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Exceptional Emma
Emma Nazarian is about to find out what makes her truly exceptional. The last six years have all been leading to this moment--the announcement of a promotion at my structural engineering firm. This job has consumed every spare second of my life, and I'm convinced it's all mine. But I'm wrong. After I get passed for the promotion, I start to question where my life has been heading. What makes me stand out from everyone else? Sure, I'm pretty good at math and physics, but you don't see people gasping in awe when I solve a tricky calculus integral. My shoe collection is pretty showstopping, but those just go on my feet. And when compared to my extraordinarily talented younger brother and sister, I feel so...mediocre. To make things more complicated, I run into my childhood best friend, Jacob. He’s been gone for nearly twenty years, pursuing a super successful professional dance career (and getting super hot), and when he asks what I’ve been up to…I feel so lame. Will I always be average? Maybe not. Maybe I just haven’t tried the thing I’m really, really good at. I don’t care what it is—ice skating, balloon animals, competitive video games—there has to be SOMETHING that makes me amazing. Something that makes me exceptional. And with a little help from Jacob, I’m going to find it.
Exceptional Emma is a work of women's fiction with a romantic comedy vibe. It's a standalone novel filled with character growth, laughter, and swoony kisses.
Exceptional Emma is a work of women's fiction with a romantic comedy vibe. It's a standalone novel filled with character growth, laughter, and swoony kisses.
272 pages, Paperback
Published July 18, 2023
29 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 31, 2023
“Average means…not bad, and not good. Just right in the middle.”
“Oh.” She thinks for a moment. “So it means…enough.”
Oh, the wisdom of a child.
Emma works as a structural engineer. After getting passed up for a promotion, and having her boss tell her that her work is average, she goes on a quest to discover what she’s exceptional at.
As she explores several different options, with many entertaining ’fails’ along the way, her journey is one of self discovery and growth.
A childhood friend comes back into her life, and a sweet romance happens as he helps her share her journey on social media.
Initially, Emma misses what matters most, and her story is not only entertaining, but also very thought provoking and relatable.
I really loved:
💜Emma’s growth—getting lost and finding her way back
💜 Failing and trying again
💜 Two definitions of exceptional
💜 People and relationships matter most
💜 Comparing yourself to others is damaging
💜 Good and bad of social media
💜 Average is enough
💜 YOU ARE ENOUGH!
I adore a story that entertains and makes me think and do some self reflecting. Exceptional Emma did all of this beautifully and I loved it!
Many thanks to the author for a review copy.
“Oh.” She thinks for a moment. “So it means…enough.”
Oh, the wisdom of a child.
Emma works as a structural engineer. After getting passed up for a promotion, and having her boss tell her that her work is average, she goes on a quest to discover what she’s exceptional at.
As she explores several different options, with many entertaining ’fails’ along the way, her journey is one of self discovery and growth.
A childhood friend comes back into her life, and a sweet romance happens as he helps her share her journey on social media.
Initially, Emma misses what matters most, and her story is not only entertaining, but also very thought provoking and relatable.
I really loved:
💜Emma’s growth—getting lost and finding her way back
💜 Failing and trying again
💜 Two definitions of exceptional
💜 People and relationships matter most
💜 Comparing yourself to others is damaging
💜 Good and bad of social media
💜 Average is enough
💜 YOU ARE ENOUGH!
I adore a story that entertains and makes me think and do some self reflecting. Exceptional Emma did all of this beautifully and I loved it!
Many thanks to the author for a review copy.
July 19, 2023
This book was so good! It’s like women’s fiction with a romcom vibe and it really just hit home on the topic of priorities. Emma is grappling with being average and wants to find out what makes her exceptional—so she decides to go on a journey, using social media to document everything she is trying. Right as she is deciding to take on this challenge she runs into her grade school best friend, Jacob. And oh, Jacob is just the best.
Things I Loved:
-Dance class fail
-Remeet cute 😍😂
-Haircut (and Sharleen)
-Not a date
-Her journal
-Texting favorites
-All the things she tried: ice skating, balloon animals, calligraphy (loved that Easter egg 😉), video games
-Cami 🤍
-“Sometimes we need the sad parts to teach us how to be happy. And sad things help us remember what’s most important.”
-THAT KISS! 💜
-“You are so much more than average. In every way that matters, you are absolutely exceptional.”
-“And loving someone means being there for them, even if you have to say something they don’t want to hear.”
-Cynthia
-“I’m so grateful that I have this opportunity to rest and remember that life isn’t about what you do, but who you do it with.”
