3.75 stars Thank you to Berkley and BookBrowse for giving me a copy for a unbiased review. Expected publication September 30, 2025.

Life in post revolutionary Cuba, with all the challenges that so many faced, was the basis for this story. It stung together the thread connecting three timelines in this book. A fictional book drove all three timelines. There was Eva in 1900 - who wrote the book. Then Pilar in 1966 who saved the book. And Margo in 2024 who tracked down the book.

This novel was well put together. A bit of intrigue, a bit of romance and a murder and all was wrapped up expertly.

Chanel Cleeton is a must-read author for me now! I have been captivated by her historical fiction about Cuba, and The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes was one of her best, I thought! This book was such a delightful blend of new-to-me history, love, grief, and a bit of mystery too. Normally when I read a dual timeline novel, it is easy to connect with one character over another...not so in this trio of timelines! I was captivated by all the women's stories - Eva, Pilar, and Margo. Each woman was so strong, so capable, and so compelling. I love how much they loved books and their families, and desired to do right for themselves and those around them, despite the difficulties of life. Aside from just showing the strength of these women, this book is a love letter to books, libraries, and bookstores everywhere. I was engrossed in every page of this book and think I may reread it again in the future!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

While the author’s Perez sisters novels are still my favorites, I enjoyed this one. And I always learn a bit of history from her stories. Put this on your TBR.

Havana - 1900 - Eva Fuentes is a young teacher who becomes part of the Cuban summer school at Harvard. It’s a cultural exchange where Cuban teachers are sent to Harvard to learn American educational practices and customs. She falls in love but is her suitor truly the man of her dreams? She is forever changed by her time in the United States. She writes a fictional book about her experiences entitled A Time for Forgetting.

Havana - 1966 - Pilar is a librarian who is entrusted with a special book by a neighbor who is fleeing Castro’s Cuba. The mission is to keep the book safe and return it to its author. She reads the book and is forever changed by it. The book is A Time for Forgetting by Eva Fuentes.

London - 2024 - Margo’s business is to track down valuable items for clients. Her latest job is one of the most difficult ones she has ever encountered. She has to find a rare book that not only her client desperately wants, but several others desire it as well. It’s entitled A Time for Forgetting by Eva Fuentes.

This book features three intelligent, strong, lonely women facing adversity who are connected by one book. What is the secret of this book that has so many people looking for it, with some even willing to kill for it. What is its power?

This book has a little of everything in it: romance, mystery, murder, history, and strong female characters. I was totally enraptured by the intriguing, endearing characters, and the whole story had me riveted until the very last page. This is a story about the power of books and the impact they can have on a person. It’s about having the right book when you need it the most.

The last line of this book is “There are special books that come around once in your lifetime, books that change lives. This one changed mine.” I felt this way about The Lost story of Eva Fuentes and you might very well too.

I really enjoyed the overall storyline of this book. I will admit that following multiple storylines can be tricky for me; however, Cleeton is a pro at this kind of storytelling and it shows. I really enjoyed each of the perspectives that Cleeton wrote from. If you enjoy reading historical fiction, romance, and suspense/mystery then this book will be a great fit for you. With multiple different settings, this book was quite the adventure. Readers will follow Margo in London, Pilar in Havana, and Eva in the U.S. So many intricate and weaved storylines to follow. Margo and Pilar were probably my favorite out of the 3 women. Each of the women show incredible grit and bravery in challenging times.

I would definitely read more books by Chanel Cleeton after reading this one.

Thank you for the ARC.

Margo is hired to locate a rare book. Only one copy is known to exist.
A Time For Forgetting by Eva Fuentes was hidden from the Castro regime by Pilar (a Cuban librarian) and is now being hunted by Margo, who specializes in locating rare art.
This is a beautiful story about the power of books, writing, and history.
Margo's search for this rare book gives the reader a glimpse into Cuban history. It also brings Margo's ex-husband back into her life.
We meet Eva Fuentes, Cuban teacher and writer. Eva participates in a teacher exchange program at Harvard in
1900. While at Harvard, Eva meets the potential love of her life.
We also meet Pilar surviving in Cuba after Castro takes over. The government has kidnapped Pilar's husband and stolen nearly everything from its people. Pilar is a librarian and is determined to save and preserve as many books as possible from Castro's destruction.
A Time For Forgetting is one of the books saved by Pilar.
If you enjoy historical fiction, a big mystery, and books about books, you should read The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes.
Chanel Gleeton has written another beautiful masterpiece!

This book alternates between three times lines. The first one being Eva Fuentas who is trying to write a novel, next is Pilar who has been given the book to hide from the current Cuban government, and last is Margo who has been hired to search for the missing book. I love Chanel Cleeton and this is another homerun!

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.