The Davenports: More Than This

By: Krystal Marquis

Narrated by: Joniece Abbott-Pratt

The anticipated sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller featuring escapist romance and a wealthy Black family in 1910s Chicago

Like the blazing Chicago sun, the drama is heating up for the Davenports and their social set. Before the summer of 1910 drops its last petal, the lives—and loves—of these four young women will change in ways they never could have imagined:

Newly engaged Ruby Tremaine is eagerly planning her wedding to the love of her life when a nasty rumor threatens her reputation and her marriage. Olivia Davenport has committed to social justice and secretly hopes she’ll be reunited with dashing lawyer Washington DeWight—until her parents decide she’s to marry someone else. Amy-Rose Shepherd is making her lifelong wish of owning a salon come true, but when an incident forces her to return to Freeport Manor, she’s back in the path of John Davenport, who still holds her heart. Helen Davenport is determined to get over her own heartbreak and bring the Davenport Carriage Company into the new century, even if it means teaming up with a thrill-seeking racecar driver who just loves to get under her skin.

Inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, More Than This is the second book in critically adored Davenports series, following four empowered and passionate young Black women as they navigate a rapidly changing society and discover the courage to steer their own paths in life—and love.

“The Davenport universe has history, humor, and heart baked into it.” —Kirkus
"Richly portrays the complexities of early 20th century Black society.” —SLJ
“With more romance and intrigue . . . as interesting and juicy as ever.” —Booklist

Critic reviews

Praise for The Davenports: More Than This

“The Davenport universe, which has history, humor, and heart baked into it, maintains its continuity in this volume, and Marquis will satisfy fans with the characters’ expanding narratives. The breezy and fluid prose supports the love-filled merry-go-round of will-they-won’t-they storylines. An enjoyable sequel in a well-oiled coming-of-age series.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Marquis’s [second] novel richly portrays the complexities of early 20th century Black society and the determination of young women redefining their futures.” —School Library Journal

“The Davenport sisters and their friends Amy-Rose and Ruby are back for more romance and intrigue. [And] the politics and high society of Black Chicago in the early 1900s are as interesting and juicy as ever.” —Booklist

Praise and Accolades for The Davenports

* A New York Times Bestseller *
* A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year *
* A #1 Indie Next Pick *
* Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) Award Winner *
* Heartland Booksellers Award Winner *
* African Americans On The Move Book Club (AAMBC) Award Winner *

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

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

"A fresh, utterly enchanting read.” —Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of the Beasts of Prey trilogy

"Deftly written . . . A dazzling debut." —Kirkus (starred review)

"Stunningly wrought . . . Presents a cast of take-charge women." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"[Combines] the compulsive readability of Gossip Girl [with] a celebration of Black entrepreneurship [in a] a tale of ambitious young women forging their own paths." —Booklist (starred review)

"Compelling . . . distinct and satisfying." —BCCB

"Leaves readers anticipating the next chapter each time. This is a well-written novel, sure to please fans of historical fiction, romance, and Chicago history [for] young adults and adults alike . . . Recommended." —School Library Journal

"If this whole series existed right now, I’d tear through it to the exclusion of everything else in my life." —Teen Librarian Toolbox

Beautiful

I truly enjoyed this work by Krystal! It was exciting to see what was in store for each character. My favorite were John and Amy-Rose, but I still loved each perspective. I can’t wait for book 3!

Rich storytelling and young love

The first book was very good and this one does not disappoint either. Who doesn’t love a happy ending

Hopeless Romantic

I was anger when the first book finished. No one but Ruby got their happy ending, but this part 2 made up for it. I also love that romance is throughout the book but not displayed through sex!

Just as Fabulous

I absolutely love both of these books! This series is inspiring and a fabulous reminder of hope, as well as the importance of never giving up.

Loved this

I loved the storylines.. we need more of the Davenports! I cried many tears , smiled and even laughed!