What do you think?
Rate this book
Davenport House #2
A New Chapter
The family saga continues in this sequel to Davenport House, resuming where book one leaves off in the spring of 1915. The family and servants must face their fears amid love and jealousy, grief and moving forward, and threat of imminent War with the World.
The restructure of an upper class family affects all who live on the Pennsylvania estate. 22-year-old Mary Davenport stays occupied with modernizing the house, but insecurities arise when she develops romantic feelings for the first time.
A wealthy socialite persuades one of the ladies to join her on a voyage aboard the exquisite Lusitania. Handsome Ethan is forced to move into the mansion after a fire destroys his home. Tensions rise as Davenport House enters a new chapter with more challenges than anyone is prepared for.
The restructure of an upper class family affects all who live on the Pennsylvania estate. 22-year-old Mary Davenport stays occupied with modernizing the house, but insecurities arise when she develops romantic feelings for the first time.
A wealthy socialite persuades one of the ladies to join her on a voyage aboard the exquisite Lusitania. Handsome Ethan is forced to move into the mansion after a fire destroys his home. Tensions rise as Davenport House enters a new chapter with more challenges than anyone is prepared for.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2016
499 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
About the author
Marie Silk
8 books390 followersMarie Silk is a #1 Amazon Best Selling author of clean historical novels. She lives with her family in the United States and travels the world as much as she can. Marie has enjoyed writing stories and plays since childhood. Her favorite books to read are supernatural, history, and psychology.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Read
August 8, 2016A New Chapter is the second book in the Davenport House family saga. The characters move past the confusion and pain of the patriarch's death and begin the next chapter of their lives. The dynamic is ever-changing when new neighbors move onto the estate and the stable boy and groundskeeper move into the great mansion. One of the ladies is invited on a voyage aboard the Lusitania, but the passengers are warned that the ship is heading into a war zone. Relationships are put to the test amid rising tensions of The Great War and more tensions developing within the house.
I enjoyed weaving American history into this second installment of Davenport House. Issues of the time include immigration, healthcare, social prejudice, war tension, and new technology, all of which have a place in the story. My favorite element may be the romantic attachments that develop here, which are only hinted at in the first book. I hope you enjoy this New Chapter of Davenport House.
I enjoyed weaving American history into this second installment of Davenport House. Issues of the time include immigration, healthcare, social prejudice, war tension, and new technology, all of which have a place in the story. My favorite element may be the romantic attachments that develop here, which are only hinted at in the first book. I hope you enjoy this New Chapter of Davenport House.
May 30, 2016
Having loved the first book in the Davenport House series, I was very excited about the second part. And I wasn't disappointed - it is just as fascinating as the first. It concentrates on the day-to-day lives of the inhabitants of Davenport House, as they are reeling from the disaster that happened to them in the first book and try to find their peace of mind once again. The characters I became attached to in part one are developed further and relationships explored. The second book is all about love, friendship and the importance of kindness, without which the happy ending wouldn't have been possible. I loved the period detail and all the intriguing customs that the author had meticulously researched. After reading the book, I had to google and read everything I could find on the real Davenport House and the sinking of Lusitania. The book is beautifully written and will stay with me for a long time. I look forward to the next book in the series.
November 21, 2019
A New Chapter (Davenport House #2) by Marie Silk was the second in a seven book series about a family and the home they live in. The book picked up right where book one left off and the story continued. Mary Davenport the new mistress of the house is now getting closer to her recently discovered sister Clara. She's updating and modernizing the house and learning to live without her father in her life. A man she cherished and loved. The book follows the history of the time and Mary's closest friend Nellie even embarks on a voyage to London on the ill fated Lusitania. The book was a quick read for me and as I said about book one I feel the story could have been more in depth and even longer. I felt like I was only given the basic information without explanation or reasoning. With that said, I like the story as it's been evolving and will most likely finish the series eventually, but I don't feel the need to read them one after the other to the end. This is the type of book I like to pick up after reading a couple in depth, intense books that take time and energy to get through. I'm enjoying the writing, but still, as in the first book, the characters are likable and easy to connect with, however the dialogue seems amateurish and basic. Like I've said it's a good story, a quick read and has some wonderful characters, I just don't think this one's going to be book/series that will remain with me. Nothing wrong with that, it's not often you read a book that has an effect on you and stays with you for some time. I would say if you're looking for a good historical fiction story, with good characters in a quick read this would be a great series for you. For now I'm taking a break on the series and will most likely go back to it later. Happy Reading!