-Starfish
-The whole ending 🤍💜🤍
This was Emma’s personal journey to finding herself and realizing what matters in life. It was so well done, heart achingly so at points—because don’t we all get lost sometimes? And it hurts when we do. Jacob had lived this journey himself and I just love the way he saw her through it. Their love story may not be the focal point, but it was so perfect.
This was a beautiful read that left me feeling encouraged and challenged to keep my priorities in line.
Trigger warning: recent loss of a parent & complicated parental relationship
Things I Loved:
-Dance class fail
-Remeet cute 😍😂
-Haircut (and Sharleen)
-Not a date
-Her journal
-Texting favorites
-All the things she tried: ice skating, balloon animals, calligraphy (loved that Easter egg 😉), video games
-Cami 🤍
-“Sometimes we need the sad parts to teach us how to be happy. And sad things help us remember what’s most important.”
-THAT KISS! 💜
-“You are so much more than average. In every way that matters, you are absolutely exceptional.”
-“And loving someone means being there for them, even if you have to say something they don’t want to hear.”
-Cynthia
-“I’m so grateful that I have this opportunity to rest and remember that life isn’t about what you do, but who you do it with.”
-Starfish
-The whole ending 🤍💜🤍
This was Emma’s personal journey to finding herself and realizing what matters in life. It was so well done, heart achingly so at points—because don’t we all get lost sometimes? And it hurts when we do. Jacob had lived this journey himself and I just love the way he saw her through it. Their love story may not be the focal point, but it was so perfect.
This was a beautiful read that left me feeling encouraged and challenged to keep my priorities in line.
Trigger warning: recent loss of a parent & complicated parental relationship
April 5, 2025
I have LOVED every Marie Soleil book I’ve ever read and for some reason this one just didn’t hit for me so I did dnf 😅
July 31, 2023
I absolutely loved Emma's story- the heartache,the growth, love and sweetness from Jacob,the hope. Truly a beautiful story!
August 6, 2023
What a wonderful read! Loved this story! Such a good theme of learning -You are enough- Emma is the oldest of three and feels her younger sister and brother have things they each do that make them exceptional and she wants to find what hers is. At the same time her childhood friend Jacob comes back into her life in the sweetest way. He is a professional dancer that moved away when they were in fourth grade and up until then they had been best friends. Jacob is the sweetest most sincere MMC that truly sees Emma as being the exceptional human she needs to learn she is. I loved the things Emma tried out like Ice skating, balloon animals, video games, and photography! She unexpectedly tried Beer Hockey and she made some of the truest friends there. Some of my most favorite moments were the Hip Hop Class, the texting, Salsa Dancing, and Camping. For a while Emma lost herself and had to hit rock bottom to finally hear what her family and friends had been telling her all along, that she was perfect just the was she was. My favorite quote was from Jacob’s little niece about what the word Average means: “Oh.” She thinks for a moment. “So it means…enough.” I loved Emma’s best friend Sharleen and new friend Cynthia. Thank you @authormariesoleil for the ARC copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 4, 2023
I just finished reading this book with my husband, and it was way deeper than either of us were expecting. In the best way. It facilitated great discussion throughout the reading experience, and when we finished, I think we discussed it for an additional hour afterwards.
Marie gives us such well-rounded characters. I liked that I was in love with them sometimes and frustrated with them at other times. I think that's a sign of a well-written character.
Jacob is SO sweet, and Emma was relatable in her struggles. There are also lots of side characters that have a fair amount of depth but don't distract from the story; they just thicken the whole plot. 👌🏼
There were so many deeply reflective quotes—some my husband even asked me to repeat mid-reading. In a lot of ways, Emma's story was the reality check I needed, and I appreciate Marie for writing a story that penetrated my tunnel vision and helped me slow down and recalibrate. 🤍
Some favorite quotes:
"𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝.”
"𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙮. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧."
Marie gives us such well-rounded characters. I liked that I was in love with them sometimes and frustrated with them at other times. I think that's a sign of a well-written character.
Jacob is SO sweet, and Emma was relatable in her struggles. There are also lots of side characters that have a fair amount of depth but don't distract from the story; they just thicken the whole plot. 👌🏼
There were so many deeply reflective quotes—some my husband even asked me to repeat mid-reading. In a lot of ways, Emma's story was the reality check I needed, and I appreciate Marie for writing a story that penetrated my tunnel vision and helped me slow down and recalibrate. 🤍
Some favorite quotes:
"𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝.”
"𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙮. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧."
August 12, 2023
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Cleanliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
This is the second book I've read by Marie Soleil and I want to read everything she's ever written! I just loved watching Emma's journey unfold!
