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The Davenports #1
De huwbare miljonairsdochter
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Young Adult Fiction (2023)‘De huwbare miljonairsdochter’ van Krystal Marquis biedt niet alleen drama en het beschrijft ook een stuk geschiedenis dat niet vergeten mag worden.
Het is 1910. Ooit was William Davenport tot slaaf gemaakt, nu heeft hij een immens imperium in Chicago. Omringd door rijkdom en markante feesten proberen hij en zijn gezin hun weg te vinden in de wereld en in de liefde. Dochter Olivia raakt overrompeld na een ontmoeting met een burgerrechtenactivist, terwijl haar zus Helen liever auto’s repareert. Meeslepend inkijkje in het leven van een miljonairsfamilie die echt heeft bestaan.
Het is 1910. Ooit was William Davenport tot slaaf gemaakt, nu heeft hij een immens imperium in Chicago. Omringd door rijkdom en markante feesten proberen hij en zijn gezin hun weg te vinden in de wereld en in de liefde. Dochter Olivia raakt overrompeld na een ontmoeting met een burgerrechtenactivist, terwijl haar zus Helen liever auto’s repareert. Meeslepend inkijkje in het leven van een miljonairsfamilie die echt heeft bestaan.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2023
1579 people are currently reading
64433 people want to read
About the author
Krystal Marquis
7 books999 followersKrystal Marquis happily spends most of her time in libraries and used bookstores. She studied biology at Boston College and University of Connecticut and now works as an environmental, health, and safety manager for an online retailer. A lifelong reader, Krystal began researching and writing on a dare to complete the NaNoWriMo Challenge, resulting in the first partial draft of The Davenports. When not writing or planning trips to the Book Barn to discover her next favorite romance, Krystal enjoys hiking, expanding her shoe collection, and plotting ways to create her own Jurassic Park.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,001 reviews
January 20, 2023
I really wanted to like this book... Or at least I thought after hearing the premise that I would enjoy it. In the end though it just felt a little like we were going in circles.
What it boiled down to for me was all four of our perspectives were having the exact same issue in their romantic life, every one of them was interested in a person that wasn't the person that was "right for them" according to society, or their parents, or whatever other external factor, and all four of them were moving through the narrative hitting expected romance beats at the exact same time... Which made for a rather lackluster reading experience.
It certainly didn't help that there didn't seem to be any other plot going on. I don't go into YA books for the romance, even when the YA protagonists are very clearly in that grey space of actual early adulthood and not 17 year olds doing things that children do. In the YA books that I do pick up there is usually something other than the romance that is equally as compelling to read about, but here there was nothing. The four perspectives while vaguely distinct, didn't really seem to matter because there wasn't much a plot for them to maneuver their way through. Even the unique setting of 1900s Chicago with these wealthy Black families still trying to navigate a world that wasn't fully ready to accept them felt dull and flat. Daddy Davenport literally escaped slavery and worked his way to founding a successful business and yet I was supposed to believe he was this person that was so set in his ways that he wouldn't see that horseless carriages were here to stay? It just wasn't clicking for me.
If the sequel is shorter than this book I might be willing to pick this up, but honestly as I was reading this book I was more invested in it being over than the narrative that I was supposed to be experiencing. For all the potential this book had at every opportunity it seemed to stray down the road that was the least compelling to read about.
What it boiled down to for me was all four of our perspectives were having the exact same issue in their romantic life, every one of them was interested in a person that wasn't the person that was "right for them" according to society, or their parents, or whatever other external factor, and all four of them were moving through the narrative hitting expected romance beats at the exact same time... Which made for a rather lackluster reading experience.
It certainly didn't help that there didn't seem to be any other plot going on. I don't go into YA books for the romance, even when the YA protagonists are very clearly in that grey space of actual early adulthood and not 17 year olds doing things that children do. In the YA books that I do pick up there is usually something other than the romance that is equally as compelling to read about, but here there was nothing. The four perspectives while vaguely distinct, didn't really seem to matter because there wasn't much a plot for them to maneuver their way through. Even the unique setting of 1900s Chicago with these wealthy Black families still trying to navigate a world that wasn't fully ready to accept them felt dull and flat. Daddy Davenport literally escaped slavery and worked his way to founding a successful business and yet I was supposed to believe he was this person that was so set in his ways that he wouldn't see that horseless carriages were here to stay? It just wasn't clicking for me.
If the sequel is shorter than this book I might be willing to pick this up, but honestly as I was reading this book I was more invested in it being over than the narrative that I was supposed to be experiencing. For all the potential this book had at every opportunity it seemed to stray down the road that was the least compelling to read about.
July 19, 2023
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
Before picking up The Davenports, I saw this book being compared to a Black Bridgerton, which I have neither watched nor read. If you’re looking for straight up historical fiction, just know that this is light on the historical aspect and much heavier on the romance. This isn’t a bad thing, just something to keep in mind so that the right reader connects with this book.
The entire time I was reading this book, all I could think of was how wonderfully the content would translate into a tv series, and possibly in a more entertaining manner than as a book. I loved the juicy nature of the various relationships portrayed in each chapter, where we get four different POVs that mostly worked for me, but may have been a bit disorienting at times. I believe the editing for this one needed to decide what the book wants; as it stands, it’s long-winded and either needed to wrap up as a standalone novel, or cut the page count down to extend into the running series it is planned to be. Minor gripes, but it could have taken a good book and made it spectacular.
Overall, such a fun read showcasing Black joy and success, which we LOVE to see, with snippets of historical context that I enjoyed learning about, and have encouraged me to continue learning about on my own outside of reading this book. Highly recommended as a gateway into historical fiction/romance for the YA.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
Before picking up The Davenports, I saw this book being compared to a Black Bridgerton, which I have neither watched nor read. If you’re looking for straight up historical fiction, just know that this is light on the historical aspect and much heavier on the romance. This isn’t a bad thing, just something to keep in mind so that the right reader connects with this book.
The entire time I was reading this book, all I could think of was how wonderfully the content would translate into a tv series, and possibly in a more entertaining manner than as a book. I loved the juicy nature of the various relationships portrayed in each chapter, where we get four different POVs that mostly worked for me, but may have been a bit disorienting at times. I believe the editing for this one needed to decide what the book wants; as it stands, it’s long-winded and either needed to wrap up as a standalone novel, or cut the page count down to extend into the running series it is planned to be. Minor gripes, but it could have taken a good book and made it spectacular.
Overall, such a fun read showcasing Black joy and success, which we LOVE to see, with snippets of historical context that I enjoyed learning about, and have encouraged me to continue learning about on my own outside of reading this book. Highly recommended as a gateway into historical fiction/romance for the YA.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
October 27, 2022
I received this book for review from Penguin Teen. Thank you so much to them. All thoughts are my own. I was extremely excited to receive a copy of The Davenports especially because it is loosely based on the C.M. Patterson family. I had not seen many YA books that focus on Black families during the turn of the 20th century especially those who were known to have wealth which often isn't taught or discussed during some history classes. While this book did focus on some of those elements, I feel as though the romance is more centered than the historical parts. If you enjoy the idea of having a historical romance with an all-Black cast you'll enjoy this one; however, I wouldn't necessarily go into it looking for a straight-forward historical fiction.
The Davenports is told in four different perspectives: two being from two of the Davenport children (Olivia & Helen), a family friend and servant (Amy-Rose), and Olivia's best friend (Ruby). As the novel progresses, readers follow each of the main characters as they attempt to deal with romances as well as societal and family expectations. There is much to be said about the romances in this book. Each one of the main characters is involved with or have feelings for someone that does not fit the societal and/or financial expectations of their families. If you like complex romances and possibly just a tad bit of drama, then you'll really enjoy this aspect of the book. Unfortunately, I was looking for more of the historical elements of the book which became less of the focus as the story moved forward.
