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The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Historical Fiction (2025)A 2025 Goodreads Choice Award Nominee
"This captivating story is an ode to book lovers!"—Woman's World
A mysterious book with a legacy spanning from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day unites three women—and their secrets—in this unforgettable novel from New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton.
London, 2024: American expat Margo Reynolds is renowned for her talent at sourcing rare antiques for her clients, but she’s never had a request quite like this one. She’s been hired to find a mysterious book published over a century ago. With a single copy left in existence, it has a storied past shrouded in secrecy—and her client isn’t the only person determined to procure it at any cost.
Havana, 1966: Librarian Pilar Castillo has devoted her life to books, and in the chaotic days following her husband’s unjust imprisonment by Fidel Castro, reading is her only source of solace. So when a neighbor fleeing Cuba asks her to return a valuable book to its rightful owner, Pilar will risk everything to protect the literary work entrusted to her care. It’s a dangerous mission that reveals to her the power of one book to change a life.
Boston, 1900: For Cuban school teacher and aspiring author Eva Fuentes, traveling from Havana to Harvard to study for the summer is the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a whirlwind adventure that leaves her little time to write, but a moonlit encounter with an enigmatic stranger changes everything. The story that pours out of her is one of forbidden love, secrets, and lies… and though Eva cannot yet see it, the book will be a danger and salvation for the lives it touches.
"This captivating story is an ode to book lovers!"—Woman's World
A mysterious book with a legacy spanning from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day unites three women—and their secrets—in this unforgettable novel from New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton.
London, 2024: American expat Margo Reynolds is renowned for her talent at sourcing rare antiques for her clients, but she’s never had a request quite like this one. She’s been hired to find a mysterious book published over a century ago. With a single copy left in existence, it has a storied past shrouded in secrecy—and her client isn’t the only person determined to procure it at any cost.
Havana, 1966: Librarian Pilar Castillo has devoted her life to books, and in the chaotic days following her husband’s unjust imprisonment by Fidel Castro, reading is her only source of solace. So when a neighbor fleeing Cuba asks her to return a valuable book to its rightful owner, Pilar will risk everything to protect the literary work entrusted to her care. It’s a dangerous mission that reveals to her the power of one book to change a life.
Boston, 1900: For Cuban school teacher and aspiring author Eva Fuentes, traveling from Havana to Harvard to study for the summer is the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a whirlwind adventure that leaves her little time to write, but a moonlit encounter with an enigmatic stranger changes everything. The story that pours out of her is one of forbidden love, secrets, and lies… and though Eva cannot yet see it, the book will be a danger and salvation for the lives it touches.
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First published September 30, 2025
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About the author
Chanel Cleeton
26 books7,399 followersChanel Cleeton is the Cuban American New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of many novels, including Reese's Book Club pick Next Year in Havana. Originally from Florida, Chanel studied in London where she earned degrees in international relations and global politics. In law school, Chanel discovered her passion writing novels and embarked on a new adventure following her lifelong love of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 940 reviews
September 27, 2025
Beautifully written, richly detailed, & steeped in history!
This was a fascinating story to sit with, and I found myself both learning and reflecting as I read. The idea of this novel is absolutely intriguing, with interconnected perspectives unfolding through history. Yet for some reason it just didn’t grab my attention the way I thought it would. It was a slow burn, and in all due respect to the author, I don’t usually do well with slower-moving stories that have little action. That’s just me and my current reading tastes.
The cover definitely enticed me to press the download button! One part of the novel that really struck me was how books were considered dangerous enough to be banned. I can hardly fathom the idea that stories and knowledge could be seen as something to fear. It really reminded me how powerful literature can be and how easily we can take the freedom to read for granted.
Key Thoughts
• 🌟 Slow-burning, atmospheric, and thoughtfully crafted
• 📚 Women’s voices interwoven across time
• 💭 Made me pause and reflect on how powerful stories can be
I’ve enjoyed this author’s work in the past, so I truly think this was more about my own reading mood than the book itself. My tastes and focus have been shifting lately, and I may not have been in the best headspace for this one.
Expected publication: September 30, 2025
Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
This was a fascinating story to sit with, and I found myself both learning and reflecting as I read. The idea of this novel is absolutely intriguing, with interconnected perspectives unfolding through history. Yet for some reason it just didn’t grab my attention the way I thought it would. It was a slow burn, and in all due respect to the author, I don’t usually do well with slower-moving stories that have little action. That’s just me and my current reading tastes.
The cover definitely enticed me to press the download button! One part of the novel that really struck me was how books were considered dangerous enough to be banned. I can hardly fathom the idea that stories and knowledge could be seen as something to fear. It really reminded me how powerful literature can be and how easily we can take the freedom to read for granted.
Key Thoughts
• 🌟 Slow-burning, atmospheric, and thoughtfully crafted
• 📚 Women’s voices interwoven across time
• 💭 Made me pause and reflect on how powerful stories can be
I’ve enjoyed this author’s work in the past, so I truly think this was more about my own reading mood than the book itself. My tastes and focus have been shifting lately, and I may not have been in the best headspace for this one.
Expected publication: September 30, 2025
Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
February 15, 2025
Loved this story. This is a beautifully written heartfelt novel. It is written in three timelines.
1900 Cuba Eva is a teacher who is offered the opportunity to travel to Hartford University for the summer. It is part of a cultural exchange program. Eva has been trying to write a novel for years.
1966 Cuba Pilar is a librarian during the Castro era. Life is not safe there. Her husband is arrested and Pilar fears for her life. A neighbor fleeing Cuba gives her a book to return to its author.
2024. London Margo is hired to find a book written over 120 years ago, which is missing.
This is story is all about one book.
These three storylines are intriguing woven together. This is a book I could not put down. I learned so much about Cuba.
I have previously read some of this authors other books and have enjoyed them all.
Her writing is compelling. If you enjoy Historical Fiction you will enjoy this book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced readers copy.
1900 Cuba Eva is a teacher who is offered the opportunity to travel to Hartford University for the summer. It is part of a cultural exchange program. Eva has been trying to write a novel for years.
