I love historical fiction, split timelines, and books about art, so I had high expectations for this book. Unfortunately it fell a bit flat. I loved the setting of the Frick mansion and learned some interesting history about the Frick family, however it was a slow read that failed to draw me in.

This historical fiction is full of lively characters and straddles two time periods. By alternating between the two narratives, you slowly unravel the mystery of the family drama that a young model turned potential witness/murder suspect gets tangled up in. A beautifully written book with artistic imagery and historical references. A great read that is hard to put down.

The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis does not disappoint. The description of the life and times in the early 1900’s captures the reader’s imagination. Add the disparity in the impoverished and the rich to this story adds dimension.

The story of a muse celebrated by the art world of the east coast, who then is desperate etc earn some money to travel to be in the silent movies of the time. Unfortunately, being in the wrong place at the wrong time has Angelique, finding work as a ladies secretary. This new employment is not pleasant and not without many twists and turns as the plot thickens. The ending is quick and flushed out all the questions and mysteries that the muse turned secretary goes through. I might add this is all flushed out thanks to a couple of art buffs 50-60 years in the future, who haphazardly meet and discover the secrets of a bygone era.

Love love loved this story. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen to Lillian. Love that it told the history of the Frick Collection in NYC. And that it was told from two different time periods. When I read the Author’s Note I thought for sure more of the story would have been based off of fact. Fiona David certainly did a wonderful job making the whole plot seem real and the characters so likable (even though I hated some). Thanks Net Galley for the opportunity to read the ARC (even though I was late)

It’s been a week. A week that has seemed 37 days long, and I woke up thinking it was Friday, and so there we are…

I’m also a tiny bit behind on my reviewing and posting, because, even in a week that has seemed endless, I’ve had almost no reading time. 🤦🏼‍♀️

Now that I’ve got that out, how about we talk about books? Specifically, let’s talk about a great book, The Magnolia Palace.

Fiona Davis @fionadavisauthor is one of those writers that I just know the book is going to be captivating. There’s going to be a whole lot of intrigue going on, most likely set in an iconic NYC building.

If historical fiction with a little mystery, a murder, and a whole lot of secret keeping is your thing, grab yourself a copy of The Magnolia Palace (available now) and enjoy your Friday (which I now realize is tomorrow).

Thanks so much for the opportunity to review!
Link to 2/17/2022 Instagram post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CaFz9bNvo6w/

Thanks to Penguin Group Dutton & NetGalley for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own. #TheMagnoliaPalace #NetGalley

I have never been disappointed by anything I've ready by Fiona Davis and her newest novel stands up to my expectations. It is a dual timeline (1919 and 1966) with a strong, independent women in each period, plus a variety of memorable characters and a mystery. The storylines come together at the end of the novel in a very satisfying conclusion.

Davis says in her Author's Note how she "likes to layer a fictional story over the scaffolding of historical facts," and she has done so quite cleverly in The Magnolia Palace. The palace itself was the home of the immensely wealthy Frick family and is today's Frick Collection, a world famous art museum in New York City. Its permanent collection features Old Master paintings and European fine and decorative arts, including works by Bellini, Fragonard, Goya, Rembrandt, Turner, Velázquez, Vermeer, and many others.

We are introduced to the Collection and the Frick family in 1919 through Lillian Carter, or as she was known at the time, Angelica the artists' muse. Through a fortunate misunderstanding, she is hired as Helen Frick's personal assistant and moves into the Fricks' home. This works out well for her since she needs to keep a low profile due to being a murder suspect, which is another misunderstanding. The alternate timeline is 1966, and features British fashion model Veronica Weber, who inadvertently finds herself locked in the museum with a museum intern during a snowstorm.

Both of the young female main characters are models with unstable financial situations, without anyone to depend on other than themselves. And on top of that Lillian is falsely suspected of murder. Whether 1919 or 1966, both women have precarious social standings, but the pair ultimately demonstrate integrity when faced with the opportunity to be dishonest and deceitful.

Davis does an excellent job in describing the Fricks' style of living: the clothes, the food, the music, and the classes - as well as the art, of course. But it is ultimately the characters that make the book so readable. I had trouble putting it down as I became involved in Lillian's predicament of being so entrenched in the Frick family instead of following her dream of being a Hollywood star. By introducing Veronica's story, Davis has the opportunity to explain what really happened back in 1919. But alternating between the two women's narratives creates a delicious tension that kept me turning the pages.

I have to say, I normally love Fiona Davis’ books but The Magnolia Palace was incredible. She weaves together two timelines seamlessly. THere are two distinct stories happening, but they stand alone, as well. Lillian and Veronica are very different protagonists that balanced each other well. They embody two distinct periods in time, but show that some things remained the same for women despite all of the advancements (theoretically) made.

I also adored the mystery aspect of The Magnolia Palace. Both Lillian and Veronica’s stories were fascinating, but it was the mystery of the Magnolia jewel that really grabbed me. And as always, the real life setting of the Frick House in New York- Davis is meticulous with her research, and it really comes through in novels like this. (And now I’ve added yet another place on my “must-see” list!)

Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue, returns with a tantalizing novel about the secrets, betrayal, and murder within one of New York City's most impressive Gilded Age mansions.

A beautiful and stunning work of art! Fiona Davis is in my top 5 go to authors and I have loved every book. This novel is an intricate and filled with family drama, secrets and murder. A wonderful combo in my opinion.
A magical and glorious historical thriller!

What a wonderful surprise this gem was! Told in dual timelines with art, mystery, Spanish Flu Pandemic (perfect timing to current affairs, don't you think), NYC Frick Mansion and Museum, and so much more...

The two main characters of Lillian and Veronica were very well done and well developed into a very believable storyline.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group Dutton for this advanced readers copy. This book was released on January 25, 2022.

Within the last year or so, Fiona Davis has become an auto-buy author for me. The Magnolia Place is a perfect example as to why. The plot being set in Spanish Flu era had some unsettling parallels to our current state, but I learned a lot because I kept my mind open.

Has Fiona Davis ever done us wrong? No. So it's not a shock that I immediately jumped into this one and felt great about it. I would love to see this turned into a movie!

Alone and devastated months following her mother’s death, Lillian Carter finds herself destitute. After escaping her apartment building when her smarmy landlord tries to involve her in his wife’s murder, Lillian has no money, no home and no plan. Walking past the front gate of the infamous Frick mansion, Lillian is accidentally brought in for an interview as personal secretary for Helen Frick. Initially trying to explain the misunderstanding, this beautiful former artist’s model is mesmerized by walls full of magnificent art. Having spent the majority of the last few years in studios, Lillian is exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about these paintings and sculptures and quickly impresses her potential employer. Then and there she puzzles out the perfect plan. She will fudge her way through the job and save enough money to escape to California and become a film star. Helen Frick is a demanding overbearing employer but clever Miss Lilly finds ways to appease her and realizes she is very good at this job. The longer she works at the Frick mansion the more she is involved in the daily lives of this temperamental wealthy family. In the mid 1960’s Veronica, an English model is at the Frick Museum, part of a photo shoot, when she is left behind on the eve of a blizzard. Trapped for the weekend with a handsome young intern, the two uncover a thread of hidden messages that they cannot resist following, uncovering truths of the past and secrets never meant to see the light of day. Narrated by the past and present, talented author Fiona Davis transports the reader to another time with characters both real and fictional. This book is unputdownable and I cannot wait to get back to New York and visit the Frick in person!

I really liked this book! It may sound a bit trite, but it was just such a nice, enjoyable book. Yes, there was some strife and conflict throughout the book, it never felt overbearing or made me feel the characters' anxieties. Not having read much in the way of fiction before, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the parallel plots, but it definitely worked for The Magnolia Palace. The ending wrapped up just a bit too nicely for me, but that didn't take away from the overall feeling I got from the book at all. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a pleasant and enjoyable read.

4.5⭐

The Magnolia Palace refers to the Frick mansion, the luxury home-turned-museum-and-library of the Frick family in New York City. In 1919 – the time period of the Spanish Flu – Lillian Carter is alone and trying to make ends meet after her mother dies of influenza. In her efforts to escape a scandal surrounding the death of her landlord’s wife, Lillian (a.k.a. Angelica - a model for numerous statues throughout NYC), ends up working as the personal secretary to Helen Frick, daughter of industrialist and art collector Henry Clay Frick. While she only intends to work at the Frick residence long enough to earn money to get to California, Lillian gets swept up into the lives and secrets of the Fricks.

Some decades later, British model Veronica Weber is part of a photo shoot for Vogue at the Frick residence. After Veronica gets left behind and snowed in at the Frick, she and Joshua (an intern) – also snowed in – discover clues to a decades old scavenger hunt that lead them throughout the museum. Mysteries and secrets of the past are finally revealed, and the two timelines come together in such an intriguing conclusion.

I enjoyed this book so much! The characters in both storylines were so well-developed, the writing was beautiful and rich, and the plot was intriguing and kept me guessing. In addition to the historical context, this book had: romance, secrets, lies, mystery, murder. I had never heard of the Frick Collection in New York, nor had I heard about an artist’s model who anonymously posed for numerous statues throughout New York City. I’m looking forward to checking this out the next time I visit. I cannot believe I haven’t read a Fiona Davis book before! Her writing in The Magnolia Palace is beautiful, and the characters are so well-developed; I look forward to reading more!

Thank you to Netgalley and Dutton Books for the advance e-copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I was provided an ARC of The Magnolia Palace to voluntarily review from NetGalley. When I received this opportunity to read Fiona Davis’ newest release it was as if I was awarded the last of the Golden Tickets. As a huge fan of historical fiction and an even bigger fan of the Gilded Age Barons I was excited to read this story. Ms. Davis is a wonderful storyteller who mixes fiction and history with grace and ease. Not only are the main characters Lillian and Veronica intriguing in their own right, but NYC and the Frick mansion also become characters in their own rights.

Writing dual timelines can be daunting I imagine when trying to keep everything straight, but it is equally daunting for the reader as you navigate between storylines of the past and the “present”. As I got lost in the pages of the book, it wasn’t because I was lost between the time frames, it was because I was equally interested in both time lines and main characters. My only challenge was not trying to read ahead to find out what happened, but to stay within the path of the story.

