Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

What a great book. Such a quick and easy read. I enjoyed this book. All of the characters are great. Also great story and awesome writing style.

A great read that I could not put down. Perfect from beginning to end. Definitely recommend this book to all my friends.

I was so happy to get back into the Davenports' world! Though I am not a historical fiction fan, I missed these girls, especially Olivia and Ruby. I was excited to see where their stories would lead after all the drama of the first book, and I really enjoyed my continued education into this time in history.

This took me back to how I felt while reading the first book, the beginning was slow but some parts were enjoyable. I always give a book the first 100 pages to reel me in. Once I hit chapter 14, I felt the story picked up from Helen's quest, Ruby's nuptials, Amy-Rose's time in New York, and Olivia's new connection. What I enjoyed was the introduction to new characters in this book, the girls need a shake-up that I wasn't expecting. Ruby and Helen needed their worlds to be shaken!

The Davenports: More Than This rings true. They are more than getting prepared for marriage. It shines the light on young black women having the opportunity to do the things they enjoy, I've always loved Ruby's and Amy-Rose's characters because they've always known the passion that fuels them. Having a man who allows you to be who you are to your core is a bonus. As for Olivia and Ruby, they know what it's like to be a woman in society, and the challenges that with it, and understand how to navigate society.
This is more than just romance, it’s becoming a woman, stepping into it, self-discovery, and breaking the mold. I truly enjoyed how each of them found their voice in the way that it was meant to be. I’m sad that it’s ending!

It’s 1910 in Chicago, Illinois. The story opens up where the previous book ended and serves as a continuation of the tales of Olivia, Helen, Ruby, and Amy-Rose.

I was excited to see where the characters would end up after the conclusion of the first novel. I will admit, though this is a good book, it does contain multiple POVs that at times are easy to lose track of.

I would say that these are the main plot points/questions one could ask themselves while reading:

Olivia continues to thrive while supporting the working community, fighting for those that do not have a voice themselves. After the events of the last novel, her parents continue to put pressure on her to marry, but is she able to forget Washington DeWight for good?

Helen still loves her engines—and when an opportunity comes for her and John to run the family business in their father’s absence, are they finally able to usher Davenport Carriage Company into the era of automobiles?

Ruby is busy planning her wedding to her new fiance, while her father continues to campaign for Mayor of Chicago. When rumors threaten to ruin everything, can Ruby rise above them in order to secure her own happiness?

Amy-Rose, along with her benefactor, Mrs. Davis, travel to New York City, where Amy-Rose’s dreams of becoming a successful salon owner take flight. When she returns to Chicago, she finds that her plans may be altered, as an unexpected tragedy takes place. While trying to make it in business, what will she decide when an old flame returns?

As you can see, there is a lot going on here. Many new background characters are introduced throughout the story as well. I will say that I feel like the book does a good job of tying everything together in the end.

Definitely worth a read and I recommend the book to lovers of historical fiction, but my suggestion? Have a notebook handy to keep track of everything!

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was a good read. It picked up where part one left off. This book answered the questions that I had from part one. Have we learned all there is to know about The Davenports or will there be more?

The Davenports: More Than This was cute. It started out slow but eventually I felt like I was back in high society Chicago. I enjoyed it though I was very annoyed by one of the main tropes that reoccurs. I think the book struggles a bit more in this book from the multiple POVs. I would still recommend this book, particularly to those who really enjoy YA or those who live historical stories

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I loved the first book and was so excited to read the follow up. It didn’t hit quite as hard as the first just because I knew more what to expect, but this is no sophomore slump. I loved getting back with these characters and seeing how their stories all came to completion. Such a unique and wonderful tale across two books.

A beautiful conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed book 1 in this series The Davenport so I was overjoyed to see this follow up novel. I was pleased to see each of the main characters gain resolution to situations that started in book 1.

This book was written from several characters POV so at times it was a bit confusing but not overwhelming.

I recommend this book to people that enjoy historical fiction and sweet romance.