June 10, 2016
Davenport House 2 is the sequel to Davenport House by Marie Silk, but I have to admit that I ended up liking this sequel even better than the first book! Usually this is not the case, but I just loved seeing the characters that Silk created in the first book come to life and grow along with America in the time period. I love the Progressive Era focus, and Silk created a beautiful plot that worked perfectly with her chosen setting.
In the first book, the only thing I critiqued were the excessive descriptions; but in this sequel Silk clearly streamlined her writing to perfect it in order to give the reader the correct balance of setting, description, and plot. I didn't have anything to critique with this sequel, and I found myself unable to put it down. Throughout the book I felt myself growing closer to the characters with each passing page, and I wanted only the best for them. Being able to carry characters so effortlessly from one novel to another was outstanding, and I was amazed by how Silk urged the reader to grow their connections to the characters instead of losing care for them which does often happen for me when it comes to sequels. I am a sucker for Historical Fiction when it is done properly, and I don't think I have found a better series set in the Progressive Era that captures the time period as well as Silks' novels do. I am so excited that she plans on having multiple novels in this series, and I plan on reading every single one of them. Her novels give the reader the best possible literary escape, and I am pleased with the fact that this series would be a good series for those who aren't sure if they like Historical Fiction to pick up. It is the perfect series to convert a reader to becoming a Historical Fiction fan, and I highly recommend her novels to anyone. Her writing is effortless while being serious and artistic at the same time, and I was blown away by her imagery and clear tone. She is one of those rare authors whose talent jumps right off of the page, and authors like her only come around once in a lifetime.
In the first book, the only thing I critiqued were the excessive descriptions; but in this sequel Silk clearly streamlined her writing to perfect it in order to give the reader the correct balance of setting, description, and plot. I didn't have anything to critique with this sequel, and I found myself unable to put it down. Throughout the book I felt myself growing closer to the characters with each passing page, and I wanted only the best for them. Being able to carry characters so effortlessly from one novel to another was outstanding, and I was amazed by how Silk urged the reader to grow their connections to the characters instead of losing care for them which does often happen for me when it comes to sequels. I am a sucker for Historical Fiction when it is done properly, and I don't think I have found a better series set in the Progressive Era that captures the time period as well as Silks' novels do. I am so excited that she plans on having multiple novels in this series, and I plan on reading every single one of them. Her novels give the reader the best possible literary escape, and I am pleased with the fact that this series would be a good series for those who aren't sure if they like Historical Fiction to pick up. It is the perfect series to convert a reader to becoming a Historical Fiction fan, and I highly recommend her novels to anyone. Her writing is effortless while being serious and artistic at the same time, and I was blown away by her imagery and clear tone. She is one of those rare authors whose talent jumps right off of the page, and authors like her only come around once in a lifetime.
September 26, 2017
This is book two in the Davenport House series, if you haven't read book one this review will contain spoilers. This book shouldn't be read as a standalone, it's best to read book one first.
Mary and her new sister Clara are settling into their new roles at Davenport House. Mary is now mistress of the house, and Clara is a rich heiress who owns half the land on the Davenport estate. Sweet Abigail is still enlisted to act as Mary's companion, and her riding lessons throw her in Ethan's path. When a stable fire destroys Ethan's home, he moves into the house and Clara jealously notices just how close he and Abigail have become.
