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The Magnolia Palace
The Magnolia Palace: A Novel | Fiona Davis
103 posts | 77 read | 47 to read
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. Eight months since losing her mother in the Spanish flu outbreak of 1919, twenty-one-year-old Lillian Carter's life has completely fallen apart. For the past six years, under the moniker Angelica, Lillian was one of the most sought-after artists' models in New York City, with statues based on her figure gracing landmarks from the Plaza Hotel to the Brooklyn Bridge. But with her mother gone, a grieving Lillian is rudderless and desperatethe work has dried up and a looming scandal has left her entirely without a safe haven. So when she stumbles upon an employment opportunity at the Frick mansiona building that, ironically, bears her own visageLillian jumps at the chance. But the longer she works as a private secretary to the imperious and demanding Helen Frick, the daughter and heiress of industrialist and art patron Henry Clay Frick, the more deeply her life gets intertwined with that of the familypulling her into a tangled web of romantic trysts, stolen jewels, and family drama that runs so deep, the stakes just may be life or death. Nearly fifty years later, mod English model Veronica Weber has her own chance to make her careerand with it, earn the money she needs to support her family back homewithin the walls of the former Frick residence, now converted into one of New York City's most impressive museums. But when shealong with a charming intern/budding art curator named Joshuais dismissed from the Vogue shoot taking place at the Frick Collection, she chances upon a series of hidden messages in the museum: messages that will lead her and Joshua on a hunt that could not only solve Veronica's financial woes, but could finally reveal the truth behind a decades-old murder in the infamous Frick family.
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review
TheBookgeekFrau
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Mehso-so

Not one of my favorite Fiona Davis books. The dual timelines didn't flow as smoothly as The Dollhouse or The Lions of Fifth Avenue.

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TheBookgeekFrau
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"Lillian Carter stood half naked, one arm held up like a ballet dancer, the other hanging lightly down at her side, and calculated how long she could avoid paying rent while her landlord was in jail."

#FirstLineFridays

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Loved this one 💞 10mo
TheBookgeekFrau @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I'm not loving it as much as others of hers; but I don't hate it 10mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @TheBookgeekFrau oh no ! I‘m sorry! 10mo
31 likes3 comments
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jesseastin
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Pickpick

Much like her other book, The Lions of Fifth Avenue, the author imagines two historical fiction timelines, this time centered around the Frick Museum in NYC. Absolutely enjoyable tale that deftly weaves events in the Frick mansion in 1919 with a solved mystery in the ‘60‘s.

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TheBookgeekFrau
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What a crazy Monday! But now comes reading time 😊

julieclair Enjoy! 10mo
TheBookgeekFrau Thank you 😊 I love her books! 10mo
47 likes2 comments
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TheAromaofBooks
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Pickpick

This one was a soft pick for me, mainly because of the ending (spoiler below). I hadn't read a Fiona Davis book before and mostly picked this one up because I have seen her so enjoyed around Litsy. The dual timelines were handled very well, although I never felt much of a 60s connection, I guess since they were mostly locked in a museum lol Lily annoyed me a lot because she didn't do what I would do, but I still did like her as a person. ⬇️

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) This book didn't make me want to rush out and read everything else Davis has written, but I can see myself trying another of her books in the future if I come across one.

#Roll100 @PuddleJumper
#MtTBR
#Pantone2023 - Gray Lilac @Clwojick
#MarvelousMarch @Andrew65
#MarchMadness - Blame It on Litsy @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES
#BookSpinBingo
12mo
TheAromaofBooks Throughout the story we're told over and over that Helen is a capricious and unreliable in her generosity; that she is just as likely to take back something as she is to give it. Yet I'm supposed to believe that in the end she's financially backing FOUR people, and their entire futures depend on her?? It made me very uneasy and didn't feel like it fit with her established character. 12mo
PuddleJumper 🎉🎉 12mo
Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 12mo
DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 12mo
73 likes5 comments
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TheAromaofBooks
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#BookReport - I feel like I've read SO MUCH this week, yet have only checked off four books! That's what happens when I also have EIGHT chapter-a-day reads going 😂 I really enjoyed the Winternight trilogy a lot; The Black Stallion is always a win; and The Magnolia Palace was a soft pick - I just finished it last night. I'm really enjoying all my chapter reads as well (well, mostly). They include:
-Middlemarch: The end is in sight for this one! ⬇

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) How will it end when there isn't really a story??
-Walden: Boy Thoreau is a pretentious little prick, isn't he? I get mad when he makes a point I agree with because I don't want to be on the same page with him about anything.
-Miss Austen: Interesting, but I'm always slightly uncomfortable reading fiction about real people. Were James and Mary really SO horrid?
-House of Dreams: Really engaging biography of Lucy Maud Montgomery, but her ⬇
12mo
TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) life is so sad!!
-On the Banks of Plum Creek: I am SO enjoying the Little House readalong!!
-Travels With Charley: In general, I love Steinbeck's writing but not his stories (so sad), so it's fun to read a book of his that I'm wholeheartedly enjoying.
-Heartstone: Loving this P&P variation with dragons!!
-The Prize: Kind of meh for me, but not terrible.
Luckily these are all different enough to keep me going, but I may need to cut back ⬇
12mo
TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) on buddy reads... or not 😂

@Cinfhen
12mo
See All 6 Comments
ImperfectCJ I'm right there with you on Walden. I don't feel a strong need to like an author of fiction, but with personal nonfiction, I have to find the author at least not insufferable. Thoreau and his neck beard? Insufferable. 12mo
Ruthiella Your comment on Thoreau! 😂😂😂 I‘ve not read Walden, but I believe you. 12mo
Cinfhen Awesome report!!! I finished Charley this week too- Steinbeck writes so beautifully especially about his beloved California and of course his dog 🐶❤️ 12mo
73 likes6 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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Another great one by Fiona! I‘m didn‘t really like any of the characters, but I was invested and wanted to see what happened! The character of Lillian is based on Audrey Munson. Audrey had a very sad life following a scandal in the 1920‘s. It went downhill from there. As far as the character of Lillian, I‘ve never seen one character have as much bad luck as she did!!

#LitsyLoveReads

JenlovesJT47 Missed you my sweet Litsy friend! I hope you‘re doing well and reading lots of good books! 🤗❤️🤓 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @JenlovesJT47 I‘ve missed you too!! How are you and Jace? I‘m so happy you are back ❤️❤️❤️ 13mo
JenlovesJT47 We‘re doing well! Jace is growing like a weed as usual and will be 5 soon! 😱❤️ 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @JenlovesJT47 wow!! Time flies! So happy to hear from you!! 13mo
63 likes5 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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My books are eyeing me 👀 these dang Netflix shows are making me cheat on my books 😫 I‘ve been watching The Crown and now the Murdaugh Murders… so sad and devastating 💔💔

#LitsyLove

AmyG I just watched the Murdaugh murders.crazy. I hope he goes to jail for life. 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @AmyG are you watching the live court coverage? 13mo
AmyG No I‘m not. I am in MI with Jeremy so basically too busy. I see highlights on the news. 13mo
52 likes3 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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Finishing this one today for book club Tuesday!! If you‘ve read it did you enjoy Lillian‘s or Veronica‘s story the most? I‘m leaning towards Lillian‘s. I‘m intrigued by her character being based on Audrey Munson and I want to read more about her…

PathfinderNicole I read it for my book club too and I absolutely adored Lillian‘s timeline! I enjoy Gilded Age stuff anyway and this was a fabulous example I thought 13mo
74 likes2 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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What are you reading today?! I hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

Image from Facebook

Andrew65 Have a great weekend Misty. I‘m reading 13mo
ShananigansReads Mostly just what this pic shows. Laying around near my book. 🤣 I have picked up one book a few times. 13mo
kspenmoll Misty enjoy your Saturday evening. Snow here so I am curled up listening to 13mo
See All 18 Comments
vivastory I have been wanting to try Ruth Rendell for awhile, so this morning I read a Vintage Short: Vinegar Mother. Did not disappoint! Have a great Saturday, Misty! (edited) 13mo
Bookwormjillk Hi Misty. Both kids are in tonight so my usual Saturday night shift as a Uber driver to broke teenagers who can‘t afford an actual Uber is canceled and I‘m looking forward to a glass of wine and a guilty pleasure read 13mo
Karisimo I put in some time with the Count and also listened to Restart by Gordon Korman. (edited) 13mo
IndoorDame Happy Saturday! If by reading you mean napping and trying to finish my rewatch of Downton Abbey before Daily Jones comes out next week than yes, it‘s going great 😊 13mo
Suet624 Watching the Bruins hockey game with the sound off and listening to 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @IndoorDame I can‘t wait for daisy!! 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Karisimo I really should read that one!! 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Bookwormjillk awesome!! Sounds like a great night for you 💗 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @vivastory you too Scott!! 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @kspenmoll ❤️❤️❤️ 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Bookjunkie57 looks like a great day 💞 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Andrew65 you too Andrew!! 13mo
Cupcake12 I‘ve just started A conspiracy of tall men for #lmpbc (not my usual genre) but here goes x 13mo
Bklover Just finished The Current and starting The Book List and Prey(for 5 year litsylove). Couldn‘t decide so I‘m starting them both. (edited) 13mo
74 likes18 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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So yesterday it was 80 degrees and today it‘s been in the 40-50‘s and raining! Mississippi weather is so crazy! 🤪

However, it is the perfect day for self care and reading! I‘m trying to finish this one today for bookclub! 💗 🌸 🕯️ 📚 ☔️ ☕️ 📝

tpixie We‘ve hit extreme weather in Kansas also- 65° a couple days ago and now I have 31 & low of 10! 13mo
tpixie Oh and great book!!! 13mo
CSeydel You wanna talk crazy weather? We‘re getting snow … in Southern California 13mo
See All 9 Comments
Bookishlie Have you liked this so far? I dnf‘d it after second chapter with the thought of coming back to it maybe. 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @tpixie oh goodness!!! 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @CSeydel omg!! You win!! 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Bookishlie yes, I‘m loving it!! 13mo
CSeydel Lol! 13mo
tpixie @CSeydel yeah- that is wild!! 13mo
65 likes9 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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Breakfast and a book!! Now if I could stop watching The Crown 👑 😂

#LitsyLove

keys_on_fire I loved this one! Hope you‘re enjoying! 13mo
fictionaddictbooks And if I could stop watching Jack Ryan😂😂😂 13mo
85 likes4 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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🌸 Fiona Davis
🌸The tagged and The Midnight Library
🌸 historical, artistic, intriguing, secrets, betrayal

#WondrousWednesday on Thursday 🤷🏻‍♀️

Eggs I chose Fiona too 🥰❤️🤩 13mo
51 likes1 comment
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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I did good all day and then William brought me this ice cream 🍨 😫

I‘m really enjoying this book so far, but I love Fiona‘s books!!

#LitsyLove
#LitsyLoveReads

thebackyardgnome Everyone deservrs some ice cream! 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @thebackyardgnome yes!! 👍🏻❤️ 13mo
69 likes2 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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I‘ve been eating salads for a week and my hubby is a bad influence!! 😂 🍨❤️

I just found this article about Audrey Munson. “America‘s first supermodel” The character of Lillian is based on her life… so tragic 💔💔

https://newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/tragedy-audrey-munson-americas-first-sup...

TEArificbooks It is a chocolate salad 13mo
JenReadsAlot That looks so good!! 13mo
kelli7990 That looks good. 13mo
Bookwormjillk Yum 13mo
83 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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Starting this one for my first ever in real life book club!! I love this author and I‘m excited 😍💗

My notebook from the bookstore for bookclub 😂

DivineDiana Have fun! 👏🏻📚🥳 13mo
dabbe That notebook is badass. 🤣❣️🤣 13mo
mrp27 Love it, enjoy your first IRL book club! 13mo
See All 10 Comments
BookBosomed1 I enjoyed this book, and I love that journal.
13mo
PathfinderNicole My irl book club is reading that one for February too! 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @dabbe right?! ❤️❤️ 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @mrp27 thank you!! 💗 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @PathfinderNicole awesome! Maybe we can talk about it 💕 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @BookBosomed1 yay!! And thank you!! 💖 13mo
79 likes1 stack add10 comments
review
Johanna414
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Pickpick

My first read from this author, but I will definitely seek out more of her books! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and how Davis wove together stories of women from two different time periods.

40 likes1 stack add
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Johanna414
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Apparently I was in a grey & pink mood today, as I inadvertently matched my book with my new knitting project. Enjoying both so far! #knitting #audioknitting #sockknitting

Clare-Dragonfly Lovely! 1y
48 likes1 comment
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Bookish_Viking
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#Two4Tuesday @TheSpineView

1) I'd say before I was born for it to feel historical.
2) I have only read a few HF so far. So I don't know about spooky but tragic is definitely The Magnolia Palace. Based on the real life sculpture muse, Audrey Munson, known as Miss Manhattan and is the muse for many of Manhattans most famous statues, plus the Forward statue at the top of Wisconsin State Capitol... It's my favorite HF

@eeclayton Thanks!

TheSpineView Thanks for playing! 1y
eeclayton You're welcome ☺️ Your new handle sounds cool! 1y
8 likes2 comments
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Kshakal
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Pickpick

Davis is a master of weaving two stories from different time periods together and this one is no exception! Throughly intriguing and wonderfully written! I couldn‘t wait to finish this!

Cinfhen Tagging as a future possible #Booked2023 prompt 😉#InsidersInfo 1y
39 likes2 comments
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Danay
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22 #75 I got two books behind in my reading challenge because this book is just slow. But it‘s worth the finish.

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Lydiamansel
Pickpick

Fascinating and a quick read

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NatalieR
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Pickpick

An artist‘s model is trying to make ends meet while grieving the loss of her mother. Lilian meets begins working in the Frick Mansion. Surprising opportunities unfold as Lilian is tasked with making challenging decisions that impact her future. The novel also tells the story of a model, 50 years later, trying to earn money for her family back in England. The painting pictured, Dreaming About A Life to Come, is available www.poesoulstudio.com

Gissy I like the painting!😍 2y
NatalieR @Gissy Thanks! Me too!! 😊 My husband is the artist. 🎨🖌 It‘s easily one of my favorite paintings. 📚 2y
Gissy @NatalieR Wow! It is beautiful! It has a special meaning for every reader📚😍❤️You are lucky to have an artist in the family🤗 2y
NatalieR @Gissy Thanks! 😊 Agreed! I‘m so grateful. 📚🖼 2y
80 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Good! Not my favorite of hers but an interesting history that I knew little about and am happy to have learned. The novel is well paced and New York City and it‘s artwork felt like living, breathing characters in the story. #BOTM #bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
49 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Reading this one in anticipation of my trip to NYC next week. I‘m so excited, I‘ve never been. I‘m going for work but will have some time to myself. I have tix for a Sat show (Come From Away) at 2 and will try to get a cheap, day-of ticket for Sat night. I‘m staying in Times Square-any suggestions for food and stuff to do? I plan to go to the Strand Bookstore, the NY Public Library, the Frick Musuem, MOMA and Central Park. #NYC

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Oh fun!! Have a great time!! 2y
sarahbellum I was last in NYC in 2019. Joe‘s Pizza in Times Square is tasty and the High Line is a great, unique park to walk around 🙂 2y
sarahbellum Oh! I also really enjoyed walking around and seeing all the historical spots near The Battery and walking the Brooklyn Bridge. That part of old Manhattan reminded me a bit of European cities 2y
See All 7 Comments
squirrelbrain Have a fab time! We saw Come From Away in NYC - it‘s AMAZING! 😭 2y
lynneamch Junior's is a classic for sandwiches and their famous cheesecake. I believe the Frick featured in Fiona's book is still closed for renovation, though the collection has opened temporarily at the Frick Madison. It's fun to check out the main library and take a pic of Patience and Fortitude 2y
Dragon Enjoy your time in NYC ! 💚🐉 2y
Julsmarshall Thanks everyone! @lynneamch I did see that the Frick is currently closed 😭 but may check out that temporary installation. I‘m actually going to Junior‘s first thing when we arrive! Yay about Come From Away @squirrelbrain ! Great suggestions @sarahbellum and thanks @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks and @Dragon I‘m so excited! 2y
61 likes7 comments
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Christyco125
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Pickpick

This was an enjoyable read. I like the split timeline POVs of the MCs. The bits of mystery while not big events help give the story more layers and move the plot along.

#Booked2022 - New in 2022
#Pantone2022 - #PoppySeed

Clwojick I love your little planter! So cute 🥰 2y
Christyco125 @Clwojick Thank you! Now if I can just keep it alive. 2y
56 likes2 comments
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bookandbedandtea
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Pickpick

This homage to the Frick Collection is told in two timelines: in 1919 Lillian, a celebrated model, runs from scandal & becomes Helen Frick's private secretary during a tumultuous time for the family; in 1966 Veronica's first modeling job is set at the Frick where, locked in during a storm with archivist Joshua, she stumbles across clues to a 50 year old mystery. Solid characterizations, lush descriptions, & a couple mysteries make this a pick.

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Kboltz
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Pickpick

I love every topic that Davis takes from history especially because most are set in NYC. This one is set with converging timelines that include the Frick collection, the Frick family and parts of their sordid history. Thrown in is the story behind the real life model who was the muse for many statues seen in the city. A bit of a mystery are in these and they are always woven together nicely. Look up the art and statues mentioned.

