An Infinite Love Story

by Chanel Cleeton

When an astronaut is lost in space, his wife relives their epic love as she attempts to unravel what truly happened to him, in this sweeping love story set against the backdrop of the 1960s Space Race, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes.

When Joe Mitchell launches into space, the world is watching. It’s 1968, and the country waits with anticipation and excitement for another successful mission, another celebration as America sets its sights on the Moon. And then comes the knock at the door.

Joe Mitchell’s spacecraft has lost contact. He and his fellow astronauts onboard are feared to be dead. It’s his wife Vivian’s worst nightmare come to life, her grief suddenly taking center stage as the nation waits and mourns. In her quiet moments, Vivian relives their memorable story, unable to accept that this is the end to a love that felt as though it was written in the stars.

As the investigation surrounding Joe’s lost spacecraft intensifies and the mishap is written off as an operator error, Vivian is determined to clear her husband’s name and uncover the mystery of what happened in space. When someone starts sending Vivian messages—messages she believes only Joe could send—she begins to wonder if their love is stronger than space and time, and she’ll do whatever it takes to bring her husband back to her.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Historical, Science Fiction, Adult, Historical Romance

352 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication July 7, 2026

About the author

Chanel Cleeton is the Cuban American New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of many novels, including Reese's Book Club pick Next Year in Havana. Originally from Florida, Chanel studied in London where she earned degrees in international relations and global politics. In law school, Chanel discovered her passion writing novels and embarked on a new adventure following her lifelong love of books.

Reviews

[♥︎ Heather ⚔ (Semi-Hiatus-attempting return) · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Provided via NetGalley - all thoughts are my own.

This novel promised a compelling space race love story laced with magical realism, but it never quite lifted off.

We follow Vivian, a journalist who sacrifices her own career to follow her husband Joe across the globe as he chases his dream of reaching the moon. When his spacecraft disappears, she’s left to unravel what went wrong while confronting the fragile foundation of their marriage.

The “before” sections spark with promise: the high-stakes backdrop of the Space Race, the intimate portrait of a wife holding down the fort while her husband reaches for glory, and the slow-burn romance.

It evokes the vibes of The Astronaut Wives Club or Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmosphere, with echoes of For All Mankind.

Yet the execution falters.

The narrative rushes through the most engaging elements—the developing relationship and the mission itself—only to stall in the “aftermath,” where repetitive internal monologues dominate.

Instead of revealing grief through action or sharp dialogue, we circle the same emotions relentlessly, across timelines and characters, telling rather than showing.

By the time the ending comes, the story has lost all its momentum, and the big ideas and interesting characters feel shortchanged

It’s frustrating because the potential is undeniable: a rich setting, an ambitious blend of historical drama and speculation, and a protagonist worth rooting for. The author swung big, but the pieces never fully cohered.

A solid effort that ultimately fell short of its promise.

3 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.


🚀Second-chance
🚀Enduring love story
💙Emotional romance
🚀Unbreakable bonds
🚀Astronaut x devoted wife
💙Dual timelines
🚀1960s historical setting

✴︎a˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

[Mai H.]

Latine Heritage Month TBR

Valentine's Day TBR

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley

[callistoscalling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own.

📖 Book Review 📖 It’s 2026 and many of us just watched in awe as Artemis II launched another historic mission to space and through her evocative literary masterpiece, Chanel Cleeton reminds us that behind every great accomplishment is the story of love and sacrifice. As astronaut Joe Mitchell achieves his lifeline dream of making it on a mission to the Moon, it all comes to a stalemate when all communication is lost with Earth. This one perfectly oscillates between the rise of the love story between Joe and Vivian and the harrowing wait for those grounded in this nightmare. An Infinite Love Story is truly an epic tale that tandemly captures both in sweeping romance and suspense, creating an immersive experience that blends the past and notes of the present flawlessly.

[Michelle San Antonio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked right from the first page, as we open in the late sixties, at the horrific moment that Vivian learns that NASA has lost communication with her husband Joe's spacecraft. Alternating with this present-day storyline, we get the history of Vivian and Joe's relationship, and the tension that has been a constant throughout, of Vivian's cautious nature and Joe's willingness to take risks, even when it means risking it all. There's also a great exploration of the unique struggles of the astronauts' families, and of the space program as a whole at this moment in time. But the absolutely epic love story of Vivian and Joe is what really propels the story forward.

