Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Krystal Marquis (The Davenports)!
Meet the Author: Krystal Marquis
Krystal Marquis happily spends most of her time in libraries and used bookstores. She studied biology at Boston College and University of Connecticut and now works as an environmental, health, and safety manager for an online retailer. A lifelong reader, Krystal began researching and writing on a dare to complete the NaNoWriMo Challenge, resulting in the first partial draft of The Davenports. When not writing or planning trips to the Book Barn to discover her next favorite romance, Krystal enjoys hiking, expanding her shoe collection, and plotting ways to create her own Jurassic Park.
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About the Book: The Davenports
The Davenports delivers a totally escapist, swoon-worthy romance while offering a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked.
The Davenports are one of the few Black families of immense wealth and status in a changing United States, their fortune made through the entrepreneurship of William Davenport, a formerly enslaved man who founded the Davenport Carriage Company years ago. Now it’s 1910, and the Davenports live surrounded by servants, crystal chandeliers, and endless parties, finding their way and finding love—even where they’re not supposed to.
There is Olivia, the beautiful elder Davenport daughter, ready to do her duty by getting married . . . until she meets the charismatic civil rights leader Washington DeWight and sparks fly. The younger daughter, Helen, is more interested in fixing cars than falling in love—unless it’s with her sister’s suitor. Amy-Rose, the childhood friend turned maid to the Davenport sisters, dreams of opening her own business—and marrying the one man she could never be with, Olivia and Helen’s brother, John. But Olivia’s best friend, Ruby, also has her sights set on John Davenport, though she can’t seem to keep his interest . . . until family pressure has her scheming to win his heart, just as someone else wins hers.
Inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, The Davenports is the tale of four determined and passionate young Black women discovering the courage to steer their own path in life—and love.
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~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
I came across an article about C.R. Patterson and Sons and their legacy as the first and only Black-owned automobile company. I wondered what life would have been like for the women of that family, especially the daughters Dorothea, Mary, and Kate, growing up in wealth while the country was in transition. The main characters of The Davenports are four young Black women trying to navigate first love during a time when Black ingenuity and entrepreneurship led to great success and influence. It’s an often-overlooked time in history, and the answers to my questions were difficult to find. I thought about the historical fiction I read and the representation I wish I had as a young reader.
YABC: Which came first, the title or the novel?
The title came first. It was a working title. I remember thinking that I’d have time to change it later, that there would be an “aha” moment in drafting or editing that would stand out to me. But the deeper I got into the process, I knew this was going to be a novel about more than just the strong female leads. It was going to be about a family, and the name Davenports really stood out to me.
YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
There’s a scene between Amy-Rose and John where they talk about their hopes and fears for the future. John is expected to one day take over the Davenport Carriage Company, and Amy-Rose dreams of taking her home hair care remedies to launch a salon of her own. During their conversation, Amy-Rose shares her insecurity about not knowing where she belongs. I think at some point in life, we’ve all felt that way and can relate. It’s brave to speak your truth.
YABC: Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?
Write for yourself first. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but I found writing like no one but you will read it made it easier. Anything that doesn’t work can be changed later!
YABC: What do you like most about the cover of the book?
I love how bright and shiny it is. I think my favorite thing about the cover is the tiny hint of a smile on Olivia’s mouth. Is she flirting or keeping a secret? It’s so fun and gorgeous!
YABC: What’s a book you’ve recently read and loved?
I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of Queen Bee by Amalie Howard, and it was fabulous! It’s about a teen girl who disguises herself and infiltrates the ton to seek retribution against her former best friend. Things get a bit complicated when she finds herself falling for a familiar, handsome marquess. If you love funny anti-regency romances filled with diverse characters and revenge plots, then this is for you.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I am enjoying the release of The Davenports while I work on the sequel! This is truly a dream adventure. Book two picks up a few weeks after book one, and I’m so happy to be back in their world. The Davenports siblings get a surprise from their parents that I think readers will be excited for, while Ruby and Amy-Rose set out on their own adventures.
YABC: Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?
Literacy advocacy. The ability to read can create many opportunities and lift families and communities out of poverty or difficult situations. Related to that, accessibility to diverse books is essential to dispelling bias and discrimination. Books can provide a window into the past or a different culture, as unique as there are people in this world. They can foster empathy and understanding and teach so much about ourselves.
YABC: What advice do you have for new writers?
Write what you’re passionate about. I think that, more than anything, brings a story to life.
Title: The Davenports
Author: Krystal Marquis
Release Date: January 31st
Publisher: Dial Books
Genre: YA, Romance Historical, African American & Black, Girls and Women
Age Range: 12 and up