Thank you NetGalley and Dial Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Publication date: 11/24/24

Wheww honey @krystabelle_reads book 2 didn’t disappoint😍. All of my favorite characters from book one made appearances and I felt like I had closure! If you black historical fiction I highly recommend this series. Think black version of Bridgeton. I do recommend reading book one first so you will understand the background on many characters. The wasn’t a 5 star read for me because I did feel a little over whelmed by the multiple POVs.
It’s a lot going on:
👰Ruby’s wedding
💕Olivia has two love interests
💇🏾‍♀️Amy rose is soaring through life but of course the love tension with her & john is palpable. I have to admit i loved her character most because she was a fighter and don’t back down from uncomfortable situations.
🏁Helen finds her way in business and romantically. Loved this for her.

Thank you to the author, @netgalley and @penguinteen for my ARC.

🏷️#historical #fiction #bridegton #netflix #racing #racecar #drbooksreads #love #blacklove

This was am amazing follow up to The Davenports. I love the way Marquis mixes historical facts with a sweet romance reminiscent of Bev Jenkins young adult books like Josephine.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for providing this arc in exchange for my review.

This was a great follow up to The Davenports. It was nice to catch up with Ruby, Olivia, Amy-Rose and Helen. I liked how each of them had their own hopes and dreams for their future and their determination to achieve their goals while navigating where they fit in within society and/or their social status. 
However, I have a few items that were frustrating for me and I had similar frustrations while reading the first book in this series. 
While I understand why each of them had their own chapters, there were times when I wished there were not four storylines going on at the same time. I would have loved a book that focused just on Amy-Rose and John. Or, Ruby and Harrison. I wish John had been given his own chapters for us to see things from his perspective as he navigated working in the family business and his feelings for Amy-Rose.  
It was hard to determine how much time had passed between each chapter. It was disappointing to read about a conversation or interaction that occurred as a sort of "by-the-way" and not get to experience it.  Especially a few that happened between Amy-Rose and John.
And, as a side note, I don't know how in the world a person can choose not to read the letters that someone wrote to them... for months.  Why keep them if you have no intention to read them? I mean, seriously.
Overall, I enjoyed the sequel and was happy with the endings for each of these ladies and John. My rating is three and a half stars out of five.

REVIEW:
I finished it! I must say that I enjoyed it, but it took a little while. There were other parts that repeated themselves or had similar thoughts. With so many narrators, it was difficult to keep track of where we were in the story at times.
I enjoy how the characters are distinct from one another, and how they are cared for and wish for good things to happen to them. The book makes for a good time.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free early reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

RESEÑA:
¡Terminado! Tengo que decir que me ha gustado, pero se me ha hecho un poco largo. Había muchas partes que se me hacían un poco repetitivas, o mismos pensamientos. También en algunos momentos me costaba volver a situarme en el momento de la trama que estábamos, al tener tantos narradores algunas veces no sabía si habíamos pasado de día, o si estaba en el mismo punto donde acababa la voz anterior.
En conjunto me ha gustado, los personajes son diferentes cada uno del otro y se les coge cariño y quieres que les pasen cosas buenas y que brillen y salgan adelante. El libro te hace pasar un buen rato.
Agradezco a Netgalley y a la editorial por permitir mi lectura a cambio de una honesta reseña.

Title: The Davenports: More Than This

Author: Krystal Marquis

Rating: 4.5/5

"The Davenports: More Than This" by Krystal Marquis is a captivating continuation of the Davenport family's saga, set against the backdrop of the vibrant and tumultuous summer of 1910 in Chicago. Marquis masterfully weaves a tale of love, ambition, and social change, capturing the essence of an era and the resilience of four remarkable young women.

The novel follows the intertwined lives of Ruby Tremaine, Olivia Davenport, Amy-Rose Shepherd, and Helen Davenport as they navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives. Each character is distinct and well-developed, bringing their own unique struggles and dreams to the forefront.

Ruby Tremaine's engagement to the love of her life is jeopardized by a vicious rumor, adding tension and uncertainty to her plans. Marquis skillfully portrays Ruby's determination to protect her reputation and future, highlighting the societal pressures faced by women during this time.

Olivia Davenport's dedication to social justice and her secret longing for Washington DeWight add layers of depth to her character. The conflict between her passion for justice and her parents' traditional expectations creates a compelling narrative that explores themes of duty and self-discovery.

