Davenport House

Davenport House, Book 1

By: Marie Silk

Narrated by: Allyson Voller

Davenport House is the first book in a family saga following the wealthy Davenports and their servants in 1915 America.

Mary Davenport is a 22-year-old idealist who worries that the world in the Progressive Era is leaving her behind. She lives isolated in the Pennsylvania countryside with her affluent and secretive family. When her father dies suddenly, Mary becomes pained with grief and increasingly suspicious of those around her.

A humble servant girl has the chance of a lifetime to become a lady's companion. Costly dresses, exquisite rooms, and fine dinners are pleasant distractions from what is really happening in the house.

©2016 Marie Silk (P)2017 Marie Silk

More of a YA book, predictable story but decent

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I wouldn't recommend this book to a friend. Listening to the story, this seems to be more of a YA book, as opposed to historical fiction, as it's listed under. The story was pretty predictable and I truly couldn't stand Clara and hate how things ended for her. What a selfish person. Ugh! Happy to be done with that character!

If you’ve listened to books by Marie Silk before, how does this one compare?

This is my first book by Marie Silk, so I have nothing to compare it to.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Looking at Ms. Voller's other narration reviews on Audible compared to this one, it seems like she does a very good job with narrating. When she was speaking in general, she did a good job. I couldn't stand the precise speech that she used for the characters though. I have a feeling that this may not have been an issue with Ms. Voller, but more of an issue with the writing itself, which is why I gave the performance a 4 instead of a 3.

Was Davenport House worth the listening time?

It was a quick listen, so I'm not upset that I listened to it, though I will not listen to the other books in the series. A young adult may enjoy this book very much, though as an avid adult reader, I'd likely pass on this one.

Any additional comments?

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Good story

There are a lot of twists and turns in this book, in fact maybe too many. I kept thinking what else could go wrong. It was a little predictable but not completely. The narration was a little boring but not bad at all. I am anxious to read the entire series.

A great story from history of family!

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are loveable, well most! MY favorite part was near the end when the will is decided....... I'm not going tooo hesitate starting book 2 now!

Great historical

Very entertaining listen. There's mystery, drama, and romance. The narrator was excellent, bringing emotion and life to the characters. I received a free review copy of this audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

Interesting Period Drama

Mary Davenport is a sheltered young woman living in a small Pennsylvania town in 1915. Her family owns a large estate, and her father is one of her closest friends. One day, her father summons her to the library to tell her that things around the estate will be changing. Mary notices her father is very ill and becomes concerned.

Mary's maid Clara has lived at Davenport House all her life. Clara dreams of a life greater than what she has, and her work and a secret engagement aren't enough to satisfy her. When her mother gives her a beautiful gown and tells her that she's been elevated to a new position in the house, Clara thinks that her dreams are finally coming true. But Mr. Davenport passes away before Clara learns about her new position, and the household descends into chaos when foul play is suspected.

This was a clean period drama that could be read as a standalone. The plot was similar to a Gothic romance. The writing was simple and straightforward. The mystery was easily solved, but I enjoyed the journey. I thought Mary was likable and was really worried for her well-being a time or two! She matured a lot through the book and I'm curious to read the rest of the series to see what's in store for the family.

The narration was really well done, Allyson Voller has the perfect voice to portray Mary and Clara. Her voice is pleasant and immersed me in the story. I received a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Good story

Enjoyed this book from beginning to end! Good narration and characters. Nicely paced and a quick book. Looking forward to the next one

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review

Davenport House

Davenport House reminded me of Downton Abbey.

I did enjoy the story, but I struggled with how some of the writing was. At times, it came off as choppy and formal. Almost robotic at times. Once I was able to move beyond that, I found that I really was invested in the characters and I would certainly like to find out where the storyline goes.

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the narrator, author or publisher.

Mystery & secrets abound!

This is a fun listen and a great start to a series -- so much intrigue, mystery and whodunnuit with splash of a Cinderella-esque fortune for our heroine(s)!

I thouroughly enjoyed this listen -- Marie Silk's writing was solid and enjoyable (this had been in my wish list for a while) and narrator Allyson Voller does a wonderful job with the character voices and conveying just the right touch of feeling to each character to make you wonder what their motives may be as well as what are may be hiding or if there is deeper meaning to what they are saying.

All around a great audiobook and a great listen, you will be glad to know there are sequels (it's a series) as well as a prequel!

Note: I was given a free copy of this audiobook for my honest opinion and this is it.

interesting start to a series

A daughter sees her father, in a situation that her mother and brother denies to be plausible.
However, some of the cryptic messages her father had given her, plus information from others, causes her to chase the subject with higher powers, with surprising results.
An interesting assortment of characters in an interesting time in history.

Davenport 1

This was a really fun,lite read.Mary is a young woman who has to face some terrible events after her father dies.Secrets come out of the woodwork.Allyson Voller was a terrific narrator.“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”