THE DAVENPORTS

This follow-up to Marquis’ charming bestselling debut continues the saga of young, Black Chicagoans in the early 20th century.

It’s been several weeks since the masquerade ball for Ruby’s father’s political campaign, and she’s eager to solidify her social status as a newlywed and the daughter of Chicago’s first Black mayor. But after Ruby and her parents learn of horrible rumors, their aspirations fall prey to uncertainty and chaos. Meanwhile, Olivia, Ruby’s best friend, focuses on building political power among local Black women, but her parents continue to pressure her to marry. They’re unaware of her star-crossed, long-distance entanglement. “Life can’t be just about work…What about love?” younger sister Helen asks Olivia. To which she replies, “Who said my decision wasn’t for love?” Helen may be open to romance, but she also concocts an ambitious plan to prepare the family’s carriage company for a horseless future. Ultimately, she must collaborate with a young man she finds irritating to pull it off. Domestic-worker-turned-entrepreneur Amy-Rose tries to keep her mind off Davenport business heir apparent John, but new circumstances make that tricky. The Davenport universe, which has history, humor, and heart baked into it, maintains its continuity in this volume, and Marquis will satisfy fans with the characters’ expanding narratives. The breezy and fluid prose supports the love-filled merry-go-round of will-they-won’t-they storylines.

An enjoyable sequel in a well-oiled coming-of-age series.