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Emma by the Sea
A delightful modern-day romance inspired by one of Jane Austen’s most beloved novels.
Twenty-five-year-old Emma Wilson, tall, blond, and rich, has an enviable life, but her father’s dementia makes it difficult to leave him and their home on Highbury Lane. With her future on hold, Emma turns to her neighbor and confidante, thirty-eight-year-old Dr. Georgia Kostigiris, for advice and comfort and to keep their little world tightly ordered.
All that changes when Georgia's seventeen-year-old niece Cora comes to stay for the summer, invading Highbury Lane with her teen angst, big mouth, and knack for seeing things that Emma wished she wouldn’t. Like the way Emma and Georgia lean on each other. And the way Emma’s eyes track the sway of Georgia’s curving hips. Cora makes it impossible for Emma to ignore her feelings for Georgia, but it’s too complicated, and besides, she’s certain Georgia doesn’t feel the same. That’s how she ends up on a date with easy-breezy Bridget, mired in mixed signals.
Emma and Georgia are perfect for each other, but can they build a future when Emma is avoiding the life and love she truly desires?
Twenty-five-year-old Emma Wilson, tall, blond, and rich, has an enviable life, but her father’s dementia makes it difficult to leave him and their home on Highbury Lane. With her future on hold, Emma turns to her neighbor and confidante, thirty-eight-year-old Dr. Georgia Kostigiris, for advice and comfort and to keep their little world tightly ordered.
All that changes when Georgia's seventeen-year-old niece Cora comes to stay for the summer, invading Highbury Lane with her teen angst, big mouth, and knack for seeing things that Emma wished she wouldn’t. Like the way Emma and Georgia lean on each other. And the way Emma’s eyes track the sway of Georgia’s curving hips. Cora makes it impossible for Emma to ignore her feelings for Georgia, but it’s too complicated, and besides, she’s certain Georgia doesn’t feel the same. That’s how she ends up on a date with easy-breezy Bridget, mired in mixed signals.
Emma and Georgia are perfect for each other, but can they build a future when Emma is avoiding the life and love she truly desires?
216 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2025
2 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 26, 2025
Emma by Jane Austen is such a gorgeous book with big themes and I was intrigued to read a sapphic retelling - a first for me for this particular Jane Austen book.
Emma by the Sea is a heartfelt, slow-burn sapphic romance with a lot of emotional depth. Emma is 25 and has put her life completely on hold to care for her father, who has early-onset dementia. At times, this book was hard to read when watching her navigate the day-to-day realities of his decline, and it’s clear how lonely and stuck she’s become—even though she’s surrounded by support.
Enter Georgia, her neighbour and lifelong family friend, who also happens to be a neurologist. She’s 38, composed, and has clearly been in Emma’s orbit for years—but things start to shift when Georgia’s teenage cousin Cora comes to stay. Cora is chaotic, blunt, and exactly what’s needed to call out the tension simmering between Emma and Georgia. There’s jealousy, longing, and a lot of mixed signals, but the emotional payoff is worth the wait.
The romance is tender and frustrating in equal measure—just the right kind of will-they/won’t-they. There’s an age gap, family illness, and a heap of unresolved feelings. I found it compulsively readable and genuinely moving. A really impressive debut, and I’ll absolutely be keeping an eye out for what this author does next. I'm hoping for another Jane Austen re-telling but that's just me 🙃
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Emma by the Sea is a heartfelt, slow-burn sapphic romance with a lot of emotional depth. Emma is 25 and has put her life completely on hold to care for her father, who has early-onset dementia. At times, this book was hard to read when watching her navigate the day-to-day realities of his decline, and it’s clear how lonely and stuck she’s become—even though she’s surrounded by support.
Enter Georgia, her neighbour and lifelong family friend, who also happens to be a neurologist. She’s 38, composed, and has clearly been in Emma’s orbit for years—but things start to shift when Georgia’s teenage cousin Cora comes to stay. Cora is chaotic, blunt, and exactly what’s needed to call out the tension simmering between Emma and Georgia. There’s jealousy, longing, and a lot of mixed signals, but the emotional payoff is worth the wait.
The romance is tender and frustrating in equal measure—just the right kind of will-they/won’t-they. There’s an age gap, family illness, and a heap of unresolved feelings. I found it compulsively readable and genuinely moving. A really impressive debut, and I’ll absolutely be keeping an eye out for what this author does next. I'm hoping for another Jane Austen re-telling but that's just me 🙃
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2025
Emma, a wealthy young woman, returns home to care for her father, who has dementia. Emma’s life has been put on hold, but she refuses to leave her father even though he has a great support system. Emma seeks advice and finds comfort in her confidante and neighbor, Georgia. Things seem to be going well, all things considered, until Georgia's seventeen-year-old cousin visits for the summer and points out feelings Emma doesn’t want to acknowledge. And anyway, her relationship with Georgia is strictly platonic. Right?
It was obvious early on how much Emma loved her father and I found that heartwarming. I enjoyed the banter and the way Emma hilariously teased Georgia. The history of their relationship left me uncertain about them as a couple, but I kept an open mind until the end. Overall, it was an interesting read that others might also enjoy.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It was obvious early on how much Emma loved her father and I found that heartwarming. I enjoyed the banter and the way Emma hilariously teased Georgia. The history of their relationship left me uncertain about them as a couple, but I kept an open mind until the end. Overall, it was an interesting read that others might also enjoy.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2025
3.5⭐️It's not a usual age gap story. At 25, Emma has lived so many hardships. She lost her mother as a teenager and is now taking care of her father, who has early-onset dementia. Reading about dementia is always heartbreaking, and Levine did it very well. Georgia is 38 and has always been there for Emma. The book is written in the single POV of Emma, and I really like searching for signs of reciprocity from the love interest. I was just a bit frustrated by Emma going on dates with another woman. I also found some actions from Georgia a bit immature, although I loved the jealousy scenes. And slut shaming a 17yo was a bit awkward. Overall, this book is balanced, full of chemistry, and moving at times. This debut novel is really promising. Ps: I havent read the Jane Austeen novel so probably missed things.
