The Magnolia Palace (Review)

“The rich think they’re protected, that they have magical powers, when in fact they’re only mortals, like the rest of us. Bodies break down, betray you. People you love die. Children die.”

― Fiona Davis, The Magnolia Palace

The vibe

Book / PJ set / Blanket / Eye mask / Candle / Teacup / Teapot

The review

Lillian Carter is an artist’s model. The 21-year-old living in New York City in early 1900s was sought after for sculptures scattered across the city. Now, she’s seeing the end of this career, but has eyes on her next: Film. But one day, shortly after losing her mother and de facto manager, she stumbles upon a crime and worries this association will ruin her movie career before it even starts.

She flees and ends up at the Frick Mansion, the home of one of Manhattan’s wealthiest families. But, the trouble Lillian thought she escaped finds her — and then some.

Almost 50 years later, English model Veronica hopes she’s getting her first big break at a shoot at the Frick museum. The building piques her interest, and she aims to learn more about it and the family who lived there from Joshua, one of the curators.

Fiona Davis can do no wrong for me. Two women, two timelines, and one iconic NYC building — it’s the formula that works 100 percent of the time. I LOVED The Lions of Fifth Avenue (read my review!) and this one did not disappoint.

There’s a little less romance and a lot of drama — plus a lot of poor Lillian being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Per usual, Fiona Davis modeled (pun intended) her historic character after a real-life person — Audrey Munson, a model who inspired over a hundred statues around NYC at the time. I loved this book so much and the tie to a true part of history makes it all the better!