The Luxe

Written by Anna Godbersen

Narrated by Nina Siemaszko

The Luxe is the first book in the New York Times bestselling Luxe series by Anna Godbersen.

Pretty girls in pretty dresses, partying until dawn.

Irresistible boys with mischievous 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, to the 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 between 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 York grieves, some begin to wonder whether life at the top proved too 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 appearance 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.

Gossip Girl meets the Gilded Age in this delicious and compelling novel, the first in the New York Times bestselling series from author Anna Godbersen.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Dec 23, 2008
• ISBN: 9780061698927

Anna Godbersen

Anna Godbersen is the author of the New York Times bestselling Luxe series. She was born in Berkeley, California, and educated at Barnard College. She currently lives in Brooklyn.

Reviews for The Luxe

[k.c.haro916 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have always loved this book. It's been a favorite I've read time and time again.

[bfish_15 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In the high-society world of Manhattan in 1899, young women were readying themselves for the fall season of balls and teas and rides in the park. Among them is the beautiful, well-mannered, and obedient Elizabeth Holland. The debut ball is being held at the brand-new Fifth Avenue home of Liz's best friend, the vivacious Penelope Hayes.Even though Elizabeth has only just returned from a year in Paris, her mother is already pressuring the eighteen-year-old to find a husband, preferably at the Hayes event that very night. The younger and rebellious Diana Holland has so far been able to avoid being in her mother's spotlight. Despite what the lower classes might think, marriages among the rich have little to do with love and much to do with merging fortunes and businesses. Elizabeth knows her duty, even if her heart protests.Enter Henry Schoonmaker, the handsomest and richest of the eligible bachelors. Penelope wants him, Elizabeth hates him, and Diana loves him. Henry's father is well aware of his son's ability to charm the young ladies and his inability to assume responsibility. The elder Schoonmaker, more concerned with protecting his assets and running for political office than he is with Henry's happiness, has decided it's time for his son to marry.All of New York is buzzing with the news of the upcoming wedding of the century. Everyone is happy except the couple in question. The only woman Henry doesn't want is exactly the one his father has picked out for him. Elizabeth, always under her mother's thumb, is the one young woman who thinks Henry is disgusting. Meanwhile, Penelope will stop at nothing to win Henry, and Diana is trying to hide her broken heart and do right by her sister.The Luxe, the first in a series, is an terrific look into the high-class world of turn-of-the-century New York. Godbersen has gathered all the elements of a fun and gossipy tale: rakish bachelors, jealous maids, vengeful friends, handsome stable boys, secret lives, and sisterly bonds.The book is set up as a bit of mystery because the opening scene is Elizabeth's funeral. The rest of book tells us how the characters end up where they are on that cold October morning. There are enough suspects and possible scenarios to keep the reader wanting to know more. Although I had figured out much of the plot before the end, it did not detract from my enjoyment.This was an entertaining and quick read and a welcome addition to my YA shelves. This fast-paced, well-written historical novel is a refreshing break from fantasy and vampires. All women and girls who went to high school in the United States will have met some rendition of the various characters who inhabit Elizabeth Holland's world. I need to more about these families, and I've already ordered the next two books in the series, Envy and Rumors.Godbersen's portrayal of New York City at the turn of the century included details about the buildings, parks, and changing neighborhoods. I was impressed with the minutiae of daily life in an upper-class home. While listening, I noticed three possible anachronisms. However, when I looked them up, I was surprised to find that automobiles, mascara, and ragtime would all have been found in 1899 Manhattan.I listened to this book via digital download from my library. It was nicely read by Nina Siemaszko, a new to me narrator. The Luxe is a super audiobook, and I found it difficult to turn off the player.

[sunflower38_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read this book in two days and am pleasantly surprised by how much I really enjoyed it. It completely reminded me of the CW show Gossip Girl. Penelope couldn't had been a better Blair Waldorf and Liz a better Serena( personality only). The writing was great and I enjoyed the newspaper clips and etc at the beginning of each chapter. It added something extra. I like period stories and books of this nature so, for me this was a great read. I didn't find any lulls in the book were it just dragged. I can't wait to read the next book.

