The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba

By: Chanel Cleeton

Narrated by: Frankie Corzo, Holly Linneman, Rebecca Soler

Named one of 2021’s Most Anticipated Historical Novels and Best Beach Reads by Entertainment Weekly ∙ Oprah Magazine ∙ Travel + Leisure ∙ BuzzFeed ∙ Parade ∙ PopSugar ∙ Bustle ∙ SheReads ∙ Brit + Co and more!

"An exciting and inspiring read that shows us how womanhood, courage and revolution are three words that often mean the same thing." (NPR)

At the end of the 19th century, three revolutionary women fight for freedom in New York Times best-selling author Chanel Cleeton's captivating new novel inspired by real-life events and the true story of a legendary Cuban woman - Evangelina Cisneros - who changed the course of history.

A feud rages in Gilded Age New York City between newspaper tycoons William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. When Grace Harrington lands a job at Hearst's newspaper in 1896, she’s caught in a cutthroat world where one scoop can make or break your career, but it’s a story emerging from Cuba that changes her life.

Unjustly imprisoned in a notorious Havana women's jail, 18-year-old Evangelina Cisneros dreams of a Cuba free from Spanish oppression. When Hearst learns of her plight and splashes her image on the front page of his paper, proclaiming her, "The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba," she becomes a rallying cry for American intervention in the battle for Cuban independence.

With the help of Marina Perez, a courier secretly working for the Cuban revolutionaries in Havana, Grace and Hearst's staff attempt to free Evangelina. But when Cuban civilians are forced into reconcentration camps and the explosion of the USS Maine propels the United States and Spain toward war, the three women must risk everything in their fight for freedom.

©2021 Chanel Cleeton (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"In this powerful, page-turner, Chanel Cleeton has interwoven the stories of three unforgettable historical women against the fiery backdrop of the Spanish-American war and the Cuban fight for freedom from the Spanish. Using the brave acts of real-life historical women as inspiration, The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba shines the light on the fierce women who played a critical role in this important juncture in time - women who are determined not to be forgotten." (Marie Benedict, New York Times best-selling author of The Mystery of Mrs. Christie)

“Cleeton always delivers! This time, with The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba, a well-researched tale set against the backdrop of a newspaper war. With moguls determined to drag the United States into the conflict between Cuba and Spain, this novel's women - the reporter, the revolutionary, and the beauty - are all brought vividly to life in a lovingly rendered novel about the triumphs and tragedies of war.” (Stephanie Dray, New York Times best-selling author of The Women of Chateau Layfayette)

“Grace Harrington is my new favourite heroine. I was absolutely fascinated by the world of stunt girl reporters and newspaper wars that she throws herself into, just as I was equal parts enthralled and heartbroken by the story of Evangelina Cisneros, the most beautiful - and courageous - girl in Cuba. And how wonderful to meet another member of the Perez family - the plucky Marina, whose story intertwines with the other women's. Nobody writes about Cuban women - their lives, their loves and their bravery - like Chanel Cleeton does. A truly beautiful book.” (Natasha Lester, New York Times best-selling author of The Paris Secret)

“An enchanting historical novel.... Cleeton skillfully brings off the three strong women’s heartbreaking stories with intriguing twists and turns and a delightful finale. With impeccable research and perfect pacing, Cleeton makes the most of her subject.” (Publishers Weekly)

Loosely based on a true story

I was shocked to find out that some of the characters were real. I learned some history while reading for pleasure :)

Very interesting Historical Romance

Part of Cleeton's Cuba series, set in the last year's of the nineteenth century. The years of the third Cuban war for Independence from Spain; William Randolph Hearst's meddling to get the US involved in a shooting war with Spain; and his media invention of "The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba" as part of that effort. Well written, with fully-formed characters and a clear glimpse of the horror of the Spanish war to quell Cuban independence.

Excellent Vehicle for Historic Understanding!!!

Great Novel!!! It brought many of the historical elements into Human Focus. Also a bit of added drama helps also.

Worth Reading Twice

This book is filled with everything life offers. It offers historical information, multiple romances, pain and suffering of the Cubans, a lot of characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the amazing narrators. Add this to your must read book list and you won’t be sorry.

Historically wonderful

I have been a Chanel Cleeton fan for the last few years. The Most Beautiful Girl In Cuba, is filled with historical events, perfectly married with fictional storylines of three brilliant women.

If you are familiar with the Perez Sisters, there are a few Easter eggs in this book you will truly appreciate.

Well researched and beautiful

Treat yourself to a moving story while learning about the fight for Cuban Independence. Listen to the authors notes at the end to learn about her research. This is my 3rd Cleeton read. This book left me wanting to read more.

A different story

What a great way to narrate the Cubs war of independence from Spain back in the 1890s by using women’s point of view.
The way the author describes the locations, miners and actions are amazing. You can truly feel like you are part of it. Super recommend

For lovers of Historical fiction

As a history buff I enjoy reading a lot of historical fiction. Many historical fiction books are written about medieval Europe or the World Wars. I appreciate that the author selected a period in history that is usually forgotten and that she took the time to research and include many details into her writing. Good read and well narrated. Highly recommend.

Enjoyed the history.

I learned a lot about the history of Cuba and US involvement. The stories of the three women drug a bit, especially Marina’s. A lot of repetition. I enjoyed the book but not as much as the others in the Cuba series.

Captivating and educational

I wish I would have read this book before my trip to Cuba in 2014. While listening, in my mind I revisited all the places we toured on this most beutiful tropical island. It is amazing how much such a small nation can suffer. Keep on fighting!