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The Unselected Journals #6
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 6: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Book 6
There is bedlam, and there is delightful bedlam.
This afternoon touched on the second, much to my pleasure.
The Year is 1884 and Emma M. Lion has, at long last, gained her majority. Entering a golden age of friendship with Pierce, Islington, and Hawkes, Emma is confident she will manage whatever comes her way. It is The Season she must help Arabella secure a husband, while navigating the threat of Aunt Eugenia, the unflagging adoration of Charles Goddard, and the amusing unpredictability of St. Crispian’s. But the secrets of her trusted friends are what might very well bring about disaster.
Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.
Listeners have compared The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion to Jane Austen, P.G. Wodehouse, L. M. Montgomery, and Jean Webster.
This afternoon touched on the second, much to my pleasure.
The Year is 1884 and Emma M. Lion has, at long last, gained her majority. Entering a golden age of friendship with Pierce, Islington, and Hawkes, Emma is confident she will manage whatever comes her way. It is The Season she must help Arabella secure a husband, while navigating the threat of Aunt Eugenia, the unflagging adoration of Charles Goddard, and the amusing unpredictability of St. Crispian’s. But the secrets of her trusted friends are what might very well bring about disaster.
Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.
Listeners have compared The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion to Jane Austen, P.G. Wodehouse, L. M. Montgomery, and Jean Webster.
Audible Audio
First published October 18, 2022
881 people are currently reading
3316 people want to read
About the author
Beth Brower
18 books2,389 followersLike many of my siblings, I would sneak out of bed, slip into the hallway, and pull my favorite books from the book closet. I read my way through the bottom shelf, then the next shelf up, and the shelf above that, until I could climb to the very top shelf, stacked two layers deep and two layers high, and read the titles of the classics. My desire to create stories grew as I was learning to read them.
Subsequently, I spent my time scribbling in notebooks rather than listening to math lectures at school.
I graduated with a degree in literary studies, and have spent several years working on the novels that keep pounding on the doors of my mind, as none of my characters are very patient to wait their turn. I currently live in Orem, Utah, with my wonderful chemist husband, and books in every room of the house.
Subsequently, I spent my time scribbling in notebooks rather than listening to math lectures at school.
I graduated with a degree in literary studies, and have spent several years working on the novels that keep pounding on the doors of my mind, as none of my characters are very patient to wait their turn. I currently live in Orem, Utah, with my wonderful chemist husband, and books in every room of the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,858 reviews
December 4, 2022
Personally rooting for The Roman.
October 19, 2022
That was an evil, evil way to end the book. ;) I loved it. Now what do I do until volume 7?
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January 28, 2025I've liked this series from the beginning but this is the one that reaaaaally sucked me in!
January 22, 2023
I am furious. If Emma ends up with Pierce I will throw a small tantrum. I'm grudgingly still giving this 4 stars because of all of the other delightful things that happened in this book and I'm going to try to expunge all mentions of their chemistry from my brain... until the next volume which I will approach with trepidation. I never thought I'd say this but I'm glad for a break so that I can come to terms with my feelings about the ending of this installment. Of course, I'll still be snapping the next one up as soon as it appears.
November 7, 2024
I finished this book screaming silently like a muffled tea kettle.
December 6, 2023
Well well well. I knew this ended with a bang and boy does it! 👀 That’s all I have to say right now because I have Vol 7 right next to me. 😂
I did actually want to write a bit more about this one because so much happens! First, the whole Twelfth Night ball! Who organizes it? What does it all mean? Who is Oberon? What is the meaning of the crown and Emma's exchange with Oberon? Is Oberon Hawkes since Emma sees him and then doesn't see him?
The Reprobates Ten (or Nine) were so fun in this volume. They felt even more Wodehousian here than in previous volumes. The whole duel thing was...weird. And what's the actual connection between them and Hawkes?
Mary and her Very Masculine Professor are so adorable. I'm rooting for them.
The gift Emma gets from P, H, and I is so sweet! Aunt Eugenia is terrifying, lol Emma's whole employment situation is so funny (except for the groping by the HORRID Argus Fard). I love that Argus (Tad) Jr. comes to her rescue after she took the heat for him before. But I don't know that Emma is cut out for normal work, lol The scene with Jack-as-Catholic-priest is so funny.