1966 Cuba Pilar is a librarian during the Castro era. Life is not safe there. Her husband is arrested and Pilar fears for her life. A neighbor fleeing Cuba gives her a book to return to its author.
2024. London Margo is hired to find a book written over 120 years ago, which is missing.
This is story is all about one book.
These three storylines are intriguing woven together. This is a book I could not put down. I learned so much about Cuba.
I have previously read some of this authors other books and have enjoyed them all.
Her writing is compelling. If you enjoy Historical Fiction you will enjoy this book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced readers copy.
September 28, 2025
Mysterious, gripping, intriguing, and wonderfully written. The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is a book which tells the story of a mysterious book and its connection to three women in three timelines. Not only does this book take place in three timelines it also takes place in various locations.
The three women are Margo Reynolds(2024/London); Pilar Castillo(1966/Havana) and Eva Fuentes (1990/Havana and Harvard,United States). I enjoyed how the author wove the tale of how one woman's book became the source of mystery. But it is not just about the book. It's about the women, their experiences, their romances, their work, their challenges, and their lives during various time in history.
This was a wonderful work of historical fiction. I enjoyed how the author showcased the struggles and challenges each woman faced along with their courage, intellect and strength. This book had a little bit of everything all wrapped up behind a beautiful cover.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
The three women are Margo Reynolds(2024/London); Pilar Castillo(1966/Havana) and Eva Fuentes (1990/Havana and Harvard,United States). I enjoyed how the author wove the tale of how one woman's book became the source of mystery. But it is not just about the book. It's about the women, their experiences, their romances, their work, their challenges, and their lives during various time in history.
This was a wonderful work of historical fiction. I enjoyed how the author showcased the struggles and challenges each woman faced along with their courage, intellect and strength. This book had a little bit of everything all wrapped up behind a beautiful cover.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
February 23, 2025
As much as I wish for it to be otherwise, my reading life is off to a late start this year. I wasn’t able to read much in January or February due to some things I had to take care of in my personal life, so now, heading into March, I’m trying to play catch up with my TBR. Though I guess if I’m being honest, it’s not that I didn’t do any reading the past 2 months (because I’m always reading something), but rather I didn’t want to spend time writing about it. In any case, now that I have things a little bit more under control, I’m starting to slowly but surely clear out my ARC list.
It's actually a little bit ironic that the first ARC I’m starting with this year doesn’t publish until July, but that’s how things ended up turning out. The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is Chanel Cleeton’s latest Cuban-themed historical fiction novel and it’s definitely a good one! I’ve read most (but not all) of Cleeton’s past novels and especially enjoyed her series about the Perez family, though her other novels (the ones not about the Perez family) have been a hit or miss for me overall. With this latest one, I’m guessing I enjoyed it so much because the storyline revolves around a lost book and its connection to three women from three different time periods.
In the present timeline (London in 2024), Margo Reynolds is hired to help her client find a rare book that was written 120 years ago, but there is a huge catch – only one copy of the book is currently in existence. Though Margo accepts the challenge, she quickly realizes that she may actually be in over her head as other parties interested in the book start to come out of the woodwork and her life is placed in danger. The timeline then moves to Havana in 1966, where librarian Pilar Castillo lives in grief and anger over the loss of her husband, who was arrested and imprisoned for going against Fidel Castro’s regime. Pilar comes into possession of the mysterious book when it is turned over to her for safekeeping by a neighbor and eventually becomes more than a source of comfort for her as she endures the difficulties of living under Castro’s repressive regime. Finally, the third timeline, in 1900, introduces us to the author of the book, Eva Fuentes, a Cuban teacher who is given the opportunity to travel to the United States as part of a summer cultural exchange program at Harvard University. During Eva’s stay there, she experiences both joy and heartbreak that not only end up altering the course of her life, but also provide the inspiration for her novel.
I have to admit that I was a bit dubious at first how the story would unfold given how far apart the three timelines were. It turns out I didn’t have to worry though, as Cleeton definitely knew what she was doing in making Eva’s book the central thread that connected the seemingly disparate timelines together, but in a way that was seamless and made sense for the story’s development. Given my affinity for historical fiction, no doubt that I enjoyed Eva’s and Pilar’s timelines more -- Margo’s timeline was well done overall, but since the three timelines alternated with each chapter, it did feel a little jarring to jump from an early 20th century historical setting to a modern day murder mystery setting in 2024. Things turned out fine in the end though.
As an avid reader and also a writer myself, I love learning about the behind-the-scenes aspects of how a particular story came to be as well as the inspirations for certain characters and events, which is perhaps why Cleeton’s latest work resonated with me more than her previous novels did. Speaking of behind-the-scenes, Cleeton writes in her Author’s Note that The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is a “love letter to the power of books and the impact they leave on our lives,” which is one of the main reasons why she had Eva’s fictional book be what links the three women in the three different timelines together. I couldn’t agree more! Cleeton fans will definitely want to pick this one up, but those who enjoy “books about books” will likely enjoy this one as well.
Received ARC from Berkley via Book Browse First Impressions program.
It's actually a little bit ironic that the first ARC I’m starting with this year doesn’t publish until July, but that’s how things ended up turning out. The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is Chanel Cleeton’s latest Cuban-themed historical fiction novel and it’s definitely a good one! I’ve read most (but not all) of Cleeton’s past novels and especially enjoyed her series about the Perez family, though her other novels (the ones not about the Perez family) have been a hit or miss for me overall. With this latest one, I’m guessing I enjoyed it so much because the storyline revolves around a lost book and its connection to three women from three different time periods.
In the present timeline (London in 2024), Margo Reynolds is hired to help her client find a rare book that was written 120 years ago, but there is a huge catch – only one copy of the book is currently in existence. Though Margo accepts the challenge, she quickly realizes that she may actually be in over her head as other parties interested in the book start to come out of the woodwork and her life is placed in danger. The timeline then moves to Havana in 1966, where librarian Pilar Castillo lives in grief and anger over the loss of her husband, who was arrested and imprisoned for going against Fidel Castro’s regime. Pilar comes into possession of the mysterious book when it is turned over to her for safekeeping by a neighbor and eventually becomes more than a source of comfort for her as she endures the difficulties of living under Castro’s repressive regime. Finally, the third timeline, in 1900, introduces us to the author of the book, Eva Fuentes, a Cuban teacher who is given the opportunity to travel to the United States as part of a summer cultural exchange program at Harvard University. During Eva’s stay there, she experiences both joy and heartbreak that not only end up altering the course of her life, but also provide the inspiration for her novel.
