisneros who was penned "the most beautiful girl in Cuba" by newspapers. It's an enthralling look at that time period and the Evangelina Cisneros parts were more surprising because it was absolutely true. Loved the research and care that went into the telling of the story through the 3 women's lives and enjoyed how they intersected like so many of Chanel Cleeton's books. I found myself drawn initially to Grace Harrington's story line more but as the book went on, I was hooked on Evangelina's journey. There's history, adventure and romance in this book and worth picking up!

I believe this is one of Cleeton's BEST NOVELS TO DATE! She did an amazing job of building the historical storyline for Evangelina Cisneros. A woman I knew little about prior to this novel, but am currently deep into the throws of learning more!

Evangelina's storyline is woven between her and Marina Perez, and Grace Harrington. I loved the tri-perspective of the novel with all the pieces sliding together smoothly by the end!

Chanel Cleeton has long been one of my favorite historical fiction writers, but she's masterfully woven each woman's story together with a small thread of romantic notions throughout this novel in a new and engaging way.

If you love Cuban history, historical fiction, strong female leads (you get 3 with this one!) and a dose of romance, grab this novel, you will NOT be disappointed!

In the late 1800s, Cuba was embroiled in a brutal war with Spain over control of the island. The revolutionaries, passionate about defending Cuba's right to their own government, battled Spain who wanted to add Cuba to their list of controlled territories. Spain's efforts to control Cuba included burning the native's homes, slaughtering animals and livestock, and cutting off food and ammunition supplies. When this did not suppress the revolutionaries, they began imprisoning the wives and children of the men fighting against Spain. The prisons were deplorable, and those who had fled Cuba pled their plight to the United States begging for aid. Cleeton's story tells of real life Evangelina Cisneros, who was wrongfully imprisoned and who made a daring prison escape with the aid of compassionate Cubans and American journalists. Fictional character Marina Perez assisted in the escape effort and through the book, tells her story of being disowned from her wealthy family because of marrying revolutionary and later risking her life and freedom to be a courier between other revolutionaries. A third storyline follows American journalists Grace Harrington who is trying to make a name for herself in the men's world of journalism. All this takes place during the Gilded Age and tells how the excessiveness lifestyles coupled with the crisis in Cuba became the story that eventually was the culmination of the competition between William Hearst's and Joseph Pulitzer's newspapers.

This book, like Chanel Cleeton's other stories of Cuba, are so informative about the bloody, war-filled history of the country. As I read her books, I always find myself looking up the real-life characters she features to find out more. In addition to the history portion of this story, another topic is offered: the power of the press. During the time of the book and upon later reflection from historians, Hearst is credited with "yellow journalism" or sensationalizing an event to spur government action. Stories were exaggerated to sway public opinion in order to pressure the government into action. Grace, the aspiring journalist, realizes that the reality can be shaped by the media.

I will alway recommend Cleeton's books - she has never disappointed me yet. If you are a historical fiction fan, you must read this and Cleeton's other books.

Set during the waning years of the Gilded Age in New York City and against the backdrop of the Cuban fight for independence from Spain, ‘The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba’ tells the story of three independent, strong women.

In Cuba, Evangelista-- based on the real-life story of Evangelista Cisneros -- is a young woman falsely imprisoned under squalid conditions in an infamous woman’s prison.

In America, Grace Harrington is determined to make her mark as a journalist and finds herself caught between two warring newspaper titans, William Randolph Hearst, and Joseph Pulitzer.

Marina Perez wishes she could fight alongside her husband with the Cuban militia. Instead, she and her daughter, along with entire villages, are forced to a ‘relocation camp’ located outside Havana and she becomes an undercover courier for the Cuban Revolutionaries.

Their stories will become intertwined after the press learns of Evangelista’s imprisonment and dubs her ‘the most beautiful girl in Cuba” hoping to spark public interest in her fate and push America closer to joining the war.

Growing up, Cuba was a mysterious country and history lessons focused on the Bay of Pigs Invasion. Within this well-researched book, the author does an excellent job weaving historical events and fiction into a very gripping story. Perfect for readers who love historical fiction and/or interest in Cuba’s history.

Thank you @chanelcleeton @letstalkbookspromo @berkelypublishing and @NetGalley for the eARC of this book. Opinions are my own.