In terms of the historical elements, readers do get the opportunity to see the differences in classes as it pertains to the Black community through Olivia and Amy-Rose, the challenging of gender roles through Helen, and the difficulty of acquiring and maintaining well for Black families through Ruby. There was also some discussion about the initial wave of Jim Crow and protesting through Helen and her possible love interest. Unfortunately, I wanted more and felt as though I didn't get enough of these elements as a reader. Part of me feels as though it's because of the marketing of the book, but I think I was searching for more of a balance. This was the perfect opportunity to capture a perspective of history that many people either don't know much about or don't know about at all. And I feel like the author struggled with finding that balance which makes this book more of a historical romance than a historical fiction with romantic elements.
The writing in this novel was easy to follow, but I think I struggled a little with the pacing. There were moments where I was really invested in the characters and their positions/places in society and how they were trying to change that; however, sometimes the romances would slow the pacing down and it threw me off. It too me over a month to read this book and that's very unlike me to take that long to read a book.
Overall, I think your enjoyment of this book is going to be based on what you're looking for out of this book. If you're looking for a historical romance than you'll probably end up loving it; however, if you're looking for those historical fiction elements you may not enjoy it as much. This book also ends in a way that leaves room for a second book in the series.
The Davenports is told in four different perspectives: two being from two of the Davenport children (Olivia & Helen), a family friend and servant (Amy-Rose), and Olivia's best friend (Ruby). As the novel progresses, readers follow each of the main characters as they attempt to deal with romances as well as societal and family expectations. There is much to be said about the romances in this book. Each one of the main characters is involved with or have feelings for someone that does not fit the societal and/or financial expectations of their families. If you like complex romances and possibly just a tad bit of drama, then you'll really enjoy this aspect of the book. Unfortunately, I was looking for more of the historical elements of the book which became less of the focus as the story moved forward.
In terms of the historical elements, readers do get the opportunity to see the differences in classes as it pertains to the Black community through Olivia and Amy-Rose, the challenging of gender roles through Helen, and the difficulty of acquiring and maintaining well for Black families through Ruby. There was also some discussion about the initial wave of Jim Crow and protesting through Helen and her possible love interest. Unfortunately, I wanted more and felt as though I didn't get enough of these elements as a reader. Part of me feels as though it's because of the marketing of the book, but I think I was searching for more of a balance. This was the perfect opportunity to capture a perspective of history that many people either don't know much about or don't know about at all. And I feel like the author struggled with finding that balance which makes this book more of a historical romance than a historical fiction with romantic elements.
The writing in this novel was easy to follow, but I think I struggled a little with the pacing. There were moments where I was really invested in the characters and their positions/places in society and how they were trying to change that; however, sometimes the romances would slow the pacing down and it threw me off. It too me over a month to read this book and that's very unlike me to take that long to read a book.
Overall, I think your enjoyment of this book is going to be based on what you're looking for out of this book. If you're looking for a historical romance than you'll probably end up loving it; however, if you're looking for those historical fiction elements you may not enjoy it as much. This book also ends in a way that leaves room for a second book in the series.
January 14, 2024
3.75/5
Po przeczytaniu noty od autorki książka spodobała mi się nawet bardziej.
Przyjemna, przystępna, trochę Bridgertonowie. Mamy tu prawa osób czarnych, zjawisko rasizmu w historii początku XX wieku, uprzywilejowaną warstwę społeczną, do której należą również czarne osoby. Myslalam, że to fikcja literacka, a tu niespodzianka. Ale więcej w nocie od autorki. I chociaż relacje romantyczne w tej książce do mnie nie przemawiają, to jednak wszystko co pomiędzy tak.
+ skończyło się tak, że jestem ciekawa 2 tomu😂
Po przeczytaniu noty od autorki książka spodobała mi się nawet bardziej.
Przyjemna, przystępna, trochę Bridgertonowie. Mamy tu prawa osób czarnych, zjawisko rasizmu w historii początku XX wieku, uprzywilejowaną warstwę społeczną, do której należą również czarne osoby. Myslalam, że to fikcja literacka, a tu niespodzianka. Ale więcej w nocie od autorki. I chociaż relacje romantyczne w tej książce do mnie nie przemawiają, to jednak wszystko co pomiędzy tak.
+ skończyło się tak, że jestem ciekawa 2 tomu😂
January 12, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
Gossip Girl meets Downton Abbey, but with an all-Black cast in Gilded Age Chicago! Loosely based on the real history of a wealthy Black family at the time, this follows young people coming of age and learning to differentiate what they want from what their parents might want for them. It's chock full of romantic drama, secrets, longing, angst, and fighting for civil rights.
I think this is a strong debut and I look forward to seeing more like this from Marquis in the future. I think if you go in with the right expectations, you could have a fun time with this YA novel. I will say the pacing is rather slow for this sort of effervescent story filled with social drama. And I think the pacing made the character twists feel more staid than they are supposed to. That said, overall I found this to be fun and a very accessible entry-point for teens seeking historical flair and diverse representation alongside their romantic drama. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review, all opinions are my own.
Gossip Girl meets Downton Abbey, but with an all-Black cast in Gilded Age Chicago! Loosely based on the real history of a wealthy Black family at the time, this follows young people coming of age and learning to differentiate what they want from what their parents might want for them. It's chock full of romantic drama, secrets, longing, angst, and fighting for civil rights.
I think this is a strong debut and I look forward to seeing more like this from Marquis in the future. I think if you go in with the right expectations, you could have a fun time with this YA novel. I will say the pacing is rather slow for this sort of effervescent story filled with social drama. And I think the pacing made the character twists feel more staid than they are supposed to. That said, overall I found this to be fun and a very accessible entry-point for teens seeking historical flair and diverse representation alongside their romantic drama. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review, all opinions are my own.
March 17, 2024
3.75*
Another surprise discovery for me as I stumbled upon this book on an upcoming release thread on Buzzfeed of all places 😱
Yet it ticked the box I have started craving for 1910/20s setting.
Inspired by C.R. Patterson & Sons from Ohio but set in Chicago The Davenports follows 4 young women, told in alternating PoV, as they navigate society & parental expectations amidst the first stirrings of love while trying to find their place in a changing world as they decide which battles they are willing to fight for.
We first meet Olivia who carries the family’s expectation to marry well and run a household on her young shoulders. She has never questioned this until she happens upon a meeting with a civil rights speaker from Alabama and her eyes are opened to that which her parents have striven to shelter her from despite their own upbringings and begins to wonder what more she might be able to achieve from her position of privilege. Where her storyline ends in this first book is inspirational, I love the intelligent choice she made and cannot wait to see what's next for her.
Her sister Helen, my fav, has no interest in the pursuit of a husband and much prefers to be in the garage with her brother figuring out what makes an engine tick – until her parents tire of her “unseemly” behavior and hire help to refine her manners. However she finds her head turned in an unlikely direction and I have to say I LOVE how this was handled. This book shines in its lack of petty girl on girl hate which is a trope it could have so easily fallen in to.