I have to admit that I was a bit dubious at first how the story would unfold given how far apart the three timelines were. It turns out I didn’t have to worry though, as Cleeton definitely knew what she was doing in making Eva’s book the central thread that connected the seemingly disparate timelines together, but in a way that was seamless and made sense for the story’s development. Given my affinity for historical fiction, no doubt that I enjoyed Eva’s and Pilar’s timelines more -- Margo’s timeline was well done overall, but since the three timelines alternated with each chapter, it did feel a little jarring to jump from an early 20th century historical setting to a modern day murder mystery setting in 2024. Things turned out fine in the end though.
As an avid reader and also a writer myself, I love learning about the behind-the-scenes aspects of how a particular story came to be as well as the inspirations for certain characters and events, which is perhaps why Cleeton’s latest work resonated with me more than her previous novels did. Speaking of behind-the-scenes, Cleeton writes in her Author’s Note that The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is a “love letter to the power of books and the impact they leave on our lives,” which is one of the main reasons why she had Eva’s fictional book be what links the three women in the three different timelines together. I couldn’t agree more! Cleeton fans will definitely want to pick this one up, but those who enjoy “books about books” will likely enjoy this one as well.
Received ARC from Berkley via Book Browse First Impressions program.
December 13, 2025
**Many thanks to Berkley and Chanel Cleeton for an ARC of this book provided via NetGalley!**
"Books have that strangest quality, that being of the frailest and tenderest matter, they outlast brass, iron, and marble." - William Drummond
Three women...three stories...and a book they'd do ANYTHING to protect...
In 2024, our present day timeline, Margot Reynolds has been given the arduous task of procuring a very special book, and one that is more than a CENTURY old. Not only is it the ONLY copy of the book and therefore an EXCEPTIONALLY rare tome, but this book might be worth killing - or dying - for...at least, to her competition, anyway. She learns that her client is not the only one willing to take this sort of life-altering risk...but does she have the resources, the fortitude, and the spirit to outmaneuver her new foe? When she is forced to work alongside a former flame in order to have a chance of success, can she keep her feelings and her fear in check long enough to complete her objective?
Back in 1966 Havana, Pilar the librarian is struggling to keep everything together in her own right. Amidst Castro's regime, nobody - and nothing they own - is safe. Pilar is praying for the release of her husband, who has been wrongfully imprisoned, and each day feels like a year without him by her side. But as they often do, books have provided her solace and given her purpose - and when a certain SPECIAL (and invaluable) book crosses her path, she has an even bigger decision to make...one that could mean life or death by Castro and his army's hands. But just HOW MUCH is she willing to sacrifice to get a chance of reconciliation with her love?
And in 1900, aspiring author Eva Fuentes jumps at the chance to visit the United States and leave her native Cuba as part of a cultural exchange program. What she doesn't expect when arriving at Harvard to teach is to meet a man that will change her perspectives - and possibly her work in progress - forever. But what will come of their lives, her love, and most importantly...will she reveal one of her BIGGEST secrets on the page...and present it as fiction?
A multi-timeline historical fiction story is always a bit of a gamble...and in my experience, it tends to be a miss more often than a hit. Not only does the reader need to keep a firm sense of what's happening when, but in historical fiction there's an added layer of the complexities of place and time, the possibility of discussing war or political unrest, religious persecution, or a plethora of OTHER complications that can take even a simple story and make it a bit of a headache to follow from beginning to end. Throw in the need to keep a bunch of CHARACTERS straight, and a through line becomes even more vital in making the whole enchilada not only palatable, but tasty.
Well...I'm happy to say that Chanel Cleeton should probably consider hitting the tables in Vegas...because THIS gamble paid off! 🎰🎲
Linking the story of Eva Fuentes' book throughout over one HUNDRED YEARS sounds like it would be disastrous and arduous, but Cleeton made a lot of very smart decisions on the way she set up this one from the jump. We begin in the present day with a set-up akin to many mystery/thrillers I read...and this was a brilliant way to 'hook' the reader from the beginning. From here, we slowly become familiar with the iterations of the past, including the historical fiction aspects of the book that were slightly heavier. But here again I'm happy to say - they were only SLIGHTLY heavier. This book does not get bogged down by the sort of wordy exposition that makes me WISH I was reading a very dull History textbook. Instead, Cleeton hits enough of the high points and relies on the connections between her characters to hook you - and this tried and true formula absolutely WORKS!
The only solid downside I could point to when it came to this read was the introduction of certain love story elements later in the book that slowed down the pace quite a bit. To be honest, this was in stark contrast to the murder mystery elements that lead off the book, and it left me feeling a bit disoriented and got me far less interested in solving the mystery, to an extent. These slower moments DID subside in the third act, though, and the conclusion of the mystery plot did feel like a satisfying and 'earned' ending. It's clear that Cleeton plotted and planned this one very carefully, and although I think there were certainly segments that could have been eliminated, short chapters helped to keep the pacing on track even when it 'lost the plot' for a bit (so to speak!) 😉
If you love books about books, this is also the book for you - Cleeton's author's note details some of her inspiration for this story, and let's face it, when one of your main characters is a librarian and another one of them is an author? It's pretty much a foregone conclusion that the text is going to read like a love letter to all things literary...and this bibliophile EAGERLY gobbled it up! (I mean, it is the holiday season after all! 🍴😋)
And above all, it's a gentle reminder to all of us who love the written word that as long as we keep telling and sharing our stories, no matter how others may try to stifle our voices, burn our books, or force us to rely on artificial intelligence rather than the power of our own thoughts, our stories can never TRULY be lost.
4 stars, rounded up from 3.5
"Books have that strangest quality, that being of the frailest and tenderest matter, they outlast brass, iron, and marble." - William Drummond
Three women...three stories...and a book they'd do ANYTHING to protect...
