Chanel Cleeton

Chanel Cleeton is an American historical fiction author and screenwriter known for her novels set in the Caribbean during the 19th century. Born in Miami, Florida, Cleeton has a deep connection to the region and a passion for its history. Her debut novel, "Next Year in Havana" (2018), became an instant New York Times bestseller and won the International Latino Book Award for Best Historical Novel. Cleeton has since published several more novels set in Cuba and Spain, including "The Last Train to Key West" (2019), "When We Left Cuba" (2020), and "The House of Secrets" (2021). Her work has been praised for its rich historical detail, engaging characters, and exploration of themes such as family, identity, and the power of women. Cleeton's novels have received critical acclaim, with "Next Year in Havana" being named a "Best Book of the Year" by NPR, Amazon, and Publishers Weekly. She has also been featured in major media outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and NPR's Morning Edition.