Rumors

Rumors (A Luxe Novel)
By Anna Godbersen
2008
423 pages (pbk)
Book 2

Summary: As rumors fly about the untimely demise of New York’s brightest star, Elizabeth Holland, all eyes are on those closest to the dearly departed: her sister, Diana, the family’s only hope for redemption; Henry Schoonmaker, the flame Elizabeth never extinguished; Penelope Hayes, poised to claim all that her best friend left behind; even Elizabeth’s former maid, Lina who discovers that while money matters and breeding counts, gossip is the new currency. (from book jacket)

Review: While the first Luxe novel was at times difficult to follow due to multiple narratives, Rumors moves more smoothly as readers are already familiar with the main characters. The book starts with a wedding, and the rest of the book moves quickly as the reader is anxious to find out who will be the bride. While I enjoyed the characterization and quick pacing I found some of the storyline redundant and circular. There simply wasn’t enough plot development to entice me to finish the series. I still think there are a lot of elements to appeal to a wide audience (fashion, gossip, love, historical elements, suspense, betrayal, etc); unfortunately, I didn’t find this book interesting enough to continue.

Also by Anna Godbersen: Envy, Splendor and Bright Young Things

If you liked Rumors you might also enjoy: Anastasia’s Secret by Susanne Dunlap, A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray, Secret Society by Tom Dolby and Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri

Author website: http://www.bytseries.com/

Rating: W3/4 C3/4 P2/4 O3/4 PP3.5/4 CR4/4
Grade Level Interest: S