All the relationships lacked development, some more than others. Same with the conflict part then the ending was abrupt, I was going to be so disappointed if that was the ending but thankfully it’s the first book in a series, hopefully we get more development with the relationships

The Davenports wasn't really what I expected. I think this author really was trying to write Bridgertonesque book to the point where the historical setting got lost. It felt very modern set and that kept throwing me off. It was also very hard to care about the 4 main characters who each had their own pov. Especially when they all sounded so similar and were going through similar situations.

Rating: Loved It, 4.5 stars

The Davenports was a perfect book to start out the year with! This book is based off the story of an actual family in history. It follows the two daughters of a wealthy, Black family in Chicago, and two other young women who are close to them. We follow Olivia, Helen, Ruby, and Amy-Rose.

Each of these women have unique struggles as they navigate figuring out who they are and what they want in a society that only begrudgingly accepts them. I would say that some of it felt kind of surface level in terms of character and relationship development, but in the end that didn't bother me too much. Each POV was short and snappy and fun to follow.

I definitely think that the best thing about this book is how fun it is. It's comped to Bridgerton, and I think that is a fantastic comparison. It's fun, soapy, historical drama and is a story that I look forward to seeing where it goes.

There are a few things that I feel like can probably be attributed to the fact that this is a debut, but they are small and nothing that really took away too much of my enjoyment. The biggest thing that made it a 4.5 star rather than a full 5 star was that there were some spots where it felt like we were supposed to be watching something because it jumped around and didn't properly explain what was happening. Had it been a film, we could have seen what was happening and filled in the gaps, but I don't mind too much.

Overall, a fantastic book and one I really enjoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for an eARC in exchange for an honest opinion. The Davenports releases on January 31, 2023.

This is a wonderful YA historical read! Told from four different, unique, POVs the story is layered in a depth that is so unique I'm not sure I have experienced it. The characters feel authentic and real and really have so much to offer. This is a wonderful edition to any library!

Set in the year 1910, this series starter is about the lives of one of the wealthiest Black families in Chicago: The Davenports. A family of five, including the patriarch, the matriarch, and their three near-adult children, The Davenports boast riches and enjoy privileges most Black families daren’t even dream of. Theirs is a life of comfort and happiness, but it is not untouched by problems and prejudice.

Olivia, the golden child, is poised, perfect, and ready to head a household of her own—perhaps with the handsome British bachelor who’s new in town? They are a match made in heaven, their courtship is all anyone can talk about, and Olivia is determined to secure a proposal to keep her parents happy. Her happiness is not of any import.

Her best friend Ruby is after a proposal of her own, one from Olivia’s brother himself. Her father is campaigning for a mayoral position and their funds are quickly running out. Ruby’s engagement to a Davenport is the only thing that can save them now. But John Davenport keeps stalling and she can’t figure out what she’s doing wrong.

Meanwhile, John Davenport is busy convincing his father to open up a new garage. The automobile industry is booming but Mr. Davenport, who built his empire through his luxurious carriage company, is vehemently opposed to this idea. John’s fiercest supporter is his sister Helen, who loves cars just as much as he does and wants nothing more than a stake in the business, along with the freedom to tinker around with her wrench and her manual.

Amy-Rose is a maid working for the Davenports, with big dreams of her own. She’s saving up so she can start a salon for Black women and stock it full with serums of her own concoction. Nevermind the fact that most people in Chicago won’t support her business venture—she’s going to make it work. She has to, because she doesn’t want “maid” to be all she stands for.

Told in four alternating chapters, each from the perspective of one of the four girls, The Davenports is a historical romance about the perfectly imperfect lives of these teenagers. What happens when their love-lives get entangled together? When they start desiring more than what their families and society have decided for them?

