One woman is pregnant and in bad marriage. Another is newly married to a stranger. And a third woman is desperately trying to get out of an engagement. As the women tell their stories, a dangerous hurricane is threatening the area.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators were fantastic. There were few, if any, surprises about how the three women’s stories would come together. But it was interesting to see how each woman would handle their marital predicaments and the approaching storm.

This is an easy read — or listen — and great for summer escapist reading aka beach reading.

Thank you NetGalley for the free ebook.

The Last Train to Key West was my first experience with the writings of Chanel Cleeton but it certainly won’t be my last. I don’t often pick up historical fiction, but the synopsis of this book drew me in. Set in Key West during the 1930’s, three women’s lives are woven together as one of the greatest hurricanes in American history prepares for landfall. I was drawn more to the story of one woman, Helen, more than the others. However, I found myself carrying so much what would happen to these women. I couldn’t put this one down!

Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to review this book.

This was my first book by Chanel Cleeton. Let's blame that on too many books, too little time. I've heard of her, of course. Seen her books on lists, been intrigued by the covers, blurbs, and reviews. But, until now, I've not yet taken the time to read one. And that was a mistake. The only thing that would have made the experience of reading The Last Train to Key West more pleasurable is if I had been actually sitting on the beach instead of imagining it while losing myself in this compelling and richly detailed story.

Cleeton's characters are well-developed and relatable, their circumstances eliciting my interest immediately. I found myself invested in them, eagerly following their compelling individual, and connected, journeys, often with my heart in my throat. They are so vividly depicted that I quickly began thinking of them as real people which, of course, raised the emotional stakes they faced even higher. I enjoyed how Cleeton told each woman's individual story while seamlessly interweaving them into and out of each other's lives, and flawlessly, and in some cases, surprisingly, interconnecting them all as they eventually face a common danger greater than any of them can possibly imagine.

Cleeton has a gift for creating a sense of time and place that immersed me in the Florida Keys of 1935. Her historical detail is rich, and well researched, enabling me to experience, through her words, the beauty of the undeveloped area, the post-Depression hopelessness, and the sinister undertones of those who would take advantage. Then, for even more compelling danger, she places her characters in the path of the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, one of the strongest, and deadliest, Atlantic hurricanes to ever make landfall. I don't know if this author has ever experienced a hurricane first-hand but her descriptive writing had my heart racing as fast as if I'd been right there with her terrified characters, waiting for death while praying for life.

If you haven't discovered Chanel Cleeton's novels yet, I highly recommend beginning with The Last Train to Key West. I couldn't put it down.

For the romance lovers among you, while this novel is historical fiction, there are romantic threads for Helen, Mirta, and Elizabeth and a satisfying conclusion for this reader.

*ARC received for fair and honest review

Oh, this is wonderful! Lush worldbuilding with intricate historical details. Really liked the romantic arc. RTC.

This is the third Chanel Cleeton book I've read and can now confidently say that her stories are engaging and compulsively readable. I love historical fiction, especially when they introduce me to a little known slice of history. In this case, the devastating Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 and the plight of WW1 veterans in work camps in the Florida Keys.

I loved how the story was propelled through the eyes of three main female characters: Helen, Mirta, and Elizabeth. I just kept turning the pages faster and faster as if I was trying to beat the storm. It was an easy, escapist read with an atmospheric feel and colorful imagery.

Quick fun read I read in 2 days! I love Chanel Cleeton but this one fell a little short from from
Her previous 2 novels (Next year in Havana, and When We Left Cuba).

If you are a member of a book club that likes light historical fiction, consider this book. I’d heard about the Key West, Florida hurricane of 1935, but I didn’t know about the large number of US veterans who died while being evacuated by train. History is explained as the reader follows the lives of three women. One, an abused wife who works as a waitress in Key West. There’s also the NYC heiress whose family lost its fortune during the depression, and a Havana Cuba native who was given by her father to NYC mobster. All three find themselves directly in the path of the hurricane and their lives are forever changed. If you like a happily-ever-after (maybe) story with strong courageous women, you’ll like this book.

