I am a fan of Fiona Davis and her books. She combines history with a great narrative. The characters come alive and you can sympathize with each one. In this book she examine the Frick family, their art collection, their family dynamics and those of their servants. Lillian Carter is an artist’s muse and poses for many famous sculptors. After her mother death she is falsely accused of the death of her landlord. She flees and ends up becoming the private secretary of Helen Frick, daughter of Henry Clay Frick. The story jumps between the past and present with the story of Veronica, also a model that has come to the US on an assignment. She needs the job to support her mother and sister back in England. Davis weaves these characters stories seamlessly as a mystery is solved and wrongs are righted. I really enjoyed the author’s notes at the end, explaining the fact and fiction of this book. This is well worth your time.

This book doesn't come out until January, but I got an ARC through NetGalley. It's by the same author as The Lions of Fifth Avenue, and the books are similar in that they're both historical mysteries of sorts. The plot flips back and forth between two points of view - Lillian/Angelica in 1919, an artist's model who takes a job as a private secretary for Helen Frick after her mother dies, and Veronica, a British model from the 1960s/70s who is in New York City for a photo shoot at the Frick mansion. Helen creates a series of clues - a scavenger hunt of sorts - for her "beau" that Lillian is supposed to help him solve, but the hunt remains only half finished when Veronica stumbles on the clues decades later. She decides to follow them to see what's hidden, and eventually, characters and storylines merge. It took me a little bit to get into Lillian's story, but I ended up loving the book. I also really enjoyed reading about the Fricks - the Frick mansion here in Pittsburgh is one of my favorite places, so I loved the connection!

I will update this review later this week with the link to my monthly reading post when my blog post goes live.

Set in the Frick Mansion in New York City this explores the secrets of the mansion turned museum. Told through the eyes of Lillian Carter, the private secretary of Miss Helen Frick in 1919 and an English model, Veronica Weber, who is part of a photo shoot at the museum in the 1960's. What secrets are hidden? How did Henry Clay Frick really die? What happened to the Magnolia diamond? And who is Angelica?

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction novel. I was able to read this as an ARC through Netgalley. This novel moves back and forth between the year 1919 and the year 1966. Lillian is the once famous muse Angelica. She is on the run and trying to transform her life. In 1966 Veronica is trying to transform her life, and help her sister get out of the institution she is living in. There was much to like in this novel. I really enjoyed learning about the muse Lillian, who had a different name in real life. The first supermodel we had in the US. One common theme between the two women is the lack of opportunity gender and class put upon them both. We’ve improved, but sadly connections can still be seen to today. I feel that I must visit the Frick now, and will look at it through the eyes of the novel. I did think the ending was a little rushed and really preposterous. But I enjoyed the note the novel ended on. It isn’t a problem to end a novel feeling happy and inspired to know more about a place or a topic. Yes, I would recommend this book!

How did one woman come to captivate so many? When you are “Angelica,” the artist’s muse, all eyes are upon you, making it a challenge to hide in plain sight but you do what you must to survive. This is a duo story about being a muse where one moment you’re invisible—unless you’re serving someone else’s purpose as their inspiration and molding yourself to become what others want you to be—and the next moment you find yourself unraveling a decades old mystery or untangling yourself from a murder you had nothing to do with. In the 1910s Miss Helen Frick and her private secretary, Lillian (commonly referred to as Miss Lillie and secretly known as Angelica) are the feature story. With the secondary story arc taking place in Bohemian New York City highlighting Veronica, a fledging 1960s mod model who is forced to embrace the Bohemian world of quirky, demanding photographers and modeling—while finding a way to support herself and those family members who rely on her.

Both Lillian and Veronica explore their experiences in being an artist's muse. For Lillian, she models for sculptors and her likeness can be found across the New York City metro area in all sorts of sculptures and architectural features. Veronica models for a photographer but her true desire is to be an actress. The primary setting takes place in the Henry Clay Frick House situated near Central Park. Each muse begins their journey in modeling at a young age and proves herself while facing hardships and challenges unlike any other faced in their lives. Each storyline contains twists and turns to keep the reader interested in learning more about the character's past, if love can be found, and if they each have the wits to evade getting caught in the necessary lies they've told.

Between the two arcing storylines the reader will unravel the puzzling mystery around the Magnolia diamond, learn about Martha, meet Polly, and understand how unhealed hurts have shaped each character.

The pace of the storylines satisfied my appetite to keep turning the page to read more. While I would have liked to better understand and connect with Veronica, Lillian’s story held my interest best. Veronica’s most prominent description was the bad choppy haircut given to her by her mother because they couldn’t afford to see a proper hairstylist. I tired of reading about the haircut across chapters and chapters when much of Veronica’s storyline seemed to span a shorter time period.

