Set in London, Boston, and Cuba, The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is engaging, page-turning, and well-written historical fiction.

One book connects three women. Living in London, Margo is hired to find a book that is more than one hundred twenty years old, and there’s only one copy in existence. In 1966, Pilar is working as a librarian in Havana when she is given a book written sixty years earlier. She must protect this book and others from Castro’s regime. The book that Margo is trying to find and Pilar is trying to protect was written in 1900 by Eva Fuentes, a cultural exchange student who traveled from Havana to Harvard.

The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is told in three timelines from three points of view and features three locations. The book connects them all. Often, readers will prefer one timeline over the others. In this case, I think you will find something to love in all three. I will admit that I was most engaged with Pilar’s story (1966) and the historical details of the resistance movement in Cuba. The 1900s timeline and Eva’s desire to write her story is also interesting and compelling. In the present day, we are treated to a side of second-chance romance along with a solid dose of mystery and intrigue.

You can trust Cleeton for clear transitions between timelines and points of view. The time and place of each timeline provide for an atmospheric read. The characters and plots of each timeline were fully developed, and they were connected at the story’s end in a satisfying conclusion.

I found The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes compelling and page-turning. From Eva’s writing of her story, to protecting the story from Castro, to the harrowing search for the story, I was invested and intrigued.

Content Consideration: war, resistance, toxic relationship

Fans of Chanel Cleeton will want The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes on their TBRs. (pub date: 9/30/25). Readers who are interested in well-written histfic and in Cuba’s history will find a great deal to appreciate.

Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub for a complimentary eARC of #TheLostStoryOfEvaFuentes upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Chanel Cleeton is one of my favorite historical romance novelists, and The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes reminded me just why. Steeped in Cuban culture, with forbidden romance and a story swirling around books, this catapulted itself to the top of the list.

As always, the multiple timelines were woven together seamlessly, making this an immersive and page-turning book I couldn’t read fast enough

Ughhh this is exactly why I shouldn’t be an ARC reader—because now I need the physical copy 😩 Chanel Cleeton’s writing is just so beautiful. The timelines were woven together so well, and some lines genuinely live in my head rent free. Emotional, powerful, and totally unforgettable.

Three women- Margo, Pilar, and Eva- are separated by location and time but connected by one book. In 2024, Margo's business is tracking rare antiques, usually art. When a high paying, mysterious client hires her to find the only book published by a little known author, the job quickly takes a turn. Pilar, a librarian in 1966, is barely surviving Fidel Castro's regime after her husband is arrested. She finds solace only in books- through her job, personal life, and a secret mission. When people flee Cuba, they need to leave most of their belongings to avoid suspicion. Some of them find Pilar to safeguard their expensive first editions, family heirlooms, and childhood favorites. When Pilar's neighbor decides to flee, she leaves a special book with Pilar and asks her to return it to the author. Eva, a teacher in 1900 Cuba, has been selected to travel to Boston to study for the summer. Usually someone who lives with her head in the clouds as she dreams up plots for her novel's characters, Eva finds herself out of her comfort zone as she joins the lessons, dancing, and socializing at Harvard, especially after she begins a summer romance.

All three women had such interesting stories. I was excited to see how Eva's story would lead to her writing a book that would spark such an intense search in the future. While it was depressing how relevant Pilar's story is to current events, it helped me to see some hope in the darkest of places. Margo's story was totally gripping! I couldn't wait to see how the connection between the three women and Eva's missing book would unfurl.

Beautifully written novel that has three timelines of strong women. I love her series featuring The Perez family, but her standalone novels have been kind of a Miss for me. This book changed that

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A novel that concerns a memoir written by a Cuban woman that landed in the hands of a librarian who worked to keep the book safe. Years later, the book is searched for by someone with evil intent.

Chanel Cleeton is back in full force with this book. A great multigenerational historical fiction. It is three different timelines that join in a lovely and beautiful way. I did not really understand how the premise would make a worthy story, but it turned out to be lovely love story to the printed word and the effect it could have. Given that, one of my favorite quotes was of course book related:

" There was something about books that brought people together, a passion, a devotion that created an intimate bond and understanding. After all, books spoke to the deepest parts of the soul an so they linked readers in unforgettable ways. Sharing a favorite book was like creating a shared history between people who had navigated the life and world that existed within the novels pages"

This is an excellent read! I was drawn in immediately. I loved the history that spanned 3 eras including modern day. I would recommend this book to history aficionados as well as people who simply love a good story!

