Beautiful Days - Anna Godbersen (#2)

*There may be some spoilers in this review for those who have not read the first in this series, Bright Young Things. To see the review for that, click here*

I read Bright Young Things, the first in the series with the same name, early last year and pretty much loved it. Anna Godbersen has been a favourite author of mine for a while now since I fell in love with the covers of her previous series The Luxe set in 1900's New York before I set up the blog. 

That series was so good and I was a little disappointed by the first book in Bright Young Things. However, I was still hooked and couldn't wait to get this book when it came out in September. I did get it - but like a lot of books I didn't read it until now.

Synopsis: It's been a month since Letty and Cordelia arrived in New York and they have already fit in. Both living at Dogwood, Cordelia's late father's huge estate on Long Island, they spend their days relaxing with their friend Astrid and the nights out in the sparkle and high-class society of 1920's Manhattan. 

However, Letty wants more than being just a socialite. She wants to finally achieve her dream of being on Broadway - whatever the cost. 

Cordelia, meanwhile, is still getting over the events of the last month where she was deceived by the gorgeous Thom Hale resulting in her father being killed. She wants to honour her father - while achieving revenge.

Astrid is finally engaged to Cordelia's half-brother, Charlie - but caught in a shimmering world of speakeasies, jewels and endless parties. But Charlie is a gangster playing dangerous game and soon Astrid, Letty and Cordelia are caught up in the dangerous web of the gangster's world. 

Review: So after having a slight disappointment after Bright Young Things and starting this over a year after reading the previous book, I was a little unsure whether I would enjoy it as much as I wanted to - I mean, I could only briefly remember what happened in BYT and with Anna Godbersen still having to live up to The Luxe series in my mind, the outcome was a bit shady.

However, I was pleasantly surprised. This, I felt, was MUCH better than it's predecessor and I got more into the narrative and finding out more about the time and the character's themselves.

Sometimes when other historical fiction writers write these period novels, you only have a favour for the time and you read along with an understanding of what life at this time was like. However, whenever I read Anna Godbersen's books, I am literally taken to the era and it is like the reader is this invisible friend of Letty, Cordelia and Astrid's walking along side them experiencing what they are. I know a lot of about the 1920's America because I was examined on that decade of Prohibition, speak-easies and entertainment for my History GCSE last year. Equally, I picked this book up now as I'm studying The Great Gatsby in English Literature at the moment for my exam next month - so I have some knowledge of the time - who doesn't, with movies like Bugsy Malone? Now only did I understand and enjoy reading of the time period I know about, but I got to experience with the characters - therefore, I know why everyone goes to Gatsby's parties in a sense!

Considering this, I have a feeling some people would feel the characters are annoying or too frivolous, but knowing the time, this is exactly right and suits the decade the book is set in. If you want some more frivolous, I direct you to Daisy in The Great Gatsby...

In the last book, I didn't like Letty at all, but fell in love with the characters of Cordelia and Astrid. Letty, this time, was much better and felt sorry for her for the majority of the book, especially in the middle. There is a moment when she is with Grady (oh yes, he's back...) where I was deeply cringing for her - I must admit, some of the events in the book I wanted to jump in and shout at them 'Just tell them!' - but you know, I couldn't. Nonetheless, I did enjoy reading of all the characters.
Actually, to be honest, I felt sorry for all the girls at points.

Charlie is back also and in charge of the family bootlegging business now his father is dead. I have read a lot of reviews where people really disliked him and to be honest, he doesn't get any better. There are moments where I disliked him but latterly, he is much more likeable because of events - although still forceful and demanding.
There are a small cast of new characters as well as recurring minor ones - all of which were delightful additions to read about alongside the three main girls.

The best thing about this book is the writing which Godbersen I think altered slightly to suit the era after The Luxe. It is very visual and lyrical in parts that helps capture the society and attitude of the time, transporting you to that period of time. This is a book I had no problems with.

Overall, this is an amazing next chapter from the last book and the strongest so far. It is rich in suspense, romance, glamour, tension and moments where I just wanted to jump in and join the parties. Letty, Cordelia and Astrid have all formed into characters which I love to read about and although, the majority of the time, you are merely following their lives - it makes it an interesting and sparkling read. I would read BYT before starting this one, but if you have read BYT, although can't remember some of the plot, don't worry because this book gives a brief summary of what happened in places near the beginning. I had no problem remembering what had happened previously.
This is a delightful book which I thoroughly enjoyed and am SO looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Verdict: If you weren't a fan of BYT, still try this one, it's MUCH better.