[amber | mytbrshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

an infinite love story by chanel cleeton 🚀🌙🌌

“Sometimes grief, like love, played on an infinite loop.”

★★★★★

Welp. I will be crying myself to sleep tonight. This book hit me in every possible way, and I truly did not understand the level of heartbreak I was signing up for when I picked up this ARC. Many, many thanks to Berkley for the copy in exchange for my honest review.

Maybe it is the cinematic masterpiece that was Project Hail Mary followed closely by the Artemis II launch, but I am fully in my space backdrop era and loving it. Please send me all your space romance recommendations because I am ready.

This was such a beautiful love story. Joe and Viv (🥲 IYKYK) meet on a double date that does not go as planned. Joe is a romantic-at-heart fighter pilot with his eyes on the stars, while Vivian is grounded, independent, and not exactly looking for that kind of love where he has an occupation that comes with high risk. On paper, they should not work, but wow, they absolutely do. Their relationship is breathtaking and all-consuming, which makes the “Now” timeline hit that much harder. The story is interwoven with a “Then” timeline that brings their love story to life, showing how they built something so powerful against all odds.

The Space Race is alive and well, and after launching a new mission to orbit the moon, Vivian’s husband Joe is piloting the spacecraft when it suddenly goes offline. Communication is lost. The ship is never tracked again. It is as if they seemingly vanished into space. Vivian is left behind to pick up the pieces and grieve a loss without answers.

This does not necessarily deliver a traditional happy ending, but it offers something softer. Something hopeful. And for that, I might be able to sleep a little easier tonight.

But yeah. This one will absolutely wreck you.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not expect to be this invested in a space race love story, but here we are.

The space race backdrop completely pulled me in. I’m already fascinated by the 1950s and 60s era, so blending that decade with a love story, a touch of mystery, and even light science fiction felt ambitious in the best way. Romance and sci-fi are not typically my go-to genres, but I was genuinely intrigued.

And the love story? It worked. It was not cheesy. It was not smutty. It felt real. These were two people who, at first glance, you might not expect to fit together. Their personalities and approaches to life were different, but the depth of their love felt true on every page. I could feel the weight of it. That emotional core absolutely carried the book.

Where it lost a little momentum for me was in the pacing. There were moments where dialogue was interrupted by long stretches of internal thought, and sometimes I would actually forget what had just been said. It slowed the rhythm more than I wanted. I also found myself wishing it had been written in first person. Because the entire story is told from one perspective in third person, I felt connected, but not as fully immersed as I could have been. I wanted to feel her emotions even more deeply.

The biggest miss for me was the final stretch. There is so much build-up around the sci-fi elements, infinite love, wormholes, time and space, and the idea of love transcending all of it. I kept waiting for that thread to land in a more powerful way. While I appreciated the epilogue and the clarity it offered, I felt like the last thirty to forty percent could have leaned harder into both the science fiction and the rich historical setting to really elevate the ending.

That said, this was still a solid read. The writing is strong. The characters are compelling. The love story is layered and heartfelt... which is why I landed at four stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Ty Maynard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly such a darling story, I found myself completely taken by the sweetness of this book. The characters were wonderfully drawn out and the story was well wrote. I never imagined i'd have enjoyed this book to the degree I did, I loved how the characters relationships formed; how just like in life their every decision shaped their paths. I also enjoyed how this book touched on certain issues; many of the astro wives having to shoulder the responsibility of their families wellbeing, their husband's job and the eyes of the American people.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishing team for giving me the chance to access this advanced reader copy. Thank you!

[Aleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction meets the Space Race meets a timeless love story makes for one satisfied (and weepy) reader right here. This book blew me away (no pun intended). I love love love fictional books about astronauts and space. An Infinite Love Story also had a magical touch of time travel that was done perfectly, supporting the idea that soulmates will find each other in every lifetime.

I also loved how the book mainly focused on the astronaut wives of the 1960s and the sacrifices they made to support their husbands. With the recent Artemis II launch, I’ve found myself thinking about the spouses of the four astronauts who traveled around the Moon and how they must’ve felt before, during, and after launch.

