I find it hard to believe that all the high society teenage girls running around turn-of-the-centry NY were having these violent love affairs and scandlous relationships. A lot of the plot was way too convienent. Not my favorite -- too much fluff and not enough substance. ( )

Luxe, by Anna Godbersen is a story as old as time: love. This book takes place in the mid 1800s and it about two sisters, Elizebeth and Diana Holland. Their family had always been extremely wealthy until the death of their father. As these two girls struggle to keep their rich physique we are introduced to new characters: Will, Henry Schoonmaker, Penelope Hayes and Lina Broud. Will(whose last name is never given) is the stable hand on the Holland estate. Henry is the very rich and royal elite man of the story. Penelope is Elizebeth's best friend. Lina is the Holland's maid. This story is full of twisted love triangles, it begins with Elizebeth having a secret romance with Will, even though Lina has been in love with him since they were little. Later in the book Henry's family offers for him to marry Elizebeth in order to save the Holland fortune, but as always their is a conflict. Diana(Elizebeth's younger sister) is in love with Henry and he feels the same for her. The other issue is that Elizebeth is completly in love with Will, so they hatch a very complex plan. Elizebeth falls into a river with only one witness and everyone thinks she is dead, even her family. At midnight she climbs out of the river and Will takes her so they can run away together. Once this happens Diana and Henry are able to build their relationship, but of course there is a problem Penelope wants to marry Henry for his money and will do anything to get her way. This is where the first book ends, the other books in the series are: Rumors, Envy, and Splendor. I highly recommend reading them all.

I personally love this book. There was never a dull moment and every page had a new story. It was slightly hard to follow at times because the 1st person author switches between 4 characters: Elizebeth, Diana, Henry, and Lina. I liked the fact that the reader is able to see all different points of view especially because of all the different emotions and pain. It is slightly advanced for younger readers mainly because of the reading difficulty not the content. I would certainly recommend adding this book to your reading list. ( )

This review was a long time coming. I just couldn't make my mind up about the book. I kept changing my mind as to whether or not is was even worth reading or not.

The Luxe follows the Holland sisters, Elizabeth (which I didn't enjoy) and Diana (which I absolutely loved), as they discover that their lives will not be continuing in the way they have enjoyed for most of their life. Both girls are put in a position of family before self and while outwardly they react similarly, their inner thoughts are quite different.

I've decided that "most" of it was worth reading. The characters were what was throwing me off at first. They are split about 50/50 between well written, dynamic people, and static, boring words that make up a person. The characters that drew me in were what kept me reading the book, and what also made me put the second in the series on my Christmas list to see if the remaining characters get any better (I'm a sucker for second chances).

The plot had a somewhat predictable path, but the story was very fitting for the time period it depicted, and moved along at a nice pace that kept the story moving forward (at least when it was focused on one of the characters I liked).

3/5 ( )

Gossip Girl in a bustle. Actually, even less intelligent. If that's possible. ( )

This book is exactly like Gossip Girl (I've only seen the tv show) set in the olden days.

It would have been my dream book when I was a teenager. I wasted all my youth with a series of young adult teen historical romances with titles like "Gabrielle" and "Danielle." I'd read the entire book waiting for the heroine to get kissed by her hot historical honey. And it would only be a peck!

This book was smutty - characters were sleeping with stable boys, back-stabbing, drinking themselves into oblivion. I loved it! It was a rockin' good time. Yes, I guessed the ending within the first 20 pages, but it was still fun to read. I can't wait to read the next one! ( )

Reviewed by Julie M. Prince for TeensReadToo.com

One of the elite, one of the daughters of New York society, is dead.

In life, the lovely and fair Elizabeth Holland is everything a young, turn-of-the-century girl of her position ought to be. But, it's not easy to be proper and mannerly all the time, and a handsome servant who lives in the stable gets to see more of her than anyone else -- much, much more.

No one knows of their secret affair, except Miss Holland's personal maid, Lina. Why did Elizabeth Holland have to go and pick Lina's love interest to treat as her personal plaything? Isn't it enough that the wealthy and admired young lady is betrothed to New York's most eligible bachelor?

