A really wonderful book! The characters are interesting, complex and quirky. so much detail that the book comes alive as you read! The characters are so realistic I felt I was there with them, feeling what they felt. I could not put this book down! Intricately woven story of the Frick famiy events that led to the home becoming a museum. A must read!

The Magnolia Palace, by Fiona Davis, is a skillfully crafted tale centering on a historic New York City landmark, in this case the Frick mansion and its eccentric family, at the height of their fame during the Gilded Age in NYC.
Told in two timelines, 1919 and 1966, this is the story of two young women, living in very different eras but who have similar needs and dreams, and their experiences with the Frick family and the famous Magnolia Palace.
The characters are well-drawn, particularly Lillian, the sculptors’ model for many classical statues that adorn NYC buildings, including the Frick mansion. I especially enjoyed the feisty, crusty Miss Helen Frick, whose strength of character and forward-looking ideas brought the famous Frick Museum of Art into existence.
Ms. Davis excels at merging the real histories of NYC landmarks and its people of importance with her fictional characters in dual timelines. She also is adept at cleverly weaving in a mystery or two that deliciously unfold for the reader. I particularly applaud her use of strong, smart women in central roles!
This immersive and entertaining look at the Frick mansion and its residents during the Gilded Age is storytelling at its finest. I am in awe of Ms. Davis’ writing skills, which just get better and better with each new novel. This is historical fiction at its finest, to be savored and then read again and again!

Thank you to the author, Dutton and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my unbiased review.

Lillian is a young model in NYC. But, when her mother passes away she is lost on how to deal with many things. She ends up in a spot of trouble and she decides to run for it. This leads her straight into a job interview for a private secretary for Helen Frick. She thinks this is her saving grace…

This is told in two different time periods, 1919 and 1969, by two different voices, Lillian and Veronica. I enjoyed both time periods. Usually I like one better than the other. But both of these were intriguing and had fabulous characters.

If you follow me at all, you know I love a book that has me researching. This book had me researching about this family, this mansion and this art collection. What a unique family with a fantastic history. Now, I was not a big fan of the portrayal of Helen Frick. I found her a bit unbelievable. But this is a minor issue. I also loved learning about the modeling and the statues. This book is full of wonderful references.

Now that I have talked about all that…the story was pretty dang good itself. The way it twists around the mystery of the murder and the characters involved! I was hooked!

Need a FABULOUS historical fiction book…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

This is my first time reading a book by Fiona Davis but it certainly won't be my last. I'm a massive fan of historical fiction especially when there's a dual timeline thrown in. Secrets, lies and intrigue connect Lillian and Veronica's stories for a very engaging, unputdownable read. I read late into the night to find out the mystery behind the magnolia diamond and those connected to it. Would definitely recommend this entertaining read.

I don’t read a lot of historical fiction unless you count what is nostalgic for me but is now considered historical, but the cover of this book captured me . What is probably more literary fiction than mystery or suspense, does weave a mystery into this beautifully written story. Of the dual timelines, the 1919 timeline was slightly more intriguing to me.

Fans of the author’s previous books, art history lovers, and historical fiction lovers will enjoy this book. And make sure and read the author’s note at the end for insight into her research.

Synopsis
It’s 1919 in New York, and Lillian is alone for the first time in her life, and she’s implicated in the death of her landlord’s wife. She’s left with no choice but to run! And after one night in Central Park, she stumbles into an opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to be private secretary to Ms. Helen Frick, eccentric daughter of one of the richest men in America. Over time, she becomes a trusted member of the Frick household. To demonstrate his trust in Lillian, Mr. Frick enrolls her in a plan to help secure a husband for Ms. Helen in exchange for enough money to start over. But when she puts her trust in the wrong person, her truth is revealed with disastrous results. Now she’s implicated in another murder and the theft of a priceless heirloom. Once again, she’s faced with the choice to flee or to stand her ground.

Musings
Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and this book has all the makings of great historical fiction in my opinion. I really loved how Davis incorporated the artwork and art history into the story, elevating Lillian’s character. She’s not just a pretty face as we learn throughout the novel. Though we meet Lillian when she’s down and out, we quickly learn that she is fiercely independent and resourceful. In contrast, Ms. Helen is completely dependent on her father, having never really matured beyond the need for his approval. These two women could not be more different, which makes their affection for each other even more endearing. The dual timeline worked well for this novel; the shifts in time were well-timed, leaving me intrigued about one timeline while diving back into another. While the modern storyline was a bit unrealistic, it was entertaining and certainly added to the suspense of the novel. Overall, this was a solid historical mystery that I highly recommend to any HistFic lover!

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It held my attention and I wanted to find out what would happen. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

The Magnolia Palace was the first book I've read by Fiona Davis, but it won't be the last. Historical fiction can often be very heavy and emotional, so much so that I often have to be in the right headspace to dive into a historical fiction novel (despite it being my favorite genre). The Magnolia Palace, while not without it's sad and tragic aspects, was a breath of fresh air. It was definitely much lighter than the historical fiction I'm used to reading and even included some playful elements to it.