April 17, 2025
THIS IS MY DEBUT NOVEL- I can’t wait for it to be born and for the public to read it 🥰
April 30, 2025
That's a beautiful and very emotional story. Emma is a young woman who has put her life on hold to take care of her father who, even though he's still young, has early-onset dementia. She's fortunate to be financially well-off, allowing her to have household help and caregivers for her father, in addition to having supportive friends and neighbors. Moreover, she lost her mother when she was a teenager, and her father is her only close family, so seeing him lose his memory and not recognize her at times is taking a significant psychological toll on her.
Her closest neighbor, Georgia, who runs a neurology practice and is also a lifelong friend, keeps telling her that Emma is too young at twenty-five to be doing nothing but taking care of her father. Georgia is thirty-eight and has babysat Emma and watched her grow up. But now Emma isn't a child anymore. And if a teenager, Cora, Georgia's rebellious niece who her mother wants to straighten out, enters this whole situation, then what Emma and Georgia didn't want or didn't dare to face between them will eventually come out.
The story is beautifully developed, with a good pace. I loved how the relationship between the two of them changed and how they faced the problems that came up. Both protagonists are truly admirable. I appreciated that it was a romantic story without any complications.
Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to send me a copy via NetGalley for an honest review
Her closest neighbor, Georgia, who runs a neurology practice and is also a lifelong friend, keeps telling her that Emma is too young at twenty-five to be doing nothing but taking care of her father. Georgia is thirty-eight and has babysat Emma and watched her grow up. But now Emma isn't a child anymore. And if a teenager, Cora, Georgia's rebellious niece who her mother wants to straighten out, enters this whole situation, then what Emma and Georgia didn't want or didn't dare to face between them will eventually come out.
The story is beautifully developed, with a good pace. I loved how the relationship between the two of them changed and how they faced the problems that came up. Both protagonists are truly admirable. I appreciated that it was a romantic story without any complications.
Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to send me a copy via NetGalley for an honest review
July 21, 2025
A engaging read that will emotionally resonate with readers who have experienced profound bereavement and were functionally frozen when the prospect of it happening again arose. I feel the story is more of a character study of Emma than a romance. Age gap aside, there didn't seem to be much chemistry between Georgia and her. Nevertheless, it is well written, has likeable characters and an interesting trajectory.
April 25, 2025
Unfortunately this just wasn’t for me. We follow our main character twenty-five year old Emma whose father has dementia which makes leaving him and her home on Highbury Lane difficult and with her future on hold she turns to her neighbor and confident thirty-eight year old Dr. Georgia for advice and comfort but when Georgia’s cousin seventeen year old Cora comes to stay with her they’ll have to confront what they feel for each other.
I wasn’t really invested in their relationship or on their characters separately. Firstly they’ve known each other all Emma’s life since Georgia even held Emma when she was born which I found a little uncomfortable although Georgia didn’t fall in love with Emma until she was an adult but my main problem with their relationship was that when they had a misunderstanding instead of talking to Georgia to solve things Emma decides that it’s better to go out with Bridget even though she doesn’t feel anything for her, creating unnecessary drama.
Georgia is thirty eight but she doesn’t act like it most of the time, sometimes she’ll be arguing or lecturing Emma to then go and kiss her in the middle of it also when they finally agreed that they wanted each other, they came to the conclusion that it was better if they pretended nothing happened so Emma goes back to being with Bridget while Georgia makes Emma think she’s seeing someone else, again more unnecessary drama.
The best character for me was Cora who at beginning seemed to be just a rebellious teenager but ended up actually being more mature than the adults sometimes so I really liked her journey.
I don’t want to sound to harsh since this is a debut novel and the writing wasn’t bad so I’ll probably still check this author’s next work.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this ARC
I wasn’t really invested in their relationship or on their characters separately. Firstly they’ve known each other all Emma’s life since Georgia even held Emma when she was born which I found a little uncomfortable although Georgia didn’t fall in love with Emma until she was an adult but my main problem with their relationship was that when they had a misunderstanding instead of talking to Georgia to solve things Emma decides that it’s better to go out with Bridget even though she doesn’t feel anything for her, creating unnecessary drama.
Georgia is thirty eight but she doesn’t act like it most of the time, sometimes she’ll be arguing or lecturing Emma to then go and kiss her in the middle of it also when they finally agreed that they wanted each other, they came to the conclusion that it was better if they pretended nothing happened so Emma goes back to being with Bridget while Georgia makes Emma think she’s seeing someone else, again more unnecessary drama.
The best character for me was Cora who at beginning seemed to be just a rebellious teenager but ended up actually being more mature than the adults sometimes so I really liked her journey.