Henry Schoonmaker doesn't even want to marry the prim and boring Miss Holland. He's having too much fun living a carefree life and having a secret affair with his fiancé's best friend, Penelope Hayes. But, that sister of Elizabeth's, she is truly spirited. Yes, maybe Diana is the Holland sister for him. Maybe he should defy his father's wishes and forget about Elizabeth...and Penelope.

But, Penelope simply will not be forgotten. Henry Schoonmaker belongs to her. It should be her name linked with his in all the society papers. She'll do whatever it takes to get him back.

The twists and turns readers navigate throughout this book are staggering. With so many different perspectives to balance, the story could become difficult to follow, but author Anna Godbersen deftly guides her readers through the tale.

It can be unclear at times where loyalties should lie, with so many scandalous doings underway. However, this only further adds to the big picture of New York's upper crust society and the games its elitist members must play in order to stay on top.

The mystery of Elizabeth Holland's impending death will keep readers riveted, and by the story's end, they will be crying out for a sequel. I join their ranks in hoping this debut novelist will comply. ( )

I'll admit it - I was attracted to this book solely on the cover picture! Normally I stick to the fantasy genre, with occasional forays into historical fiction à la GWTW, Outlander, The Clan of the Cave Bear, etc. While this is historical fiction, it's very much like Gossip Girl. And like Gossip Girl (the tv show), it's a total guilty pleasure! I couldn't put this book down, and I'm devouring the rest of the series already! ( )

The descriptions were so beautiful and I could picture it all in my head. It moved much too slowly and there was nothing in the beginning that really hooked my attention. LOVE the cover, absolutely stunning! AHS/EK

If you like Gossip Girl, then you’ll adore this! The relationships between the characters and a surprising plot. I had no expectations, and it blew me away I went out and purchased my own copy the day after I finished this one! AHS/JN

The Luxe is a very good book. A must read! It takes you back in time very well (I love books like this). The boko ended with a bang and surprised me. I liked that. I would say that some people would think it was boring, but I love history and the era it was set in so I loved it. AHS/LB

There is one in every group. The goody-goody, the go to girl, the one who can do no wrong. In Anna Godberson’s turn of the century Manhattan, that one is Elizabeth Holland. Beautiful, well-mannered,well-heeled, and otherwise perfect, she is the apple of The Apple’s eye and her rivals know it.

Of course, nothing is ever as it seems and when family tragedy leaves the Holland’s in desperate times, Elizabeth is forced to make a decision about her future that sets in motion a complicated network of love triangles that would make Gossip Girl proud.

With its beautifully scandalous backdrop and cotton candy cover, The Luxe gives the impression that it is indeed Gossip Girl one hundred years earlier. Sure there are parallels in the sweet blond society girl; the rough, smart, sexy boy from the wrong side of the class divide; the lower class girl who pines for the same boy; the rough, Type-A brunette who would give Blair Waldorf a serious run for her money. They are all there but with the time difference and the slightly different personalities types, there is enough divide between the two. Of course my favorites were the ones who broke their molds, be it the beat down house help abandoning a life of service for bigger dreams or the society gals and boys trying to shrug off the burdens of fortune.

The story is told from four different alternating view points which is interesting. There are no surprises because we are clued in on every thought before it can sneak up on a third party. While that sounds a bit like it would ruin the suspense, it doesn’t. There is still enough left out to keep the story and reader guessing.

All in all a fun, quick read but not as fluffy as I had originally thought it might be. ( )

Title: The Luxe Author: Anna Godbersen Publisher: Harperteen Number Of Pages: 433

Summary from inside jacket flap: Pretty Girls In Pretty Dresses, Partying Until Dawn. Irresistible Boys With Sly Smiles And Dangerous Intentions. White Lies, Dark Secrets, And Scandalous Hookups. 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, 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 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 Yorks grieves, some begin to wonder whether life at the top proved to much for this ethereal beauty, or if, perhaps, someone wanted to see Manhattan's most celebrated daughter disappear.... In a world of luxury and deception, where apperance 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.

