Welcome to Litsy!

I love every topic that Davis takes from history especially because most are set in NYC. This one is set with converging timelines that include the Frick collection, the Frick family and parts of their sordid history. Thrown in is the story behind the real life model who was the muse for many statues seen in the city. A bit of a mystery are in these and they are always woven together nicely. Look up the art and statues mentioned.

Beautiful evening to read out on the swing

3.5 stars

If you have never read Fiona Davis before, this book will be fantastic. However, if you (like me) have read her previous books, you won‘t find much new here.

The dual storylines in this book seem to go together fantastically. I loved this book and didn‘t want to put it down. The author has such a way with words, it was almost as if I was present in the Frick mansion at sometimes during the novel. I would suggest anyone that loves historical fiction to pick this one up. It was such a lovely surprise when I found I enjoyed the book. 5 stars

It started out a little slow, but the pace picked up as it went along. I liked the way the dual timelines alternately came together to solve the mystery.

I enjoyed this historical fiction. I am not a huge fan of dual timelines but the characters were intriguing.

April Book 1/25 #LitsyLove #bookspinbingo

Not my favourite Davis but still a lovely read. I just didn't connect with the 1966 timeline the way I often do in the more present-day sides of Davis' books. The 1919 timeline was much more my jam. I like how Davis gets her inspiration from historical buildings or people and spins something wonderful out of it - and I always appreciate her note at the end where she says where she strayed from history.

Fiona Davis fictionalizes the lives of the coke & steel magnet, Henry Clay Frick & his family using 2 eventually intersecting storylines (1919 &1966).Set in the Frick mansion/museum,the story is narrated through the eyes of 2 models,the infamous”Angelica,”whose risqué statues grace the city streets,& the English model Veronica,who desperately wants to make it in NYC. Happenstance makes both these women end up in the Frick‘s home. ?

Thanks to these Litsy folks for today‘s prompt:

##SAVVYSETTINGS
March 2022
@Eggs
@AlwaysBeenALoverOfBooks

Today‘s Prompt: PALACE

THE MAGNOLIA PALACE is a gem with a mystery, a murder, a famous family, and memorable characters you will connect with and a book you will not want to miss... https://tinyurl.com/2p8tvsk2

Have YOU read it yet?

@fionadavisauthor

#SavvySettings #30 #palace
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

I'm currently reading The Magnolia Palace, a Historical Fiction I got from BOTM. I was very interested to learn that one of the main characters, Lillian "Angelica" Carter, is based on Audrey Munson, Miss Manhattan herself. Audrey Munson was one of the most famous muses and sculpture models in NYC and was dubbed American Venus. But also, she is the muse and model for "Wisconsin (Forward)". The statue at the top of my home states capitol building.

Historical fiction often has me going down the google rabbit hole! Lillian Carter is based on the real-life artists‘ model Audrey Munson. Enjoying this one so far. #20in4

1. Historical Fiction
2. This was my first Fiona Davis work and I‘m hooked!!
3. I‘m new to Fiona Davis‘ works as of this year, but the 3 of her books I have read she does a fantastic job! She not only brings in the “lingo” of the era into the dialogue, but she also makes sure to mention the fashion and food as well, which I find so interesting

Thanks for the fun prompt @ozma.of.oz 🤩 Happy #SundayFunday ☕️🥐🍳🥓🥞🧇

#coffeeandbooks #20in4 #readathon

I was exhausted last night so went to bed without any reading done. I hope to have more time later today.

Finished this last month, but glad I hadn‘t yet taken time to review, as I met Fiona Davis two evenings ago! Because I read the Curse of Beauty last fall, I instantly recognized the story of Audrey Munson that was woven into and around the story of the Frick family and their amazing donation of their home as a museum of art to New York City. Fiona even said she hadn‘t yet met someone who had read that book, so that was fun!

Joining in this #20in4 #Readathon #March25toMarch28 #2022
Will be reading from This Life, hoping to start The Magnolia Palace.
Join in & Spread the word!!!!

3-23-22: My 27th finished book of 2022! This book alternates between Lillian in 1919 and Veronica in 1966. Lillian, an artist‘s model who is running from a scandal gets hired to be the personal secretary of Helen Frick, whose father was the owner of the Frick mansion and museum in NYC. Veronica, a fashion model, visits the Frick and helps solve a 50 year old mystery, bringing all the characters together. Love this author. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️📖#️⃣2️⃣7️⃣

What I enjoyed most about this book was learning about the Frick Collection in NYC. I never knew it existed until now. I googled the art pieces described in the story, and learned quite a bit as I read. I wasn‘t crazy about the story line or the characters. To me, it seemed like a typical murder mystery “who done it”.

https://booktrib.com/2022/03/17/10-books-to-binge-if-you-loved-hbos-the-gilded-a...

All of these look good! 📚

Classic Fiona Davis, weaving together a story of historical fiction decades apart in a perfectly plotted time slip. While many people, events, and the Frick collection/home itself is real, many of the characters are not but together tell a story peeking new interest into this New York Museum and its past.

I really enjoyed this historical fiction about the Frick family set in 1919 and 1966. Loved that this had fact mixed in with fiction, interesting characters, secrets, lies and a mystery.

“Lillian Carter stood half naked, one arm held up like a ballet dancer, the other hanging lightly down at her side, and calculated how long she could avoid paying rent while her landlord was in jail.”