I don’t want to sound to harsh since this is a debut novel and the writing wasn’t bad so I’ll probably still check this author’s next work.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this ARC
May 5, 2025
(rounded down from 4.25)
This was really sweet and light. I can't say how closely it follows the original Emma, but we do have a younger woman with family wealth dealing with her remaining parent having dementia while she works out her feelings for the attractive, older doctor next door, who happens to be a childhood friend. Add in a 17-year-old who's been spending too much time with her boyfriend
This is low-angst and sweet. It's fairly predictable and, once again, I can't speak for how much it follows the original Emma (to my shame) but I wouldn't expect it's particularly faithful since this Emma is too busy being anxious about her dad's failing health to worry about matchmaking.
This was really sweet and light. I can't say how closely it follows the original Emma, but we do have a younger woman with family wealth dealing with her remaining parent having dementia while she works out her feelings for the attractive, older doctor next door, who happens to be a childhood friend. Add in a 17-year-old who's been spending too much time with her boyfriend
This is low-angst and sweet. It's fairly predictable and, once again, I can't speak for how much it follows the original Emma (to my shame) but I wouldn't expect it's particularly faithful since this Emma is too busy being anxious about her dad's failing health to worry about matchmaking.
May 15, 2025
A sweet book by the new author, Sara Levine.
I enjoyed the chemistry, the connection shared between both MCs.
Each interaction between the MCs feels genuine. You are able to see what the characters dont see.
The secondary characters were well developed and added to the storyline.
The angst was there, and the resolution was beautifully done.
I didn't want to put it down, I kept going back after finishing.
I enjoyed the chemistry, the connection shared between both MCs.
Each interaction between the MCs feels genuine. You are able to see what the characters dont see.
The secondary characters were well developed and added to the storyline.
The angst was there, and the resolution was beautifully done.
I didn't want to put it down, I kept going back after finishing.
October 19, 2025
I've been in a massive reading slump, which is normal for me this time of year, but it means I sat on this book for several weeks, which is bonkers since I've been dying to read it since I knew it existed (it was released in May)--especially in this 250th year of Jane Austen! Anyway, I think I'm out of my reading slump--thank you, Ruby Landers--so it was finally time for Emma by the Sea.
It's funny because I'm finding that if you make a story sapphic, there's a good chance I'm going to allow for things I don't usually don't allow in a MF story. And Emma has always been difficult for me, primarily because of the romance between 21-year-old Emma and 37-year-old George Knightly (other things about this novel are brilliant, though). And it's not just the age gap, which anyone who's read my reviews knows I detest; it's the fact that he held her as a baby and then basically parented her her whole life, and it just doesn't sit well with me.
In Emma by the Sea, Emma is 25 and Georgia (our Mr Knightly character) is 37. And Sarah G Levine doesn't change much about their dynamic: Georgia's known Emma since the day Emma was born--she even babysat her. She was there when Emma's mom died when Emma was 12 and she's here now when Emma's dad is dealing with early on-set dementia. She's also a bit of a pain in Emma's ass, constantly commenting on Emma's lack of a career and a life (things she's put aside to be there for her father). But it didn't bother me here, and I think it's because the admonishment is fairly light on the page, relative to Mr Knightley), and because Levine does a good enough of job of showing me the falling in love process. In Emma, realizing she loves Mr Knightley is a lightbulb realization moment, whereas in this novel, Emma's crushed on Georgia for years!
In terms of being a retelling of the novel, Levine leaves out the other dynamics that make Emma such a great novel, mostly the goings on in Highbury. Emma by the Sea is strictly a romance, and that's okay with me--especially since Levine made it work.
It's funny because I'm finding that if you make a story sapphic, there's a good chance I'm going to allow for things I don't usually don't allow in a MF story. And Emma has always been difficult for me, primarily because of the romance between 21-year-old Emma and 37-year-old George Knightly (other things about this novel are brilliant, though). And it's not just the age gap, which anyone who's read my reviews knows I detest; it's the fact that he held her as a baby and then basically parented her her whole life, and it just doesn't sit well with me.
In Emma by the Sea, Emma is 25 and Georgia (our Mr Knightly character) is 37. And Sarah G Levine doesn't change much about their dynamic: Georgia's known Emma since the day Emma was born--she even babysat her. She was there when Emma's mom died when Emma was 12 and she's here now when Emma's dad is dealing with early on-set dementia. She's also a bit of a pain in Emma's ass, constantly commenting on Emma's lack of a career and a life (things she's put aside to be there for her father). But it didn't bother me here, and I think it's because the admonishment is fairly light on the page, relative to Mr Knightley), and because Levine does a good enough of job of showing me the falling in love process. In Emma, realizing she loves Mr Knightley is a lightbulb realization moment, whereas in this novel, Emma's crushed on Georgia for years!
In terms of being a retelling of the novel, Levine leaves out the other dynamics that make Emma such a great novel, mostly the goings on in Highbury. Emma by the Sea is strictly a romance, and that's okay with me--especially since Levine made it work.
April 20, 2025
I adored this book. I ate this up so fast I was actually disappointed when it ended!!
A retelling of a the classic Jane Austins Emma, 25 year old Emma has been back home in Highbury Lane for three years now looking after her father who has early onset dementia. Emma is a bit lost in her life at the moment, other than exercise, redecorating and looking after her father she has permanently paused her life. With this in mind she turns to her neighbour, friend, confidant Dr. Georgia Kostigris. Drop in a 17 year old Cara who is Georgia’s cousin and Cara starts to see more than just casual friends between the two women, old crushes and wonderful realisations start to flourish with Cara there to help try and push them in the right direction.
Honestly this was a really enjoyable, easy to read romance filled with a will they / won’t they, jealousy and the sexual tension between the two lights up the pages!! The story is well known but adding in some modern twists makes you really see the ongoing personal conflict that Emma has and the frustrations this leaves Georgia in, talk about mixed messages! You have a bit of everything here, sapphic longing, age gap, known disability or illness, jealousy, small town vibes and spice.