An all around wonderful book that above all the space talk, is truly an infinite love story at its core.

*many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy.

[Lorie Krehbiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy of this book. I have always been interested in the 60’s and the Space Race. Most of what I have learned about this time period has been about the astronauts. It was interesting to read about this book from the wife of an astronaut’s perspective. I really loved it. It made me tear up. I read the last 80 pages in one sitting, because I could not put it down. Easy 5 stars. Can’t wait until July when everyone can read it.

[Ashton Rohrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinite Love Story is a five-star read that blends romance and mystery in a really engaging way. It’s fun, emotional, and keeps you guessing the whole time. The love story feels meaningful, but the added suspense makes it even more addictive and hard to put down

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - Not sure how I feel about the last quarter of the book… Very similar story to Atmosphere by TJR but also very unique in its own way

[Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’ll Come Back to You. Always.”

1968: Nine Hours Gone

At approximately 3 AM, Joe Mitchell’s spacecraft lost contact with Mission Control in Houston-by 6 AM Joe’s boss at Cape Kennedy, Frank, was knocking at his wife Vivian’s door, and now, 9 hours later, she is surrounded by the other Astro wives-the death watch has begun. She pulls out a sheet of paper from her dress-filled with calculations on one side, but her husband’s unmistakable scrawl on the other…

“Wait for Me”

1961: No Pilots!

Vivian’s roommate and best friend, Polly, has invited her to a party at the last minute. She barely has time to change her clothes after a day spent trying to make it as a journalist, in a D.C. newsroom. She would rather stay home and watch Perry Mason on TV, than meet up with the two pilots that Polly has met, but Polly can be very convincing.

1968: Thirteen Hours Gone

Vivian’s hears an urgent voice coming from the Squawk box on her dresser that NASA has given her so that she can listen to radio communications between Joe and Mission Control…

“Viv!!”

Despite the odds, Joe must be alive…

And, that will just be the FIRST of many signs that Vivian will receive, as the hours turn into days, and the days turn into weeks. Could her husband just be lost is Space? Will he defy the odds and make it back to her?

Getting into Space has never been the hard part-that part is getting the Astronauts home.

This NOSTALGIC story unfolds from alternating timelines-the earlier one focusing on Vivian and Joe’s love story, over the years leading up to the launch and the current, 1968 timeline, on Vivian’s grief and her fight to clear her husband’s name, when the “mishap” of the lost spacecraft is written off as “Operator Error”.

After all, the U.S. is in a Space Race with Russia and this failed ten day orbit of the moon, cannot be the last…

This story-which I REALLY ENJOYED was my FIRST from this author-and it is both a LOVE STORY and SPECULATIVE FICTION with touches of magical realism sprinkled throughout. Author Chanel Cleeton says that it is a bit different from her usual work.

The 1968 timeline reminded me of an ABC TV show that I loved watching in 2015- “The Astronaut Wive’s Club” which told the story of the women behind the men called the Mercury Seven-our first group of Astronauts, and the author does credit Lily Koppel’s book, of the same name, as a book that she used as part of her research.

The 1961 timeline shows a couple who defies the odds as the divorce rate among married Astronauts was much much higher than the National average at that time. (Sobering statistics provided!)

A buddy read with Marilyn and DeAnn-be sure to watch for their wonderful reviews!

Expected publication date: July 7, 2026.

Thank You to Berkley Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!

[Arianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ ★ ★ ★
⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻
Primero que nada, este fue un ARC que me brindó Penguin Random House, así que gracias a ellos por darme la oportunidad de leerlo antes de su publicación.

La historia está ambientada entre los años 60 y 70, en plena carrera espacial entre Estados Unidos y Rusia, cuando la gran meta era llegar primero a la luna. Sin embargo, en lugar de centrarse únicamente en los astronautas, el libro pone el foco en sus esposas: en todo lo que viven, lo que sacrifican y cómo sus familias terminan quedando en segundo plano cuando el trabajo y la misión se convierten en la prioridad absoluta.

La protagonista vive marcada por el amor, la espera y la incertidumbre de estar casada con alguien cuyo deber siempre estará por encima de todo. Mientras su esposo persigue un sueño que podría cambiar la historia, ella debe aprender a sostener su propia vida entre la soledad, la presión y el miedo constante a perderlo. A esto se suma una conexión más profunda con el tiempo, el destino y la idea de que algunas historias de amor trascienden incluso la distancia, los años y la realidad misma.

