The Luxe

Reader reviewed by the book muncher

Wow, this novel was so amazing. I probably don't even have to say that, but seriously, this was one of the best books I've read in a while.


The Luxe is filled with scandal, forbidden love, intrigue, and the perks of living in New York's high society in 1899. Lives are dictated by the laws of proper society. Thus, most of the main characters in The Luxe live their lives unhappily.


The novel starts off with the death of one of the main characters, Elizabeth Holland, and then flashes back to the events before this questionable death. As you read the story, you are constantly kept guessing who was the cause of this beautiful girl's death.


A main theme in The Luxe is happiness. However, many characters are torn between who the should please, others or themselves. This leads to the main conflict in the story, which is a complicated tangle of love. Throughout the story, the main characters learns about themselves and their deepest desires.


Like I said before, The Luxe is one of the best novels of the year. There's a little bit of something for everyone. It's going on my list of favorite books right next to the Twilight series. I would recommend this book to everyone, especially those who are fans of the Great and Terrible Beauty series.


But that's not the best news. Anna Godbersen is planning to publish a sequel, Rumors, in the summer of 2008. I'm looking forward to it!

Reader reviewed by The Story Siren

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 couldnt 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 familys 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 fathers 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 Penelopes 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.

Reader reviewed by Megan

Centered around Manhattan in 1900, the society pages all rave on the not-so-secret little affair between Penelope and Henry. However, it is not Penelope that Henry proposes to: it is Elizabeth. Neither of them want to get married, but both have different reasons. Henry's father is forcing him to marry or be disowned, while Elizabeth's family needs the money. However, Elizabeth is already in love: with Will, one of the servants in her family house. An amazing book, one that will keep you reading until the very end!