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roseannearchy's review against another edition
adventurous
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? N/A
4.0
The characters were very easy to love and get invested in. I loved the setting Marquis used and how she highlighted the successes of African-Americans in a time period where it was often not spoken about. We got to see the characters grow and love and get invested in their growth. Only things that took me out were that the stakes were kinda low and the pacing at times uneven, but all in all very enjoyable! Her authors note really brought the whole story together for me and gave me a greater appreciation for it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism and Racism
jaz_gets_literary's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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
4.0
This was my first historical fiction book and I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. I looked looking at 4 very different Black women going through the woes of love in 1910 Chicago. It was a very different time then and even though 3 of them came from wealthy families they still didn’t have the same plight. From societal pressures to family over involvement, these 4 woman having the decide if they are going to listen to everyone else or what their heart truly wants. What the heart wants can come with a price though. I also enjoyed the inclusion of the Jim Crow movement and how it did or did t sway the women’s decisions.
I believe I’ve found my way into a new genre and I cannot wait to read the next installment in November.
I believe I’ve found my way into a new genre and I cannot wait to read the next installment in November.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Racism, Classism, and Death of parent
ashylibrarian's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A fine historical romance read with a local setting. I enjoyed the cast of characters, and, although it took me a little bit to sort out who was who with the audiobook, I did like the multiple POVs at each chapter change. It was fun to bounce between the four main characters and glimpse different aspects of their lives as the overarching plot moved forward. This was a fun and unique way to take a brief dive into a piece of African-American history that we don't often learn about.
I appreciated the note at the end of the audiobook that shared more about the inspiration for this story.
I appreciated the note at the end of the audiobook that shared more about the inspiration for this story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Classism
Moderate: Slavery
readingwithtrey's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
WOW!! I saw this book being raved about all over bookstagram when it was first released last year, and I immediately added it to my TBR shelf. I put off reading it for the longest time, but when I had the chance to sign up for a tour stop with Hear Our Voices, I had to take it. I'm so glad I finally read it, and I could kick myself for waiting so long. It was amazing!
The Davenports is inspired by the real life story of C.R. Patterson and his family and follows the wealthy and prestigious Davenport family in 1910 Chicago. The story is told from 4 point of views: Olivia, Helen, Amy-Rose, and Ruby. Each of the women are coming of age with their own struggles, desires, and goals while navigating familial and societal expectations. When we're first introduced to Olivia, we see that she is preparing to be married out of duty to her family. When she meets Washington DeWight, a civil rights leader, she begins to think that maybe her own desires for her life are different than what is expected of her. Helen, Olivia's sister, has never had much interest in marriage. Instead, she'd rather spend her time working on carriages and automobiles in her brother's shop. Amy-Rose works as a maid for the Davenport family but dreams of opening her own hair shop to showcase her natural hair products. And then we have Ruby whose father is running for mayor and has turned her life upside down.
I enjoyed every story line, but I have to say my favorites were Olivia and Amy-Rose. I loved how once Olivia was made away of the civil rights movement, she felt led to do more to help. And Amy-Rose's story was incredibly inspiring. I was rooting for her the entire time. I won't say who it involved to not spoil anything, but the budding romance between Amy-Rose and her love interest was also so sweet.
I will say, I had no idea this ended on a major cliffhanger. I will definitely be counting down the days until November when the next book is released. This time I won't wait a year to read it!
The Davenports is inspired by the real life story of C.R. Patterson and his family and follows the wealthy and prestigious Davenport family in 1910 Chicago. The story is told from 4 point of views: Olivia, Helen, Amy-Rose, and Ruby. Each of the women are coming of age with their own struggles, desires, and goals while navigating familial and societal expectations. When we're first introduced to Olivia, we see that she is preparing to be married out of duty to her family. When she meets Washington DeWight, a civil rights leader, she begins to think that maybe her own desires for her life are different than what is expected of her. Helen, Olivia's sister, has never had much interest in marriage. Instead, she'd rather spend her time working on carriages and automobiles in her brother's shop. Amy-Rose works as a maid for the Davenport family but dreams of opening her own hair shop to showcase her natural hair products. And then we have Ruby whose father is running for mayor and has turned her life upside down.
I enjoyed every story line, but I have to say my favorites were Olivia and Amy-Rose. I loved how once Olivia was made away of the civil rights movement, she felt led to do more to help. And Amy-Rose's story was incredibly inspiring. I was rooting for her the entire time. I won't say who it involved to not spoil anything, but the budding romance between Amy-Rose and her love interest was also so sweet.
I will say, I had no idea this ended on a major cliffhanger. I will definitely be counting down the days until November when the next book is released. This time I won't wait a year to read it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, Racism, Classism, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, and Violence
Minor: Police brutality
ohshebookish's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
"She remembered her mother’s words: to always rise above. Because her family was rare. Wealthy. Beautiful. Black."
Thank you so much Hear Our Voices for this book in exchange for my honest review!
This was a nice, charming read! Basically, Bridgerton, but make it Black, which I loved! The Davenports is loosely based off of C.M. Patterson's daughters and navigating society as a wealthy, Black family. I enjoyed the historical setting, even though there could have been more historical elements throughout the story. I loved getting to see the Black community in the 1900s that wasn't rooted in oppression but in wealth, entrepreneurship, and politics. This is a side of Black History that is not often written about.