In 2024, our present day timeline, Margot Reynolds has been given the arduous task of procuring a very special book, and one that is more than a CENTURY old. Not only is it the ONLY copy of the book and therefore an EXCEPTIONALLY rare tome, but this book might be worth killing - or dying - for...at least, to her competition, anyway. She learns that her client is not the only one willing to take this sort of life-altering risk...but does she have the resources, the fortitude, and the spirit to outmaneuver her new foe? When she is forced to work alongside a former flame in order to have a chance of success, can she keep her feelings and her fear in check long enough to complete her objective?
Back in 1966 Havana, Pilar the librarian is struggling to keep everything together in her own right. Amidst Castro's regime, nobody - and nothing they own - is safe. Pilar is praying for the release of her husband, who has been wrongfully imprisoned, and each day feels like a year without him by her side. But as they often do, books have provided her solace and given her purpose - and when a certain SPECIAL (and invaluable) book crosses her path, she has an even bigger decision to make...one that could mean life or death by Castro and his army's hands. But just HOW MUCH is she willing to sacrifice to get a chance of reconciliation with her love?
And in 1900, aspiring author Eva Fuentes jumps at the chance to visit the United States and leave her native Cuba as part of a cultural exchange program. What she doesn't expect when arriving at Harvard to teach is to meet a man that will change her perspectives - and possibly her work in progress - forever. But what will come of their lives, her love, and most importantly...will she reveal one of her BIGGEST secrets on the page...and present it as fiction?
A multi-timeline historical fiction story is always a bit of a gamble...and in my experience, it tends to be a miss more often than a hit. Not only does the reader need to keep a firm sense of what's happening when, but in historical fiction there's an added layer of the complexities of place and time, the possibility of discussing war or political unrest, religious persecution, or a plethora of OTHER complications that can take even a simple story and make it a bit of a headache to follow from beginning to end. Throw in the need to keep a bunch of CHARACTERS straight, and a through line becomes even more vital in making the whole enchilada not only palatable, but tasty.
Well...I'm happy to say that Chanel Cleeton should probably consider hitting the tables in Vegas...because THIS gamble paid off! 🎰🎲
Linking the story of Eva Fuentes' book throughout over one HUNDRED YEARS sounds like it would be disastrous and arduous, but Cleeton made a lot of very smart decisions on the way she set up this one from the jump. We begin in the present day with a set-up akin to many mystery/thrillers I read...and this was a brilliant way to 'hook' the reader from the beginning. From here, we slowly become familiar with the iterations of the past, including the historical fiction aspects of the book that were slightly heavier. But here again I'm happy to say - they were only SLIGHTLY heavier. This book does not get bogged down by the sort of wordy exposition that makes me WISH I was reading a very dull History textbook. Instead, Cleeton hits enough of the high points and relies on the connections between her characters to hook you - and this tried and true formula absolutely WORKS!
The only solid downside I could point to when it came to this read was the introduction of certain love story elements later in the book that slowed down the pace quite a bit. To be honest, this was in stark contrast to the murder mystery elements that lead off the book, and it left me feeling a bit disoriented and got me far less interested in solving the mystery, to an extent. These slower moments DID subside in the third act, though, and the conclusion of the mystery plot did feel like a satisfying and 'earned' ending. It's clear that Cleeton plotted and planned this one very carefully, and although I think there were certainly segments that could have been eliminated, short chapters helped to keep the pacing on track even when it 'lost the plot' for a bit (so to speak!) 😉
If you love books about books, this is also the book for you - Cleeton's author's note details some of her inspiration for this story, and let's face it, when one of your main characters is a librarian and another one of them is an author? It's pretty much a foregone conclusion that the text is going to read like a love letter to all things literary...and this bibliophile EAGERLY gobbled it up! (I mean, it is the holiday season after all! 🍴😋)
And above all, it's a gentle reminder to all of us who love the written word that as long as we keep telling and sharing our stories, no matter how others may try to stifle our voices, burn our books, or force us to rely on artificial intelligence rather than the power of our own thoughts, our stories can never TRULY be lost.
4 stars, rounded up from 3.5
November 2, 2025
4.25 stars I loved the latest book from Chanel Cleeton. This story is told in three timelines and I loved each of their stories and the connection they shared. This is a historical mystery with a romance woven into it and I loved it. It pulls you in from the first page and doesn't let go. Highly recommend.
January 22, 2026
4 stars for the mystery portion.
3 stars for the romance. I did not care at all about Margo’s undying love for her ex husband. 🙄
3 stars for the romance. I did not care at all about Margo’s undying love for her ex husband. 🙄
August 18, 2025
“There is something about books that brought people together, a passion, a devotion that created an intimate bond and understanding. After all, books spoke to the deepest parts of the soul and so they linked readers in unforgettable ways. Sharing a favorite book was like creating a shared history between people who had navigated the life and world that existed within the novel’s pages.”
Don't miss this book when it comes out in September. There is something about historical fiction books that combine different timelines that all connect in the end like a perfect jigsaw puzzle that I just love. This story is about three women in varying timelines; Margo in 2024, Pilar in 1966 and Eva in 1900. All three timelines center around one book "A Time for Forgetting" and the struggles each woman faced in their lives.
“Your losses stay with you; your pain becomes part of the fabric of who you are. Some days they’re as fresh as the day they happened; other time they’re a dull ache inside you.”
Historical novels always teach you something, and you walk away feeling a little bit smarter. You will enjoy all three of these storylines and women - Pilar has the edge for my favorite.
Don't miss this book when it comes out in September. There is something about historical fiction books that combine different timelines that all connect in the end like a perfect jigsaw puzzle that I just love. This story is about three women in varying timelines; Margo in 2024, Pilar in 1966 and Eva in 1900. All three timelines center around one book "A Time for Forgetting" and the struggles each woman faced in their lives.
“Your losses stay with you; your pain becomes part of the fabric of who you are. Some days they’re as fresh as the day they happened; other time they’re a dull ache inside you.”