Nellie visits and invites Clara to travel to London on the ship Lusitania. Despite her mother's warning about the growing tension spilling over into the Atlantic, Clara decides to go. When Ethan and William discover the trip, they rush to stop the girls from travelling on the doomed ship.
I really liked this second installment in the series. The beginning moved at a sedate pace, but the second half really picked up speed. Mary began to mature and come into her own, while Clara struggled with her jealousy and selfishness. The romance, the mystery, the setting, they all combined to make a really enjoyable read.
The narration was well done, the narrator has the perfect pleasant voice to immerse me in the story. I received a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Mary and her new sister Clara are settling into their new roles at Davenport House. Mary is now mistress of the house, and Clara is a rich heiress who owns half the land on the Davenport estate. Sweet Abigail is still enlisted to act as Mary's companion, and her riding lessons throw her in Ethan's path. When a stable fire destroys Ethan's home, he moves into the house and Clara jealously notices just how close he and Abigail have become.
Nellie visits and invites Clara to travel to London on the ship Lusitania. Despite her mother's warning about the growing tension spilling over into the Atlantic, Clara decides to go. When Ethan and William discover the trip, they rush to stop the girls from travelling on the doomed ship.
I really liked this second installment in the series. The beginning moved at a sedate pace, but the second half really picked up speed. Mary began to mature and come into her own, while Clara struggled with her jealousy and selfishness. The romance, the mystery, the setting, they all combined to make a really enjoyable read.
The narration was well done, the narrator has the perfect pleasant voice to immerse me in the story. I received a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2021
This bok picks up right where the last book left off. Mary and Clara are trying to figure out how to be sisters. Abigail is figuring out how to be a lady's conpanion.
Clara and Ethan can no longer be because of the social change and Ethan soon realizes he never actually loved her. On the other hand he is growing strong feelings for Abigail and of course that makes Clara furious.
A new family moves into the house where William, Ethan and John once lived. Phillip(a widower) and his two young children make quite an impression on Davenport house.
This story takes place right before WW1 and Abigail almost boards the RMS Lusitania but is talked off of it.
William worries if he should leave town because of his German background. He fears if someone finds out his real name that there will be heck to pay.
The Ethan/ Clara/ Abigail/ Phillip drama takes up much of the story. The end of it is not surprising but lovely.
William and Mary still dance around each other afraid to make their feelings known. Everyone but they know that the couple are crazy about each other.
Clara and Ethan can no longer be because of the social change and Ethan soon realizes he never actually loved her. On the other hand he is growing strong feelings for Abigail and of course that makes Clara furious.
A new family moves into the house where William, Ethan and John once lived. Phillip(a widower) and his two young children make quite an impression on Davenport house.
This story takes place right before WW1 and Abigail almost boards the RMS Lusitania but is talked off of it.
William worries if he should leave town because of his German background. He fears if someone finds out his real name that there will be heck to pay.
The Ethan/ Clara/ Abigail/ Phillip drama takes up much of the story. The end of it is not surprising but lovely.
William and Mary still dance around each other afraid to make their feelings known. Everyone but they know that the couple are crazy about each other.
December 30, 2017
This book picks up immediately after the end of the first book, the books need to be listened to in order for them to make sense. This book deals with the main characters finding their feet now that they are in control of their lives. Each struggles with carving out a niche for themselves while also figuring out their relationship with the other key characters.
There's a lot of character growth in this book along with some intrigue and it's very enjoyable to listen to. If you liked book one you'll like this one too and I'm eagerly awaiting more parts of this series being available in audio.
The narration is excellent, great character voices and accents and the delivery is smooth and flowing.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
There's a lot of character growth in this book along with some intrigue and it's very enjoyable to listen to. If you liked book one you'll like this one too and I'm eagerly awaiting more parts of this series being available in audio.
The narration is excellent, great character voices and accents and the delivery is smooth and flowing.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
August 31, 2019
Simplistic writing
This story was ok, but the writing was so simplistic it was hard to read. I got through book one, and struggled through book two just to see how it went on. I just couldn’t handle the poor writing after that. No contractions used.. “I do not know” or “I cannot go riding”, constant throughout the whole book. It was like it was written by a robot. Just couldn’t past book two and I understand readers who couldn’t get past 11%. It was a struggle. Description clarity definitely missing.
