Instant New York Times bestsellerOne 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 … 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.
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The Last Train to Key West is a perfect storm of great storytelling, fast-moving plot, and rich historical detail. Tense, tight, and atmospheric, Chanel Cleeton’s best yet!
Chanel Cleeton simply never disappoints! Cleverly constructed and expertly delivered, The Last Train to Key West is a feast for readers across multiple genres. This book has it all — great characters, a compelling historical backdrop, quests for love and purpose and refuge, and a fully satisfying conclusion that will have you cheering.
With bits of romance and tension this was a novel I couldn’t put down!! The Last Train to Key West was enriched in history, descriptive, and beautifully written. Chanel Cleeton takes you back in time to 1935 Key West, Florida during The Great Depression.
Told through the perspective of three women; Helen, Mirta, and Elizabeth, each woman coming from a different background. Soon their lives become entwined and they each must survive one of the most perilous hurricanes to hit in history!
We’re first introduced to Helen Berner. She lives on the island in a small cottage with her husband Tom. Tom is a fisherman but he’s also an abusive drunk. Helen works as a waitress at the local diner, Ruby’s, and she sees all kinds of people come and go. John is a veteran patron who comes to the diner on the weekends. Helen is intrigued by the burly man as she witnesses the heavy burden he bears and the dark mood that surrounds him.
Mirta Perez is accompanied by her new husband, Anthony Cordero. They’ve just arrived from Havana, Cuba by ferry. Her family had a secure position in Cuba after supporting president Machado and were spared following Machado’s exile. Anthony is a handsome and wealthy man with connections to the crime life. Mirta’s father arranged for Anthony to marry her. They didn’t know each other prior and haven’t found any common ground presently. Mirta finds she is constantly struggling to make sense of her new life.
Elizabeth Preston is riding the train from New York on her way to Key West. She comes from a family name that used to mean something. Running from her life in New York and her dangerous fiancé, Elizabeth finds herself flirting with a college boy. However, she’s really trying to grab the attention of a rather handsome suit, so she acts a bit provocative for the first time. Upon arriving to Key West, she heads towards Ruby’s Diner for a bite to eat.
From that moment on as each woman meets, their connections are formed and the story truly begins. As the reader, you can feel the emotions as disaster stricks the small island, witnessing the devastation from multiple points of view.
Fast-paced and enthralling, I was left on the edge of my seat!! I loved how Chanel tied fact with fiction, creating such a mesmerizing story.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Berkley through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
The Last Train to Key West is another exceptional story by Cleeton, who has quickly become a favorite among historical fiction fans. When the lives of three women from vastly different circumstances intersect even as the winds from the ocean threaten devastation, secrets are exposed, love is questioned and new life emerges even as others are in danger. Cleeton has fashioned a story that is gripping, romantic, and packed with drama. Readers will be up late eager to find out what happens!
Loved this!
I love a good Florida novel, and Chanel Cleeton delivers the goods with this one. This novel hits a lot of my must-haves. Interesting characters; appealing setting; good twists—one really well-hidden and unexpected. The hurricane is well-handled and effectively conveys what it is like to go through that kind of natural disaster. Solid research/historical context. A semi-cozy, gangster-era, Florida-frontier tale with a dash of romance (but not overdone).
What a pleasure to read this beautifully set story in Key West. It’s filled with intrigue, love, drama, good guys & bad; fully fleshed-out, deep, imaginative female characters and a hurricane disaster. This book is a ‘can’t put down’ read. Loved it. Chantel Cleeton is a wonderful writer and draws upon her family stories of exile from Cuba. Fascinating.
Incredible story!
I really loved Cleeton’s two previous book, so I was excited to read this — and it didn’t disappoint. Set during the devastating 1935 Labor day hurricane in the Florida keys, it follows three women’s experiences. I was captivated by all their stories and intrigued by the history of this Cat 5 hurricane. Very enjoyable and engaging.
A wonderfully transportive summer read!
Wow, what a fabulous book. From page one I was drawn into the lives of the 3 female characters and could not put this one down. Even though I have visited Key West I did not know much at all about the hurricane of 1935. Very strong characters that I immediately connected to. This is definitely a great book for Summer reading.
Chanel Cleeton author of “The Last Train to Key West” has written an amazing, captivating, riveting, intriguing, and memorable novel. The Genres are Historical Fiction, and Romance, with a touch of suspense and mystery. The timeline for this story is in the 1930s just after the Cuban Revolution, and around the Great Depression. This also takes place during the worst Hurricane in the Key West. Many men have been in the Great War. The story goes to the past when it pertains to the characters and events. The author describes her colorful and dramatic cast of characters as complex, and complicated.
I love everything about this novel and I love the author”s vivid descriptions of the characters, scenery, and plot. Who doesn’t like characters such as gang members, soldiers, criminals, strong and determined women, and the F.B.I.? Put them all together and you have a fabulous cast of characters!
The Key West in the 1930s had people who wanted to find themselves, and those who wanted to get lost. There are contrasts between wealth and poverty, good and evil, right and wrong, and rules for survivors. There are twists and turns. Chanel Cleeton has put the pieces in her story, and the reader gets to see the finished puzzle.
Three women, all strangers get to meet one another. Each has their own unique set of problems and challenges. Somehow the Key West connects them as does the terrible Hurricane that causes much destruction. I highly recommend this thought-provoking novel to readers who enjoy Historical Fiction.
The Last Train to Key West takes you on an incredible and emotion-charged journey through the lives of three women facing a catastrophic hurricane that changes them forever – and shows them how courageous they really are. This book has everything a reader could want: not one but three incredible love stories, page-turning drama and rich historical detail. I finished the last chapter with a sigh of satisfaction that only a great book can bring about
Loved the subject because I didn’t know about this part of Florida s history. But not my number 1 favorite from this author.
Really enjoyed this. Rate five stars.
I enjoyed this book and learned a lot about the Florida Keys and the 1935 hurricane.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about a time, place and events in history that I wasn’t familiar with in an enjoyable easy to read way. I was beautifully conceived and a tender story.
The Last Train to Key West goes on my list of most memorable books. I could not put it down. The characters, historical setting and character links are so well intertwined. There are so many elements to this story.
I really liked this book and it wasn’t what I expected.
This one was a book club pick, and I’m happy to have read it as I really enjoyed it.
Well-written with lots of historical background, it centers around the events of one of the most powerful hurricanes (in 1935) to hit the Florida Keys and is told from three women’s experiences and how they overlap. I was invested in all three (Helen, Mirta and Elizabeth), but I think Helen was my favorite. The women were all very different in their past experiences and their present circumstances, but they all shared an indomitable strength that lead them through and beyond the devastation.
Very well done and recommended.