If you enjoyed Emma by Jane Austen and her growth I think you would really enjoy this book! In both novels, there will be moments where the main character will not be your favorite person in the world, but I think that's the best part! We can all relate to messing up and being wrong about things but the important thing is that you learn and grow from them, and that whole journey is showcased beautifully in this novel.
It isn't a romance novel (although the romance is super sweet and Jacob is the literal best) it's in the women's fiction genre and I think it fits that well. It takes your expectations and flips it on its head in the most genius way!
❤️ What I Loved:
- Emma's growth as a character!
- The early scenes where Emma is first trying everything!
- Emma's family and her Armenian heritage that's showcased.
- Jacob was the absolute best, hands down!
✨ Perfect if you love...
character growth,
life lessons,
cute kids,
and sweet romance ✨
🚨 Content Warnings 🚨
Kissing
Cleanliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
This is the second book I've read by Marie Soleil and I want to read everything she's ever written! I just loved watching Emma's journey unfold!
If you enjoyed Emma by Jane Austen and her growth I think you would really enjoy this book! In both novels, there will be moments where the main character will not be your favorite person in the world, but I think that's the best part! We can all relate to messing up and being wrong about things but the important thing is that you learn and grow from them, and that whole journey is showcased beautifully in this novel.
It isn't a romance novel (although the romance is super sweet and Jacob is the literal best) it's in the women's fiction genre and I think it fits that well. It takes your expectations and flips it on its head in the most genius way!
❤️ What I Loved:
- Emma's growth as a character!
- The early scenes where Emma is first trying everything!
- Emma's family and her Armenian heritage that's showcased.
- Jacob was the absolute best, hands down!
✨ Perfect if you love...
character growth,
life lessons,
cute kids,
and sweet romance ✨
🚨 Content Warnings 🚨
Kissing
August 22, 2023
This is an excellent novel with some hard hitting truths within it. Emma feels average - both her siblings have amazing talents and she feels she lacks being exceptional. As she reassess her life and starts posting about her journey to find a talent she is brilliant at, her choices become muddled. Is she doing this just for the likes on social media? How do her relationships, especially the one with her childhood best friend, Jacob, fit into her life?
I loved everything about this story and one of my takeaways from it is the fact that ‘average is enough.’ Enough to be special in a unique way which makes you the person who you are.
I loved everything about this story and one of my takeaways from it is the fact that ‘average is enough.’ Enough to be special in a unique way which makes you the person who you are.
August 11, 2023
3.5 stars because Emma drove me nuts in the first 80% of the book.
As I said in a status update:
“I really don’t understand Emma’s attitude. She quits everything as soon as something is slightly imperfect.
How in the world did she get through engineering school when trial and error is literally what it revolves around.
(I am taking the same classes that she would have taken in college and can assure you that there are A LOT of mistakes to make and nothing turns out the best on the first attempt.)”
As I said in a status update:
“I really don’t understand Emma’s attitude. She quits everything as soon as something is slightly imperfect.
How in the world did she get through engineering school when trial and error is literally what it revolves around.
(I am taking the same classes that she would have taken in college and can assure you that there are A LOT of mistakes to make and nothing turns out the best on the first attempt.)”
July 14, 2023
I was honored to read an early version of EE and see the development of the story and the journey the author, Marie took Emma on. It was funny and sweet while making you think, and aren't those just the best kinds of books? Emma is a very relatable character who wants to find that thing she's best at and will try just about anything to figure this out. You will laugh and cry, seeing yourself on the pages.
If you're looking for a sweet, clean women's fiction novel with a rom-com flare, this is your book!
If you're looking for a sweet, clean women's fiction novel with a rom-com flare, this is your book!
August 28, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
This story was sweet and full of self reflection. Though if I’m being honest, I found Emma slightly annoying for 3/4 of the book. I did appreciate her acknowledgment that she was wrong and her realization that being average is okay. This would be a great book for those who like self discovery and character growth.
This story was sweet and full of self reflection. Though if I’m being honest, I found Emma slightly annoying for 3/4 of the book. I did appreciate her acknowledgment that she was wrong and her realization that being average is okay. This would be a great book for those who like self discovery and character growth.
August 23, 2023
This was pretty good. It had a few highlightable lines. I felt like it was missing something, but I can't put my finger on what that is. I think there are some good take aways.
July 24, 2023
recicived an ARC in exchange for an honest review ⛸️��🎮📸✒️🌼
⛸️ things i liked:
- give me a more cohesive rom-com cover with an amazing font and items that are parts of the book, ill wait :))
- i think the title of the book was just genius and how it took a main part of the book
- i only read " let love in" by Marie but comparing this one to it, i can say the writing style improved!
