What an incredible story! Fiona Davis does such an amazing job researching New York City history, and as a resident of NYC, I'm fascinated by all of these landmarks that I've always just taken for granted.

Ms. Davis also has a fabulous way of weaving dual timelines together, keeping the story moving along and teaching us, the readers, interesting history without bogging us down and making us feel like we are "being taught." (I mean that as a compliment; I've walked away from 4 of her books knowing infinitely more about my city than I did before I read them, and I barely realized I was being educated because the stories themselves are so riveting!)

i highly recommend this book - if you're already a fan of Fiona Davis, you won't be disappointed; if you're new to her writing, you will be so glad you've found her.

The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis. Pub Date: January 25, 2022. Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟. Told in dual timeline fashion, this is a story of the famous Frick Mansion and one woman’s quest to find not only herself, but also discover hidden secrets within this glorious place. I’ve always loved Fiona Davis books and this was no exception. Filled with a scavenger hunt that unravels the history of the mansion with a murder wrapped within the clues, the pages keep flowing and the readers find themselves immersed in the times of the Gilded Age. If you’re a historical fiction fan, I highly recommend! Thanks to Penguin Group-Dutton and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review. #netgalley #penguingroupdutton #duttonbooks #bookstagram #bibliophile #bookworm #igreads #fionadavis #themagnoliapalace

I am a huge Fiona Davis fan and was thrilled to get an advanced copy of The Magnolia Palace. I was not disappointed! As usual with her historical fiction, I learned so much about an NYC landmark (The Frick) while also becoming enchanted by the mystery at the heart of this story. I didn't feel like this story moved quite as quickly as The Address or Chelsea Girls, but the character development was excellent, and the writing was beautiful and captivating, as always. I really enjoyed this one, and I am thankful to NetGalley for the advanced copy!

‘The Magnolia Place’ is my first Fiona Davis novel, and most definitely not my last. What and excellent historical fictional novel set in NYC in 1919 and 1966 that blends the Frick history with an extremely engaging fictional story of the legendary artist muse - Angelica on the 1900’s. Definitely a must read for your reading list.

My first Fiona Davis novel and definitely not my last! It’s been awhile since I’ve read a good (and well-written!) mainstream historical fiction book. Loved the dual timeline here - I was equally interested in each storyline. Lillian’s character was especially fascinating. I have been craving a trip to NYC lately and this helped to satisfy me. I will need to go to the Frick mansion during my next visit.

This story was so lovely. It told the story of 2 women: one down on her luck and the other trying out the modelling world far from home, I really enjoyed the two different stories separated by decades and the way they intertwined. Lillian & Veronica were both great characters and very strong women. I really liked Helen too.

There was one thing that confused me but I’m thinking it might be fixed in the finished copy. In the 1966 timeline Helen says they put the garden in back in 1977 but that didn’t match that part of the story. I wondered if maybe she meant 1917. It didn’t change the story but left me feeling confused.

The end of the book was so fun & tied up each character’s story in a wonderful & fitting way, I would have liked to know what happened to Richard but that’s no big deal.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the chance to read this book.

One of the things that I like about Fiona Davis’s novels is that she uses setting as character. If you haven’t read any of her books and don’t know what that means, think of Tara in “Gone With the Wind.” Tara is as much a character in the book (and movie) as Scarlett and Rhett. In Davis’s books, she writes about famous buildings in the New York City. In her other books, she has written about Grand Central Station, The Dakota (the apartment building where John and Yoko lived), the Barbizon Hotel, the Chelsea Hotel and the New York City Public Library. Davis sets this novel in the Henry Clay Frick Mansion (currently closed for renovation, but the massive Renaissance to the twentieth-century art collection is still available for viewing at Frick Madison).

As in her other books, Davis wrap a historical mystery in dueling timelines. This story is set in 1919 and 1961.

In 1919, Lillian Carter (based on the real-life artists’ model Audrey Munson) must support herself after her mother dies in the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. She becomes renown as “Angelica,” a model, often posing nude, or nearly nude. Statues of Lillian’s classical image dot Manhattan landmarks. Behind on her rent, Lilly tries to sneak out of the apartment she shared with her mother, leaving all her belonging behind. On her way out, she becomes entangled, albeit minimally, in a murder. Still she manages to sneak away and spends a few days on the streets. She winds up at the Frick Mansion, inadvertently interviewing for the position of private secretary to Frick’s daughter, Helen.