It appears that Hawkes and Islington both have (possibly?) tragic back stories too. I am so longing to know more about them. Islington's appears to be about a woman who was stolen away from him somehow. A sister? A lover? Death? Betrayal? "He cares deeply but for a very small number of people--smaller now due to all that unpleasant business" (121). Totally guessing on that! I love Hawkes and Islington so much. The conversation Emma overhears between Hawkes and Islington is fascinating.
And Pierce, swoon! This moment has been a long time coming, but somehow it was perfect just when it came. Except that I'm kinda half rooting for Islington now, so I feel torn. I love Brower's weather imagery for Pierce. It's so perfect. He's definitely the Bronte hero of the bunch.
I did actually want to write a bit more about this one because so much happens! First, the whole Twelfth Night ball! Who organizes it? What does it all mean? Who is Oberon? What is the meaning of the crown and Emma's exchange with Oberon? Is Oberon Hawkes since Emma sees him and then doesn't see him?
The Reprobates Ten (or Nine) were so fun in this volume. They felt even more Wodehousian here than in previous volumes. The whole duel thing was...weird. And what's the actual connection between them and Hawkes?
Mary and her Very Masculine Professor are so adorable. I'm rooting for them.
The gift Emma gets from P, H, and I is so sweet! Aunt Eugenia is terrifying, lol Emma's whole employment situation is so funny (except for the groping by the HORRID Argus Fard). I love that Argus (Tad) Jr. comes to her rescue after she took the heat for him before. But I don't know that Emma is cut out for normal work, lol The scene with Jack-as-Catholic-priest is so funny.
It appears that Hawkes and Islington both have (possibly?) tragic back stories too. I am so longing to know more about them. Islington's appears to be about a woman who was stolen away from him somehow. A sister? A lover? Death? Betrayal? "He cares deeply but for a very small number of people--smaller now due to all that unpleasant business" (121). Totally guessing on that! I love Hawkes and Islington so much. The conversation Emma overhears between Hawkes and Islington is fascinating.
And Pierce, swoon! This moment has been a long time coming, but somehow it was perfect just when it came. Except that I'm kinda half rooting for Islington now, so I feel torn. I love Brower's weather imagery for Pierce. It's so perfect. He's definitely the Bronte hero of the bunch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2025
Eeeeeek! Another good installment of Emma M Lion! Can’t wait for book 7.
October 26, 2025
I can't believe she dove into a fountain with Young Hawkes. (I mean, I can, I just . . . can't believe it.) And while i value friendships and think that it's really great that Emma and Pierce and Islington and Hawkes are all friends . . . I also kind of want some romance to develop here. And honestly? My choice is the Unlikely Vicar.
February 11, 2025
Predictably excellent. Emma is back in Volume 6 with her usual hilarious hijinks.
Some highlights in this volume: eccentric aunts of the pleasant and unpleasant variety, petty St. Crispian committees, fountain traditions, Emma's gainful employment, Emma being a Badass, notarized lists of faults, masquerades, and much much more.
One of my favorite things about Emma is her nobility of spirit, which is displayed whenever she tries to protect her friends or help random people at significant cost to herself. In this installment, it comes out with the general's maid and Tad Whitaker. A true lion.
For those invested in ships -- there are enough Emma/Pierce, Emma/Islington, and Emma/Hawkes moments to make everyone happy. It's almost as if Brower is playing hot potato with these ships and each scene casts a little bit of doubt on who will be holding the potato in the end. Still, this volume will make one ship happier than the rest.
Some favorite quotes:
These are just part of my highlights. Half the book is quotable.
Can't wait for Volume 7!!
Reread 2/10/25
January 15th had me crying with laughter. I couldn’t breathe and nearly died. The intersection of Emma, Aunt Eugenia, Islington, Hawkes, and Parian was an absolute masterpiece. When Eugenia mistook Parian for Pierce….
Also, the end of this entry!
Walking closer, I pulled the chain from beneath my collar and held the pendant towards him.
“My lion,” I said.
Gaze flicking over the gold pendant held by my fingers, he half smiled. “It suits,” he said, looking back up at me. “Meant to find you, I should think.”
“Yes. Strange to think, lost to someone else, but found for me.”
Islington looked away, towards the window. “As happens in life.”
I can’t say it for certain, but I thought his words sounded like a minor chord, a trace of melancholy beneath them.
The subtext is KILLING ME. KILLING ME.
Some highlights in this volume: eccentric aunts of the pleasant and unpleasant variety, petty St. Crispian committees, fountain traditions, Emma's gainful employment, Emma being a Badass, notarized lists of faults, masquerades, and much much more.