- the journey was heartfelt and i think it was really enjoyable
- i love how you get the aftermath of the journey along the way
- I'd like to have a physical copy bc look at the colors of that cover!!
- a FMC that admits that she's wrong and tries to fix it? yes please.
- the way how Marie showcased Emma's mental health and the character development was a chef's kiss
- loved that epilouge!
- i appreciate the fast-forward timelines that avoids the story being boring
🎈 things i didn’t like:
- in my opinion i think getting them together was kinda rushed ngl but i guess i got that feeling because i didn’t feel that there was many memories of them as children
- why the third act breakup😭 i don't enjoy this trope much but what made me dislike the trope more is because i didn’t feel there was an actual reason to fight in the first place
- my problem in general is the writing style, specifically repetition
for example, there was a lot of use for the word " gorgeous" that using its synonyms would've been better
📸 quotes i liked:
"Sometimes we need the sad parts to teach us how to be happy."
"It’s a gift, Emma. To take these moments and freeze the beauty in them. It’s all in the perspective."
🎮 okay but listen... what if there was a second book to be Garen and Rose's story?!
( Marie, I'm begging you😭)
✒️ overall, i really enjoyed the book as a woman's fiction with a dash of rom-com vibe into it. in my opinion, it was perfectly done and you just know it's Emma's story so it was the perfect choice writing it in single pov- first person
🌼 i also loved behind the scenes that the author was sharing with us in her newsletter like how the story was formed aka the inspiration behind it and how she came to a conclusion with the povs to make the story to the better
⛸️ things i liked:
- give me a more cohesive rom-com cover with an amazing font and items that are parts of the book, ill wait :))
- i think the title of the book was just genius and how it took a main part of the book
- i only read " let love in" by Marie but comparing this one to it, i can say the writing style improved!
- the journey was heartfelt and i think it was really enjoyable
- i love how you get the aftermath of the journey along the way
- I'd like to have a physical copy bc look at the colors of that cover!!
- a FMC that admits that she's wrong and tries to fix it? yes please.
- the way how Marie showcased Emma's mental health and the character development was a chef's kiss
- loved that epilouge!
- i appreciate the fast-forward timelines that avoids the story being boring
🎈 things i didn’t like:
- in my opinion i think getting them together was kinda rushed ngl but i guess i got that feeling because i didn’t feel that there was many memories of them as children
- why the third act breakup😭 i don't enjoy this trope much but what made me dislike the trope more is because i didn’t feel there was an actual reason to fight in the first place
- my problem in general is the writing style, specifically repetition
for example, there was a lot of use for the word " gorgeous" that using its synonyms would've been better
📸 quotes i liked:
"Sometimes we need the sad parts to teach us how to be happy."
"It’s a gift, Emma. To take these moments and freeze the beauty in them. It’s all in the perspective."
🎮 okay but listen... what if there was a second book to be Garen and Rose's story?!
( Marie, I'm begging you😭)
✒️ overall, i really enjoyed the book as a woman's fiction with a dash of rom-com vibe into it. in my opinion, it was perfectly done and you just know it's Emma's story so it was the perfect choice writing it in single pov- first person
🌼 i also loved behind the scenes that the author was sharing with us in her newsletter like how the story was formed aka the inspiration behind it and how she came to a conclusion with the povs to make the story to the better
July 31, 2023
A sweet women's fiction with some romcom vibes!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
September 1, 2023
Almost finished this in one sitting! (I wanted to keep reading, but it was already past time for bed!)
I loved this book— I think a lot of us are looking for what makes us exceptional, and I love how this was addressed in this book!
Emma’s journey was fun & relatable, and I loved her reconnection with her childhood best friend. Jacob was such a lovable character!
Overall, a sweet read with the right amounts of romance & personal growth.
I loved this book— I think a lot of us are looking for what makes us exceptional, and I love how this was addressed in this book!
Emma’s journey was fun & relatable, and I loved her reconnection with her childhood best friend. Jacob was such a lovable character!
Overall, a sweet read with the right amounts of romance & personal growth.
October 17, 2023
A good perspective
I liked the way Emma made mistakes. She is so brave and tries so many things. She needs to see reality.
I liked the way Emma made mistakes. She is so brave and tries so many things. She needs to see reality.
July 15, 2023
Such a cute story of a woman figuring out what makes her exceptional. You laugh with Emma and also cry because it’s so relatable. A must read!
July 19, 2023
Oh my goodness, this book! Not trying to be cute here... but it truly was an exceptional read! In this story, we meet Emma as she's passed up for a promotion and finds herself feeling nothing but average. And so, she sets out on a journey to find the thing that makes her exceptional by trying a variety of hobbies to find something that fits, documenting the process on social media.