For a debut author I would highly recommend this, it’s a great book to relax and loose yourself in for a few hours or days. I was given the opportunity to read this as part of an ARC and I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author to read this modern day gem that comes out on the 13th May.
A retelling of a the classic Jane Austins Emma, 25 year old Emma has been back home in Highbury Lane for three years now looking after her father who has early onset dementia. Emma is a bit lost in her life at the moment, other than exercise, redecorating and looking after her father she has permanently paused her life. With this in mind she turns to her neighbour, friend, confidant Dr. Georgia Kostigris. Drop in a 17 year old Cara who is Georgia’s cousin and Cara starts to see more than just casual friends between the two women, old crushes and wonderful realisations start to flourish with Cara there to help try and push them in the right direction.
Honestly this was a really enjoyable, easy to read romance filled with a will they / won’t they, jealousy and the sexual tension between the two lights up the pages!! The story is well known but adding in some modern twists makes you really see the ongoing personal conflict that Emma has and the frustrations this leaves Georgia in, talk about mixed messages! You have a bit of everything here, sapphic longing, age gap, known disability or illness, jealousy, small town vibes and spice.
For a debut author I would highly recommend this, it’s a great book to relax and loose yourself in for a few hours or days. I was given the opportunity to read this as part of an ARC and I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author to read this modern day gem that comes out on the 13th May.
December 27, 2025
I genuinely didn’t want to finish this book as I was enjoying it so much. What can I say about it? Intriguing opening. Great introduction of the MCs. The characters were totally authentic and it was really emotional, especially the eventual love scenes. Emma’s slow realisation of her feelings for Georgia was particularly well done. And Georgia was, well, I developed quite a thing for Georgia. It was realistically romantic. Heartfelt (sigh). And basically, a so-enjoyable read.
May 13, 2025
I don't know the classic this is based on so although I wouldn't get the nods to the original, I still enjoyed it as a novel. The first intimate scene however didn't work for me as I kept thinking "They are in the family home foyer!" It was a pity I was pulled out as I had enjoyed the earlier fantasising.
I was so in to the book that when Emma did something monumentaly stupid and thoughtless I actually said Noooooo. Out loud...... to a fictional character!
My access to this book was a bit stoppy/starty. That was all on my life but what is all to the writers credit is that no matter what bit I picked it up, I was immediately drawn back in. There were always enough bumps to keep things interesting.
My goodness, those mains can be infuriating!!
I enjoyed this and 3.5 seems to fairly reflect my view.
I was so in to the book that when Emma did something monumentaly stupid and thoughtless I actually said Noooooo. Out loud...... to a fictional character!
My access to this book was a bit stoppy/starty. That was all on my life but what is all to the writers credit is that no matter what bit I picked it up, I was immediately drawn back in. There were always enough bumps to keep things interesting.
My goodness, those mains can be infuriating!!
I enjoyed this and 3.5 seems to fairly reflect my view.
April 18, 2025
Hotly anticipated debut from outstanding writer Sarah G Levine!!
Cannot wait to get my hands on an early copy 😀 I know it will be outstanding!
Cannot wait to get my hands on an early copy 😀 I know it will be outstanding!
May 5, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
emma wilson lived at home with her dad.... its not the life she had envisioned for herself but it was what it was.... with her fathers early diagnosis of dementia she had no choice really
her mom had died years ago from cancer and her only other support was her neighbour georgia.... who was also a doctor but it was when georgia niece cora came to stay that rocked the boat for emma
she had thought her child like crush on georgia was over but with cora highlighting how much they looked at each other it was only time before one of them acted on it....
but georgia was out of bounds ..... wasnt she....
a fun read and was surprised to find out this was the authors first book.... it wont be the last either and i cant wait for the next one
emma wilson lived at home with her dad.... its not the life she had envisioned for herself but it was what it was.... with her fathers early diagnosis of dementia she had no choice really
her mom had died years ago from cancer and her only other support was her neighbour georgia.... who was also a doctor but it was when georgia niece cora came to stay that rocked the boat for emma
she had thought her child like crush on georgia was over but with cora highlighting how much they looked at each other it was only time before one of them acted on it....
but georgia was out of bounds ..... wasnt she....
a fun read and was surprised to find out this was the authors first book.... it wont be the last either and i cant wait for the next one
June 23, 2025
For a romance, I loved how much this book focused on the importance of a support system and the difficulties of looking after a loved one with a degenerative disease.
The romance itself was quite wholesome and well written. There were a few times I got frustrated with the lack of communication (more like misinformation or a blockade of information),but it all worked itself out in the end!
Now I feel like I need to read the original Emma to appreciate all the references…
Anyways, Emma is 100% right bc I would have a crush on Georgia too.
The romance itself was quite wholesome and well written. There were a few times I got frustrated with the lack of communication (more like misinformation or a blockade of information),but it all worked itself out in the end!
Now I feel like I need to read the original Emma to appreciate all the references…
Anyways, Emma is 100% right bc I would have a crush on Georgia too.
April 23, 2025
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
I have just finished Emma by the Sea and wanted to write the review straight away, to get what I feel now down on paper.
The story follows Emma, who lives at home with her dad who sadly has early onset dementia. Emma has put her life on hold to be with her dad and to look after him. However she is not alone, there are lots of other people around, either for her dad or her, even if she doesn't realise it yet.
I loved this story, I have to admit, one of my first LGBTQ+ books and a great introduction. There were steamy scenes but not graphic and you really start to understand the characters and their journeys.