The plot twists and turns were great and unexpected. The deep ties to a country in turmoil while also connecting with a couple that is rekindling a relationship both show thought and consideration to the times that we have and that we did have. I have not previously read anything by this author but will for sure be looking for more/other books.

The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes by Chanel Cleeton is a beautifully written novel that masterfully explores themes of memory, identity, and the enduring power of storytelling. From the first page, I was captivated by the emotional depth and lyrical prose that brought Eva’s journey to life. The story follows Eva Fuentes, a woman haunted by fragments of her past and the mysterious loss of her childhood memories. As she embarks on a quest to piece together her history, she uncovers long-buried family secrets and truths that challenge her sense of self. The narrative seamlessly intertwines her present-day experiences with flashbacks of her early life, creating a rich tapestry that immerses the reader in her world. What struck me most about this book was the author's exquisite characterization. Eva is a deeply relatable protagonist whose vulnerability and resilience shine through every chapter. Her emotional evolution feels genuine and compelling, inviting readers to reflect on their own understandings of identity and belonging. The writing is lyrical yet accessible, painting vivid imagery that transports you to Eva’s world—whether it’s the vibrant streets of her hometown, the quiet intimacy of her family home, or the haunting landscapes of her memories. The pacing is perfect, balancing introspective moments with suspenseful revelations that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The themes explored—family, loss, self-discovery, and the power of stories—resonate profoundly. The novel also sheds light on cultural heritage and the importance of preserving one's roots, adding layers of depth that stayed with me long after I finished reading. Overall, The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is a heartfelt, beautifully crafted novel that excels in storytelling and emotional resonance. It’s a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories that delve into the complexities of human identity and the transformative power of uncovering the truth. I wholeheartedly give it five stars and recommend it to all lovers of literary fiction.

The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes by Chanel Cleeton is a great multiple timeline historical fiction that I enjoyed.

I am vsry selective with my HF at this point it seems, and even more so with the novels that present with multiple stories, but I was pleased to have given this a chance. I have enjoyed Ms Cleeton’s books before, so I was hoping that I could add this one to the list.

The author brings several strong female characters from different situations and timeframes into one cohesive narrative. I usually enjoy the historical characters more than the contemporary, and that still holds true here (but that could be merely a personal preference). I was still drawn in with the plot that held mystery and suspense and enjoyed the author’s talent at creating an effortlessness flow that kept me engaged throughout.

I recommend this book if you enjoy HF, multiple timelines, and strong female characters.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Berkley Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/30/25.

I really liked the book but could have done without 3 pov. I wish the author would have filled out the two historical pov and completely forgotten about the current one. I would still recommend the book because of the interesting historical information.

Three interconnected stories -- in 1900 Eva Fuentes is a teacher in Cuba sent to a summer program at Harvard, in 1966 Pilar is a librarian in Havana who is trying to save books from being destroyed by the Castro regime, and in 2024 Margo is trying to find a rare and mysterious book for a client. The book tells their stories in alternating chapters. Every character is fully formed and I loved them all. The mystery surrounding the book is revealed carefully and the relationships build slowly. I could not put this book down. I loved the way Cleeton weaves the stories together, and I loved how everything makes sense by the end. As a plus, I learned a great deal about Cuban history. Great book!

4.5 book ties it together stars

This is my seventh book by Chanel Cleeton, and she’s one of my favorite authors! Her writing always draws me in, and I enjoy her characters and historical settings.

Three strong women live in different times, all connected by a book. Londoner Margo has a fascinating job trying to track down antiques for her clients. Her latest job is to find a rare book believed to be lost in Cuba.

Pilar is a librarian living in 1960s Havana. Her husband is missing, and her activities might also put her in danger.

Finally, Eva Fuentes is a Cuban teacher. In 1900, she was part of a historic mission to send over a thousand teachers to Harvard for a summer of learning and cultural exchange. She’s hoping to find time to work on her novel, but an American man is very interested in getting to know her.

