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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
This was a DNF for me. This was my second chance after not caring for lions of 5th ave and it was much the same.
I'll read just about anything Fiona Davis writes. She's done it again with Magnolia Palace - capturing our imaginations with a blend of fiction and history and mixing in a mystery. I'm always impressed with her ability to develop strong, intelligent female characters in stories set during times women were often overlooked or taken advantage of. Every time I read a Fiona Davis book, I'm inspired to research more about the real events, people, and places featured in her novels. Magnolia Palace was no different - I was fascinated by the story of the Frick family, as well as the life of artists' models during the Gilded Age. This Historical Fiction account of the Henry Clay Frick family and a mystery involving the Private Secretary of Frick's daughter, Helen, was the perfect blend of fact and fiction. Highly recommend for any fan of Historical Fiction, Art History, or just a good read! Be sure to stay for the Author's Note at the end!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Dutton Publishing, and Fiona Davis for the Advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dutton Publishing, and Fiona Davis for the Advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Well, thanks, cookies…this was spot on in the category of “if you liked this other book, you’ll probably like this one too”. I did enjoy this, maybe not quite as much as Lessons in Chemistry, but as both a fan of old houses with a story well told, art history, and scavenger hunts, this book was great fun for me to read.
Great weaving together of characters across several generations. Fun plot with suspense and a little romance. But I just loved the characters.
The Frick is my favorite museum in the world, and so I loved reading this!
4.2 stars. It started off a bit slow but quickly turned into an interesting and beautiful story - really it was two stories that eventually became one in the end. First we meet Angelica the art model in 1919 and follow her for three months as she ends up working as a private secretary for the Frick family, the most wealthy family in NYC. Scandal, romance, betrayal, possible murder, a missing diamond. Then we flash to the 60’s and meet a young art history student and a young model who happen to be trapped in the Frick mansion together during a snowstorm. They uncover hidden secrets of the past that help provide answers to a long unsolved mystery.
I enjoy Fiona Davis because her novels are beautifully written and quite educational. I enjoyed learning about the art world and it’s history.
Highly recommend.
I enjoy Fiona Davis because her novels are beautifully written and quite educational. I enjoyed learning about the art world and it’s history.
Highly recommend.
I always enjoy a dual timeline that connects characters and this was one of those books. Although slow at times I found myself returning to the story driven by Lillian’s storyline which was far more interesting than Veronica’s. Overall still an enjoyable historical mystery. After reading the Author’s Note on the inspiration for this book I found it all that more interesting. I now want to visit the Frick Mansion and read about the tragic life story of the real life ‘Angelica’.
Love fiona davis' characters with a sprinkling of history!
Won't hear the name "The Frick" and think nice things for a long time. lol
Won't hear the name "The Frick" and think nice things for a long time. lol
I appreciate the 1966 storyline for how it moved the story, but it fell flat for me. I was much more interested in what was happening in 1919 and would’ve preferred to go deeper into that story line. Meh for me overall.