Reviewed by Julie M. Prince for TeensReadToo.com
One of the elite, one of the daughters of New York society, is dead.
In life, the lovely and fair Elizabeth Holland is everything a young, turn-of-the-century girl of her position ought to be. But, it's not easy to be proper and mannerly all the time, and a handsome servant who lives in the stable gets to see more of her than anyone else -- much, much more.
No one knows of their secret affair, except Miss Holland's personal maid, Lina. Why did Elizabeth Holland have to go and pick Lina's love interest to treat as her personal plaything? Isn't it enough that the wealthy and admired young lady is betrothed to New York's most eligible bachelor?
Henry Schoonmaker doesn't even want to marry the prim and boring Miss Holland. He's having too much fun living a carefree life and having a secret affair with his fiancé's best friend, Penelope Hayes. But, that sister of Elizabeth's, she is truly spirited. Yes, maybe Diana is the Holland sister for him. Maybe he should defy his father's wishes and forget about Elizabeth...and Penelope.
But, Penelope simply will not be forgotten. Henry Schoonmaker belongs to her. It should be her name linked with his in all the society papers. She'll do whatever it takes to get him back.
The twists and turns readers navigate throughout this book are staggering. With so many different perspectives to balance, the story could become difficult to follow, but author Anna Godbersen deftly guides her readers through the tale.
It can be unclear at times where loyalties should lie, with so many scandalous doings underway. However, this only further adds to the big picture of New York's upper crust society and the games its elitist members must play in order to stay on top.
The mystery of Elizabeth Holland's impending death will keep readers riveted, and by the story's end, they will be crying out for a sequel. I join their ranks in hoping this debut novelist will comply.
One of the elite, one of the daughters of New York society, is dead.
In life, the lovely and fair Elizabeth Holland is everything a young, turn-of-the-century girl of her position ought to be. But, it's not easy to be proper and mannerly all the time, and a handsome servant who lives in the stable gets to see more of her than anyone else -- much, much more.
No one knows of their secret affair, except Miss Holland's personal maid, Lina. Why did Elizabeth Holland have to go and pick Lina's love interest to treat as her personal plaything? Isn't it enough that the wealthy and admired young lady is betrothed to New York's most eligible bachelor?
Henry Schoonmaker doesn't even want to marry the prim and boring Miss Holland. He's having too much fun living a carefree life and having a secret affair with his fiancé's best friend, Penelope Hayes. But, that sister of Elizabeth's, she is truly spirited. Yes, maybe Diana is the Holland sister for him. Maybe he should defy his father's wishes and forget about Elizabeth...and Penelope.
But, Penelope simply will not be forgotten. Henry Schoonmaker belongs to her. It should be her name linked with his in all the society papers. She'll do whatever it takes to get him back.
The twists and turns readers navigate throughout this book are staggering. With so many different perspectives to balance, the story could become difficult to follow, but author Anna Godbersen deftly guides her readers through the tale.
It can be unclear at times where loyalties should lie, with so many scandalous doings underway. However, this only further adds to the big picture of New York's upper crust society and the games its elitist members must play in order to stay on top.
The mystery of Elizabeth Holland's impending death will keep readers riveted, and by the story's end, they will be crying out for a sequel. I join their ranks in hoping this debut novelist will comply.
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