As Margo searches for the book, it becomes more dangerous than expected. In alternating chapters, we learn about each woman, and the mysteries surrounding the book increase. What is the book about, and who is desperate to find it?

There are settings all across the globe, including Havana, London, Edinburgh, Boston, and Key West. The author brilliantly connects the three timelines and women together in a stunning conclusion.

I always enjoy Chanel Cleeton’s novels and this is no exception. Eva Fuentes travels to America for a summer learning program in the early 1900s and keeps a journal which eventually becomes a “rare book”. Three timelines are woven together nicely to make a wonderful novel with engaging characters and intrigue. Loved it!

This is the first book by Ms. Cleeton I’ve read. I’ve always intended on reading her earlier works, they sit on my TBR lists, but I haven’t gotten to them. I must have been waiting for this one. The authors note describes it as ‘a love letter to books’ and I have to say I agree. It’s a story that pulls you in with a mystery and multiple timelines that come together beautifully and thoughtfully. Not having experienced anything like the revolution in Cuba. I can’t say I can relate too much, but living in today’s climate certainly made me feel some amount of fear that the characters do at the beginning. A quick read that I kept wanting to get back to, and a book that book lovers will enjoy. Thank you for this advanced reading copy, it’s always a pleasure finding new authors and their amazing stories.

love all of Chanel Cleeton’s books, but I think THE LOST STORY OF EVA FUENTES might be my favorite. It has the perfect blend of history, mystery, romance and heartbreak.

The story involves three different women in different time periods all linked by a particular rare book called A TIME FORGETTING , of which only a single copy exists. The women are Eva who writes the book in 1900, Pilar, who is tasked with keeping the book safe in the chaotic aftermath of the Cuban resolution, and Margo, who’s hired in the present day to track down the book.

As we learn about the lives of these three women and why several people are desperate to find this book, the story has a few genuinely surprising twists, and kept me reading late into the night

The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes is an historical mystery that weaves through three time periods with the lost story being the thread connecting them. I’ve read other books by this author, but this is the first I’ve read that has characters living in Cuba during the 1960s Golden Exile. The history is fascinating, the characters are well-drawn, and the pacing of the mystery is perfect! This is a book about books showing the impact a story can have on all those whose lives it touches. This was truly a pleasure to read, and I look forward to getting lost in more stories from Chanel Cleeton.

A perfect read for fans of Chanel Cleeton, those who enjoy historical fiction/historical mystery, and for those who enjoy books about books.

Thank you to Chanel Cleeton, Berkley Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

Having already read two books by Chanel Cleeton, I was excited to receive a copy of her latest, The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes. This book was even better than I had anticipated and resonated with me because one of the main themes is our love for books and the impact they make on our lives. The book setting occurs in three different time periods and sheds light on several important moments in the history of Cuba. I think anyone who likes reading historical fiction will especially enjoy this book as would most book clubs. I stayed up late reading The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Full disclosure: I have read the first five books in the Cuba Saga series written by Chanel Cleeton beginning with "Next Year in Havana", then "When We Left Cuba", "The Last Train to Key West", "The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba" and "Our Last Days in Barcelona" and have thoroughly enjoyed each selection. I believe there is one more title to explore, "The Cuban Heiress", but the opportunity to review "The Story of Eva Fuentes" was too enticing to pass up! Chanel Cleeton is a master storyteller who is able to weave together historical references (after impressive amounts of research) with relatable characters that capture readers attention without fail. In each selection there is much to learn about personal emotions through the author's characters, but also significant points of little known past details that have shaped national diplomacy between the United States and Cuba. Readers will be transported back in time to these real experiences and place themselves in moments of difficult decisions along with Eva and the cast of characters in Cleeton's latest offering to the historical fiction genre. Highly recommend pursuing these delightful books to explore the art of character development in the hands of this talented author.

A love letter to books. What a splendid book. Three women, three lives, and three pov’s. Each one special and going through tough times. I loved each character and learning about them. I read this in one sitting because I was completely lost in the story. Not one complaint about this book. Loved every word.