The Davenports

£8.99

This is the story of the Davenport daughters, their maid, and their best friend, as they try to navigate life and love in a rapidly changing country. The year is 1910. The Davenports are one of the few African-American families of wealth and status in the United States, their fortune made by former slave William Davenport. Now the family live surrounded by servants, crystal chandeliers, and endless parties. But the world around these young women is changing for better or worse. Can romance blossom in these turbulent times?

ISBN: 9780241556047 Author: Marquis, Krystal Publisher: Penguin Books Publication Date: 2nd February 2023 Imprint: Penguin Books Cover: Paperback Dewey: 813.6 (edition:23) Pages: 379 Language: English Edition: Paperback original Readership: Young Adult / Code: C Category: Subjects: ,

“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 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.

Olivia, the beautiful eldest Davenport daughter, is ready to do her duty and marry. . . until charismatic civil rights leader Washington DeWight sweeps into town and sparks fly.

Her younger sister, Helen, is more interested in fixing cars than falling in love-unless it’s with her sister’s betrothed.

Amy-Rose, 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 follows four determined and passionate young Black women as they discover the courage to steer their own path in life-and love.

“Deftly written . . . A dazzling debut.” – Kirkus (starred review)

“The perfect read for fans of escapist historical fiction.” -NBC’s TODAY

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