The Cuban Heiress

A woman fears exposure of her secrets in the captivating latest from Cleeton (Our Last Days in Barcelona). In 1934, Catherine Dohan, who claims to be an heiress, is traveling by luxury cruise ship from New York City to Havana with her wealthy fiancé, Raymond. On board, a man tries to kill her. During their struggle, she ends up shooting and killing her assailant with his own gun. Harry, a mysterious, handsome stranger who witnessed the altercation, helps by tossing the man’s body into the sea. Afterward, Harry and Catherine continue running into each other on the ship, and as their attraction grows, he tells her Raymond is not the wealthy man she believes him to be. Elena Palacio, another woman with secrets, is also on the ship, eager to reach Havana to reunite with the aunt who raised her after her parents died. Before the ship leaves port in Havana to return to New York with Catherine, Harry, and Raymond on board, Elena helps smuggle some Cuban children aboard to protect them from president Fulgencio Batista’s government, and the truth comes out about why Catherine was targeted as more tragic misadventures ensue on the high seas. Cleeton adds intriguing secrets and strong character work to the dramatic plot. Historical fiction fans will be riveted. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Apr.)