For the Cause

Davenport House #5

by Marie Silk

The family saga continues in this fifth book to Davenport House. It is springtime in 1917 when America joins the Great War in Europe. Phillip enlists to earn his citizenship papers, but Ethan must sign for the Draft against his own conscience. When both men are sent to fight, the ladies of Davenport House join noble causes on the home front while waiting for them to return.

Clara, now a suffragette, is delighted to gain the attention of a secret admirer. Mary finds purpose in a new career during the nation's shortage of medical personnel. Soldiers wounded in mind and body return from the War, and unknowingly import a deadly influenza, proving to every home that a far worse battle has just begun.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Historical

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2016

About the author

Marie 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.

Reviews

[Marie Silk]

Many times in American literature, we see that WWI is associated with a sense of patriotism in men eager to go “over there”. However, the nationalities represented at Davenport House (Irish, German, Italian) shed light on another side of the story. This fifth installment of the family saga portrays the harsh reality and mixed emotions that Americans faced during the War, followed by the worst flu pandemic in history that caused the demise of 1 in every 4 Americans. In staying true to the spirit of the previous Davenport House books, there is hope to be found in the midst of sorrow, and new characters who have something unique to add to the story.

I have unofficially subtitled this book “The Holiday Special” because it is the first time we get to see what Davenport House is like during the holidays. A full range of emotions will be explored here, all leading up to a climactic Christmas Day that readers won't want to miss. I hope you enjoy this newest installment of the Davenport House series.

[Lana Kortchik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Davenport House series and was looking forward to book 5, which is set in America during the Great War. For the Cause was definitely worth waiting for and had everything I have come to love about the series - great characters, trials and emotions, and, of course, a happy ending. The book explores the war, its aftermath and the effect it had on those who participated and those who remained behind. Just like in the previous books, the lives of the ladies of the house are closely intertwined with those of the servants. The occupants of Davenport house will face great challenges as the war begins, and these challenges are far from over with the end of the war. As always, the book is beautifully written and a pleasure to read. Highly recommended!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first finished this book, I only gave it a 4 star rating. However, after having 24 hours to reflect, I think I want to increase that to a 5 star. It's definitely my favorite book in the series. It's full of drama, mystery, intrigue, scandal, and everything else that makes this series so good. A certain part had me sobbing, which is hard for me to do when I listen to audiobooks.

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story goes on for everyone at Davenport house.People still don't talk to each other before leaving.Marraiges are rushed into rather than checking to see the persons true self.There is flu and WW1.I enjoy these stories! Allyson Voller was a fine narator.Her characters are spot on.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.

[StephieFrost · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a promotion audio book. That has nothing to do with my opinion, freely given. I liked this story, although I yelled at the machine a little, at times. I thought it very dramatic. Still very interested in the household characters. Can't wait for the next book. I recommend this novel. I plan to leave a review on Audible as well, that's similar, to this one.

[whitney morhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

In love with this series. The twists in these books get juicier every time. This one was different in how it started and how it transitioned to places. You have to pay attention to what you are reading. The characters are very enticing truly hate clara really think she isnt playing with a full deck of cards.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

And life goes on

The author has a knack for incorporating historical detail into the daily lives of this elite, moneyed family, with its complex histories. Engaging and nicely told.

[Charlene A. Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing turmoil

The turmoil continues with the country at war. Most of the men were called into duty.

We're any injured or killed? You will have to read the book to find

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Will Get Caught!

The storyline and lives of the characters will keep you reading... What will happen next?

On to read Book 5!

[Lib · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a Twist

Very entertaining, never a dull moment! I will become sorry when the series is over, it is a page turned & surprises abound in this particular book!

[Fred Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very readable and entertaining series as it is difficult to put the story aside as the story development is packed full of surprising details and unexpected happenings.

[bonna sawyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprized

I did not expect the story to end when it did.It seemed like it was not the end. I hope the next Installment will finish the plot

[Pam McCallister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Sheryl Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Good Read

Possibly the best book of the series certainly is so far. I can hardly wait to read the next book and see the families next sags

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

I have missed Downton Abbey until I found these. I have not been able to stop reading. I am going to be distraught when I have to wait for a new one.

[Susan]

This story keeps getting better and such wonderful characters.

[Debbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The U.S. joins the war (WWI) and some of our characters are drafted. Clara finally marries and other drama continues. Still liking this series.

[Candy Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

There is some sadness but also joy. A lot of unresolved issues. I am sure these can be read alone but I have become involved in the series. Each book has been so good and you get so caught up in the characters and what is going on. I have lost sleep but hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobooks of this title.
The saga again continues, with many births, deaths, and marriages. However, the influenza epic brings home what the current world situation is. We just have to hope that is the only thing that this series mimics with the current world turmoil.

The above is the review I posted when Australia was in the midst of the Covid outbreaks. With many military operations happening currently, one wonders if humans will be forever repeating history but never learning from their mistakes.

[Janet McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a wonderful series..

Each book is better than the last. This book covers the time period of World War 1 and the Great Influenza Epidemic. The characters come to life on the pages. I love being able to see in my mind what the author has created on the pages.

[Kirsten · Rating 2 out of 5]

Up to now I have enjoyed this series. This book, though, was disappointing. The word to describe the plot is "tired". The two new characters added to court Clara are too obvious as such. Mr. Collins and his rushed marriage proposal is as unbelievable as plot devices can be. Mr. Blake seems a more credible character. What I take away is that Clara is really naive and dumb....yes, she is impulsive and unthinking, but even for her, this whole Mr. Collins thing is a stretch. Thank God from the preview of the next book, we are rid him. Also the whole Ethan-Phillip-Abigail triangle plot fell flat for me. I feel almost like the writer was forcing the plot and not really knowing what she wanted to do with the story. Since I already borrowed Book 6 via Kindle unlimited, I will finish this, but then no more sequels.