I give it a 5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.bytseries.com/
Pages: 368
Publisher: HarperCollins
Challenges: Historical Fiction

The next book in the series, THE LUCKY ONES, comes out later this year.

Click here for my review on Bright Young Things - the first book

A-Z Authors - D, E, F, G, H

I found out about this through Phanee from funny wool and is hosted by Heather at Proud Book Nerd. I thought it looked quite fun so this month, I shall be doing a post every day (except Sundays) where I shall tell you about amazing authors that have surnames beginning with that letter. I hope you enjoy and tell me if you know any more with that letter and I'll add it to the post! Thanks.

NOTE: As I am doing my exams at the moment, I may miss days so shall combine letter together, I'll say if I do in the title - Thanks.

Here we go....

SORRY FOR MY LACK OF DOING THIS IN THE PAST WEEK. I have been so busy with revision, exams, being out, getting food etc but here it is now!

D

Sarah Dessen

She is amazing. I am not kidding. She is the best or at least one of the best writers I have ever read and has remained a favourite for about 3/4 years. I am yet to see/meet someone who doesn't like her novels. There are ones less good than others but they are all better than some other novels that are out there. She is always consistent and although critised for having the same plot every time, they all seem different. You know what to expect from Sarah Dessen in the plot but they are always so original in characters, settings, other events. The characters are such unique people that you kinda wish were real and that you learn to love a lot.

Her Books: The Truth About Forever, Just Listen, Along for the Ride, What Happened to Goodbye, This Summer, Someone Like You, Last Chance (or Keeping the Moon), Dreamland, Lock and Key, This Lullaby.

Paul Dowswell

I have only read one book by this guy but Auslander was amazing. It has a boy as the voice and normally, I find they aren't as good with a guy voice but this was fantastic and really helped me with my History GCSE - it put it all into perspective for me and helped me understand it all while doing my favourite thing of reading. He is such a good author that not many people give credit or know about at all. 

Other Books: True Stories of WWII, Adventures of a Young Sailor, The First World War, Escape.

E

Eve Edwards

Wow. I love this woman. Sometimes books are just Historical or just Romance and sometimes having both of those together is hard to pull off without being too much of the other. However, The Other Countess series have been amazing. So interesting with this perfect fascinating mixture of genres with the most funny, enjoyable characters. I just love her books and make me love History so much more. She is a writer a lot of people should pick up. 

Her Books: The Other Countess series - The Other Countess, The Queen's Lady, The Rouge Princess

F

Gayle Forman

I have only so far read her first book in the If I Stay duo. I have the other but not yet read it. I thought the book was going to be boring. But I found it wasn't. It wasn't perfect for me but I really liked it and the way it was written and how different it was to other novels out there that are similar to this one. I really liked her overall and I REALLY NEED TO READ THE NEXT ONE.

Her Books: If I Stay, Where She Went, Sisters in Sanity

G

Anna Godbersen

She is again in my category of best Historical Romance authors. I love the fun, happy side to her books and then also, the serious side to them that changes suddenly and makes you think. They are a real type of YA book but not too heavy, yet not too silly and ridiculous. These are good books and I love the different characters that after The Luxe series with 4 books, you start to think as of family a little and really get to know them inside and out. All of hers are set in New York at different periods of time which is so interesting to compare from the historical side. She successfully has fun/serious books with a nice balance. 

Her Books: The Luxe Series - The Luxe, Rumours, Envy, Splendour, Bright Young Things

H

Mary Hooper

Not many people have heard of Mary Hooper and that may be because she's an English writer and more known over here but I love her writing. She also writes historical and you can tell from reading that there is so much detail put into it. She covers many periods of history with some characters that reflect what people were like then and now. There are bits of romance but I like them with and without. I don't know what it is about this one but I just love her writing - but I can't say why. She is also the one that got me into Historical fiction and when I met her at a book signing last year, she was so friendly and it was like I known her years!

Her books: The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose, Fallen Grace, Newes from the Dead, At the Sign of the Sugar Plum, At the House of the Magician, Megan, Amy, Holly

Cora Harrison

I fell in love with her writing when I read the first chapter. It wasn't the typical Regency language but I liked that. Made it easier and more enjoyable to read. I loved all her characters, the cover, the romance, the playful look on life and the way she can make a unique character seem like someone you know or a simple situation, one you can relate to. I love how she made Jane Austen a real and lively person, someone my age that I could learn more about and make her feel like a friend. 