Historical novels always teach you something, and you walk away feeling a little bit smarter. You will enjoy all three of these storylines and women - Pilar has the edge for my favorite.
September 23, 2025
5 stars. In celebration of HISPANIC & LATINO HERITAGE MONTH, this entertaining little gem is a must add to that list! Chanel Cleeton’s latest novel is quite the page-turner about a mysterious book that brings together three exceptional women; -Eva Fuentes, Pilar Castillo + Margo Reynolds.
Their life stories span from 1900 Boston (Eva, writer of the book that affects everyone who reads it), to Havana 1966 (Pilar, who risks everything to protect it), and then to London 2024 (with Margo in search of it). The storyline also takes place in other parts of the world.
I really loved what felt like a game of hide and seek surrounding the books mystery. It kept me reading to find out what made it so rare and unique, along with the interesting stories behind these young women’s lives. Written with so much historical goodness inside its pages, this intriguing tale features interesting tidbits of little-known history, family secrets, mystery, danger and espionage, including a sweeping story of second-chance love. An all-around excellent story. ❥ Do recommend. Pub. 9/30/25
Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy! All opinions are my own.
Their life stories span from 1900 Boston (Eva, writer of the book that affects everyone who reads it), to Havana 1966 (Pilar, who risks everything to protect it), and then to London 2024 (with Margo in search of it). The storyline also takes place in other parts of the world.
I really loved what felt like a game of hide and seek surrounding the books mystery. It kept me reading to find out what made it so rare and unique, along with the interesting stories behind these young women’s lives. Written with so much historical goodness inside its pages, this intriguing tale features interesting tidbits of little-known history, family secrets, mystery, danger and espionage, including a sweeping story of second-chance love. An all-around excellent story. ❥ Do recommend. Pub. 9/30/25
Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy! All opinions are my own.
October 1, 2025
(4.25 stars)
One of the things I love about historical fiction is being able to learn something new while being absorbed by an excellent story. Chanel Cleeton‘s newest book, The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes, does this beautifully.
There are three interrelated timelines in this book. In 2024 London, Margo is hired to find a book written by Eva Fuentes, a book that no one has ever heard of. The person hiring her wants to remain anonymous and so she has been contacted only by a representative. In 1966 Havana, Pilar is a librarian, whose husband has been jailed by Fidel Castro’s regime. And in 1900, Eva Fuentes is a teacher and aspiring novelist in Havana. She is chosen to spend the summer at Harvard University as part of a large delegation of Cuban teachers. This delegation of Cuban teachers to the US is something that really did happen and I for one, certainly knew nothing about it.
The search for items taken/stolen by the Castro regime reminded me a lot of the ongoing search for items stolen by the N*zis.
I won’t spoil the story for you by telling you how these three timelines come together, but I can’t say that the story kept me riveted. Cleeton has written
In the Author’s Note, Cleeton writes, “The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is at its core, my love letter to the power of books and the impact they leave on our lives.”
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
One of the things I love about historical fiction is being able to learn something new while being absorbed by an excellent story. Chanel Cleeton‘s newest book, The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes, does this beautifully.
There are three interrelated timelines in this book. In 2024 London, Margo is hired to find a book written by Eva Fuentes, a book that no one has ever heard of. The person hiring her wants to remain anonymous and so she has been contacted only by a representative. In 1966 Havana, Pilar is a librarian, whose husband has been jailed by Fidel Castro’s regime. And in 1900, Eva Fuentes is a teacher and aspiring novelist in Havana. She is chosen to spend the summer at Harvard University as part of a large delegation of Cuban teachers. This delegation of Cuban teachers to the US is something that really did happen and I for one, certainly knew nothing about it.
The search for items taken/stolen by the Castro regime reminded me a lot of the ongoing search for items stolen by the N*zis.
I won’t spoil the story for you by telling you how these three timelines come together, but I can’t say that the story kept me riveted. Cleeton has written
In the Author’s Note, Cleeton writes, “The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is at its core, my love letter to the power of books and the impact they leave on our lives.”
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 22, 2025
3.75 stars Thank you to Berkley and BookBrowse for giving me a copy for a unbiased review. Expected publication September 30, 2025.
Life in post revolutionary Cuba, with all the challenges that so many faced, was the basis for this story. It stung together the thread connecting three timelines in this book. A fictional book drove all three timelines. There was Eva in 1900 - who wrote the book. Then Pilar in 1966 who saved the book. And Margo in 2024 who tracked down the book.
This novel was well put together. A bit of intrigue, a bit of romance and a murder and all was wrapped up expertly.
Life in post revolutionary Cuba, with all the challenges that so many faced, was the basis for this story. It stung together the thread connecting three timelines in this book. A fictional book drove all three timelines. There was Eva in 1900 - who wrote the book. Then Pilar in 1966 who saved the book. And Margo in 2024 who tracked down the book.
This novel was well put together. A bit of intrigue, a bit of romance and a murder and all was wrapped up expertly.
October 22, 2025
4.5 stars. I absolutely love this author and all the books I’ve read by her. This one is no different. Three women’s stories are told in differing chapters at different decades but they share a common thread: a book. One who wrote it, one who hid it from Fidel Castro’s oppression and one who is seeking it for a client. Loved this book
July 2, 2025
Set in London, Boston, and Cuba, The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is engaging, page-turning, and well-written historical fiction.
One book connects three women. Living in London, Margo is hired to find a book that is more than one hundred twenty years old, and there’s only one copy in existence. In 1966, Pilar is working as a librarian in Havana when she is given a book written sixty years earlier. She must protect this book and others from Castro’s regime. The book that Margo is trying to find and Pilar is trying to protect was written in 1900 by Eva Fuentes, a cultural exchange student who traveled from Havana to Harvard.
The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is told in three timelines from three points of view and features three locations. The book connects them all. Often, readers will prefer one timeline over the others. In this case, I think you will find something to love in all three. I will admit that I was most engaged with Pilar’s story (1966) and the historical details of the resistance movement in Cuba. The 1900s timeline and Eva’s desire to write her story is also interesting and compelling. In the present day, we are treated to a side of second-chance romance along with a solid dose of mystery and intrigue.
