The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton

The Last Train to Key West

by Chanel Cleeton

Instant New York Times bestseller

One of Bustle’s Most Anticipated Books of Summer 2020
 
“The perfect riveting summer read!”—BookBub
 
In 1935 three women are forever changed when one of the most powerful hurricanes in history barrels toward the Florida Keys.
 
For the tourists traveling on Henry Flagler’s legendary Overseas Railroad, Labor Day weekend is an opportunity to forget the economic depression gripping the nation. But one person’s paradise can be another’s prison, and Key West-native Helen Berner yearns to escape.
 
After the Cuban Revolution of 1933 leaves Mirta Perez’s family in a precarious position, she agrees to an arranged marriage with a notorious American. Following her wedding in Havana, Mirta arrives in the Keys on her honeymoon. While she can’t deny the growing attraction to her new husband, his illicit business interests may threaten not only her relationship, but her life.
 
Elizabeth Preston's trip to Key West is a chance to save her once-wealthy family from their troubles after the Wall Street crash. Her quest takes her to the camps occupied by veterans of the Great War and pairs her with an unlikely ally on a treacherous hunt of his own.
 
Over the course of the holiday weekend, the women’s paths cross unexpectedly, and the danger swirling around them is matched only by the terrifying force of the deadly storm threatening the Keys.

Reviewed by Sam@WLABB on

5 of 5 stars

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Rating: 4.5 Stars

Three women from very different backgrounds find themselves all preparing for the same historic storm. They are each running from or running to something, and find the strength and power to do so in the face of a storm of historic proportions.

I started this series, because I was a fan of Cleeton's contemporary romance books. I don't really gravitate towards historical fiction, but I am a fan of the stories Cleenton tells. I wasn't sure how I would feel about this installment as it did not take place in Cuba and the rest of the Perez family was absent. However, I shouldn't have doubted that Cleeton would, once again, win my heart with her captivating storytelling.

This book finds us in the Keys during the depression. Newly married Mirta Perez is on her honeymoon and trying to get to know her new husband, a veritable stranger and well known criminal. While stopping over in Key West, she crosses paths with a pregnant waitress named Helen, who is a victim of domestic abuse, as well as a fallen socialite, Elizabeth, who is searching for her brother while trying to outrun her fiancé.

All three of these women had compelling storylines, which kept me in rapt attention. Their trials were so diverse, but I admired the way each dug deep, and found the will to keep pushing forward. I loved the touch of romance all the plot lines contained, but was especially delighted when I discovered the connection among the three women.

The most interesting thing about all the CUBA books has been the historical events Cleeton highlighted. The "star" of this book would be the 1935 Labor Day hurricane. It was a category 5 storm, when it made landfall between Miami and Key West leaving death and destruction in its path. I must admit, I loved the way the storylines ramped up as the storm grew in power. When the winds accelerated, so did my heart, as the characters found themselves in life or death situations. My adrenaline was pumping as I flipped those pages, and I loved every second of it.

I am known for being fussy about my endings, but I have ZERO complaints here. It was nice and tidy, just the way I like it, and I was happy with the direction each woman's life was taking.

Overall: I was swept away by this story, which showcased interesting historical events as well as three strong and determined women.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 4 June, 2020: Finished reading
  • 4 June, 2020: Reviewed