For those enjoying architecture and art history, the detailed descriptions of the Frick art collection, the home, and the future library were descriptive enough to peak my interests after reading the book. Something I enjoy about Fiona Davis books is her skill and eye for weaving historical data to a fictional story in a compelling way. She has a way of enticing the reader’s curiosity around the people, the setting, and the history highlighted for the story she is writing. I think this is the true magic and bonus of historical fiction and a talented author—to tell an engaging story plus to peak someone’s curiosity to want to learn more.

Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Once again Fiona Davis brings to light a New York institution. I loved leaning about the Frick Collection through eyes of Lillian, Helen, Joshua, and Veronica. The duel timelines were both so engaging, each one having their own interactions with the heart of the story. A very good read with a touch of mystery.

Fiona Davis always tells a great tale and lures you in with the past, present and the tidbits of history. I didn't know much about the Fricks or the museum and was not only entertained but learned a few things!

The Magnolia Palace was the most interesting book I have read in a long time! I didn't want it to end! I found the history of it so interesting and quite entertaining in the Fiona Davis has presented it. The dual timeline was presented so well and so seamlessly that it only helped to enhance the beauty of the story. Lillian's story is so unique and exciting you couldn't help but cheer her on and wish her well. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this fabulous tale and I can't wait to read her next adventure!

I received an e-arc of this through Netgalley.
I really love historical fiction and this takes us inside the Frick mansion when the Fricks were alive and well in the early 1900s. Lillian works as an artist's muse for many of the sculptors in the city when she gets swept into a murder investigation. Another storyline featured in The Magnolia Palace is Veronica who just started working as a model to try to improve her sister Polly's life. The relationship of family and friends as well as the ultra-rich and ultra-poor come to a crossroads in this book I found hard to put down.

The Magnolia Palace- written by Fiona Davis

Intriguing, Exciting, Astounding, Magnolias, European Art, Statues, Fabulous Characters, Unexpected story lines, Murder, Satisfying ending with tears filling my eyes.
Incredible writing by Fiona Davis with realistic likable characters in 1919 at the Frick Mansion, plus bringing 1966 London characters over to the Frick Collection House for a winter photo shoot. Mystery, Scavenger hunt, Mistaken Identy, Attraction, Love! You will not be able into put this
Book📚 down. Long lost friendship found. So much within these page's that will keep you entertained. Just when you think you have the plot, whoops - MORE. It's Fabulous🌹
~~1919, New York~
Lillian Carter is a 21 yr old Artists' model, stage name 'Angelica'.
Kitty her mother is always at her side sitting nearby knitting to ensure their reputation having negotiated a fee. Except, Kitty died 8 months earlier of the Spanish Flu that killed so many at that time. It left Lillian alone despondent, unable to work or do anything. Lillian had been working since age 15, posing for Sculptors & Artists and photographers. They covet her Grecian attributes- nose, mouth, eye's, hair, classical nature-harmony,balance & symmetry. She is Beautiful. Lost since mom's death. Everything falls apart fast. She has posed for such renowned named artists, the statutes go in well known usually high class locations. After a Series of terrible events she ends up on the doorstep of Mr Henry Clay Frick NY Mansion looking up at a statue of herself above their door when a staff member calls her in. Lillian's life will take an incredible accidental turn.

*Here is part of the story where Fiona Davis has done amazing research & blends Fact & Fiction in a Marvelous way through-out this Wonderful story.* Fact-Yes the Statues are all Real & throughout New York and from a single model. When you come across Statues, Locations even sculptors names, all true. I even looked it up as I went along & found them. I read alot International & US, when locations are listed even streets. I enjoy this when it's fact in fiction. Authors go to tremendous lengths writing and researching, I appreciate when I am given such marvelous details in Fiction. What a gift. Example--> Statue 'Memory' of Ida Straus true, She & husband Isidor went down together on Titanic. Location true. The 3 Graces, Grace, Charm & Beauty- in The Hotel Astor Ballroom by Isadore Konti 1909. True.

The story goes to 1966, where we meet new characters. This is so much fun. This Author does this type of writing fabulously don't fret about the transition because it flows so beautifully. Fiona Davis is a writer that has done this in other book's and believe me it works and is delightful. As I began reading I was turning pages so fast I couldn't decide what group of characters I liked best 1919 or 1966.

Veronica Weber was 'discovered' by Sabrina in her Uncle's pawnshop
'Chelsea Pawnbrokers' in London. Trish her mom cut her hair for a photo shoot. Now she looks like a mushroom. For some reason it made someone from Vogue reach out & ask for her. She was booked to go to New York to do a winter photo shoot at a place called the Frick Collection some kind of museum, she thinks then to Newport, Rhode Island. She would meet up with other model's at least 1 other from London, Tangerine whom she met a year earlier. At the Frick Mansion Collection, Joshua Lawrence is a part time archivist told to keep watch over the photo group even give tours. Veronica is a bit taken with him and his knowledge of the stunning works of art all through the mansion, this will help later.

