There’s scandal, secrets, mystery, and jealousy all tied in with the major theme of romance. The characters all have choices to make as to the directions that their lives will take, much of that direction already picked out for them by their families because of their place in society. The book begins with a death and then takes you back to what leads up to that event. The author has written a story within the reach of the period - 1899, New York. Each chapter starts with a posting of some sort, whether it’s a page from a gossip rag, a book of manners, or the newspaper. This sets the events of the chapter and was a very smart idea.

Elizabeth is the perfect 1800s upper society Manhattan girl. She’s elegant and poised and could have any man she wants. Henry Schoonmaker is the man everyone wants, but he is always into trouble and just can’t seem to stay with a girl for any length of time. When Elizabeth and Henry are thrust into a relationship together to save one’s family finances and the other’s reputation. They soon become the most prestigious couple in Manhattan, but are of them truly happy? Some people aren’t so impressed by this star couple, especially Elizabeth’s best friend Penelope, who thought that she was going to marry Henry. Penelope is a girl used to getting what she wants, and she will not let Henry get away from her. It’s just not Penelope that is making life difficult for Elizabeth, it is also the fact that Elizabeth can’t seem to decide on whether to save her family or follow her heart. So many secrets are hidden throughout upper-class Manhattan and are just waiting to be heard. The Luxe is a truly seductive and classy novel, with plenty of gossips to fulfill any girl’s desires!

The characters are really what make The Luxe so great. I related to Diana the most because she is introverted and imaginative, but I felt all the characters were well developed. 

Anna Godbersen’s writing is beautiful and transports you to 1899. Her descriptions made me feel like I was immersed in turn-of-the-century New York with her characters. 

This novel had everything I like, romance, drama, scandal, backstabbing friends, murder, and mystery. The book always had me in anticipation of what would occur next. It completely pulled me into the story I did not even realize how far along I was! I fell in love with the characters and the plot, definitely one of my new favorite books, very well written.