The Davenports: More Than This (Davenports, 2)
The anticipated sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller featuring escapist romance and a wealthy Black family in 1910s Chicago
Like the blazing Chicago sun, the drama is heating up for the Davenports and their social set. Before the summer of 1910 drops its last petal, the lives—and loves—of these four young women will change in ways they never could have imagined:
Newly engaged Ruby Tremaine is eagerly planning her wedding to the love of her life when a nasty rumor threatens her reputation and her marriage. Olivia Davenport has committed to the social justice cause and secretly hopes she’ll be reunited with dashing lawyer Washington DeWight—until her parents decide she’s to marry someone else. Amy-Rose Shepherd is making her lifelong wish of owning a salon come true, but when an incident forces her to return to Freeport Manor, she’s back in the path of John Davenport, who still holds her heart. Helen Davenport is determined to get over her own heartbreak and bring the Davenport Carriage Company into the new century, even if it means teaming up with a thrill-seeking racecar driver who just loves to get under her skin.
Inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, More Than This is the second book in critically adored Davenports series, following four empowered and passionate young Black women as they navigate a rapidly changing society and discover the courage to steer their own paths in life—and love.
“The Davenport universe has history, humor, and heart baked into it.” —Kirkus
"Richly portrays the complexities of early 20th century Black society.” —SLJ
“With more romance and intrigue . . . as interesting and juicy as ever.” —Booklist
Like the blazing Chicago sun, the drama is heating up for the Davenports and their social set. Before the summer of 1910 drops its last petal, the lives—and loves—of these four young women will change in ways they never could have imagined:
Newly engaged Ruby Tremaine is eagerly planning her wedding to the love of her life when a nasty rumor threatens her reputation and her marriage. Olivia Davenport has committed to the social justice cause and secretly hopes she’ll be reunited with dashing lawyer Washington DeWight—until her parents decide she’s to marry someone else. Amy-Rose Shepherd is making her lifelong wish of owning a salon come true, but when an incident forces her to return to Freeport Manor, she’s back in the path of John Davenport, who still holds her heart. Helen Davenport is determined to get over her own heartbreak and bring the Davenport Carriage Company into the new century, even if it means teaming up with a thrill-seeking racecar driver who just loves to get under her skin.
Inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, More Than This is the second book in critically adored Davenports series, following four empowered and passionate young Black women as they navigate a rapidly changing society and discover the courage to steer their own paths in life—and love.
“The Davenport universe has history, humor, and heart baked into it.” —Kirkus
"Richly portrays the complexities of early 20th century Black society.” —SLJ
“With more romance and intrigue . . . as interesting and juicy as ever.” —Booklist
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Community Reviews
i feel as if i should have re-read book one ad that would have helped me reconnect with the characters. there was something about the writing this time that felt off, almost as if the spark had dimmed. i really wish we’d gotten more perspectives from the male characters; at times, it felt like we were only getting half the story.
on a brighter note, i loved the development of Amy Rose and John! Their journey since book one is heartwarming. the “royalty and commoner” dynamic that once kept them apart has transformed beautifully. as Amy Rose pursues her dream of opening a salon and John at his dad's business, their love blossomed into something that everyone embraced rather than shied away from. it’s such a refreshing twist for them!
Helen feels true to herself; her passion for her work is still palpable. She’s determined to make her mark, and it’s inspiring to watch her in action.
And Ruby! i adore Ruby and Harrison together; their chemistry is electric. Seeing Ruby’s growth from book one to now has been nice, but it seems as if she fell flat mid-through and the development fell short; and oh the little bit of drama with Odette *slighty clutching my perals* LOL
olvia didn’t have as prominent a role in this installment. i’m guessing it’s because she missed Washington’s guiding presence. instead, she took to anonymously writing for the town newspaper. and while she meets the charming Everett Stone along the way, it’s bittersweet knowing it ultimately leads to breaking Washington’s heart.
i definitely feel like the story could have been even richer with more viewpoints and that same sparkling tenacity from the first book. what do you think?
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