Eso fue algo que me gustó mucho, porque no suele ser la perspectiva principal en este tipo de historias. Ver cómo estas mujeres sostienen sus vidas mientras sus esposos persiguen algo tan grande como cambiar la historia me pareció bastante interesante y también muy emocional.

Lo que más me gustó, sin embargo, fue toda la parte relacionada con el tiempo, los agujeros de gusano y esa idea de que el amor puede trascender incluso eso. Me pareció muy bonito cuando él le dice que espere por él, porque va a regresar, quizás no como astronauta ni como la misma persona que ella conoció, pero de alguna forma volverá.

En los últimos capítulos, cuando aparece un nuevo personaje, inmediatamente pensé: “¿será él?”. Sé que era una teoría un poco descabellada, pero me habría encantado que la autora explorara mucho más esa posibilidad, porque siento que ahí había algo muy potente y emocionalmente fuerte.

También sentí que faltó un poco más de profundidad en la relación entre la protagonista y su esposo. Creo que necesitaba más densidad emocional para que ciertos momentos impactaran todavía más. Además, el final me pareció algo abrupto, como si todo se resolviera demasiado rápido.

Aun así, fue una historia que disfruté bastante. Me hizo llorar en varias ocasiones, especialmente porque toca esa sensación de ser la segunda prioridad en una relación, y creo que eso conecta mucho con la realidad de muchas personas.

Es un libro que sí recomendaría. ¿Lo volvería a leer? Probablemente no, pero sí me dejó una buena experiencia de lectura y una historia que vale la pena conocer.

[MarilynW · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton

My heart ached throughout this story because the story starts in 1968 and we know that astronaut Joe Mitchell and his two crew are on a spacecraft that has lost contact with those on earth. This is an astronaut wife's worst nightmare and we get to go back in time to 1961 when Joe and his future wife, Vivian, first lay eyes on each other. The way the story is written, the way we meet Vivian during this terrible time in her life and then go back and see why she eventually married a man she was determined to not love, had me wrapped up in the romance of Joe and Vivian, two people who love each other so much but whose plans for their lives are so at odds with each other that this love affair should never have happened.

Vivian's greatest loss before she met Joe was the loss of her father, whose occupation meant Vivian wanted to be nowhere near Joe other than as a casual acquaintance. If she married, Vivian wanted a man with a safe occupation, no fighter pilots, no pilot of any kind and certainly no astronaut, and Joe's dream was to fly to the moon. Joe is obsessed with his career of high risk flying and he dreams to be flying in space, it occupies all his waking thoughts. He knew he never had the time or energy for a wife and family, that is, until he meets Vivian. Independent, smart, Vivian, who has her own career, who wants to depend on no one else, who likes being alone more than being with people, who wants to never need another person.

Really, Vivian is the last woman who should be the wife of a fighter pilot or an astronaut. But Joe and Vivian love each other despite their differences and that is how we come to 1968 and this horrible situation of Vivian's love being lost in a way that should be impossible to save. But, Joe seems to be sending Vivian messages, messages that arrive in various ways. Vivian is as grounded as any person can be and she's not one to see something that is not there, hear something that is not there. Despite others dismissing Vivian, she does what she can to find out how Joe could be communicating to just her from space or from wherever he is now.

The dual timelines make the story sing for me. We already feel the heartbreak when the story starts and that made meeting Joe hurt more. He was already the most important part of Vivian's life when we meet her so when we meet him all those years earlier he matters already. I read this story with Jayme and DeAnn and it was great to discuss a story that hit me so very hard so be sure to check out their reviews.

Expected publication July 7, 2026

Thank you to Elisha, Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC

[Heather | Nerdy By Nature Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy via the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

It's 1968 in the midst of the Space Race, and Vivian Mitchell can't pretend to be as excited about the prospect of another space mission as her fellow Americans. Her husband, Joe, has been selected as one of the astronauts leading this new mission, and while she knows Joe thrives in these tense situations, she can't help but feel nervous. And then she receives the news she's always feared. Mission control has lost contact with Joe's spacecraft, and he and the other two crew members are presumed dead. When an investigation surrounding the mission is written off as an operator error, Vivian is even more determined to get to the bottom of the incident and clear Joe's name. Vivian refuses to believe that Joe is gone, especially when she starts receiving strange messages that could only come from her husband. Vivian and Joe's whirlwind romance felt like it was written in the stars. Could it be that those same stars will bring them back together?

