I’ve really been enjoying Chanel Cleeton’s historical fiction novels that focus on the women of the Perez family, a family that was exiled from Cuba after Fidel Castro took over the country. In her latest novel, Our Last Days in Barcelona, Cleeton tells the story of eldest Perez daughter, Isabel. As the eldest, Isabel feels a tremendous sense of responsibility when it comes to her family, who for the most part have settled in South Florida. The notable exception to that is Isabel’s younger sister, Beatriz, who has relocated to Spain and is engaged in espionage. When Beatriz disappears, it is Isabel who immediately books a flight to Barcelona to find her and while there, also discovers a shocking family secret that makes her question everything she has ever known about her life and family.

Through the use of dual timelines, Cleeton takes us on quite an adventure in this novel. One timeline is set in Barcelona in1964 and is the one that follows Isabel as she sets out to track down Beatriz. When Isabel arrives at Beatriz’s apartment, instead of finding Beatriz, she meets an unlikely ally and this timeline follows them on their dangerous journey to track down her sister.

The second timeline is also set in Barcelona, but this time in 1936 and it features Alicia Perez, Isabel’s mother, as well as an infant Isabel. Alicia’s marriage is on the rocks and she has left Cuba and traveled to Spain to stay with family. Her timing is awful though because Spain is on the brink of a civil war and danger is all around them. Alicia’s life takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself face to face with a man who once held her heart.

I love how Cleeton weaves together these two timelines, intertwining Alicia and Isabel’s lives, and showing how both mother and daughter found themselves, nearly 30 years apart, having to choose between being dutiful daughters or following their hearts. I found both timelines equally engrossing and was fully invested in both Alicia’s and Isabel’s journeys.

I also love Cleeton’s brand of historical romance. She not only vividly immerses me in the history and culture of both Spain and Cuba in this novel, but she also infuses the story with plenty of romance, suspense, and drama so that it’s a real page turner.

Our Last Days in Barcelona would definitely work as a standalone but I think reading When We Left Cuba, Next Year in Havana, The Last Time to Key West, and The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba gives the richest reading experience so that you know the moving histories of all the Perez women.

Chanel Cleeton, the author of “Our Last Days in Barcelona” has written a captivating and riveting novel. The genres are Historical Fiction, Hispanic American Literature and Fiction, and Cultural Heritage Fiction. The timelines in this novel are 1936, and 1964. The author discusses Cuba and Barcelona, and the turbulent times of violence, fighting, and war. This novel is a continuation of other books in the series, and please note that although this can be read alone, it would be beneficial to read the other books. Chanel Cleeton is at her best when she discusses family, and their love of one another and their countries. She vividly describes her colorful and dramatic characters and the beautiful and yet destructive landscape. I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of art in history, and the messages that painting and drawings can send.

This is a continuation of the Perez family, and we get to glimpse a side of Isabel and her relationship with her sister Beatrice and her mother Alicia. There are family secrets that when exposed will cause a major effect. I love the way that the author writes about the family in two-time lines, and how the two connect, like pieces in a puzzle. The past and present connect in a surprising way.

During these times, there is danger and Isabel, who is usually the peace-keeper in the family seeks out a missing Beatrice. The Perez sisters have to make decisions about their lives, and their relationships to one another and to others. I would highly recommend this memorable novel!

Chanel Cleeton's latest is an atmospheric and moving story filled with both history and character development. While like several previous books by the author this tells us bits of Cuban history, it also looks at Barcelona in the days before civil war and in the 1960s as well. Readers get to find out more about Beatriz and her work, but the main focus is on her sister Isabel and mother Alicia, and we learn more about the secrets of the Perez family. Chanel Cleeton's writing is beautiful and powerful, educating readers without ever feeling pedantic.

I was so happy that Ms. Cleeton decided to write about Isabel and her journey as the oldest Perez sister. I loved that she was able to explore and find out who she was without being in her mother's orbit.

Another great installment of this Historical Fiction novel of mothers, sisters and daughters in revolutionary times following the Perez Sisters.
I have been a fan since reading Next Year In Havana . I love how Cleeton intertwines the rich history detail, the heartbreak, the love and relationships in this family saga, again with two timelines between 1964 and 1936. Isabel, Beatriz, Alicia and Rosa are unforgettable characters. Oh and this ending!!