Amy-Rose Shepherd's journey to owning a salon is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Her return to Freeport Manor and the rekindling of her feelings for John Davenport bring a sense of nostalgia and unresolved emotions, making her story a poignant exploration of love and ambition.

Helen Davenport's determination to modernize the Davenport Carriage Company and her reluctant partnership with a thrill-seeking racecar driver inject excitement and innovation into the storyline. Helen's character embodies resilience and forward-thinking, reflecting the changing societal landscape of the early 20th century.

Marquis's writing is vivid and evocative, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and societal dynamics of 1910 Chicago. The historical context is seamlessly integrated into the narrative, enriching the story with authenticity and depth. The pacing is well-balanced, with each subplot unfolding naturally and keeping readers engaged.

"The Davenports: More Than This" is not just a story of love and drama; it is a celebration of the strength and determination of young Black women in a rapidly changing society. Marquis's ability to portray their struggles and triumphs with sensitivity and nuance makes this novel a powerful and empowering read.

In conclusion, "The Davenports: More Than This" is a beautifully crafted novel that continues the legacy of the Davenport family with grace and depth. Krystal Marquis delivers a rich and engaging story that will resonate with readers, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next installment in this compelling series.

This was such a beautiful continuation to The Davenports! I loved getting to go on the journey with the characters as they continued finding themselves, their passions and their voice. Reading this honestly reminded me of my siblings and I!

3.5 stars

I had been eagerly waiting for this book - the sequel to Kristal Marquis’ ‘The Davenports’ which I read in 2023 and absolutely adored.

Book 2 picks up right where we left off, and continues to focus on the four main characters - Olivia, Helen, Amy Rose, and Ruby.

However, this was a much slower read for me than the first book. This was beautifully written, and It gave us some much needed resolution after the first book’s cliffhanger… but the pacing was off for me.

I will say that Marquis continues to do an excellent job of writing each character so they come to life. It’s easy to differentiate between storylines and characters when each is drawn so vividly and uniquely - a crucial but often difficult endeavor in novels with multiple POVs.

Suggested snack pairing: tiramisu

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for this ARC. My review will be posted on Instagram at @bedtimesandbooks and I will update with a link to my review.

What can I say about the Davenports? Well, for one, it's an extraordinary story of family, love, determination, and actual values. I love the storyline of the davenports sibling love and family values. I dislike that the storyline is a slow build-up at the end, leaving room for another book. I am happy for the Amy-rose storyline, an enslaved person-owned child who beats the odds, explores entrepreneurship and truly exceeds everyone's expectations. We have Helen, who is my favorite Davenport in this second series, a young woman determined to break the traditions of a young woman and become a more prominent leader in the family's business. What will become of Olivia? I would love to see where the story unfolds with her future activists. This book was great, and I'm excited for the next season of the Davenports & friends.

A fun YA-historical romance with 4 black women navigating courtship, race, romance, political activism, being a woman in a mans world and finding their passion and way in life.
I really enjoyed the first davenports book and this was a fun continuation of the stories. The woman each have their own thing going on, but are fiercely loyal towards each other. The setting of davenport manor and Chicago in the 1920s is beautiful.
I enjoyed the way to story was told. Many historical romances seem stuffy to me with over the top writing, but this was done beautifully.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy!

Okay continuation to book 1, with resolution on the romances and lives of the 4 main characters. It was a little slow and a little confusing with 3 intermingled stories but still an entertaining read.

3.5 ⭐️

Overall, a nice continuation of the first Davenports book. I have mixed feelings about this book as I don’t believe much happened. There was an unraveling of relationships and then falling back on repairing said relationships. I can appreciate that we get deeply acquainted with the main players. I commend Marquis for continuing to weave four stories together without making it confusing. I also appreciate the recaps we get in the beginning to readjust since I didn’t reread the first book before starting this one. It took me a while to read this book because at no point was I truly sucked into the story. I will say that’s not necessarily a bad thing because I was able to digest everything day by day. Despite its flaws, I will continue to read and recommend this series!

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher, and Krystal Marquis for an ARC of this book!