Debutante

Davenport House #0.5

by Marie Silk

The family saga begins in Debutante, a prequel to the best-selling Davenport House series. A life of luxury for the Davenports means drudgery for the servants on the grand country estate. This is their story in 1909 America, six years prior to the events of book one.

While her father is away on business, sixteen-year-old Mary Davenport feels confined and alone, despite her privileged life at the family's mansion. As the day of Mary's debutante ball draws near, the servants are conflicted by instructions from Mary's mother to starve her until she fits into a gown that was made too small. Mary is also under pressure to act the part of society while being forbidden from seeing her only friend, the servant boy who works in the stable.

In a shantytown hours away, a young girl called Abigail is hired to sew a gown for a dressmaker's wealthy patron. Abigail gives up her education in order to provide for her impoverished family. Neither she nor Mary is aware of how connected their futures are destined to become.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Young Adult, Mystery

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 21, 2017

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

[Carol, She's so Novel ꧁꧂ · Rating 2 out of 5]

What on earth did I just read???

Written as background to Ms Silk's Davenport House series, this appeared to be a tale of three different young girls - with only a tenuous connection between Abigail & the other two. I'm surprised this is being marketed as Young Adult as the tone & subject matter was very young - reminded me of fairy tales I used to read.

While Abigail's story was interesting, the story & relationship between the other 2 girls seemed improbable to the point of being farcical. & don't get me started on well born Mary's friendship with a young groom.

The final chapter - disjointed & seemed to come completely out of left field. Apparently if you have read books in the rest of the series it all makes more sense.

A reminder of why I don't normally care for novellas. I'm glad obtained while free on Kindle, as the price now seems steep for an hour's read.

[Ginger Bensman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short (82 pages) prequel that sets the scene and introduces the characters of the Davenport House Series. I read Book One of the series last year, so I came to this introduction with the expectation that reading it would be a similar experience—at least for this reader, not so much. The characters were less convincing and the underlying dramatic action wasn’t enough to keep me involved in the story. I’m glad I read Book One first or I might have passed up this promising series all together. I would give this prequel 2.5 stars rounded to three, and encourage future readers to skip the prequel and jump right into the series.

[Marie Silk]

Mary searches for strength to endure the drama-filled days leading up to her debutante ball. Abigail is suspended from school while her family faces hunger and homelessness. A special connection is shared between the two girls who have never met.

[Lana Kortchik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Davenport House series and was so sad when I finished the last book because I didn't want it to end. Imagine my excitement when I discovered there was a prequel. It was wonderful to read about all my favourite characters when they were younger. I loved this heart-warming story that is beautifully written and well researched. This novella gives a perfect taste of what's to come in the series. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with memorable and relatable characters. Davenport House is the perfect series to get into with so many wonderful books already available. A great read and highly recommended.

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Curiosity

I have wondered about this series for some time and suppose this prequel was written. for devotees of the main saga . It assumed the reader would know where and when and few descriptions .made it a rather dull and forgettable experience. Not a tempting experience.
Still my curiosity is more than satisfied.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. What an enjoyable book! The cast of characters is amazing. The writing was great.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t think this added any value to the series. I actually read this last, and I am glad I didn’t read it first.... it might have dissuaded me from reading the series.

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobooks of this title.

Yes, having listened to the Davenport series, this prelude gave me an insight into how various characters came into the picture.
Although a lot is explained as the saga goes along, it is good to gain this small snapshot in time, to see where each character starts out, so to speak.
In saying the above, this is a good place to begin your Davenport House journey, if you haven't yet ventured into this residence and meet the occupants, and their associates.

[Brie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads contest.

I had n idea it was a novella and I hate novellas. They always are too short. Because of the short length I just could not get into it and gave up reading it. Something silly to say when it is such a short book. I am passing it on to a friend who is interested in it and the series it is a part of.

[Amanda Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prequel to Davenport House is, again, a good story but has the same problems I've stated about Davenport House book 1. As I'm sure the rest of the books will have. However, it's still worth reading. I will continue on until I've read the entire series.

[Ann E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems like extra fluff that wasn't needed. Did nothing to enhance my reading enjoyment of the first Davenport House. That's just my opinion and others may find the extra information enjoyable. At least it is short and a quick read.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Simple Story I couldn't Put Down.

This story and characters piqued my interest right away, in spite of the simplistic prose and lack of sophistication in the voice. I had to keep reading to find out what happened...the very mark of a good read!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prequel to the Davenport House series where there are 7 books. Always good to read the prequel to a series if it's available ax it tells who the main players are.

Good fast read! Now on to book #1 Davenport House...

[Sandi Stover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Series

I highly recommend this series. The author does a wonderful job of weaving characters and storylines through the books. There are many surprises and twists and turns you will enjoy.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brginning

This short novella is the preliminary of the series featuring tales of the Davenport family. It appears to be an American version of Downtown Abbey. Looking forward to further reads.

[Phyllis H. Pajka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a very interesting book and enjoyed it a lot. I plan to read all the rest of them and I think there are 7 all together.

[Beth Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging

I loved this prequel! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. The book was very descriptive and engaging. I could not put it down until I finished the book!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

An introduction to the series I think. Interesting so far. Will read 1st book in series and c how I get on with it. Reading mixed reviews but will make my own mind up.

[Pam McCallister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

[Sheryl Wolford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all of this series and could not wait to see how the author developed and grew the characters

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this from a Goodreads giveaway (woho! my first win, thank you!!) and I did quite like it! It wasn't long enough to let me really learn much about the characters or the story but it did get me interested in the series and I liked the setting. Think I might continue with the next one!

