Saturday, June 8, 2019

Book Review: The Luxe

Title - The Luxe
Author - Anna Godbersen
Series - 1st in the Luxe
Genre - Historical Fiction, Young adult
Format - Kindle 
Pages - 433
Published - November 20th 2007
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In a world of luxury and deception, where appearance matters above everything and breaking the social code means running the risk of being ostracized forever, five teenagers lead dangerously scandalous lives. This thrilling trip to the age of innocence is anything but innocent.
Pretty girls in pretty dresses, partying until dawn. Irresistible boys with mischievous smiles and dangerous intentions. White lies, dark secrets, and scandalous hook-ups. This is Manhattan, 1899.
Beautiful sisters Elizabeth and Diana Holland rule Manhattan's social scene. Or so it appears. When the girls discover their status among New York City's elite is far from secure, suddenly everyone—from the backstabbing socialite Penelope Hayes to the debonair bachelor Henry Schoonmaker to the spiteful maid Lina Broud—threatens Elizabeth's and Diana's golden future.
With the fate of the Hollands resting on her shoulders, Elizabeth must choose between family duty and true love. But when her carriage overturns near the East River, the girl whose glittering life lit up the city's gossip pages is swallowed by the rough current. As all of New York grieves, some begin to wonder whether life at the top proved too much for this ethereal beauty, or if, perhaps, someone wanted to see Manhattan's most celebrated daughter disappear...
“Mystery, romance, jealous, betrayal, humor, and gorgeous, historically accurate details. I couldn’t put The Luxe down!” —Cecily von Ziegesar, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Gossip Girl series

Opening line

"They have all been asking for you," Holland told Elizabeth, quietly but firmly. 

Review

Elizabeth's just returned home after being abroad in Europe to her younger Diana and mother. Together the girls adventure out into society among the other New York Elites enjoying parties dancing till dawn. With the loss of their father, it's up to Elizabeth to find a husband with some money so that her sister and mother are taken care of. She's no the only one on a mission this season Penelope is determined to have her crush as her future husband. Henry is hoping to enjoy his time with the Elite but his father has decided it's time to settle down and marry.

As the first party rolls to an end, it becomes clear that Henry's father has a plan which will solve both Elizabeth's problems and ensure he won't be any more trouble for his father. The only drawback is that Elizabeth isn't in love with Henry but with the carriage boy who she's grown up with. Will, they just follow what their parents and the rest of the elite deem a perfect match or will they follow their hearts. 


First off I really liked Elizabeth I found her easy to connect she's clearly willing to do what it takes to protect her family even if it means not getting the happy ever after she wants. Her sister may be my favorite, after all, she is a bookworm. I honestly wasn't sure about Henry but I think he has his own redeeming qualities as the book progresses. 


I've had this one on my kindle for years but never seemed to get around to it. I haven't been reading much in the historical genre recently but the story captured my attention right from the start. It reminds me a lot of a historical gossip girl, they all have their own secrets that they carry with their own agendas they are intent on getting. As the book progressed the story just kept getting better and I wanted to know how it was going to play out. I had characters that I loved as well as characters I couldn't wait to fall into the river. I'm curious to see how the series will end. Highly recommend for fans of Gossip girl looking for a historical twist. 

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