The Cuban Heiress

Books | Fiction / Hispanic & Latino

4.5

Chanel Cleeton

An NPR Books We Love selection for 2023"An unforgettable read that should be at the top of every TBR list."—NPRIn 1934, a luxury cruise becomes a fight for survival as two women’s pasts collide on a round-trip voyage from New York to Havana in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton's page-turning new novel inspired by the true story of the SS Morro Castle. New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead—and why. Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her—and her prey is on the ship. As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all.

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Author

Chanel Cleeton

Pages

304

Publisher

Penguin Publishing Group

Published Date

2023-04-11

ISBN

059344048X 9780593440483

Community ReviewsSee all

"Aboard the luxurious Morro Castle cruise ship traveling from New York to Cuba (1934) is Catherine and Elena. Catherine appears to have it all, engaged to a wealthy fiancé, Raymond. Elena is barely scrapping by, but aboard the ship with false documents and assistance. Cracks in Catherine and Raymond’s engagement begin to show and are fully revealed when they arrive in Cuba. Catherine also meets Harry aboard the boat and he assists her in her endeavors. Raymond has no money, but has been married multiple times and kills his wives for their inheritance and/or insurance. His last wife he tried to kill was Elena; Catherine was her servant who helped Elena, who was drugged, escape from the “house fire” started by Raymond. Raymond thinks Elena died in the fire. Elena is on the ship to get to Cuba and withdraw her inheritance before Raymond does. After the house fire, Catherine and Elena began to plot to get back at Raymond, this is their plan in motion - make Catherine appear to be a wealthy young lady so she can get close to Raymond. Upon arriving in Cuba, Elena gets to her money first and is also able to help Cuban families get aboard the ship to escape the political turmoil in Cuba. When Catherine and Elena are to meet to confront Raymond, once the boat is close to the NY harbor, Elena can’t find Catherine, but fires one shot and hits Raymond. Chaos was ensuing as the boat caught on fire near NJ and there is no order - boat staff took the life boats, so people were jumping overboard. All characters in the book survive due to the close proximity of the NJ shore, but Raymond dies in the hospital. Elena is reunited with her daughter, Ava, and Catherine and Harry are together! "