Review of Rumours by Anna Godbersen

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 Schoon-maker, 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.

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Something I've just noticed was that the English edition has an extra letter - the American spelling is Rumors, I believe. I prefer the English edition because of the pretty decorations, all the flowers and swirlys are rather appealing!

I did enjoy this book but found The Luxe to be more exciting and readable. This is a great read if you loved the Luxe and want to know more about the characters lives (which I did) but the pace slows down quite a lot. The main thing I felt throughout this book was frustration. I was frustrated with Lina the most, who's still pining after Will, thinking if she makes herself look more like Elizabeth she'll win him. In doing so she becomes more in love with herself throughout the book. I definitely disliked her character the most.
I was also annoyed with the ending. Really annoyed. I did not want it to end the way it did, which was quite shocking after keeping with a steady (albeit slightly boring) pace throughout.

The story starts off the same way as Luxe - with an unknown narrator, telling you of an event that will happen in future, before dragging you a few weeks back into the past, so you can read about the events that led up to the event.

For the series to pick up pace again, some pretty awesome stuff better happen in the next book, I want fairytale weddings and rainbows next time, Miss Godberson, you hear?

3/5