Literature & Fiction
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The Davenports
*Instant New York Times Bestseller*
The Davenports delivers a totally escapist, swoon-worthy romance while offering a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked.
"A fresh, utterly enchanting read." -Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of the Beasts of Prey trilogy
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 perfect read for fans of escapist historical fiction." -NBC's TODAY
"Deftly written . . . A dazzling debut." -Kirkus (starred review)
"Stunningly wrought . . . Presents a cast of take-charge women." -PW (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
The Davenports delivers a totally escapist, swoon-worthy romance while offering a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked.
"A fresh, utterly enchanting read." -Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of the Beasts of Prey trilogy
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 perfect read for fans of escapist historical fiction." -NBC's TODAY
"Deftly written . . . A dazzling debut." -Kirkus (starred review)
"Stunningly wrought . . . Presents a cast of take-charge women." -PW (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
Editorial Reviews
Instant New York Times Bestseller
#1 Indie Next Pick
Indies Introduce Featured Title
Publishers Lunch Buzz Books Selection
"The Davenports by Krystal Marquis is the perfect read for fans of escapist historical fiction. We're talking romantic period pieces, lush with hunky suitors, lavish balls and endless love triangles. This Bridgerton-style book documents the Davenport sisters' mistrials as they navigate the ever-complex world of love." -NBC's TODAY
"With dazzling prose and whip-smart pacing, Krystal Marquis's gorgeous debut spirits readers into a world of polished glamor, but also a world shadowed by painful reckonings. Through trial, defeat, defiance, and triumph, its characters offer heart and perspective. The Davenports is a fresh, utterly enchanting read, and a much-needed addition to the contemporary canon of Black literature." -Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of the Beasts of Prey trilogy
★ "This deftly written series opener examines the lives of Black elites following Reconstruction with a focus on the constraints of women. The strong characterization, developed through alternating third-person perspectives, and descriptive setting lure readers in. A dazzling debut." -Kirkus (starred review)
★ "This stunningly wrought historical fiction debut follows a group of Black teens navigating classism, familial expectations, gender norms, and racism in 1910 Chicago. . . . Marquis perceptively explores the history and momentous impact of Black achievements and wealth during an underreported period in U.S. history. Employing expert characterization and complex dynamics, the author presents a cast of take-charge women, undeterred by their struggles and pursuing their passions regardless of expectations." -Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Marquis weaves the characters' stories in such a way that leaves readers anticipating the next chapter each time [and] the author's skilled descriptions give readers a real connection to the characters. This is a well-written novel, sure to please fans of historical f...
#1 Indie Next Pick
Indies Introduce Featured Title
Publishers Lunch Buzz Books Selection
"The Davenports by Krystal Marquis is the perfect read for fans of escapist historical fiction. We're talking romantic period pieces, lush with hunky suitors, lavish balls and endless love triangles. This Bridgerton-style book documents the Davenport sisters' mistrials as they navigate the ever-complex world of love." -NBC's TODAY
"With dazzling prose and whip-smart pacing, Krystal Marquis's gorgeous debut spirits readers into a world of polished glamor, but also a world shadowed by painful reckonings. Through trial, defeat, defiance, and triumph, its characters offer heart and perspective. The Davenports is a fresh, utterly enchanting read, and a much-needed addition to the contemporary canon of Black literature." -Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of the Beasts of Prey trilogy
★ "This deftly written series opener examines the lives of Black elites following Reconstruction with a focus on the constraints of women. The strong characterization, developed through alternating third-person perspectives, and descriptive setting lure readers in. A dazzling debut." -Kirkus (starred review)
★ "This stunningly wrought historical fiction debut follows a group of Black teens navigating classism, familial expectations, gender norms, and racism in 1910 Chicago. . . . Marquis perceptively explores the history and momentous impact of Black achievements and wealth during an underreported period in U.S. history. Employing expert characterization and complex dynamics, the author presents a cast of take-charge women, undeterred by their struggles and pursuing their passions regardless of expectations." -Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Marquis weaves the characters' stories in such a way that leaves readers anticipating the next chapter each time [and] the author's skilled descriptions give readers a real connection to the characters. This is a well-written novel, sure to please fans of historical f...
