AnnAlysis: Rumors
May 11th, 2010 | 
Author: 
In Anna Godbersen’s second novel in the Luxe series, the New Yorkers are finally starting to move on from the mysterious death of Elizabeth Holland. Her sister, Diana, is going on numerous dates with the city’s finest bachelors, her fiance Henry is coming out of his mourning phase and her best friend Penelope is waiting in Henry’s shadows. But what some know, and others wonder about, is that the story they heard about Liz, may not be the truth and it will soon all be crystal clear. And what a better way to end the 19th Century than with an amazing wedding with a happy bride and a bribed groom? A love square that became a triangle is now back to two.
Ok, so if you’ve been following my posts, you already know I accidentally read Envy before Rumors. While it wasn’t on purpose, it kind of worked out. I understood that I missed some things, like Elizabeth coming back and Henry’s wedding, but there wasn’t so much missing that I was confused. Going back and reading this after the 3rd one filled in all the holes. It was different, but nice. There are many books in a series where this wouldn’t work.
The thing I like least about these books are they are extremely long. Each book is 400+ pages and I catch myself, numerous times, skimming. I love the fact that I feel like I am there, in 1899 in a hand made dress in the plum middle of NYC winter. But, I just find myself not caring about all of the small details and wanting to get to the juice.
The drama, as with the rest of the series is great. I love how she starts the book with the ending, then goes back to a previous time and works back to the ending. It keeps me guessing how we will get there. I also like, as I have said before, at the beginning of the chapters how she has little snippets from the society pages. I am still on a quest to get in touch with Godbersen to see if these are real snippets and if the characters are based on real life events.
I give Rumors 3 bookmarks. I liked it, but didn’t love it.
Posted in Book Review, Books | 
Tags: anna godbersen, Book Review, Books, envy, luxe, reading, rumors
Oops — I’ve accidentally read books out of order, too! But you’re right: it can work out. Glad the stories didn’t get ruined for you!
I read Luxe a few years back and remember being unimpressed, but at the time I wasn’t really reading much historical fiction or young adult. I’m wondering if my impressions would be different these days? The covers are so gorgeous, I’m tempted to give them a try!