Even though it looks to be a hefty book, I found it a quick read, mostly because it was a bit addicting, the characters were interesting, no real deep characterization here the characters often represent one thing... though I liked seeing Elizabeth through other people's eyes, and then through her own thoughts..how everyone thought she was perfect, or bland and really she was forcing herself to be perfect. There is nothing really new here, the themes of keeping up appearances, What is friendship, social/family pressures, not judging people, being true to yourself...add in back stabbing "friends", an outsider looking in, unrequited love, falling for someone not in the same social class...and mix it all together with pretty dresses, Hey I like pretty dresses. So again, like the other posts mentioned if you are a gossip girl fan this book will be right up your alley. I found it an entertaining way to spend my evening. ( )

Good series for high school age girls. ( )

Beautiful Elizabeth Holland, lovely, prim, proper and of course a lady. Too bad she is dead. The story opens to a dreary day in late 19th century New York at the funeral of Miss Elizabeth Holland, the exact day in which she was to be wed.Then time flashes back and we are taken through the events that ultimately lead to the death of Elizabeth.Sisters Elizabeth and Diana couldn’t be more different. Elizabeth, the oldest, has always had the most pressure put on her to be a proper lady, to watch everything she says, does, and even wears. Diana is of course the opposite. She is the romantic, and she is wonderfully eclectic and confident in her ways. When Elizabeth learns that her family’s welfare is in jeopardy she agrees to wed Henry Schoonmaker, a well-known playboy and heartbreaker, even though she loves another. Henry himself agrees to marry Elizabeth only so he will not be disinherited of his father’s fortune. At the night of her engagement announcement, her "best friend" Penelope Hayes reveals that she, herself is in love with Henry. This is the start of Penelope’s jealousy and betrayal to take down her biggest and only rival. Not to mention, Diana, who finds herself smitten with the elusive Henry, as well. Henry of course finds himself falling in love, finally, but not with his betrothed. Elizabeth struggles with her own happiness and the welfare of her family.Throw in a jealous maid that knows too much and you have yourself a full-blown scandal!I loved The Luxe. It had everything a good story should. Mystery, humor, romance, and fun! I felt for Elizabeth and her constant struggle within herself, and having nowhere to turn. I loathed Penelope and only wished she had been the one to fall in the Hudson. The Luxe was enjoyable and entertaining. If you like Gossip Girls or even A Great and Terrible Beauty, I think that you would enjoy this book. Even more good news. It seems that Anna Godbersen will be releasing a sequel to The Luxe in the summer of 2008 entitled Rumors. ( )

I know it was somewhat trashy, but the historical setting made it seem of higher literary quality. I got sucked in to it and to Rumors. I will be reading Envy soon. ( )

I know it was somewhat trashy, but the historical setting made it seem of higher literary quality. I got sucked in to it and to Rumors. I will be reading Envy soon. ( )