In 1966, Veronica Weber arrives from England for a photo shoot at the Frick Mansion. She manages to do everything wrong and is fired from the set. Humiliated, she retreats to a part of the Mansion and gets lost. When she decides to leave, she learns that the house is empty except her, and she is trapped. She settles down to wait out the night, but a snowstorm creates a blackout, leaving her stranded in the dark, heatless mansion for gosh who know how long.

Veronica explores the best she can, even the pipe organ room, which house forty-seven hundred pipes. There she finds some papers stuck between the pipes that send her on a scavenger hunt. Soon Veronica learns that she is not alone in the mansion, but the intern, Joshua, had fallen asleep in the basement and was also stranded for the duration. Together they manage to make life bearable until the storm abates.

As always, Davis vacillates between the two time periods with ease. She knows instinctively when to end a section that leaves readers wanting more, only to be wrapped up in the other time period, causing readers to stay up way past their bedtimes. Based on the buzz I’ve heard about this book, Davis did not disappoint; she certainly didn’t this reader. The only problem that comes from this novel is that I have to wait about another year before a new novel is available. I wonder what she’ll write about next. I can’t wait! “The Magnolia Palace” receives 6 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

I forget every year how much I love Fiona Davis's books. I know that I like them, but when I fall into the pages I remember how completely immersed I get in her NYC historical fiction. I really am going to make a tour based on her books when and if I get to visit.

This story of the Frick Museum spans two timelines. One is set surrounding Lillian, Helen Clay Frick's private secretary, and another set in the 60s with an archivist and a model who stumble upon her story. The intrigue and twists in both timeline kept me reading when I probably should have stopped. The relationships between the characters had me both rooting for them and nervous for their outcomes. I loved being swept away by this story and can't wait to see what comes next from Fiona Davis.

It’s 1919 and Lillian Carter lost her mother eight months ago to the Spanish flu. Lillian is broke and owes her landlord Mr. Watkins rent money. Heartbroken and grieving she’s having a hard time finding work she’s gained some weight and she’s older now. Lillian started working as an artists muse when she was only fifteen years old and many of her statues are on public display around New York City, no one knows her actual name she was only known as Angelica. When her landlord is wanted for the murder of his wife, and when the police find a letter Lillian had written to him they feel she’s also a suspect, so packs a few pieces of clothing and runs. She soon finds an opportunity in becoming Helen Frick’s secretary, and this job gives Lillian a place to stay and time to figure what she’s doing to do? What’s even more surprising is one of Lillian statues is located right at the front of the The Frick mansion, they don’t recognizes it’s her, Miss. Helen’s is a bit demanding of a person, eccentric, and Lilly can’t wait to leave she wants to be in movies in Hollywood, she plans to make just enough money and then leave.
Its 1966, Veronica Weber’s in New York, doing a fashion shoot for Vogue and the shoot is at the Frick museum, she feels out of place it’s her first official modeling job. Veronica is worried about her mother and sister Polly back in England, and plans to make enough money to take care of Polly who has special needs. When a snow storm causes a power outage, college intern and budding art curator Joshua Lawrence and Veronica find themselves locked in the museum. Veronica and Joshua soon uncover a scavenger that lead them to a mystery that dates back to 1919 and that involves the missing Magnolia Diamond that belonged to The Fricks. This book was amazing, I finished this book during a cold snowy weekend. Five stars! Loved the dual timeline!!

Loved this book, couldn't put it down. Follows the stories of two different women in two different time periods, dealing with similar situations. My first time reading this author but won't be the last.

Thank you to Dutton books for both my digital ARC and my finished copy of this book. This is the second book by Fiona Davis that I have read, the first being The Lions of 5th Avenue. I will say that Davis definitely has a knack for bringing historical fiction to life and transporting the reader back to a different time. This book alternates between two different timelines and women, and eventually they connect to each other. I definitely enjoyed learning about Angelica/Lilly and her struggles and new life as a private secretary in the Frick household. The outbreak of the Spanish flu as a catalyst event in her life was definitely reminiscent of the current pandemic. Overall I enjoyed the story; I will say that I felt more invested in Lilly's story rather than Veronica's. I also thought Joshua's character was interesting and how he was treated as a Black man in 1966. This one didn't quite rank as high as Lions of 5th Avenue for me, but overall, I did enjoy reading it.

I think the characters were the best part of this story. Fun little mystery in the scavenger hunt but I didn’t care as much about the later timeline as I did the earlier part of the Frick family. Lilian and Helen were so well written I would get sucked into their chapters. I didn’t really know much about the art world or the Fricks going into this and found the authors note fascinating to learn more.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy to review. I look forward to reading more from Fiona Davis in the future!

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!