The Davenports

"The Davenports" introduces readers to a captivating historical world, inspired by the real-life Patterson family, one of the few wealthy Black families in 1910 America. The story follows the Davenport sisters, Olivia and Helen, along with their childhood friend Amy-Rose and Olivia's best friend Ruby, as they each grapple with duty, desire, and self-discovery. From Olivia's arranged marriage prospects to Helen's passion for mechanics, Amy-Rose's entrepreneurial dreams, and Ruby's romantic schemes, the novel offers multiple perspectives on young Black women forging their own destinies. It's a "swoon-worthy" romance that also provides a valuable glimpse into an often-overlooked period of African American history, making it both entertaining and educational for young adult readers.

In 1910, 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 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. The first book in a breathless new series, The Davenports offers a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked, while delivering a totally escapist, swoon-worthy read. Inspired by the real-life story of C.R. Patterson and his family, it's the tale of four determined and passionate young Black women discovering the courage to steer their own path in life—and love.