As the story unfolds, as you see the hints of the mystery, I fell in like with the characters. I also found myself learning more about the Frick family and not just Mr. Frick. I was also interested to learn about his art collection as I knew very little of it. It has also made me want to go visit the house and the museum. Why? Because they were as much of a character as the people in the story.

I wanted both Lillian and Veronica to succeed. I found them to be interesting, intriguing and captivating. I highly recommend this book and I have recommended it to friends. I told them that they would be educated, engaged and entertained as much as I was when I devoured the book. I was reluctant to put it down once I started reading it and if you take the opportunity to read The Magnolia Palace I bet you’ll find yourself feeling the same way. Fiona Davis delivers another must read book in my opinion.

Goodreads link - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4538493409
Amazon link - https://www.amazon.com/review/RFKQWE361QFQP/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Fascinating spin on the Frick family. Learned so much about the art and the artists muse. The story drew me in and I didn’t want it to end.

A riveting story in two timelines weaved around a famous family. Surrounded by art, love and mystery, this historical fiction is a 'work of art' (pun intended). The characters are well developed and liked the fact that there were no loose ends.

Even though the true 'heroine' did not have a happy ending, this fictional version was on the spot.


Thank you #NetGalley and #Penguin Group Dutton for giving me the opportunity to read this.

A thank you to Netgalley for sharing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fiona Davis's brand of historical 'chick lit' isn't always my cup of tea, but it had been a while since I read one of her books, and I was suckered in by the lovely cover, and yes, the word 'murder.' This was a solid historical mystery, the best things about it being the elaborate descriptions of the illustrious art and the period details of not one, but two points in time. The feminist slant is always a pleasure, but while the story was engaging enough, I can't say that it rocked my world. A decent, but not necessarily memorable read that will still please her many fans and probably win her a few more new ones who lean towards the genre.

The Magnolia Palace is a historical fiction novel (that does NOT take place during WWII by the way!) inspired by the history and art of The Frick Collection in NYC. For those of you who don't know (I did not, before reading this book) The Frick Collection is an art museum in New York City that features many Old Master paintings (among other things). The museum was founded by the industrialist Henry Clay Frick, who made his money in steel (in Pennsylvania by the way). The Frick Collection also houses the Frick Art Reference Library, first of a kind in the United States, established by Helen Clay Frick, Henry's daughter. Both Ms Helen and the Library feature in The Magnolia Palace.

The book has two timelines. The first follows Lillian Carter in 1919. Lillian is an artist's model and a muse, and is largely based on Audrie Marie Munson, "America's first supermodel". Munson was the model for more than twelve statues in NYC including The Three Graces.

The second timeline jumps 50 years, and follows English model Veronica Weber who accidentally became the "it girl" because of her racy haircut. Veronica finds herself in the former Frick residence, recently converted into a museum, where she was invited for a photoshoot with one of the most famous photographers in New York.

The novel follows both protagonists and their interactions with the Frick family until the timelines converge at the very end.

I am thankful to the author for educating me about The Frick Collection. I am most definitely going to make a point to stop there during my next trip to NYC. I googled quite a bit about the collection and enjoyed learning about the artworks mentioned in the book. It was also a bit of a "flashback" for me, because I just recently listened to Empire of Pain on audio (review is coming up!). Both books focus on the themes of philanthropy. Is philanthropy good or bad? OK, they donated the house and all the works of art in it to the city, but...should we not discuss how they made the money to buy all of these priceless works of art in the first place?

I also had tons of fun reading about the "first supermodel", and about the experiences of the models in the 60's!

Ultimately though, the novel ended up being a bit of a let down for me. The ending wrapped up all the loose ends WAAAAYYY too neatly. Everything worked out. Everything. Ya know me. Happy endings like this are not for me. Seriously though. The author followed Audrey Munson's fate pretty closely while writing Lillian. Unfortunately, after a very unpleasant incident (which is in fact described in The Magnolia Palace) Munson's reputation was ruined. No one wanted to work with her. She tried to take her own life and lived until her death (in the 90s!) in an institution. Where she died lonely and forgotten. If the author's driver for writing a book about models was the desire to bring awareness to the fact that many of them died obscure, without ANY recognition, despite inspiring tens, sometimes hundreds works of art that are still, until this day, bringing joy to so many people...well, I guess I don't understand why she chose to make the ending so pretty. Because for Audrey Munson, and many many others it surely was not. The author did mention her in the author's note at the very end, but I still do not understand the desire to "rewrite" the history in this particular instance.

Overall, if you are in the mood for historical fiction, but do not want to read yet another book about WWII, if you have special interest in art, AND if you are not a bitter old crone like me, and actually enjoy happy endings - give The Magnolia Palace a try.

Thank you Dutton Books, and the author for gifting me the copy of The Magnolia Palace in exchange for my honest review.

I appreciated the look into the modeling and art world that this book provided. As usual, Fiona Davis has written another fascinating novel based on history. Love it.