It’s hard to believe a year has passed since MORE THAN THIS made its way into the world! I’m endlessly grateful to every reader who picked up the book, shared it with a friend, or found a piece of themselves in Olivia, Helen, Ruby, and Amy-Rose’s journeys.
Thank you to my loved ones for your love and patience, and to my incredible publishing team for bringing this story to life with care and heart. Your support means everything. 💛
Thank you!!! 💜💜💜
I’m so excited to share that THE DAVENPORTS series has writers! I am such a fan of these talented creators. Like you, I can’t wait to see it! 💛
From the announcement: The Gilded Age co-showrunner Sonja Warfield, and And Just Like That… executive producer Susan Fales-Hill, have signed on to write and executive produce The Davenports YA series adaptation, which is currently in development at Prime Video. The project is a co-production of Amazon MGM Studios, Warner Bros. Television and Alloy Entertainment. Alloy’s president and chief creative officer Leslie Morgenstein will executive produce through the company’s deal at WBTV.
Inspired by Krystal Marquis’ bestselling novel of the same name, the Bridgerton-esque romantic series, set in 1910 America, centers on the Davenports, one of the few Black families of immense wealth and status thanks to the entrepreneurship of formerly enslaved patriarch William Davenport. Surrounded by servants, crystal chandeliers, and endless parties, his daughters Olivia and Helen, and their friends, are finding their way and finding love—even where they’re not supposed to, according to the logline.
I had a great time chatting with Cheryl of Rebel Reads Podcast! We talked all things The Davenports, writing, and my inspiration. Check out the clip below!
Watch the full interview on Rebel Reads!
🎧 Podcast Links:
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Check out my interview with C. M. Lockhart on their podcast, Written in Melanin! We talk about writing romance, strong female characters, and The Davenports!
Listen to C. M. Lockhart on Spotify and order their books here.
I am honored to share that a gorgeous new edition of Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park will feature a foreward written by ME! Even holding this in my hands feels like a dream. (If I am asleep, don’t wake me!) Austen’s novels have been an important part of my life and every reread and retelling is a fresh adventure. This First Impressions edition will be available March 13th, just in time for Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. 🎂
From the publisher:
With a foreword by Krystal Marquis, author of The Davenports and The Davenports: More Than This
When Fanny Price is taken in by wealthy relatives, she finds herself abused, overlooked and thoroughly unloved. Her only solace is her friendship with their youngest son, Edmund. But they are just friends. At least for now.
Soon, the arrival of Henry and Mary Crawford sets off a flurry of matchmaking and Fanny must decide who she loves and how they might all end up living happily-ever-after.
Fall head over heels for First Impressions, Puffin’s boldly designed new YA Jane Austen collection. Like all the best romcoms, Austen’s novels are full of meet-cutes, missed connections and drama; they are masterclasses in the lost arts of stolen glances and breath-taking gestures.
With a stunning modern design and forewords from leading YA romance authors, this eye-catching six-book series is an open invitation to escape the brutal nonchalance of modern dating and embrace your inner romantic.
💜💜💜
ICYMI, I was on the Creative Writing Life podcast a couple of weeks ago! I had a wonderful chat with Paul Zeidman about The Davenports and my writing process. Watch below!
They’re here!!! THE DAVENPORTS: MORE THAN THIS is now available where books are sold (and as an audiobook or ebook)!
I am so excited and proud to share the continuation of THE DAVENPORTS with you! (And apologize for that cliff-hanger!) The young people in this novel are inspired by Black entrepreneurs in American history and I hope their achievements and the places that served as a backdrop to their love stories spark a similar curiosity in you as it did me. I hope the perseverance of Olivia, Helen, Ruby, and Amy-Rose, who dear to my heart, remind you that your voice and dreams matter, and that our stories have value.
Thank you. 💜
Saturday, November 9th
2 PM
The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History with River Bend Books
Hartford, CT
Details Here
Partner: Elba Luz
Tuesday, November 12th
7 PM
Anderson’s Bookshop
Naperville, IL
Info Here
Partner: Rena Barron
Wednesday, November 13th
7 PM
Torch Literary Arts with Black Pearl Books
Austin, TX
Info: To Come
Partner: Amanda Johnston of Torch Literary Arts
Thursday, November 14th
7 PM
Little Shop of Stories
Decatur, GA
Details Here
Partner: To Come; Joniece Abbott-Pratt
Friday, November 15th
7 PM
The Ripped Bodice
Brooklyn, NY
Info Here
Partner: Talia Tucker
Sunday, November 17th
2 PM
Barnes & Noble Danbury
Danbury, CT
Details Here
Partner: Catherine Oni
I am so excited to announce the launch event for THE DAVENPORTS: MORE THAN THIS!!! My friends @riverbendbookshop will host the event at @thectmuseum on November 9th at 2pm. I can hardly wait to share this story with you! 💜
Get your tickets at the link here to reserve your spot AND get your copy early!
About the Book:
Like the blazing Chicago sun, the drama is heating up for the Davenports and their social set. Before the summer of 1910 drops its last petal, the lives—and loves—of these four young women will change in ways they never could have imagined:
Newly engaged Ruby Tremaine is eagerly planning her wedding to the love of her life when a nasty rumor threatens her reputation and her marriage. Olivia Davenport has committed to the social justice cause and secretly hopes she’ll be reunited with dashing lawyer Washington DeWight—until her parents decide she’s to marry someone else. Amy-Rose Shepherd is making her lifelong wish of owning a salon come true, but when an incident forces her to return to Freeport Manor, she’s back in the path of John Davenport, who still holds her heart. Helen Davenport is determined to get over her own heartbreak and bring the Davenport Carriage Company into the new century, even if it means teaming up with a thrill-seeking racecar driver who just loves to get under her skin.
Inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, More Than This is the second book in critically adored Davenports series, following four empowered and passionate young Black women as they navigate a rapidly changing society and discover the courage to steer their own paths in life—and love.
Pens at the ready! 💜
Grab your receipt and upload it to here before 11/11 to receive a deluxe stationary kit! Perfect for letters to that special someone or lifting your voice, this exclusive gift can be yours with proof of preorder.
Krystal Marquis 