Readers Top Reviews
Daniel Bennett
I’m so glad I was able to get a copy from BookishFirst because this was a good YA Regency novel! The book is told from multiple point-of-views and they come from Olivia, Helen, Amy-Rose, and Ruby. They are all connected in some way and their stories overlap quite a bit but they also have their own plotlines as well. Helen was my favorite out of the four. She had hobbies that weren’t right for her to have and I’ve felt that way before. She also didn’t care what others thought of her and basically danced to the beat of her own drum. Olivia learned a lot from her when it came to that. Her love interest was a surprise and his intentions were even more surprising as his secrets are revealed. I do hope that she gets a happy ending though. Olivia was very much the child who did what they were told until she meets someone who changes her perception of the world. I liked that she was open to learning and it’s definitely something that everyone should strive to be like. She didn’t let danger dictate her path, or her parents. Amy-Rose has had a hard life due to her background and also her position in society. I really felt for her situation, especially when it came to her love interest. She struggles a lot with identity and society only makes it harder for her. I will say that she is very persistent! Ruby is a friend of Olivia and has been around the Davenport family since they were all children. Her family’s status is changing slowly and its partly due to her father’s campaign for Mayor. She doesn’t really have anyone to talk to about it until she meets a certain fellow and he changes her idea of love and duty. I did like one more, but honestly they were all great characters and I liked their stories for different reasons. The other characters were also good, but some didn’t have as much page time and I hope we will see more of them in the sequel. This book is definitely more romance than informative on the issues that are talked about. I don’t think it was bad though as the issues did spark my interest and I have done my own google searches because of it. There is still room for there to be more talk though and I am looking forward to it. Overall, this was an enjoyable read!
bostieslovebooks
Set in 1910s Chicago, THE DAVENPORTS tells the story of four young Black women navigating life within a family of wealth – an unusual status for Black families in the United States at this time. Formerly enslaved, William Davenport builds the Davenport Carriage Company, amassing his fortune and place within society. His daughters Olivia and Helen find themselves yearning to follow paths that are not acceptable to the family. Ruby, Olivia’s best friend, has interest in their brother but the relationship doesn’t go as planned. Amy-Rose grew up with the Davenport children and now works as their maid but has aspirations to open her own business and dreams of marrying someone that society deems is not right for her. Will each of the young women find a way to get what they want? I loved that THE DAVENPORTS was inspired by a real family, the C.R. Pattersons who owned C.R. Patterson & Sons Carriage Company. All of the main characters are Black which was great to have that representation as I haven’t read much historical fiction from this time period lately and liked that it was focused on African American history. The narration rotates between each of the four young women. The characters are well-developed and felt very genuine. I enjoyed the dynamics between them and their families and the ways they questioned their places in the family and society, daring to challenge status quo while they explored how they aimed to move forward in life. Despite having wealth, the young women as well as their families faced difficulties and dangerous situations, giving a reminder that the power of money only goes so far during this turbulent time in the U.S., especially for Black families. There were parts that were difficult to read but are pieces of history that are necessary to be acknowledged. The plot moved along at a good pace that had me eagerly turning pages. I liked how the romance aspects were written. When I reached the conclusion, my heart sank as I had forgotten that this is the first book of a series. I was disappointed to not find out how each of the girls’ plot lines resolved, but that just leaves me with something to look forward to in the next book. I thoroughly enjoyed THE DAVENPORTS and would highly recommend it. Although a YA book, I think it appeals to a wider audience. This is book one of Krystal Marquis’s The Davenports series. I will definitely be reading future books in this series. Thank you to Dial Books for the giveaway ARC.
The Andersons
I really enjoyed this book and I am hoping for a sequel.
