Beth F
Sandy
bermudaonion (Kathy)
Stephanie
Trisha
The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
I have heard the Luxe novels described by some as a turn of the century book-version of Gossip Girls, although I haven’t really watched Gossip Girls, so I’m not entirely sure how accurate that is. From what I have read, though, I would guess that that is a fairly accurate description.
“The Luxe” is primarily the story of the Holland sisters, Elizabeth and Diana, who are members of New York’s high society, but are in danger of losing their places after finding out that their father’s death has left them with very little money. In an effort to shore up her family’s fortune and place in society, the girls’ mother arranges Elizabeth’s engagment to the fabulously wealthy and mischevious bachelor Henry Schoonmaker. However, with Elizabeth’s affections elsewhere, Henry beginning to fall for Diana, and Elizabeth’s best friend Penelope wanting Henry for herself, things begin to get a little dramatic.
I liked “The Luxe,” but I didn’t really love it. I think the problem was that it was just a little too Gossip Girls for my taste, since I’m not a fan of the show. That being said, it was a very engaging plot and a pretty quick read. Although it wasn’t my favorite, I’m not sorry I read it (particularly because I got it from the library) and will probably go ahead and read the rest of the series from the library. It was very interesting as a glimpse into turn of the century socialite life, but those of you who do like shows like Gossip Girls will probably like it better than I did.
Buy this book from:
Powells.
A local independent bookstore via Indiebound.
Amazon.
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Yeah, these books aren’t fantastic literature, they’re just fun, and good for when you brain needs a break from more serious stuff. The rest of the series is pretty much in the same vein.
.-= Fyrefly´s last blog ..Sarah Dunant – Sacred Hearts =-.
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I haven’t read any of this series but I know a lot of people love it. It sounds like a great book for the beach to me.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Why I Buy Books =-.
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Yeah, this isn’t my kind of book, for sure, too soap-operatic. Enjoyed reading your review, though
.-= The Kool-Aid Mom´s last blog ..Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen =-.
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I find the era interesting! While I have not read a lot of these, I have whipped through Phillipa Gregory’s book and then just about anything about Ann Boleyn and Henry…. fascinating stuff!
.-= Sheila DeChantal´s last blog ..Freebie Friday: Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen =-.
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Hmm, now I’m interested to see what I think! I waver on whether or not I like gossipy type books; I don’t really like books like Gossip Girls but I do like lighter historical fiction usually. I’ll have to read it after a more serious book.
.-= Meghan´s last blog ..Review: My Lord John, Georgette Heyer =-.
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I am really liking the series! I’ve never seen or read or whatever Gossip Girls, so I don’t know anything about the comparison. But I had fun with The Luxe. Sorry it was a big hit with you!
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Challenge: Everything Austen =-.
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That’s one of my hesitations about this book, as well: That it would be too “Gossip Girl,” as you said. But I’m going to give a try and see how I like it!
.-= JessicaLeigh´s last blog ..Vacation Bible School 2009 =-.
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This series is so very emotionally touching, but your right it does require a different “view” when reading
.-= stacybuckeye´s last blog ..Neurofeedback for migraines =-.
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I’m not into the Gossip Girls but I have been wanting to read The Luxe for a while or maybe it’s just because I love the cover?
.-= Staci´s last blog ..Review: Who Do You Think You Are? by Alyse Meyers =-.
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I love your blog! Thank you so much!
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I have it on my TBR list! Sounds like a light, fun read. Glad to see you liked it!
.-= Kay´s last blog ..Review : Newes from the Dead =-.
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I keep meaning to read this series, but I haven’t got around to it yet. I probably will just wind up getting them from the library.
.-= Kailana´s last blog ..Sunday Book Coveting… The Canadian Edition =-.
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I have been following you on LibraryThing.com as well as your blog in my google reader for quite some time. I have given you something that you deserve. Stop by my site when you can.
Thanks and continue to spread the word of books.
Laura
.-= Laura Baker´s last blog ..The Literary Blogger Award =-.
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I bought the series but have yet to read it. I saw some really good reviews. Thanks for sharing your review I will have to read them when I want something light to read.
.-= Cindy´s last blog ..What’s the best you can do? Review =-.
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I’ll go ahead and admit that Gossip Girls is one my guilty pleasure TV shows and I’m already halfway through the book series, so I think this book sounds like a great addition to my TBR (at least it will be a good break from some of the heavy books I’m reading)
.-= Nari – The Novel World´s last blog ..I Like It Like That – Review =-.
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Why would you read the rest of the series if you didn’t like the first book? And if you don’t watch Gossip Girls (I don’t either) then how do you know if this book is “too Gossip Girls for your taste”?
.-= Amy S.´s last blog ..Princess Protection Program: DVD Review =-.
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devourerofbooks Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Well, like I said, I did like it, I just didn’t love it. I already had the other books on reserve at the library, so when they come in I’ll pick them up, then read them if I get to them. If the 2nd one never grabs my interest, I’ll just be done with the series.
As to Gossip Girls, I don’t watch it, but have seen parts of a few episodes when my sister lived with me – she LOVES the show.
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