One of my favorite things about Emma is her nobility of spirit, which is displayed whenever she tries to protect her friends or help random people at significant cost to herself. In this installment, it comes out with the general's maid and Tad Whitaker. A true lion.
For those invested in ships -- there are enough Emma/Pierce, Emma/Islington, and Emma/Hawkes moments to make everyone happy. It's almost as if Brower is playing hot potato with these ships and each scene casts a little bit of doubt on who will be holding the potato in the end. Still, this volume will make one ship happier than the rest.
Some favorite quotes:
March: Begin Plutarch’s Lives of Illustrious Men. Remind Islington that he has yet to be included in their number.
As a less than average Christian, I do my best to keep my feelings in the realm of extravagant dislike with a hefty dose of disdain.
“Emma, darling,” she said, “would you like a sandwich, a pear pastry, or a slice of currant bread?”
“Oh, one of each, I should think. Thank you.”
Lady Clifford cleared her throat, and three sets of eyes widened at one another.
In my defence, I was very hungry.
Also in my defence, I was acting on the counsel of my banker.
One’s needs must be met. With the purse of others, if possible.
“Oh,” he paused, half turning back, “I’ve just heard from Islington. He sends his regards and said you’re welcome to steal the direction, if you’d like. The letter is in my studio.”
I brightened. “Wonderful! This allows me to reprimand him by post before I strangle him in person.”
Even Agnes asked why he was so morose.
As remedy, I brought down my own authenticated character assassination and said he should read it over a cup of tea in the kitchen.
“Choose your own chaperone? The idea. You can’t even select proper colours for a drawing room. This place is an abomination before the Lord!”
I gave a half-blank expression as I’d thought we’d progressed from poor taste to abomination _very quickly_.
Islington’s annoyance was giving way to his amusement once again. “You’ve been wanting to add books of substance to your library.”
Turncoat.
“I have, Islington. And when I’m finished, I’ll lend it to you. If I recall correctly, you’ve been wanting to add substance to your character.”
“You most certainly will not lend it out, duke or no duke. This, Emma, is to become your bible.”
“But don’t I have an actual Bible for that?”
“Honestly, Emma. I despair of you. The Bible is good for a great many things, but one can hardly expect to maneuver effectively in high society by taking any of its advice.”
“I’ve always felt the story of Jael nailing that man’s head to the ground to be very instructive.”
“We hated one another for a good many years—as solid a foundation for any friendship, I suppose.”
“Who were you with?”
Hawkes closed his eyes, smiled, then opened one eye at me. “No one masquerading as a priest.”
“Yes, well, sometimes having questionable friends is doing the work of the Lord.”
Cousin Archibald has got hold of a tambourine.
(Where in heaven’s name did he find it?)
Parian, Agnes, and I have formed a pact. The first to find said tambourine unattended is to bury it in the garden.
“Your hands are pink.”
“They are.”
“Dare I ask?” he said, half his attention given to opening his letter.
“I murdered a beloved, albeit already deceased, family pet.”
Pierce nodded absently, then paused. His gaze flicked to my face. “That sentence is problematic in more than one place.”
It can be difficult to truly love February. Out of all the months of the year, it pulled the shortest straw in weather, beauty, and general temperament.
He would develop a head cold.
I would attempt to nurse Hawkes back to health.
Unable to recover, and having been additionally diagnosed as an absolute lunatic, Hawkes would suffer an untimely death.
Pierce was suspect. “Should I ask if you even play on the Sabbath?”
“Religiously,” Hawkes said.
I laughed.
“How is being an adult treating you today, Lion? Have you been managing to act like one?”
“I’ve fashioned a few mature qualities that I carry about, yes. Unfortunately, I’ve left them home this afternoon so as to come down to your level. Snobbery loves company.”
These are just part of my highlights. Half the book is quotable.
Can't wait for Volume 7!!
Reread 2/10/25
January 15th had me crying with laughter. I couldn’t breathe and nearly died. The intersection of Emma, Aunt Eugenia, Islington, Hawkes, and Parian was an absolute masterpiece. When Eugenia mistook Parian for Pierce….
Also, the end of this entry!
Walking closer, I pulled the chain from beneath my collar and held the pendant towards him.
“My lion,” I said.
Gaze flicking over the gold pendant held by my fingers, he half smiled. “It suits,” he said, looking back up at me. “Meant to find you, I should think.”