I loved how different this book felt from Cleeton's previous books. I loved Vivian as a main character. She was secure in herself, independent, and smart. I admired her strength and determination in uncovering what had happened to her husband. I liked the dual timeline and how we got to see the full view of their love story. Joe was charming and ambitious, and it was clear how much he loved Vivian. They both fell fast and hard, and I liked how Vivian knew she would be fine on her own but chose to be with Joe because he made her life that much better. The magical realism aspects of the messages were intriguing, but I thought we could've gone a little deeper. Overall, it was a compelling read with strong characters, and I recommend checking it out if you enjoy historical fiction.

[DeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Race to the Moon Stars

This is my eighth book by author Chanel Cleeton, and she’s become a must-read author for me. The other books have featured connections to Cuba, so this one is a bit of a departure, but I enjoyed it. All of her books have strong female characters.

Filled with 1960s nostalgia and the space race, Cleeton puts us firmly in that era. I enjoyed how this one was structured, as we get snippets from 1968 when Joe Mitchell and a small crew are launched into space to orbit the moon. Then all communication with the capsule is lost.

The alternating storyline starts with learning about Vivian, her budding career as a journalist, and her vow not to date any astronauts. We see her first date with Joe and how they fight their attraction.

We know that Vivian and Joe will be married in the future and that communication with the capsule has been lost, but Vivian is holding out hope that he is safe. There are some elements of the unknown here, as some unusual things happen that she can’t explain.

The alternating chapters show how the two eventually find each other and have a love that feels destined by the stars, despite Vivian’s initial hesitations. Joe’s career as a fighter pilot and then astronaut is dangerous, but he vows to always return to her.

As rumors swirl and the press speculates, the other astronaut’s wives are also hoping for a good outcome. These marriages were under extreme stress, and many did not survive. I was hoping that communication would be restored and that they would all come home safely. Vivian is waiting for him.

This one was a great buddy read with Jayme and Marilyn, be sure to see their review to see what they thought.

My thanks to Elisha and Berkley Publishing for the opportunity to read this one and provide an honest review. This one is scheduled to publish on 7.7.2026.

[Sarah K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chanel Cleeton's newest novel, An Infinite Love Story, is an absolute delight! Set in the 1960s during the early days of the space program, this book shares the story of an astronaut, Joe, on course to land on the moon, and his wife, Vivian. Told through dual timelines around the launch and in the early years of their relationship, this book highlights the experiences of those left on the ground - the women and families supporting the astronaut, and all they experience, sacrifice, and feel. Vivian is a modern woman with her own dreams and goals, and such a wonderful character! Her story is full of heartache and loss, and yet, through hard work and deep relationships she has built a wonderful life. I adored her so much. I found it a bit harder to connect with Joe but he is portrayed as an ambitious, determined man who also deeply values the people in their lives. When his mission disappears, Vivian believes he is trying to connect with her from beyond and the speculative element of their love story begins. This was such a unique book with an interesting premise, one that definitely makes me think!

Like other novels by this author, the settings and characters truly come to life. An Infinite Love Story had a different vibe than her other works (primarily set in/around Cuba) and it was fun to see her tell a fresh new story! I loved the openness of the ending and the speculative nature of the disappearance and all that happens afterwards. This one is for you if you like historical fiction, the space race, the 1960s, strong women, and speculative elements in books!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Debbie Oliphant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was excited to read this new story from an author that I enjoy, and this did not disappoint the title pretty much sums it up and getting to that conclusion was an intense and incredible journey.

The first chapter grabs you as Joe, an astronaut is thrust into space on the mission of his dreams. All eyes are on Vivian, his wife, as NASA has lost contact with the ship. This is how the story begins. The author takes you back and forth from past to present until you are at the moment where the two timelines meet.