It is the era of Jim Crow and even though the younger Davenports have been sheltered from most of the injustice and violence, their parents’ painful past and their city folks’ suffering can’t go unnoticed for too long. One Davenport sees this and strives to make a difference. The others chase freedoms of their own. But how far are they willing to go to fulfill their hearts’ desires? Is it worth paying the price for freedom if you have to risk it all?

Thanks to Penguin Teen for my gifted ARC. If you like Bridgerton, you’ll love this book!

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I received a free digital ARC of The Davenports by Krystal Marquis from PenguinTeen in exchange for an honest review.

The Davenports takes place in 1910s Chicago and features the prominent Davenport family, owners of the Davenport Carriage Company. The book follows two Davenport sisters and two of their family friends. Not only does the story cover the girls' love stories, but it also follows them rebelling from society's rules and pursuing their interests.

I loved that Marquis was inspired by the real-life Patterson family when writing this book. Too often, Black people's stories are pigeonholed into being about the trauma the black community has faced. While Marquis acknowledges the racism the Davenport family would have in society, this book is about Black success and Black excellence.

Olivia, Amy Rose, Ruby, and Helen are distinct characters with their own voices. It was easy to distinguish the characters and learn their motivations and interest, and while each character has their own storyline, several of their love interest overlap. At the beginning of the book, Helen got on my nerves. However, she has some of the best character growth in the story, and by the end, I loved her storyline.

Overall, I rate the book five stars. I cannot wait for the next book in The Davenports series and look forward to learning what paths Olivia, Amy Rose, Ruby, and Helen take.

Thank you, PenguinTeen, for sending me a digital ARC, I really appreciated it, and I loved the book.

A multiple-pov (4), 1920’s Chicago setting with social commentary and romance. Honestly, the author blends all of these elements in a thoughtful and engaging way. When I read the synopsis I was instantly intrigued and I’m so grateful Penguin Teen provided me an ARC of this book.

Ruby, Amy-Rose, Olivia, and Helen. The four pov’s we get in this book, and I personally enjoyed each of them, although Olivia’s stuck out a tad more than the others. But each young lady’s story was surprising and interesting.

What I loved most was how the story was told from four characters' perspectives, and how the changes in voice kept the varied plotlines moving, each touching on an aspect of the life of wealthy Black families during the turn of the century in Chicago. Each female character and/or their love interest was portrayed in a way that showed how the expectations of one's family, status, and expectations could impact everything from how they dress, to who they're seen fit to wed, to what positions they're able to take in their work and love lives.

Anyone who loves a bit of historical fiction will find this a charming, smart title with plenty of drama and real-life issues and plenty of romance and the social events we've come to expect from this time period to keep it interesting. For me, it was the perfect balance of history and storytelling and was a unique viewpoint that I hadn't read before. Looking forward to continuing the series and seeing more from Marquis in the future!

3.5 stars
THE DAVENPORTS is the beginning of a YA historical romance series set in Chicago in the early 1900s. We follow four main characters—two Davenport sisters, their maid, and one sister’s best friend. The girls get equal page time and we discover more about them, their passions, their romances, and their families. I enjoyed this novel, but I found it fairly predictable; it followed what felt like a very strict, unimaginative plot. If one girl had a happy moment with their love interest, you knew that the next chapters in the others’ perspectives would have something similar within. This disappointed me just because it was so predictable, and I wanted something a little more exciting, especially when it came to the third-act plot points. I enjoyed learning more about Chicago’s class system during this time, especially regarding the Black community. This is a time period—and subject matter—that isn’t written about often, and I would love for it to be covered more in fiction. The Davenports are extremely wealthy, so the Davenport perspectives were fun to read about, but I would have loved to have seen more day-to-day interactions instead of being focused on their romances so much. I would recommend this book, and while I do have a fairly good idea of what will happen next, I’d be interested in reading the next installment!