You can trust Cleeton for clear transitions between timelines and points of view. The time and place of each timeline provide for an atmospheric read. The characters and plots of each timeline were fully developed, and they were connected at the story’s end in a satisfying conclusion.
I found The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes compelling and page-turning. From Eva’s writing of her story, to protecting the story from Castro, to the harrowing search for the story, I was invested and intrigued.
Content Consideration: war, resistance, toxic relationship
Fans of Chanel Cleeton will want The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes on their TBRs. (pub date: 9/30/25). Readers who are interested in well-written histfic and in Cuba’s history will find a great deal to appreciate.
Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub for a complimentary eARC of #TheLostStoryOfEvaFuentes upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
One book connects three women. Living in London, Margo is hired to find a book that is more than one hundred twenty years old, and there’s only one copy in existence. In 1966, Pilar is working as a librarian in Havana when she is given a book written sixty years earlier. She must protect this book and others from Castro’s regime. The book that Margo is trying to find and Pilar is trying to protect was written in 1900 by Eva Fuentes, a cultural exchange student who traveled from Havana to Harvard.
The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is told in three timelines from three points of view and features three locations. The book connects them all. Often, readers will prefer one timeline over the others. In this case, I think you will find something to love in all three. I will admit that I was most engaged with Pilar’s story (1966) and the historical details of the resistance movement in Cuba. The 1900s timeline and Eva’s desire to write her story is also interesting and compelling. In the present day, we are treated to a side of second-chance romance along with a solid dose of mystery and intrigue.
You can trust Cleeton for clear transitions between timelines and points of view. The time and place of each timeline provide for an atmospheric read. The characters and plots of each timeline were fully developed, and they were connected at the story’s end in a satisfying conclusion.
I found The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes compelling and page-turning. From Eva’s writing of her story, to protecting the story from Castro, to the harrowing search for the story, I was invested and intrigued.
Content Consideration: war, resistance, toxic relationship
Fans of Chanel Cleeton will want The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes on their TBRs. (pub date: 9/30/25). Readers who are interested in well-written histfic and in Cuba’s history will find a great deal to appreciate.
Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub for a complimentary eARC of #TheLostStoryOfEvaFuentes upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
October 15, 2025
The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is a novel told through the points of view of three different women who are connected by a rare book written at the turn of the twentieth century.
In 2024, London rare objects dealer Margo is asked to find a book written by a Cuban woman in 1901 for a mysterious client. She soon finds herself wrapped up in a mystery that becomes increasingly dangerous. Her client isn’t the only one who wants the book, and there are people willing to kill to get it.
In 1966, Pilar, a Cuban librarian, is entrusted with caring for the same book when its owner flees Castro’s rule for Spain. Pilar immediately falls in love with the beautiful story about a Cuban teacher who attends a summer program at Harvard in 1900 and finds both adventure and romance.
In 1900, Cuban teacher Eva is invited to join a delegation of local educators for a summer at Harvard. It’s a thrilling opportunity far from Cuba, which is still recovering from its war for independence with Spain. There, she quickly falls for a local writer and begins writing a book about her experiences—a book that will become the center of a mystery more than a century later.
Although I enjoyed learning about life in Cuba and its history, there were some things missing for me. The characters felt a little flat and muted. I also didn’t think the mystery of who wanted the book, or why they were willing to go to such lengths, was that great of a reveal. I was a little let down by the ending and mostly just glad to see it all wrapped up.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: An advanced copy of The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes was provided by Berkley for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In 2024, London rare objects dealer Margo is asked to find a book written by a Cuban woman in 1901 for a mysterious client. She soon finds herself wrapped up in a mystery that becomes increasingly dangerous. Her client isn’t the only one who wants the book, and there are people willing to kill to get it.
In 1966, Pilar, a Cuban librarian, is entrusted with caring for the same book when its owner flees Castro’s rule for Spain. Pilar immediately falls in love with the beautiful story about a Cuban teacher who attends a summer program at Harvard in 1900 and finds both adventure and romance.
In 1900, Cuban teacher Eva is invited to join a delegation of local educators for a summer at Harvard. It’s a thrilling opportunity far from Cuba, which is still recovering from its war for independence with Spain. There, she quickly falls for a local writer and begins writing a book about her experiences—a book that will become the center of a mystery more than a century later.
Although I enjoyed learning about life in Cuba and its history, there were some things missing for me. The characters felt a little flat and muted. I also didn’t think the mystery of who wanted the book, or why they were willing to go to such lengths, was that great of a reveal. I was a little let down by the ending and mostly just glad to see it all wrapped up.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: An advanced copy of The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes was provided by Berkley for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 1, 2025
Three women - three different time periods.
1900 - Eva Fuentes - is asked to go to Harvard in the summer. It is an invitation to immerse herself in American culture. She is from Havana and attempting to write a novel.
1966 - Pilar Castillo, a librarian in Havana, is given that book for safekeeping as its owner flees Havana. Please return it to Eva Fuentes says Zenaida, her neighbor, as she prepares to leave.
2024 - Margo Reynolds is tasked with finding the book, A Time for Forgetting. Danger lurks around every corner. Someone is willing to kill for this book.
I LOVE books about books and Cleeton has outdone herself on this one.
To be published July 1, 2025.
5 stars
1900 - Eva Fuentes - is asked to go to Harvard in the summer. It is an invitation to immerse herself in American culture. She is from Havana and attempting to write a novel.
1966 - Pilar Castillo, a librarian in Havana, is given that book for safekeeping as its owner flees Havana. Please return it to Eva Fuentes says Zenaida, her neighbor, as she prepares to leave.
2024 - Margo Reynolds is tasked with finding the book, A Time for Forgetting. Danger lurks around every corner. Someone is willing to kill for this book.
I LOVE books about books and Cleeton has outdone herself on this one.
To be published July 1, 2025.
5 stars
August 9, 2025
Loved!!!!!!!!!! My girl Chanel Cleeton never misses and this one had me on the edge of my seat. A story of one woman and a lost book over three perspectives and three timelines. Full review to come it’s out 9/30
June 20, 2025
Ugh, this is exactly why I shouldn’t be an ARC reader—because now I need the physical copy! Chanel Cleeton’s writing is just so beautiful. The timelines were woven together so well, and some lines genuinely live in my head rent-free. Emotional, powerful, and totally unforgettable.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for my digital ARC for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for my digital ARC for an honest review.