We will find out so much about these 'leading ladies' in each era as we go along, it falls in place just when it's needed. Parents,siblings or not, backgrounds, education's, job's. Then ~WOW~ always more surprises. A murder that needs to be solved. Both era's will be involved in this. A scavenger hunt for Old Master paintings plus European fine arts & decorative arts the one's in the Frick Collection. Pay attention to where all the Magnolias are 🌹. Along the way so much incredible writing that keeps you spellbound. When you read the last word you will have tears in your eyes.
Then you're going to want to look up Every Book 📚 written by Fiona Davis buy and Read. I have some on Kindle but Now I want them Print. Enjoy!

Love anything Fiona Davis writes. Magnolia Place was no exception. She intertwined a history lesson with the beautiful story in an iconic landmark. This newest book has a different feel than Davis’ other books. Maybe a bit sadder? But I loved it none the less. One houskeeping note though. Many pages were missing, but I still got the gist of the story. Can’t wait to read the finished product in February.

Another great book by Fiona Davis. I could hardly put it down. Thankful for an advanced copy through Net Galley..

The Magnolia Palace is a great story about the Frick museum. There are 2 story lines. Lillian who finds herself employed by the Frick family and Veronica who visits the museum 50 years later. Fiona Davis makes the story line so interesting and believable. She always includes a little mystery, history and entertainment.

Fiona Davis has once again told a wonderful story! I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend. I always get so drawn into her books and this one is no exception!

The Magnolia Palace
by Fiona Davis

As a lover of historical fiction novels and someone who works for an art center and appreciates all types of art, this book was perfect for me. Fiona Davis’ novel alternates between dual timelines in 1919 and 1966 and weaves together strong female characters - Lillian Carter, Veronica Weber, and Helen Frick. These courageous and strong women are so well developed by Davis that you’ll be thinking about them long after you’ve turned the last page.

Lillian is an artist’s muse who finds herself in the middle of murder investigation and on the run from authorities. She lands in the home of the esteemed steel mogul and art collector Henry Clay Frick and becomes his daughter Helen’s private secretary. She quickly gets entangled in their family drama, a missing diamond and a potential murder. In the 1966 timeline we meet Veronica an up and coming model who is visiting the Frick Museum for a photo shoot. Lillian and Helen’s past story quickly becomes relevant to Veronica. What unfolds includes romance, mystery, murder and drama, a book you won’t want to put down.

Magnolia Palace introduced me to the Frick family and as any good historical fiction book will do has me wanting to learn more – in this case more about the Frick Museum in New York, the Frick art collection and the role they played in history. I also found the information on the Johnstown, PA flood very interesting as the town I live in recently experienced something very similar. I look forward to reading other books by Fiona Davis.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! #TheMagnoliaPalace #NetGalley #FrickMuseum #historicalfictionnovel #bookreview #FionaDavis

Fiona Davis is a seamless weaver of historical fact with engaging fiction, and her love of all things New York is front and center in 'The Magnolia Palace'. I feel very fortunate to have read this lovely book before its release. The Frick family was, at once, imposing and flawed, influential and frightening, charitable and unkindly demanding. 'The Magnolia Palace' takes the reader inside the landmark home where we are neither part of their dysfunctional family nor a member of their overworked and seemingly loyal staff. In fact, I almost felt as if I were one of their prized artworks, hanging on a wall, eavesdropping on conversations and furtively watching their often secretive behavior. Of course, those conversations and behaviors, while based on her research, are artfully fabricated by Davis. This historical novel has romance, deceit, intrigue, happy resolutions amid mysterious and apprehensive moments. A very enjoyable read that insists upon a followup visit to The Frick Museum as soon as possible!

The Magnolia Place but Fiona Davis is a delightful historical fiction told in two time periods. Featuring the Frick Museum in New York as a character, we learn of the behind the scenes lives of New York's Frick family. What does it take to become a magnate?
We also meet the muse behind many famous sculptures and statutes. Running from a series of unfortunate coincidences, she finds herself in the middle of a high society match making. With a sprinkle of mystery and a whiff of scandal, The Magnolia Place was a wonderful read.

Consistent with Fiona Davis’ storytelling this dual time-line historical takes readers deep into the people behind one of New York City’s famous buildings. The Frick is the scene of a Vogue photo shoot, and when all goes wrong for new model Veronica she finds herself trapped in the Frick with the helpful intern and a stack of scavenger hunt clues. Uncovering the real story of Angelica, artist muse and model, Helen, the only surviving daughter of the Frick family, and the complex relationships around them, a decades old art theft and murder is revealed, An engaging read with attention to historical detail, that wraps up just little too conveniently.

Fiona Davis has another excellent book! Told in 2 time periods the similarities draw you in and have you wondering how the 2 stories can come together. Oh but they do! The setting is the Magnolia Palace ( Frick home and musuem) in NYC. Historical details are even throughout the story making it all the better.
Highly recommend.

Really loved this book! The two intertwined stories were very interesting. Both set in historical periods, with the same underlying theme of models and the Frick Mansion/Museum. I truly enjoy this author.