I feel like in some ways, there's a little bit of Emma in all of us... or at least that was certainly the case for me. As a perfectionist, who often feels like 'just good' isn't good enough, Emma's character is one I related to very well. I definitely understood that desire to be the best of the best. The story also touched on some of the issues with social media and that desire for outside validation and the dangers of prioritizing that over real-life relationships that again I think is so very relevant to women in all stages of life. As such, not only was this story super entertaining with all her hobby mishaps, but it's a story that we can all learn a little something from too.
When I read in the description that it was 'women's fiction with romantic comedy vibes', I was a little uncertain what to expect because let's just be honest--- I am ALL about the romance in a story. For those who are like me, don't worry! There is definitely a great bit of romance and while it's not the focal point of the story, it definitely made it all that much more enjoyable too. If you were a fan of The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh, this has a very similar feel to it... though both stories are very much different and beautiful in their own ways. Either way, this is certainly one NOT to be missed!
**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.
I feel like in some ways, there's a little bit of Emma in all of us... or at least that was certainly the case for me. As a perfectionist, who often feels like 'just good' isn't good enough, Emma's character is one I related to very well. I definitely understood that desire to be the best of the best. The story also touched on some of the issues with social media and that desire for outside validation and the dangers of prioritizing that over real-life relationships that again I think is so very relevant to women in all stages of life. As such, not only was this story super entertaining with all her hobby mishaps, but it's a story that we can all learn a little something from too.
When I read in the description that it was 'women's fiction with romantic comedy vibes', I was a little uncertain what to expect because let's just be honest--- I am ALL about the romance in a story. For those who are like me, don't worry! There is definitely a great bit of romance and while it's not the focal point of the story, it definitely made it all that much more enjoyable too. If you were a fan of The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh, this has a very similar feel to it... though both stories are very much different and beautiful in their own ways. Either way, this is certainly one NOT to be missed!
**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.
July 30, 2023
If you like journeys of self discovery, family dynamics, photography, flawed heroines, second chance but not exactly romances, best friends to more and dancing, i recommend reading this one! You wont regret it and if you’re anything like me, you might learn a thing or two about yourself.
December 31, 2023
Sweet Finding Self Novel
Emma was someone I could completely understand, because I’m the oldest of 6 kids in a military family, so we could never afford lessons in anything either. Then when she went single minded into photography and lost herself, I was disappointed. It took her entirely too long to realize what she was doing. But, I love how things worked out! She found out what exceptional really means!
Emma was someone I could completely understand, because I’m the oldest of 6 kids in a military family, so we could never afford lessons in anything either. Then when she went single minded into photography and lost herself, I was disappointed. It took her entirely too long to realize what she was doing. But, I love how things worked out! She found out what exceptional really means!
February 8, 2024
fun filled with a great lesson
Thoroughly enjoyable! I think a lesson for everyone that reads it. The author writes in a manner that makes it easy to imagine.
I love that it is clean.
Thoroughly enjoyable! I think a lesson for everyone that reads it. The author writes in a manner that makes it easy to imagine.
I love that it is clean.
May 24, 2024
Delightful Read!
I’m loving this author’s books! Sweet with insightful messages. The plot is well wrought and delightful. I would Highly recommend!
I’m loving this author’s books! Sweet with insightful messages. The plot is well wrought and delightful. I would Highly recommend!
August 1, 2023
Rate: 5/5
Genre: Clean Romance/ Sweet Romance
Read it if you like :
📷childhood friends to lovers
📷Single POV
📷big lessons about being 'enough'
📷adventures of learning stuff.
📷friendship
📷family
Favourite Moments
📷 hip hop dance class
📷 Her trying new things
📷 The trip with Jacob, his sister, little Cami and his friends
📷 Found something that she is good at.
📷 The scene that made her realised important things in life.
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
📷He is always there for her
📷 Supporting her during her journey of finding out what makes her exceptional.
📷 He cares for her.
(lots more)
Synopsis
Emma is a hardworking worker who is very focus in whatever she did. Her long-awaited promotion ended up with her co-worker and worst her boss said that she is just “average”. One day, she overheard the conversation among her colleagues about their children learning things and finding what they are good at. Next thing she know, she quit her job and planned to record her journey full of adventures and trying to find what makes her exceptional with the help of her childhood friend, Jacob whom she never seen him after so many years and post it on Photogram. Will she ever find what makes her exceptional? Read Exceptional Emma to find out.