I really enjoyed the dual timeline and found myself caring about both timelines and the characters within. While I'd still say I preferred Lillian's story, I was still very interested in Veronica's story, and I enjoyed seeing how the two stories tied together. I liked how details about the past revealed themselves in the more current timeline.

I think because I'm used to historical fiction being so deep and heavy, I was expected the "mystery" element to this story, and when I initially finished the book, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. But as more time has passed and I've had time to think about it, I really feel that it was refreshing to read a historical fiction book that didn't leave me feeling down or a bit heartbroken when I was done. That's not to say that I didn't feel for the characters and their struggles, but it just didn't have that deep emotional punch that I'm used to. And while normally that may not be a compliment, in this case it felt like a good thing. It was fun to read a historical fiction novel that had an air of mystery and a sense of adventure.

I loved how art was worked into the novel throughout. I really love the idea of Lillian going from posing for artists and being the model for so many statues around the city, and then coming to work in a home in which a statue of her was on site. That definitely added an interesting element to the story.

For me, a good indicator of a well-written, captivating historical fiction book is that it results in me looking up more about the people and the subject matter of the book after I've finished. That's exactly what I did after finishing The Magnolia Palace. I wanted to learn more about the Frick family. And while Lillian may not have been real, she was loosely based on a real woman that was the model for many statues throughout New York City, and I found myself looking her up as well.

If you are looking for an interesting, dual-timeline book that involves an element of mystery, then look no further. The Magnolia Palace will not disappoint.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the ARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars

Fiona Davis is back with another excellent historical fiction novel. The Magnolia Palace tells the story of the Frick Museum. It has two timelines in 1919 and 1966 following both a former artist model desperate for a new start and a mod English model who stumbles upon secrets and clues within the museum.

Davis is great at blending multiple timelines, as well as juggling multiple plot pieces. Her research is always on point and the Frick Museum is such a fun setting for this story. I really enjoyed Lillian’s story and her interactions with Helen. All the characters were very interesting and I loved the bit of romance sprinkled in. Now I must visit the Frick Museum.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Full review to be posted on release date.

THE MAGNOLIA PALACE by Fiona Davis is a wonderfully-written and intriguing work of historical fiction that kept me engaged from beginning to end. I have read and loved several of Fiona Davis’s previous historical novels so I couldn’t wait to dive into another dual timeline story set in an iconic New York City building, this time the Frick Collection. It is a story of secrets, betrayal and murder within one of New York City’s noted Gilded Age mansions. In 1919, twenty-one-year-old Lillian Carter is mourning the loss of her mother and facing a declining career as one of the most sought-after artists’ models known as Angelica. To add injury to insult, she is wanted for questioning in a scandalous crime she didn’t commit. Alone, with nowhere to go, she happens upon a chance to become the private secretary to Helen Frick, daughter of industrialist Henry Clay Frick. Soon Lillian’s life is entangled with the Frick family and she becomes embroiled in dangerous activities that could threaten her life and safety. In 1966, the Frick mansion is now a museum. Veronica Weber is a London-based model invited to a Vogue photoshoot in the museum. Fate finds her locked in the museum during a snowstorm with Joshua Lawrence, an intern training to be an archivist. The pair come across a series of hidden messages from the past that lead them on a hunt for a rare treasure and the answer to a decades-old murder. There is plenty of drama, mystery and adventure as the two storylines converge. I found myself totally immersed in both timelines. The architecture and art were so vividly described, I felt I could see it all. As always with Fiona Davis’s novels, there was the perfect blend of fact and fiction as described in her Author’s Note. I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining book and highly recommend it. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read an early copy.

I like Fiona Davis’ books but this one didn’t live up to my expectations. The characters were not well
developed until the end of the book.

Loved it. Just loved it. An historical fiction book based on fact and centred around the Frick Mansion/Museum, one of my favourite museums in New York. Dual timeline 1919 and 1966 with two different stories that seamlessly come together as the book comes to an end. The main protagonists are Lillian Carter in the earlier time and Veronica Weber in the latter. Both strong women who have their lives planned out; they think!

Briefly, Lillian has been working as an artist model when she becomes embroiled in a murder case so she runs away and accidentally gets a job working for Helen Frick, the only surviving daughter of Henry Clay Frick, the industrialist who has become an art patron. The Frick family is not a happy one and when Lillian is romantically pursued by Helen’s beau disaster is on the cards.
English model Veronica is in New York on a photo shoot in the Frick museum but when she upsets the photographer then gets locked in the museum, alongside a curator, she finds some intriguing clues to a treasure hunt. Together they follow the clues around the museum looking for the ‘treasure’.

I loved how the factual elements of the story were incorporated into the story in such a way I couldn’t even start to guess what was fact and what was fiction. The writing was wonderful and I’m definitely heading back to the Frick on my next New York trip. For me this was a real page turner and I will definitely be reading this author again ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ms. Davis has done it again! The Magnolia Palace is full of secrets, lies, hidden clues and so much more. Written in alternating time periods, the 1910s and the 1960s, the stories weave seamlessly through the stories of Angelica, Veronica and Helen.

