Rating: 
Summary: Perfect Beach Read
Review: The woman in the book store said that she hadn't read it but that it was flying out of the store. I can see why!!! I purchased it and spent the next day on the beach devouring it. Perfect beach book, easy read, good plotting and thoroughly enjoyable.
Rating: 
Summary: Super Read
Review: This book fun, sly, and a great tale. I literally could not put it down. It's an amazing read. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: I just kept reading and reading...
Review: This book RULED MY WORLD while I was reading it. I loved, loved, loved it! Revenge, money, mystery, and social climbing... never a sweeter combo... READ THIS BOOK (and pick up a copy of Emily Post's etiquette book to follow it up)!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Read
Review: This is a fast paced page turner. The heroine is bright and sympathetic,the villian is deliciously deceptive and the supporting cast memorable. The author's quick wit and keen social observations are on full display. This book has lingered in my thoughts well after the last sentence was read.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect for the beach -- if you don't mind staying up late!
Review: This is a very witty, fun, light read. It doesn't take itself seriously, but the plot is riveting enough that you may find that you can not put this book down. A definite guilty pleasure!
Rating:
Summary: Revenge is always bittersweet
Review: This novel is typical of high society and the backstabbing and hardships that come along with the riches and power. The downfall of one grand woman amidst New York City's social elite was the plot to this riveting tale of lies and deception. I was constantly rooting for her to succeed at whatever costs. She was a great lead character, and a great example of a strong-willed woman. One no doubt that deserved her claim to fame and money. You could tell that the rich are rich for a reason; they know how to use their cunningness to achieve high set goals. She truly encompasses the cliche "you don't know what you have until it is gone". There was one small detail that I didn't particularly buy into while reading this novel. I couldn't help but think that it took place in the middle of the 20th century, circa 1940's, when it in actuality was set in almost the 21st century. I, for one, growing up in the New York modern atmosphere was not aware of the customs that one of such wealth was "supposed" to display. I believe that maybe this would be true for the older generation of wealth, but it's too vague details concerning style and modernimity was lost on me. Not including the single reference to MTV, there was no other sign that we lived in more of a modern era. No cell phones, computers, hell, even people under the age of forty. It was all too old world for me. Nevertheless, for being a murder mystery, that it was. It definitely didn't lack in the suspense department and it had a delightful ending. It was bittersweet to say the least, but a delight nonetheless. It leaves the reader hanging, but gripped until the last word. I recommend this to any reader looking for a light read with an edge. Definitely of the high class chick lit genre. It was much more well-written then the average chick lit book, though, and the author knew her art and history very well. As a true lover of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I was ecstatic to read about Marie Antoinette, who plays a large part in this novel as well. I consider reading this author in the near future.
Rating:
Summary: Phenomenal
Review: This story pulled me in from the very first word. If you enjoy reading about how the other half lives, in all their horrifyingly shallow glory, you will love this book. Jo is a great character - flaws and all. I was rooting for her all the way. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect for the beach -- if you don't mind staying up late!
Review: This was a juicy read with fantastic plotting. I was biting my nails at the inevitable outcome. Look forward to reading her next one. My favorite NYC book yet.
Rating:
Summary: Behind the Velvet Rope
Review: Well, well, well, this tale of a social climbing, backstabbing, husband stealing, couture wearing, billionaire marrying, air kissing, murderess, socialite of New York was way more fun than I ever imagined. Main character, Jo Slater had a whole bunch of other redeeming qualities that made her very likable, but I don't think I cared THAT much about that. I just wanted to be on her guest list. I wanted to be part of her privileged world. Jane Stanton Hitchcock wrote in such a gracious and inviting manner that I did feel like one of the privileged few.
I could hardly wait to see what would happen next. I wanted to know who's money, power and influence was doing what to who and when and HOW. What a guilty pleasure this story way. It was snippy, gossipy, witty and funny. Okay, so there WAS a murder and that's serious stuff, but so what. These were fictitious characters and a fictitious plot and every bit of the story wasn't always believable. Still, I liked it because whatever that thing is that makes us watch the rich and famous was operating at full speed.
| 
