Nancy's Reviews > The Davenports

When I was a teen I adored the Sunfire historical fiction book series that centered on young women who had to choose between two suitors during a momentous time in American history, and this novel reminded me of these books. This story takes place in 1910 Chicago and centers on the Davenports, a rich Black family (based on a real Ohio family) and their friends who are all looking for love. First off there is Olivia, the oldest sensible daughter, her younger headstrong sister Helen, their friend Ruby who is interested in their older brother John, and Amy-Rose who is the Davenport's maid and who would like to open a hair salon. All four ladies, plus John, grapple with falling in love with someone that society or their parents will not approve of. As this is the first of a new series, the book ends with only one of the four lady's relationships being settled, while all the Davenports siblings are in romantic turmoil. This lighthearted novel is sure to appeal to romantics and the diversity showcased is welcome. (As an adult reader this was a 3/5 for me, but for YA readers it is a 4/5).