Vivian is introduced to Joe by her best friend Polly, who are on a double date. Vivian is intrigued with Joe but is resistant to give in to any feelings as it is clear that Joe is focused on a future with flying and ultimately, space. She feels his choices are too risky and she wants a safe life for her future. But over time, it is clear that they are supposed to be together and it is clear that their love is strong, but is it stronger than Joe's love for the opportunity to go to space?

The story takes an interesting turn that seems to punctuate the overall journey that the two have taken. Vivian is tested and while she has made safe choices, it is in the important moment that she finds her strength to show how resilient she really is.

This story had all of the feels and the authors ability to capture the excitement of the 60s space program to the point it was an additional character was invaluable. I read this in one sitting and loved every minute of it.

[Castille · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for character-driven dramas set against the high-stakes backdrop of the Space Race. If you enjoyed Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmosphere or Apple TV’s For All Mankind, Chanel Cleeton’s latest offers a similar aesthetic, though it feels more like an imitation than a peer.

The novel follows parallel timelines: one tracing Vivian’s life before her husband disappears in space, and the other navigating the aftermath. The "before" segments are thoroughly engrossing; this is where the heart of the story lives. Unfortunately, the momentum is frequently derailed by the "after" storyline, which suffers from repetitive, overly internal prose. Rather than showing grief through action, the narrative spends too much time telling us exactly how the characters feel-- and not just once or twice, but each sentiment is repeated over and over, across timelines, internally, externally, to different characters.

It’s frustrating because the potential is massive. The setting, the concept, and even the more speculative elements are all there, but the assembly misses the mark. While I appreciate an author taking a "big swing" at an ambitious concept, the execution doesn't quite connect. In her author's note, Cleeton admits to being reticent about this era due to her lack of scientific knowledge. That discomfort is palpable; it feels as though she didn't quite trust her own voice—or the reader's intuition—to handle the nuances of the setting. I’d be interested in revisiting her work when she’s writing in her true wheelhouse.

[Patricia Linville · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reality behind the magic…
The 1960’s were tumultuous. I grew into a teenager during those years. I vaguely remember the Kennedy/Nixon debates on TV. But the race riots, Kent State murders, JFK, MLK and RFK assassinations as well as the Vietnam war body count on national news nightly are forever etched into my memories.
The Space Race however was a magical story amid all the drama. The astronauts were handsome and daring and all of their wives were beautiful and dutiful. However, Cleeton prefaces her novel, An Infinite Love Story, with this statistic: “There were thirty-nine astronauts in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs. Twenty of those marriages ultimately ended in divorce.”
The novel begins as Vivian, astronaut’s wife, faces the unimaginable. Joe's spaceship is lost with no contact and is not expected to return. Vivian is a young woman who has married the love of her life. When Joe disappears, she is determined to find out why, by whatever means. Through flashbacks we are introduced to the human side of the space race magic. Lonely wives, philandering husbands and unpredictable futures all take a back seat to the mission of winning the race to the moon.
As an adult, the story and characters felt a little obvious and predictable. Yet Cleeton inserts a little space magic into Vivian’s search that is enjoyable and almost believable. An Infinite Love Story is an easy read, somewhat predictable but recommended for those who wish to remember the reality and the magic of space travel in the sixties.

[Susan Poer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the year of space stories, between 'Project Hail Mary', and 'Atmosphere'; and now we have Ms. Cleeton's entre into the genre. Known mainly for her historical fiction novels set in Cuba, this is a new avenue for her.

A love story, that may or may not have some 'otherworldly' aspects to it, it's set in 1968, at the height of the Space Race, when the world is fixated on the Moon and the brave men who reach for it. Joe Mitchell, an ambitious astronaut, is poised for one of his career’s most dangerous missions. He and his fellow crew members launch into space amidst great global anticipation, but soon contact is lost. When officials presume the spacecraft destroyed and the crew dead, Vivian, Joe’s wife, is left in a world of grief, disbelief, and unanswered questions.

Rather than giving in to despair, Vivian relives the story of their love, from their first meeting to the vibrant life they built together, to make sense of what has happened. As rumors swirl and the investigation unfolds, something else begins to happen: mysterious communications arrive that only Joe could have sent, leading Vivian to wonder if love might truly transcend time and space.