I really do love her books. I think it's her first bit for YA looking on Goodreads but she should keep it up!

Her Books: I was Jane Austen's Best Friend, Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend, My Lady Judge, The Montgomery Murder

What Happens in Splendor - Anna Godbersen?

This is the fifth (and last) post for Anna Godbersen Week!

(Sorry it's late, I didn't have any time to do it yesterday!)

So, on my Stats for the blog, I see a lot of people searching 'what happens in The Luxe' or 'Rumours' or whatever. And as I ramble on how much I love this series and I did a review on Splendor, the last in the series, they get directed to that.


So, I thought I'd ignore the French Speaking essay I have to write at some point and help all those in want of this.


To see the one from Tuesday on the first novel, The Luxe, click here

To see the one from Wednesday on the second novel, Rumours, click here

To see the one from yesterday on the third novel, Envy, click here

***WARNING: THERE ARE SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK, IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS, THEN DON'T PASS THIS POINT, INSTEAD GO HERE***

 
 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I am going to do this for the story in this novel for each character so I may repeat myself (or not make sense first of all as reading through):
 
Diana Holland:  Picking off from the end of Envy, the novel starts with Diana, in Cuba, working at a beach bar after being rejected from the army for being a girl. Through, her newspaper friend, she has put out a story that she is in Paris at finishing school. At the bar, she finds she is reunited by accident with Henry, who she came looking for. They return to the ship he has been living on and sleep together after so many months. The next morning, they wake up to find Henry's boss, Colonel Cooper in the room. He recongises Diana immediately and has them both sent back to New York, fearing for his own career and knowing that Henry hated his job. Diana returns home and is punished by her mother by having her aunt go everywhere with her as chaperone. Elizabeth is also told to keep an eye on Diana.
    She also finds out that Penelope has been meeting with the Prince of Bavaria and in spite, feeds pieces of information to the newspaper annoymously. When she goes to visit Elizabeth, she tells her to run away with Henry as she will never be together with him in the city and if Penelope is around. Diana asks Henry who agrees. Until something terrible happens and the plans are delayed as well as the gossip of them eloping running around New York's society. Henry comes to the Holland's place and tells Diana he wishes to marry her. Diana, delighted, agrees to run away with him, saying she will meet him at the port to go to Paris together - the city of love. However, Henry recieves the note late and has to run to the port finding Diana and proposing to her and telling her how much he loves her. Diana is overjoyed but dismayed as he explains he has to stay in New York. She admits that she doesn't want to be seen as the tramp or whore in society and that his place is here, in New York. Diana wants to go to Paris, away from everything and she tells Henry, she will always remember him as her first love and that he shall love again. They depart passionally and the novels ends as Diana goes on the boat to Paris and away from Henry.
 
 
 
Elizabeth Holland: She is enjoying the newly wed wife status of Snowden and the propsect of having a stable life for her future child. However, a note is delivered from a mencing stranger to Snowden, when he is not there. The note soon reveals that her father had secured a lot in California (for suspected oil) for Will and Elizabeth (supposedly, he knew about their relationship?). Elizabeth confronts Snowden with the note and finds out that Snowden, her father's best friend, had killed her father with Klondike, had Will killed and only married Elizabeth to secure the lot. Seeing that Elizabeth knows, he sedates her with strong drugs continually so she will not tell. When Teddy Cutting, back from war, comes to visit, she tries to ask for help but Snowden quickly sedates her again. One night, she manages to leave the confines of her room to find Snowden on the stairwell. He hears her and moves to attack her but Elizabeth pushes him away and down the stairs to his death.
   The police arrive the next day and start an investigation. Teddy arrives in the midst of Elizabeth about to admit to the murder when he intervenes and explains that Snowden merely fell down the stairs. However, Elizabeth recongises one of the policemen to be the stranger who delivered the note and as the man who killed Will. She tells them to leave otherwise she will expose him to the police force. Teddy, afterwards, brings her to his home and she reveals the story of Will and herself. Both of them declare their love for each other and share a kiss. The novel ends with them married and naming Will's child, Will and them, carrying on to have several children of their own.
 
Penelope Schoonmaker (nee Hayes): Society is wondering why Penelope is out and about while her husband is at war and why she has recovered quickly from her 'miscarriage'. Penelope is at a party in Carolina Broad's home when she sees the Prince of Bavaria. She notes that both of them have so much in common and goes to dance with him which scandalizes many of the guests. The Prince seems to be attracted to her and regularly sends her flowers. As a result, Penelope becomes overwelmed by the Prince.

    When Henry returns, she continues to torment him with her knowledge of his and Diana's relationship. At a party, she threatens Henry once more to reveal the relationship to the public and Henry leaves her to go to his father. Penelope is quickly distracted by the arrival of the Prince. The two go to a deserted corridor and kiss, although roughly and unlovingly. Penelope dismisses this and continues to chase after him anyway. After William Schoonmaker's funeral, she and the prince have a one night stand in his hotel room. Henry wishes to divorce Penelope and she pays it no attention. She sends all of her things to her former home on Fifth Avenue and goes back to the hotel where the prince is staying at. She is informed by the hotel's staff that the prince left earlier that day for Bavaria. Outraged, Penelope begins to collapse and is humiliated when she hears one of the society ladies say 'the fallen Mrs. Schoonmaker'. She returns home in self-pity and humiliation but is surprised to find Henry there. She asks Henry why he is still there and Henry says Diana left without him. She becomes surprisingly sympathetic and comforts him. Henry asks her where the prince is and she tells him the prince used her. Henry remarks that they both made a mess of everything and which is why they deserve each other. Penelope agrees and they both drink to broken hearts

Henry Schoonmaker:  His father stationed him in Cuba, rather than the war zone because the place less at risk for war. Henry spends his days as a 'soldier' yachting with his superior, Colonel Cooper. He is reunited with Diana Holland, his great love in a bar where Diana works. They both return to his ship and sleep together. Colonel Cooper recognizes Diana and has them both sent back to New York. Upon his return, he is greeted as a war hero by society. He is disgusted that his father put out an image of him being a war hero while he was off in Cuba. Penelope, again,  threatens to make his and Diana's relationship public, although Henry takes no notice. Diana tells Henry she wants to come away with him in order for them to be together. Henry finally summons up his courage to stand up to his father.

     At a party, he tells Penelope he wants to divorce her. When the prince arrives, he notices her distraction and goes off to his father. He finds him and tells him everything about his and Diana's relationship and that they are going to elope. Schoonmaker Sr. is severely shocked and dies of a heart attack. Witnesses to Henry's declaration spread the story and society looks down on Diana. After the funeral, his father's will is read and states that the whole estate belongs to Henry. Henry goes to Diana to tell her that he has inherited his father's fortune and that he wants to marry her which she accepts. He, later,  receives her note a day late but just manages to catch her. He proposes to her and an ecstatic Diana accepts. But when he says they will have to stay in New York, she says she wants to go to Paris and  that Henry belongs in New York and that he will fall in love again one day. She also tells him he will always be her first love. Before Henry can object, the boat starts to leave. He and Diana have one last kiss and she tells him goodbye.
Henry returns home resigned and miserable. He finds Penelope in the same state and they comfort each other. At the end of the novel, they both drink to broken hearts.

Carolina Broad: Carolina  is enjoying a life she once thought impossible. She is in love with Leland Bouchard, a wealthy man who lives down the street. Although she is living in pure bliss, there is a threat to her glamorous life: Tristan, a former Lord & Taylor salesman who still has feelings for her. He tells her he is unhappy that she gets everything she wants while he remains empty handed. He reminds Carolina that were it not for him, she would never be where is she is now. He also threatens to expose her true origins to the public unless he is paid handsomely for what her did for her. Even after Carolina pays him, he still stalks her wherever she goes, especially when she is Leland Bouchard. When she is about to be exposed by Tristan, she dismisses him and Leland warns him never to come near her again.

     Carolina accidentally confesses her feelings to Leland and he says that he feels the same way. He invites her to meet his family and she nervously agrees. When she meets the Bouchard family, they love her instantly. Leland arrives late and proposes to Carolina in front of his family. Wedding plans are made and Carolina invites her sister Claire to the wedding. On the day of the wedding, Tristan visits her again and threatens her. Leland bursts into the room and begins to beat up Tristan. When he is about to give the final blow, Carolina screams for him to let Tristan go. Tristan leaves and Leland demands to know why Tristan is following them. She tells him the whole story and Leland leaves. Afterwards, the wedding is cancelled.
Leland returns and tells her what he thinks. He does not care whether she was a maid or not, but he was angered when he knew she lied to him about being an only child and that she didn't know Tristan. He tells her needs to be away for her for a while. Carolina is hurt and begs him to stay, saying she loves him. Leland responds by saying ' And I loved you'
Word gets around that Carolina is not what everyone thought she was. One paper describes her act as the beginning of an age of wealth without class. She is devastated by the turn of events and Leland's departure and isolates herself in her home. Claire goes to her sister's home, hoping to comfort Carolina. But the sight of Claire makes Carolina even more ashamed because she had asked Claire to attend the wedding as a maid. Claire comforts Carolina and tells her that she cannot let what people think get in her way. She also says that the paper said that Carolina's act, although deceitful, would be the beginning of the future. Carolina brightens a bit at this. The novel ends with Claire joining Carolina's live style and them becoming the most famous sisters of society - it is never mentioned if Leland returns or not.

What Happens in Envy - Anna Godbersen?

This is the third post in Anna Godbersen Week!

So, on my Stats for the blog, I see a lot of people searching 'what happens in The Luxe' or 'Rumours' or whatever. And as I ramble on how much I love this series and I did a review on Splendor, the last in the series, they get directed to that.


So, I thought I'd ignore the French Speaking essay I have to write at some point and help all those in want of this.

To see the one from Tuesday on the first novel, The Luxe, click here
To see the one from yesterday on the second novel, Rumours, click here



***WARNING: THERE ARE SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK, IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS, THEN DON'T PASS THIS POINT, INSTEAD GO HERE***

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Elizabeth in mourning. Diana has to fill in the Holland invites to parties, avoiding Henry and Penelope, the most celebrated couple. Henry also is trying to avoid Penelope as she tries to sleep with him. Henry organises a trip with Teddy, his best friend, to Florida. But Penelope finds out and invites Carolina (Lina), herself and her brother, Grayson. Penelope also plans on inviting Elizabeth when she goes to a luncheon at the Holland's place as a welcome back into society for Elizabeth. At the luncheon, someone is at the door and as Diana answers it, she finds a helpless Henry on the doorstep, desperately asking her to come to Florida too so he can make it up to her and tell her everything that happened. She agrees and when Penelope invites Elizabeth, Diana comes too - much to Penelope's disgust. To prevent something from happening between Henry and Diana, Penelope gets her brother to try and woo Diana into getting Henry jealous and run back to his actual wife.

   In Florida, Carolina's patron, Carey Lewis Longhorn dies in New York. She rushes back to attend the funeral to find that he has left her all his property and money, making her a real heiress and rich. She shares the occasion with the Lord and Taylor salesman, Tristan. Meanwhile, in Florida, Teddy tells Henry that he is going to join the army in the Philppines. He tells Henry that 'if Elizabeth can survive all those things, so can he'. He is of course, falling in love with Elizabeth. Once back in the hotel room after leaving his friend, he sees Penelope crying and opens up to her. They sleep together for the first time in their marriage so far and when Henry is seen on the balcony with Penelope wrapped around him, Diana sees and believes that Henry is merely playing her along. Henry realises that it is all a mistake.

Diana then confronts him and ends the affair. At a party that night, Grayson follows Diana and believes that he is actually starting to have feelings for her. Grayson tells Penelope who doesn't believe him but goes along with it - anything to ruin Diana and Henry's happiness.

Grayson declares finally his love for Diana in a closet, who confused and angry about her emotions, she has sex with him as she realises he is telling the truth.

 

Meanwhile, the next day, Penelope and Elizabeth are by the beach and Elizabeth vomits. Penelope tells Elizabeth that she might be pregnant but Elizabeth ignores it. Liz also finds out that Teddy is going to propose to her and runs away, knowing that she cannot ever marry anyone again because of her love for the late Will.

Once returned from the eventful trip, Penelope makes up the story that she is pregnant - Henry sees through her and refuses to believe it but knows he has to stay with her now. Meanwhile, Elizabeth tells her family she is pregnant with Will's child. Although, her mother wants her to go 'where there are people like her' there, Elizabeth refuses and to avoid scandal, when Snowden proposes to her, she accepts.

 

Henry then enlists for the army to follow Teddy which shocks Penelope. When she confronts him about the baby, he plainly says 'There is no baby' and leaves her to solve the mess of her lie. He sends a letter to Diana telling her he is joining the army and explains everything that has happened since The Luxe. He tells her he still loves her and says goodbye to her.  Diana is shocked by this and knows she has to do something.

She solves it by cutting her hair and deciding to act like a man and join the army to find Henry and apologise to get him back...

What Happens in Rumours - Anna Godbersen?

This is the third post of Anna Godberson Week!



So, on my Stats for the blog, I see a lot of people searching 'what happens in The Luxe' or 'Rumours' or whatever. And as I ramble on how much I love this series and I did a review on Splendor, the last in the series, they get directed to that.

So, I thought I'd ignore the French Speaking essay I have to write at some point and help all those in want of this.

To see the one yesterday on the first novel, The Luxe, click here

***WARNING: THERE ARE SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK, IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS, THEN DON'T PASS THIS POINT, INSTEAD GO HERE***

Starting off from the conclusion in the last novel, Elizabeth is with Will in California, who has just found a possible yield with oil. However, she recieves a letter from Diana stating that the family are running out of money and that her mother's health has decreased since Elizabeth left. She decides to go back to New York and explain the siutation to her mother and aunt and try and help them. Will comes with her.
   Meanwhile, Penelope has decided that she WILL marry Henry, which could potenically ruin Diana and Henry's relationship and plans on marrying in the future. Henry's father decides that for the family's reputation, Henry should marry Penelope, who he approves of. Something Henry objects to.
   However, Lina Broud is running out of the money that Penelope had given her and needs more desperately. She gets help from the Lord & Taylor salesman, Tristan who helps her choose suitable clothes and move up in the ranks of society. Through this, she meets the incredibly rich, Carey Lewis Longhorn who takes her under his wing. They change her name to Carolina Broad and she makes up the story that she is an orphaned wealthy oil heiress. Because of this, she is invited to all the important parties and meets offically Penelope - who is shocked.
As a bribe to become 'friends', Carolina tells her of Diana and Henry's special night in Diana's room earlier in the novel. Penelope uses this to make Henry propose to her in the return that she doesn't ruin Diana's reputation. William Schoonmaker is delighted and the marriage is planned in the upcoming weeks. Because of the business, Henry doesn't have a chance to tell Diana the truth. She is left despressed and angry at both of them.
   At the Holland house, Snowden, a friend of the late Mr Holland, turns up to help with the financial troubles. They decide to wed Elizabeth and Will to avoid scandal and move them back to California. When they are at the train station, Elizabeth is noticed and Will is thought to be kidnapping her. The police shoot Will and he dies tragically in Elizabeth's arms. Elizabeth returns home, heart broken.
At the end of the novel, Penelope and Henry get married finally and Elizabeth promises Diana that they will find out the truth and get Henry back for good.

What Happens in The Luxe then?

This is the second post of Anna Godberson Week!

So, on my Stats for the blog, I see a lot of people searching 'what happens in The Luxe' or 'Rumours' or whatever. And as I ramble on how much I love this series and I did a review on Splendor, the last in the series, they get directed to that.
So, I thought I'd ignore the French Speaking essay I have to write at some point and help all those in want of this.

***WARNING: THERE ARE SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK, IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS, THEN DON'T PASS THIS POINT, INSTEAD GO HERE    ***

Okay, we are first introduced to the four Luxe Girls. There is:

-  Elizabeth Holland who is in love with her childhood friend, Will who now works in the stables.

- Diana Holland, she is Elizabeth's younger sister and, well in love at this point with no-one but secretly meets with men at parties to see what a kiss feels like etc.

- Penelope. She is supposedly Elizabeth's best friend and in love with Henry. She actually hates Liz and is only associated with her to make her look bad. She is also obsessed with what people think of her and herself and the way she looks. She is also having a 'fling' with Henry.

- Lina Broud. She is a maid to Elizabeth but always had dreams of being rich. She grew up with her and Will and is now in love with Will but suspects the relationship of Will and Liz.

- Henry Schoonmaker. His father is running for mayor of New York. His father has also just married his step-mother who is only a few years older than Henry. He is a bit of a party go-er - much like his father.

Anyway, we are first introduced to these characters at a New York party where Diana is seen kissing an older man, for the 'thrill'. Soon, Henry's father, Willam, decides that Henry needs to marry a debutante for publicty for his upcoming election for Mayor. He forces Henry to propose to Elizabeth, who is well-respected throughout society. However, in the midst of this, Henry and Diana meet and instantly are attracted to each other, unaware who they really are. When it is announced of the marriage, Elizabeth tells Penelope who at the same time, thinking Henry is going to marry her as her father announced he would marry someone, tells Penelope of her and Henry's romance. Elizabeth is left guilty for getting married to Penelope's lover, even though she doesn't want the marriage to go ahead at all - neither does Henry.
   However, when Henry fails to escort Elizabeth to a ball - the first outing as a couple, his father decides to move the date up to add pressure and the risk of having no spending money if it doesn't go ahead. Penelope goes to the Schoonmaker mansion, in the quest to lure Henry and make him think twice about marrying. It fails.

Will Kneller, Elizabeth's real love, decides to move to California in search of business in the oil industry. While Liz is at a party, he leaves and leaves a letter for Liz which she finds on her return. Meanwhile, Lina finds the letter and realises the extent to their relationship and goes in search of Will to tell him that she loves him before Liz does. However, she soon runs out of money and returns to the Holland's house to find that she has lost her job. Broke, homeless and desperate, Lina goes to Penelope who she has known of as long as Elizabeth and tells her of Will and Elizabeth's relationship. In exchange, she gets money and a nice hotel in Manhattan to stay in. Penelope goes to Elizabeth and helps fake her own death so she doesn't have to marry Henry and so he is free for Penelope. Elizabeth gets a train from Grand Central to California to join Will. Elizabeth also finds out about Diana and Henry's love and writes her a letter to tell her what has happened and to warn her of Penelope.

Hope that helped anyone that was requesting this! The Summary of the second novel, Rumours will be up tomorrow. :)

Bright Young Things - Anna Godberson

This is the first post of Anna Godberson Week!
I love The Luxe Series. I absolutely love it and own all the books in the series. So, you can imagine my excitment when I found out last September that I had to wait 4 months until Anna Godberson's new book came out while in America, it was released earlier and I had the thrill of reading on the blogosphere about how great it was.
I'm kinda glad I waiting actually. Anyway, I bought this on Waterstone's when they were having a half price pre-order deal. Yeah, I ordered this and two other books about 3 months before they came out...I was kinda desperate.

Favourite Sentence: 'One shall be married, one shall be famous and one shall be dead'

Synopsis: The year is 1929. New York is ruled by the Bright Young Things: flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes era of the Roaring Twenties.

Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star.
Cordelia, however, is searching for the father she's never known, a man as infamous for his wild parties as he is for his shadowy schemes. Overnight, she enters a world more thrilling and glamorous than she ever could have imagined—and more dangerous. The only person Cordelia can trust is Astrid Donal, a flapper who seems to have it all: money, looks, and the love of Cordelia's brother, Charlie. But Astrid's perfect veneer hides a score of family secrets.
Across the vast lawns of Long Island, in the illicit speakeasies of Manhattan, and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, the three girls' fortunes will rise and fall. (Goodreads)


Review: For starters, this book is very different to the The Luxe. Throughout, I was trying to compare Letty, Astrid and Cordelia to Elizabeth, Diana, Penelope and Lina. But Godberson is so clever, that she's made them slightly similar but also completely new and inviting characters that we love as much as The Luxe ones. It's hard to say which ones they are like.
   The writing in this book was so good, the way she just illistrates something so clearly in your mind is great and I think that's one thing that I love about her books. However, I, like many other reviews I've read, found it slow to start off with and slightly boring and also, (trying not to give too much away) the argument at the beginning is over something petty. Although, personally, I think Cordelia and Letty are better apart and I liked it like that throughout the book. I would say my favourite character at the moment is Astrid. You start off by thinking she is one of these spoilt, annoying, hateful characters but you kind of learn to love her, in a way. I found Letty a tad annoying nearer the end when with Mr Glenn. And Grady...oh Grady, he's so lovely. And Luke. I think most of the boys in this book are great, much like The Luxe. The only one that I didn't particularly like was Charlie. He changes so easily!
   I also liked how the beginning part when they are in New York links to the rest of the book. The ending also leaves on a bit of a cliffhanger and I found myself sitting there, thinking  'No! What happens next?'

The other great thing about this book for me, Miss GCSE History is that we study 1920's American Popular Culture, like the flappers so I could really relate to the book and understood everything.
The book is set in May 1929 - I think we all know what happens in October 1929 - Wall Steet Crash, so I'm thinking that's going to added nearer the end of the series...

Overall, this book isn't as flawless as The Luxe Series was, but still has originality and is different to most books out there. The characters are well written and there is at least one I think that everyone will love. All I can say is bring on the book #2! Which is due out in September....great.

I give it 4 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.bytseries.com/

Related Posts: 
 The Luxe Series: Splendor #4
Book #2: Beautiful Days

Anna Godberson Week

Now, I may be right or wrong but on my Stats frequently when I look, one of the 'Key Words' that is put into Google is 'What Happened In the Luxe Series' or 'What Happened in Splendor, The Luxe, Anna Godberson' and well, it gets directed to my Review on Splendor so I thought that, as I'm about to finish Bright Young Things, Anna Godberson's new series set in the 20's (and is pretty amazing stuff) that next week would be....Anna Godberson Week.

I know it's kinda short notice, it being 7 hours (GMT) to Monday but well, I only just thought of it.
So this is what will be happening:

Monday: Bright Young Things review
Tuesday: What Happens in The Luxe + mini-review
Wednesday: What Happen's in Rumours + mini-review
Thursday: What Happens in Envy + mini-review
Friday: What Happens in Splendor

They may not be completely on time, depending on what homework/coursework I get given this week. Also, remember I live in the UK so those who live ahead in time of me, might be on the next day before I am - likewise to America, depending where you are.

Have fun and I hope that resolves those who search this on Google :)

How I want to live in America right now....

Bright Young Things is one of the most eagerly awaiting novels of the year. The next series for the personally amazing Anna Godberson who stunned teenagers....including me, with her 1) amazing front cover and 2) great series of The Luxe Series which included four novels, Luxe, Rumours, Envy, Splendor featuring four young women in 1900's New York and the things they get up to. It was an amazing series and most YA bloggers have heard of them, in America and England.

To see my review of Splendor, click here.

Now on to the point. In the 'blogosphere', everyone is gearing up for the realease of this on the 12th October, tomorrow. But for us English folk as this is an American novel, we have to wait until 1st JANUARY 2011.
I'm not joking. I am so annoyed.

I mean, I know we're a different continent and it's the same for America with English authors but still. I think they should really be realeased at the same time in both places. Then, you don't have English readers waiting and waiting for it while seeing reviews like 'OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS BOOK.' and vice versa.

What do you think? Hm.

The Luxe Series: Splendor - Anna Godbersen

THERE MIGHT BE SOME SPOILERS IN THIS ONE ABOUT OTHER ONES IN THE SERIES.


First Sentence: Fifty years ago, every American girl wanted to be a European princess.

For those who have never heard of the Luxe Series, here is what it's about. It is a series of four (The Luxe, Rumours, Envy, Splendor) novels based about four debutante's in 1900 New York and what happens to them and who they fall in love with. That sort of thing. We have Elizabeth Holland (now married to Snowden Cairns). She got on my nerves in Book 2 & 3 but now in this one, I quite like her. Then, there is Diana Holland, Elizabeth's younger sister who is in love with Henry Schoonmaker. He is married to the bitchy, you-love-to-hate character Penelope Hayes. I've loved her the whole way through but she is written differently in this one and is a very minor character compared to her involvment in some of the other novels. Finally, there is Caroline Broad, an ex-servant of the Hollands that has made her fortune through a friend that died at the end of Envy. She is the focus in Splendor. I didn't like her in the other novels but I don't know why but I didn't mind her as much in this one. I think it's because she's settled down and not as much out of place. Diana has always been my favourite character and in this one, she still is and written incredibly well.

In this book, the beginning was...well, confusing and bad but the middle and ending were good as usual and there is a surprising twist of events at the end. Penelope was in it too little. We only caught snippets of her and loads of Caroline and Diana. I liked how Anna Godbersen added sections for Henry as well to make it more different. Elizabeth's sections were good but I think she should have been in it more as well. Overall, it's a good book but I think, and I don't say this that often, it should have been longer and more in depth. It felt a little rushed as points as if Anna Godbersen was trying to rush to the end.
It is a good book but it has much more flaws that the rest of the series ever had in my opinion. It wasn't the ending I was hoping for but it was still good.  Read the rest of the series before this one though.

I give it 4 out of 5

Author's Website: www.theluxebooks.com/