By 
Cynthia Ellingsen, the Author of “Until the Last Day” has written a memorable and thought-provoking Historical Fiction and Historical Romance Novel. In this well written novel, the author writes about two time periods in history, and two sets of characters that seamlessly combine together. The time periods are 1961 and the present. I appreciate that art and music are discussed in this book. The author vividly describes the plot, scenery, the landscape and the colorful and dramatic characters. The characters can be described as complex, complicated and colorful. It is very significant that the Cuban Missile Crisis is discussed.
In 1961, Maryann Linnegan falls in love with Elio, a talented painter, carpenter and Cuban immigrant. Elio has left his family behind, and Maryann comes from a wealthy family. Is it possible for them to get together in a world where their love would be challenged and forbidden? When the Cuban Missile Crisis threatens to end the world, will they get a chance?
In the present, Hannah Caddell, a cancer survivor, who works at the Historic Art Gallery at Hatterfield House, is meeting Lucas Henry, as a new client. While they are meeting, two gunman come in to steal an important painting from the Cuban Missile Crisis, that is extremely valuable. The men have guns, and the two are held hostage. The Hatterfield House has many secret rooms, a fallout shelter, and various entrances and exits. Hannah and Lucas do work together, but Hannah wonders why Lucas really came to meet with her.
It is very interesting to see how the past and present play out. I learned some interesting facts about that time period. I highly recommend this heartfelt book.
Linda's Book Obsession: 