Krystal Marquis is the New York Times bestselling author of The Davenports, her debut novel, who happily spends most of her time in libraries and used bookstores. She studied biology at Boston College and University of Connecticut and now works as an environmental, health, and safety manager for an online retailer. When not writing or planning trips to the Book Barn to discover her next favorite romance, Krystal enjoys hiking, expanding her shoe collection, and plotting ways to create her own Jurassic Park.
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Publishers Lunch Buzz Books Selection "The Davenports by Krystal
Marquis is the perfect read for fans of escapist historical
fiction. We're talking romantic period pieces, lush with hunky
suitors, lavish balls and endless love triangles. This
Bridgerton-style book documents the Davenport sisters' mistrials as
they navigate the ever-complex world of love." --NBC's TODAY "The
Davenports has it all: romance, heartbreak, courage . . . What
makes [it] so intriguing is that it's inspired by the real
daughters of automobile magnate C.R. Patterson. Marquis' extensive
research allows readers to dive into the world of Black excellence
in the 1900s, from its grand estates to the glamorous ball gowns."
--Ebony "With dazzling prose and whip-smart pacing, Krystal
Marquis's gorgeous debut spirits readers into a world of polished
glamor, but also a world shadowed by painful reckonings. Through
trial, defeat, defiance, and triumph, its characters offer heart
and perspective. The Davenports is a fresh, utterly enchanting
read, and a much-needed addition to the contemporary canon of Black
literature." --Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of the
Beasts of Prey trilogy ★ "This deftly written series opener
examines the lives of Black elites following Reconstruction with a
focus on the constraints of women. The strong characterization,
developed through alternating third-person perspectives, and
descriptive setting lure readers in. A dazzling debut." --Kirkus
(starred review) ★ "This stunningly wrought historical fiction
debut follows a group of Black teens navigating classism, familial
expectations, gender norms, and racism in 1910 Chicago. . . .
Marquis perceptively explores the history and momentous impact of
Black achievements and wealth during an underreported period in
U.S. history. Employing expert characterization and complex
dynamics, the author presents a cast of take-charge women,
undeterred by their struggles and pursuing their passions
regardless of expectations." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) ★
"Though it has the compulsive readability of Gossip Girl, this
debut was inspired by the true, little-known history of the C.R.
Patterson & Sons carriage company. As a forgotten history, as a
celebration of Black entrepreneurship, and as a tale of ambitious
young women forging their own paths, it should be widely shared."
--Booklist (starred review)
"Marquis weaves the characters' stories in such a way that leaves
readers anticipating the next chapter each time [and] the author's
skilled descriptions give readers a real connection to the
characters. This is a well-written novel, sure to please fans of
historical fiction, romance, and Chicago history. Young adults and
adults alike will learn from and enjoy this. Recommended."
--SLJ
"Each girl brings a compelling arc to this series opener, and debut
author Marquis crafts the rich setting with intriguing historical
details and explorations of lesser-known Black history in the grand
tradition of romance novelist Beverly Jenkins. . . . The distinct
and satisfying emotional journeys of the four protagonists are
wonderful [and] the book ends on a cliffhanger for the Davenport
siblings, giving fans of historical fiction, and particularly those
looking for Black representation without trauma, something to look
forward to." --BCCB "I loved this book . . . It's all SO GOOD. And
yes, it's a lot about romance, which is great, but it's also about
so much more. [It's about] wealthy Black families in the early
1900s and seeing their stories, as they navigate spaces not
necessarily welcoming to them, while building their own businesses,
communities, and networks . . . The characters are all
well-developed, leading rich, complicated lives . . . If this whole
series existed right now, I'd tear through it to the exclusion of
everything else in my life. An excellent debut about challenging
expectations and finding your own path." --Teen Librarian Toolbox
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