The Davenports

By Krystal Marquis

Book #1 in the Davenports series

In 1910, four women navigate love and ambition amidst wealth and societal expectations.

3.7/5 Goodreads · 16,589 ratings

400 pages· 96,492 words· Est. 10.5 hour read

$12.99Save 4%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In 1910, the Davenport family, one of the few wealthy Black families, faces love and societal challenges. Olivia is torn between duty and passion for a civil rights leader. Her sister Helen prefers cars to romance, unless it involves her sister's suitor. Their maid, Amy-Rose, dreams of business and forbidden love with their brother, John. Meanwhile, Olivia's friend Ruby schemes for John's heart, only to find her own captured elsewhere. As these women defy expectations, they must choose between tradition and their desires. Will they find the courage to forge their own paths?

From the publisher

Instant New York Times Bestseller Now in paperback, The Davenports delivers a totally escapist, swoon-worthy romance while offering a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked. “The perfect read for fans of escapist historical fiction.” –NBC’s TODAY The Davenports are one of the few Black families of immense wealth and status in a changing United States, their fortune made through the entrepreneurship of William Davenport, a formerly enslaved man who founded the Davenport Carriage Company years ago. Now it’s 1910, and the Davenports live surrounded by servants, crystal chandeliers, and endless parties, finding their way and finding love–even where they’re not supposed to. There is Olivia, the beautiful elder Davenport daughter, ready to do her duty by getting married . . . until she meets the charismatic civil rights leader Washington DeWight and sparks fly. The younger daughter, Helen, is more interested in fixing cars than falling in love–unless it’s with her sister’s suitor. Amy-Rose, the childhood friend turned maid to the Davenport sisters, dreams of opening her own business–and marrying the one man she could never be with, Olivia and Helen’s brother, John. But Olivia’s best friend, Ruby, also has her sights set on John Davenport, though she can’t seem to keep his interest . . . until family pressure has her scheming to win his heart, just as someone else wins hers. Inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, The Davenports is the tale of four determined and passionate young Black women discovering the courage to steer their own path in life–and love. “The Davenports has it all: romance, heartbreak, courage.” –Ebony”A fresh, utterly enchanting read.” –Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of the Beasts of Prey trilogy”Deftly written . . . A dazzling debut.” –Kirkus (starred review)”Stunningly wrought . . . Presents a cast of take-charge women.” –PW (starred review)”It has the compulsive readability of Gossip Girl.” –Booklist (starred review)”Compelling . . . distinct and satisfying.” –BCCB”Skilled . . . Well-written . . . Sure to please.” –SLJ”If this whole series existed right now, I’d tear through it to the exclusion of everything else in my life.” –Teen Librarian Toolbox

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