BOOK REVIEW THE LAST DANCE IN HAVANA BY ROSANNA LEY

‘I loved the sultry sensuous feeling of being in Havana so much that reading about it makes me want to go there. A fascinating story with engaging themes’ Dinah Jefferies, #1 bestselling author of The Tea Planter’s Wife

Cuba, 1958. Elisa is only sixteen years old when she meets Duardo and she knows he’s the love of her life from the moment they first dance the rumba together in downtown Havana. But Duardo is a rebel, determined to fight in Castro’s army, and Elisa is forced to leave behind her homeland and rebuild her life in distant England. But how can she stop longing for the warmth of Havana, when the music of the rumba still calls to her?

England, 2012. Grace has a troubled relationship with her father, whom she blames for her beloved mother’s untimely death. And this year more than ever she could do with a shoulder to cry on – Grace’s career is in flux, she isn’t sure she wants the baby her husband is so desperate to have and, worst of all, she’s begun to develop feelings for their best friend Theo. Theo is a Cuban born magician but even he can’t make Grace’s problems disappear. Is the passion Grace feels for Theo enough to risk her family’s happiness?

From bestselling author Rosanna Ley comes an exotic tale of love, family and friendship set between England and Cuba.

I was so pleased when I was accepted to be part of the Quercus summer reading challenge and couldn’t wait to start .

I haven’t read anything from this author so was like going on a blind date not knowing what to expect .The verdict was a huge  thumbs up and I cant wait to read more from this beautiful writer .

I read it in one evening ,the pages just had to be turned as I was whisked into the lives of the characters.

This book has it all romance ,secrets ,history ,family and exotic locations .

Forbidden love is a running theme and making difficult decisions ,who do you put first ?

My favourite character was Grace who has had a difficult childhood and a hard relationship with her dad .I could relate to her somewhat though I haven’t been in her shoes when it comes to her love life . She has to make some tough choices and at what cost will it be to make the right one ? You go on a journey with her not only on a plane but an emotional one as I feel she grows a lot within the book .

 

The writing enables you to easily picture  yourself in cuba in different eras  which I really enjoyed .

There is tragedy and heartache but also hope and love  , just all the ingredients for a  great summer read .

Hugely recommend and a big thank you to Quercus for sending me a copy .

Next month i will recieve another book so keep eyes open for that review .