Taking place mostly within the walls of the Frick mansion in 1919, Angelica finds herself falling into a job she was not looking for, working for Miss Helen Frick. The two form an unlikely bond and Angelica finds herself holding secrets between family members, staff, and the man chosen to be Miss Helen's future husband.

Veronica and Joshua's story is told in 1966 once the Frick mansion is now a museum. The two meet while Veronica is there for a photo shoot, one she hopes will lead to her big break for Vogue. Their adventure leads them to clues as to who really lived within the walls of the mansion.

I loved the alternating stories and timelines and how Ms. Davis was able to bring about the stories of two women from different backgrounds and the bonds formed between them.

A knockout new historical fiction novel from best-selling author, Fiona Davis. It's a novel, it's a mystery, there's a murder, and it's all one big exciting puzzle. Perfect for everyone.

I have been a fan of Fiona Davis since her first book, and she did not disappoint me with her latest! Like all her others, it’s a dual time period historical novel centered around a real NYC building. In this one, in 1919 we have the story of Lillian, an artist’s model for sculptures who accidentally stumbled into a job at the Frick mansion working for the demanding daughter Helen Frick, and in the 1960s, Veronica, a budding fashion model on a photo shoot at what is now the Frick Museum who ends up accidentally stuck there during a storm and uncovers something that leads her to make some discoveries relating to the earlier story.

This was a little bit slow start, but once I got into it I was totally hooked. The 1919 story was definitely more compelling than the later story, but I loved how it all tied together in the end. And loved the author’s note at the end explaining what was real, what was inspired by real events, and what was totally fictional.

Somehow even though I have lived in the NYC area all of my life, I have never been to the Frick Museum, but now I really want to go!

This book paints a picture of historical NYC that is gorgeous!

Told in two timelines, 1919 and 1960's, the story follows two female lead characters. Lillian, who was a sculptor's model, a scandalous job in that time. So much so that she had to use a false name of Angelina to protect herself and her mother. The other female lead character is Veronica, also a model, but in the 1960's it was less scandalous.

There is mystery, intrigue, drama and famous NYC architecture and locations that we've all heard about and which are described in magnificent detail. I found this book to be fascinating and it will be of interest to those who enjoy historical fiction and NYC history.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

The Magnolia Palace is a dual timeline novel: In 1919, it tells the story of true-life Helen Frick, daughter of American industrialist Henry Clay Frick. These 2 real - life figures from history are involved in a fictionalised saga where a precious pink diamond goes missing. In 1966, model Veronica and art apprentice Joshua are stranded in the Frick museum in New York during a snow storm and this leads to some exciting discoveries.

Fiona Davis is one of my favourite dual timeline historical fiction novelists - I love how she explores the relationship between the past and the present and her narrative flicks seamlessly from one timeline to the other.

In The Magnolia Palace, the reader is truly spoilt with some amazing characters - even more remarkable when you consider that they are drawn from true people. The style of writing is engaging and pulls you in equally during both timelines. Helen Frick was absolutely brilliant and I could picture her so clearly in my mind - it was fascinating researching the real Helen Frick after I had finished the book to discover she looks exactly how I imagined!

If you are new to historical fiction and the dual timeline concept, Fiona Davis is a brilliant place to start; she truly ticks every box with The Magnolia Palace and all her other works.

Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Dutton Publishing and Fiona Davis for allowing me to read this ARC in return for an honest review!

Woah!! An expertly woven mystery into the history of The Frick Museum! This was my first Fiona Davis read, and I have become one of her biggest fans!

Told in dual timelines, set in two different historical periods, 1919 and 1966, the story and the mystery surrounding the murder is amazingly developed through Lillian and Veronica. I really liked all the characters, especially the young black intern, who has to constantly prove himself everyday to survive.

A big thank you to Penguin Dutton and NetGalley for the gifted galley that is also a BOTM pick for the month of January! I recommend this title to all the Fiona Davis fans when it hits the shelves on Jan 24, 2022

I really enjoyed the dual storyline of Ms. Davis’ novel. Lillian was a bit list after her mother’s death until she finds purpose in her new job.

Thanks to Dutton for an advanced copy of The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis.

I absolutely love Fiona Davis and know I'm going to get a wonderful history fiction in a NYC landmark when I pick up one of her books .The Magnolia Palace continued to impress!

With secrets, betrayal, murder and more set in one of the most impressive NYC Guilded Age mansions this is such an atmospheric read where the setting is one of the main characters too. I love dual timeline historical fiction and this takes place in 1919/1920s with Lillian when she gets the chance to serve as the private secretary to Helen Frick, the daughter and heiress of Henry Frick and 1966 when English model Veronica is at the Frick Collection for a Vogue shoot and ends up getting locked in the building overnight with an intern/art curator. Veronica and Joshua find a series of hidden messages that lead them around the museum that might reveal the truth behind a decades old murder and family mystery.

I loved both time periods, especially the 1920s one with the art/sculpture and Hollywood side of Lilian along with the luxurious wealth of Lilllian. Fiona Davis expertly weaves both together seamlessly. And of course the author's note at the end on her inspiration for the book from her visit to the Frick Collection and how she wove the fiction into this historical fiction.

Now I need to visit the Frick on my next visit to NYC!