I am keeping everything 🤞🤞🤞 that she and her bro can follow through on their plans and stick it to those stuck in the past no matter the supposed good intentions 🙊
Amy-Rose (my second fav), childhood friend of the girls is now a maid with plans to open her own business catering specifically to Black hair and styles with her own recipes for treatments inspired by her mother’s homeland. AR’s storyline pulled at my heartstrings the most, man do I want success for this sweet child. Where book1 ends for her may seem sad, but I am here for her Phoenix rise potential 💪
Please let big things be in her future, while some events of this book would make me sad were I reading this younger – older me is lowkey LIVING to see what she does next 😈
Ruby rounds out our quartet, she is Olivia’s best friend and fellow socialite. However as an only child to a father running to be the first Black mayor of Chicago she is carrying the burden of her parents expectation to make an advantageous marriage as their coffers secretly trickle away to fund the campaign. Her childhood crush is not acting as smitten as he once was, she hatches a scheme to recapture his attention however in doing so she risks losing something potentially better. – fingers crossed it all works out for our heroines.
The ending of this first book has me intrigued to see where our gals go from here and I am absolutely coming back to see the three peas in a pod navigate the situations they have found themselves in 🤐🤫
Another surprise discovery for me as I stumbled upon this book on an upcoming release thread on Buzzfeed of all places 😱
Yet it ticked the box I have started craving for 1910/20s setting.
Inspired by C.R. Patterson & Sons from Ohio but set in Chicago The Davenports follows 4 young women, told in alternating PoV, as they navigate society & parental expectations amidst the first stirrings of love while trying to find their place in a changing world as they decide which battles they are willing to fight for.
We first meet Olivia who carries the family’s expectation to marry well and run a household on her young shoulders. She has never questioned this until she happens upon a meeting with a civil rights speaker from Alabama and her eyes are opened to that which her parents have striven to shelter her from despite their own upbringings and begins to wonder what more she might be able to achieve from her position of privilege. Where her storyline ends in this first book is inspirational, I love the intelligent choice she made and cannot wait to see what's next for her.
Her sister Helen, my fav, has no interest in the pursuit of a husband and much prefers to be in the garage with her brother figuring out what makes an engine tick – until her parents tire of her “unseemly” behavior and hire help to refine her manners. However she finds her head turned in an unlikely direction and I have to say I LOVE how this was handled. This book shines in its lack of petty girl on girl hate which is a trope it could have so easily fallen in to.
I am keeping everything 🤞🤞🤞 that she and her bro can follow through on their plans and stick it to those stuck in the past no matter the supposed good intentions 🙊
Amy-Rose (my second fav), childhood friend of the girls is now a maid with plans to open her own business catering specifically to Black hair and styles with her own recipes for treatments inspired by her mother’s homeland. AR’s storyline pulled at my heartstrings the most, man do I want success for this sweet child. Where book1 ends for her may seem sad, but I am here for her Phoenix rise potential 💪
Please let big things be in her future, while some events of this book would make me sad were I reading this younger – older me is lowkey LIVING to see what she does next 😈
Ruby rounds out our quartet, she is Olivia’s best friend and fellow socialite. However as an only child to a father running to be the first Black mayor of Chicago she is carrying the burden of her parents expectation to make an advantageous marriage as their coffers secretly trickle away to fund the campaign. Her childhood crush is not acting as smitten as he once was, she hatches a scheme to recapture his attention however in doing so she risks losing something potentially better. – fingers crossed it all works out for our heroines.
The ending of this first book has me intrigued to see where our gals go from here and I am absolutely coming back to see the three peas in a pod navigate the situations they have found themselves in 🤐🤫
March 1, 2024
I want to preface this review with the fact that I am not a reader of historical romance, and most of what I didn't love about this book seems to be pretty standard for the genre.
While I was excited to read a story about four Black women in the early 20th century in Chicago, three of whom are from wealthy, prominent families, I found the plot a bit fluffy for my taste.
The characters were interesting but not overly complex. It took until the final pages to get even a tiny bit more insight into their true thoughts, feelings and personalities, which was just too little too late. I wanted to know so much more about them, to really learn their depths, but they seemed to have the same thoughts so often I began to guess what they would be thinking in any given scenario with alarming accuracy. Ruby, in particular, was so one note I started speeding through her sections in search of relief.
While I can appreciate an attempt at following multiple budding romances in a single book, I found myself wishing that the author had focused on just one at a time, leaving the others for subsequent novels. Each romance followed the same predictable pattern, and each pair had the exact same conflict: they were not a good match by the standards of society at the time, primarily due to their class.
There was some inclusion of discussions of racism, colourism, the experience of mixed-race people at that time, and civil rights, but all of these issues were explored on such a surface level that they didn't add much to the story as a whole.
All in all, the story felt a bit bland and empty, but I am a lover of love and found some of the romantic relationships quite cute. I enjoyed it well enough while reading, but it certainly didn't blow me away.
Trigger/Content Warnings: racism, colourism
You can watch me talk about all the books I read in February as I set up my reading journal here: https://youtu.be/NY7bgSmoggM
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While I was excited to read a story about four Black women in the early 20th century in Chicago, three of whom are from wealthy, prominent families, I found the plot a bit fluffy for my taste.
The characters were interesting but not overly complex. It took until the final pages to get even a tiny bit more insight into their true thoughts, feelings and personalities, which was just too little too late. I wanted to know so much more about them, to really learn their depths, but they seemed to have the same thoughts so often I began to guess what they would be thinking in any given scenario with alarming accuracy. Ruby, in particular, was so one note I started speeding through her sections in search of relief.
While I can appreciate an attempt at following multiple budding romances in a single book, I found myself wishing that the author had focused on just one at a time, leaving the others for subsequent novels. Each romance followed the same predictable pattern, and each pair had the exact same conflict: they were not a good match by the standards of society at the time, primarily due to their class.
There was some inclusion of discussions of racism, colourism, the experience of mixed-race people at that time, and civil rights, but all of these issues were explored on such a surface level that they didn't add much to the story as a whole.
All in all, the story felt a bit bland and empty, but I am a lover of love and found some of the romantic relationships quite cute. I enjoyed it well enough while reading, but it certainly didn't blow me away.
Trigger/Content Warnings: racism, colourism
You can watch me talk about all the books I read in February as I set up my reading journal here: https://youtu.be/NY7bgSmoggM
You can find me on...
Youtube | Instagram | TikTok
You can join our book club over on Patreon...
PBB Book Club
February 22, 2023
If you’re looking for a book that is heavy on the romance, and light on the history then this one is for you.
Although marketed as being loosely based off of the daughters of C.M Patterson much of the history surrounding this time period is left out as the book focuses more on the romances of the four main characters
In this book we follow two of the Davenport daughters (Helen and Olivia), Ruby (close friend of Olivia) and Amy-Rose (the childhood friend and now maid of the Davenports). Each of them have their own stories that are connected in different ways most of which is surrounding their romantic lives.
We also get to see some of the struggles each of them are experiencing such as familial expectations and their experiences connected to their class, wealth, and being Black in the 20th century Chicago.
While I enjoy this book, I did find the pacing to be a bit off. There were times when I felt invested in the story and others where it felt like it was dragging on a bit too long. This may have been due to the perspectives switching and my own level of investment to different storylines.
I also wished that there was more put into the historical element of this book. It is definitely more of a historical romance as opposed to a historical fiction as we only get small pieces highlighted here and there of what it was like being Black during this time period.
Overall this was a good book! If you enjoy historical romance books that reads like Bridgeton with a full Black cast, then this one is for you.
I received this book from Penguin Teen in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own
Although marketed as being loosely based off of the daughters of C.M Patterson much of the history surrounding this time period is left out as the book focuses more on the romances of the four main characters
In this book we follow two of the Davenport daughters (Helen and Olivia), Ruby (close friend of Olivia) and Amy-Rose (the childhood friend and now maid of the Davenports). Each of them have their own stories that are connected in different ways most of which is surrounding their romantic lives.
