A Night at the Tropicana

A Night at the Tropicana 

A Night at the Tropicana is the latest short story to be checked off my to be read list. If you’ve been following me for any length of time, then you likely know how much I enjoy a good short story. 

This was the first from author Chanel Cleeton for me, but it certainly won’t be the last of her writing that I read. I love discovering new authors, how about you? 

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Have you read A Night at the Tropicana yet? Come on in and let me tell you about it! 

About A Night at the Tropicana 

Cuba in the 1930s is the backdrop for a vibrant short story about the rhythms of the heart and the twists of fate that echo through time by the New York Times bestselling author of Next Year in Havana.

Havana, 1939: It’s opening night at the famed Tropicana nightclub. Cuban American college student Natalie Trainer, on vacation from Miami, is watching from the sidelines—as usual. Then comes an invitation to dance from a handsome stranger named Antonio. Normally cautious and reserved, Natalie somehow finds herself saying yes. A tiny thrill of rebellion, of taking a chance, and Natalie’s in heaven. Will her first step into this unfamiliar realm set a new course for her life, or only tonight? 

Thoughts on A Night at the Tropicana 

As I’ve said, I love a good quality short story with my morning coffee. It certainly beats mindless scrolling through social media! It is much healthier for my mind to read a great short story instead. 

This was a simple read, taking about an hour or so. Writing short stories takes a serious skill. There can’t be any filler, it has to be a lot more intentional than writing a full novel. I admire authors who can do that, craft a great story in just a few pages, yet feel complete and leave the reader wanting more at the same time. I really wanted to see Natalie fall in love, get married again, and live happily ever after.

Chanel Cleeton transported me to Havana, Cuba in this story, and made me want to fall in love, to experience that all over again and have butterflies when meeting someone. It reminded me that things that are meant to be will always find a way. Especially when you least expect it to happen. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written short story, and highly recommend that you give it a try. It is a perfect way to either start or end your day. You won’t be disappointed! 

Final Thoughts on A Night at the Tropicana 

I’m not entirely sure why, but I wasn’t expecting to enjoy A Night at the Tropicana half as much as I did. Maybe because there are so few reviews, limited information, an unknown author for me, or who knows why. I honestly expected a three star read, at best, and I got so much more out of it! 

I love, love, love when a story exceeds my expectations. Because that makes me excited to go and read more from that author. I am beyond glad that I took a chance with an author I’ve never read before in this instance. 

This was the first I’ve read from author Chanel Cleeton, but I know that it won’t be the last! I can’t wait to pick up a full novel from her and see if I enjoy it as much as I did this story. 

If you haven’t read A Night at the Tropicana yet, I highly recommend you do! It is definitely worth taking the time to read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. 

Discussion 

Have you read Night at the Tropicana or any other writing from Chanel Cleeton? Are you a fan? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 

About the Author 

Chanel Cleeton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick Next Year in Havana, When We Left Cuba, The Last Train to Key West, and The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba. Originally from Florida, Chanel grew up on stories of her family’s exodus from Cuba following the events of the Cuban Revolution. 

Her passion for politics and history continued during her years spent studying in England where she earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Richmond, The American International University in London and a master’s degree in Global Politics from the London School of Economics & Political Science. Chanel also received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. 

Purchasing A Night at the Tropicana 

If you are interested in buying the Kindle version of A Night at the Tropicana, click here.

Click here for my favorite Kindle I currently own.

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