This story is mainly rooted in romance. We follow Olivia, Helen, Ruby, and Amy-Rose as they navigate through family expectation, classism, gender roles, and love. I liked that we got all four of the girls' povs. Although their stories are intertwined, we get to see how each one deals with their situation individually. I enjoyed reading how the romances all weaved together, however, each MC has a different issue around that, that they are battling.
It was easy to follow the story and the different povs, however, I did feel as though the story was slow paced at times.
Overall, this was a nice and easy read, and with the way the book ended, I'm excited to read the next book and seeing how everyone's story continues.
Thank you so much Hear Our Voices for this book in exchange for my honest review!
This was a nice, charming read! Basically, Bridgerton, but make it Black, which I loved! The Davenports is loosely based off of C.M. Patterson's daughters and navigating society as a wealthy, Black family. I enjoyed the historical setting, even though there could have been more historical elements throughout the story. I loved getting to see the Black community in the 1900s that wasn't rooted in oppression but in wealth, entrepreneurship, and politics. This is a side of Black History that is not often written about.
This story is mainly rooted in romance. We follow Olivia, Helen, Ruby, and Amy-Rose as they navigate through family expectation, classism, gender roles, and love. I liked that we got all four of the girls' povs. Although their stories are intertwined, we get to see how each one deals with their situation individually. I enjoyed reading how the romances all weaved together, however, each MC has a different issue around that, that they are battling.
It was easy to follow the story and the different povs, however, I did feel as though the story was slow paced at times.
Overall, this was a nice and easy read, and with the way the book ended, I'm excited to read the next book and seeing how everyone's story continues.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Classism, and Racism
foldingthepage_kayleigh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Racism, and Classism
sariereads's review
emotional
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Racism
tashtash93's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I wouldn’t say the characters are diverse because it is a Black story so all the characters are Black, so that could potentially be diverse, but also not…
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism and Racism
amberinpieces's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Police brutality, Racism, Blood, Classism, Slavery, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Violence
mari1532's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I checked this audiobook out from my local library and I absolutely devoured it.
Synopsis: Set in Chicago in the 1910s, the Davenports explores the lives and relationships of Olivia, her sister Helen, her best friend Ruby, and her childhood friend and maid, Amy-Rose. Switching between each woman's point of view the story unfolds to show their dreams, desires, and daily struggles.
Olivia Davenport is the eldest daughter of a wealthy carriage company owner but longs to have more meaning in her life than charity events and expensive gowns. Her sister, Helen, too dreams of more than the strict confines of marriage and actively participates in the carriage company with her brother, John, hoping to expand the business toward the automotive industry.
Ruby is also struggling against the expectations of her family. As her father attempts a bid for mayor the pressure to meet her parents' expectations mount. Expected to marry John Davenport, the brother of her best friend Olivia, Ruby begins to wonder if the path set out for her since childhood is the path she really wants to take.
Amy-Rose, however, has her path clear in front of her. Open a women's hair salon in a local storefront. Ever since she and her mother were taken in as help for the Davenport family Amy-Rose has dreamed of sticking out on her own and the passing of her mother has only made her more determined. That is if love doesn't stand in her way.
Marquis' writing style is so engrossing. I wasn't even 5% in before I was incredibly emotionally invested in the outcome of the characters' story. All four of the women that were the focus of this book were so well-rounded and relatable. I think that I personally related to Ruby the most, but Amy-Rose was my favourite. Helen and Olivia were also very good characters and I loved the nature of their relationship as sisters. Helen by far was the funniest character and I was the most invested in Olivia's love story. About 50% of the way through the book I was desperate to know that there would be more books in the series and was elated when I Googled and found that Marquis is already working on the second installment.
The heat in this book is pretty limited, but I was so engrossed in the story. If you enjoy historical romance novels I would recommend this one. The story is definitely going to leave you wanting more.
Synopsis: Set in Chicago in the 1910s, the Davenports explores the lives and relationships of Olivia, her sister Helen, her best friend Ruby, and her childhood friend and maid, Amy-Rose. Switching between each woman's point of view the story unfolds to show their dreams, desires, and daily struggles.
Olivia Davenport is the eldest daughter of a wealthy carriage company owner but longs to have more meaning in her life than charity events and expensive gowns. Her sister, Helen, too dreams of more than the strict confines of marriage and actively participates in the carriage company with her brother, John, hoping to expand the business toward the automotive industry.
Ruby is also struggling against the expectations of her family. As her father attempts a bid for mayor the pressure to meet her parents' expectations mount. Expected to marry John Davenport, the brother of her best friend Olivia, Ruby begins to wonder if the path set out for her since childhood is the path she really wants to take.
Amy-Rose, however, has her path clear in front of her. Open a women's hair salon in a local storefront. Ever since she and her mother were taken in as help for the Davenport family Amy-Rose has dreamed of sticking out on her own and the passing of her mother has only made her more determined. That is if love doesn't stand in her way.
Marquis' writing style is so engrossing. I wasn't even 5% in before I was incredibly emotionally invested in the outcome of the characters' story. All four of the women that were the focus of this book were so well-rounded and relatable. I think that I personally related to Ruby the most, but Amy-Rose was my favourite. Helen and Olivia were also very good characters and I loved the nature of their relationship as sisters. Helen by far was the funniest character and I was the most invested in Olivia's love story. About 50% of the way through the book I was desperate to know that there would be more books in the series and was elated when I Googled and found that Marquis is already working on the second installment.
The heat in this book is pretty limited, but I was so engrossed in the story. If you enjoy historical romance novels I would recommend this one. The story is definitely going to leave you wanting more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Misogyny
Moderate: Classism, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail