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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love it when I read an advance copy of a book by an author I’ve never read before and love it. I love it even more when I find out that they have MORE BOOKS for me to read! This is what happened when I received an advance copy of The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Twenty-one year old Lillian Carter has been modeling for artists since she was fifteen. Under her mother’s guidance, she became Angelica, the most sought-after artist model in New York City. When her mother succumbs to the Spanish Flu outbreak in 1919, she is lost. When her landlord’s wife is found murdered with a flirtatious note Lillian sent her husband, she is wanted for questioning. Instead of complying, she runs with hopes to get out to Hollywood to become a movie star.
Lillian stumbles into a job interview for the personal assistant of Miss Helen Frick of the daughter of the infamous industrialist, Henry Clay Frick. She manages to not only get the job but become a valued member of the Frick household. When the patriarch of the family dies, Lillian is caught up in a scandal unlike anything I’ve ever read before.
This book, with it’s many detailed descriptions great art, New York society and it’s landmarks, was an interesting look at how life would be for a young woman with a so called scandalous profession at the time. Flashing back and forth between 1919 and 1966, the book manages to tie up all the missing pieces without being trite.
If you like historical figures and locals mixed with a good fictional story, this book is for you.
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis is scheduled for publication on January 25, 2022. You can preorder from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at your local independent book store.
Thanks for reading.
https://this-life.blog/2021/11/30/the-magnolia-palace-by-fiona-davis/
Twenty-one year old Lillian Carter has been modeling for artists since she was fifteen. Under her mother’s guidance, she became Angelica, the most sought-after artist model in New York City. When her mother succumbs to the Spanish Flu outbreak in 1919, she is lost. When her landlord’s wife is found murdered with a flirtatious note Lillian sent her husband, she is wanted for questioning. Instead of complying, she runs with hopes to get out to Hollywood to become a movie star.
Lillian stumbles into a job interview for the personal assistant of Miss Helen Frick of the daughter of the infamous industrialist, Henry Clay Frick. She manages to not only get the job but become a valued member of the Frick household. When the patriarch of the family dies, Lillian is caught up in a scandal unlike anything I’ve ever read before.
This book, with it’s many detailed descriptions great art, New York society and it’s landmarks, was an interesting look at how life would be for a young woman with a so called scandalous profession at the time. Flashing back and forth between 1919 and 1966, the book manages to tie up all the missing pieces without being trite.
If you like historical figures and locals mixed with a good fictional story, this book is for you.
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis is scheduled for publication on January 25, 2022. You can preorder from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at your local independent book store.
Thanks for reading.
https://this-life.blog/2021/11/30/the-magnolia-palace-by-fiona-davis/
4.5 stars // Fiona Davis does it again! Her signature style of an impeccably-researched, dual perspective/timeline that eventually comes together answering all the many questions she has created through the story. I never fail to want to know more about the subject once I've finished reading, and the Frick Collection is no different.
I've read almost all her books (except the Address, but it's on my shelf) and this wasn't my fave fave of hers (those would be the Chelsea Girls and Lions of 5th Ave) but still such a good story with generous New York city history and big characters, like Lillian and Helen, who you want to know more about.
I've read almost all her books (except the Address, but it's on my shelf) and this wasn't my fave fave of hers (those would be the Chelsea Girls and Lions of 5th Ave) but still such a good story with generous New York city history and big characters, like Lillian and Helen, who you want to know more about.
It was fine. I certainly liked it much more at the end of the novel. If I could give it like 3.5 stars I would. There was really nothing wrong with it, just wasn't groundbreaking. If you can get the chance to read it and you like historical fiction, mystery, and art, give this a read....just try to get it for FREE!!!
B-e-Autiful! First novel from this author. Already piled up a list for more.
So gorgeous. This is not usually my time era I read, so glad I took a chance.
I love a book who has me wanting to dig into things in their book more and after the authors note I definitely am here.
So gorgeous. This is not usually my time era I read, so glad I took a chance.
I love a book who has me wanting to dig into things in their book more and after the authors note I definitely am here.
Here's the thing, If Fiona Davis writes it, I will read it without knowing anything about the book at all!
This time she writes a dual timeline involving the Frick Mansion with an interesting cast of characters while subtly teaching us about art history. She incorporates a love story and a mystery that easily moves the story along. I thoroughly enjoyed both timelines
fast-paced
This book was amazing! It had so many twists and turns. Great characters with a great plot!
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
informative
mysterious
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:
Complicated
Richard J Danforth can kick rocks
“…I’ve never been well liked. Something I’m rather proud of.” - Miss Helen, page 309
This was really quite a remarkable story, and throughout the entire reading process I was itching to figure out the connections between 1919 and 1966. Truly delightful
“…I’ve never been well liked. Something I’m rather proud of.” - Miss Helen, page 309
This was really quite a remarkable story, and throughout the entire reading process I was itching to figure out the connections between 1919 and 1966. Truly delightful