The Magnolia Palace: A Novel

Set in dual timelines between 1919 and 1966, The Magnolia Palace features the eccentric and wealthy Frick family. Overwhelmed with her household duties, Miss Helen Frick employs Lillian Carter as her private secretary. However, Lillian falls into the job under false pretenses, as she is a model also known as Angelica, who is entangled in a police investigation that she keeps hidden from Miss Helen. Lillian becomes entrenched in the Frick family, and she is unexpectedly endeared to Miss Helen. However, she cannot hide her past for long and must face the Frick family fury once her true identity is revealed. Many years later, Veronica and Joshua uncover clues to the Fricks’ past and set out to unearth the famous Magnolia diamond.

The Magnolia Palace is full of rich depiction, and it features an interesting family in the Fricks. Between Lillian’s alter ego of Angelica and the tension within the Frick family, the book is full of drama. There were quite a few characters to keep track of, and at times, the plot was over the top. The novel was entertaining enough and offered a bit of mystery, but the plot was not compelling enough to make this a must-read.