The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis

 

Title: The Magnolia Palace

Author: Fiona Davis

Genre: Historical Fiction

Other Books I've Read by This Author: The Address, The Lions of Fifth Avenue

Synopsis: Eight months since losing her mother in the Spanish flu outbreak of 1919, twenty-one-year-old Lillian Carter's life has completely fallen apart. For the past six years, under the moniker Angelica, Lillian was one of the most sought-after artists' models in New York City, with statues based on her figure gracing landmarks from the Plaza Hotel to the Brooklyn Bridge. But with her mother gone, a grieving Lillian is rudderless and desperate—the work has dried up and a looming scandal has left her entirely without a safe haven. So when she stumbles upon an employment opportunity at the Frick mansion—a building that, ironically, bears her own visage—Lillian jumps at the chance. But the longer she works as a private secretary to the imperious and demanding Helen Frick, the daughter and heiress of industrialist and art patron Henry Clay Frick, the more deeply her life gets intertwined with that of the family—pulling her into a tangled web of romantic trysts, stolen jewels, and family drama that runs so deep, the stakes just may be life or death.

Nearly fifty years later, mod English model Veronica Weber has her own chance to make her career—and with it, earn the money she needs to support her family back home—within the walls of the former Frick residence, now converted into one of New York City's most impressive museums. But when she—along with a charming intern/budding art curator named Joshua—is dismissed from the Vogue shoot taking place at the Frick Collection, she chances upon a series of hidden messages in the museum: messages that will lead her and Joshua on a hunt that could not only solve Veronica's financial woes, but could finally reveal the truth behind a decades-old murder in the infamous Frick family. - Back Cover

My Thoughts

I loved reading this novel. Cross-generational storytelling is so fun and it was interesting to compare the lives of both Lillian and Veronica as models trying to support their families. Davis always brings an air of mystery to her novels which is engaging and reveals aspects of the characters along the way. The ending is a bit unexpected and I really enjoyed it! Mystery and history, what more could I ask for? A trip to The Frick in NYC may be in my future after reading this novel.

Comment below if you have read this book or have suggestions for others like it!


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To see more from the author, visit the website linked above

When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

Title: When He Was Wicked

Author: Julia Quinn

Genre: Historical Romance

Other books I've read by this author: The Duke and I, The Viscount Who Loved Me, An Offer From a Gentleman, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, To Sir Philip, With Love

Synopsis: In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one’s life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London’s most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton.

After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca’s surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer—the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin.

But that was then . . . Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his love . . . until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets . . . - Back Cover

My Thoughts

As always, Quinn's Bridgerton novels are so fun to read. I loved that this novel gave so much of Michael's perspective and it was more about his happily ever after than Francesca's (though she gets there, of course!). While it still had the general formula of a Bridgerton novel and historical romance, When He Was Wicked is about finding love after loss, so it feels different from others in the series. 

I can't wait to see the TV adaptation of this novel as part of the Netflix series!

Comment below if you have read this book or have suggestions for others like it!

To buy this book from Amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from the author, visit the website linked above