“Yes. Strange to think, lost to someone else, but found for me.”
Islington looked away, towards the window. “As happens in life.”
I can’t say it for certain, but I thought his words sounded like a minor chord, a trace of melancholy beneath them.
The subtext is KILLING ME. KILLING ME.
May 26, 2023
I am immediately going back to reread these and annotate in the margins, as I know Emma herself would approve.
But Ms.Brower, the deepest recesses of my heart need Islington to be endgame. I know we have many, many more adventures with Emma, Pierce, Islington, and Hawkes, and I eagerly, eagerly await the next installment.
But Ms.Brower, the deepest recesses of my heart need Islington to be endgame. I know we have many, many more adventures with Emma, Pierce, Islington, and Hawkes, and I eagerly, eagerly await the next installment.
October 16, 2025
This is my favorite one so far. The character development 💕
Ought one, when entering the realm of Legal Adulthood, put one’s best foot forward? Or is a mediocre foot a wiser mark?
——————————
My own smile was rather fixed by the time I served Hawkes. “Thank you,” he said quietly. We shared a look, one honest, bare moment of joint determination—to survive the vicissitudes mortal life affords. Namely, other people. He improved upon his expression by tilting his head just so and letting his smile do the same. Bless Hawkes.
——————————
“This, Emma, is to become your bible.”
“But don’t I have an actual Bible for that?”
“Honestly, Emma. I despair of you. The Bible is good for a great many things, but one can hardly expect to maneuver effectively in high society by taking any of its advice.”
“I’ve always felt the story of Jael nailing that man’s head to the ground to be very instructive.”
Aunt Eugenia physically recoiled, and Islington coughed.
“I can see,” she said, once she recovered, “you have much further to go than even I imagined. Open the book.”
“Now?”
“Yes, now. And don’t you be getting any ideas that you will quit the room.” This was said to Islington.
“I wouldn’t dream of depriving myself of this moment,” Islington answered.
Ought one, when entering the realm of Legal Adulthood, put one’s best foot forward? Or is a mediocre foot a wiser mark?
——————————
My own smile was rather fixed by the time I served Hawkes. “Thank you,” he said quietly. We shared a look, one honest, bare moment of joint determination—to survive the vicissitudes mortal life affords. Namely, other people. He improved upon his expression by tilting his head just so and letting his smile do the same. Bless Hawkes.
——————————
“This, Emma, is to become your bible.”
“But don’t I have an actual Bible for that?”
“Honestly, Emma. I despair of you. The Bible is good for a great many things, but one can hardly expect to maneuver effectively in high society by taking any of its advice.”
“I’ve always felt the story of Jael nailing that man’s head to the ground to be very instructive.”
Aunt Eugenia physically recoiled, and Islington coughed.
“I can see,” she said, once she recovered, “you have much further to go than even I imagined. Open the book.”
“Now?”
“Yes, now. And don’t you be getting any ideas that you will quit the room.” This was said to Islington.
“I wouldn’t dream of depriving myself of this moment,” Islington answered.
December 5, 2024
I advise anyone who wants to read this to wait for vol. 7. I am furious with the ending. Not because of what happened, but because it occurred on the last page.
With that in mind, as a writer myself, I respect this.
I am also seething. If I hadn't been reading a library copy I would have thrown it.
I can't think of a higher compliment.
With that in mind, as a writer myself, I respect this.
I am also seething. If I hadn't been reading a library copy I would have thrown it.
I can't think of a higher compliment.
November 28, 2025
if you heard distant shrieking at 1:25 AM on November the 27th... that was me and I'm totally, completely, 100% fine, there is absolutely nothing to see here.
Five stars, dude.
Five stars, dude.
October 26, 2025
It's amazing how Beth Brower can consistently create such wonderful, sparkling, hilarious and touching journals of the unforgettable Emma M. Lion! The more volumes I read, the more I love Emma and wish that I lived in her world. (How is it even possible??)
The best thing about Emma is that she is so real...she's not perfect, but she has a lovely balance in her character. I wish Emma was my best friend! I'm so anxious to read more and extremely excited that there are at least 10 in the series in progress. I don't know what I'll do when these journals come to an end! I guess I'll have to start all over again!
Emma M. Lion's journals have been the primary source of joy for me in this year. I'm so grateful to Beth for inventing such a lovable and inspiring character! Yay!
