Genre: Young Adult - HistoricalPages: 416
Copyright: 2009
I have to confess that I wanted to read this series of books because of the beautiful covers and I'm so glad I did. I have thoroughly enjoyed them and can't wait for the forth book in the series, Splendor. Now if you haven't read any of these books but are tempted to buy them because of the beautiful covers, then go for it! You won't be disappointed - I highly recommend them.
The Luxe series are beautifully written historical fiction novels set in New York city in 1899 and 1900. They tell the stories of four young women whose situations in life are vastly different and yet so similar. They are suspenseful, sad, moving, and at the heart of each novel all the reader really wants is for three of them to get their 'happy ever after'. Once again, I have to say, if you haven't read these books then read my book review of The Luxe and my book review of Rumors. But you will need to STOP reading this post.
Envy was probably my favourite read in the series. I love watching the development of Diana's character and the difficulties in her life. She has grown from the carefree young girl who thought that finding out the family was broke was somehow romantic to the a woman who herself takes an even more drastic measure than Elizabeth did in The Luxe.
I often felt torn by wanting to hate Carolina, to feeling pity for her and just wishing she could at least find a rich husband and be happy and content. In this book she certainly went from one extreme to the other and it will be interesting to see what Anna does with her in Splendor, the forth book in the series.
Then of course, there is Penelope and Elizabeth, both girls equally tragic. I read with glee the way in which Penelope manipulated anyone and everyone to get what she wanted, only to find that she didn't have it at all. The tragedy of Elizabeth's life only seemed to deepen in this novel and the idea that she might have any sort of happiness in her future at this point seems remote.
I have no idea if the forth book in this series will be the last and I can't imagine what will happen to these characters after the cliff-hanger of the third book. But I can't wait to find out! According to the Harper Collins website, Splendor is due for release on October 27, 2009. For more information about Anna Godbersen and this series, visit her website.
The Luxe series are beautifully written historical fiction novels set in New York city in 1899 and 1900. They tell the stories of four young women whose situations in life are vastly different and yet so similar. They are suspenseful, sad, moving, and at the heart of each novel all the reader really wants is for three of them to get their 'happy ever after'. Once again, I have to say, if you haven't read these books then read my book review of The Luxe and my book review of Rumors. But you will need to STOP reading this post.
Envy was probably my favourite read in the series. I love watching the development of Diana's character and the difficulties in her life. She has grown from the carefree young girl who thought that finding out the family was broke was somehow romantic to the a woman who herself takes an even more drastic measure than Elizabeth did in The Luxe.
I often felt torn by wanting to hate Carolina, to feeling pity for her and just wishing she could at least find a rich husband and be happy and content. In this book she certainly went from one extreme to the other and it will be interesting to see what Anna does with her in Splendor, the forth book in the series.
Then of course, there is Penelope and Elizabeth, both girls equally tragic. I read with glee the way in which Penelope manipulated anyone and everyone to get what she wanted, only to find that she didn't have it at all. The tragedy of Elizabeth's life only seemed to deepen in this novel and the idea that she might have any sort of happiness in her future at this point seems remote.
I have no idea if the forth book in this series will be the last and I can't imagine what will happen to these characters after the cliff-hanger of the third book. But I can't wait to find out! According to the Harper Collins website, Splendor is due for release on October 27, 2009. For more information about Anna Godbersen and this series, visit her website.
8 comments:
OK... I did not read your whole review as I still need to read Envy.
I must say, this being your favorite book in the series tells me...I must read this books sooner than later. :)
Then I will wait and read these books in the fall, trying to avoid that cliffhanger as long as I can
I love this series-good gossipy fun! I go back and forth between Carolina too, and Penelope makes me so mad but at the time I love how evil she can be. Diana is my favorite, and I can't wait to read Splendor. From everything I've read, that will be the last one in the series, so I hope it all ties up nicely the way I want!:)
I haven't read this series, but your review is so good it makes me want to go pick them up!
I wanted to keep reading your review but I took your advice. Might just have to add this series to my list, I know how much you've enjoyed them
I didn't even know of these books! Are the characters story told for each book or is it like a continuation (like some historical mystery series I read, the romance and other things build up over books while dealing with other issues as well. I do love those set historically and I read Victoria Thompson's Gaslight Mysteries set in the Turn Of The Century NYC. This is what this book is reminding me of a bit in a way. Gosh I get this feeling I'll be adding this series to my wishlist! Should I say thank you? ROFL. Really thanks!
Caffey, yes the books are a continuation. I though each book would be about one girl but they're not.
Aren't the covers beautiful? *Sigh*.
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