Young Adult Book Reviews

                  Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

The Davenports are one of the few prominent, wealthy Black families in 1910 Chicago. They have a son, John, who is ready to not only take over the carriage business, but hopefully bring it into the modern era. He has also fallen for the maid, Amy Rose, who is mixed race and therefore poses more than one obstacle for them to ever be together. The Davenports also have two daughters, Olivia and Helen, who are both supposed to be trying to find suitable husbands. Olivia has always taken her role seriously and knows how proper ladies should act and run a household. Helen, on the other hand, is much more interested in working on cars in the family garage and would love to be a part of the family business even though that is considered highly inappropriate for a woman at this time. Is there any way she can convince her father to let her help with the business? When Olivia meets a human rights lawyer her entire view on life changes, but can she really give up everything she has ever known to pursue a very dangerous life of potential violence and protests? Ruby, Olivia’s friend, has always dreamed of marrying John and becoming family with the Davenports, but when she meets a new man she cannot help feel he might be a better match for her. Can she go against her parents wishes to marry for love?

The first installment about the Davenport family introduces several great characters as well as historical background that helps the reader truly see the obstacles facing people of color at this time in the nation’s past. The action in the story is also really exciting and keeps the reader guessing as to what might happen to these characters as they balance what is expected of them with what they actually want to do with their lives. The setting is really engaging and there is still a lot of story left to tell with not only the main characters, but several of the minor ones as well. Fans will be very excited for the second installment to find out what happens next with these dynamic characters. Recommended for fans of The American Royals series.