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mercedeswes23's review
4.0
This book was very good but I think what I liked most about this is the author and how she explains at the end exactly what was real and what she made up. I can’t wait to read more of her books!
zippysherman's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
kkmatheny97's review
3.0
3.5/5 stars. I though this book was well-written, however, historical fiction (specifically early 1900’s aristocracy) is just reallyyyy not for me. However, if you like historical fiction then I feel like you’d really love this book. I enjoyed the details and the characters, but I started reading this book because I thought it was more of a murder mystery. Overall, not a bad book but it was a slow lethargic read for me personally.
alyssajcori's review
2.0
This book has all of the makings of an enjoyable read for me: it's set in a museum, there are historical characters interacting with fictitious people, there's a scavenger hunt. The novel goes back and forth in time between two model narrators who are in the Frick museum at different times (one is working for the Frick family and the other is caught there in a snow storm after a photo shoot).
One model is based on the real life Audrey Munson (she has a fascinating story as the muse for many sculptures in NYC) and the other is an up and coming model in the 60s. You get to see how both women interact with the Frick collection and there is the perfect amount of romance and scandal thrown in.
I gave the book two stars because, while it was entertaining, it didn't blow me away. It was a solid, enjoyable, light historical fiction read.
One model is based on the real life Audrey Munson (she has a fascinating story as the muse for many sculptures in NYC) and the other is an up and coming model in the 60s. You get to see how both women interact with the Frick collection and there is the perfect amount of romance and scandal thrown in.
I gave the book two stars because, while it was entertaining, it didn't blow me away. It was a solid, enjoyable, light historical fiction read.
michellec13's review
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mbkarapcik's review
4.0
Young model Lillian Carter appears in sculptural form all over New York City from posing for artists as a way to support herself and her mother. After her mother dies of the Spanish flu in 1918, she finds herself mistakenly embroiled in a scandal and must flee. She happens upon the Frick mansion and, through another case of mistaken identity, ends up employed as the private secretary to Helen Frick, daughter of the famed Henry Clay Frick.
So starts The Magnolia Palace, a new novel by Fiona Davis. Lillian aka Angelica plays the starring role, becoming a confidant and secretary to the Frick's daughter, which leads to more turmoil for the aspiring starlet.
In alternating chapters, you meet Veronica Weber, a British, 1960s-era model who ends up at a photo shoot at the mansion. By happenstance, she finds notes hidden in secret crevices throughout the house when she goes exploring and, with art intern Joshua in tow, tries to solve the mystery of the notes.
All Davis's books center around a historical or cultural building in New York City. The books serve as a love letter to each place, and I like how she creates a story that reflects the atmosphere of the building. This story caught my interest with its many layers and interesting characters. The notes play a unique part in the plot and will intrigue you. They further move the plot along and add a whimsical touch to the story.
I found these characters to be fully formed and empathetic. The settings will inspire you to Google the Frick Mansion and its extensive art collection. Having grown up in Northern New Jersey, I frequently heard the name Frick but never visited the building. It's a beautiful place, and Davis describes it simply but in a way that stirs up interest.
Although the Spanish flu is mentioned, you may briefly think of the impact of COVID-19 in our world today, but there's no heavy-handedness about any relationship between the two. It's merely a plot point that pushes the story forward.
I've read all of Davis's novels, and some of them work out better than others. This one wasn't slow or rushed with a satisfying ending and enough intrigue and mystery to keep you engaged. If you like historical mysteries, this should definitely be on your list. The only thing that's missing? Pictures of the Frick mansion!
So starts The Magnolia Palace, a new novel by Fiona Davis. Lillian aka Angelica plays the starring role, becoming a confidant and secretary to the Frick's daughter, which leads to more turmoil for the aspiring starlet.
In alternating chapters, you meet Veronica Weber, a British, 1960s-era model who ends up at a photo shoot at the mansion. By happenstance, she finds notes hidden in secret crevices throughout the house when she goes exploring and, with art intern Joshua in tow, tries to solve the mystery of the notes.
All Davis's books center around a historical or cultural building in New York City. The books serve as a love letter to each place, and I like how she creates a story that reflects the atmosphere of the building. This story caught my interest with its many layers and interesting characters. The notes play a unique part in the plot and will intrigue you. They further move the plot along and add a whimsical touch to the story.
I found these characters to be fully formed and empathetic. The settings will inspire you to Google the Frick Mansion and its extensive art collection. Having grown up in Northern New Jersey, I frequently heard the name Frick but never visited the building. It's a beautiful place, and Davis describes it simply but in a way that stirs up interest.
Although the Spanish flu is mentioned, you may briefly think of the impact of COVID-19 in our world today, but there's no heavy-handedness about any relationship between the two. It's merely a plot point that pushes the story forward.
I've read all of Davis's novels, and some of them work out better than others. This one wasn't slow or rushed with a satisfying ending and enough intrigue and mystery to keep you engaged. If you like historical mysteries, this should definitely be on your list. The only thing that's missing? Pictures of the Frick mansion!
momlovesbooks17's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0