The best thing about Emma is that she is so real...she's not perfect, but she has a lovely balance in her character. I wish Emma was my best friend! I'm so anxious to read more and extremely excited that there are at least 10 in the series in progress. I don't know what I'll do when these journals come to an end! I guess I'll have to start all over again!
Emma M. Lion's journals have been the primary source of joy for me in this year. I'm so grateful to Beth for inventing such a lovable and inspiring character! Yay!
July 26, 2025
July 24, 2025
Now, this is a surprise to me, but I find that I am less and less endeared to the particular man Emma has begun to entwine herself with. This second reading is making me wonder if their connection is based on just shared experience, convenience, and infatuation, instead of something deeper. I suppose we shall see…
The rest of Emma’s amusing absurdities (ARGUS FARD) prove to remain just as entertaining, if not more so.
August 12, 2024
I find myself wandering once again into the neighborhoods of St. Crispian’s through the pages of Emma’s Journals. What more can I say other than there is bedlam (Aunt Eugenia, Cousin Archibald, Argus), there is spectacle (The Professor, The Reprobates Ten, Valentine’s Day Fountain), there is delight (in a word, Emma herself).
And there is a comfort & a feeling of home found in the Value placed upon and Necessity of Friends, Tea, & Books.
I am wholly indebted to Miss Lion for taking the time to record it all for our enjoyment, at her own expense at times.
Now in Emma’s words, “There is no feeling quite like finishing a book that you’ve loved.”
I do believe I’ll begin another…
Now, this is a surprise to me, but I find that I am less and less endeared to the particular man Emma has begun to entwine herself with. This second reading is making me wonder if their connection is based on just shared experience, convenience, and infatuation, instead of something deeper. I suppose we shall see…
The rest of Emma’s amusing absurdities (ARGUS FARD) prove to remain just as entertaining, if not more so.
August 12, 2024
I find myself wandering once again into the neighborhoods of St. Crispian’s through the pages of Emma’s Journals. What more can I say other than there is bedlam (Aunt Eugenia, Cousin Archibald, Argus), there is spectacle (The Professor, The Reprobates Ten, Valentine’s Day Fountain), there is delight (in a word, Emma herself).
And there is a comfort & a feeling of home found in the Value placed upon and Necessity of Friends, Tea, & Books.
I am wholly indebted to Miss Lion for taking the time to record it all for our enjoyment, at her own expense at times.
Now in Emma’s words, “There is no feeling quite like finishing a book that you’ve loved.”
I do believe I’ll begin another…
June 8, 2025
“He speaks words the way they pound in my chest. And it feels like a miracle, finding such a dead part of oneself walking around in someone else’s body.”
“I was wrapped with a remarkable sense of self, as if it were the first time I’d truly heard the pounding of my own heart. Ethereal yet corporeal, blood and bone and every thought that binds the two together.”
“He turned his head to look at me, his eyes catching the reflection of the fire the same way a silver stretch of clouds crossed the burning, gold coin of sunset.”
How can writing be this beautiful? I feel like my soul is glowing. Infinity stars💗✨♾️💗✨♾️
“I was wrapped with a remarkable sense of self, as if it were the first time I’d truly heard the pounding of my own heart. Ethereal yet corporeal, blood and bone and every thought that binds the two together.”
“He turned his head to look at me, his eyes catching the reflection of the fire the same way a silver stretch of clouds crossed the burning, gold coin of sunset.”
How can writing be this beautiful? I feel like my soul is glowing. Infinity stars💗✨♾️💗✨♾️
October 21, 2025
I think 4.5 for this one. Perhaps a 5? Good heavens!!!!! How will this affect The Alchemy?!
September 20, 2024
How dare she end the book that way???
This was one of my favorite volumes of Emma so far (do I say that every time??) but now my dilemma is should I start the 7th one or save it?!
This was one of my favorite volumes of Emma so far (do I say that every time??) but now my dilemma is should I start the 7th one or save it?!
December 7, 2025
Ahhhhhhhehehehehe 🤭🤭🤭
December 26, 2023
THAT ENDING
Ahem. Well, somebody’s ship seems to be sailing in a strong wind. Rushing to get Vol 7 at 11.30 pm.
Ahem. Well, somebody’s ship seems to be sailing in a strong wind. Rushing to get Vol 7 at 11.30 pm.
May 6, 2025
no notes.
November 2, 2025
I’m not sure if I’ve ever swooned so hard in all my life as how I swooned over February 28, 1884. 😭🫠 And for the record, I’m not a swooner. But that kiss??? I’ve only been waiting 6 books for it, so it’s fine. 🥹
This instalment was truly golden. Enchanting. Obviously humorous. And very swoony.
Spoiler: I am Team Pierce. I have been Team Pierce from Day 1. And I am aching for them to be end game. But I am also terrified because THERE ARE OTHER ROMANTIC POTENTIALS. And that scares me because, I want this ship to sail SO BAD.
Anyways, St. Crispian’s has my heart. And all my Spotify minutes. Is it great for insomnia? No, but it does make it more bearable. 💛
This instalment was truly golden. Enchanting. Obviously humorous. And very swoony.
Spoiler: I am Team Pierce. I have been Team Pierce from Day 1. And I am aching for them to be end game. But I am also terrified because THERE ARE OTHER ROMANTIC POTENTIALS. And that scares me because, I want this ship to sail SO BAD.
Anyways, St. Crispian’s has my heart. And all my Spotify minutes. Is it great for insomnia? No, but it does make it more bearable. 💛
October 21, 2022
Emma is back, and she's as delightful as ever. More mysteries about our three gentlemen are revealed, and some mysteries are still out there begging to be told. I feel a little bereft now that I've finished reading this installment. Thankfully, I can go back, start at the beginning, and savor them all again.
July 14, 2025
I just consume these books. I am deeply invested in all the characters. I need to know more about Islington’s and Hawke’s past. What haunts them?
That cliffhanger! I digress.
That cliffhanger! I digress.
September 9, 2025
Oh dear. I can't stop smiling. This may have overtaken book 4 as my favorite.
June 19, 2024
2024:
More delightful up on rereading!
2023:
This series. I inhaled it this week, during an angsty period of family and homeschool upheaval. Some of the stuff I've been previewing for my kids has been dark and hopeless, but the irrepressible Miss Emma Lion and her companions inhabit a world where Truth, Beauty, and Goodness are real, where friendship and hopefulness prevail. My family and our world need more of these sorts of books.
The only complaint I have is how long I will have to wait for volume 7.
More delightful up on rereading!
2023:
This series. I inhaled it this week, during an angsty period of family and homeschool upheaval. Some of the stuff I've been previewing for my kids has been dark and hopeless, but the irrepressible Miss Emma Lion and her companions inhabit a world where Truth, Beauty, and Goodness are real, where friendship and hopefulness prevail. My family and our world need more of these sorts of books.
The only complaint I have is how long I will have to wait for volume 7.
March 20, 2025
The endings of these books are the best scenes and then I just want to jump into the next one.
My Quick Takes:
- 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Language 🤐 mild
- Spice ❤️🔥 none (one kiss)
- Content 🤔 grief
Sinking deeper and deeper into Emma M Lion and I just love it more and more. I really appreciated the little bit of added depth to Hawkes and Islington’s characters in this one.
My Quick Takes:
- 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Language 🤐 mild
- Spice ❤️🔥 none (one kiss)
- Content 🤔 grief
Sinking deeper and deeper into Emma M Lion and I just love it more and more. I really appreciated the little bit of added depth to Hawkes and Islington’s characters in this one.
December 15, 2024
“What what!”
I simply cannot emphasize enough how EXCELLENT this entire series is. It has significantly enriched my life by adding laughter and depth. What a gift writing can be.
I simply cannot emphasize enough how EXCELLENT this entire series is. It has significantly enriched my life by adding laughter and depth. What a gift writing can be.
August 16, 2025
my review of this book is best expressed as a mildly embarrassing mixture of delighted giggling and excited shrieks
May 11, 2025
This series should come with a warning label: “May cause attachment to fictional characters, spontaneous snort-laughing, & the uncontrollable urge to sigh dramatically while sipping tea and emotionally spiraling.”
In 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝗮 𝗠. 𝗟𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝟲, Beth Brower gives us another delightfully chaotic chapter of Emma’s life at Lapis Lazuli House—now with 𝙴𝚖𝚖𝚊’𝚜 𝟸𝟷𝚜𝚝 𝚋𝚒𝚛𝚝𝚑𝚍𝚊𝚢, employment fiascos, masquerade ball, fountain diving, and more subtext than my brain can process at 2 AM
The language? Sharp as ever.
The emotional depth? Sneakily wrecks you.