I have just finished Emma by the Sea and wanted to write the review straight away, to get what I feel now down on paper.
The story follows Emma, who lives at home with her dad who sadly has early onset dementia. Emma has put her life on hold to be with her dad and to look after him. However she is not alone, there are lots of other people around, either for her dad or her, even if she doesn't realise it yet.
I loved this story, I have to admit, one of my first LGBTQ+ books and a great introduction. There were steamy scenes but not graphic and you really start to understand the characters and their journeys.
June 8, 2025
I've never devoured a book so quickly! This is the perfect read for the summer whether or not you identify as queer! I was captured by each detail and resonated with each incredibly relatable emotion.
April 20, 2025
This book is meant for those who love Jane Austen. I’ve never been a big fan if her works but I understand their place in history.
This is still a fun story and there will be readers who love this. It may not have connected with me but I would give Sarah Levine another try on her next bin because it is well written.
Thanks for NetGallery and the publisher for his Arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is still a fun story and there will be readers who love this. It may not have connected with me but I would give Sarah Levine another try on her next bin because it is well written.
Thanks for NetGallery and the publisher for his Arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers of this book for providing me with a copy.
I loved the representation of different body types and how they’re all beautiful, attractive and amazing in their own ways. I could tell the author really focused on emphasising each persons characteristics and bringing them into a positive light. As more of a Georgia body type myself, it was so refreshing and lovely to see positive representation of someone who looks more like me.
All the characters had differing levels of depth to them that made them memorable all throughout my reading experience. I loved the little fashion and jewellery tidbits, I love to dress up myself and it was so cool imagining their own unique styles coming to life on the page.
This truly breaks my heart as I tried so hard to appreciate the story for the romance it is but I couldn’t get past the weirdness of it all. Georgia constantly acted as a parental figure the entire book apart from when it gets on the spicier side, but that made it so weird and uncomfortable to read about. The sex scenes felt pretty natural for two people who are wildly attracted to each other but then I’d get reminded of the weird mother/daughter relationship they definitely had, and the age gap didn’t help. Look, I’m not a stickler for age gaps especially when both are nearing or over 25, but this was too much. The fact Georgia treated her as a child whilst also partially raising her and then formed sexual feelings for her was SO WEIRD. I know I’ve said weird a lot now, but it was. I genuinely couldn’t get properly invested in the story because it was just Georgia mothering her then them wanting to have sex? No, thank you. Couldn’t move past it. They also were supposed to be friends but it never felt like it and there was almost no depth to their relationship besides one point which ended with them not talking so? In the end, despite the author so clearly wanting us to root for Georgia and Emma I just wasn’t able to. If Emma was open to Bridget, I almost definitely would have been hoping they got together, if only for the summer.
The dad situation was a big point in the story and it was extremely moving. I empathised with Emma and her not wanting to let go of the normalcy she craved. I liked his character and I think that without him Emma wouldn’t have had as much development as she did, which admittedly wasn’t much. The dad and Cora offered much needed comic relief throughout the story and I appreciated them being there. Coras’ character was funny and accurate as a teenager, I saw younger me in her a lot.
The writing was casual and easy to read, nothing special. I breezed through the book despite the issues I had with the romance. It was surface level, not feeling too serious despite the issues with Henry and Georgia, this made it enjoyable but not memorable after finishing the book.
I loved the representation of different body types and how they’re all beautiful, attractive and amazing in their own ways. I could tell the author really focused on emphasising each persons characteristics and bringing them into a positive light. As more of a Georgia body type myself, it was so refreshing and lovely to see positive representation of someone who looks more like me.
All the characters had differing levels of depth to them that made them memorable all throughout my reading experience. I loved the little fashion and jewellery tidbits, I love to dress up myself and it was so cool imagining their own unique styles coming to life on the page.
This truly breaks my heart as I tried so hard to appreciate the story for the romance it is but I couldn’t get past the weirdness of it all. Georgia constantly acted as a parental figure the entire book apart from when it gets on the spicier side, but that made it so weird and uncomfortable to read about. The sex scenes felt pretty natural for two people who are wildly attracted to each other but then I’d get reminded of the weird mother/daughter relationship they definitely had, and the age gap didn’t help. Look, I’m not a stickler for age gaps especially when both are nearing or over 25, but this was too much. The fact Georgia treated her as a child whilst also partially raising her and then formed sexual feelings for her was SO WEIRD. I know I’ve said weird a lot now, but it was. I genuinely couldn’t get properly invested in the story because it was just Georgia mothering her then them wanting to have sex? No, thank you. Couldn’t move past it. They also were supposed to be friends but it never felt like it and there was almost no depth to their relationship besides one point which ended with them not talking so? In the end, despite the author so clearly wanting us to root for Georgia and Emma I just wasn’t able to. If Emma was open to Bridget, I almost definitely would have been hoping they got together, if only for the summer.
The dad situation was a big point in the story and it was extremely moving. I empathised with Emma and her not wanting to let go of the normalcy she craved. I liked his character and I think that without him Emma wouldn’t have had as much development as she did, which admittedly wasn’t much. The dad and Cora offered much needed comic relief throughout the story and I appreciated them being there. Coras’ character was funny and accurate as a teenager, I saw younger me in her a lot.
The writing was casual and easy to read, nothing special. I breezed through the book despite the issues I had with the romance. It was surface level, not feeling too serious despite the issues with Henry and Georgia, this made it enjoyable but not memorable after finishing the book.
