Rumors by Anna Godbersen

Rumors

SPOILER: If you haven't read the first book of the series, The Luxe, this review might contain spoilers.

After bidding good-bye to New York's brightest star, Elizabeth Holland, rumors continue to fly about her untimely demise.



All eyes are on those closest to the dearly departed: her mischievous sister, Diana, now the family's only hope for redemption; New York's most notorious cad, Henry Schoonmaker, the flame Elizabeth never extinguished; the seductive Penelope Hayes, poised to claim all that her best friend left behind—including Henry; even Elizabeth's scheming former maid, Lina Broud, who discovers that while money matters and breeding counts, gossip is the new currency.



As old friends become rivals, Manhattan's most dazzling socialites find their futures threatened by whispers from the past. In this delicious sequel to The Luxe, nothing is more dangerous than a scandal . . . or more precious than a secret.

Once again, in Manhattan, New York, the socialites can't help but to spark a new rumor. The previously thought dead Elizabeth Holland is now haunting every thought of the New York high class. In this sequel we follow all of our favorite characters: Penelope, Carolina, Diana, Henry, and Elizabeth.

I will admit that I spoiled this one because I got too impatient. The book is slow on some parts and exiting and juicy on others. You will be rooting for Diana to get the guy, Henry, while Penelope is trying to make him hers.

Penelope, in her wickedness and all, she is still maybe the most developed character. Elizabeth seems too naive sometimes and Diana is plain blinded by love. All these three, including Henry, were amazingly characterized. The only character I seriously had a problem with was Lina. She's annoying and immature and every time a chapter in her point of view would come, I'd groan because I just didn't like her. Good books are supposed to make you care for all the characters in someway but I just DON'T care about Lina.

The settings are beautifully described. It is all so historically accurate that I feel like I'm in New York. In fact, all of the descriptions are so vivid. Godbersen seriously knows what she's doing.

The end was so surprising, even after I spoiled for myself. It just leaves you hanging on the edge and I want to get the next book immediately.

In one sentence:
"A satisfying sequel to a wonderful historical series."

Plot: 5
Characters: 4
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 4
Average: 4.6