Texreader Excellent review 2y
15 likes1 stack add1 comment
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perfectsinner
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Beautiful evening to read out on the swing

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perfectsinner
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MelindaOtt
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Mehso-so

3.5 stars

If you have never read Fiona Davis before, this book will be fantastic. However, if you (like me) have read her previous books, you won‘t find much new here.

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SlytherinBookLady
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Pickpick

The dual storylines in this book seem to go together fantastically. I loved this book and didn‘t want to put it down. The author has such a way with words, it was almost as if I was present in the Frick mansion at sometimes during the novel. I would suggest anyone that loves historical fiction to pick this one up. It was such a lovely surprise when I found I enjoyed the book. 5 stars

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RenePenn
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Pickpick

It started out a little slow, but the pace picked up as it went along. I liked the way the dual timelines alternately came together to solve the mystery.

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BayouGirl85
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this historical fiction. I am not a huge fan of dual timelines but the characters were intriguing.

April Book 1/25 #LitsyLove #bookspinbingo

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janeycanuck
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Pickpick

Not my favourite Davis but still a lovely read. I just didn't connect with the 1966 timeline the way I often do in the more present-day sides of Davis' books. The 1919 timeline was much more my jam. I like how Davis gets her inspiration from historical buildings or people and spins something wonderful out of it - and I always appreciate her note at the end where she says where she strayed from history.

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kspenmoll
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Pickpick

Fiona Davis fictionalizes the lives of the coke & steel magnet, Henry Clay Frick & his family using 2 eventually intersecting storylines (1919 &1966).Set in the Frick mansion/museum,the story is narrated through the eyes of 2 models,the infamous”Angelica,”whose risqué statues grace the city streets,& the English model Veronica,who desperately wants to make it in NYC. Happenstance makes both these women end up in the Frick‘s home. ?

kspenmoll 🔼Secrets, betrayals,hidden messages,stolen jewels,& a decades old murder make this book compelling.Frick is portrayed as controlling & at times cruel,& his daughter Helen as obsessive, adoring, & willing to do his biding. After reading this, I want to hop on a train to NYC & visit the museum! (edited) 2y
kspenmoll I paired these two books together because Frick was one of the PA magnets who ignored warnings that the dam at their Johnstown private club was in danger of collapsing. As a result,when days of relentless rain caused the dam to break,the town was flooded.Over 2000 people died, & most of the town structures were carried away by the flood waters force.History blames these men. 2y
Amiable I love David McCullough. This one was such a good read. 2y
See All 11 Comments
Suet624 Holy cow! Can you imagine 2,000 people dying in your town due to a flood? 2y
Cinfhen Ohhhh, I love that connection link!!! Both books sound wonderful. Maybe I can incorporate them into my #ThingsInCommon challenge for April. Thanks for the suggestions ♥️ (edited) 2y
arubabookwoman I'm visiting NYC now and have tickets booked for the Frick next Thursday. Unfortunately the mansion is under renovation, so the collection is now housed in the old Whitney Musrum bldg. Will look for this book. 2y
kspenmoll @Amiable I have only read this & John Adams which took me a long time but was so worth it- I have others I want tread at some point! 2y
kspenmoll @Suet624 The devastation was/is unimaginable. This was the author‘s first book which amazes me-rich in detail, enthralling in its depth. 2y
kspenmoll @Cinfhen I hope you can read them eventually! 2y
kspenmoll @arubabookwoman I heard that the building was being renovated. Not sure how long that will take. Let me know what you think of his art choices! (edited) 2y
Cinfhen Requested from library but I‘m #39 on one copy so it might be a VERY LONG WAIT 2y
61 likes1 stack add11 comments
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SilversReviews
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Thanks to these Litsy folks for today‘s prompt:

##SAVVYSETTINGS
March 2022
@Eggs
@AlwaysBeenALoverOfBooks

Today‘s Prompt: PALACE

THE MAGNOLIA PALACE is a gem with a mystery, a murder, a famous family, and memorable characters you will connect with and a book you will not want to miss... https://tinyurl.com/2p8tvsk2

Have YOU read it yet?

@fionadavisauthor

Eggs Perfect choice! And yes I‘ve read it💗💗 2y
lynneamch Love Fiona. I've read all her others & looking forward to this one. I'm in NYC now and unfortunately the Frick is still closed. 😪 2y
SilversReviews @Eggs Great you read it!! 2y
SilversReviews @lynneamch I love her books too. Darn it‘s closed. 2y
34 likes4 comments
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fictionaddictbooks
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Eggs Perfection! 2y
13 likes1 comment
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Bookish_Viking
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I'm currently reading The Magnolia Palace, a Historical Fiction I got from BOTM. I was very interested to learn that one of the main characters, Lillian "Angelica" Carter, is based on Audrey Munson, Miss Manhattan herself. Audrey Munson was one of the most famous muses and sculpture models in NYC and was dubbed American Venus. But also, she is the muse and model for "Wisconsin (Forward)". The statue at the top of my home states capitol building.

kspenmoll That is fabulous!!! 2y
10 likes1 comment
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Howseldomtheydo
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Historical fiction often has me going down the google rabbit hole! Lillian Carter is based on the real-life artists‘ model Audrey Munson. Enjoying this one so far. #20in4

63 likes1 stack add
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Aims42
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1. Historical Fiction
2. This was my first Fiona Davis work and I‘m hooked!!
3. I‘m new to Fiona Davis‘ works as of this year, but the 3 of her books I have read she does a fantastic job! She not only brings in the “lingo” of the era into the dialogue, but she also makes sure to mention the fashion and food as well, which I find so interesting

Thanks for the fun prompt @ozma.of.oz 🤩 Happy #SundayFunday ☕️🥐🍳🥓🥞🧇

BookmarkTavern She sounds really talented! I‘ll have to give her a look! Thanks for sharing! 2y
30 likes1 comment
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kspenmoll
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#coffeeandbooks #20in4 #readathon

I was exhausted last night so went to bed without any reading done. I hope to have more time later today.

keys_on_fire I enjoyed this book very much. Hope you do too, and get a lot of reading done today! 🤞🏻 2y
julieclair Pretty photo! 2y
Ncostell Looks cozy! I have this book on hold at the library, looking forward to reading that as well. 2y
See All 6 Comments
kspenmoll @keys_on_fire I really enjoyed it too! The Frick family & the museum came alive for me. 2y
kspenmoll @julieclair Thank you! 2y
kspenmoll @Ncostell Very cozy! Especially these days when its warm & cold ! I really enjoyed the book, the glimpse into art & the Frick‘s fictionalized lives. 2y
77 likes1 stack add6 comments
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keys_on_fire
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Pickpick

Finished this last month, but glad I hadn‘t yet taken time to review, as I met Fiona Davis two evenings ago! Because I read the Curse of Beauty last fall, I instantly recognized the story of Audrey Munson that was woven into and around the story of the Frick family and their amazing donation of their home as a museum of art to New York City. Fiona even said she hadn‘t yet met someone who had read that book, so that was fun!

Ruthiella How exciting! 😃 2y
AmyG Nice! 2y
59 likes2 comments
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kspenmoll
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Joining in this #20in4 #Readathon #March25toMarch28 #2022
Will be reading from This Life, hoping to start The Magnolia Palace.
Join in & Spread the word!!!!

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GidgetsTreasures75
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Pickpick

3-23-22: My 27th finished book of 2022! This book alternates between Lillian in 1919 and Veronica in 1966. Lillian, an artist‘s model who is running from a scandal gets hired to be the personal secretary of Helen Frick, whose father was the owner of the Frick mansion and museum in NYC. Veronica, a fashion model, visits the Frick and helps solve a 50 year old mystery, bringing all the characters together. Love this author. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️📖#️⃣2️⃣7️⃣

SilversReviews So good!! 2y
10 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Cathyloves2read
Mehso-so

What I enjoyed most about this book was learning about the Frick Collection in NYC. I never knew it existed until now. I googled the art pieces described in the story, and learned quite a bit as I read. I wasn‘t crazy about the story line or the characters. To me, it seemed like a typical murder mystery “who done it”.

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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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Leftcoastzen Thanks for posting, lots of great options in this list. 2y
Caroline2 Ohh 😯 thanks for this. 👍 2y
kspenmoll Thanks Misty! 2y
48 likes3 comments
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MaggieCarr
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Pickpick

Classic Fiona Davis, weaving together a story of historical fiction decades apart in a perfectly plotted time slip. While many people, events, and the Frick collection/home itself is real, many of the characters are not but together tell a story peeking new interest into this New York Museum and its past.

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AmyK1
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this historical fiction about the Frick family set in 1919 and 1966. Loved that this had fact mixed in with fiction, interesting characters, secrets, lies and a mystery.

45 likes1 stack add
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AmyK1
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“Lillian Carter stood half naked, one arm held up like a ballet dancer, the other hanging lightly down at her side, and calculated how long she could avoid paying rent while her landlord was in jail.”

#firstlinefridays @ShyBookOwl