April 26, 2025
Full disclosure, I haven’t read the Jane Austen novel. I know this is an adaptation and the whole “ I held you as a baby” happened in the Jane Austen novel but I can’t get over the fact that this woman held her and then watched her grow up, babysat her. I also didn’t appreciate the author using the word “slut” to describe a 17 year old. And it wasn’t in an ironic way, it was literally to describe her actions and to slut shame. It was early on in the book and left a bad taste in my mouth but I decided to keep reading.
I HATED the “sex scene” after Emma’s dad went missing and she had a panic attack. Instead of stopping Emma when she kissed her, she proceeded to have sex with her. No one should have sex with someone after going through what Emma went through..
I know that the premise do the story is also to have Georgia start to see her differently. Which is fine. I don’t have an issue with the age gap.But I do have an issue with someone literally babysitting someone when they were a child. In the book, Emma says Georgia was never a mother figure to her, but I don’t know if I believe that. Emma lost her mom before she was teen. Do we really think Georgia didn’t have a motherly role after that, even as a babysitter? Or maybe a big sister role. But the situation gave me the ick. If Georgia wasn’t so intertwined into Emma’s family and moved away, it’d be a little different.
I feel like the things Georgia did throughout the novel didn’t align with how she was described or what she was supposed to represent. She all but used a 17 year old to manipulate Emma into seeing she had friends/support. She also disregards Emma’s autonomy and does things that affect Emma without asking. Not to mention, you’re 38 and you’re going to lie and act like you’re dating someone to make Emma jealous? Weird.
I felt it had so much potential to be a lovely story. The dementia storyline could’ve been amazing. I just couldn’t get past a lot of the problematic(imo) things. If none of those things bother you, I do think you’ll like the book, but I couldn’t get past those things.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ARC. I will be giving the author another chance since it is a Jane Austen adaptation and maybe that’s what is my biggest issue.
I HATED the “sex scene” after Emma’s dad went missing and she had a panic attack. Instead of stopping Emma when she kissed her, she proceeded to have sex with her. No one should have sex with someone after going through what Emma went through..
I know that the premise do the story is also to have Georgia start to see her differently. Which is fine. I don’t have an issue with the age gap.But I do have an issue with someone literally babysitting someone when they were a child. In the book, Emma says Georgia was never a mother figure to her, but I don’t know if I believe that. Emma lost her mom before she was teen. Do we really think Georgia didn’t have a motherly role after that, even as a babysitter? Or maybe a big sister role. But the situation gave me the ick. If Georgia wasn’t so intertwined into Emma’s family and moved away, it’d be a little different.
I feel like the things Georgia did throughout the novel didn’t align with how she was described or what she was supposed to represent. She all but used a 17 year old to manipulate Emma into seeing she had friends/support. She also disregards Emma’s autonomy and does things that affect Emma without asking. Not to mention, you’re 38 and you’re going to lie and act like you’re dating someone to make Emma jealous? Weird.
I felt it had so much potential to be a lovely story. The dementia storyline could’ve been amazing. I just couldn’t get past a lot of the problematic(imo) things. If none of those things bother you, I do think you’ll like the book, but I couldn’t get past those things.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ARC. I will be giving the author another chance since it is a Jane Austen adaptation and maybe that’s what is my biggest issue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2025
emma by the sea by debut author sarah g levine is a romance novel inspired by jane austen's emma. we follow our main character emma, who has returned back to her home to take care of her father, who has early onset dementia. her father's neurologist, their neighbor and family friend georgia is the love interest of emma. emma does not quite know what the future holds for her but her feelings for georgia are undeniable.
i will start off by saying that i don't read a lot of romance in general and this may have an impact on the review.
to me, the romance was quite weak and uninteresting. we start off with emma and georgia already having an established (semi-platonic?) relationship, they give each other hugs and kisses on the cheek. we do not really see the relationship develop and therefore at least i was not very invested in it. their age difference is not really a problem since they are both consenting adults but we are constantly reminded of it and the fact that georgia has known emma since she was a baby. however, georgia does not act like her age at all, she is quite childish actually and keeps taking part in emma's mind games.
i understand that jane austen's emma is supposed to be an unlikeable character but i don't think it was executed well in this novel. surely there is a better way to imply that she is prejudiced than calling a 17-year-old a slut? maybe that's just me. i will say that i really liked cora as a character, i thought she was an important part of the story.
i do appreciate that we get a happy ending for the main pairing. i found the ending cute and ended up liking emma and georgia together. i wish all the best for the author and would like to read their future novels as well.
thank you to netgalley and bold strokes books for providing me with an e-arc of the book in exchange for an honest review.
i will start off by saying that i don't read a lot of romance in general and this may have an impact on the review.
to me, the romance was quite weak and uninteresting. we start off with emma and georgia already having an established (semi-platonic?) relationship, they give each other hugs and kisses on the cheek. we do not really see the relationship develop and therefore at least i was not very invested in it. their age difference is not really a problem since they are both consenting adults but we are constantly reminded of it and the fact that georgia has known emma since she was a baby. however, georgia does not act like her age at all, she is quite childish actually and keeps taking part in emma's mind games.
i understand that jane austen's emma is supposed to be an unlikeable character but i don't think it was executed well in this novel. surely there is a better way to imply that she is prejudiced than calling a 17-year-old a slut? maybe that's just me. i will say that i really liked cora as a character, i thought she was an important part of the story.
i do appreciate that we get a happy ending for the main pairing. i found the ending cute and ended up liking emma and georgia together. i wish all the best for the author and would like to read their future novels as well.
thank you to netgalley and bold strokes books for providing me with an e-arc of the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2025
Emma is twenty-five and has maybe both too much and not enough on her plate. Her father has early onset dementia and Emma has paused her life in order to be there for him. Her days are filled with worrying for her father, exercising to deal with stress, being a lady of the estate, and navigating her relationship Georgia--the beautiful, older neurologist next-door. This summer, Georgia has agreed to watch her younger cousin Cora, a somewhat troublemaker, and has enlisted the help of Emma to keep an eye on her and to be a good influence. What ensues is a summer romp of pining, angst, and misunderstandings (I know many have gripes with misunderstandings, but I tend to enjoy them because they feel so human).