Loved this story set during the Gilded Age. This is pitched for fans of Bridgerton and I would agree that it fits that description. There's plenty of descriptions of balls, pretty dresses, and of course, romance! But there's more than romance. We see growing unrest in the North where the characters live as Jim Crow attitudes are creeping up. I loved seeing Olivia's journey in grappling with the harsh realities that many Black people were facing. She herself has been the target of lots of microaggressions but her family's name and wealth have mostly sheltered her from seeing how average Black live. We also see the impact of the trauma her parents, particularly her father, have faced because of slavery. That said, the focus of the book is primarily on the romantic developments and the tone of the book stays pretty light, making this a light and quick read.

If you are familiar with historical romance books, you know that each book often follows a single character (or couple). In this book, the author gives each of the girls their own arc. I found each of the characters' stories were interesting, but I definitely had some favorites. I especially loved the sister relationship between Olivia and Helen. They are complete opposites but clearly love each other much. I was hardcore fangirling over Helen and her Mr. They are too cute!

I was less invested in Rosie but I feel like maybe we just didn't get enough page time with her. I felt for her so much. She's literally stuck in a difficult situation as her family tries to maintain an air of wealth they no longer have. The familial pressure on her is intense.

The book doesn't end on a cliffhanger but there are definitely open endings for each of the young ladies. I am excited to read the next book. I'm desperately wishing for happy endings for all of them.

I've seen other reviews comparing this to Bridgerton, and I can absolutely see that. It gave me really similar vibes, but I would also be comfortable sharing this with a younger teen, which I can't do with Bridgerton. With the shows popularity, I have had a lot of requests for readalikes and they are harder to find in YA. This was delightful. There are four POVs but all of the characters felt distinct and had a clear voice. I also really loved the character development of everyone throughout the story. My only issue is that the end starts to speed up too fast for the pace of the rest of book. But this was still incredibly enjoyable. There is opening in the ending for a sequel.

Chicago in the early 1900s was filled with both promise and danger, especially for those people born into families who had previously been enslaved. The Davenport family is a success story to rival many others, as it built a highly successful carriage company from nearly nothing. But the Davenport children still struggle to fit in with a mostly white society, especially as they strive for more than their parents expect of them. With love, ambition, friendship, and a passion for equality as the driving forces behind their actions, the Davenports and their companions are poised to take Chicago by storm. Inspired by a true story of a formerly enslaved man creating a flourishing carriage company at the beginning of the twentieth century, this book incorporates history with interpersonal elements readers have come to expect from stories like Pride and Prejudice or Brigerton. Told from the perspectives of four different female characters, readers are privileged to witness first-hand the deeper feelings of each woman even when they do not voice those feelings aloud. Romantic love is the primary focus of the book, and though it is clear from the beginning where things will end up, it is nonetheless a pleasant journey to the final destination. Moments of passion are found in each woman’s story, as are moments of heartbreak and betrayal. And through it all, the social unrest of the time can be felt in multiple ways. Readers who enjoy both historical fiction novels and passionate—and often secret—romances will find much to appreciate about this book. This is a good addition to library collections for mature young adult readers.

Thank you Penguin Teen for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis centers around a wealthy Black family in 1910 Chicago. The daughters, Olivia and Helen, are at the age where finding a suitor has become a deliberate pressure placed by their parents, though both struggle with going through on the pairs their parents have in mind. The other two point of views we get are Amy-Rose, childhood friend and maid of the Davenport sisters, and Ruby, Olivia’s best friend, who both have just as much of a dilemma with the life choices that have been thrown at them.

Through each of the four main characters, the reader gets multiple perspectives of what historical life was like for young Black girls of various financial and familial status in the early 1900s..

Aside from the decadence of drama and gowns and jewels, there is an undercurrent throughout the book following Olivia’s discovery of an activist group striving to ensure equality is continuing to spread and not being stunted. When she is exposed to harsh truths that the wealth of her parents sheltered her from for many years, a choice must be made to determine the amount of impact Olivia will have on the furtherance of Black freedom.

