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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
3.5 because the first half was somewhat painful to the point where I almost stopped reading but then it took off and I loved the second half.
I have not read a Fiona Davis book that I didn’t like. While I am not the most extensive history buff, I love the way she writes historical fiction. Her stories are based on facts, and then she weaves a fictitious tale around them. I have learned so much about New York City landmarks from reading her books.
This book is two stories intertwined. Lillian Carter is a young woman in 1919 who is an artists’ muse but finds herself in a delicate situation. She becomes the private secretary of Helen Frik, the daughter and heiress of industrialist and art patron Henry Clay Frick.
In 1966, English model Veronica Weber finds herself locked in the former residence of the Frick family, caught up in a hunt for clues that will forever change her life.
I savored every moment of this book, and the momentum quickly started building from the start. It was hard to put it down. When I finished the book, I felt like I had been on a speeding freight train since the story never slowed down.
If you like New York City’s history and strong heroines, I would highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
This book is two stories intertwined. Lillian Carter is a young woman in 1919 who is an artists’ muse but finds herself in a delicate situation. She becomes the private secretary of Helen Frik, the daughter and heiress of industrialist and art patron Henry Clay Frick.
In 1966, English model Veronica Weber finds herself locked in the former residence of the Frick family, caught up in a hunt for clues that will forever change her life.
I savored every moment of this book, and the momentum quickly started building from the start. It was hard to put it down. When I finished the book, I felt like I had been on a speeding freight train since the story never slowed down.
If you like New York City’s history and strong heroines, I would highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you so much to the publishers for sending me an advanced copy of The Magnolia Palace on exchange for my honest review.
I am a big fan of Fiona Davis and The Magnolia Palace was high on my list of anticipated books for 2022. We are introduced to two female protagonists and two time periods. This is my favorite type of historical fiction and Davis always delivers. The mystery will consume you and it is so beautifully done you will be left feeling so satisfied.
I am a big fan of Fiona Davis and The Magnolia Palace was high on my list of anticipated books for 2022. We are introduced to two female protagonists and two time periods. This is my favorite type of historical fiction and Davis always delivers. The mystery will consume you and it is so beautifully done you will be left feeling so satisfied.
4 stars
This book was really enjoyable, however, it did not get good until about halfway through. It dragged on a bit until then. I also found myself far more invested in Lillian's storyline than Veronica's. I understand that it was important for the storylines to eventually converge, but I found myself flying through the 1919 chapters and slogging through the 1966 chapters. Overall, though, I think it was a beautiful piece of historical fiction.
This book was really enjoyable, however, it did not get good until about halfway through. It dragged on a bit until then. I also found myself far more invested in Lillian's storyline than Veronica's. I understand that it was important for the storylines to eventually converge, but I found myself flying through the 1919 chapters and slogging through the 1966 chapters. Overall, though, I think it was a beautiful piece of historical fiction.
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Was drawn to this book due to the Pittsburgh ties some it is about the Frick family. Started slow but held my interest. Enjoyed the two timelines. Particularly enjoyed Lillian and her change through time.
adventurous
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
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
Solid 4-star read. Fiona Davis does an incredible job of creating such wonderful characters and bringing in history to her stories. Had fun with this read and enjoyed it. The added Mystery was chef's kiss.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated