Envy by Anna Godbersen

Envy

In this sequel to Rumors, novelist Elizabeth Holland returns to the inner circle of New York's Gilded Age upper crust. Gramercy Park society watchers quickly notice that differences appear to be simmering between Elizabeth and her sister Diana. Meanwhile, troubles are also festering between celebrated newlyweds Henry and Penelope Schoonmaker. Apparently, the stately brass doors of Manhattan's 400 conceal more tumult than the general public suspects. Silk gowns and scandals.

At First Sight:
As usual, Envy has a beautiful cover that is very tied-in with the rest of the series. I read Rumors way back and I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to catch up and, granted, I was a bit confused, but nevertheless, I was hooked.

My Thoughts:
The Luxe series hasn't always been super fast paced-action. Instead, what I like about this series is the flawless characterization and the details which it has. It makes it almost hard to imagine it was written in the present day! It's more like a book written in the 1890's that's had a cover make over.

The same things apply to Envy. It's not super fast but oh, boy, are there scandals! This book has as many surprises as the rest of the series. It is filled with minute details of these character's lives and I think it is this Godbersen's starring moment. She hits the nail in the head every time and although things go surprisingly out of control for these characters, we can't help but root for them and really hope for the best.

I don't want to spoil it for you (or the rest of the series) but I hope that when I say that it's as poignant and beautiful as ever, you'll be convinced enough to pick it up. The story flows naturally and even though we have 4+ very different lead characters, we clearly see and get to learn lots about them and their personality. Again, The Luxe series is hightly underrated. It hasn't had as much popularity as other mediocre bestsellers (*cough* Twilight *cough*) but I think this has helped Anna Godbersen to patiently create the world she has created. It's fantastic.

In one sentence:
"Beautiful enough to be considered a classic!"

Plot: 4
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 4.8

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

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

 The Luxe

A big, sumptuous tale of catty girls, dark secrets and windswept romance unfurls in this compulsively readable novel of late-19th-century New York City socialites. Godbersen weaves a tenuous web of deceit, backstabbing and pretense that follows four teens: Elizabeth Holland, a prim and proper lady of old-money society, is betrothed to one man, though furtively loves another; Henry Schoonmaker, a debauched playboy who must marry Elizabeth or be disinherited; Diana Holland, Elizabeth’s younger sister who is in love with her fiancé; and Penelope Hayes, a member of the nouveau riche who will stop at nothing to win Henry’s affections. As Elizabeth and Henry’s wedding approaches, the spectacle unfolds in a wondrously grandiose scene, making for a fun, though not entirely unexpected dénouement. A delicious new twist along the Gossip Girl vein, readers will clamor for this sharp, smart drama of friends, lovers, lies and betrayal.

Elizabeth is the beautiful good girl, the perfect lady, the only thing wrong is that she's dead. That's how the story opens, with Elizabeth's obituary on the newspapers. The only thing we know is that she died on the day she was supposed to be wed and it was a suspicious death.

Penelope Hayes, the bad and sexy girl of society who can't get enough of the wealthy Henry Schoonmaker, is Elizabeth's best friend. But in a world were status is everything, what really defines the term best friends?

Diana Holland, Elizabeth's younger sister and very opposite of her. She's the mischievous little sister who follows her heart instead of logic.

Lina Broud, the servant girl who wants to be more. Forming dangerous alliances, she's the one to look out for.

Henry Schoonmaker, the young and most wanted bachelor of all of New York, the ladies can't seem to get enough of him.

These are the five characters whose voice and point of view is seen throughout this book.

This novel is as juicy and scandalous as the synopsis says. The details of the story and the descriptions are just so amazing and beautiful, I feel like I'm right in the setting. I wish I had the dress Elizabeth is wearing in the cover and every dress ever talked about in this book, it's like the fairy tale society you wish you were born in. It only further convinces me that I was born in the wrong era.

Anyways, the plot is engaging from the first page. I loved how it takes you from seeing the end first and then you read what happened before, the structure of the novel was very unique and fun. The plot kept me turning pages as fast as I could and the leading men are just delicious.

The characters, even though the story is divided in 5 different MCs, are well developed and unique. They all had a different voice and their personalities are very pronounced. From the mischievous Diana Holland to the good girl Elizabeth Holland, all characters have a certain something that makes you love them. Even the forever confusing, forever intriguing Henry Schoonmaker.

I can't wait until I get the next book!

In one sentence:
A story that makes you wish you were back in 19th century New York.

And as part of my improving my reviews, I'm going to give stars in a more detailed way.

Plot: 4 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Cover: 4.5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall Feeling: 4.5 stars
Average: 4.6 stars