Emma Kerr
Thrilling historical-fiction romance. Well paced, and full of stunning detail about the world of 1910s Chicago. I loved the multiple relationships and the interlocking friendships/dynamics. Highly recommend!
Bran M.
The perfect book to learn about Black excellence in a period that’s often forgotten. We get multiple angles of romance, class, and status. This is a must read and I completely recommend it! Looking forward to Book#2
Short Excerpt Teaser
Chapter 1
Olivia
Olivia Elise Davenport pulled a bolt of vibrant yellow silk from the display and held it to her dark complexion. She was drawn to the bright fabric nearly hidden behind the muted pastels, a shock of sunshine peeking through the clouds, and wondered if it was too bright for so early in the season. In her free hand, she held a sample of beaded lace and tried to imagine the sound it would make whispering around her ankles while she danced. There will be a lot of dancing, she thought.
Anticipation bubbled in her chest. The season of ball gowns and champagne had arrived at the conclusion of the Easter celebrations. Now that Olivia was out in society, it was time for her to find a husband. It was her second season, and she was ready. Ready to do her duty and make her parents proud, as she'd always done.
The only problem? It was difficult to find eligible gentlemen-born into the right family, educated, and set to inherit a large fortune-who were also Black.
Olivia took a deep breath. The yellow silk fell from her arm. She knew what her mother would say: It was too loud. Besides, she'd only come here to pick up a few finished alterations.
"May I help you?"
Olivia started at the voice over her shoulder. A shop attendant stood next to her with her hands clasped. Despite the smile on her face, her cold blue eyes betrayed a different intent.
"I was just admiring the fabric selection." Olivia turned toward the display of broad-brimmed hats, ignoring the eyes of the shop girl digging into her back. "And waiting for my friend," she added. Where is Ruby, anyway? It was her best friend who insisted they send the servants ahead with their parcels and browse Marshall Field's unaccompanied. And now she was nowhere to be found.
The shop girl cleared her throat. "You may pick up your mistress's orders at the service desk. I could direct you, if you've lost your way."
"I know where the service desk is, thank you," Olivia said with a tight smile, ignoring the slight. All around them, pale faces watched the exchange with increasing curiosity. Someone behind her chuckled.
She remembered her mother's words: to always rise above. Because her family was rare. Wealthy. Beautiful. Black. Ruby wore her wealth like armor, usually in the form of jewels and furs. Olivia preferred the understated air she observed in her mother.
Today, those perfect manners didn't matter. Her beauty was no shield. All the young girl before her could see was the color of Olivia's skin. She stiffened her spine, pulling herself to her full height. Olivia pointed to the largest jeweled broach in the display in front of her. "I'd like this boxed, please. And I'd like that hat as well. For my sister. She always gets cross when I come home without something for her," she said conspiratorially to the other patrons-though she knew full well Helen would prefer a pair of pliers to a hat. Olivia walked slowly around the room. "Those gloves." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Five yards of that yellow silk-"
"Excuse me-"
"Miss," Olivia provided.
The shop girl's cheeks reddened.
Good, Olivia thought, she's realized her mistake.
"Miss," the shop girl huffed, clearly frazzled. "Your choices are quite expensive."
"Yes, well," Olivia said, the playfulness vanishing from her tone, "I have expensive taste. You can charge it to my family's account." Her eyes cut back to the shop girl. "The name is Davenport."
There weren't many Black shoppers ordering white attendants around department stores. But Davenport, a name cultivated by her father's hard work and her mother's determination, was well known. It was powerful enough to get her father admission into most of Chicago's elite clubs, her mother on the most exclusive charity boards, and her older brother into university. Chicago may have been a beacon in the North, where many Black people thrived under laws enacted during and after the Reconstruction, but painful encounters due to the color of her skin still caught her off guard.
A second attendant, an older woman with more decorum, appeared from the crowd. "I can assist you, Miss Davenport. Eliza, you are dismissed," she said to the shop girl. Olivia recognized her as one of her mother's regular attendants. "How are you, dear?"
