While I found Fiona Davis' latest title as engaging as ever, I didn't find it as exciting and revelatory as her last book. The history was fascinating, but the characters in this one weren't quite as interesting, and the circumstances seemed a bit more contrived. The author states in the afterword that she overlays her fictional story on a framework of history, and in this case it was very evident. Instead of melding with the history, the characters and contrived story that she overlaid on the Frick family stuck out like a sore thumb. The two aspects didn't fit together all that well, and even though I did finish it to find out what happened in the end, I don't think I will be recommending this one to my library patrons.

Such a treat to be allowed a sneak peek at the newest Fiona Davis historical fiction. Thank you!

Another brilliant novel from Ms. Davis; whose brilliant research puts her books at the top of my list for faves.

I have been a fan of Fiona Davis since I read The Dollhouse, and I was thrilled to read an advance e-book copy through NetGalley. Thanks! Magnolia Palace alternates between two timelines, both set in New York City. The first timeline is 1919 and focuses on the fictional Lillian/Angelina and her dealings with the famous Frick family. The second features Veronica and takes place in 1966. The characters converge as a mystery is revealed. I never give away too much plot in my reviews as I believe it takes away a great deal of the fun of reading a novel like this.

I must admit that historical fiction involving two timelines is very enjoyable to read, especially when they feature strong female lead characters. This book was no exception. The characters are likable and genuine, and I did not find the plot to be overly predictable. Ms. Davis’s writing is crisp, but also includes many details which demonstrate that she used a great deal of research to write the book and contains descriptive prose that enhances one’s ability to visualize the action taking place. I always love reading her author’s notes which include nonfiction books and authors on which/whom she relied to tell her tale.

I highly recommend this book. It is extremely well-written and creative! Thank you again, NetGalley, Ms. Davis, and the publisher.

Lillian Carter (known in the art world as Angelica) finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation and through some strange circumstances becomes the private secretary to Helen Frick, whose family home will become the Frick Museum. Lillian becomes entangled in a plot to marry off Helen and in the midst of a family tragedy, a magnificent magnolia diamond disappears.
In a dual timeline, Veronica, a Young English model, accepts a modeling job that takes place in the Frick Museum. Because of a snowstorm, She inadvertently becomes locked in the museum after closing and finds the only other person in the museum is a Young intern. While touring the museum, she notices a stack of papers that lead the two on a scavenger hunt.
The parallel timelines intersect when Helen Frick makes an appearance and Veronica confronts Helen with their findings.
The history of the Frick family and museum is well-researched and the story is well-written. The plot is very similar to The Lions of Fifth Avenue. Angelica is based on an actual model living during this time period. Helen Frick was every bit as eccentric as she is portrayed in the book.
Recommended for fans of historical fiction.

Fiona Davis has done it again. Another interesting story, fictional, but so much fact and has combined them perfectly. The author writes so well and the dual time line is easy to follow. Characters are all very interesting and they bring you right into the story and keep you there. It is so fun to look up all the interesting facts that are written about in Ms. Davis' novels.

Fiona Davis is truly a master at her craft. She continues to amaze me with each and every book that she publishes. I learn so much from her novels, and I find myself just completely enraptured in them. Truly, when I start a Fiona Davis book, there’s this itch inside me, that’s begging to get to the end, because you have to learn what the connection is with her two timelines. Her writing, such beautifully crafted, just draws you into the story and you don’t want to set the book aside.

The Magnolia Palace is no exception, her four previous novels having all done this to me. I thought that she had outdone herself with the master level she reached with The Lions of Fifth Avenue; but she has managed to pull me in once again and just impress me with page after page. As with all Davis books, they center around a New York City landmark, that I usually know nothing to very little about, and this particular book surrounds The Frick Museum and the life of Helen Clay Frick, a woman whom I had not heard of 72 hours ago, but I wish to learn more about fiercely, because in this novel that woman is a true spitfire, and I just completely fell in love with the way Fiona wrote her.

The Magnolia Palace has a 1919 timeline where a young model begins to work as a private secretary for Helen Frick, and a timeline in 1966 when another model is working at The Frick Museum and she gets stuck inside during a storm...........and the two timelines just merge absolutely beautifully.

I just finished it. And I want to read it again. Yes, it’s that good.

