The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 11, 2023

In 1934, a luxury cruise becomes a fight for survival as two women’s pasts collide on a round-trip voyage from New York to Havana in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s page-turning new novel inspired by the true story of the SS Morro Castle.

New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead—and why.

Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her—and her prey is on the ship.

As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all.

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REVIEW: THE CUBAN HEIRESS by Chanel Cleeton is an adult, historical fictionalized account of the 1934 disaster near Asbury Park for the cruise ship The SS Morro Castle. THE CUBAN HEIRESS focuses on New York Heiress Catherine Dohan and her fiancé Raymond, Cuban born Elena Palacio, and passenger Harry.

Told from first person (Catherine) and third person (Elena), THE CUBAN HEIRESS follows four passengers on a cruise ship heading to Cuba: New York Heiress Catherine Dohan and her fiancé Raymond, Cuban born Elena Reyes, and passenger Harry but all is not well in the lives of the foursome, as a series of mishaps and problems begin to spiral out of control. Catherine Dohan is engaged to wealthy businessman Raymond after a whirlwind romance but Catherine isn’t whom she claims to be. Her fiancé Raymond leaves Catherine to her own devices but a series of mysterious events including an attack on her life pushes Catherine into the arms of someone else. Meeting a sympathetic stranger who clearly knows the type of man Catherine is about to marry begins to reveal some secrets she knew nothing about.

Meanwhile, Cuban born Elena Palacio is looking for revenge against the man that all but destroyed her life. Believed to have died in a house fire, Elena is desperate to retaliate and take back her life but she will need the help of people on board. Having stowed away on the SS Morro Castle, Elena sets into motion her plans for vengeance and survival.

THE CUBAN HEIRESS is a fictionalized account of the fire and destruction of the SS Morro Castle. The characters and events are from the mind of author Chanel Cleeton set on the ill-fated journey of a ship with some questionable history including the unexplained death of the captain at sea. We are pulled into a story of mystery and suspense, theft and murder, fire and destruction, survival and loss. The dramatic premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are animated, tragic and impassioned.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy