The Davenports

By: Krystal Marquis

Narrated by: Joniece Abbott-Pratt

Length: 12 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

*Instant New York Times Bestseller*

The Davenports delivers a totally escapist, swoon-worthy romance while offering a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked.

"The perfect read for fans of escapist historical fiction.” (NBC’s TODAY)

The Davenports are one of the few Black families of immense wealth and status in a changing United States, their fortune made through the entrepreneurship of William Davenport, a formerly enslaved man who founded the Davenport Carriage Company years ago. Now it's 1910, and the Davenports live surrounded by servants, crystal chandeliers, and endless parties, finding their way and finding love—even where they’re not supposed to.

There is Olivia, the beautiful elder Davenport daughter, ready to do her duty by getting married...until she meets the charismatic civil rights leader Washington DeWight and sparks fly. The younger daughter, Helen, is more interested in fixing cars than falling in love—unless it’s with her sister’s suitor. Amy-Rose, the childhood friend turned maid to the Davenport sisters, dreams of opening her own business—and marrying the one man she could never be with, Olivia and Helen’s brother, John. But Olivia’s best friend, Ruby, also has her sights set on John Davenport, though she can’t seem to keep his interest . . . until family pressure has her scheming to win his heart, just as someone else wins hers.

Inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, The Davenports is the tale of four determined and passionate young Black women discovering the courage to steer their own path in life—and love.

"The Davenports has it all: romance, heartbreak, courage." (Ebony)

"A fresh, utterly enchanting read.” (Ayana Gray, New York Times best-selling author of the Beasts of Prey trilogy)

"Deftly written.... A dazzling debut." (Kirkus)

©2023 Krystal Marquis (P)2023 Listening Library

Critic reviews

Instant New York Times Bestseller

#1 Indie Next Pick

Heartland Booksellers Award Winner

AAMBC Award Winner

Indies Introduce Featured Title

“The Davenports by Krystal Marquis is the perfect read for fans of escapist historical fiction. We're talking romantic period pieces, lush with hunky suitors, lavish balls and endless love triangles. This Bridgerton-style book documents the Davenport sisters’ mistrials as they navigate the ever-complex world of love.”—NBC’s TODAY

"The Davenports has it all: romance, heartbreak, courage . . . What makes [it] so intriguing is that it’s inspired by the real daughters of automobile magnate C.R. Patterson. Marquis’ extensive research allows readers to dive into the world of Black excellence in the 1900s, from its grand estates to the glamorous ball gowns."—Ebony

“With dazzling prose and whip-smart pacing, Krystal Marquis’s gorgeous debut spirits readers into a world of polished glamor, but also a world shadowed by painful reckonings. Through trial, defeat, defiance, and triumph, its characters offer heart and perspective. The Davenports is a fresh, utterly enchanting read, and a much-needed addition to the contemporary canon of Black literature.”—Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of the Beasts of Prey trilogy

Awesome New View

I hope there’s a second book! I enjoyed it a lot! The story educated and inspired me.

Loves This Book!

I really enjoyed this book! Many times, I’m hesitant about period pieces that speak to the Black experience because they highlight Slavery or Jim Crow. While those are significant pieces of history they are also depression and get me upset. So many of our people were well off and successful and I love that the author struck a balance between the atrocities of American History and our success. Well done! And thank you for the history lesson at the end!

Great story, but needed closure

I really enjoyed this book but I gave it 4 stars because it left us hanging and I'm not a fan of books that do that.

Great Read

Like many others, I truly enjoyed this book. I read some chapters and listened to some. However, I am hoping the ending was left the way it was to lead us into the next book.

Boom to Bust

i couldn't stop listening. All the characters were well fleshed out and the lives intriguing. The end of the story left a lot to be desired. Maybe there will be a follow up?

wonderful bit of escapism

this was a wonderful story that kept me enthralled all the way through. I can't wait to read more.

Amazing Storytelling

I loved this story, the romance, the grand celebrations and abundance of black excellence!!! This is an excellent read!

I loved it from beginning wend

I loved every minute, truly kept me on the edge can’t wait for the next

Feel good Black Historical Fiction

I love this book from the first page to the last. Each of the characters were so relatable. The budding love stories were so engaging and just draw you in. The story felt like home. It helped you remember that there was a time when we had our own. It showed you what having our own looked like and the possibilities that came with that.

One of the best stories to date

In this heartwarming story of black excellence where it has all been but lost the affection and admiration transcends the pages. The story was beautifully crafted and left me wanting more from the Davenports along with those that inspired the story, the Pattersons. Truly a wonderful piece of work.