There haven't been many books written about astronauts' wives and the struggles they endure, and by centering the narrative on Vivian’s experience, Cleeton gives the emotional stakes real weight, making Joe’s possible fate feel profoundly personal rather than abstract.

There's great character development here and you feel for Vivian and what she is going through. Another great addition to the Cleeton library!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for this gifted ARC!

This was such a fantastic read, I loved everything about it. The romance was so wonderful and it felt realistic and honest, I loved how it bounced between the journey of their relationship and the present day of the story. And the speculative fiction aspect of it was so well done, I read the acknowledgments at the end, and it made me want to pick up all the books that the author read for background for this space/astronaut story.

The story bounces between the early 1960's to late 1960's, centered around the space race. The story is so well balanced between being a romantic story between two people, but also being incredibly romantic about the idea of space and the unknown outside of Earth. It really made me want to pick up some books about the space race and get more information about it all. We learned about it in school, but it's been so long, I'd love another look into it all.

This book had a lot of themes to it as well. Romance, women being seen as a part of the working world and not just wives/expectant mothers, and the speculative fiction aspect of it was just fantastic. There are also themes of women becoming more independent in that time. The thought of divorce being less taboo and being meaningful parts of the workforce. I just loved everything about this book, and I so recommend it! This releases July 7th!

*This ARC was given by Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley, all opinions are my own.*

[Diane Vallere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!

For context, I'm a little obsessed with the 60s space race and mid-century history. I'm already a fan of Chanel Cleeton's writing. I figured I would enjoy this book, but I was curious about how she would approach the subject (most of my reading on the era has been non-fiction). Cleeton tells the story in two timelines: one in the early 60s, showing us the unfolding attraction and blooming relationship between the astronaut and the main character, and one in the later sixties that focuses on an Apollo mission. She lets the story unfold as updates are being given to the astronaut's wife. We get to know a woman who never aspired to be an astronaut wife, but who fell in love with an astronaut and what that meant to her future.

No spoilers here, but I found the story to be hopeful and touching, and the resolution stayed with me after I turned the final page.

Perfect for fans of The Astronaut Wives Club and The Right Stuff especially if you want to add a romantic read to your space bookshelves.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a romance in its purest form - a story about how people connect and endure through joy and sorrow because of the depth and sincerity of their love that transcends sex, time and space. I didn’t need Kleenex when I finished (I was close) but I was filled with such intense feelings that I just experienced a love story for the ages.

It’s the 1960s and the Space Race is on. Vivian is a budding journalist when she meets Joe, a fighter pilot, who has dreams of being an astronaut. The story alternates at times between the fateful space mission where Joe is lost to Vivian’s and Joe’s love story. After the mission is called, Vivian keeps believing in Joe coming back and seeks to call attention to some of the failings of the space program. No spoilers - you must read this wonderful story to find out its ending.

Cleeton has created the most intense atmospheric romance sans steam I’ve ever read - confirming that love can be more than steam in a book. Vivian and Joe reverberate on the pages with their resilience and passion for each other and the things that giving in their lives. I really liked these two, especially Joe. I also liked how Cleeton included the expectations os astronaut wives in the 1960s. Vivian didn’t want to fit the mold, which was another thing I liked about her. .

This is a book for all lovers of historical romances with realistic characters.

I’d like to thank NetGalley/BookBrowse and Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me to read this beautiful love story (ARC).

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book expecting not to like it -- something in the blurb just didn't hit me right. I sure am glad that I gave the book a chance because I loved it. It probably helped that Artemis II had just landed and my interest in space travel was as high as it had been during the space race of the 1960s.

This beautiful love story is set in the 1960s when Joe Mitchell's spacecraft loses contact with the earth. He and the other astronauts on board are presumed to be dead. As his wife Vivian waits to find out if they are truly lost in space she spends her time re-living their love story in her mind. She can't accept that their perfect love story may be at an end. After the malfunction is blamed on operator error, Vivian knows that she has to do whatever she can to clear her husband's name. Is this how their love story ends?

The author does an excellent job of telling the story in dual time lines -- one is the story of Joe and Vivian meeting and falling in love and the second is the endless hours after the space craft goes missing. I preferred the earlier time line but both were well done. Also I thought that the first half of the book was much stronger than the ending.

I grew up in the 60s and always paid attention to the space race so this book brought back a lot of memories. Another great book by this author.