December 27, 2025
Audiobook narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya, Frankie Corzo and Kyla Garcia 10hrs 28 minutes
Did Not Finish
April 19, 2026DNF
I read 30 pages. Couldn't connect with the story at all. It just didn't pull me in, so I have decided to stop here.
I read 30 pages. Couldn't connect with the story at all. It just didn't pull me in, so I have decided to stop here.
March 12, 2026
I happen to love Chanel Cleeton and her books. And I did enjoy this one, but it was not my favorite of hers. Three women of different timelines, in three different cities. Boston, London, and Havana. I found that premise interesting, but of course, harder to follow. The plot is more subtle or sleepy, than exciting. What would make one woman's lost story, worth killing for, and protecting? Add in some current time exes, and you have yourselves a story! It was engaging, but not a breathe in the senses not-to- be missed. Enjoyed, but I suspect, soon forgotten with the next story.
October 15, 2025
The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is the newest historical fiction release from Chanel Cleeton, an auto read author for me and no surprise this book was amazing!
We get multiple POVs and characters to follow and I was so invested in all of their chapters. We follow Margo in London in 2024, she’s an American living and working in London who is hired to source a 120-year old book written by Eva where only 1 copy exists and a bookseller ends up dead after the search for the book takes off. In 1966 we follow Pilar in Havana, she is working as a librarian while her husband is unjustly imprisoned and she’s given a book written by Eva to safeguard. In 1900 we start off in Havana with Eva, a schoolteacher who travels to Harvard to participate in a cultural exchange between Cuba and the United States and starts to write a book. The story goes from there with each three women’s stories and I was so intrigued by the whole read.
Chanel always writes such strong women and I love jumping in, reading, and learning from her books. Fantastic, easy to read and you’ll just get immediately pulled in.
We get multiple POVs and characters to follow and I was so invested in all of their chapters. We follow Margo in London in 2024, she’s an American living and working in London who is hired to source a 120-year old book written by Eva where only 1 copy exists and a bookseller ends up dead after the search for the book takes off. In 1966 we follow Pilar in Havana, she is working as a librarian while her husband is unjustly imprisoned and she’s given a book written by Eva to safeguard. In 1900 we start off in Havana with Eva, a schoolteacher who travels to Harvard to participate in a cultural exchange between Cuba and the United States and starts to write a book. The story goes from there with each three women’s stories and I was so intrigued by the whole read.
Chanel always writes such strong women and I love jumping in, reading, and learning from her books. Fantastic, easy to read and you’ll just get immediately pulled in.
October 28, 2025
Thank you PRH Audio for the free audiobook.
Audio was a great way to go for this story because I loved hearing all the words pronounced correctly. The narrator was very easy to listen to and captured the various characters well.
This book felt like a love letter to bookish people! It was full of bookish appreciation in various forms and is the kind of story that makes you just want to hug your favorite books. It was also a really beautiful exploration of Cuban history and its complexity.
The story is told through the POVs of three different women living at different times that are all connected through a rare book with a mysterious background. I loved hearing all of these women’s stories and feeling all their emotions, getting drawn in by the intrigue from the mystery aspect, and was invested in seeing how it would all come together.
This author has been on my TBR forever so it looks like I need to go explore her backlist now!
Trigger/content notes: tragedies related to Castro’s regime. Spice level is closed door.
Audio was a great way to go for this story because I loved hearing all the words pronounced correctly. The narrator was very easy to listen to and captured the various characters well.
This book felt like a love letter to bookish people! It was full of bookish appreciation in various forms and is the kind of story that makes you just want to hug your favorite books. It was also a really beautiful exploration of Cuban history and its complexity.
The story is told through the POVs of three different women living at different times that are all connected through a rare book with a mysterious background. I loved hearing all of these women’s stories and feeling all their emotions, getting drawn in by the intrigue from the mystery aspect, and was invested in seeing how it would all come together.
This author has been on my TBR forever so it looks like I need to go explore her backlist now!
Trigger/content notes: tragedies related to Castro’s regime. Spice level is closed door.
October 3, 2025
The Lost Story Of Eva Fuentes proves why I've been a Chanel Cleeton fan for awhile now!
Three different perspectives join together to make one beautiful story!
Margo - London, 2024
Pilar - Havana, 1966
Eva - Boston, 1900
I can't get over just how vulnerable, yet strong each of these three women were! Their stories were somber, with moments of grief, and unease, while still maintaining a thread of optimism for each interconnected story-line!
Cleeton once again created a story filled with history and passion for a country she loves, and she continues to do it so well!
Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and Berkley for the complimentary copy to read and review.
Three different perspectives join together to make one beautiful story!
Margo - London, 2024
Pilar - Havana, 1966
Eva - Boston, 1900
I can't get over just how vulnerable, yet strong each of these three women were! Their stories were somber, with moments of grief, and unease, while still maintaining a thread of optimism for each interconnected story-line!
Cleeton once again created a story filled with history and passion for a country she loves, and she continues to do it so well!
Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and Berkley for the complimentary copy to read and review.
October 1, 2025
Nobody does historical fiction like Chanel Cleeton. I love her perpetual nod to her Cuban heritage, I've learned so much from her.
The Lost Book of Eva Fuentes is next level, even for her. Three seemingly disparate stories in 3 time periods spanning 125 years captured my attention and never let go. I absolutely loved all 3 MCs, they were so very well developed, which is truly impressive. Thus book perfectly blends mystery, historical fiction and a bonus splash of romance. A trifecta!
Chanel Cleeton can do no wrong in my book, her novels will always top my must read list.
The Lost Book of Eva Fuentes is next level, even for her. Three seemingly disparate stories in 3 time periods spanning 125 years captured my attention and never let go. I absolutely loved all 3 MCs, they were so very well developed, which is truly impressive. Thus book perfectly blends mystery, historical fiction and a bonus splash of romance. A trifecta!
