May 22, 2026 SWEET MAGNOLIA

Everyone knows that I'm obsessed with books and running but not sure if you know about my other passion. As an art history major/art minor AND art teacher I have to let you in on a little secret--I absolutely LOVE museums. Whenever I plan a trip--it's always around museums/culture/history AND famous book stores. One of my favorite little haunts in NYC in the Frick. Originally the home of Henry Clay Frick and his family, this incredible gilded age mansion opened to the public in 1935 as an art museum. It houses over 1,800 paintings, sculptures and decorative arts. The collection is absolutely amazing as is the history of the Frick family. AND most of the work at the museum was purchased by the Frick family while it was still their home. It blows my mind that these people lived with MASTERPIECES on their walls to gaze at whenever they wanted. The reason I bring up this incredible place is because I just finished a lovely novel set at the Frick called The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis. This historical thriller follows two story lines--that of Lillian Carter in 1919 and Veronica Weber in 1966. As the story unfolds, Lillian is an artist model/muse who has worked for many famous artists. One day after work, she finds herself running from the scene of a murder and ends up seeking refuge at the Frick, where the servants think she is a job applicant. Lillian ends up working for Miss Helen, daughter of Henry Frick, as her private secretary. It is in this position that Lillian becomes linked to a missing diamond and her story intertwines with events in 1966. In 1966, Veronica Weber is a model on a photo shoot for Vogue at the Frick. After a blizzard, she is stuck at the museum with an intern named Joshua where they find clues that might solve the mystery of the missing  diamond. I totally enjoyed this mystery and found the characters to be well developed and interesting. Find out all about the museum, its collection and the Fricks when you read this page turner. I totally recommend going to the museum before reading this novel because it will help bring this lovely story to life. Enjoy.