Review:
I love the quote “Average is enough”. Totally can relate to this story because in life there is always people better than you and as a person, we can’t please everybody with what with do, there bound to people who doesn’t like you and people who like you. I love the Emma try new things and find herself though in life sometimes we do tend to focus to much in what we do we forget what is more important to us which is Emma’s case. And she slowly understands that being “Average is enough” and also, she realised that everyone is exceptional in their own way, we don’t need to prove that we are exceptional. Each of us are special in our own way. We might not see it but God knows how special we are. Love that Jacob is with her throughout the way and also her friends around her, her parents and her siblings supporting her in different ways. This book really made me smile, emotional and swoon.
Thanks Marie Soleil for the ARC copy.
You can purchase Marie Soleil’s books on Amazon and it is available on KU.
Genre: Clean Romance/ Sweet Romance
Read it if you like :
📷childhood friends to lovers
📷Single POV
📷big lessons about being 'enough'
📷adventures of learning stuff.
📷friendship
📷family
Favourite Moments
📷 hip hop dance class
📷 Her trying new things
📷 The trip with Jacob, his sister, little Cami and his friends
📷 Found something that she is good at.
📷 The scene that made her realised important things in life.
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
📷He is always there for her
📷 Supporting her during her journey of finding out what makes her exceptional.
📷 He cares for her.
(lots more)
Synopsis
Emma is a hardworking worker who is very focus in whatever she did. Her long-awaited promotion ended up with her co-worker and worst her boss said that she is just “average”. One day, she overheard the conversation among her colleagues about their children learning things and finding what they are good at. Next thing she know, she quit her job and planned to record her journey full of adventures and trying to find what makes her exceptional with the help of her childhood friend, Jacob whom she never seen him after so many years and post it on Photogram. Will she ever find what makes her exceptional? Read Exceptional Emma to find out.
Review:
I love the quote “Average is enough”. Totally can relate to this story because in life there is always people better than you and as a person, we can’t please everybody with what with do, there bound to people who doesn’t like you and people who like you. I love the Emma try new things and find herself though in life sometimes we do tend to focus to much in what we do we forget what is more important to us which is Emma’s case. And she slowly understands that being “Average is enough” and also, she realised that everyone is exceptional in their own way, we don’t need to prove that we are exceptional. Each of us are special in our own way. We might not see it but God knows how special we are. Love that Jacob is with her throughout the way and also her friends around her, her parents and her siblings supporting her in different ways. This book really made me smile, emotional and swoon.
Thanks Marie Soleil for the ARC copy.
You can purchase Marie Soleil’s books on Amazon and it is available on KU.
July 31, 2023
Exceptional Emma by Marie Soleil gave me everything I needed at this time in my life. I will never forget this story.
Let me start by saying you will love this book if you loved the Barbie movie. If you've seen Barbie, you know that it isn't just fluff; the movie explores some deep topics that women everywhere can resonate with. There were also some gems that men could certainly appreciate. Similarly, Exceptional Emma doesn't just take you on Emma's journey from making a life-changing decision to figuring things out, but it helps you explore your own approach to life. The book makes you want to stop and evaluate where you want to be and how the choices you make will help or hurt.
Contentment isn't a bad thing! It doesn't mean you're not motivated or lack ambition. Rather, you can enjoy your life instead of chasing after things because you think it's what you have to do—it's never too late to switch gears and head in another direction. And you don't have to be known for one thing that becomes your whole personality—personally, I have several go-to hobbies, activities, and creative outlets that add color to my life. I used to feel like I wasn't talented because I'm not a good singer, dancer, athlete, etc. Also, our career is only a small part of who we are.
Exceptional Emma is hilarious and romantic. What I love about the romance in this book is that it involves a relationship that isn't merely attraction or what each person can get out of the other. Emma and Jacob grow together, supporting each other and advocating for one another. And I absolutely love that Marie Soleil really brought these characters to life by including details about their respective cultures, such as in food and language.
I really enjoyed reading about Emma's random adventures, and I got some ideas of things I'd like to try for fun. Her battle with social media reminded me to be balanced as my Instagram grows.
Finally, people say things, even when well-intentioned, that can be totally heartbreaking and make you question your worth, whether personally or professionally. It hurts when you do your best and aren't enough. But one person's opinion of you doesn't define who you are.
"Please remember: in every way that truly matters, you are absolutely exceptional." -Emma
Let me start by saying you will love this book if you loved the Barbie movie. If you've seen Barbie, you know that it isn't just fluff; the movie explores some deep topics that women everywhere can resonate with. There were also some gems that men could certainly appreciate. Similarly, Exceptional Emma doesn't just take you on Emma's journey from making a life-changing decision to figuring things out, but it helps you explore your own approach to life. The book makes you want to stop and evaluate where you want to be and how the choices you make will help or hurt.
