This was my first book by this author and I don't think it will be my last. It was heartfelt and wonderfully told also. It was a definite 5 star read for me and the romance, the family drama, everything was amazing. My favorite storyline or characters, in particular, were Isabel and Diego.
I didn't know until I was in the middle of reading this, but apparently, this is part of a series, but I didn't feel lost at all reading this as a stand-alone. The story is about a mother, and her two daughters and their stories so there are 3 different, dramatic, and moving stories for 3 different characters. I did lose track or focus a few times with which character and story were what, but I was able to figure it out and get things straightened out quick enough.
The main focus and character was mostly on Isabel, who when they notice that her sister, Beatriz, disappears goes to Spain to search for and find her. When Isabel arrives she finds and meets up with Diego, who is a friend/acquaintance of her sister, Beatriz, and helps her with finding her sister. Isabel's journey with figuring out where her sister is and what's going on with her sister's role in espionage leads her to meet others like Diego, find and figure out more about herself, who she is, what she wants, of her family's history and how everything leads to them being who they are and living the lives they are. The other characters and their stories are of her sister, Beatriz, with her being involved in espionage, and of Isabel's mother, Alicia, and her voyage from Cuba to Spain. It also focuses on how both mother and her daughters have to decide between following their hearts and their family's expectations. The romance is swoon-worthy and the story is an emotional rollercoaster ride that enlightens and enriches your mind.
If you enjoy Chanel Cleeton's work, historical fiction, family sagas or the like then make sure to check this one out. It's a fascinating story that keeps you engrossed and captivates your attention from start to finish. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for letting me read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )

This was my first book by this author and I don't think it will be my last. It was heartfelt and wonderfully told also. It was a definite 5 star read for me and the romance, the family drama, everything was amazing. My favorite storyline or characters, in particular, were Isabel and Diego.
I didn't know until I was in the middle of reading this, but apparently, this is part of a series, but I didn't feel lost at all reading this as a stand-alone. The story is about a mother, and her two daughters and their stories so there are 3 different, dramatic, and moving stories for 3 different characters. I did lose track or focus a few times with which character and story were what, but I was able to figure it out and get things straightened out quick enough.
The main focus and character was mostly on Isabel, who when they notice that her sister, Beatriz, disappears goes to Spain to search for and find her. When Isabel arrives she finds and meets up with Diego, who is a friend/acquaintance of her sister, Beatriz, and helps her with finding her sister. Isabel's journey with figuring out where her sister is and what's going on with her sister's role in espionage leads her to meet others like Diego, find and figure out more about herself, who she is, what she wants, of her family's history and how everything leads to them being who they are and living the lives they are. The other characters and their stories are of her sister, Beatriz, with her being involved in espionage, and of Isabel's mother, Alicia, and her voyage from Cuba to Spain. It also focuses on how both mother and her daughters have to decide between following their hearts and their family's expectations. The romance is swoon-worthy and the story is an emotional rollercoaster ride that enlightens and enriches your mind.
If you enjoy Chanel Cleeton's work, historical fiction, family sagas or the like then make sure to check this one out. It's a fascinating story that keeps you engrossed and captivates your attention from start to finish. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for letting me read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )

I love Chanel Cleeton's novels about the Perez family and this tale is no exception. Isabel, the eldest daughter of the Perez clan who fled Cuba after Castro's takeover, is centered in this novel, along side her mother and cousin Rosa. I also enjoyed the continuation of Beatriz's story and the hints towards the end of happiness for her as well. These novels have opened my mind to a new understanding of Cuba, its history, its relationship with Spain, and the struggles of an exiled community. I enjoyed this book and I hope to read more from this author! ( )

Our Last Days in Barcelona is only the second book I’ve read by Chanel Cleeton, but if I was smitten before then I am head over heels now! The Perez sisters are back, but this time we get to hear Isabel’s story in 1961, as well as two members of her family in 1936, in this dual timeline. I have to admit that I had to get my bearings every time I picked up this novel, sometimes confusing the characters at first, but once I was settled I got lost in the narrative.

The picturesque descriptions of Barcelona and Cuba transports you to a unique time and place that many of us are not familiar with. I respected each heroine in this story, their tenacity and passion verberating through the pages. The wind of change and sense of adventure and mystery were intoxicating, and I felt a sense of wistfulness when the story ended.

I will say I am in the minority as far as the ending goes, especially when it comes to Isabel’s story. I am not one for spoilers, so I can’t give my opinion without giving some of the story away, but I will say that I did not dig it at all, and wasn’t too enamored by her storyline overall, but preferred the side story more, and the trip back to 1936.

Despite my distaste for some aspects of Isabel’s tale overall I enjoyed this novel. I love how the author has such a talent for putting you in the minds of these characters, feeling what they feel, and seeing what they see. There is never a doubt as to their motivations and what centers them. I appreciate this character-driven narrative and cannot wait to get my hands on her next novel.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. ( )

The Perez Sisters return May 24th, 2022 and this is my favorite one yet!!

Our Last Days In Barcelona follows the oldest Perez sister, Isabel. After losing contact with her sister, Beatriz, Isabel makes a trip to Barcelona to locate Beatriz and to make sure she is safe. Once she arrives at Beatriz's apartment she finds a soon to be ally, Diego but no Beatriz. Diego and Isabel join forces to find Beatriz. Mix in a mysterious photo, family demands, a rocky marriage, and making her own happiness a priority... we have an unputdownable book.

The one thing I really love about Chanel Cleeton's writing is you get a history lesson but you are so caught up in the beauty of the story it doesn't come across heavy or detailed. I love seeing Cuba and now Barcelona through her eyes. Told between two timelines, the story blends seamlessly into a perfect climax.. and the epilogue gave me goosebumps. 🔥

This book is part of a series, and can be read as a standalone, but I think to really absorb the story fully readers would benefit from reading the prior books.
Perfect for those that love: historical fiction, women's fiction with romance overtones, and family sagas mixed with a little mystery.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher, Berkeley Publishing Group for an opportunity to read and review honestly an advanced digital copy. ( )