I really liked this book, the last in the series about the Perez family, originally from Cuba but forced to flee to South Florida after Castro seized power. This is a dual timeline historical fiction book, one set during the Spanish civil war just prior to WWII and the other in the modern day. Both timelines are very well done. The descriptions of Barcelona are wonderful, they made me want to visit again. There’s political intrigue, romance in exotic locations, and a deep sense of the importance of honor and family. This is a great read that I couldn’t put down, 5 stars.

Synopsis
When Isabel Perez travels to Barcelona to save her sister Beatriz, she discovers a shocking family secret in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s new novel.

Barcelona, 1964. Exiled from Cuba after the revolution, Isabel Perez has learned to guard her heart and protect her family at all costs. After Isabel’s sister Beatriz disappears in Barcelona, Isabel goes to Spain in search of her. Joining forces with an unlikely ally thrusts Isabel into her sister’s dangerous world of espionage, but it’s an unearthed piece of family history that transforms Isabel’s life.

Barcelona, 1936. Alicia Perez arrives in Barcelona after a difficult voyage from Cuba, her marriage in jeopardy and her young daughter Isabel in tow. Violence brews in Spain, the country on the brink of civil war, the rise of fascism threatening the world. When Cubans journey to Spain to join the International Brigades, Alicia’s past comes back to haunt her as she is unexpectedly reunited with the man who once held her heart.

Alicia and Isabel’s lives intertwine, and the past and present collide, as a mother and daughter are forced to choose between their family’s expectations and following their hearts.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#OurLastDaysInBarcelona:

“There’s something about being on my own, even if it’s only been a short time since I left Palm Beach, a magic about being around Beatriz again, that transports me back in time to when we were young girls with the city at our feet and the world spread before us. I’ve aged a lifetime in the five years since the revolution, and I’m so disconnected from that girl that she seems a stranger, but the glimpse I’m seeing of her now that I’m with my sister again is like a whisper in my ears taunting me to take a risk when I’d usually play it safe.”

Initial Reaction: Chanel Cleeton gave the fans what they wanted. We winning.

Review: I always say I don’t really do historical fiction, unless it’s Chanel Cleeton. This is the perfect example as to why. The way she can blend history, love, loss, grief, and throw in a bit of mystery that may leave you with a gasp or two is unmatched.

We’ve got some timelines that may seem confusing, but flow really well. We have Isabel in 1964, who has gone to Barcelona to look for Beatriz. While sisters, they’ve hit a bit of a rough patch and haven’t talked since Isabel was wed. She’s the most unlikely candidate to go find her sister, but, she’s the most willing. While in the apartment, she meets Diego, and tries to find out her sisters whereabouts. While investigating, they find a photo of Isabel and her mother Alicia in Barcelona. But Alicia denies ever being in Barcelona. So, naturally, our second timeline is Alicia.. in Barcelona from 1936-1937. She’s fed up with her husband and flees to get some alone time to clear her head. Naturally, she takes the baby Isabel with her. Then we have Rosa in the same 1936-1937 timeline. Sweet Rosa, who is stuck with her in-laws, that clearly hate her.. but can’t leave just yet.

This book gave me all the emotions. I cried, I smiled, I cheered, I felt angered. The writing is so effortless that I zoomed through the book page by page, just happy to have another Perez book to read. I do like these can all be read as stand-alones, but you still have a connection to all the past characters.

Overall, another solid hit from Chanel Cleeton. I will forever sing her praises and read her books. Our Last Days in Barcelona is out now, and I feel like her books just keep getting better. Thank you @penguin for the gifted copy.

"It's difficult when you love your country, and you watch it struggle, know that you deserve better, that it could be better, but the people in power seem determined to not make it so"

I am a reader who loves flagging and sharing a favorite quote, sometimes it is due to the beauty of the writing alone but at other times it is because I felt a deep connection to a certain passage. Reading Our Last Days in Barcelona just days after the Uvalde tragedy, I was grabbed by this quote as it seemed to encapsulate how I was feeling. It surprised me... the cover just screams "beach read" so I expected nothing more than some escapism. In addition to resonating so strongly with my feelings on current events, I was impressed by Cleeton's exploration of exile and what that means for the Perez women. In addition to this emotion, there is also romance and intrigue aplenty between the dual timelines so one could say this novel is the total package.

Don't be put off if you haven't yet read Next Year in Havana or When We Left Cuba as this novel works fine as a stand-alone. If you are interested in the audio version, definitely get it! It is very well done.