Cleeton sets her new historical fiction novel against the backdrop of Key West during the Labor Day weekend of 1935 when the Keys were hit with a category 5 hurricane. Craftily weaving the stories of three young woman, this is an intricately plotted and well-written book. Elizabeth Preston is from a family of stockbrokers who have lost their fortune in the crash. She is escaping from her fiancé Frank, a brutal gangster, and is searching for the man whose letter she carries. Helen Berner is a waitress at a popular Key West diner; she is pregnant and married to Tom, an abusive man. Afraid for her life and the life of her unborn child, she takes advantage of her husband’s absence to escape to her aunt’s home in another part of Key West. Finally, Mirta Perez Cordero is from Cuba where her family’s fortunes have been lost during the recent political struggles. She agreed to marry Anthony, aware of his ties to the underworld in order to save her families’ fortunes.

The three women find themselves on the island of Islamorada; along with many WWI veterans who have been sent to the island to build a railroad connecting the Keys to the Florida Peninsula. When the hurricane slams into the island, no one is prepared for the intensity of the storm, the devastation it brings, or the effects it will have on all their futures.

This is an excellently plotted and moving story, with beautiful and anguishing descriptions of the landscape both before and after the storm. The women are spirited and sympathetic. Well-researched and an exciting story, this will be in demand for book clubs and lovers of historical fiction.

Congratulations are always in order when an author releases a new book, but I also want to congratulate author Chanel Cleeton for giving me one heck of a ride on The Last Train to Key West! Ms. Cleeton will pull you into the world of the '30s with it's post-war and Great Depression lifestyle from the first chapter. Told from the perspectives of three women who find themselves in very different circumstances, you will experience the extreme poverty and hardship of one, the extreme wealth of another, and the extremes to which one is prepared to go to salvage some kind of life for a family decimated by the Crash of 1929. If you are thinking these women have nothing in common, you would be wrong. They are about to be united by one of nature's most devastating forces - the winds and rain of an epic hurricane.
Historically speaking, the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane remains the strongest hurricane to strike the United States. The author has vividly described this cataclysmic storm through the eyes of each of her characters and, as a person who was raised in South Carolina and currently lives in Florida, I can tell you the way she builds her story is an accurate portrayal of the very real sense of apprehension and helplessness one feels in the face of one of these monsters!
You're probably thinking that what I've written so far doesn't sound like much of a beach read, and maybe it isn't in the strictest sense of the term, especially if you are looking for a light-hearted romance or a fanciful mystery. I can promise you a book that will hold your attention until the very last word. I don't want to give details that will provide spoilers because each of you deserves the masterful buildup the author achieves as the winds blow you toward the climax. I am going to warn you that you will likely reach a point where you can't stop reading so you can let your friends or family know you may not be able to leave the beach for a while. I highly recommend this book! If you miss The Last Train to Key West, you are going to miss Chanel Cleeton's best work so far.
Many Thanks to Berkley Books & Netgalley for the Opportunity to Read and Review The Last Train to Key West!

The Last Train to Key West is a fine, solid book, but I found myself growing frustrated with the revolving points of view. Every time I became invested in one woman’s story, we moved to another. Cleeton’s writing is poetic intrigue, which made the book lovely to read so I would recommend this to others.

The Last Train to Key West just reaffirms what I already knew was happening.... Chanel Cleeton is definitely becoming one of my favorite writers.

It is so evident in all her books how much research goes into not only the actual history, but the people and their thoughts and feelings during that time. You find yourself perfectly picturing every character, in that time and place, and you are instantly transported into the story. And you never want to leave.

Three Women. One Hurricane. So many secrets.

One woman wants her husband dead. One is married to a stranger. And the third, is looking for man she barely knows. The story is woven together so seamlessly and when the three women cross paths it's what a readers dreams are made of. There is sadness and heartbreak, intense scenes of extreme weather and devastation (which is a TRUE story of one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes!) and just the right amount of love story to make your heart swell.

I tore through this book. I adored these three strong and sassy women and was riveted by each of their stories equally - happily racing through chapters as the tension and suspense unfolded. Telling such a beautiful story so perfectly amidst such devastation is a difficult task. But Chanel Cleeton makes it look easy!

LOVED it.

I was initially drawn to the The Last Train to Key West blurb because I was interested in a potential historical fiction novel that takes place without jumps in the timeline. I’ve read a bit of those recently, so I was intrigued by a story that takes place entirely during the 1930s economic depression in the Florida Keys, while one of the most aggressive hurricanes in history hit the area. The story follows 3 women - Mirta, who arrives in Key West from Cuba after marrying a complete stranger of questionable influence, Elizabeth, who traveled to the Keys completely alone from New York, and Helen, who is pregnant and stuck within an unhappy marriage.

