4.5 StarsSo much burning tension, someone call the fire department! I felt every let down, missed chance and unspoken word, deeply in my soul as if I were this girl or knew this girl. The emotions are spot on. I love when fiction feels so real.I liked the different POVs told between the main characters- Isabel and MacArthur. The push and pull of the relationship between them felt so raw and real, as well as the relationships with all the other characters of the story. It flowed very well, and was highly believable. This created much heat throughout.<i>Her devotion resembled an unexpected sunburst amid the gloom that was West Point.</i><b>Very vivid. </b>Loved how certain chapters ended, setting up the next one so it could just start right off with little to no explanation. Other times the chapter would start, not giving any hint to where the scene would end or what would happen next. This writing style is one I highly appreciate!The voice of the story is strong. The characters know what they want, but not always sure on the how to get it. "My MacArthur" is richly engrained with culture, not so much that you get lost in the details though. It is a perfect balance, which I found very surprising-- because you will never see me picking up stories with war or politics in them. That being said you can see why I am so shocked at how much I adored this story.I think it is safe to say with this author's Filipina decent, her travels and her own experiences aided to her writing exquisitely. It is not an easy time to be a woman of culture in today's society, and Cindy effortlessly lays out the pain and romance for us as if it is second nature, and sadly probably is. I think this book coming out during these times of presidency, is of utmost importance. America needs stories like this now more than ever. <b>Will you choose happiness or pride?</b>I do think the book summary on the back reveals a little much. "My MacArthur" is a tragic love story I will forever cherish, despite knowing how it ends. I am so happy Isabel's side of the story has had some light shone on it, and enjoyed the emotional pull it had on my heart. I liked the way it was written so much it just may go on my favorites list and definitely one I would recommend. You will crave the food, drink, and hot weather throughout this read, maybe even after. The mango/brandy/ice drink Isabel makes for Douglas MacArthur is one that will not leave my mind. The scents, perfumes, fruits, tropicallness of it all had such an alluring and enticing appeal, it makes one swoon.I want to say thank you to the author Cindy Fazzi, for putting in as many facts and research into this story as she did, and citing her sources, it was worth it! I also want to thank Sand Hill Review Press and the Goodreads Giveaway Program for the paperback ARC I won. All reviews are my own and voluntary.