[pennsylady · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

hardcover"Pretty girls in pretty dresses, partying until dawn.Irresistible boys with mischievous smiles and dangerous intentions.White lies, dark secrets, and scandalous hookups.This is Manhattan, 1899. " from book cover

[salsabrarian · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Edith Wharton meets "The Gossip Girl." On starting out, I found the prose somewhat pedestrian and not quite befitting the New York high society and lifestyle portrayed in the book. But now I've gotten caught up in the soap opera-style twists and turns and am just content to go along for the ride and see what happens next. A guilty pleasure.

[pmlyayakkers · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

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.

[mrsbakitch · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I wasn't sure what to expect with this series but this book was fantastic. I love historical fiction but it also had the intrigue and game-playing of the rich and famous in 1899 New York. I'm not a fan of soap shows on the TV but this book had that feeling although not as drawn out. Highly recommend!

[tina1969_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thought this book was a cross between Gone With The Wind and Jackie Collins. Really good fun to read and great if you want something not ot taxing.

[Kaiarachelle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved! Entertaining and well written. Can't wait to read the next!

[mistycliff · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[claudette1_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I so loved this book. It's been ages since I read a book which took place at the beginning of the 20th century.I liked the way the novel presented first the funeral and then went on telling the story from the start. I'm obviously going to read the sequels.The story-lines I liked most were Diana's and Elizabeth's. Diana was is my favourite character, so bold and full of life, but I liked Will as well.

[jennybeast · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Facinating depiction of turn of the century high society New York, witha frisson of who done it? mixed in.

[allandanybooks · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book wasn't what I expected but in the end I'm very happy that I read it. This book was a tale about love, and life itself. It showed how life in 1899 wasn't glamorous at all. Life was full of lies and betrayal and gruel plots. Life was full of jealousy.
It shows that girls had to sacrifice themselves for their families. Money was everything. It did not matter who you loved or what you dream about. Everything is just pure business.
This book was very interesting to read and also very fast to read. I liked how the chapters weren't that long so you could read the book chapter by chapter without getting bored somewhere in the middle.
I liked it. And I'm going to read the next book by Anna Godbersen.

[cubsfan3410 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful young adult historical fiction!

[capriciousreader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Pretty girls in pretty dresses, partying until dawn.
Irresistible boys with mischievous smiles and dangerous intentions.
White lies, dark secrets, and scandalous hookups.
This is Manhattan, 1899.

I admit; I was a bit of a book snob about this book, something that I strive not to be, but sometimes, I just can’t help it! As usual, I really bought it more for the cover and after trying to read it THREE times and not being able to get into it, I was ready to give up. But so many of by book buddies on Twitter were raving about the book and pushed me to read it, so I gave it one more chance. I had to push myself past page 50, but once I got there something clicked. I am so glad I did because I was SO WRONG ABOUT THIS BOOK. It’s like Edith Wharton married to Gossip Girl and its LIKE CRACK. Or CHOCOLATE which is, you know, better for you.

It is what it is. Don’t go in expecting grand literature or historical accuracy. But if you want a quick, engrossing, page-turner of a book, if predictable because oh my gosh, I totally saw the ending coming, THIS is your girl. She’ll treat you to backstabbing socialites, illicit romantic trysts in the stable, on the kitchen table and anywhere else they can find a spot, loveless engagements, and sumptuous descriptions of dresses, fabrics, foods, and décor.

And really, have you seen a more gorgeous cover??? Give it a try next time you need a mindless bit of fluff to get you by. It’s totally worth it.

[anisadara36 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read this book while in high school and I was hooked within the first few pages

[tonifgmamtc · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Most people seem to really like this book. I think it's just not what I needed at the time maybe. I had a really hard time staying interested. I kept loosing focus on what was happening. It's historical with a cast at the age of when they're expected to marry and such, teens and new adults. Everyone has to figure out who to wed to make the best match for their family, connections and money and such. But they all really love someone else.

[lydia1879 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I read this book years ago, and I was pleasantly surprised by it.

