Magnolia Palace, The: A Novel

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She'd enjoyed modeling for Lukeman, even though the position had been a challenge, lying across the couch sideways, one leg dangling over the edge. I listened to the audiobook of The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis that was pleasantly narrated by Karissa Vacker.

It serves as a split screen depicting those who held on covetously to the past and those who blindly chased the future. During the scavenger hunt, the clues send us to different paintings and art objects within the museum. She is on the run from the police when she disguises herself and finds an opportunity to work in the Frick mansion.

FIONA DAVIS is the New York Times bestselling author of seven historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including THE SPECTACULAR, THE MAGNOLIA PALACE, THE ADDRESS, and THE LIONS OF FIFTH AVENUE, which was a Good Morning America book club pick.

The alternate timeline is 1966, and features British fashion model Veronica Weber, who inadvertently finds herself locked in the museum with a museum intern during a snowstorm. The other half focuses on English model Veronica Weber who in 1966 is taking part in a Vogue photo shoot at a museum that was the former Frick residence. For example, when she somehow gets tied into her landlord's homicide case, she runs from police instead of subjecting herself to the questioning. Along with beautiful descriptions of the famous art collection housed in the museum, this is an intricately plotted novel, with engaging characters and a well-developed story line.Through Lillian, now aka Miss Lilly, we learn of the Frick mansion and all the art and secrets it holds. Miss Helen is a very cantankerous and difficult woman to please, but Lillian manages to reveal her knowledge of art without revealing her identity who's wanted by the police. He'd let out a gasp, recognizing her instantly, and she'd pushed her way inside and talked nonstop until he agreed to let her pose. Davis does an excellent job in describing the Fricks' style of living: the clothes, the food, the music, and the classes - as well as the art, of course.

She backed away, bracing herself on the banister for support, and dashed up the two flights to her landing.In 1966, aspiring fashion model Veronica Weber’s first big job for Vogue magazine is at the former Frick residence, now one of New York City’s most renowned art museums. As is typical of Davis’ books, this one is written as a dual timeline alternating between 1919 with a murder mystery within the Frick family and “present day” 1966 when a model and an archivist become locked in the museum overnight. Deeper issues also undergird both narratives, which confront stereotypes about models and explore how a tragedy can warp family relationships years later.