"The Magnolia Palace" is an enjoyable read with dual timelines and set in New York. The main location (as per the title) is the Frick Residence of the 1910s which then became the Frick Museum when the owner died. On the back of wealth accumulated from steel manufacturing in Pennsylvania, Henry Frick amassed a fortune in art which he planned to leave to "the nation". This novel is a fictional story about the family, although some parts are fact-based. Henry Frick may have been good with money and art but, in this narrative, he is not great at personal relationships, especially with women.

This is an inventive story with some interesting characters.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

Engaging historical fiction that features two characters from different time periods. A fascinating, original plot. I look forward to recommending this to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of romance.

I absolutely loved this book. As with her past books, Fiona Davis masterly weaves historical places and events into her fiction books with characters you won't forget. I always look forward to her new books!

I'm not a huge historical fiction reader, but I always enjoy Fiona Davis's spin on things. This follows the same pattern as her previous novels, with two parallel storylines from different periods of time. Found all of the information about the Frick fascinating.

A must read! I absolutely love this book. “The Magnolia Palace” has it all – charm, mystery, romance, and wonderful descriptions of places like the Frick Museum, such that you feel like you were actually there. My favorite thing that Fiona does is to tell a story in the past (1919) and tell a story in a more current period (1996). I love reading both stories and how they are woven together. Thanks Fiona Davis and Dutton for the Advanced Read.

Once again Fiona Davis has written a well researched historical fiction that captures you from the very beginning. This time she writes a dual timeline involving the Frick Mansion with an interesting cast of characters while subtlety teaching us about art history. She incorporates a love story and a mystery that easily moves the story along. I thoroughly enjoyed both timelines and this is always one of my go to authors! #TheMagnoliaPalace #FionaDavis #NetGalley

Fiona Davis is becoming one of my favorite historical novelists as she’s wonderful in combining fact and fiction. Set in the Frick building in the 20’s and spanning 50 years this is a mystery, historic and love story that will appeal to everyone. Another winner.

Fiona Davis is the queen of historical fiction, and The Magnolia Palace is yet another entertaining, engrossing, and interesting novel that she has written. Lillian Carter, while trying to lay low and avoid a murder investigation in her apartment building, finds work with an eccentric and wealthy NY family; I loved this cast of characters. Fast forward about 45 years, and two young people stuck in the Frick Mansion try to solve a mystery involving the Fricks and Lillian. The dual storyline works very well together and kept me wondering what would happen next. I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys historical fiction!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the advance e-copy.

Fiona Davis is becoming a go-to author for historical fiction with a bit of mystery. This story uses dual timelines set in 1919 and 1966 New York City and examines the search for a missing diamond from the Frick Museum. It’s compelling, well-written, and delightful.

Thank you for my early review copy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I believe this book will be a huge bestseller.

Fiona Davis draws you into the 1920s New York life of Angelica, a model, who soon finds herself as assistant to Helen Frick and working in a grand home that has a statue of her on the façade. Bold personalities, intrigue, family disputes rule the home. Fifty years later, Veronica- another model-finds herself in the same mansion turned art gallery and bound up in the intrigue and mystery. Davis again creates a beautiful story traversing through time with a building as a character who is privy to the secrets of all within and brilliant characters who draw you in to their worlds, walk beside as they unravel the intrigue, and leave you with a new appreciation for that time, the building, and the people of The Magnolia Palace.

The Magnolia Palace was an enjoyable read. I liked the main characters and found them to be interesting and well developed. It takes place in two time periods and the author makes the transition between the two easy to read. The history of the Frick collection and family was very well researched with an author's note at the end of other titles that one may be interested in reading that pertain to the Frick family and their art collection.

Easily one of the best historical fiction books I have read in the last 12 months. Art, history, a love story and spanning 50+ years, what's not to love?
Well written, thoughtful details and interesting characters. I loved it!

Excellent historical fiction novel set in the home of Henry Clay Frick in NYC. This house and all of its magnificent art work was willed to the city as a museum which still exists. The main character, Lillian inadvertently becomes employed as a private secretary to Helen Frick, Henry's daughter. Lillian had previously been a sculptor's model, but is on the run due to a domestic murder in her apartment building. Lillian becomes embroiled in an awkward situation with Helen's reluctant fiancé, and ultimately gets accused of killing Henry Frick. There is a subplot involving a model who gets locked in the mansion in 1966 with an intern. These young people help to unravel the chaos that occurred almost a half century before.