Chanel Cleeton’s historical fiction is a category within the genre that’s on another level. The Most Beautiful Girl In Cuba was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it absolutely lived up to the hype in my own head. It’s set during the Cuban revolution and goes into the Spanish-American war (something I admittedly didn’t know a ton about prior to picking this book up). The book itself follows a similar format to her others, covering three very different women whose stories cross paths by the end. The writing is beautiful, the character development is everything, and you will learn a ton throughout reading. I finished this one on two plane rides and if I hadn’t had a trip to my see my family in between that, it probably would have been finished in one sitting.

The central aspect of “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba” was the characters. I loved all three characters. Grace is strong and willful and a strong protagonist. On the other hand, Evangelina is probably the most complex character. There are times when you want her to do more rather than just playing a caricature. However, you understand her situation and know that she has no choice in the matter. But, my favorite character was Marina. She endures many challenges, some of which are life-threatening. The love and loss she faces of separation from Mateo and Isabella was heartbreaking. In some ways, she is the true heroine of the tale, but my heart went out to her when she did not get the same treatment as Evangelina. It was also interesting to see how the three characters got entangled in each other’s lives.

Moreover, the author does an admirable job with the romance. While it was not required, I enjoyed the romantic pairings between Grace and Rafael. While I was skeptical that it would stray from the plot, the author blended it nicely into the story.

The author did a beautiful job in depicting the events of Spanish American War. As I had limited knowledge of the Spanish Oppression in Cuba, I was fascinated with the events that transpired in the story. Post-reading the book, I spent time researching the subject and appreciated the author for exploring the timelines to make it accurate.

The only minor complaint I have is the pacing. At times, the story was over detailed in some scenes and rushed towards the climax, with multiple things happening.

But, overall, “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba” is a beautiful historical fiction novel where the author brought the characters and the events to life.

As far as I'm concerned Chanel Cleeton can do no wrong. I loved Next Year in Havana and all of her books since. The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba was no exception.

Chanel Cleeton is able to take a time period in history that's not often covered in historical fiction and really shine a light on it.

I love that The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba was told from Grace, Evangelina, and Marina's point of view. I loved how different parts they played, but how well they came together and overlapped. I loved how each woman had a touch of romance, but it wasn't the focus of their stories. They were all so brave and strong in a time that was dominated by men.

The yellow journalism and battle between Hearst and Pulitzer was so fascinating to me. I couldn't believe that Hearst sailed a ship down to Cuba and basically was a bystander for the battles of the Spanish American War.

I can't wait to see what Chanel Cleeton writes next!

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN CUBA; BRIMMING WITH HISTORICAL POLITICAL INTRIGUE

When Reese Witherspoon picked Next Year in Havana as her book club pick a few years ago, she introduced me to Chanel Cleeton, a great and very powerful storyteller. With women taking the lead roles, Cleeton brilliantly interweaves revolution and political intrigue into her gripping novels focusing on the complex, interlinked history between Cuba and America.

The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba is Chanel Cleeton’s latest novel which had me captivated from beginning to end. Set in the late 1890s, this historical fiction brings to life the true story of Evangelina Cisneros, a Cuban woman who changed the course of American history. Yet until now, Evangelina’s story has mainly been lost in history.

With Cuba under Spanish rule, many Cuban citizens were desperate for independence. The 19th century was marked by a series of failed rebellions that resulted in the deaths of many Cubans. Eighteen year-old Evangelina was a revolutionary desperate for Cuban independence. After being forced into a life of exile and spurning the sinister advances of a Spanish colonel, Evangelina is sent to Recogidas, the notorious women’s jail in Havana.

This is also a novel that portrays the influential power of the media – something we can all relate to today. Evangelina’s story grabbed the attention of the New York Journal, one of the leading newspapers of the time with a reputation for sensationalism. The Journal dubbed her ‘the Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba’ and played an influential role in her destiny. Subsequently Evangelina’s plight caught the attention of the American public. It also led to war between Spain and the United States.

Chanel Cleeton’s gripping novel is not just Evangelina’s story. To portray the dangerous and influential roles women played in the political struggles, Cleeton created Mariana Perez, a young mother that acts as a courier smuggling messages for the Cuban revolutionaries. Mariana is also an ancestor to Cleeton’s strong willed protagonists from her previous bestselling novels, Next Year in Havana, When We Left Cuba and The Last Train to Key West. In creating Mariana’s character, Cleeton says:

I wanted to pay homage to the immense courage and strength of spirit of the real-life women who fought for Cuban independence and the plight of the reconcentrados.

The reconcentrados were concentration/refugee camps. For me, Mariana’s story is the most poignant and powerful in this novel.

Grace Harrington, also a leading protagonist and representing the role of the newspapers in Evangelina’s story is another fictional character. Intuitive, bold and very likeable, Grace is also a revolutionary. I loved reading her story, and found myself getting really excited by the romantic strand in her story.