Chanel Cleeton completely whisked me away with her latest release, OUR LAST DAYS IN BARCELONA. Told in dual timelines in the 1930s and 1960s, I was immersed in the continuation of the Perez family saga. While the connections to her previous books are helpful background information, this novel can easily be enjoyed as a standalone.

When Beatriz stops responding to her sister’s messages from Palm Beach, Isabel makes the transAtlantic journey to Barcelona find her. While in Barcelona, she uncovers secrets from her family's past three decades earlier. These courageous women embark on an adventure to explore their identity, learn about their family roots, and find true love.

Chanel Cleeton has a way of infusing the rich history of Cuba and Spain into a captivating story. As a Cuban-American writer with Spanish ancestry she brings a palpable authenticity to the story. She added to my knowledge of the Spanish-Cuban alliance in the 1960s and pivotal historic events such as the Spanish Civil War, which I knew little about.

I love the way Cleeton highlights the bonds of sisterhood and the importance of following one’s heart even if it goes against familial expectations. Jumping back into the journey of the Perez family felt like revisiting old friends.

RATING: 4/5
PUB DATE: May 24, 2022

A big thank you Berkley and NetGalley for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have really enjoyed the Perez family throughout all of Chanel Cleeton’s Cuban series. This time the story centers around Isabel the oldest of the Perez sisters. Her journey takes her to Barcelona in an attempt to locate her estranged sister Beatriz. Isabel finds herself seeking answers with the help of a stranger and finds herself in danger. Along the way she discovers a secret about her mother, Alicia. Alicia’s story takes place in 1936 in Barcelona and the women’s stories are spun together detailing their struggles and passion for their families and making tough decisions during a very difficult time.

Cleeton does a really good job setting the scene in both timelines. You can tell she does a lot of research and stays true to the historical events for the period. The story is emotional, heart wrenching and romantic. The only thing that I would like to see is less romance and more of the espionage and danger.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
#OurLastDaysinBarcelona #NetGalley #ChanelCleeton

I didn’t realize this was part of a series till I finished the book. It read like a stand alone in my opinion. I loved the different timelines and character stories….and the ending!

Isabel Perez marries into a loveless marriage for her family’s sake. She has lived her life always trying to do what was best for the family, regardless of how she felt. When one of her sister goes missing, she travels to Barcelona to search for her. What happens there puts on a course that will change everything in her life…

Rosa Perez marries a man after a whirlwind romance. They move into his family’s estate, where she never feels welcomed or loved. Within a few short months of marriage, her husband decides to go to Spain to fight in the war. What happens in Spain brings Rosa’s life crashing down around her. How can she pick up the pieces, follow her heart, and live the life she’s dreamed?

Alicia Perez flees Cuba for Barcelona with her toddler daughter, after finding her husband having an affair. While there, Spain enters the war with Hitler. Alicia is able to reconnect with an old friend and be there for her younger sister through a tragic ordeal. In the middle of rescuing her sister, the town Alicia is in is bombed by the Nazis. Now she must decide….return to her husband, stay and help those affected from the war, or follow her heart to her childhood love?

The history and culture of Cuba and Spain are brought to vivid life against the backdrop of the ongoing Perez family saga. Chanel Cleeton has been a long-time familiar author, but with the books focused on the Perez family, she captivated me with her lush depictions of characters, relationship, plotting, and historical background. I was pulled into the Perez family world.

Our Last Days in Barcelona is the fifth book in the ongoing Perez family saga as told through the eyes of the women of each generation. These are standalone books, but are connected. This one is particularly connected to Next Year in Havana and When We Left Cuba as those are the stories of this younger heroine’s sisters.

In 1960’s Barcelona, young bride Isabel has come to find her fiery younger sister, Beatriz, who is determined to bring the new Cuban government to its knees and free her people. Isabel and Beatriz had a falling out over Beatriz’s love life and other life choices, but she wants to find her and reconcile. They do this, but end up on a quest to learn a family secret their mother has been keeping for decades.

In 1930’s Barcelona, another young bride and her young daughter arrives after fleeing a cheating husband. Alicia isn’t sure of anything at this point, but Spain is in tumult and so is her heart when she runs into a past love. Meanwhile back in Cuba, Rosa, cousin to Alicia’s husband, is struggling to fit in with her high society in-laws after her new husband rushes off to fight in Spain.

