From the Publisher
As adventure and romance unfold away from the repressive social norms of the early 20th century, Vida discovers not just her true love, but for the first time, a true sense of self…A sweeping page-turner.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Lush language manages to convey the mores of a Titanic-tinged world while moving the story at a brisk pace that will keep contemporary readers engaged.” — Publishers Weekly
Praise for The Luxe series: “A big, sumptuous tale of catty girls, dark secrets and windswept romance unfurls in this compulsively readable novel of late–19th century New York City socialites…Readers will clamor for this sharp, smart drama of friends, lovers, lies and betrayal.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“Mystery, romance, jealousy, betrayal, humor, and gorgeous, historically accurate details. I couldn’t put The Luxe down!”
— Cecily von Ziegesar, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Gossip Girl series
“Skillfully plotted and full of decadent detail. Godbersen captures the drawing–room sensibilities and society flair of Wharton, Thackeray, and James without burdening readers with their posh literariness or social critique.”
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Praise for WHEN WE CAUGHT FIRE: “The action-packed ending leads to an apogee that will appeal to lovers of soap operas. Danielle Steele for the younger set.” — Kirkus Reviews
“A steamy romance set amid the tragic Chicago fire of 1871 that will intrigue fans of dramatic, swoony historical fiction.” — School Library Journal
Cecily von Ziegesar
Mystery, romance, jealousy, betrayal, humor, and gorgeous, historically accurate details. I couldn’t put The Luxe down!”
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Skillfully plotted and full of decadent detail. Godbersen captures the drawing–room sensibilities and society flair of Wharton, Thackeray, and James without burdening readers with their posh literariness or social critique.”
Cecily von Ziegesar
Mystery, romance, jealousy, betrayal, humor, and gorgeous, historically accurate details. I couldn’t put The Luxe down!”
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Skillfully plotted and full of decadent detail. Godbersen captures the drawing–room sensibilities and society flair of Wharton, Thackeray, and James without burdening readers with their posh literariness or social critique.”
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Skillfully plotted and full of decadent detail. Godbersen captures the drawing–room sensibilities and society flair of Wharton, Thackeray, and James without burdening readers with their posh literariness or social critique.”
Kirkus Reviews
2020-08-12
Romance blooms on a desert island.
Vidalia Hazzard has it all planned out: The teen socialite is determined to win the heart of wealthy adventurer Fitzhugh Farrar aboard the Princess of the Pacific as it sails across the seas from San Francisco to Australia. Vida’s plan doesn’t account for Fitzhugh’s friend Sal getting under her skin, nor for the luxury liner to disastrously sink, leaving Vida, Sal, Fitzhugh, and several other survivors stranded on a small desert island. As adventure and romance unfold away from the repressive social norms of the early 20th century, Vida discovers not just her true love, but for the first time, a true sense of self. The narrative travels in bodice-ripper trappings but smartly sidesteps the saucier elements of the genre in favor of an internal investigation of Vida. Sal and Fitzhugh are less defined, but the book knows it isn’t about them but rather what they represent. Readers (particularly those susceptible to romance and adventure) will be turning pages well into the night. The only problem is that shortly before the novel’s end many will have figured out how this is all going to shake out, and the narrative doesn’t do anything to surprise. Before this point there are a few well-plotted twists and turns, making the last chunk feel a bit like a story gliding on autopilot. The cast is White.
A sweeping page-turner. (Romance. 12-16)