It was light and fluffy, a little bit Pride & Prejudice and a little bit Gossip Girl. I really enjoyed how Godbersen started each chapter with a news article or an invitation to a party - something that helped create the atmosphere. I liked that the chapters were short and readable, and even if the characters weren't compelling, they were interesting enough to read about.

Read this book if you think it's your thing, but it certainly wasn't a book I could read critically and enjoy. c:

[rezeda-10 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Boring and has no ending, as it is first in a series where a quite complicated plot is stretched through all four books.
Totally agree with the advice to (re-)read Wharton instead of wasting time on this.

[heatherlinc · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

With a fabulous cover and an impressive website, I couldn't wait to read 'The Luxe' and it didn't disappoint. Filled with mystery, romance, scandal and deceit, and set in a romantic era where lavish balls and beautiful gowns abound, this book is a lot of fun. The characters are quirky, and the shifting viewpoint of each short chapter moves the story along at a good pace. In an era of innocence, where proper young ladies aren't so innocent, this book will have huge appeal to females of all ages.

[redrabbit-3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book far, far more than I'd thought I would. I initially set out to read it because I knew it was popular and I'd seen the books' covers (how could you not?) everywhere.

The Luxe looked like a book for the romantic reader-- think The Notebook or something-- but I found myself fascinated with the historical fiction aspect. Early 1900s New York is not exactly the setting that I've seen tons of YA spilling out of, and it was a welcome change of pace for me.

I fell in love with hot-headed Diana, and while main characters Elizabeth and Penelope weren't quite as compelling to me, they all showed strength, growth and passion throughout the book. I'm looking forward to revising the characters-- and old New York-- in the later books.

[katie1802 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really thought I wouldn't like this but I was very pleasantly surprised.

[patiencefortitude · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If I had read a novel with this much social manipulation set in the present day, I would have been annoyed and disgusted, or at least bored.
Set it in 19th century New York, and I am really happy, and anxious to read the rest!

[68papyrus · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book! Anna Godbersen does a fantastic job of creating suspense and pulling you in to the story. This book had me hooked from the first page. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[brainannex · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A solid fluff-fest. Soap opera-esque in the best way possible.

[adaynasmile-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it! Can't wait to read the next one1

[emmyson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you're wondering why I picked out this book, just look at the gorgeousness of the cover. Look at it!! I see stuff like this and I immediately think of intrigue, drama, love affairs and the like. And The Luxe has it all.

Deliciousness!

I've really gotten into historical fiction lately and this series was a fantastic addition to my repertoire. Awesomeness, if you wanted to know.

I loved Diana Holland from the beginning. She was spunky, full of life, and the type of person that I'd love to be pals with in real life. I didn't quite connect with her sister, Elizabeth, like that but I liked her too.

And Penelope. Whoa. Don't get on that girl's bad side! Cross that off the to-do list right now. You don't want to end up there, for reals.

Characters aside, I pretty much liked everything about this book. I loved the little excerpts from the society papers at the beginning of each chapter and I loved how they gave a glimpse of what was to come. It was so very realistic to me. I really felt like I was back in New York City at the turn of the century. Images were vivid, people were real, and events were captivating. I wanted more than anything to dive in and be a part of it all. (I've often said that I was born in the wrong year...perhaps my true calling was in 1898?)

The Luxe is the first book in a four-book series, with Rumors, Envy, and Splendor following. They're all fantastic books and I'd recommend the entire series. (Plus, they all have equally gorgeous covers!)

I'm giving The Luxe a 'Pick Me' rating for bringing my love of historical fiction back!

[chrisbookarama · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Scandalious!

[erikawastaken · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Pros:
* Turn-of-the-century New York
* Society balls
* Scandals

Cons:
* Twist is easily recognizable
* Characters act in too modern of ways

I really think I read this book at the right time. Gossip Girl had a shortened season and this felt like a substitute. Really, like the GG cast were transported back to 1899 and though they began attending balls and living with oil lamps, they still acted like themselves.

Also, the style takes a bit to get used too. You often leave the character you find interesting and follow another.

[sunias-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed reading this book! The descriptions of all the dresses are beautiful, and all the scandals were interesting to read about. It's a light, fun read for teens!