I had actually never heard of the 1935 Labor Day Weekend hurricane that devastated the Florida Keys, so I was fascinated by the turn of events and history of the original Flagler’s railroad. I was also interested to learn about the veterans that contributed to the building of the railroad after World War I - the treatment of veterans back then hit so many trigger points on how they are treated today. As for the characters, I appreciated the growth each undertook as well as the intertwined connections between all of them. Though some may think the connections were too convenient, I thought they were a bit clever.

Though I enjoyed the book overall, I could have done without the strong romantic relationships that were a central theme with each woman. At least 2 of the couplings were a bit too insta-love attraction for my liking. I wish more time had been spent focused on the aftermath and impact of the hurricane on the community and veterans instead. On paper, each of the women could be described as a strong female, but their actions didn’t really fit that - only one really did much of anything to directly impact their outcome.

This story is told from the points of view of Helen, Elizabeth, and Mirta, each alternating chapters with the other two. Each character is well-drawn and the author is able to lure the reader into their lives and come to care for each character. This a masterfully written novel set in a unique setting, with characters to root for, and a satisfying ending. The author has chosen a time and events that are unknown to nearly all readers. The author is adept at integrating historical details into the context of her story. You’ll come away feeling like you have new knowledge of Key West and its complicated history.

If you like well-told, fast-paced stories featuring women who are survivors, you’ll love this book.

It’s Labor Day weekend 1935 in Key West Florida - the midst of the depression. Helen, Elizabeth and Mirta are 3 very different women, but when they are all caught in the great Labor Day Hurricane their lives will intertwine forever. ⁣
⁣
Wow. I’m telling you whether you think you like historical fiction or not - GET THIS BOOK!!! I finished it in a total of about 4 hours. It was amazing. These three women were so different and had their own struggles, yet were all so strong and inspiring. The men in their lives had difficult pasts, but each were so loving and kind. I found myself so worried about all of their well beings that I couldn’t stop turning pages! When you can mix a major historical event with romance this well - I just can’t say no. The facts about the hurricane and the climate of work camps and transportation in the Keys during this time were so well researched. Every time I read a great historical fiction book I regret not making time for more of them. I will definitely be making time for the rest of Chanel Cleeton’s books! ⁣

•Link to review on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CBfpUpNAfMB/?igshid=11m7wgmjdda29

I'm not a huge nonfiction reader (sometimes it feels like homework to me) so I love historical fiction because when you find a really good author, you get a perfect blend of history and fiction. I've been a huge Cleeton fan since her debut novel, so when @berkpub sent me this one, there wasn't a doubt in my mind that it would be a five star read.
Here's the thing about Cleeton's writing. She has the ability to blend multiple genres into one book, so basically anyone that loves fiction is sure to love her writing. Last Train to Key West was no different. Told from the perspective of three very different women, they find their stories intertwine in Key West during the horrendous 1935 hurricane. A little bit of romance; a little bit of suspense; and a lot of well researched history (I know because I kept googling after finishing this novel) this is a perfect summer read.
I loved how much I learned about the Overseas Railroad Project (just another piece of history that is brushed over in school). I also love that Cleeton centers her historical fiction writing around Cuba and an era that is underrepresented in the genre. I always find myself thinking about her books for days after I finish the last page

This was a quick read, that captivate me from the very first pages.I absolutely loved Chanel Cleeton's writing style and this was just such an enjoyable read. This time her story takes us to Key West in the lives of three very different woman .I adored all these women and I was invested to their stories.

❝It's strange how your life can change so quickly, how one moment you can barely eke by, desperation filling your days, and then suddenly, out of the unimaginably horrific, a glimmer of something beautiful can appear like a bud pushing through the hard-formed earth.❞

Recommended for fans of historical romance. If you’re looking for an emotional story this is perfect!

Chanel Cleeton's 'Next Year in Havana' was unexpectedly one of my favorite books in 2018 so I was thrilled to hear that she was writing a book about the Florida Keys in the 1930's called 'The Last Train to Key West'. The author knows her Cuban and Florida roots and it really shows in her rich stories.

Told from three different points of view, the book tells the story of the three women whose paths cross on the eve of the Labor Day hurricane in 1935. Mirta, Elizabeth and Helen are very unique and distinctive characters who are each on a different journey. The author shows a great respect and love for the setting and I love the real-life history woven throughout the story.