Our Last Days in Barcelona brings the story of four incredible women and is charged with emotion, vitality, and a bittersweet tone. The writing is superb and drew me in immediately and those final stunning pages left me feeling bereft. The pace is gentle and the suspense is subtle, but I still found it a riveting story I didn’t want to put down.

I love how the author writes of so many women, but they each feel distinct and the generations that separate them felt distinct as well, though the locale was the same. I loved feeling I was inside their minds getting their feelings and motivations as well as seeing their actions. There is romance throughout this book and yet I felt it was the women’s stories that shone brightest. Isabel is not as dynamic as Beatriz and yet I enjoyed seeing this oldest of the three sisters have a surprising story. I found the look back at their mother in the early days of her marriage was even more compelling as a character. These female protagonists make the books alongside the other great protagonist, Cuban and Spanish culture.

All in all, it was another incredible read from the author and dive into her Cuban American world. Those who enjoy historical fiction focused on women protagonists should definitely slip this book and the rest of the Perez books onto their pile.

Book Review || Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of Our Last Days in Barcelona {partner}

Genre: Historical Fiction
Time: 1937 & 1964
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 5.24.2022
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5

"I never considered myself one for travel, always thought I would be happiest putting down roots, but the more I see of the world, the more I meet people, the more I am curious about what else is out there."

I love the history Cleeton packs into her books. With every book she writes, there is more added to the story of the Perez sisters. Somehow, I missed reading When We Left Cuba, and I just finished it last month. It was honestly perfect timing as Our Last Days in Barcelona felt like a continuation of the story but from the perspective of Isabel Perez.

I'm not going to lie, I did get confused about who is who and all the character connections, but Cleeton was kind enough to provide a family tree at the back of the book. So, make sure to tab that section for easy access while reading.

The character connections with OLDB were magnificent, and I found myself marveling at how Cleeton carefully introduced a character in 1937 and then revealed them again in 1964. I can't imagine the character map that must have been drawn to keep everyone straight

I especially loved this book as it felt like the story of Isabel and Alicia came full circle. While reading, I kept marveling at how very similar the lives of mother and daughter were. The final few chapters had my wiping away tears of sadness as everything came to a close. But nevertheless, Cleeton prevailed and left me with tears of happiness when the final connection was revealed. It was truly perfect, and I can't imagine ending the book in any other way.

If you are a lover of complicated family dynamics, beautiful destinations, and historical stories, I suggest adding Our Last Days in Barcelona to your reading list. I might even suggest reading When We Left Cuba before OLDB.

I just adore anything Chanel Cleeton writes. Ever since Next Year in Havana, she’s been an auto buy author for me. I love a book that makes me want to learn more about that period of history or place and Cleeton does this masterfully. I really enjoyed the multiple POV and timelines. This can be confusing, but Cleeton always does it well. I am so glad we got Isabel’s book! I can’t wait to read whatever Cleeton writes next.

OUR LAST DAYS IN BARCELONA by Chanel Cleeton is an adult, story of historical fiction focusing on the Perez family that runs parallel to and crosses over with the author’s WHEN WE LEFT CUBA.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Perez family are Cuban immigrants who fled to America during the Cuban Revolution in 1960. Second born daughter Beatriz Perez would be recruited by the CIA for her political ideology, in an effort to infiltrate the anti-Castro organizations. Eventually Beatriz would find herself in Barcelona Spain, and her family hasn’t heard from their sister in close to three weeks.

Told from three first person perspectives (Isabel, Alicia, and Rosa) following two timelines 1937 and 1964, OUR LAST DAYS IN BARCELONA focuses on Isabel Perez’s search in 1964 for her sister Beatriz Perez, who is currently working undercover for the CIA. Isabel Perez, married to a man she does not love, journeys to Spain to search for her missing sister where she will meet and fall in love with her sister’s American counterpart Diego.

Returning to 1937 Cuba, just prior to Spain’s involvement in the Second World War, Isabel and Beatriz’s mother Alicia Perez’s marriage is at risk of imploding. With her two year old daughter Isabel, Alicia Perez heads to Barcelona Spain, where she will stay for an extended visit with parents and younger sister Consuelo, a visit where Alicia will fall in love with someone else.

