The Davenports — Krystal Marquis

A frothy and wise Bridgerton-esque YA romance with an all-Black cast -- the first book in a debut duology, set in turn-of-the-last-century Chicago.

The year is 1910. The Davenports are one of the few Black families of immense wealth and status in the United States, their fortune made through the hard work and entrepreneurship of William Davenport, a formerly enslaved man who founded the Davenport Carriage Company years ago. Now, the Davenports live surrounded by servants, crystal chandeliers, and endless parties. This is the story of the Davenport daughters, their maid, and their best friend -- Olivia, Helen, Amy-Rose, and Ruby -- as the four find their way, and unexpectedly find love, in a rapidly changing country. Inspired by the real-life story of the C.R. Patterson dynasty, The Davenports offers a glimpse into a period of African-American history often overlooked, while delivering a totally escapist, swoon-worthy read.