If you're wondering why I picked out this book, just look at the gorgeousness of the cover. Look at it!! I see stuff like this and I immediately think of intrigue, drama, love affairs and the like. And The Luxe has it all.
Deliciousness!
I've really gotten into historical fiction lately and this series was a fantastic addition to my repertoire. Awesomeness, if you wanted to know.
I loved Diana Holland from the beginning. She was spunky, full of life, and the type of person that I'd love to be pals with in real life. I didn't quite connect with her sister, Elizabeth, like that but I liked her too.
And Penelope. Whoa. Don't get on that girl's bad side! Cross that off the to-do list right now. You don't want to end up there, for reals.
Characters aside, I pretty much liked everything about this book. I loved the little excerpts from the society papers at the beginning of each chapter and I loved how they gave a glimpse of what was to come. It was so very realistic to me. I really felt like I was back in New York City at the turn of the century. Images were vivid, people were real, and events were captivating. I wanted more than anything to dive in and be a part of it all. (I've often said that I was born in the wrong year...perhaps my true calling was in 1898?)
The Luxe is the first book in a four-book series, with Rumors, Envy, and Splendor following. They're all fantastic books and I'd recommend the entire series. (Plus, they all have equally gorgeous covers!)
I'm giving The Luxe a 'Pick Me' rating for bringing my love of historical fiction back!