We also get to see some of the struggles each of them are experiencing such as familial expectations and their experiences connected to their class, wealth, and being Black in the 20th century Chicago.
While I enjoy this book, I did find the pacing to be a bit off. There were times when I felt invested in the story and others where it felt like it was dragging on a bit too long. This may have been due to the perspectives switching and my own level of investment to different storylines.
I also wished that there was more put into the historical element of this book. It is definitely more of a historical romance as opposed to a historical fiction as we only get small pieces highlighted here and there of what it was like being Black during this time period.
Overall this was a good book! If you enjoy historical romance books that reads like Bridgeton with a full Black cast, then this one is for you.
I received this book from Penguin Teen in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own
September 14, 2022
Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was such a charming read! I loved this YA historical romance set in the backdrop of Chicago in 1910. I really enjoyed following Olivia, Helen, Ruby, and Amy-Rose as they navigated familial expectations, love, gender norms, classism, race, and more, It was super cool to see each of their romances be so intertwined. I can't even say that I enjoyed following one girl over the other because each girl brought so much heart to their individual chapters.
I also love the premise of this novel and how it explores the Black community in Chicago and how Black people started and contributed to so many entrepreneurial and political endeavors during the time. The discussions between our four main characters and their love interests about their identities as Black women and men from different walks of life was really engaging as well.
I think all fans of Bridgerton and diverse historical romances will love The Davenports. After the (four) cliffhanger(s) at the end of the novel (that practically ripped my heart out), I'm super excited to read the next book in this series.
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This was such a charming read! I loved this YA historical romance set in the backdrop of Chicago in 1910. I really enjoyed following Olivia, Helen, Ruby, and Amy-Rose as they navigated familial expectations, love, gender norms, classism, race, and more, It was super cool to see each of their romances be so intertwined. I can't even say that I enjoyed following one girl over the other because each girl brought so much heart to their individual chapters.
I also love the premise of this novel and how it explores the Black community in Chicago and how Black people started and contributed to so many entrepreneurial and political endeavors during the time. The discussions between our four main characters and their love interests about their identities as Black women and men from different walks of life was really engaging as well.
I think all fans of Bridgerton and diverse historical romances will love The Davenports. After the (four) cliffhanger(s) at the end of the novel (that practically ripped my heart out), I'm super excited to read the next book in this series.
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
December 11, 2023
I wanted to like this book, but unfortunately the author did not handle the large cast of characters well. All the characters were interchangeable (especially the men) and I kept getting them mixed up— I’m not someone who usually has trouble keeping track of multiple characters but the fact that they all read the same made it difficult to keep them apart. To top it off I wasn’t invested in the outcomes of any of the relationships.
The best part about this book was the authors note at the end— which is actually worth a read. I won’t be reading book two, because I just don’t care, but if this author ever published some of her research I would be all over it.
The best part about this book was the authors note at the end— which is actually worth a read. I won’t be reading book two, because I just don’t care, but if this author ever published some of her research I would be all over it.
April 9, 2023
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis is a lovely book about black success in the early 1900’s. Inspired by the story CR Patterson and Sons Carriage Company. The patriarch, Mr Patterson escaped slavery and was able to pave the way for his family He showed how blacks could be successful of progress and possibly. While others were still living in segregation.
Lots of young romance that eventually failed.
I liked that an author can write a book with romance included without any sex, much less graphic sex.
Lots of young romance that eventually failed.
I liked that an author can write a book with romance included without any sex, much less graphic sex.
February 1, 2023
This one is for the Bridgerton fans but make it Black!
I want more historical romances like this!
Here we see rich, Black families thriving in Chicago while navigating love and following one’s dreams during the Jim Crow era.
This book doesn’t shy away from the horrors that Black folks faced especially being so close to enslavement, but we also get to see Black success celebrated and young Black folks allowed to fall in love and make foolish choices along the way.
While I loved all of the characters, Helen and Amy-Rose were my faves, and they both had angsty and swoon worthy romances full of banter!
This book truly is a breath of fresh air when it comes to historical romance!
Thank you Penguin Teen for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
I want more historical romances like this!
Here we see rich, Black families thriving in Chicago while navigating love and following one’s dreams during the Jim Crow era.
This book doesn’t shy away from the horrors that Black folks faced especially being so close to enslavement, but we also get to see Black success celebrated and young Black folks allowed to fall in love and make foolish choices along the way.
While I loved all of the characters, Helen and Amy-Rose were my faves, and they both had angsty and swoon worthy romances full of banter!
This book truly is a breath of fresh air when it comes to historical romance!
Thank you Penguin Teen for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
June 21, 2022
This book was handed to me as "The Black Bridgerton" and that is sort of true. It has all the drama, all the romance and all the ball gowns. This book was a lot more serious though. For a big part, it is about equality (or the lack thereof) and the scars of slavery, set in 1910. I am very impressed with this book and hope it will find a great audience.
December 20, 2022
Loved it! Everything I would’ve loved to read as a teen. Main characters are around 17-21 I think
Edit: It’s perfect, don’t even consider the low reviews.
Edit: It’s perfect, don’t even consider the low reviews.
July 22, 2024
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis - 3.5 Stars rounding up to 4 Goodreads
(Book 1 in The Davenport Series)
Set in 1910, we have the Davenports, one of the few Black families of immense wealth and status in a changing United States. Their fortune made through William Davenport's entrepreneurship, a formerly enslaved man who founded the Davenport Carriage Company years ago. The Davenports live rich, lavish lives and we follow their journey with servants, chandeliers, parties and finding their way and finding love.
I really enjoyed this book! I read this as one of my friends, Chrissie's, favorite books for her birthday month and I am so glad I did! Filled with drama, a great atmosphere, many characters, romance and themes of racism that went on during the early 1900s, you have a story bound to keep you invested! +
I listened to the audiobook and really liked the narrator. We have several characters, many have compared the set up to American Royals, though I don't know much about that.
Characters:
Helen - The younger Davenport sister. She isn't interested in love until she meets her sister's suitor -- uh oh!
Olivia - the oldest Davenport sister who has a lot of pressure to marry ASAP a man named Jacob Laurence. You know the drill - Olivia doesn't want to marry him, she loves another....
Amy Rose - a servant to Davenports and friends with the siblings. She wants to open a Black salon but also has feelings for John Davenport....how is this going to go?
Ruby -- she is from the Tremaine family. (Another wealthy Black family.) Her father is running for office, money is tight..... She was supposed to marry John Davenport but she falls for another also....
SO there you have if folks - the set up for the TEA in this YA series right there. So much was going on in this! Anndddd that is why its 3.5 for me. I really love that this is a clean YA book (maybe 1-2 curse words but I don't recall many), but the sexual content is clean with kisses only. I loved the setting, the atmosphere, the drama - it was all engaging. My problem was there were to many characters - as my friend Tammy says, "That is a very BookLoverAmanda thing. Too many characters." - She is right! I reallllly struggle, especially in audio format, when we have too many POVs. 2-3 is about all I can work with usually. Once we get 4+, I just really struggle with maintaining interest and keeping up with all of the characters. So that is just a ME thing ya'll. BUT I see why so many have enjoyed this book and I would love to continue on in the series because I kinda NEED to know what happens next!
So overall, a good YA book that tackles important topics, has great characters and lots of family dynamic and romance that I think a lot of yall would enjoy!
Check it out.
(Book 1 in The Davenport Series)
Set in 1910, we have the Davenports, one of the few Black families of immense wealth and status in a changing United States. Their fortune made through William Davenport's entrepreneurship, a formerly enslaved man who founded the Davenport Carriage Company years ago. The Davenports live rich, lavish lives and we follow their journey with servants, chandeliers, parties and finding their way and finding love.
