Splendor (2010) (edit title/settings)

Jess :) edited the summary of Splendor Sunday, May 23, 2010.

• Splendor, the final book of a four part series, is a historical fiction novel filled with ball gowns, scandal and romance. Set in 1889,1900, the book starts out in Cuba, where a wealthy, good-looking young man, by the name of Henry Schoonmaker, is fulfilling military services by steering racing boats, thinking of his Manhattan lover, and drinking the days away. Diana, the other half to the dynamic couple, leaves her home in New York, to chase after him. Protected by the lie that she is at finishing school in Paris, she arrives in Cuba and starts a job as a local bar-tender, continuing to search for Henry.
  Meanwhile, several sub-plots are unfolding in Manhattan. Elizabeth, Diana's older sister, finds herself a pregnant widow still living in her mothers' house. Although it is far from agreeable, she is offered marriage by an older family friend. With little options left, she accepts. Soon she discovers her marriage wasn't a favor for her family, but an opportunity for her new husband to gain financial advantage from her position. When she confronts him, he continuously subdues her with opium. Concurrently, Henry's wife, Penelope, struggles with their sour marriage, but her main goal is to gain acceptance and envy with the social elite of Manhattan. Carolina Broad,the former Holland ladie's maid, mysteriously made her way to high society, but her hunger for more money, recognition and stability grows with her success.
  The author resolves all of the complicated sub-plots at the end of the book. After Henry's father's death and Penelope's very publicized affair, their marriage dissolves. The independent and spirited Diana abruptly turns down Henry's marriage proposal and sets sail for Paris alone. Carolina has everything she wanted, but her web of deceit is uncovered and she is forced to start a new life with the truth known. Elizabeth escapes serious harm, and finally finds happiness and security with her childhood friend.

Jana B edited the summary of Splendor Saturday, December 19, 2009.

• SplendorSplendor, the final book of a four part series, is a historical fiction novel filled with ball gowns, scandal and romance. FiveSet in 1889, the book starts out in Cuba, where a wealthy, good-looking young man, by the name of Henry Schoonmaker, is fulfilling military services by steering racing boats, thinking of his Manhattan lover, and drinking the days away. Diana, the other half to the dynamic couple, leaves her home in New York, to chase after him. Protected by the lie that she is at finishing school in Paris, she arrives in Cuba and starts a job as a local bar-tender, continuing to search for Henry.
  Meanwhile, several sub-plots are unfolding in Manhattan. Elizabeth, Diana's older sister, finds herself a pregnant widow still living in her mothers' house. Although it is far from agreeable, she is offered marriage by an older family friend. With little options left, she accepts. Soon she discovers her marriage wasn't a favor for her family, but an opportunity for her new husband to gain financial advantage from her position. When she confronts him, he continuously subdues her with opium. Concurrently, Henry's wife, Penelope, struggles with their sour marriage, but her main characters dominategoal is to gain acceptance and envy with the social sceneelite of Manhattan's eliteManhattan. Carolina Broad,the former Holland ladie's maid, mysteriously made her way to high society, but her hunger for more money, recognition and stability grows with their intertwined lives.her success.
  The irresistible Henry Schoonmaker doesn't care to adhere toauthor resolves all of the complicated sub-plots at the rulesend of the aristocracy, despite his crucial position. Many young socialites have fallen into the trapbook. After Henry's father's death and Penelope's very publicized affair, their marriage dissolves. The independent and spirited Diana abruptly turns down Henry's marriage proposal and sets sail for Paris alone. Carolina has everything she wanted, but her web of Henry, including Penelope Hayes. Fromdeceit is uncovered and she is forced to start a rising wealthy familynew life with the truth known. Elizabeth escapes serious harm, and finally finds happiness and security with her childhood friend.

Jana B edited the summary of Splendor Saturday, December 19, 2009.

• It’sSplendor is a new year,historical fiction novel filled with ball gowns, scandal and Manhattan’s favorite socialites are stirring up brand-new drama: Elizabeth uncovers a dangerous secret from her past; Diana has an opportunityromance. Five main characters dominate the social scene of Manhattan's elite with their intertwined lives. The irresistible Henry Schoonmaker doesn't care to follow her heart—and claim her future, Lina discovers money can buy happiness…for a time, and Penelope finds that life without Henry brings unexpected pleasures. In this dramatic conclusionadhere to the bestselling Luxe series, old ties are broken, fresh bonds are formed, and every decision comes atrules of the aristocracy, despite his crucial position. Many young socialites have fallen into the trap of Henry, including Penelope Hayes. From a cost.rising wealthy family

Sue edited the summary of Splendor Thursday, October 1, 2009.

• It’s a new year, and Manhattan’s favorite socialites are stirring up brand-new drama: Elizabeth uncovers a dangerous secret from her past; Diana has an opportunity to follow her heart—and claim her future, Lina discovers money can buy happiness…for a time, and Penelope finds that life without Henry brings unexpected pleasures. In this dramatic conclusion to the bestselling Luxe series, old ties are broken, fresh bonds are formed, and every decision comes at a cost.