The Davenports

The first in a breathless YA series set in 1910 Chicago,The Davenports offers a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlookedwhile delivering a totally escapistswoon-worthy read The Davenports are one of the few Black families of immense wealth and status in a changing United Statestheir fortune made through the entrepreneurship of William Davenporta formerly enslaved man who founded the Davenport Carriage Company years ago. Now the Davenports live surrounded by servantscrystal chandeliersand endless partiesfinding their way and finding loveΓÇöeven where theyΓÇÖre not supposed to. There is Oliviathe beautiful elder Davenport daughterready to do her duty by getting married . . . until she meets the charismatic civil rights leader Washington DeWight and sparks fly. The younger daughterHelenis more interested in fixing cars than falling in loveΓÇöunless itΓÇÖs with her sisterΓÇÖs suitor. Amy-Rosethe childhood friend turned maid to the Davenport sistersdreams of opening her own businessΓÇöand marrying the one man she could never be withOlivia and HelenΓÇÖs brotherJohn. But OliviaΓÇÖs best friendRubyalso has her sights set on John Davenportthough she canΓÇÖt seem to keep his interest . . . until family pressure has her scheming to win his heartjust as someone else wins hers. Inspired by the real-life story of C.R. Patterson and his familyThe Davenports is the tale of four determined and passionate young Black women discovering the courage to steer their own path in lifeΓÇöand love.