Anna Kate travels to Wicklow, Alabama, after her grandmother Zee's death to settle her estate, which includes a stipulation that Anna Kate run her restaurant for two months. Zee was known for her pies that many believed contained a bit of magic. Also returning to Wicklow is Natalie, who has a family connection to Anna Kate and is healing from the loss of her husband.
I really enjoyed this story - it had a little bit of everything. Magical realism, a small Southern town where everyone knows everyone else's business, family drama and secrets, and hints of romance. It's told from two POVs, Anna Kate and Natalie, and each woman has her own obstacles to overcome. Anna Kate is planning to go to medical school, but as the weeks pass at the cafe, she finds it hard to imagine a life away from it, and she has to decide if she'll keep a long-ago made promise or build a life in Wicklow. Natalie is dealing with many family issues, but she also has her young daughter to think about. Surrounding these two women are a cast of (mostly) charming people and hints of whimsy. Magical realism doesn't work for every reader, but I thought it was a nice addition to the story. 4 stars
Marisol travels to Cuba after her grandmother's death to honor her last wishes, and there she learns of secrets her grandmother kept.
This book was so hyped and that normally puts me off from reading a book, but I'm glad I finally took a chance on this one. I really enjoyed this dual timeline story that highlighted the difficulties faced by the people of Cuba, both in the 1950s and today. In 1958, Elisa Perez's family is part of Cuba's high society, yet she finds herself falling for a revolutionary. I think Cleeton did a fantastic job bringing to light the fears and dangers of this period of Cuban history, although some aspects of this storyline were a bit predictable and cliche. In 2017, Marisol is able to travel to Cuba as a journalist; her storyline also served to show how many Cubans found a home in America, yet still felt a strong connection to their homeland. There was a bit of suspense in Marisol's story that I wasn't expecting, as well. Cleeton's writing is strong and emotional, and the themes of family and identity really shone through. 4 stars
Next Year in Havana is a book I want to read too so I'm really glad you enjoyed it. :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stephanie!
DeleteI really enjoyed Havana, and thought the followup was even better. Cleeton incorporated a lot of history, while also giving me a great love story.
ReplyDeleteExactly! I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from her.
DeleteI read Cleeton's other novel and enjoyed it, so I really want to read Havana. I've had it on my bookshelf for a year now. I'm happy to hear you enjoy it--hopefully I can get to it soon. Great mini reviews!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christina!
DeleteI really enjoyed Next Year in Havana and can't wait to read the followup!
ReplyDeleteMe, too!
DeleteI’ve seen so many raves for Cleeton’s novel but for some reason it just didn’t capture my interest. I usually enjoy historical fiction but this one just didn’t click with me, I guess. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I love a good dual timeline.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tanya! I can see how it wouldn't work for everyone, though!
DeleteI adored Next Year in Havana so much. I would certainly like to get my hands on Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe after reading your review.
ReplyDeleteAwesome, Jenea, I hope you love it!
DeleteMidnight at the Blackbird cafe sounds nice. I've read a few books with magical realism and you're right sometimes it works! Glad it did here.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Thanks so much, Greg!
DeleteNext Year in Havana is one I'm planning to read this year for the backlist challenge so I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe sounds good too.
ReplyDeleteHope you love Next Year in Havana!
DeleteMy daughter and sister keep telling me to read Next Year in Havana... maybe I'll get to it this year!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I finally read it!
DeleteOh my gosh, Blackbird Cafe is just so charming! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI've had Next Year in Havana on my to-read pile for awhile and it hasn't quite made it to the top yet. I'm glad to hear it was good! I really enjoy dual timeline historical fiction, so I'm hoping I'll like this too :)
ReplyDeleteI love a dual timeline story, too, I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did!
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