Splendor (Luxe, #4) by Anna Godbersen

Title: Splendor
Author: Anna Godbersen
Published: November 2009
Pages: 391
ISBN: 9780061626319
Source: Library

Description: As spring turns into summer, Elizabeth relishes her new role as a young wife, while her sister, Diana, searches for adventure abroad. But when a surprising clue about their father's death comes to light, the Holland girls wonder at what cost a life of splendor comes.
Carolina Broad, society's newest darling, fans a flame from her past, oblivious to how it might burn her future. Penelope Schoonmaker is finally Manhattan royalty—but when a real prince visits the city, she covets a title that comes with a crown. Her husband, Henry, bravely went to war, only to discover that his father's rule extends well beyond New York's shores and that fighting for love may prove a losing battle.
In the dramatic conclusion to the bestselling Luxe series, New York's most dazzling socialites chase dreams, cling to promises, and tempt fate. As society watches what will become of the city's oldest families and newest fortunes, one question remains: Will its stars fade away or will they shine ever brighter?

I Give This Book 4.5 Stars!

I was reluctant to read this book.  Not because I was afraid I wouldn't like it, but because I really didn't want this series to end.  I've loved the parties, the catty girls, the big dresses, and of course all the drama.  This book still had all the drama, but it has evolved.  The drama has become more adult, if that's possible.   I was not expecting the twists that came in the end.   Although not suprising the length that people will go to to come out on top (both for fame and money).  There was enough build up that the story never felt slow.  While, I was shocked at the ending, I didn't feel any of the people acted out of character.  It was a fantastic way to end the series!

Envy (Luxe, #3) by Anna Godbersen

I Give This Book 4 Stars

Description: Two months after Elizabeth Holland's dramatic homecoming, Manhattan eagerly awaits her return to the pinnacle of society. When Elizabeth refuses to rejoin her sister Diana's side, however, those watching New York's favorite family begin to suspect that all is not as it seems behind the stately doors of No. 17 Gramercy Park South.
Farther uptown, Henry and Penelope Schoonmaker are the city's most celebrated couple. But despite the glittering diamond ring on Penelope's finger, the newlyweds share little more than scorn for each other. And while the newspapers call Penelope's social-climbing best friend, Carolina Broad, an heiress, her fortune—and her fame—are anything but secure, especially now that one of society's darlings is slipping tales to the eager press.
In this next thrilling installment of Anna Godbersen's bestselling Luxe series, Manhattan's most envied residents appear to have everything they desire: Wealth. Beauty. Happiness. But sometimes the most practiced smiles hide the most scandalous secrets. . . .

I agree with those who say that this is the best so far in the series.  I couldn't put this one down.  I felt so sorry for Elizabeth, but was so glad to see the author took it in the direction she did as far as her character goes.  I'm also hoping things work out some how for Diana and Henry.  I've enjoyed watching their characters grow and change.   While I still think Penelope is a witch, I was beginning to feel sorry for her towards the end of the book.  I'm not sure how I feel about that.  I can't wait for the final book!

Rumors (Luxe #2) by Anna Godbersen

I Give This Book 4 Stars

Description: 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.

I'm still drawn to the covers of these books.  The dresses featured are gorgeous!   I rated this 4 stars but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first.  This seems to be common for me.  The second in the series tends to be my least favorite.  Still, there's plenty of gossip, scandal, and surprises in this one.   I hoping Penelope redeems herself at some point in the series because she's currently winning for biggest b****.   I was shocked at the ending.   I have Envy in store for next week.  I've read in a couple places in its the best in the series so far.