I really enjoyed this book! I read this as one of my friends, Chrissie's, favorite books for her birthday month and I am so glad I did! Filled with drama, a great atmosphere, many characters, romance and themes of racism that went on during the early 1900s, you have a story bound to keep you invested! +
I listened to the audiobook and really liked the narrator. We have several characters, many have compared the set up to American Royals, though I don't know much about that.
Characters:
Helen - The younger Davenport sister. She isn't interested in love until she meets her sister's suitor -- uh oh!
Olivia - the oldest Davenport sister who has a lot of pressure to marry ASAP a man named Jacob Laurence. You know the drill - Olivia doesn't want to marry him, she loves another....
Amy Rose - a servant to Davenports and friends with the siblings. She wants to open a Black salon but also has feelings for John Davenport....how is this going to go?
Ruby -- she is from the Tremaine family. (Another wealthy Black family.) Her father is running for office, money is tight..... She was supposed to marry John Davenport but she falls for another also....
SO there you have if folks - the set up for the TEA in this YA series right there. So much was going on in this! Anndddd that is why its 3.5 for me. I really love that this is a clean YA book (maybe 1-2 curse words but I don't recall many), but the sexual content is clean with kisses only. I loved the setting, the atmosphere, the drama - it was all engaging. My problem was there were to many characters - as my friend Tammy says, "That is a very BookLoverAmanda thing. Too many characters." - She is right! I reallllly struggle, especially in audio format, when we have too many POVs. 2-3 is about all I can work with usually. Once we get 4+, I just really struggle with maintaining interest and keeping up with all of the characters. So that is just a ME thing ya'll. BUT I see why so many have enjoyed this book and I would love to continue on in the series because I kinda NEED to know what happens next!
So overall, a good YA book that tackles important topics, has great characters and lots of family dynamic and romance that I think a lot of yall would enjoy!
Check it out.
March 6, 2023
This was a highly anticipated 2023 must read for me, and I am happy to say it lived up to all my expectations. Marquis takes us into the 4 lives of Amy Rose, Helen, Olivia, and Ruby, who all are dealing with the struggle of society's acceptance and their forbidden loves. This is the perfect historical romance.
The romance, it was heavy. I was swooning and rooting for everyone to be with who they wanted to be with and not who their parents thought they should be with. My favorite couple had to be Harrison and Ruby. Harrison would do anything for Ruby, and although my Ruby didn't reciprocate that energy initially, she quickly came around to it.
The elitism and classism in this book, whew! I almost wanted to throw it. If you don't come out from this book with disdain for The Davenport and Tremaine parents, we need to speak. There is a huge disconnect between the children and parents, and it made me sad to hear how they spoke to their kids. Ruby, Helen, nor Olivia's wants did NOT matter, it was all about what the parents saw for them.
I loved the multiple POVs and the highlighting of Black people's success, hopes, and dreams. All the characters in this book connected, but all of their stories were slightly different. I truly enjoyed every minute and found myself reading ahead just to peek at what was going to happen next. Marquis makes it easy for the reader to follow along. I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
The romance, it was heavy. I was swooning and rooting for everyone to be with who they wanted to be with and not who their parents thought they should be with. My favorite couple had to be Harrison and Ruby. Harrison would do anything for Ruby, and although my Ruby didn't reciprocate that energy initially, she quickly came around to it.
The elitism and classism in this book, whew! I almost wanted to throw it. If you don't come out from this book with disdain for The Davenport and Tremaine parents, we need to speak. There is a huge disconnect between the children and parents, and it made me sad to hear how they spoke to their kids. Ruby, Helen, nor Olivia's wants did NOT matter, it was all about what the parents saw for them.
I loved the multiple POVs and the highlighting of Black people's success, hopes, and dreams. All the characters in this book connected, but all of their stories were slightly different. I truly enjoyed every minute and found myself reading ahead just to peek at what was going to happen next. Marquis makes it easy for the reader to follow along. I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
January 13, 2023
3.5/5 I simply think the summary should say that this isn’t a standalone book bc close to nothing got resolved in the end.
It says it’s part of a series but that’s not very clear. I mean I’d wait to read this until the next book comes out? That’s what I would’ve done if I’d known because that means I’d have to reread this one when that one comes out, which probably won’t happen. A lot happened in this book and I can’t imagine that we need to know much more about these relationships. Also how many more breakups will there be?? Because four in an hour was a record number for me lmao.
But even though I was frustrated with the ending, I really enjoyed learning about a (non 1800s) time period and how four young Black women navigated their ways through different social classes, family issues, and love. I also think it’s super cool that this was based on a real family!! I’d have preferred even more history and how that influenced the characters and less ups and downs in the romances.
**Potential Spoilers Below**
Four relationships, four breakups, one angry Hannah. I was rooting for the relationships but duty and the parental pressure was a lot.
(I think one relationship did get an HEA? But I doubt it’ll stay happy in the sequel.)
At the beginning, I thought this was similar to American Royals in structure, but I really didn’t think it would pull the same incredibly frustrating ending.
Four breakups was just too much to fit into 45 minutes at the end. By that point,I really only liked Amy-Rose out of the main POVs and was surprised that the one couple that did get their HEA had the protagonist that I had the hardest time liking. So I did like that little plot twist.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
*This is a YA book with a few kisses. I think one couple maybe did have sex but I truly don’t know and it wasn’t mentioned after? The word sex wasn’t mentioned in the book as far as I’m aware.
Thanks PRHaudio for an ALC. All opinions are honest and my own.
It says it’s part of a series but that’s not very clear. I mean I’d wait to read this until the next book comes out? That’s what I would’ve done if I’d known because that means I’d have to reread this one when that one comes out, which probably won’t happen. A lot happened in this book and I can’t imagine that we need to know much more about these relationships. Also how many more breakups will there be?? Because four in an hour was a record number for me lmao.
But even though I was frustrated with the ending, I really enjoyed learning about a (non 1800s) time period and how four young Black women navigated their ways through different social classes, family issues, and love. I also think it’s super cool that this was based on a real family!! I’d have preferred even more history and how that influenced the characters and less ups and downs in the romances.
**Potential Spoilers Below**
Four relationships, four breakups, one angry Hannah. I was rooting for the relationships but duty and the parental pressure was a lot.
(I think one relationship did get an HEA? But I doubt it’ll stay happy in the sequel.)
At the beginning, I thought this was similar to American Royals in structure, but I really didn’t think it would pull the same incredibly frustrating ending.
Four breakups was just too much to fit into 45 minutes at the end. By that point,I really only liked Amy-Rose out of the main POVs and was surprised that the one couple that did get their HEA had the protagonist that I had the hardest time liking. So I did like that little plot twist.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
*This is a YA book with a few kisses. I think one couple maybe did have sex but I truly don’t know and it wasn’t mentioned after? The word sex wasn’t mentioned in the book as far as I’m aware.
Thanks PRHaudio for an ALC. All opinions are honest and my own.
May 3, 2024
Bardzo interesująca i godna uwagi powieść. Nie wszystko mi się w niej spodobało, jednak chętnie sięgnę po kolejne tomy. Bardzo polubiłam rodzinę Davenportów❤️
April 7, 2025
Post read: It’s actually six stars 🤭 REVIEW COMING SOON, JUST KNOW THAT IM SO FREAKING PISSED BY THAT ENDING
Review:
AHHH THIS BOOK IS AMAZINGGGGG
(But I am mad that I thought this was a standalone when actually book two is coming out in November and she left us on a semi-cliffhanger that’s so annoying)
I rarely read romance cuz I always feel like I need some type of action to make the book better but NO! I’m in my romance era now and I’m loving it!