The drama? A+ Regency-grade bedlam.
The ending? Cliffhanger. I’m seething. Also clapping.
WHAT I LOVED
😽 Emma’s voice: Witty, self-deprecating, & absolutely feral when cornered.
💌 The friendships: Found family energy, but with more tampering from eccentric aunts
✍️ Hidden depths: Emotional reveals sneak up mid-laugh & then suddenly you’re blinking back tears
⚔️ Emma being a noble chaos gremlin: Weaponized wit. Sacrificial heart. Trademark smirk.
TOP MOMENTS TO LOOK FOR (spoiler-free!):
📚 Her Reading Scholar goal: Mine feels lazy now.
💔 Pierce’s past: What took him to America—it’s devastating, noble, & beautifully written.
🎭 Masquerade mayhem: Dancing, disguises, & a king to rule them all.
🪙 Valentine’s Day fountain scene: It starts out cute but…
🖋️ Her secretarial job: An accidental desk assassination. Glorious.
📖 Aunt Eugenia’s gift: Mixing in Society manual. Priceless.
📝 Archibald’s list of “egregious & significant failures”. Yes. Really.
⛪️ Jack’s disguise. Priceless.
😠 The ending. I will not speak of it. I’m still recovering.
FINAL THOUGHTS
💬 Emma M. Lion continues to be the literary equivalent of your smartest, sassiest friend with a soft spot for lost souls and strong tea. Watching her evolve is one of the most satisfying emotional arcs I’ve read in a long time. This volume brought more heart, more laughter, more “WAIT—what just happened?!” and honestly? I’d read Beth’s grocery lists if she published them.
CONTENT WARNINGS
• Language: None. No profanity or crude language.
• Sexual Content: None. No open door or fade-to-black scenes.
• Violence: Mild historical references to war, illness, and emotional trauma, but nothing graphic.
• Triggers: Brief mentions of war experiences, grief, and past family tension. All handled with sensitivity and within historical/regency context.
In 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝗮 𝗠. 𝗟𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝟲, Beth Brower gives us another delightfully chaotic chapter of Emma’s life at Lapis Lazuli House—now with 𝙴𝚖𝚖𝚊’𝚜 𝟸𝟷𝚜𝚝 𝚋𝚒𝚛𝚝𝚑𝚍𝚊𝚢, employment fiascos, masquerade ball, fountain diving, and more subtext than my brain can process at 2 AM
The language? Sharp as ever.
The emotional depth? Sneakily wrecks you.
The drama? A+ Regency-grade bedlam.
The ending? Cliffhanger. I’m seething. Also clapping.
WHAT I LOVED
😽 Emma’s voice: Witty, self-deprecating, & absolutely feral when cornered.
💌 The friendships: Found family energy, but with more tampering from eccentric aunts
✍️ Hidden depths: Emotional reveals sneak up mid-laugh & then suddenly you’re blinking back tears
⚔️ Emma being a noble chaos gremlin: Weaponized wit. Sacrificial heart. Trademark smirk.
TOP MOMENTS TO LOOK FOR (spoiler-free!):
📚 Her Reading Scholar goal: Mine feels lazy now.
💔 Pierce’s past: What took him to America—it’s devastating, noble, & beautifully written.
🎭 Masquerade mayhem: Dancing, disguises, & a king to rule them all.
🪙 Valentine’s Day fountain scene: It starts out cute but…
🖋️ Her secretarial job: An accidental desk assassination. Glorious.
📖 Aunt Eugenia’s gift: Mixing in Society manual. Priceless.
📝 Archibald’s list of “egregious & significant failures”. Yes. Really.
⛪️ Jack’s disguise. Priceless.
😠 The ending. I will not speak of it. I’m still recovering.
FINAL THOUGHTS
💬 Emma M. Lion continues to be the literary equivalent of your smartest, sassiest friend with a soft spot for lost souls and strong tea. Watching her evolve is one of the most satisfying emotional arcs I’ve read in a long time. This volume brought more heart, more laughter, more “WAIT—what just happened?!” and honestly? I’d read Beth’s grocery lists if she published them.
CONTENT WARNINGS
• Language: None. No profanity or crude language.
• Sexual Content: None. No open door or fade-to-black scenes.
• Violence: Mild historical references to war, illness, and emotional trauma, but nothing graphic.
• Triggers: Brief mentions of war experiences, grief, and past family tension. All handled with sensitivity and within historical/regency context.
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