The Luxe

by Anna Godbersen

Summary: It's Manhattan, 1899, and Elizabeth Holland does not get a choice in who she marries. She's rich, and she's supposed to marry a rich man, one Henry Schoonmaker. The problem is, she despises him, and has been in love with Will, the stable boy, since she was a girl. Even worse, her best friend Penelope does love Henry, and will stop at nothing to win him over. They had a brief relationship, but Henry was never serious about Penelope. (Penelope is really NOT very nice!) Before Henry and Elizabeth can be married, he meets Elizabeth's little sister Diana, and Henry and Diana fall in love, even though they both know they can never be together. Confused yet? It gets worse (or better, depending on your point of view!) Elizabeth's handmaid is in love with Will, and can't stand the thought that rich, beautiful Elizabeth, who can have anyone she wants, is taking her man! Deaths are faked, friendships are betrayed, family names are ruined. This is a deliciously scandalous story you won't be able to put down!

My thoughts: I had so much fun with this book! Yes, it's a little silly, but the characters are well-drawn, and the story moves quickly. If you like the Gossip Girls or the Clique series, the Luxe series is definitely for you. Two books follow: Rumors and Envy. We do have Rumors in the library, and Envy is on its way, but you'll have to fight me for it when it comes in! :)