I always thoroughly enjoy reading Chanel Cleeton’s novels as I always learn so much. Just like her previous novels in the Perez family series, The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba is pretty political. I had to Google a few things whilst reading it to help my understanding of the politics and historical events. But I truly love being educated in this powerful, engaging way.

Also like Cleeton’s previous books in this historical series, this novel has in my view a romantic cover. However yet again I find the cover a tad misleading as The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba is a powerful political page-turner.

There’s no doubt about it – Chanel Cleeton remains one of my favourite historical novelists. I love her books and I’m not the only one as two of her previous books became New York Times bestsellers. I feel so lucky that I was sent an advance copy of The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba to read. Thank you Stephanie Felty from Berkley Publishing for arranging that in return for my honest review.

Thank you also to Chanel Cleeton for another stunning read that educated me as well as captivating me.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN CUBA by Chanel Cleeton is an historical and fictionalized account of three women during the 1896-1898 Cuban revolution, and the prelude to the Spanish-American war.

Told from three first person perspectives- twenty five year old American journalist, Grace Harrington, Cuban courier/ revolutionary Marina Sandoval, and nineteen year old, Cuban heiress Evangelina Cisneros, following three intersecting paths THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN CUBA takes liberty with historical fact blending fiction into a story line where three women will change the course of history.

Based in fact, Cuban heiress Evangelina Cisneros, the niece of the former president of the Cuban Republic, is imprisoned on trumped up charges for refusing the advances of Colonel Berriz. Hoping to secure the release of her father, Evangelina finds herself caught between Berriz and prison, opting for prison as the lesser of two evils. When American newspaper giant William Hearst hears of our heroine’s plight, he sets into motion a rescue mission that will change the course of history, rescuing a woman he comes to call The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba.

Meanwhile, Marina Sandoval, and her husband Mateo are sympathetic to the revolutionary cause but shortly after Mateo leaves to fight on the front lines, Marina, her daughter Isabella, and her mother-in-law Luz, are sent to a reconcentration camp, where Marina and her family will struggle to survive. Cleaning laundry for the rich and powerful, Marina will quickly discover that she is of more use as a messenger, couriering important documents and notes for the people working to help make a better Cuba. One of Marina’s final acts of defiance is to courier notes between Evangelina and the revolutionary sympathisers, as they prepare to rescue the imprisoned heiress.

Back in America, twenty-five year old journalist Grace Harrington, desperate to work for Joseph Pulitzer, reluctantly agrees to spy on William Hearst, Pulitzer’s competition in the world of journalism, a task that involves working for Hearst, and researching the events in the Republic of Cuba. As the revolution in Cuba begins to take on a life of its’ own, Grace finds herself up close and personal with sympathetic supporters in America, supporters that will soon include the man with whom she will fall in love.


THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN CUBA is a complex, detailed, revealing and intriguing story blending fact and fiction into a romanticized version of revolutionary events. Chanel Cleeton reveals some of the atrocities that the prisoners and those in the reconcentration camps had to endure, including the rampant disease and deaths for those struggling to survive. The premise was real and inviting; the characters were sympathetic and captivating. An entertaining and powerful story, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN CUBA is a fascinating and sensational tale of tragedy and survival.



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A tale of three women beautifully interwoven, as they negotiate their roles in the increasingly tense atmosphere of the building crisis in 1890’s Cuba. Grace has found herself in the cutthroat newspaper battle between Joseph Pulitzer and Randolph Hearst. She is desperate to grab the story that will give her, her big break. Evangelina Cisneros could be that story! She has been a political prisoner, unjustly held for years and may well hold the key to enticing the Americans into the conflict. Marina Perez has lost everything, her home, her livelihood and her husband. She must find a way to keep her family safe, try to survive and negotiate the perilous task of helping the cause of gaining freedom for beloved country.

This was a subject I knew very little about, I’d recently read books about the gilded age of New York in the time-period but nothing about anywhere further afield. I found this book to be interesting from a strictly historical standpoint and poignantly moving from a deeply human perspective. The story wasn’t dry like some historical fiction can be and moved along nicely as the narrative moved from one character to another. I felt emotionally invested in all the characters, Marina especially moved me. It was a little annoying that one woman garnered such special treatment when so many others were left to suffer but that is by no means a slight on the book or writing, it’s simply a realistic view of the story as it would have unfolded. This book is published on the 6th May and I definitely recommend it to lovers of historical fiction, strong women and good writing.