Splendor: a Luxe Novel by Anna Godbersen. 391 pages. 2009.
This final installment of The Luxe ties a tidy bow around the series, fit for one of those dazzling dresses that adorn the covers. Godbersen takes us on a final wild ride with the characters we love, as well as those we love to hate.
Carolina Broad, who graces the cover in her lavender gown, has finally established herself among New York’s social elite; however, she still longs for the love of Leland Bouchard. When Carolina finds herself in Leland’s arms, she believes her wildest dreams have come true, but her lies and social blunders along the way to engagement may yet cost Carolina more than her newfound wealth can buy.
Penelope Hayes has been trapped in the Schoonmaker mansion under the pretense of miscarriage while her husband travels to Cuba with dashed hopes of serving his country. Bitter and alienated, Penelope crashes back into the social scene and discovers that she may yet assume a title grander than Mrs. Henry Schoonmaker. The Prince of Bavaria is even more scandalous and seductive than Penelope, and she agrees when he asserts that she would be happier if she were a princess. Poor Penelope has finally met her match!
Elizabeth’s belly continues to swell, and she feels utter gratitude for Mr. Cairns, who has not only married her despite her condition, but has also purchased a lovely house for her. While arranging her husband’s office, Elizabeth finds a document that links her name to Will Keller. When Elizabeth recognizes a man at the door, she realizes that Mr. Cairns may not be her savior after all. Only one person can save her from this new-found horror, but will he return from war in time?
Diana has traveled the world looking for Henry. She finally reunites with him in Cuba, but the pair’s blissful reunion ends when an officer discovers Diana in Henry’s bed. As soon as Diana returns to New York, she knows that she has outgrown the city and its stifling rules. An escape to Paris with Henry is all that Diana can hope for, but a shocking turn of events at the Schoonmaker mansion may prevent Henry from joining her.
If you're looking for a light, but well written book to get lost in for the weekend, give this on a try! Ultimately, the women emerge strong and independent. Godbersen leaves us with a satisfying conclusion to this wonderful series for readers who love historical fiction, romance, and intrigue.
12/15/2009
11/13/2009
Teen Volunteers Recommend
The Collector by John Fowles. Reviewed by Chloe.
Summary:
A butterfly collector takes his interest in a girl named Miranda to a new level of obsession when the thought of kidnap crosses his mind.
How did you like it?
The Collector is a suspensful novel that will leave the reader wondering the outcome of Miranda and Frederick's circumstances until the end. The novel gives insight on a strange and disturbed man as well as a fascinating young woman with a will to survive. It's easy to read and is definitely fast paced. It is exciting and still thoughtful. Though I read it for school, I would have read this book for fun anyway.
Summary:
A butterfly collector takes his interest in a girl named Miranda to a new level of obsession when the thought of kidnap crosses his mind.
How did you like it?
The Collector is a suspensful novel that will leave the reader wondering the outcome of Miranda and Frederick's circumstances until the end. The novel gives insight on a strange and disturbed man as well as a fascinating young woman with a will to survive. It's easy to read and is definitely fast paced. It is exciting and still thoughtful. Though I read it for school, I would have read this book for fun anyway.
Teen Volunteers Recommend
Teen volunteers earn credit and have a good time helping us out at the library. They spend their volunteer hours working on crafts for story time, shelving DVDs, cleaning up, and more, but what do they do in their spare time? Well, sometimes they read! To keep up with volunteer- recommended reads, keep coming back for Teen Volunteers Recommend. . .
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Reviewed by Kayla.
Summary:
A young middle-class woman begins the novel as an assistant to an older woman. When she meets Maxim de Winter, they become friends and soon marry. Upon moving into his home, she is haunted by Maxim's deceased wife, Rebecca. Her death by drowning is causing a mystery at the castle.
How did you like it?
Overall, this novel is entertaining. I read it for school, but it is something that I would read on my own. Maurier is a great descriptive writer, and the characters' emotions are realistic. This book does not try to idealize love or be a scary thriller. It is especially interesting that the author does not give the main character a name. Her writing evokes interest in the reader.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Reviewed by Kayla.
Summary:
A young middle-class woman begins the novel as an assistant to an older woman. When she meets Maxim de Winter, they become friends and soon marry. Upon moving into his home, she is haunted by Maxim's deceased wife, Rebecca. Her death by drowning is causing a mystery at the castle.
How did you like it?
Overall, this novel is entertaining. I read it for school, but it is something that I would read on my own. Maurier is a great descriptive writer, and the characters' emotions are realistic. This book does not try to idealize love or be a scary thriller. It is especially interesting that the author does not give the main character a name. Her writing evokes interest in the reader.
11/06/2009
Get Published Here!
Are you an avid reader? Want to get involved in the library and get some practice writing? You've come to the right place! We are seeking teen book reviewers to help us promote all the awesome reads HDPL offers. Stop by Green Valley Library to pick up a review sheet, or send us an e mail at jdsullenberger@hdpl.org. We will try to get a submission form online soon!
Reviews should contain your first and last name, your grade, the book's title and author, a brief summary, and your critique! For some tips on how to write a great review, see the following websites:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4448564_write-professional-book-review.html
http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/bookrev/read.htm
http://www.writing-world.com/freelance/asenjo.shtml
We hope to read your thoughts soon!
Reviews should contain your first and last name, your grade, the book's title and author, a brief summary, and your critique! For some tips on how to write a great review, see the following websites:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4448564_write-professional-book-review.html
http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/bookrev/read.htm
http://www.writing-world.com/freelance/asenjo.shtml
We hope to read your thoughts soon!
8/17/2009
Transitions and an Exciting Event!
First, an announcement! HDPL is now on MySpace, so check us out and add us if you like! With the addition of the MySpace blog, we are going to be changing the purpose of the Teen Spot Blog (the one you are reading now)! In the future, we will start posting book reviews here, and all of the library happenings will show up on our MySpace blog. We still want YOU to help us with these reviews, and we'd love to give you a voice here on our website. If you are interested in contributing, please e mail Jessica Sullenberger (that's me) at jdsullenberger@hdpl.org. Contributors must be between the ages of 12 and 17.
I do have one last announcement before we switch gears. Tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. at Green Valley Library, we are having a Fall Fashion Preview. A student from the International Academy of Design and Technology is going to talk to us about what's hot for the fall season. Even better, he's going to teach us how to forecast trends by keeping up with news, pop culture, politics, and more. I am very excited about this program, and I hope that some of you are, too! Please come to the library a few minutes before the program starts so we can begin on time! Light refreshments will be provided. If you have any questions, or if you want to sign up, give me a call at 207-4262. I hope to see you there!
I do have one last announcement before we switch gears. Tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. at Green Valley Library, we are having a Fall Fashion Preview. A student from the International Academy of Design and Technology is going to talk to us about what's hot for the fall season. Even better, he's going to teach us how to forecast trends by keeping up with news, pop culture, politics, and more. I am very excited about this program, and I hope that some of you are, too! Please come to the library a few minutes before the program starts so we can begin on time! Light refreshments will be provided. If you have any questions, or if you want to sign up, give me a call at 207-4262. I hope to see you there!
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