#firstlinefridays @ShyBookOwl

Fiona Davis has a very solid style. Her writing is consistent & brings historical settings to life well. This was a great mix of true history & creative fiction. I loved the characters & the mystery surrounding the narrative. The pacing can be a little slow in places & there is some instalove, but overall I just had a good time. The mystery was light & the story was relaxing, leading to a pleasant, palate-cleansing read.

Entertaining, quick read with interesting historical detail and a fun mystery. Now need to visit The Frick Collection website for a virtual tour. #BOTM

Totally forgot to post about this one last week! Gah! Well, let me just say I love this author. She is an automatic buy for me. Set in two era‘s the author has managed to craft a great story with amazing characters. A really good read if you like your historic fiction.

I have enjoyed Davis's books and this one is no exception. Set in two eras, Lillian in the 20's and Veronica in the 60s . Lillian was the model for the famous sculptures of NYC. And when she has to run, she ends up as secretary to Henry Clay Fricks daughter. Veronica is a British model who comes to NYC in hopes of making enough money to care for her disabled sister. The story goes between the two lives and somehow connects them in the end.

I‘m always excited to read a new Fiona Davis book because of my lifelong fascination with NYC. She convinces me my fantasy of living in Manhattan for a year would be fascinating. I knew nothing of Henry Frick and family and this sent me straight to google for nonfiction info about Henry and his daughter, Helen. ↓

Loved this one! Lillian is on the run. The police think she has something to do with her landlord's wife's death. She ends up getting a job with the Frick family, there she runs into more trouble.
#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks
#WickedWords #Historical @AsYouWish
#TheSupernaturalYear #Business @AkashaVampie
#Pantone2022 #PoppySeed @Clwojick
#RoaringWolf #MeFirst @Roary47 @Littlewolf1

Two different storylines in this historical fiction re the Fricks and the artist muse “Angelica” and a model and intern in the 60s. I thought the plot was well pulled together even if a little of it was forced to make the two collide. I liked the post WWI story best. I thought it was well researched. I highly recommend for art lovers and those interested in the Gilded Age.

#JanuaryStats #ItHadToBeYou @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

I finished 31 books and these 5 ☝️were my favorites 😻

Really good!!

Fiona Davis does it again!

Multiple time lines, a mystery to solve, and interesting history about The Frick Collection in NYC.

It all makes for a fantastic book.

I always enjoy the author's notes at the end.

#botm #bookofthemonth

The blending of the two time lines and the intriguing story line is signature Fiona Davis.

THE MAGNOLIA PALACE is a gem with a mystery, a murder, a famous family, and memorable characters.

FULL REVIEW: https://tinyurl.com/2p8tvsk2

@fionadavisauthor
@duttonbooks

Review is up! Check it out! I loved this one!

https://reecaspieces.com/2022/01/25/the-magnolia-palace-by-fiona-davis-duttonboo...

Overall, I found the story fascinating and am eager for another story by Fiona Davis. I think anyone with an interest in the architectural landmarks of NYC will enjoy this book.

More book mail 📖

A delicious pageturner! Davis does it again👍🏼👏🏻🙏🏻

#doublespin @TheAromaofBooks

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Although this started out slowly for me, once the mystery was introduced, I enjoyed the way it unfolded in both timelines. Davis skillfully overlays a fictional story on real historical facts, people, and art. I thought Helen and Lilly‘s relationship was particularly interesting, but some other characters felt a bit flat. #BOTM

What a great way to kick of #BOTM for 2022! I really enjoyed my first experience with Davis‘ writing! With dual timelines- 1919 and 1966, both revolve around the Frick- first as a household and later as a museum and how it comes to dramatically change the lives of two very different models. Entertaining and quite the page turner, I really liked the historical details and art included- plus reading this has added five other titles to my wishlist!

Just a little conversation with Fiona today!! I just love her books!

#AuthorCrush
#AuthorChat

A fascinating examination of the real Frick museum in New York City. The book also presents a lot of history about the era and does a good job of highlighting class differences. Educational and page-turning in one!

Bookworm problems! When you have 3 ARC on your kindle and don‘t know which one to read first!
Plus trying to get through books for #literarycrew and #newyearwhodis

#sundaysoapbox @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

This is the only 1 I know about and I‘m currently reading it thanks to January BOTM!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed all of the art in this book! It was fun to learn about Angelica, a model for many sculptures around NYC based upon an real person. It was also interesting to learn about the Frick family and their legacy in the art world, and wild dysfunction. I‘ll say that the characters Veronica and Joshua in the 60s we‘re sort of underdeveloped for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I very much enjoyed this! I've never visited the Frick museum (I'll now need to remedy that asap) but even so, I really appreciated the way Fiona Davis spun a captivating fiction tale woven with real historical figures, places, and art. It served as a lovely, gentle reminder that I need to read historical fiction more often! #BOTM ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Yup, another spectacular Fiona Davis book! So good!

First #Bookspin of the year!! @TheAromaofBooks

Devouring the book. 💛

#bookandwine

Fiona Davis's new novel takes readers behind the scenes at the noted Frick Collection in a split time tale imagining secrets, betrayal and murder.

5 stars!

https://mccombsonmain.com/2022/01/13/review-magnolia-palace-davis/