This story was ok, but the writing was so simplistic it was hard to read. I got through book one, and struggled through book two just to see how it went on. I just couldn’t handle the poor writing after that. No contractions used.. “I do not know” or “I cannot go riding”, constant throughout the whole book. It was like it was written by a robot. Just couldn’t past book two and I understand readers who couldn’t get past 11%. It was a struggle. Description clarity definitely missing.
December 20, 2018
This is second in a series, and definitely should be read as a part of the series. I don't think it would work well as a stand alone novel. Once again I have mixed feelings about this one. I find the writing style rather stilted, and yet I am still interested in the characters and how their lives are developing now that they are having to take care of themselves in the wake of the patriarch's death.
January 13, 2018
Audible:I truely enjoyed this second book in the series.It is kind of,'Jane Austen Lite'.Mary,Clara and Abigails lives just keep changing.Allyson Vooler was a terrific narrator.I am looking forward to book 3.“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”
May 2, 2018
Great romance novel
The book held my interest, but I wish there were more historical details. I read the first book in this series about a year ago. Yet I immediately recognized the character's and was up to date with the story. Look forward to the rest of the books in this series.
The book held my interest, but I wish there were more historical details. I read the first book in this series about a year ago. Yet I immediately recognized the character's and was up to date with the story. Look forward to the rest of the books in this series.
September 11, 2019
An Interesting Story
I enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed the story and liked most of the characters. While I know facts in the story are true it’s almost like a fantasy to think of ppl being in mourning for a year, no phones, the first cars etc. Even human nature seems to have changed to an extent. But it’s worth reading and I look forward to the next book.
I enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed the story and liked most of the characters. While I know facts in the story are true it’s almost like a fantasy to think of ppl being in mourning for a year, no phones, the first cars etc. Even human nature seems to have changed to an extent. But it’s worth reading and I look forward to the next book.
April 27, 2020
The second book in the Davenport series, it continues where book one ended. Mary is now the mistress of the Davenport House. This book was fast paced, interesting and entertaining. There were several young people in love during the whole story, I wondered who would end up with who. The farm house had new tenants move in. The stable caught fire and had to be rebuilt, the gardener and the stable boy had to live in the big house until the stable could be rebuilt. Also, a doctor moves into town trying to make a living.
I enjoy this book as much as the first book. It is a well written book, I would recommend this book to everyone that enjoys Victorian historical romance with a little suspense thrown in.
I enjoy this book as much as the first book. It is a well written book, I would recommend this book to everyone that enjoys Victorian historical romance with a little suspense thrown in.
September 12, 2021
Joan
A continuation of the Davenport series. Don't know why I continue to read it but am a sucker for finishing all books in a series. The writing is amateurish jumping from character to character, within the first two chapters one can figure out the ending. The basic idea of an American version of Downtown Abbey had promise in the first book but soon lost it's momentum.
A continuation of the Davenport series. Don't know why I continue to read it but am a sucker for finishing all books in a series. The writing is amateurish jumping from character to character, within the first two chapters one can figure out the ending. The basic idea of an American version of Downtown Abbey had promise in the first book but soon lost it's momentum.
July 25, 2017
More turmoil?
This book picks where book 1 ended with more turmoil.
I have to be very careful what to write so I don't give anything away regarding the first book. I will say it is as riveting as the first book.
This book picks where book 1 ended with more turmoil.
I have to be very careful what to write so I don't give anything away regarding the first book. I will say it is as riveting as the first book.
March 23, 2018
I read this book in one day. It was ok. The writing makes it easy to read fast, but it also bugged me the way it was written! I don't think I'll continue with the series. The girls in it are kind of silly and don't seem to know what they are really doing in life..
