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The Davenports  By  cover art

The Davenports

By: Krystal Marquis
Narrated by: Joniece Abbott-Pratt
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Mic Check with Joniece Abbott-Pratt

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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

Editorial Review

It’s a family affair
As an avid Bridgerton fan who is eagerly awaiting the next installment, I was delighted when I heard about Krystal Marquis’s debut YA title. Set in 1910 Chicago, this fictional tale was inspired by the family of real-life inventor Charles Patterson, who founded a thriving business in carriage making and eventually started the first African American–owned automobile manufacturer. In this story, everything I didn’t know I was seeking for my next listen unfolded before me: Romance, heroines rebelling against social constructs, a thoughtful exploration of what it meant to be a successful Black person navigating society in the early 1900s and the weight they carried. Joniece Abbott-Pratt’s narration captures the energy of the characters and vibe of the time with thoughtful cadences and endearing rasps. If you are looking for a listen that boasts not only heart but depth, The Davenports is for you. —Kelley S., Audible Editor

What listeners say about The Davenports

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Great historical romance

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. it is so nice to be able to read a story that has Romance, drama, Family Values and historical accuracy where the main characters are women. I really appreciate that there was no villain and no backstabbing Behavior amongst the characters. I hope they make this into a movie! I also hope that a sequel is on the way!!

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Interesting!

This book was pretty good. I really enjoyed the different personalities. All the men sounded alike so that part was corny.

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AWESOME!!!!

Thank you for the history lesson. The struggles and strengths of everyone. Family, Happiness, The Movement and True Love.

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A must read

I loved this book. We can all relate to wanting to be in a relationship. Wanting to please family and stopping to think what we want and going after it.

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A beautiful escape

The imagery of Freeport is stunning. It was lovely to see reflections of people I knew in the characters. I’m hoping to read more from Ms. Marquis.

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Loved it!

This book had history, character, depth, classism, activism a beginning, middle, and end. Including romance, which always engages me, along with the culturalism colorism, and all the other isms, which keep us grounded in today’s American society.

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Outstanding!

Superior in every way! Talented author. I look forward to more literature from the Krystal Marquis.

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High on the Hog

Enjoyed the story and the history lesson. What other stories has she written.
Would like to see it developed into a movie.

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A must listen! A needed fairtytale.

Loved it. A much needed break from choas. Some times you need an amazing love story. This book has 4.

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Excellent!!!

Wow! l loved this book! Great storyline. The characters were very strong. l really liked the way each character had there own storyline going. Joniece Abbott-Pratt did a wonderful job narrating. The ending makes one believe that there is going to be a follow -up book. l hope that there will be. l am interested in finding out what happens to the four women. Great Job!👍🏽😃

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