Gossip Girl meets the Gilded Age in this delicious and compelling series. All four books are included in this collection.Manhattan, 1899: In a world of luxury and deception, where appearance matters above everything and breaking the social code means running the risk of being ostracized forever, five teenagers lead dangerously scandalous lives. This thrilling trip to the age of innocence is anything but innocent.The Luxe: Beautiful sisters Elizabeth and Diana Holland rule Manhattans social scene. Or so it appears. When the girls discover their status among New York Citys elite is far from secure, suddenly everyonefrom the backstabbing socialite Penelope Hayes, to the debonair bachelor Henry Schoonmaker, to the spiteful maid Lina Broudthreatens Elizabeths and Dianas golden future.Rumors: As rumors fly about the untimely demise of New Yorks brightest star, Elizabeth Holland, all eyes are on those closest to the dearly departed: her sister, Diana, the familys only hope for redemption; Henry Schoonmaker, the flame Elizabeth never extinguished; Penelope Hayes, poised to claim all that her best friend left behind; even Elizabeths former maid, Lina Broud, who discovers that while money matters and breeding counts, gossip is the new currency.Envy: Two months after Elizabeth Hollands dramatic homecoming, Manhattan eagerly awaits her return to the pinnacle of society. But all is not as it seems behind the stately doors of No. 17 Gramercy Park South. Farther uptown, Henry and Penelope Schoonmaker are the citys most celebrated couple. But the newlyweds share little more than scorn for each other. And while the newspapers call Penelopes social-climbing best friend, Carolina Broad, an heiress, her fortuneand her fameare anything but secure, especially now that one of societys darlings is slipping tales to the eager pressSplendor: When a surprising clue about their fathers death comes to light, the Holland girls wonder at what cost a life of splendor comes. Carolina Broad, societys newest darling, fans a flame from her past, oblivious to how it might burn her future. Penelope Schoonmaker is finally Manhattan royaltybut when a real prince visits the city, she covets a title that comes with a crown. As society watches what will become of the citys oldest families and newest fortunes, one question remains: Will its stars fade away or will they shine ever brighter?