Contentment isn't a bad thing! It doesn't mean you're not motivated or lack ambition. Rather, you can enjoy your life instead of chasing after things because you think it's what you have to do—it's never too late to switch gears and head in another direction. And you don't have to be known for one thing that becomes your whole personality—personally, I have several go-to hobbies, activities, and creative outlets that add color to my life. I used to feel like I wasn't talented because I'm not a good singer, dancer, athlete, etc. Also, our career is only a small part of who we are.
Exceptional Emma is hilarious and romantic. What I love about the romance in this book is that it involves a relationship that isn't merely attraction or what each person can get out of the other. Emma and Jacob grow together, supporting each other and advocating for one another. And I absolutely love that Marie Soleil really brought these characters to life by including details about their respective cultures, such as in food and language.
I really enjoyed reading about Emma's random adventures, and I got some ideas of things I'd like to try for fun. Her battle with social media reminded me to be balanced as my Instagram grows.
Finally, people say things, even when well-intentioned, that can be totally heartbreaking and make you question your worth, whether personally or professionally. It hurts when you do your best and aren't enough. But one person's opinion of you doesn't define who you are.
"Please remember: in every way that truly matters, you are absolutely exceptional." -Emma
August 5, 2023
What an absolutely beautiful story! I loved every single bit of it.
Emma's life is predictable and boring but when she is passed over for a promotion, she decides she is not enough as she is and determines to find the thing that she is exceptional at.
Childhood friend Jacob re-enters her life at the start of her journey and the attraction between them quickly turns into something more. But Emma's journey to love and accept herself is full of ups and downs and soon she is faced with choosing between the "exceptional" life she has found and the people who love her most.
What to Love:
Women's fiction
Romcom vibes
Single POV
Childhood friends reunited
Dancing
Character growth
The beach scene
Super cute romance (that kiss!)
Learning to love yourself
Good and bad of social media
Emma's journal
"Life isn't about what you do but who you do it with"
The entire ending
"You are enough."
Emma's story is cute and fun but is also laced with some very important truths about self-acceptance and love. Her journey was heartwarming and inspiring and though I am different from her in many ways, I found myself holding up the truths she learned to the mirror to see how they fit into my own life. This book made me think and ponder and I love that!
I loved how Emma's friends and family, including Jakey, loved her unconditionally but were not afraid to tell her hard truths. That is real love and real friendship.
A beautifully inspiring read that will stay with me for a long time to come. This one gets an enthusiastic 5 stars from me and I will absolutely be re-reading it again. Fans of The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh will enjoy this one!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
Emma's life is predictable and boring but when she is passed over for a promotion, she decides she is not enough as she is and determines to find the thing that she is exceptional at.
Childhood friend Jacob re-enters her life at the start of her journey and the attraction between them quickly turns into something more. But Emma's journey to love and accept herself is full of ups and downs and soon she is faced with choosing between the "exceptional" life she has found and the people who love her most.
What to Love:
Women's fiction
Romcom vibes
Single POV
Childhood friends reunited
Dancing
Character growth
The beach scene
Super cute romance (that kiss!)
Learning to love yourself
Good and bad of social media
Emma's journal
"Life isn't about what you do but who you do it with"
The entire ending
"You are enough."
Emma's story is cute and fun but is also laced with some very important truths about self-acceptance and love. Her journey was heartwarming and inspiring and though I am different from her in many ways, I found myself holding up the truths she learned to the mirror to see how they fit into my own life. This book made me think and ponder and I love that!
I loved how Emma's friends and family, including Jakey, loved her unconditionally but were not afraid to tell her hard truths. That is real love and real friendship.
A beautifully inspiring read that will stay with me for a long time to come. This one gets an enthusiastic 5 stars from me and I will absolutely be re-reading it again. Fans of The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh will enjoy this one!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
July 14, 2023
This story 🥰🙌🏻 is absolutely amazing, truly exceptional!! I laughed to tears several times. It's very touching and encouraging. I definitely teared up a bit, too. Found family themes. Women's Fiction with RomCom vibes.
Its super swoony. The romance is not the main focus, though there is plenty 😉 Childhood best friends reconnect. Jacob is so supportive of Emma's journey. Even when she pushes him away, he's still there.
All around it is a wonderful story and I highly recommend it! 💜
Perfect for fans of THE HAPPY LIFE OF ISADORA BENLTEY.
💞 Romantic Content: 2 (brief kissing)
🗨 Some Quotes:
Does he lift weights or just dance? That’s definitely not a question I’m about to ask out loud, but whatever he does, he should keep doing it forever.
