Davenport House is the first book in a family saga following the wealthy Davenports and their servants in 1915 America.Mary Davenport is a 22-year-old idealist who worries that the world in the Progressive Era is leaving her behind. She lives isolated in the Pennsylvania countryside with her affluent and secretive family. When her father dies suddenly, Mary becomes pained with grief and … and increasingly suspicious of those around her.
A humble servant girl has the chance of a lifetime to become a lady’s companion. Costly dresses, exquisite rooms, and fine dinners are pleasant distractions from what is really happening in the house.
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For people who like historical fiction, this book will be a must read. The storyline unfolds easily and character development is quite believable. The author gives insight into the life and times of the genteel set during that time period.
Good characters looking forward to the next one.
Loved this series.
There are other writers who do the “family saga” thing, from Michener on to today. Some better than others. This one, from the outset, looked like another “woman loses everything due to wealthy paternal inaction, finds salvation at the hands of the handsome guy, after they meet cute and hate each other for half the book.” Even if that’s not what happened, it sure started that way.
I found it easy to read but lacking in character development and also found the style of writing very basic and uninspired
Interesting read, but not quite in the “can’ put it down” category.
Not a bad story but very stilted writing.
Good easy read.
Not a great book. Somewhat predictable.
Cliched and predictable
Once finished want to read the series to find out what happens with Mary and Clara
Nice plot twists
Looking for ward to the send book in this series.
A bit of proofreading would help the reading experience. I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next in the series.
too predictable
An enjoyable, quick read. There is minimal character development which I thought was good and bad. Sometimes developing the characters detracts from the flow of a story, but in this book, the development is gradual and leaves tantalizing questions to be answered as the story expands.
Instead of a star rating there should be a groan rating. It needs a lot of work. This is a really a rough first draft which has promise. Characters need to be more fully developed. The dialogue needs work. However, the overall storyline has promise.
Like it
Book 1 the Davenport family saga in 1912 America
This was a quick read historical murder mystery, very simple and predictable plot, not a cliff-hanger or page turner but a good before sleep or wake up read from a new author off to a decent start.