The Davenports is the novel I have been wishing for for years. This features historically accurate black excellence, frothy period drama escapism, positive and supportive relationships between women, and truly feminist writing that shows a range of female experiences, rather than just putting one on a pedestal while trashing others. My only disappointment is that this was written for a young adult age range rather than adult, which would have allowed for less over-explaining and more digging into the complexities of the struggles and difficult choices the four heroines faced. 

The novel is an ensemble piece set in 1910 Chicago that transitions between the POVs of Olivia and Helen Davenport, their longtime friend Ruby, and their ambitious maid Amy-Rose. Each young woman is completely unique from the other. Olivia initially fits within the expectations of her wealthy family and is ready to do her duty by marrying well, before being drawn into the growing Civil Rights Movement and falling for the wrong man. Helen wants to work in her family's business rather than pursue a life as a society wife, though she's also drawn to a different type of wrong man. Her family pressures Ruby to get John Davenport to marry her to help their standing and their chances of getting her father elected as the first black mayor, only to be drawn to someone else. Amy-Rose works hard and saves money in the hopes of opening her own beauty salon, while dealing with bias' against women in business as well as the growing attraction between her and John. Each of these characters has a story that could be worth their own novel.  I love the way Krystal Marquis balanced and entwined the stories and romances of each of the main characters, allowing each to shine. 

If it isn't obvious, I loved The Davenports and can't wait for the sequel.