I suck in a breath, my heart racing from this tiny touch of our hands. What is going on? Making balloon animals is supposed to be dorky, not sexy. I have major problems.
"All I want is to be better than average. Is that so much to ask? I don’t even need to be exceptional. I just want to be more than this.”
“Emma.” Jacob’s voice is soft and tender, and I turn to look at him again. “You are so much more than average. In every way that matters, you are absolutely exceptional.”
Its super swoony. The romance is not the main focus, though there is plenty 😉 Childhood best friends reconnect. Jacob is so supportive of Emma's journey. Even when she pushes him away, he's still there.
All around it is a wonderful story and I highly recommend it! 💜
Perfect for fans of THE HAPPY LIFE OF ISADORA BENLTEY.
💞 Romantic Content: 2 (brief kissing)
🗨 Some Quotes:
Does he lift weights or just dance? That’s definitely not a question I’m about to ask out loud, but whatever he does, he should keep doing it forever.
I suck in a breath, my heart racing from this tiny touch of our hands. What is going on? Making balloon animals is supposed to be dorky, not sexy. I have major problems.
"All I want is to be better than average. Is that so much to ask? I don’t even need to be exceptional. I just want to be more than this.”
“Emma.” Jacob’s voice is soft and tender, and I turn to look at him again. “You are so much more than average. In every way that matters, you are absolutely exceptional.”
July 24, 2023
This book resonated with me for so many reasons, and I feel so fortunate to have been able to read an early copy and see not only the story develop, but see Emma develop too. There are so many moments in this book-big and small-where I could really see myself on the pages and in the words.
Emma doesn't know what makes her special, exceptional. You'll get to see her as she tries almost everything-from balloon animals all the way to extreme sports. There's laughter to be found along her journey, but something else really special too, because who hasn't ever wondered if they're enough?
Soleil eloquently captures elements of the human experience while bringing you along for the fun. If you're looking to smile, to cry, and to really feel something-you won't want to miss this one.
Emma doesn't know what makes her special, exceptional. You'll get to see her as she tries almost everything-from balloon animals all the way to extreme sports. There's laughter to be found along her journey, but something else really special too, because who hasn't ever wondered if they're enough?
Soleil eloquently captures elements of the human experience while bringing you along for the fun. If you're looking to smile, to cry, and to really feel something-you won't want to miss this one.
Read
May 12, 2024I think I was expecting something entirely different, since I'd just read a terrific retelling of Pride and Prejudice. I thought awesome, here's a book about Jane Austen's Emma! Except not. 🤦♀️ That will teach me not to read a synopsis.
What this is is a novel about a young woman who is passed over for a promotion and feels like she's not as special as her younger siblings. She embarks on a mission to find something that she's good at, eventually realizing that she's good at photography and becoming an influencer and getting obsessed with likes and comments and checking social media. While the novel misses the mark in some ways, it does do a good job of showing how alienating it is to everyone around you when all you're paying attention to is social media.
What this is is a novel about a young woman who is passed over for a promotion and feels like she's not as special as her younger siblings. She embarks on a mission to find something that she's good at, eventually realizing that she's good at photography and becoming an influencer and getting obsessed with likes and comments and checking social media. While the novel misses the mark in some ways, it does do a good job of showing how alienating it is to everyone around you when all you're paying attention to is social media.
May 29, 2025
I loved this stand-alone sweet story. Emma felt like she was just average and everyone around her was so much more successful. So, after being passed over for a promotion she decides she needs to figure out what she really likes. One thing was to go to a hip-hop class where she connects again with her childhood best friend Jacob. He helps her with her list of items and the sweet romance blossoms. I loved the growth, love, and support shown in the story. One comment Jacob made to Emma that I really liked is: “Please remember: in every way that truly matters, you are absolutely exceptional” I think that is something we should all remember. Highly recommended this sweet story.
June 24, 2025
Hard Lesson to Learn
I love these characters, all that they went through, and especially the ending. Emma has so many feelings and emotions to work through as she tries to find what would make her exceptional. Jacob, the childhood best friend and now successful dancer, thinks she is already perfect. All she experiences is so much fun, until she loses the fun and all that matters to her. There are invaluable lessons learned, life to enjoy, and love that blossoms. Beautiful romance with exceptional insights into living life with a happy ending.
I love these characters, all that they went through, and especially the ending. Emma has so many feelings and emotions to work through as she tries to find what would make her exceptional. Jacob, the childhood best friend and now successful dancer, thinks she is already perfect. All she experiences is so much fun, until she loses the fun and all that matters to her. There are invaluable lessons learned, life to enjoy, and love that blossoms. Beautiful romance with exceptional insights into living life with a happy ending.
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