I have TWO book boyfriends- I’m sorry, no, one has been promoted to husband
While Ruby and John could have been be cute, I 10000% ship John and Amy-Rose. It’s kinda royalty x commoner and I’m ALL FOR THAT
✨ Couples ✨
Harrison + Ruby = 💝 + 🤦🏽♀️
John + Amy-Rose = 🥰
Helen + Jacob = Cuteness 😘
Olivia + Washington = PERFECTION 🤭
Olivia: I liked her! Her passion for activism by the end of the story was amazing and I’m glad she no longer listened blindly to her parents rules
Helen: Our favorite little rebel. I love her sm and I think that she definitely carried the story.
John: Aww he’s so cute. I loved him throughout but, So yeah, but he’s still part of the list of my book boyfriends
Ruby: She’s a little stuck up. I didn’t like her
Amy-Rose: While all the girls were okay-ish, the one girl I love with every single part of me is Amy-Rose. This girl…. I love her smmmm!!! She wants to open her salon to have girls embrace their curls and style them without having to copy people who don’t look like them. She’s an inspiration tbh for everything
Washington: I’m so in love with this guy UGH. He had me giggling and kicking my feet and he’s GOALS for a man 🤭🥰 He’s a lawyer (I wanna be a lawyer too), he’s an activist, he’s funny and cute and kind and amazing and I’m running out of things to praise him with but I fell hard for this guy
Jacob Lawrence: He pretty good. The end tho 🫢 I actually gasped
Harrison: he’s so kind and thoughtful. He deserves better than a spoiled brat like Ruby
BU THE ENDING, THE ENDING, IM SO SO SO PISSED
I totally rambled this entire review but have fun 😘
Review:
AHHH THIS BOOK IS AMAZINGGGGG
(But I am mad that I thought this was a standalone when actually book two is coming out in November and she left us on a semi-cliffhanger that’s so annoying)
I rarely read romance cuz I always feel like I need some type of action to make the book better but NO! I’m in my romance era now and I’m loving it!
I have TWO book boyfriends- I’m sorry, no, one has been promoted to husband
While Ruby and John could have been be cute, I 10000% ship John and Amy-Rose. It’s kinda royalty x commoner and I’m ALL FOR THAT
✨ Couples ✨
Harrison + Ruby = 💝 + 🤦🏽♀️
John + Amy-Rose = 🥰
Helen + Jacob = Cuteness 😘
Olivia + Washington = PERFECTION 🤭
Olivia: I liked her! Her passion for activism by the end of the story was amazing and I’m glad she no longer listened blindly to her parents rules
Helen: Our favorite little rebel. I love her sm and I think that she definitely carried the story.
John: Aww he’s so cute. I loved him throughout but, So yeah, but he’s still part of the list of my book boyfriends
Ruby: She’s a little stuck up. I didn’t like her
Amy-Rose: While all the girls were okay-ish, the one girl I love with every single part of me is Amy-Rose. This girl…. I love her smmmm!!! She wants to open her salon to have girls embrace their curls and style them without having to copy people who don’t look like them. She’s an inspiration tbh for everything
Washington: I’m so in love with this guy UGH. He had me giggling and kicking my feet and he’s GOALS for a man 🤭🥰 He’s a lawyer (I wanna be a lawyer too), he’s an activist, he’s funny and cute and kind and amazing and I’m running out of things to praise him with but I fell hard for this guy
Jacob Lawrence: He pretty good. The end tho 🫢 I actually gasped
Harrison: he’s so kind and thoughtful. He deserves better than a spoiled brat like Ruby
BU THE ENDING, THE ENDING, IM SO SO SO PISSED
I totally rambled this entire review but have fun 😘
January 24, 2023
Thank you to Penguin Teen for an eARC and physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Davenports is a YA Historical Romance that follows the two Davenport daughters Olivia and Helen, their childhood friend turned maid Amy-Rose and Olivia’s best friend, Ruby as they make their own way in life and love. Based on the real life story of the Patterson family. Set in 1910, The Davenports will transport you to the past full of riches, balls and debuts. Perfect for Bridgerton fans!
When I finished this one I immediately had to look it back up and confirm it was a first in series because I have questions. And it is in fact the start of a new series. I’m not sure how many books there will be but I’m super excited for whatever will come next.
I really enjoyed these four young girls navigating growing up. Helen was definitely my favorite. Her interests and how her gender restricts her is something that was heavily relatable and I really want to see her succeed. Helen also struck me as possibly autistic, but I don't know if I'm right or if it was intentional. Ultimately I’m cheering for all four of these girls and I can’t wait to see how their stories will progress. Highly recommend this fantastic debut 🥰.
The Davenports is a YA Historical Romance that follows the two Davenport daughters Olivia and Helen, their childhood friend turned maid Amy-Rose and Olivia’s best friend, Ruby as they make their own way in life and love. Based on the real life story of the Patterson family. Set in 1910, The Davenports will transport you to the past full of riches, balls and debuts. Perfect for Bridgerton fans!
When I finished this one I immediately had to look it back up and confirm it was a first in series because I have questions. And it is in fact the start of a new series. I’m not sure how many books there will be but I’m super excited for whatever will come next.
I really enjoyed these four young girls navigating growing up. Helen was definitely my favorite. Her interests and how her gender restricts her is something that was heavily relatable and I really want to see her succeed. Helen also struck me as possibly autistic, but I don't know if I'm right or if it was intentional. Ultimately I’m cheering for all four of these girls and I can’t wait to see how their stories will progress. Highly recommend this fantastic debut 🥰.
November 26, 2024
‧₊˚✧pre-read ✧˚₊‧
I really have to reread this before I read the second book. I’m so excited. This one is fighting for my fav book so I hope it stays that way! Depending on how much I love the second book fs my fav book+new fav author
I really have to reread this before I read the second book. I’m so excited. This one is fighting for my fav book so I hope it stays that way! Depending on how much I love the second book fs my fav book+new fav author
June 20, 2024
An okay story although I don’t care for any of the love matches especially John & Amy Rose( don’t even know why? Lol).
I will definitely be reading the next book to see how it all unfolds
Story: 3.5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay , so either Joniece Abbott-Pratt and Wesleigh Siobhan are the same person or I’m just going crazy and hearing things
I will definitely be reading the next book to see how it all unfolds
Story: 3.5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay , so either Joniece Abbott-Pratt and Wesleigh Siobhan are the same person or I’m just going crazy and hearing things
February 28, 2023
I wish I had paid attention and noticed that this was the first book in a series rather than a stand-alone. I'd have been much less irritated by the cliffhanger ending.
I don't think the individual love stories were the most original, and I do find 4 pairs of star-crossed lovers to be a few too many, but I liked the story overall. I appreciate that the siblings were up front with one another and were a united force against their parents.
I don't think the individual love stories were the most original, and I do find 4 pairs of star-crossed lovers to be a few too many, but I liked the story overall. I appreciate that the siblings were up front with one another and were a united force against their parents.
January 25, 2023
This one was tough because everything was written in such a passive voice with every romance going through the same problems. This led to me confusing characters and not really connecting with any of them. When certain plot points that otherwise would have been exciting did happen, I was too bored to notice. By the end I had to skim, which is always a sign that it’s not the book for me.