August 1, 2018
And the Plot Thickens
Engaging characters, better writing and editing, a suspenseful plot with love, laughter, intrigue, revenge, gossip, the Lusitania and the beginnings of WWI.
What will happen in Book 3!!!
Engaging characters, better writing and editing, a suspenseful plot with love, laughter, intrigue, revenge, gossip, the Lusitania and the beginnings of WWI.
What will happen in Book 3!!!
August 11, 2018
A more powerful Mary
I like this saga. The time, the manners, tho maybe not so much perhaps the "vapors" the females seem subject to.
Mary finally got the ..umm...balls to tell her mother she's a mean bitch. Oh my, not proper in that era. Tho....true.
I like this saga. The time, the manners, tho maybe not so much perhaps the "vapors" the females seem subject to.
Mary finally got the ..umm...balls to tell her mother she's a mean bitch. Oh my, not proper in that era. Tho....true.
April 13, 2019
Well-written and genteel
Truly well-written. The characters seem like friends, the love stories are clean and sweetly romantic. I enjoyed this book and will tell others about the series with absolutely no hesitation! Thank you for a beautiful book!
Truly well-written. The characters seem like friends, the love stories are clean and sweetly romantic. I enjoyed this book and will tell others about the series with absolutely no hesitation! Thank you for a beautiful book!
April 13, 2019
The world is in turmoil.
The lead character Mary, has so many responsibility's now that she is in charge of a large home. It is enough to get buried under the weight. The world is going through big changes as well,that makes everyone fear what will happen next.
The lead character Mary, has so many responsibility's now that she is in charge of a large home. It is enough to get buried under the weight. The world is going through big changes as well,that makes everyone fear what will happen next.
June 22, 2019
Terrific Book
It been a long time between book one and two. But will not be so long before I get to the rest. I love the characters and their stories lines. Thank you Ms. Silk for the series.
It been a long time between book one and two. But will not be so long before I get to the rest. I love the characters and their stories lines. Thank you Ms. Silk for the series.
July 19, 2019
Friends in high places
This book along with book 1 were very good reading. I enjoyed following along on the changes in everyones lives and how they were accepted. Two good books. I'm ready for book 3!
This book along with book 1 were very good reading. I enjoyed following along on the changes in everyones lives and how they were accepted. Two good books. I'm ready for book 3!
August 15, 2019
Victorian Charmer
A delightful continuation of the Davenport family. Well written with interesting characters. Romance at every corner. I would recommend this book to young ladies 12 to 102. I now will jump right in to the 3rd book of the series.
A delightful continuation of the Davenport family. Well written with interesting characters. Romance at every corner. I would recommend this book to young ladies 12 to 102. I now will jump right in to the 3rd book of the series.
April 18, 2020
This book was an audio book promo. That fact has nothing to do with my free will opinion. I left a similar review on Audible. This is a great story to binge on. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. I really think that you should read or listen to this series.
August 2, 2021
2 down and more yet to read yea!!!!
This author has managed to keep me enthralled with her writings. I do love historical fiction and she writes it so well. I can just keep reading one after another without getting bored
This author has managed to keep me enthralled with her writings. I do love historical fiction and she writes it so well. I can just keep reading one after another without getting bored
January 1, 2025
I would give this book 3.5 stars if I could. Only because the writing style is hard to follow at times. However the story line deserves 4 stars. It kept me entertained and I finished it in 24 hours. Look forward to the next book.
December 28, 2017
Once again. This book is so poorly written and/or edited it was so hard to not get out my blue pencil...I still like the story and the characters.
February 2, 2018
More bad drama
Book Two is not written any better than Book one. The grammar is so choppy and hard to read. The outcome is so predictable.
Book Two is not written any better than Book one. The grammar is so choppy and hard to read. The outcome is so predictable.
April 9, 2018
These books are all too predictable and in need of a good editor.
August 2, 2018
I am enjoying this continuing family saga, but I do not understand why this seven book series could not have been collected into one book...I can read one of these books in afternoon...just curious!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews