The Davenports

By: Krystal Marquis

Narrated by: Joniece Abbott-Pratt

*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

Giving Bridgerton Vibes

Loved this story. And I learned more about the wealthy Black people in Chicago, post slavery. 😊

Amazing story

I love this story and twist on history. Beautiful storylines. Well written and well read! A must listen! I listened to this story in 3 days lol

Entertaining and informative

This is an entertaining, informative,, and encouraging read. You want to stay to the end and find positive conclusion for all the characters.

Great read!!!!

I love hearing about black peoples doing well and building generational wealth during a time we were not allowed to.

Fabulously written, unique and refreshing.

All I can say is: “Wow!” I fell in love with the characters and story immensely. I adore period novels, such as Jane Austin and tv worthy depictions like Downtown Abbey, Bridgerton. But Crystal Marquis’s debut book out did them all. I love how she based the book on the true life C.R. Patterson & sons, a former slave, a successful black carriage maker and business owner during the 1900’s. It was definitely a joy for me to discover more hidden truths of African Americans who were successful inventors and have paved the way to Black Excellence. The author does an excellent job portraying racism and social complexities, as well as, the frustration of a woman’s role during the 1900’s. All the while making the daughters of Mr. Davenport, Olivia and Helen, and all the other characters, Amy Rose, Ruby, John and the dashing gentlemen romantically steamy. I enjoyed the novel immensely and I look forward to season 2, the sequel. Surely, the author will delight us some more with the lives and future adventures of The Davenports.

Sweet, Enjoyable!

The Davenports - a historical, escapist, sweet romance. I enjoyed this book, it is a YA coming of age romance set in 1910 Chicago in the Black community. The girls it follows wrestle through questions of love, heartbreak, personal identity, societal standing, and family obligation. The young Civil Rights movement and growing racial tensions are the backdrop for the story. Readers see class differences, the challenges of female gender roles, and the struggle to acquire and maintain wealth in the Black community. I prefer books that explore the historical basis in more depth but this was a pleasant, clean romance with an unexpected ending.

need more

i want book 2 ASAP omg just refresh an history at its best so interesting

About Time

I really like hearing this time period piece where BLACK people are shown in a positive light to include being entrepreneurs, dreamers and activists

Loved the stores, hated the narrator

I loved this book, but it was difficult to get thought because of the narrator’s voice. Her voice annoyed me, but hearing her attempt a man with a British accent and a man with a New Orleans accent was almost too much for me.

Fun, engaging, eye-opening

Seamlessly escape back in time and experience history from a different perspective. I didn’t want to stop listening to the stories of these black families, stories left out of my history books. I only wish there was a follow-up book.