January 26, 2023
I was really excited when I read the description for this book. I am not sure I have read any book set at this time focusing on an affluent black family as the struggles with Jim Crow laws and the civil rights movement. I liked some parts of the story quite a bit, but I thought the drama surrounding the romantic pieces were drawn out and were harder for me to be invested into. I did like that we get to read the story from four young women’s perspectives each of them in a completely different position. Helen and Olivia are sisters and part of the affluent Davenport family but their desires couldn’t be more different. Olivia is excited to find a husband and fulfill her part of society. Helen loves to work on cars and wants to help expand her father’s business and bring them from carriages to automobiles. Ruby’s family has lost a lot of their wealth and are counting on her father to win the race to mayor and for Ruby to marry John, the Davenport son, to re-establish their family wealth. Amy-Rose grew up in the Davenport household and is currently a maid. She has dreams of owning her own salon. All four young women are at the precipice of stepping into their adult lives and each facing difficult choices about where to go (but mostly about their romantic lives).
April 29, 2023
This book was:
-Fabulous…
-Delicious…
-Messy…
-Scandalous…
-Just absolutely beautiful to me…Until the last seven chapters. Geez…These parents were the ABSOLUTE WORST…😒😒😒
If someone would have told me that I would be reading an Historical Fiction Romantic novel this year and actually enjoy it, I would have laughed in their face. Upon finishing Chapter One, I knew that I was going to fall in love with this book. During these past four weeks, my mind was so consumed with all of the pages that I read each passing night. I also found myself obsessing with all of the unread chapters. Had it not been for all of my adult responsibilities, I would have read this entire book in one sitting. A week tops!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Being transported to Chicago, 1910 was such an experience for me. To relearn about the Jim Crow laws, the Civil Rights Movement, and just the struggles that members of my community have faced, served as both a reminder and an inspiration. I was reminded of how proud I should feel toward every member of my community who fought to bring equality for African Americans in America. I was inspired to cherish EVERY happy moment that life will bring, especially in today’s society. These days life’s happy moments often feel far and few between. I also found myself smiling, from ear-to-ear, about the dating rules. During 1910, letters were written; chaperones were required; and face-to-face conversations were a must. Also, much like today’s society, there was A LOT of sneaking around…🤭🤭🤭
However…😮💨😮💨😮💨…After reading these last seven chapters, my love with this book has changed…BUT …only slightly…
One of my BIGGEST book pet peeves is “parents who inflict pain on their children with their words.” I mean, I get it. You’re the adult. You have been alive longer than your child/children. You know more about the happenings of the world than they do. However, just because you are in pain does not mean that you get to put your pain on child/children. This is exactly what the parents did in this book. I know that each parent has had their struggles and their pain is valid. However, wanting the best for their child/children meant that they ignored what their child/children wanted for themselves. At one point, one parent even dangled the child’s inheritance over their head if they did not marry or do what the parent wanted. Another parent was just a straight up bully towards their child. Each parent was SO OBSESSED with their reputation more than they were with listening to their child’s wants and needs. IT WAS FRUSTRATING!!! Unfortunately, these last seven chapters have me, slightly, rethinking if I want to continue this series.
BBBUUUTTT…
If you enjoy :
✅ Staring at a BEAUTIFUL book cover
✅(Light) Historical Fiction with (Heavy Swirls of) Romance
✅Dual perspectives (in this case: four different perspectives. For some, this can get a little bit overwhelming. I, for one, was so caught up in the story that I often found myself forgetting whose chapter I was reading until the name was mentioned…🤭🤭🤭…But, again, the story was so good that I found myself wanting to just relax and read. Like who cares who is speaking right now.)
✅Flawed but lovable Main Female Characters:
-Olivia Davenport
-Helen Davenport
-Amy-Rose Shepherd
-Ruby Tremaine
(Each character will pull you into their side of the story and never let you go. These characters have their own distinct personality and voice, which you can definitely feel throughout this entire book.)
✅Flawed, annoying, but lovable Main Male Characters:
-Washington DeWight
-Jacob Lawerence
-John Davenport
-Harrison Barton
(Now, these characters are a whole different story. You will laugh, sigh, and become frustrated with each one of them. But, with patience, you will eventually find yourself falling in love with them.)
✅ Hilarious and Adorable Banter
✅ A beautiful writing style
THEN YOU SHOULD MOST DEFINITELY READ THIS BOOK!!!
Favorite Quotes :
“She remembered her mother’s words: TO ALWAYS RISE ABOVE.” -Olivia Davenport
“ I can see it. You want passion. Purpose. You won’t find that with him.” -Washington DeWight
“No daughter of Clara Shepherd would endure ridicule and postpone her own dreams for a man to return.” -Amy-Rose Shepherd
“I think the hardest thing we can do is to decide what WE want, and stride toward it.” -Olivia Davenport
“Much of what affects our lives is out of our control. We should always strive to make the choices we can. Life is too short, too full of heartache.” -Mrs. Milford
“Ain’t nobody JUST anything.” -Jessie, The house cook
-Fabulous…
-Delicious…
-Messy…
-Scandalous…
-Just absolutely beautiful to me…Until the last seven chapters. Geez…These parents were the ABSOLUTE WORST…😒😒😒
If someone would have told me that I would be reading an Historical Fiction Romantic novel this year and actually enjoy it, I would have laughed in their face. Upon finishing Chapter One, I knew that I was going to fall in love with this book. During these past four weeks, my mind was so consumed with all of the pages that I read each passing night. I also found myself obsessing with all of the unread chapters. Had it not been for all of my adult responsibilities, I would have read this entire book in one sitting. A week tops!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Being transported to Chicago, 1910 was such an experience for me. To relearn about the Jim Crow laws, the Civil Rights Movement, and just the struggles that members of my community have faced, served as both a reminder and an inspiration. I was reminded of how proud I should feel toward every member of my community who fought to bring equality for African Americans in America. I was inspired to cherish EVERY happy moment that life will bring, especially in today’s society. These days life’s happy moments often feel far and few between. I also found myself smiling, from ear-to-ear, about the dating rules. During 1910, letters were written; chaperones were required; and face-to-face conversations were a must. Also, much like today’s society, there was A LOT of sneaking around…🤭🤭🤭
However…😮💨😮💨😮💨…After reading these last seven chapters, my love with this book has changed…BUT …only slightly…
One of my BIGGEST book pet peeves is “parents who inflict pain on their children with their words.” I mean, I get it. You’re the adult. You have been alive longer than your child/children. You know more about the happenings of the world than they do. However, just because you are in pain does not mean that you get to put your pain on child/children. This is exactly what the parents did in this book. I know that each parent has had their struggles and their pain is valid. However, wanting the best for their child/children meant that they ignored what their child/children wanted for themselves. At one point, one parent even dangled the child’s inheritance over their head if they did not marry or do what the parent wanted. Another parent was just a straight up bully towards their child. Each parent was SO OBSESSED with their reputation more than they were with listening to their child’s wants and needs. IT WAS FRUSTRATING!!! Unfortunately, these last seven chapters have me, slightly, rethinking if I want to continue this series.
BBBUUUTTT…
If you enjoy :
✅ Staring at a BEAUTIFUL book cover
✅(Light) Historical Fiction with (Heavy Swirls of) Romance
✅Dual perspectives (in this case: four different perspectives. For some, this can get a little bit overwhelming. I, for one, was so caught up in the story that I often found myself forgetting whose chapter I was reading until the name was mentioned…🤭🤭🤭…But, again, the story was so good that I found myself wanting to just relax and read. Like who cares who is speaking right now.)
✅Flawed but lovable Main Female Characters:
-Olivia Davenport
-Helen Davenport
-Amy-Rose Shepherd
-Ruby Tremaine
(Each character will pull you into their side of the story and never let you go. These characters have their own distinct personality and voice, which you can definitely feel throughout this entire book.)