I have read a fair share of Emma retellings despite never having read the original, and I enjoy it every time--I should really get around to reading the original sometime. I can understand the crux of the story being hit or miss, especially with recent societal discussions around age gaps. When it comes to fiction I think I have an easier time than some to offer lenience to things I'd judge in real life. Maybe it's also easier because sometimes Georgia felt younger than her age.
When we meet Emma and Georgia, the ball is already rolling on their mutual attraction. I think this element may be the weakest part for me and makes the romance feel partly unearned. Despite this, the author dis a great job of keeping me engaged and I look forward to what comes next from Sarah Levine.
Thanks to NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have read a fair share of Emma retellings despite never having read the original, and I enjoy it every time--I should really get around to reading the original sometime. I can understand the crux of the story being hit or miss, especially with recent societal discussions around age gaps. When it comes to fiction I think I have an easier time than some to offer lenience to things I'd judge in real life. Maybe it's also easier because sometimes Georgia felt younger than her age.
When we meet Emma and Georgia, the ball is already rolling on their mutual attraction. I think this element may be the weakest part for me and makes the romance feel partly unearned. Despite this, the author dis a great job of keeping me engaged and I look forward to what comes next from Sarah Levine.
Thanks to NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2025
Emma by the Sea is more of a slight nod and not a retelling of the classic Emma by Jane Austin. In this story Emma is in her mid twenties and has spent the last three years caring for her father who has early-onset dementia. She returned home after getting her degree in psychology not wanting to miss spending this time with her father. But she also isn’t happy seeing her friends move forward in relationships and attaining advanced degrees.
Her next door neighbor is Georgia who is 13 years older. She is a neurologist and they have known each other all their lives. They are friends and neither is admitting to ever thinking of the other as something more. This summer Georgia’s niece Cora, is coming to stay and work in her aunt's offices. It is mostly to keep her away from her current boyfriend.
I really enjoyed the story. I like the set up and established friendship. Cora is a nice catalyst to igniting a change in the friendship status of Georgia and Emma. The story deals compassionately and realistically about dealing with someone with beginning dementia. Of course it helps that these people are wealthy and money is not a stressor. I actually sat and read this in one sitting. It is a debut novel and I hope the author is already writing her next book. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Her next door neighbor is Georgia who is 13 years older. She is a neurologist and they have known each other all their lives. They are friends and neither is admitting to ever thinking of the other as something more. This summer Georgia’s niece Cora, is coming to stay and work in her aunt's offices. It is mostly to keep her away from her current boyfriend.
I really enjoyed the story. I like the set up and established friendship. Cora is a nice catalyst to igniting a change in the friendship status of Georgia and Emma. The story deals compassionately and realistically about dealing with someone with beginning dementia. Of course it helps that these people are wealthy and money is not a stressor. I actually sat and read this in one sitting. It is a debut novel and I hope the author is already writing her next book. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
May 7, 2025
A book as homage to Jane Austen's Emma.
Emma has returned to live at home after college to care for her father who has early onset dementia. She is dependable and loves her father - and is rather fond of gossip too.
Her neighbour Georgia is dad's neurologist - and has known Emma since she was born. She's also the object of Emma's teenage crush that has never left her.
Seems like Emma may be Georgia's guilty pleasure.
Georgia's wayward niece visits for the summer and Emma is happy to help out.
We are fortunate to have a ringside seat to see the story play out.
There are plenty of moments when neither Emma or Georgia are sure of what they want and what they could have. Emma's life seems to have stalled as she is reluctant to leave her dad - Georgia is determined that Emma should have a life of her own.
We are fortunate to have a ringside seat to see the story play out.
There is of course an epilogue - we get to see the progress made at New Years Eve.
This is an excellent debut novel - hopefully there are more good things to come from Sarah Levine.
My love of Emma aside - this is one for my bookshelf.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Emma has returned to live at home after college to care for her father who has early onset dementia. She is dependable and loves her father - and is rather fond of gossip too.
Her neighbour Georgia is dad's neurologist - and has known Emma since she was born. She's also the object of Emma's teenage crush that has never left her.
Seems like Emma may be Georgia's guilty pleasure.
Georgia's wayward niece visits for the summer and Emma is happy to help out.
We are fortunate to have a ringside seat to see the story play out.
There are plenty of moments when neither Emma or Georgia are sure of what they want and what they could have. Emma's life seems to have stalled as she is reluctant to leave her dad - Georgia is determined that Emma should have a life of her own.
We are fortunate to have a ringside seat to see the story play out.
There is of course an epilogue - we get to see the progress made at New Years Eve.
This is an excellent debut novel - hopefully there are more good things to come from Sarah Levine.
My love of Emma aside - this is one for my bookshelf.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2025
Emma by the Sea is a sensitive and at times sad story with deep, very real themes and a beautiful and gentle love story between two women who have known each other their whole lives.
