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stepharina's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 rounded up. This book has dual story lines. One I LOVED and one I really just could not stand. It kind of put me at war with myself. I loved the older story with Lillian, it had it all, a rich family full of secrets, Scandal, Heart break, and Love. The other storyline had its own elements that I just struggled through and I would have been happier if the story line was just left out. I did throughly enjoy this book but found myself zoning out at Veronica’s parts. I’m a big fan of historical fiction so that was something about it I liked as well. I’d recommend it to people who already like historical fiction, if you are just going to get into the genre, I’d ask me for other recommendations.
ninasbooks57's review against another edition
5.0
Very captivating storyline! I loved the non- linear timeline! You couldn’t help but fall in love with the main characters— yes even Miss Helen- who was very unique!
kat_brennan's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
chloereadsbooksyt's review against another edition
3.0
A lovely little historical fiction, just didn't really 'wow' me.
moonflower97's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
rosemwood's review against another edition
4.0
This story is told in alternate timelines and both center around the Frick Mansion and loosely based on the real life artist Audrey Muson. The first timeline is also the stronger of the two timelines and it takes place in NYC in 1919 with Lillian being the narrator. The second timeline takes place in NYC in 1966 with Veronica being the narrator. I recommend reading the author's note at the end. This story is well researched and verybwell developed.
kallmekirby's review against another edition
4.0
Fiona Davis is one historical fiction author I never hesitate to pick up. I've enjoyed every book of hers that i've read and while I won't say they're always life changing, they always get at least 4 stars from me and I come away feeling happy that i took the time to read it.
mkeesler's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cdev123's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis is a dual timeline novel that takes readers between 1919 and 1966. Lillian Carter, an artist’s model known as Angelica, finds herself on the run after her landlord is killed and the police suspect her of the crime. Sheer luck has her obtaining the position as personal secretary to Miss Helen Frick, the youngest daughter of Henry Clay Frick. Miss Lilly, as she is called, works with the mercurial Helen. She learns to manage the household, organize functions, handle the household accounts, and much more. Miss Lilly hopes to earn enough money to get to Hollywood where she can become an actress. Henry Clay Frick tasks Miss Lilly with helping to get his daughter wed. He promises her a nice sized bonus if she can get Helen engaged by Christmas. Miss Lilly gets drawn into the family drama that soon lands her in a precarious situation. Veronica Weber was discovered in London after an unfortunate (or in this case fortunate) haircut. She lands a plum assignment that has her in America in 1966 doing a photoshoot for Vogue at the Frick Museum. After an altercation with the photographer, Veronica hides out in pipe room (where the pipes for the pipe organ are arranged) to avoid the other models. She ends up locked in the building with an assistant archivist during a blizzard. Veronica had found clues for a scavenger hunt in the pipe room and the pair unravel the riddles. The result of the hunt could help settle Veronica financial dilemma and solve two long unsolved crimes. I thought The Magnolia Palace was well-written with developed characters. The author captured both time periods, but I thought her portrayal of 1919 was spot on. I could tell that she did her research on the Frick family and their collections. I am amazed at the art they collected. Their home which is now a museum is just beautiful. We get to see what daily life was like inside the Frick mansion in 1919 with the demanding Henry Clay Frick and the difficult Helen Frick. I liked the action and activities that propelled the story forward to the end. The ending nicely wrapped up the book. I appreciated the author’s note at the end along with her reading recommendations. I was baffled by a detail in the last chapter. I thought it was a week or so since the previous chapter, but then there was a 1977 reference. I wish the date has been clearly specified. The Magnolia Palace is an intriguing historical novel with a misplaced diamond, a lady lost at the loss of a loved one, a demanding dad, a devoted daughter, a strange scavenger hunt, an attractive art assemblage, and a mysterious mystery.