This book does not delve as deeply into Cuban politics and history as the previous books, and focuses more on the Florida Keys. I enjoyed reading about post-Depression South Florida and the tragic efforts to extend the Florida East Coast railroad from the Florida mainland to the Keys. i also loved the exploration of women's roles during this time period and how much their lives were affected by their fathers or husbands.

This is a lushly written tale of romance and survival and I loved each of the brave women who were the focus of this book. As always, the research and background stories were perfection!

Alright, this book wins as my favorite Chanel Cleeton novel. The interwoven characters, plot lines, and drama were masterfully done, making this book impossible to put down. As always, the historical detail was flawless and added rich depth to the story. This is a great summer read, perfect for the beach, pool, or lakeside. If you’ve loved Cleeton’s other novels, pick this one up today! You won’t be disappointed!
4.5 stars

Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CBf5u0vg_ym/

Chanel Cleeton was an author who was on my radar from the release of her very first book. At first I wasn’t really that interested in the time period or Cuban history—but all the reviews of her first book, Next Year in Havana, were overwhelmingly positive and I wanted to check it out.

But many other books came before I finally picked it up and even then it was only recently.

I read When We Left Cuba last year and loved it and when I heard that Cleeton was coming out with a new book this year, I finally read Next Year in Havana and re-read When We Left Cuba so that I could be ready for this one!

Summary
Everyone journeys to Key West searching for something. 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.

The Cuban Revolution of 1933 left Mirta Perez’s family in a precarious position. After an arranged wedding in Havana, Mirta arrives in the Keys on her honeymoon. While she can’t deny the growing attraction to the stranger she’s married, her new husband’s illicit business interests may threaten not only her relationship, but her life.

Elizabeth Preston’s trip from New York to Key West is a chance to save her once-wealthy family from their troubles as a result of 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. (summary from Goodreads)

Review
When I saw that this book wasn’t going to follow the other Perez sisters, I was a little disappointed but then again, I was happy to see that it does follow the Perez family, just in a new way and during a new time. But by the time I re-read When We Left Cuba, I was kind of ready to explore a new period in Cuban history. This was one of my most highly anticipated books of the summer and I have to say, I was NOT disappointed at all! It was a fantastic story!

One of the things that I have come to love about Cleeton’s books are her vivid descriptions. I instantly feel transported to Cuba, like I’ve stepped into a whole new place and time. She truly has a gift for creating special places that stand out and will remain memorable for readers. I also love how she picks new and interesting events in history. I especially loved the hurricane piece in this book because I love extreme weather and found the way the hurricane wove into the plot was great and unique. The historical fiction market isn’t exactly teeming with Cuban history which in addition really make Cleeton’s books stand out.

As always, Cleeton has crafted a believable romance that I felt fully invested in. I wasn’t exactly sure about Mirta and Anthony at first but was swooning by the end! I love how well Cleeton does romance, this book is balanced perfectly with history and romance and I couldn’t have been happier with it. All of Cleeton’s books can be read as standalones and aren’t officially part of a series so if you haven’t read anything by this author before, just know that you don’t need to read any of the other books to enjoy this one.

As I mentioned this was my most anticipated book of the year and it absolutely met all my expectations. I adored it and can’t wait to see what Cleeton comes up with next. If you are on the fence about this one, don’t be. It’s wonderful and I would gladly give it all the stars!

Book Info and Rating
Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: June 16th 2020 by Berkley Books
ISBN 0451490886 (ISBN13: 9780451490889)
Free review copy provided by publisher, Berkley Books, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 5 stars
Genre: historical fiction, romance

I loved this book so much. The story is so interesting and fast paced that you don't want to put the book down.

The book centers on the lives of three women as a hurricane approaches the Florida Keys. Helen is a native to the Keys, Mirta is there on her honeymoon and Elizabeth is looking for her long lost brother. I loved the ways their lives intertwined throughout the story. There were some twists I saw coming, some I hoped would happen, and some that I never saw coming. All of that made reading this book such an enjoyable experience. This book definitely kept me on my toes and I just wanted to keep reading more and more about these three women.

The story of the railroad and the hurricane and the veterans is one I've never heard before and it was almost impossible for me to believe that it was a real part of American history. It's so sad to see the way a lot of these veterans were treated and how many of their lives ended. This mix of history and fiction that Chanel writes into her stories is definitely something I've come to love from her books.