Chanel Cleeton can do no wrong in my book, her novels will always top my must read list.
October 17, 2025
This book is an absolute treasure with a wonderful plot and beautiful storytelling. The characters really sucked me in and I loved how different chapters were for each one.
April 7, 2026
This book has 3 different timelines: Margo, in present-day London, Pilar in 1966 Cuba, and Eva, in Cuba and Boston in 1900. Margo is tasked with finding an obscure book written by Eva; librarian Pilar had the book given to her in Cuba. I really liked Pilar’s story, but didn’t really connect with Margo or Eva. I am a fan of Chanel Cleeton’s historical fiction, but the 3 timelines and the contemporary story, which was more like romantic suspense, not so much.
October 3, 2025
I discovered Chanel Cleeton a few years ago and instantly connected with the way she writes strong, courageous women rooted in rich historical settings. The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is no exception; it’s compelling, layered, and deeply moving.
This novel blends historical fiction, mystery, and romance, following three women—Eva, Pilar, and Margo—linked across generations by a single lost book. The Cuban backdrop, from the Summer School of 1900 to the literary oppression under Castro’s regime, was fascinating. I had no idea about the Cuban teacher program at Harvard in 1900, and learning about it added so much depth to Eva’s story.
What I loved:
✨Mystery surrounding the missing book
✨Cuban history and literary culture
✨A heartfelt tribute to readers and the enduring power of stories. We may not all love the same book, but we all know what it means to be swept away by a good story.
✨Libraries, and librarians, are often the quiet protectors of these stories, and this novel beautifully honors that role.
🎧Narration Note: FABULOUS!! Jennifer Jill Araya, Frankie Corzo, and Kyla Garcia brought each character vividly to life while adding so much depth and atmosphere. I always knew exactly whose POV I was in.
Final Verdict: 👍 Intriguing, heartfelt, and full of historical richness. A moving reminder of the power of books and the importance of preserving stories.
This novel blends historical fiction, mystery, and romance, following three women—Eva, Pilar, and Margo—linked across generations by a single lost book. The Cuban backdrop, from the Summer School of 1900 to the literary oppression under Castro’s regime, was fascinating. I had no idea about the Cuban teacher program at Harvard in 1900, and learning about it added so much depth to Eva’s story.
What I loved:
✨Mystery surrounding the missing book
✨Cuban history and literary culture
✨A heartfelt tribute to readers and the enduring power of stories. We may not all love the same book, but we all know what it means to be swept away by a good story.
✨Libraries, and librarians, are often the quiet protectors of these stories, and this novel beautifully honors that role.
🎧Narration Note: FABULOUS!! Jennifer Jill Araya, Frankie Corzo, and Kyla Garcia brought each character vividly to life while adding so much depth and atmosphere. I always knew exactly whose POV I was in.
Final Verdict: 👍 Intriguing, heartfelt, and full of historical richness. A moving reminder of the power of books and the importance of preserving stories.
October 29, 2025
The real life history, like Cuban Summer School, grounded this story but it lacked Cleeton's usual sparkle. There are three timelines oriented around a rare novel. I was most interested in what happened to Margo and wonder whether this would have worked better as solely through her eyes, instead of also getting Pilar and Eva's POVs. Cleeton's novels usually work well for me but I found this to be predictable and the dialogue often came across as clunky. I appreciate that she wanted to write a love letter to books and wish it had worked better for me.
Characters: Margo is a divorced white American expat and antique acquisitioner living in 2024 London. Pilar is a married Cuban librarian in 1966 Havana, Cuba. Eva is a Cuban teacher and aspiring author in 1900 Havana, Cuba and Boston, MA.
Content notes: MC's husband is incarcerated (political prisoner) and , infidelity (MC didn't know boyfriend is married), murder, attempted murder, physical assault, soldier violence, head injury, vomit, fascism, military occupation, past war, past mugging, past divorce, past parental divorce, past death of family members, DNA testing/ancestry, student loan debt, unplanned pregnancy, adoption, family planning discussion (decide not to have children), off page sex, alcohol, cigarettes, ableist language
Characters: Margo is a divorced white American expat and antique acquisitioner living in 2024 London. Pilar is a married Cuban librarian in 1966 Havana, Cuba. Eva is a Cuban teacher and aspiring author in 1900 Havana, Cuba and Boston, MA.
Content notes: MC's husband is incarcerated (political prisoner) and , infidelity (MC didn't know boyfriend is married), murder, attempted murder, physical assault, soldier violence, head injury, vomit, fascism, military occupation, past war, past mugging, past divorce, past parental divorce, past death of family members, DNA testing/ancestry, student loan debt, unplanned pregnancy, adoption, family planning discussion (decide not to have children), off page sex, alcohol, cigarettes, ableist language
May 12, 2025
The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes by Chanel Cleeton is a great multiple timeline historical fiction that I enjoyed.
I am vsry selective with my HF at this point it seems, and even more so with the novels that present with multiple stories, but I was pleased to have given this a chance. I have enjoyed Ms Cleeton’s books before, so I was hoping that I could add this one to the list.
The author brings several strong female characters from different situations and timeframes into one cohesive narrative. I usually enjoy the historical characters more than the contemporary, and that still holds true here (but that could be merely a personal preference). I was still drawn in with the plot that held mystery and suspense and enjoyed the author’s talent at creating an effortlessness flow that kept me engaged throughout.
I recommend this book if you enjoy HF, multiple timelines, and strong female characters.
4.5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Berkley Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/30/25.
I am vsry selective with my HF at this point it seems, and even more so with the novels that present with multiple stories, but I was pleased to have given this a chance. I have enjoyed Ms Cleeton’s books before, so I was hoping that I could add this one to the list.
The author brings several strong female characters from different situations and timeframes into one cohesive narrative. I usually enjoy the historical characters more than the contemporary, and that still holds true here (but that could be merely a personal preference). I was still drawn in with the plot that held mystery and suspense and enjoyed the author’s talent at creating an effortlessness flow that kept me engaged throughout.
I recommend this book if you enjoy HF, multiple timelines, and strong female characters.
4.5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Berkley Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/30/25.
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