✅Flawed, annoying, but lovable Main Male Characters:
-Washington DeWight
-Jacob Lawerence
-John Davenport
-Harrison Barton
(Now, these characters are a whole different story. You will laugh, sigh, and become frustrated with each one of them. But, with patience, you will eventually find yourself falling in love with them.)
✅ Hilarious and Adorable Banter
✅ A beautiful writing style
THEN YOU SHOULD MOST DEFINITELY READ THIS BOOK!!!
Favorite Quotes :
“She remembered her mother’s words: TO ALWAYS RISE ABOVE.” -Olivia Davenport
“ I can see it. You want passion. Purpose. You won’t find that with him.” -Washington DeWight
“No daughter of Clara Shepherd would endure ridicule and postpone her own dreams for a man to return.” -Amy-Rose Shepherd
“I think the hardest thing we can do is to decide what WE want, and stride toward it.” -Olivia Davenport
“Much of what affects our lives is out of our control. We should always strive to make the choices we can. Life is too short, too full of heartache.” -Mrs. Milford
“Ain’t nobody JUST anything.” -Jessie, The house cook
July 17, 2025
The plot: The Davenports tells the story of an affluent Black family in the United States during the early 1900s. As the country experiences political and social upheaval, four women grapple with what is expected of them and what their hearts truly desire.
First, we have Olivia Davenport: the eldest daughter in the Davenport family who never sets a foot wrong…until she’s drawn to passionate lawyer Mr. Dewitt, who opens her eyes to the horrors of Jim Crow. Unfortunately, Mr. Dewitt is not her actual suitor. That would be the charismatic Jacob Lawrence 🙃
Then, there's Helen, Olivia’s younger sister, who would rather tinker with cars than endure etiquette lessons. Her world turns upside down when she finds herself drawn to *checks notes* her sister’s suitor * cue Young and the Restless theme*
Amy Rose is the Davenports’ lady’s maid and confidante who dreams of owning her own hair salon. She also dreams of John Davenport, only son and heir to the Davenport fortune. Additionally, as a biracial woman, she struggles with navigating two very different spaces.
Ruby is a family friend whose parents see an engagement with John as the solution to all of their problems. Too bad Ruby finds herself falling for Mr. Barton, the man she’s fake dating in order to make John jealous. WHOOPS.
Thus, all four women have to do decide if it's worth risking everything to follow their hearts.
My thoughts: It took a while for me to get into the book because having 4 POVs was a little overwhelming. Fortunately, Olivia, Helen, Ruby and Amy-Rose all have distinct voices. This book is based on the family of C.R Patterson, a man who was born into slavery and later found success when he opened a carriage manufacturing business. Which leads to me to ask, WHERE IS THE FILM ABOUT PATTERSON'S LIFE. HELLO?!!
Anyway, this book fabulous. And as a Black Woman, this book is an always relevant reminder that you can fall in love and follow your dreams even when the world is on fire. It doesn't mean you don't care about what's going on, doing what you can, no matter how small, to make this world a better place, matters. Whew, that was cheesy, but I stand by that statement 😂 Joy is resistance, and I would argue that READING about people who look like you/love like you living full, joyful and complicated lives is also resistance.
Side note: I see a lot of people comparing this book to Bridgerton, but for me the plot and characters are more similar to what was referred to as "The Black Elite" in The Gilded Age. I ALSO NEED MORE PEOPLE TO WATCH THE GILDED AGE BECAUSE IT'S A FANTASTIC SHOW WITH PERIOD APPROPRIATE COSTUMES OK, I'M DONE *deletes 5 paragraph rant about the lack of bonnets in Bridgerton*
VAGUE SPOILER BELOW
Warning: There is a second book, so the ending of this book is bittersweet. Not everyone gets a happy ending but it's still hopeful that those HEAs might just be around the corner. I definitely plan on reading the second book at some point.
P.S: This book is considered YA and I'm so glad I didn't know that initially, because I usually steer clear of YA (that's just my preference) and I would've missed out on a great book.
First, we have Olivia Davenport: the eldest daughter in the Davenport family who never sets a foot wrong…until she’s drawn to passionate lawyer Mr. Dewitt, who opens her eyes to the horrors of Jim Crow. Unfortunately, Mr. Dewitt is not her actual suitor. That would be the charismatic Jacob Lawrence 🙃
Then, there's Helen, Olivia’s younger sister, who would rather tinker with cars than endure etiquette lessons. Her world turns upside down when she finds herself drawn to *checks notes* her sister’s suitor * cue Young and the Restless theme*
Amy Rose is the Davenports’ lady’s maid and confidante who dreams of owning her own hair salon. She also dreams of John Davenport, only son and heir to the Davenport fortune. Additionally, as a biracial woman, she struggles with navigating two very different spaces.
Ruby is a family friend whose parents see an engagement with John as the solution to all of their problems. Too bad Ruby finds herself falling for Mr. Barton, the man she’s fake dating in order to make John jealous. WHOOPS.
Thus, all four women have to do decide if it's worth risking everything to follow their hearts.
My thoughts: It took a while for me to get into the book because having 4 POVs was a little overwhelming. Fortunately, Olivia, Helen, Ruby and Amy-Rose all have distinct voices. This book is based on the family of C.R Patterson, a man who was born into slavery and later found success when he opened a carriage manufacturing business. Which leads to me to ask, WHERE IS THE FILM ABOUT PATTERSON'S LIFE. HELLO?!!
Anyway, this book fabulous. And as a Black Woman, this book is an always relevant reminder that you can fall in love and follow your dreams even when the world is on fire. It doesn't mean you don't care about what's going on, doing what you can, no matter how small, to make this world a better place, matters. Whew, that was cheesy, but I stand by that statement 😂 Joy is resistance, and I would argue that READING about people who look like you/love like you living full, joyful and complicated lives is also resistance.
Side note: I see a lot of people comparing this book to Bridgerton, but for me the plot and characters are more similar to what was referred to as "The Black Elite" in The Gilded Age. I ALSO NEED MORE PEOPLE TO WATCH THE GILDED AGE BECAUSE IT'S A FANTASTIC SHOW WITH PERIOD APPROPRIATE COSTUMES OK, I'M DONE *deletes 5 paragraph rant about the lack of bonnets in Bridgerton*
VAGUE SPOILER BELOW
Warning: There is a second book, so the ending of this book is bittersweet. Not everyone gets a happy ending but it's still hopeful that those HEAs might just be around the corner. I definitely plan on reading the second book at some point.
P.S: This book is considered YA and I'm so glad I didn't know that initially, because I usually steer clear of YA (that's just my preference) and I would've missed out on a great book.
March 29, 2023
Boriiiiiiiingggggg
December 7, 2023
+++++Still thinking about the impact of this book. It has such a lasting effect on me. Changing my rating to 5 stars🔥🔥🔥
4.5 ⭐️ Luxurious. Historical. Authentic. Must read 👏🏾🔥
4.5 ⭐️ Luxurious. Historical. Authentic. Must read 👏🏾🔥
October 5, 2024
I wanted to love this so much more than I did. The beginning drew me in and although there were a lot of people to keep up with, by the 30% mark I was familiar with everyone and was ready to dive in. I felt like the premise to this story was so interesting and different from anything I’ve ever read. Unbeknownst to me this story was loosely based on true events so that made me eager to continue. However, something was missing. There are 3 siblings, a maid and a best friend that were following (amongst their love interests as well as their families) With all those people, I was hoping to connect with at least one of them and never did. I’m rambling and this review probably doesn’t make sense because I’m tired LOL
But you get my point right? The story was just okay and the ending was very unsatisfying. I doubt that I’ll continue with this series.
But you get my point right? The story was just okay and the ending was very unsatisfying. I doubt that I’ll continue with this series.
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