“The Last Train to Key West” by Chanel Cleeton

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Kindle version

Synopsis:

1935- Labor Day Weekend
Key West, Florida

In anticipation of Labor Day weekend, and with hopes of temporarily escaping their financial hurt the Great Depression caused, tourists begin journeying down to the Florida Keys on Henry Flagler’s Railroad. Key West-native, Helen, however, is in the final weeks of her pregnancy and yearns to escape her abusive life in the Keys.

When Mirta‘s family is left on uncertain terrain after the Cuban Revolution two years prior, Mirta is married off to a wealthy American, Anthony. When the couple arrives in the Florida Keys on their honeymoon, Mirta’s attraction toward her husband flourishes. Once Anthony’s business dealings begin threatening their relationship and lives, however, Mirta wonders how she’s to create a family with this man.

Society girl, Elizabeth, is in the midst of a family crisis. Although once wealthy, her family loses everything in the years following the Wall Street crash. Elizabeth’s family needs her to marry a famous New York gangster to erase their debts. When her father and brother both commit suicide, Elizabeth takes Henry Flagler’s Railroad down to Key West searching for someone who may just be able to help her escape her fate in New York.

The paths of these three women unexpectedly cross over the course of the holiday weekend. The dangers surrounding each of them are paralleled only by the deadly hurricane barreling toward the Florida Keys.

Rating: 5/5

Review:

“The Last Train to Key West” had me captivated from the very beginning. I love historical novels, and this one was fascinating from so many angles. Cleeton explores the effects of the Wall Street crash, the lives of WWI veterans years after the war ended, the mark the deadly hurricane made on the Florida Keys in 1935, and the repercussions the 1933 Cuban Revolution had on many families.

I found myself feeling as though I was a part of each of these women’s lives. Throughout every chapter, I was rooting for each of them to fight for their deserved peace and happiness.

Finding books I know I will always recommend to my friends is so satisfying. I truly believe this a book that anyone could fall in love with.

Conclusion:

From real historical events to romance and suspense, this captivating novel has it all. “The Last Train to Key West” will keep you on your toes, fill your heart, and won’t disappoint!

Amazon: The Last Train to Key West