Only now, however - and by that I mean at least the last three years - does Georgia, Dr Georgia Kostigirs, see Emma as a woman and no longer as her neighbor's little girl, whom she once babysat.
Emma has had to go through a lot. In the last three years and her life is currently in a kind of stasis. Her dad is ill.
Since her mother died it was difficult for everyone and now her father's diagnosed dementia has been a shadow and a fear in her life to lose him too.
That‘s a lot and she’s finding it very difficult to cope with.
She gets help from the lovely people around her, but especially from Georgia.
Georgia, her older friend since childhood.
Georgia, her dad's doctor.
Gorgeous Georgia with her beautiful face, her wild hair and round, soft curves that she can no longer ignore.
I really likes this book and will gladly read more from this Author!
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and Sarah G. Levine for this ARC!
Only now, however - and by that I mean at least the last three years - does Georgia, Dr Georgia Kostigirs, see Emma as a woman and no longer as her neighbor's little girl, whom she once babysat.
Emma has had to go through a lot. In the last three years and her life is currently in a kind of stasis. Her dad is ill.
Since her mother died it was difficult for everyone and now her father's diagnosed dementia has been a shadow and a fear in her life to lose him too.
That‘s a lot and she’s finding it very difficult to cope with.
She gets help from the lovely people around her, but especially from Georgia.
Georgia, her older friend since childhood.
Georgia, her dad's doctor.
Gorgeous Georgia with her beautiful face, her wild hair and round, soft curves that she can no longer ignore.
I really likes this book and will gladly read more from this Author!
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and Sarah G. Levine for this ARC!
May 10, 2025
Emma by the Sea by Sarah Levine is a heartfelt and beautifully crafted novel that draws readers into the richly woven lives of its characters with warmth, honesty, and emotional depth. With a setting as calming as its title, the story offers much more than coastal charm—it explores the quiet complexities of aging, connection, and self-discovery.
Levine excels at character development, creating a vibrant cast of family and friends that feels authentic and lived-in. Through Emma’s eyes, readers are invited into a community where the bonds between people are as powerful as the personal growth they each undergo. The emotional arcs are subtle yet profound, making the reader feel like part of this circle—laughing, grieving, and growing right alongside them.
What makes Emma by the Sea particularly compelling is its relatability. It thoughtfully touches on the anxieties that come with getting older—questions of purpose, change, and what truly matters—without ever becoming heavy-handed. Levine’s writing is tender and introspective, offering both comfort and insight.
A moving, quietly powerful novel, Emma by the Sea is a story that lingers—gentle, wise, and deeply human.
Levine excels at character development, creating a vibrant cast of family and friends that feels authentic and lived-in. Through Emma’s eyes, readers are invited into a community where the bonds between people are as powerful as the personal growth they each undergo. The emotional arcs are subtle yet profound, making the reader feel like part of this circle—laughing, grieving, and growing right alongside them.
What makes Emma by the Sea particularly compelling is its relatability. It thoughtfully touches on the anxieties that come with getting older—questions of purpose, change, and what truly matters—without ever becoming heavy-handed. Levine’s writing is tender and introspective, offering both comfort and insight.
A moving, quietly powerful novel, Emma by the Sea is a story that lingers—gentle, wise, and deeply human.
June 4, 2025
It’s always a bit difficult to redo a book, especially one that is quite popular, and one that is a classic. Here we have a book that is both. I have read Austen’s Emma,.although I have to admit it’s not my favorite book.. Even though Austen apparently set out to write a character in Emma that readers might not like at first, I actually found myself liking Emma (somewhat flawed though she might be). Mr. Knightley, though, I did not like at all. Obviously I’m from a different time as the book, and that which was acceptable then doesn’t quite sit with me as well now, though.
In modernizing the tale and making it sapphic, Levine has made the story, at least to me, more palatable. Retold tales are never going to be my favorite thing, but the book is more of a taking the framework of the original rather than a beat-by-beat with modern language. I don’t think it will ever replace the original, but I have to say my dislike of Mr. Knightley is so great that I am far more likely to read this again than Austen’s book.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
In modernizing the tale and making it sapphic, Levine has made the story, at least to me, more palatable. Retold tales are never going to be my favorite thing, but the book is more of a taking the framework of the original rather than a beat-by-beat with modern language. I don’t think it will ever replace the original, but I have to say my dislike of Mr. Knightley is so great that I am far more likely to read this again than Austen’s book.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
May 13, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Emma has put her life on hold to take care of her father even though she has support everyone is telling she can have a life to go out there and live it but to me she hesitate to do it because if she does she’ll have to accept that she will lose her father. Georgia is the next door neighbor that knows Emma and father Emma turns to her for friendship and advice to help keep her sane. Georgia ask Emma to help her with her cousin Cora who is being rebellious when she arrives she point out things that Emma wishes not to be known. I enjoy this read the romance was great I love age gap romance my only problem I don’t really like age gap romance when the one character watch the other character grow up I overlook this because I enjoy both characters and supporting were just as great.
Emma has put her life on hold to take care of her father even though she has support everyone is telling she can have a life to go out there and live it but to me she hesitate to do it because if she does she’ll have to accept that she will lose her father. Georgia is the next door neighbor that knows Emma and father Emma turns to her for friendship and advice to help keep her sane. Georgia ask Emma to help her with her cousin Cora who is being rebellious when she arrives she point out things that Emma wishes not to be known. I enjoy this read the romance was great I love age gap romance my only problem I don’t really like age gap romance when the one character watch the other character grow up I overlook this because I enjoy both characters and supporting were just as great.
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