The Lions Of Fifth Avenue

(Paperback)

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A Good Morning America Book Club Pick and aNew York Times bestseller! "A page-turner for booklovers everywhere! . . . A story of family ties, their lost dreams, and the redemption that comes fromdiscovering truth."-Adriana Trigiani,bestselling author ofThe Shoemaker's Wife In New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis's latest historical novel, a series of book thefts roils the iconic New York Public Library, leaving two generations of strong-willed women to pick up the pieces. It's 1913, and on the surface, Laura Lyons couldn't ask for more out of life-her husband is the superintendent of the New York Public Library, allowing their family to live in an apartment within the grand building, and they are blessed with two children. But headstrong, passionate Laura wants more, and when she takes a leap of faith and applies to the Columbia Journalism School, her world is cracked wide open. As her studies take her all over the city, she is drawn to Greenwich Village's new bohemia, where she discovers the Heterodoxy Club-a radical, all-female group in which women are encouraged to loudly share their opinions on suffrage, birth control, and women's rights. Soon, Laura finds herself questioning her traditional role as wife and mother. And when valuable books are stolen back at the library, threatening the home and institution she loves, she's forced to confront her shifting priorities head on . . . and may just lose everything in the process. Eighty years later, in 1993, Sadie Donovan struggles with the legacy of her grandmother, the famous essayist Laura Lyons, especially after she's wrangled her dream job as a curator at the New York Public Library. But the job quickly becomes a nightmare when rare manuscripts, notes, and books for the exhibit Sadie's running begin disappearing from the library's famous Berg Collection. Determined to save both the exhibit and her career, the typically risk-averse Sadie teams up with a private security expert to uncover the culprit. However, things unexpectedly become personal when the investigation leads Sadie to some unwelcome truths about her own family heritage-truths that shed new light on the biggest tragedy in the library's history.

Reviews

Praise for The Lions of Fifth Avenue

Davisdelves into the history of the New York Public Library in this delightful mystery. . . . The characters and story are stellar, but the real star of the show is the library, which Davis evokes beautifully.Publishers Weekly(starred review)

The Lions of Fifth Avenueis a book written for booklovers.O, The Oprah Magazine

Davisgives readers a mystery and a historical novel all in one absorbing tale.Library Journal

The magnificent Fiona Davis has written a page-turner for booklovers everywhere! I was on the edge of my seat as Laura Lyons, the ambitious essayist, breaks down social barriers and finds herself adrift in her own life at the end of the Belle Epoque in 1913 New York City. Secrets are revealed eighty years later by her granddaughter, who found her way into the family business, working at the New York Public Library. This is a story of family ties, their lost dreams, and the redemption that comes fromdiscovering truth.Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of The Shoemaker's Wife

In a compelling novel that's part family saga, part high-stakes heist, and part love story, Fiona Davis creates an intricate and beautiful puzzle that kept me turning page after page as I tried to solve its central mystery along with her characters. A gripping and satisfying story for booklovers the world over.Jill Santopolo, New York Timesbestselling author of The Light We Lost

A captivating ode to the power of books, the bonds of family, and the beauty of finding the strength to be ourselves. Fiona Davis's spectacular settingthe iconic New York Public Librarycomes alive across the generations as two womenone in 1913 and one in 1993struggle with their own identities, a compelling mystery, and a tragedy that impacts both of them. What begins as a search for vanished rare books becomes, for both women, a quest to redefine themselves and open their hearts. This is a novel for all those who believe in the transformative magic of the written word.Kristin Harmel, international bestselling author ofThe Winemaker's WifeandThe Room on Rue Amlie

A love letter to literature, the New York Public Library, and the strength of women, The Lions of Fifth Avenue is classic Fiona Davisa masterfully executed story about two women living decades apart, mysterious family secrets, and the quest to stake a place in society and history. Dazzling and evocative, with vibrant settings and unforgettable characters, this novel is perfect for fans of female-driven historical fiction. I loved it.Karma Brown, internationally bestselling author of Recipe for a Perfect Wife