Olivia's anger began to settle as she watched the older woman flit around wrapping things in tissue. She knew she was being petty. Most things considered, her life was privileged. She thought about canceling the sale, asking that everyt...
Olivia
Olivia Elise Davenport pulled a bolt of vibrant yellow silk from the display and held it to her dark complexion. She was drawn to the bright fabric nearly hidden behind the muted pastels, a shock of sunshine peeking through the clouds, and wondered if it was too bright for so early in the season. In her free hand, she held a sample of beaded lace and tried to imagine the sound it would make whispering around her ankles while she danced. There will be a lot of dancing, she thought.
Anticipation bubbled in her chest. The season of ball gowns and champagne had arrived at the conclusion of the Easter celebrations. Now that Olivia was out in society, it was time for her to find a husband. It was her second season, and she was ready. Ready to do her duty and make her parents proud, as she'd always done.
The only problem? It was difficult to find eligible gentlemen-born into the right family, educated, and set to inherit a large fortune-who were also Black.
Olivia took a deep breath. The yellow silk fell from her arm. She knew what her mother would say: It was too loud. Besides, she'd only come here to pick up a few finished alterations.
"May I help you?"
Olivia started at the voice over her shoulder. A shop attendant stood next to her with her hands clasped. Despite the smile on her face, her cold blue eyes betrayed a different intent.
"I was just admiring the fabric selection." Olivia turned toward the display of broad-brimmed hats, ignoring the eyes of the shop girl digging into her back. "And waiting for my friend," she added. Where is Ruby, anyway? It was her best friend who insisted they send the servants ahead with their parcels and browse Marshall Field's unaccompanied. And now she was nowhere to be found.
The shop girl cleared her throat. "You may pick up your mistress's orders at the service desk. I could direct you, if you've lost your way."
"I know where the service desk is, thank you," Olivia said with a tight smile, ignoring the slight. All around them, pale faces watched the exchange with increasing curiosity. Someone behind her chuckled.
She remembered her mother's words: to always rise above. Because her family was rare. Wealthy. Beautiful. Black. Ruby wore her wealth like armor, usually in the form of jewels and furs. Olivia preferred the understated air she observed in her mother.
Today, those perfect manners didn't matter. Her beauty was no shield. All the young girl before her could see was the color of Olivia's skin. She stiffened her spine, pulling herself to her full height. Olivia pointed to the largest jeweled broach in the display in front of her. "I'd like this boxed, please. And I'd like that hat as well. For my sister. She always gets cross when I come home without something for her," she said conspiratorially to the other patrons-though she knew full well Helen would prefer a pair of pliers to a hat. Olivia walked slowly around the room. "Those gloves." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Five yards of that yellow silk-"
"Excuse me-"
"Miss," Olivia provided.
The shop girl's cheeks reddened.
Good, Olivia thought, she's realized her mistake.
"Miss," the shop girl huffed, clearly frazzled. "Your choices are quite expensive."
"Yes, well," Olivia said, the playfulness vanishing from her tone, "I have expensive taste. You can charge it to my family's account." Her eyes cut back to the shop girl. "The name is Davenport."
There weren't many Black shoppers ordering white attendants around department stores. But Davenport, a name cultivated by her father's hard work and her mother's determination, was well known. It was powerful enough to get her father admission into most of Chicago's elite clubs, her mother on the most exclusive charity boards, and her older brother into university. Chicago may have been a beacon in the North, where many Black people thrived under laws enacted during and after the Reconstruction, but painful encounters due to the color of her skin still caught her off guard.
A second attendant, an older woman with more decorum, appeared from the crowd. "I can assist you, Miss Davenport. Eliza, you are dismissed," she said to the shop girl. Olivia recognized her as one of her mother's regular attendants. "How are you, dear?"
Olivia's anger began to settle as she watched the older woman flit around wrapping things in tissue. She knew she was being petty. Most things considered, her life was privileged. She thought about canceling the sale, asking that everyt...