I really enjoyed this book (and that ending definitely gives me hope for a book 2!). Each character brought an interesting plot line and the way that they intertwined was so entertaining.

My one downfall with the book was that after important scenes (like a kiss between two characters or a reveal) the time jumped so far by the next time we got back to that same character that we just had to move past it and didn’t get the full thoughts from characters which would have been something I would have liked to read more into. I think with four main point of views, this would be difficult for any author to pull off. I predicted quite a few things that happened in the book, but ultimately enjoyed this read.

Some quotes (which may alter upon publication) that stood out to me:

“Her parents sat at the ends of the dressed table, the pain of their younger selves hidden under a veneer of silk and silver.”

“If her dream was going to become a reality, she’d have to treat it like an inevitability.”

“There are worse things in life than to be imprisoned for standing up for ourselves and others.”

“Sometimes your presence is so unpleasant, we leave you to your books.”

What an enjoyable read. It was nice to enter a world of melanated folx in the upper station of life and not be immediately encapsulated in slavery.

Coming of age at the turn of the century with this wealthy black family was absolutely refreshing. Who knew the Davenport siblings would be cloaked in so much love drama. Love triangles, entrepreneurship, passing, gender roles are all explored in this book.

I'm hoping a sequel is in the works.

I liked this book. I think it is a nice addition to a classroom library. I like the perspective and the historical context presented here. I will recommend to students to check out. Thank you NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for the review.

This is a different type of book. It’s neither fully historical fiction nor a happily ever romance story. The setting is in the 1920s in Chicago. The story revolves around the Davenports, a well to do Black family, and their circle of friends. In particular, we get to know the truly, John, Helen and Olivia well.

Through the siblings, the reader is exposed to the societal pressures of the era and the challenges of finding love along with the changing landscape of Chicago including a bit of Chicago and US History as well as the struggles of the formerly enslaved.

It was refreshing to read a period peace that focused on a wealthy Black family. I believe we need more stories like this. Black people did experiences haven’t only been trauma and oppression.

I did feel that the story was a tad too long and lost momentum. I hope the author is planning to write a sequel because everyone’s futures and happiness was in limbo. I suppose if I want to know what choices John, Helen, and Helen make, Krystal Marquis did a great job!

LOVE YA Historical Romance, and this one was so good! We get four POVs in this one - and I'm here for it! We get sisters Helen and Olivia, Olivia's BFF Ruby and their friend/servant Amy-Rose. I loveee multiple POVs, and sometimes with multiple characters it can be hard to follow, but this one was perfect! I thought this book was so fun... I love all of the relationships and the romance. BUT it's not all romance! These characters were well developed, with interesting storylines. The ending makes me super excited for book 2!

I can definitely see fans of #Bridgerton enjoying this one as well!! Drama ✅ Parties ✅ Romance ✅

Thank you Penguin Teen for this e-ARC! This book is out 1/31/23 and I definitely recommend it

Recommended for fans of Bridgerton, Krystal Marquis’ The Davenports follows four girls: Olivia and Helen Davenport, Amy-Rose, as well as Ruby, I found this book to be incredibly charming, and an insightful exploration of class, race and gender in 1910 Chicago, and I was shocked at how the book ended.

THE DAVENPORTS was fun, flirty, and full of drama, which I absolutely loved. I was initially hesitant about the four POVs because that can be difficult to pull off, but I felt equally invested in each of the women the book focused on. From Olivia's journey to doing more than she had thought was possible to Amy-Rose breaking away from her path, the book was pacy and had a wonderful cast of characters. Things moved on pretty fast, and I do wish the dialogue was a bit tighter, but overall this book was great. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished copy on shelves! I recommend this for people who love the drama of the Bridgertons and are looking for characters who are breaking away from the mold.

I loved this book! The setting, the historical accuracy while maintaining diversity, the writing, the EVERYTHING about this book was just stunning. I loved all the narrators and was deeply invested in all their stories. A stunning book!