In this thrilling, poignant, and utterly irresistible novel, we are immersed in the secrets of the famed New York Public Library and the family whose lives are intertwined with it in 1913 and 1993. At once a breathtaking, page-turning mystery and a deeply personal story of women attempting to forge independent lives, it is, ultimately, a glorious tale of love. Love of family, love of vocation, and, above all, the love of the timeless power of the written word.Sarah-Jane Stratford, author of Radio Girls and Red Letter Days

With The Lions of Fifth Avenue, author Fiona Davis proves sheis the master of the dual timeline! Once again she illuminates another New York City landmarkthe New York Public Libraryand expertly creates two rich, mysterious worlds which she deftly braids together into a compelling, page-turning read.This is a novel for all who treasure books.Rene Rosen, author ofPark Avenue Summer

Fiona Davis takes readers on a journey into the heart of one of New York's most venerablelandmarks, the New York Public Library, in a story that follows two generations of strong-minded women, both connected to a mysterious series of rare book thefts. This novel is brimming with juicy literary details and fascinating feminist history.Whitney Scharer, author ofThe Age of Light

Davis's latest NYC-set historical novel is grounded in researched detail, transporting readers between the 1910s and the 1990s. Bibliophiles and fans of Naomi Wood and Paula McLain will especially enjoy this glimpse inside the history of the institution and the tireless dedication of those who serve it.Booklist

Fiona Davis has again produced a first-class tale. . . . Intrigue seeps through until the final pages, revealing New York in the early 1900s, the beginnings of the feminist movement, and the insidious sale of stolen rare books. Its a literary delight.Authorlink

This novel is made for booklovers. . . . A literary mystery thats full of surprises.Modern Mrs Darcy

The Lions of Fifth Avenue is a lovely story that brings you in and keeps you there. . . . A wonderful addition to anyones summer reading list.Bookreporter.com

More Praise for Fiona Davis and Her Novels

A fascinating and wholly immersive celebration of friendship, love, loyalty, and courage during a turbulent and often underrepresented period in American history,The Chelsea Girlswill delight.Chanel Cleeton,New York Timesbestselling author ofWhen We Left Cuba

Davis tells a very good story and deserves all the praise she won for her other books set in famous New York landmarks. . . . What finally emerges from the mix of detailed research and solid writing is a tale that is intricate and subtle, unpredictable and exciting.The Washington PostonThe Chelsea Girls

A satisfying read about the bonds between women.Brenda Janowitz,PopSugaronThe Chelsea Girls

Fiona Davis inThe Masterpiececontinues a winning formula that showcases the stories behind New York City landmarks. . . . A hard-to-resist and timely reminder that for far too long the work done by women has been dismissed and disrespected.USA TodayonThe Masterpiece

Fiona Davis achieves a world in which fictional characters and real life seamlessly meld. . . .The Masterpieceis a beautifully crafted, meticulously researched story.New York Journal of BooksonThe Masterpiece

Fiona Davis delivers another stunning narrative.Us WeeklyonThe Masterpiece

A delicious tale of love, lies, and madness.PeopleonThe Address

The Addressis compelling, historically minded fiction with unexpectedand entertainingtwists and turns. . . . The novel delights.Ms.

Lively and detail-rich . . . Easy to enjoy, hard to put down.Family CircleonThe Address

Spanning over one hundred years, Fiona Davis's mystery is packed with deceit.Us WeeklyonThe Address

Rich both in twists and period detail, this tale of big-city ambition is impossible to put down.PeopleonThe Dollhouse

The Dollhouseis a thrilling peek through a window into another worldone that readers will savor for a long time.Associated Press

An ode to old New York that will have you yelling for more seasons ofMad Men.New York PostonThe Dollhouse

Author Bio

Fiona Davis is the nationally bestselling author of five novels, including The Dollhouse, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue. She lives in New York City and is a graduate of the College of William & Mary in Virginia and the Columbia Journalism School.