[Paula Korelitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like several other books I've enjoyed recently, this novel shines a light on women who were overlooked by the media while their male counterparts received all the attention, in this case the wives of astronauts and their need to be model wives, even under the worst of circumstances.

Joe and Vivian are the classic opposites-attract couple: she is driven by facts and caution, while he is a science fiction enthusiast and an unabashed risk-taker.

The story opens nine hours after Mission Control loses contact with the spacecraft carrying Vivian's husband Joe and two fellow astronauts. Though entirely fictional, the premise stirred vivid memories for me — of unmanned spacecraft lost to the void, and of the Challenger disaster, which I have never quite shaken, with its crew of astronauts and one schoolteacher.

What follows is a meticulous and moving account of Vivian's love for Joe and her relentless efforts to compel Mission Control to keep searching — efforts that are heard but not heeded. Her resolve is tested further when strange signals begin to suggest that Joe may somehow be trying to reach her, leaving her to wonder whether she is receiving a message or losing her mind.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a different type of love story that caught my attention from the very start. Having grown up in the 60’s I remember all the hype and media coverage. Everyone tuned into Walter Cronkite and the big countdown. Chanel Cleeton accurately captured all the emotions of that time period especially highlighting the space race. What I failed to understand as a child was the devastating effect it had on the wives and family. Joe and Vivian’s marriage is straining due to his job and the constant change in their lives and the supportive role the wives were expected to play. Once the rocket is lost in space and the communication ceases, Vivian tries to reconcile certain signs that her husband is trying to communicate with her. There is a sci/fi aspect to this story which added a little mystery as well as showing the depth of their love. Was it human error or some mechanical failure as Vivian tries to clear his name. Well written!
Thank you for an advanced eGalley of the book. All opinions expressed are truly my own.
#AnInfiniteLoveStory #ChanelCleeton #Berkley #NetGalley

[Becca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure what I expected going into this. I love space and planes and spacecrafts with a touch of romance which is what I anticipated. But I don’t feel like this book had a central focus? Joe and Vivian are married but it’s just so flat. There wasn’t enough of a focus on them, it was there but was more of a background story. The science element was very underwhelming. I expected to learn something. The dialogue was interrupted by thoughts and took away from the story, I got confused on who was speaking at times. I don’t feel like Joe’s character was developed enough either. I would have loved to have a dual POV in this. I wanted to feel his presence and voice more. Vivian was a flat character as well. The traumatic event Vivian has was introduced early, dropped off entirely, and then thrown in your face and then forgotten about again. It seemed like an afterthought idea. The chapters were longer than necessary at times as well. I wanted to love this but I think it was just a collection of great ideas that didn’t take off.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I’ve picked up a Chanel Cleeton novel, and An Infinite Love Story has me wondering why I ever stopped. To say I devoured this book would be an understatement. I read it in a matter of hours, completely unable to put it down and fully immersed in Vivian and Joe’s world.

This story delivers all the feels: heart-wrenching, heartwarming, and everything in between. I was especially fascinated by the Space Race elements and loved the historical fiction layer woven throughout the romance. It added a depth and richness to the story.

While this was shaping up to be an easy five-star read for me, the ending left me just a bit unsatisfied—not unhappy, but slightly wistful for a different resolution. Still, that small note of disappointment doesn’t lessen the impact of the story. It’s one that will stay with me long after turning the final page.

I will absolutely be rereading this and recommending it to others come July. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

[Meaghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a space race love story with a touch of magical realism. If you've read The Astronaut Wives Club, you know that while the male astronauts got all the fame and glory, it was their wives holding down the fort at home that made their husband's career possible. Vivian is one such wife, who has given up her journalism career to follow her husband Joe around the world as he chases his dream of going to the moon. When his spacecraft vanishes, she's left to try and figure out what went wrong.

This story had so much potential but it fell flat. The characters, romance and setting were all promising but there needed to be 100 pages more to flesh everything out. It felt like we were flying through the romance, the space mission and Vivian's search for what happened to Joe. The story was engaging but as the end started to reveal itself, I lost interest and disappointed by the conclusion. The book was trying to do too many things and instead didn't do justice to the story or the characters which is a shame.

Many thanks to Netgalley & Berkley for the ARC.