At the same time, Alicia’s best friend Rosa’s marriage has been rocked by the death of her husband Gonzalo, a man who left Cuba to fight for the Spanish during the revolution of 1934 but Rosa’s world continues to crumble as her in-laws refuse to acknowledge her existence never knowing that the man with whom Rosa has fallen in love, is a man close to their hearts.

OUR LAST DAYS IN BARCELONA is a detailed, dramatic and emotional story of family and relationships, betrayal and heart break. The premise is intense; the characters are flawed and dysfunctional; the romances are tragic and real.



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Another fantastic historical fiction book featuring the unforgettable Perez sisters!! In this dual timeline story we get to learn more about Isabel as she travels to Spain to track down her missing sister Beatriz in the 60s and also more about the Perez matriarch, Alicia, in 1936 when she's fled Cuba to find safety in Barcelona.

Both timelines are full of strong women, espionage, love and immigrants trying to maintain a sense of home in a dangerous and scary world. I really loved Isabel's journey of self-awareness and self-love. She began life entering into a loveless marriage of convenience because it seemed like the easiest and safest choice only to find the courage to chase her own dreams both in love and her passion for painting.

Full of adventure, drama and the bonds of sisterhood. I couldn't get enough of this story, flipping between the paperback and audio versions. Narrated with a full cast, this was an easy listen and a perfect beach read for the summer. Highly recommended, especially for fans of the author's Cuba saga! Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy!

What can say but WOW! Chanel Cleeton as always has delivered another story that shattered my soul and put me back together again. Beautifully written, Cleeton is an author that can’t be ignored. If people aren’t out there clamoring for Cleeton’s books there’s an issue..

This story is told with such breathtaking elegance that you have to keep turning the pages to know what happens next to her engaging characters.

Thank you to #netgalley and #berkleypublishinggroup for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.

Our Last Days in Barcelona was my first book from Chanel Cleeton, and it definitely will not be my last.

Everything about this story was phenomenal. The writing transports you to a different time and place, i have never has such an immersive experience while reading a historical fiction book. I was genuinely blown away by the authors ability to take me not only back in time, but two different times (hooray for well done dual time lines!)

But thankfully for readers, this book has so much more than just beautiful writing. This is a story that features young women who are struggling to understand what is more important — their roles in society and their family, or their happiness? Watching these women grow and develop is such an emotional journey. You will be hooked from start to finish.

Uggghh my soul has been shattered into tiny little pieces. This book has broken me.

If you like historical fiction, you NEED to read this one!! It’s a beautiful book with three different POVs and three equally captivating stories about love and sacrifice and fear and so so much more. But make sure to grab some tissues.

I don’t even know if I can explain what it’s about because there is so much involved in the story. Also, I kept mixing up the characters in my head while I was reading and I have no idea why because it was not complicated at all. But anyway, I’m struggling to come up with any sort of synopsis. You just have to take my word for it and read it!

One character’s name that I did keep straight through the whole book was Diego. I’ll go dancing with that man any day.

Ooh, and that ENDING. It sneaks up on you but you’re gonna be ssoobbbiiinggg.

Okay, I feel like this review was useless. All I can say is that this book was amazing and you need to read it, thanks so much.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for my gifted copy. This review is also on my Goodreads, Amazon, and on my Bookstagram account (@janinesbookcorner).

I've been enjoying reading the stories about the Perez sisters on the other books from Chanel Cleeton, now, on this book it was the turn of Isabel, the eldest daughter.
You know immediately when a book is good by the way it makes you feel when reading the first pages of it, that feeling of giddiness, happiness and anticipation and of forgetting the world just to be able to read, well I did get all those feelings and finished the book on one seating.
Besides the story of Isabel we also get the story of Alicia her mother and with that a lot of the behaviors and idiosyncrasies of the Perez family are explained.
We also continue with the powerful theme of exile, always present in the books, it has intrinsically marked this family and dictates their feelings and views of the world surrounding them.
You know when you are an immigrant, even a voluntarily one, there is always a piece of your birth country in your heart, but when you are forced to immigrate and found yourself exiled from the country you love, that pain and hole in your heart never heals, even if you learn to love your new country. This is what is happening with the Perez family and all of the Cubans that were forced to leave Cuba to never come back.
This is a powerful theme in this book, one that relates so much to the actual situation in the world and all the refugees throughout the years.
I loved the dual timeline of the book and the way Ms. Cleeton writes, it makes a book hard to put down.