Review: The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton

I had my eye on Chanel Cleeton’s novels for years. Some of the books I have read multiple times, her books are simply solid historical fiction and I love coming back to the unique stories and characters time and again! The books have followed the Perez family for the most part and while each book follows the family, I wouldn’t necessarily call it a series. Each book can be read independently, though some of the characters carry over into other books, for the most part they all stand alone.

My knowledge of Cuba is limited to put it mildly. The things I know about Cuba can be summed up on one hand: it’s in the Caribbean, Pitbull is Cubano, Fidel Castro, Cuban Missile Crisis, and they speak Spanish. After reading Cleeton’s books I have learned so much more about Cuba, the people, the politics, and the history! I love her books for this reason! I feel like I am reading something truly new! Her books aren’t historically heavy either. They have historical substance for sure, but it’s presented in a fun and easy to access kind of way.

Naturally when this book came up for review, I couldn’t pass it up. I knew I would enjoy it and it would contain fun new history, a romance, and a story that would hook me almost instantly. I was certainly not disappointed. If you are looking for a solid historical fiction novel this spring, do not pass this one up. If you haven’t read Cleeton’s books yet but are curious, pick any of them up they are all so good and this one has a special place in my heart as it was the first book I have read by her that didn’t directly follow the Perez sisters/family, which I thought might make me sad but it was thrilling all the same!

Continue reading “Review: The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton”

Cover Reveal: Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renee Rosen

Who here has heard of Estee Lauder? Growing up, Estee Lauder cosmetics was the gold standard for women everywhere. I loved the products and still use the same mascara I did as a teen now as an adult. But how much do you really know about the cosmetics queen? I know absolutely nothing about her other than the household cosmetics name.

That is why this book is creeping up to the top of my TBR list! This book is coming out in April of 2023 and I do NOT know if I can wait that long to read it. Especially now that I have seen this stunning cover! Renee Rosen writes so wonderful historical fiction typically set in the glamorous era of New York City and this book promises all the glitz and glamour that Rosen is known for and I cannot wait to check out this book that features a young Estee Lauder and a cast of interesting characters!

If you love historical fiction, there is no doubt you will want this one on your TBR list as well. Even though we have a while to wait before we can get our hands on this lovely book, today we can enjoy and drool over the stunning cover! Do not miss this one! You know that I will be reviewing this one and sharing my thoughts with you guys as we get closer to the release day but for now, enjoy this cover and summary of what promises to be an exciting book for the spring!

Continue reading “Cover Reveal: Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renee Rosen”

Special Feature: Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins Valdez

No doubt this book will be on many of your radars already! I know I have seen it on a number of ‘most anticipated’ lists all over the internet and I cannot wait to check it out! Author Dolen Perkins Valdez is a New York Times bestselling author of the book Wench, as well as her follow up novel Balm. Many are eagerly waiting for the release of this book since her last novel was published in 2015!

This promises to be a stunning piece of historical fiction, but when I say historical fiction, many will think post Civil War or Post WWII, but this book is set in the 1970s. Technically historical fiction but also more recent historical fiction which for many will hit different. It’s one thing to read a novel set in the ‘past’ and quite another to read a book that is set during your life time if that makes sense. I am so eager to read this one and am so thrilled to be sharing about this one with you guys today!

I think this book is going to talk about a lot of big issues like family planning, race in a post segregated Alabama, and most importantly it is inspired by true events. I am really looking forward to this poignant read that will give readers pause and make them think and ponder the experience of a young black nurse in a very recent history in our country. This one is not to be missed this spring friends! Keep reading to get all the details of this one and pick up a copy today!

Continue reading “Special Feature: Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins Valdez”

Special Feature: The League of Gentlewomen Witches (Dangerous Damsels #2) by India Holton

Say hello to the most odd ball mashup to hit bookshelves, the Dangerous Damsel’s series! I read the first book in this series last year and it was such a random mashup of things but it was the oddest mashup that I never knew I needed! There was a lot to enjoy in the first book of this series even if I was admittedly lost in the story and genre as it were. The combo of pirates, magic, romance, and tea was alluring so I found myself really excited to read the next installment of this series.

While I couldn’t fit this one into my early spring review schedule, that doesn’t mean that I won’t be reading it a little later this year! I am so excited for this latest installment that features witches and of course—more pirates! I am so thrilled to bring you guys a little bit about this book! I know that it sounds like a weird combo but I swear it works! I love the whimsey and wit in the first book and am sure the second book will feature much of the same!

I adored the romance in the first book as well and I am sure that Alex and Charlotte will burn through the pages with chemistry. I have been reading some of the early reviews and it sounds like this book is going to be even better than the original. If you haven’t read the first book it sounds like that’s ok, meaning you can dive right in with this one without having to go back and read the first one. I am so excited to share my review once I am done with this one, but in the mean time make sure to check it out!

Continue reading “Special Feature: The League of Gentlewomen Witches (Dangerous Damsels #2) by India Holton”

Special Feature: London House by Katherine Reay

If you have been following my blog for awhile, you will know how much I love historical fiction but especially war time fiction. Typically WWI is MY ERA however I wouldn’t pass on a WWII novel though either. I think the backdrop and drama of war really creates natural drama in historical fiction which is one of the reasons why I love it so much.

In recent years there has been a lot of novels that have highlighted the influence of women in the two world wars and especially in the area of spying and espionage. I think this is such a great way to add intrigue and show how badass women really were. Every time I see a new historical fiction novel come up I want to read each and every one. This one in particular sounds fascinating and while I couldn’t fit it on my review schedule I definitely added it to my future TBR.

This one sounds so great and has been getting wonderful reviews and early praise. You need to stop by the other tour stops and see what others are saying. After reading a few reviews I moved this one up on my TBR. So be sure to keep reading for all the details and check out the other blog tour stops for reviews and more!

Continue reading “Special Feature: London House by Katherine Reay”