Review: At the beginning of The Luxe I wasn't sure if I would be able to finish the book because it was really boring. In the middle of the book it got better and the end of the book was good. I don't no what to think though it wasn't terrible and it wasn't amazing. I like the Diana and Elizabeth was all right. I kept thinking when I was reading this book I don't want Elizabeth to die because she is such a nice person. All in all it was a good read. The plot was interesting enough and the characters had enough depth to enjoy the book.
I recommend this book if you like gossip, romance, love triangles, and young adult novels. ( )

This book is a very light quick read that I would describe as Gossip Girls of the 1800s. The author weaves several stories into one - changing perspectives as necessary. She nicely paints a picture of a society where money means more than talent, appearance means more than reality, and rules dictate relationships more than feelings. The story is not deep in any way, but it is a fun read that you can enjoy while relaxing. ( )

I love the setting. In New York in the 1800's where society and placement is everything, everybody sees what you wear, how you act, who you're going out with, and who you're eventually going to get married. It's all so fun when their lives are placed under a microscope (provided it's not you of course). The book provides a lot of how people used to act during that time period, and how society plays such a large role in their lives. You are introduced to the Hollands, the Schoonmakers, and the Hayes. They're the main characters in this plot. It's good. Too many families would make this confusing and hard to follow. Naturally in high society circles. Jealousy, love, backstabbing, and a lot of secrets are rampant in this novel.

The plot is good and moves at a steady pace. Elizabeth tends to be the whiny one and you do have to put up with passages with her being a moody whiny twit but there's enough gossip and backstabbing in this book that you can let Elizabeth whine and just get to the good juicy parts. Plenty of scandal and secrecy that you'll feel like one of those stuffy old ladies who do nothing but gossip. :P

Character wise, I really can't stand Elizabeth. Her propriety and do gooder personality just makes you want to wretch. I know she's supposed to act this way because she's socially pressured to do so but the way she treats Lina (a servant) makes you want to smack her upside the head because it just doesn't suit her personality to be mean and harsh. Her properness just doesn't suit me well and I find her wooden and like a cookie cutter character. I love Penelope even though she's a ruthless witch but she's everything you want in a villain. I loved her tantrum featured near the end of the book it's just something you would expect someone like Penelope to do. (It was very entertaining to read). I also love Diana (Elizabeth's much cooler sister). I love the way she totally disregards social mores and does whatever she feels like doing. She has great personality and unlike Elizabeth, she is the exact opposite and doesn't act like a proper lady. She does have a sharp wit and tongue which she uses to its' full capacity towards the end of the novel and which makes her the most entertaining and strongest character in this book.

Overall a good quick read about the glamour and evils of high society America in the 1800's. Plenty of intrigue and the plot does have a steady pace. If you're into high society politics, this one is for you. ( )

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. ( )

The Little Bookworm

Elizabeth Holland is society's sweetheart in this Gossip Girl-like novel set during the turn of the 19th century. She is thought to be the perfect debutante, sweet, proper, yielding. But Elizabeth has secrets and passion of her own. She is compelled to do the right things, however, and marry Henry Schoonmaker, a rich playboy, who has his sights set on someone else. Elizabeth's sister, Diana, as well as her friend, Penelope, have stakes set into who marries Henry Schoonmaker and Penolope is not going to let him marry Elizabeth without a fight.

Let me say that I'm a fan of the Gossip Girl books. Some of them are tedious and, frankly, there are too many of them, but they are a good read and fun and easy. So I went into this book knowing it was suppose to be Gossip Girl, only historical. And it was. Elizabeth was much like Sabrina, only better and Penelope was much like Blair, only slier. Henry was a Nate character, but less stoned and more aware and Diana was a Jenny. What made this different was the society and the history involved. Also Elizabeth was much more caged in by what she could do or who she should love. The ending was not unexpected but was a nice turn-around and I'm looking forward to the next book. ( )

For those of us who like our historical novels on the salacious side. I would have loved and been concurrently shocked by this novel as a teenager. (The intended audience is for young adults but the themes are mature.) Godberson has crafted a multi-charactered tale of old New York that draws you in right away. Think of how the majority of young women in an Edith Wharton novel would behave and speak - but then comport themselves in the way they wish once society isn't looking. Desire, wealth, jealousy, and classism clash in a high-fashion scene.

