In this second book of the series, we catch up with Cordelia, Astrid and Letty.
All three girls are living at the Grey house.

Cordelia is working with her brother Charlie on opening their own speakeasy.

Astrid has gotten engaged to Charlie.

And Letty is continuing to pursue her dream of being a singer.

Each girl has some personal high and low moments during this book. It moves the storyline forward towards the next book.

I have book three on the way and I am looking forward to finding out how the story concludes.

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A very nice continuation, great pace and interesting story. Great detail without getting lost in it. Really looking forward to the next installment. ( )

This could also be titled "The Girls Almost Grow Up," as Letty and Cordelia seem to have finally found their places in 1929 New York. Cordelia has recovered from her immaturity in book one, and is bound and determined to carry on the bootlegging Gray name, while Letty has improved not only in her singing, but in her ability to "reach out and grab" her impending stardom. Astrid is the only one of the trio to have taken several steps back from book one. Her immaturity shows throughout, and almost causes her fiance Charlie Gray to pay more than he'd ever expected he'd have to pay for something in his life. ( )

Highly Recommended

This is the second book in the Bright Young Things series. The story definitely continues from the 1st book. I would not advise reading the 2nd book as a stand alone because the characters and story have already been introduced. Cordelia Grey and Letty Larkspur came to New York City from small town Ohio. As the story revealed in the first book, Cordelia Grey was the lost daughter of a famous and wealthy bootlegger. Cordelia’s and Letty’s fortunes changed and they were whisked away from the city by Cordelia’s brother, Charlie, to the family estate. They had food, money, a place to stay and quickly entered high society. Cordelia started getting involved in the family business and Letty kept trying to pursue her acting career. Astrid was one of their new friends who was getting married to Charlie. All three girls found young men they were interested in which let to summer romance. Unfortunately, the romance was followed by heartbreak. There was suspense and betrayal in the bootlegging business. Money and status came before friendship. All the girls had to deal with betrayal and disappointment.
It was a good read overall. Like the first book, the historical detail of New York City, the clothes, the nightlife, and the roles of women were portrayed quite accurately. Readers will be learning about prohibition without even realizing it. The writing flows, the characters are likable, and it’s a good mix of suspense and romance. There is a 3rd volume that will be released. I think this is a good book for fun reading in history classes for prohibition or bootlegging topics. It’s a good purchase for a public or school library. Not really too much explicit material, but definitely illegal drinking and allusions to sex. All the girls describe their kisses, with boys, to each other. Based on the cover art and main characters, this book is targeted towards girls. It would be a good historical fiction series for a book club, just not as easy as using a stand alone book for book clubs. Overall, I enjoyed reading it and I look forward to the 3rd book. ( )

I listened to the audio version of this book from Amazon's Audible. The reader, Caitlin Davies was FANTASTIC. Her voice was smooth and she livened the story. I would give Caitlin 5 stars. Sometimes, when listening to a book instead of reading it, the choice of the reader can be a terrible mistake that can negatively affect the book.

I have read all of Anna Godberson's books thus far. Beautiful Days was a good read, nothing over top but a solid story. No doubt about it, Anna's writing is simply beautiful. She has a way with words. In this second installment the story centers aroung the girls, Letty, Cordelia and Astrid but also features more of Charlie. I liked that Charlie had a bigger role in the story as now he has to take over his Fathers Empire. I enjoyed watching Cordelia getting more aquainted and at ease in her new role and lifestyle. As many have said before me, Astrid is annoying, spoiled and whiny at best. So, I wont say much about her but that she gets in a whole heep of trouble, more than once, for her foolishness.

Letty, is who I am rooting for to make it big and become the talk of the town. I am hoping in the next installment she has the limelight and the story will revolve around her. ( )