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

1909, Mrs. Margaret Davenport (wife/mother) ordered Cecelia (housemaid) to get Mary Davenport (16, daughter/sister) ready for the (seamstress) to design her dress.
Mr. Davenport (husband/father) thought his daughter was way too young for a suitor.
Pottsgrove, PA. Mrs. Baker asked Abigail “Abby” (12, Irish) to do the stores dishes & she would give her some fresh baked bread to take home to her family.
Abby also worked for Mrs. Stein (dress shop).
Mrs. Price (mom, housekeeper) was showing Clara Price (daughter, attending maid) the ropes.

Ethan (servant boy, stable hand) & Mary were growing quite fond of each other.
Dr. Jones came to see Mary,
Someone noticed Mary’s ball gown was gone.
Mary & Ethan hurried to the stable.
The foal soon emerged from the mare.
Mrs. Davenport wanted to see Mary’s new dress.
The servants worked ½ into the night to get the house ready for the debutante ball.
Mr. Davenport was helping to greet the guests that were arriving.

Those in attendance were: Mrs. Whitmore (mother), & Penelope “Nellie” Whitmore (daughter),

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written family saga book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great family saga movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; BookSends; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty short introduction to the Davenport House series. I am not really sure if the prequel is up for the task of getting the reader hooked enough to read the next installment. It focuses on the parallels between 2 young girls coming upon adulthood via two very different routes. It is about the contrast between rich girl/poor girl and privilege and poverty. I felt that there was so much missing as far as character development went, that it was difficult to really get a handle on any of the people. You are aware right away of the conflicts and challenges that both Mary & Abigail face but it is hard to be sympathetic. It is just very predictable and I really found it uninspiring and rather boring. I am really hoping that taking the time to read Davenport House Book 1 will change my view a little. Maybe the problem with Debutante was that it was too short and just needed a little more time to hook the reader in. I am really on the fence on this one but I am willing to give the next book a try, because I have it as well.

I received this eBook free in exchange for an honest review.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Debutante” the prequel to the Davenport series which I won through Goodreads Giveaways intertwines two stories: the struggle of sixteen -year- old Mary Davenport to adhere to her mother’s orders by starving so she can fit into her ball gown and staying away from the horses she adores, and twelve-year-old Abigail’s determination to provide for her impoverished family in Shantytown.

Short in length and basic in theme the prequel is interesting and wets your taste for more stories in the series as lonely, frustrated and confined Mary Davenport tries to conform to her controlling and class-conscious mother’s dictates before her coming-out ball, while hardworking, tired and undernourished Abigail fights to help her family survive by leaving school and getting a job with a local dressmaker. Marie Silk skilfully juxtaposes the prejudices and restrictive environment of the wealthy against the biases, and impoverishment of the Irish working class. I’m sure the tension felt by both girls in each of these settings will be heightened in future plots as their lives connect.

I enjoyed reading “Debutante” and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[J. Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Debutante is the introductory prequel to the Davenport House series by Marie Silk, a family saga that is set in the United States in 1909. It begins as the story of two young girls living parallel though distinctly different lives. Sixteen-year-old Mary Davenport lives a lonely and restricted existence in spite of the luxury and affluence that surrounds her, while Abigail, an underprivileged Irish girl, has to give up school to provide for her family and is hired by a dressmaker.
Debutante was a quick and easy read. I was drawn to it because of my love of the Downton Abbey series. I thought it a little light on characterization, but perhaps the characters are better developed in the subsequent volumes. I feel that it wouldn't be fair to judge the series for this on the prequel alone. All in all, it was a fairly enjoyable read that piques the interest for Book One.

[Amie O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not one to buy novellas, but I really loved that I was able to sit down one evening and devour this entire gem of a book in just one session. Several months ago I read Book 1. It was great to know what I know and still get to take a step back into Mary's world. This book provided more material as to why I LOATHE her mother. I literally want to wring that woman's neck for not caring about the things a mother should. I take my vested emotions as great writing on the author's part. My only fault is wishing that I could have had more scenes with Mary's father towards the ending. He is such a kind soul and I know he was mostly naive to his wife's behavior. But I wish she could get caught at it, if only a little!

[Tiffany {Beyond the Stars Books} · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very cute little welcome to Davenport House. It was a short story that is, I believe, set six years before the first novel. I do love reading historical fiction so this was a nice welcome back, so to say, to that genre. It was in a three point perspective, so you had Mary, Clara, and Abigail. I enjoyed how all the girls lives we're tied together, especially Abilgail's unbeknownst to them.

Was it so good that it made me want to read the series? Ehh. I wouldn't mind reading the first book just to see, but I'm not dying to read it.

Check out my Blog: https://tiffanyreadsalot.wordpress.com

[Linda Romer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Davenport House Debutante by Marie Silk

A lovely story. An introduction into the world of The Davenport's as they prepare for Mary's Debutante Ball.
Mary is a sweet girl of 16. You will meet her friends Ethan the stable boy and Clara her hand maid. She also makes friends with Nellie. You will be introduced to Abigail a poor Irish girl who is also sweet and kind. A great beginning and I'm looking forward to continuing this story. I enjoyed the Authors writing and characters.

I give Debutante 5 stars for the beginning of a great story.
I would recommend this story to everyone.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well~crafted and a real page~turner all the more special because it carries with it the promise, thrill and excitement of The Davenport House series. As a Prequel, it is Brilliant! The reader is introduced to Mary, Clara, and Ethan then we have Abigail plus all the other servants at Davenport's and Abby's world, too.

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have submitted this review after listening to the audio book of this title. (Audible.com)

A young girls trials brought on by her approaching debut. This is also an introduction to the staff and owners of Davenport House.