The story begins with the funeral of Elizabeth Holland and then launches into the weeks before her death. Her younger sister Diana, best friend Penelope Hayes, fiance Henry Schoonmaker, and personal maid Lina Broud each have chapters devoted to their situations and mindset. The plights and schemes of each character contribute to the plot and to Elizabeth's predicament. I don't want to get into too many of the details and let readers discover the story's elements on their own.

The Luxe is book one of a four-part series. The fourth book is to be published in October of 2009. Judging by the multimedia website of the series (http://www.harperteen-theluxe.com/lux...), this is a very successful franchise. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel, Rumors, in my hold queue at the local library. ( )

Elizabeth has just returned from a stint in Paris and is ready to enjoy the season in high society in New York. However, she finds that her family's financial ruin means that she'll be pressured to be married. This book is full of loads of misunderstandings between people who make assumptions and don't really talk to each other. There is lots of romance, intrique, secret longings, and some mean girl behavior. I'm excited to find out what happens to the Holland sisters in the next installments of the series. ( )

The Luxe tells the story of five teenagers in Manhattan in 1899. Elizabeth Holland and younger sister Diana Holland are completely different. While Elizabeth is proper, Diana is rebellious. However, Elizabeth has a dark secret. Henry is the most wanted bachelor of Manhattan. Elizabeth’s “best friend,” Penelope Hayes, is jealous of Elizabeth. Then there is Lina Broud, Elizabeth’s servant. Lina dreams of being a society girl herself. Due to family issues, Elizabeth must marry the gorgeous Henry Schoonmaker who she has no desire to wed. Things get more complicated when Elizabeth learns that Penelope is in love with him. However, Henry is in love with an entirely different girl…

Honestly, I was not sure if I would enjoy this book. I usually do not read Gossip Girl-esque books. They just don’t seem like something I would like. I decided to give The Luxe a chance because I heard so many good things about the series and my friend wanted to see if it was a book I thought she would like. Most importantly, I absolutely love the pretty dresses on the cover. heh. ;)

Overall, I liked The Luxe. Hands down, my favorite characters were Diana Holland and Henry Schoonmaker. Together, they saved the novel from being unenjoyable. I loved Diana’s rebellious streak. It made her interesting. Lina and Penelope just seemed desperate to me, and that was a big turn-off. Elizabeth was an okay character. While I know Godbersen purposely chose not to make Elizabeth too exciting (that was Diana’s part), Elizabeth was just too boring. Even her secret could not compensate for the rest of her boringness.

Now let me just talk about the romantic Henry Schoonmaker. I was definitely head-over-heels for him. I mean, just look at his last name. Schoonmaker. It almost looks like Swoonmaker. I can’t wait to read more about him in the series. ( )

I had to struggle through this book a bit. I don't know why but this book wasn't as enjoyable as it might be. It just felt a bit like they had taken a modern day scandal and dressed in old clothes and changed the speech. That's a bit harsh: I did find some of it enjoyable and have got the sequel. I think some people may give up on this book whereas others will love it. Here is my full review:
http://anotherbookblogwhore.blogspot.... ( )

This was just not to my taste. While I found the character of Elizabeth somewhat interesting, most of the rest of the characters were just too whiny for me. ( )

Elizabeth and Henry are scions of upper class families who are told they must marry each other. But Elizabeth loves Will, and Henry loves Elizabeth's sister. And Elizabeth's best friend loves Henry. But they all dress and live fantastically and their antics are reported in the daily papers. Their servants live an entirely different life. ( )