GIVEAWAY CLOSED
I loved Fiona Davis’ debut novel, THE DOLLHOUSE about New York City’s famous hotel, Barbizon. So imagine how thrilled I was to hear about her new novel, THE ADDRESS (Dutton), which goes inside the walls of THE DAKOTA, one of New York City’s infamous buildings on the Upper Westside. Once again, Davis returns with a compelling novel about love and loss, success and ruin, passion and madness, all hidden behind the walls of The Dakota, home to rich and famous, since it’s opening in the late 18-hundreds.
We got to catch up with Fiona in May at BookExpo where she was autographing her new novel, THE ADDRESS and we have one signed copy to giveaway to one lucky THOUGHTS ON THIS ‘N THAT follower.
*****
It’s 1884, and Sara Smythe has worked her way up to a job, beyond her dreams. She’s head housekeeper of a posh London hotel. In a chance encounter, she meets one of the architects of The Dakota, Theodore Camden. He offers her the position of female manager of The Dakota. It’s a job that will take her across the pond, to America, where she pictures her life soaring even higher. In addition to her new position of overseeing nearly forty servants, she’ll be able to see more of Theo, who lives at The Dakota with his three children.
One hundred years later, Bailey Camden, former party girl about town and interior designer is fresh out of rehab and finds herself penniless. She catches up with her “cousin,” Melinda Camden who offers her a position to oversee the renovations of The Dakota. Bailey’s great-grandfather was a ward of the famed Theodore Camden, but with no proof, she won’t see a dime of the family’s estate. Bailey doesn’t agree with Melinda’s vision for The Dakota, thinking it will rob the building of much of its character, but she immediately takes the position.
Sara and Bailey’s stories are one hundred years apart, but both engage in the magic and opulence of The Dakota. For Sara, it was a world ruled by New York’s High society, including the Astor’s and Vanderbilt’s. For Bailey, it’s the heyday of the 80’s, drugs, sex and rock and roll. The Dakota’s walls hold secrets, but they can’t be kept quiet forever. Bailey makes a discovery about Theodore and Sara in the basement that could change everything she thought she knew about her family, and ultimately the course of her future.
It’s obvious Davis has done her research and delivered an accurate fact-filled novel. The characters are compelling, with precious shadings of detail. Her prose are lyrical and read like a beautiful summer day. Whether you’re a New Yorker or not, after you read, THE ADDRESS, you will feel as if you’ve been introduced to another dimension of one of the world’s greatest cities and its history.
*****
F I O N A was born in Canada and raised in New Jersey, Utah, and Texas. She began her career in New York City as an actress, where she worked on Broadway, off-Broadway, and in regional theater. After ten years, Fiona changed careers, working as an editor and writer, and her historical fiction debut, THE DOLLHOUSE was published in 2016. She’s a graduate of the College of William & Mary and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, and lives in New York City.
We have one signed copy of THE ADDRESS to giveaway to one lucky winner. Just tell us what you love best about New York City. We’ll announce a winner next week.
On a personal note, I was living in New York City when John Lennon was shot and killed outside his home in THE DAKOTA. I remember thousands of us standing across the street in Central Park’s, where the memorial, Strawberry Fields would eventually be dedicated to Lennon’s memory. We were in shock that someone so peaceful could die in such a brutal manner. The heavy security into the building was always heavy because so many wealthy and famous people lived there, but THE DAKOTA has became an armed fortress.
I have only been there once and that was to a baseball game. I enjoyed the energy of the crowds!
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I visited NYC two years ago and loved it!! I loved the diversity and the energy!
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Loved everything about The Address. I highly recommend it!
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I love that you can get just about anything delivered. Where I live, the only delivery we can get is pizza.
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I’ve only been at JFK airport so I don’t really have an opinion on the city itself. I’m a small town girl tho so I doubt I would enjoy it.
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I love the Broadway shows!
I’ve never been to NYC, but if I were to go, that’s what I’d want to see!
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It’s really hard to pick just one! I adore people watching in Central Park. There are endless amazing restaurants to choose from. There are Starbucks in almost every corner lol. City days make me happy for sure!
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I’ve never been, but my children and my grandchildren who have been love it! They talk about the food and the stores and the shopping and the people. It’s always great to see them excited. Not to mention the carriage ride in Central Park.
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I have never been to New York City but one of the most intriguing buildings I would love to see and check out is the Flatiron building.
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I love the smells of the street vendors. Shopping and the restaurants. I love the diversity. Thank you for the chance Cindy.
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My favorite thing about NYC is probably Little Italy for the food – well, all of NYC for the food! And next up is the Broadway shows. On my last trip, we stayed three nights and had a show planned for each night. Cindy, I enjoyed reading your personal note.
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The Broadway shows and the choice of foods and restaurants.
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Never been but would love to see it!
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I love the shopping and restaurants NYC has to offer. And of course, the people-watching! Thanks for the chance!
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I love the annual Christmas tree by RC each year ! Beautiful. And I would love to win this book! Thank you
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Looking forward to reading this book! I’ve never been to NYC but would love to visit. I would love being able to go to the theater all the time and walking everywhere or taking the subway. I have to drive everywhere here where I live!! Thanks for the chance.
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I’ve been to NY several times, and a couple of those were at Christmas. The tree in Rockefeller Center is quintessential NY. I recently drove through parts of NY en route to a conference on Long Island. I could feel the energy. And the NY skyline at night is like no other.
densie
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would help if I didn’t type so fast without proofreading to see I spelled my own name incorrectly
denise
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I love the Italian food, Greek food, and Jewish delis, with huge sandwiches to share in NYC.
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I’ve never been to NY. I know I would love the theatre, the food, the history there. Thanks for the chance. This book is on my must read list.
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What I love about New York City is exploring. I love visiting historic sites, the grand homes, museums, parks, and ethnic restaurants. I’ve been there two times, and there wasn’t enough time to see everything.
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I have never been to NYC, would like to visit one day. Can’t wait to read “The Address”.
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I would love to win and read this book! Beautiful cover. Been to New York years ago. Even took a helicopter tour! Thanks for the giveaway.
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I’ve been thinking this is a very classy-looking novel! I love old-time New York buildings!
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Loved the Broadway shows.!!
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I love the diversity you encounter there!
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I’ve never been to NYC. Have always wanted to take my kids to visit!
Dianna
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I have never been to Ny and have always wanted to go but being severely disabled it would be hard for my husband .
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I love visiting sites like Times Square and Grand Central Station, but my favorite must-do is attending a Broadway show. I’m a musical fanatic and they have the best of the best shows.
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Broadway for sure
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I have never been to NY, but would love the hustle and bustle in the city that never sleeps!
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I’ve only been there once and seeing a show on Broadway was my favorite part!
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Broadway!! I love musicals!
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Park
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