The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Vols. 1 & 2

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion #1-2

by Beth Brower

“I’ve arrived in London without incident. There are few triumphs in my recent life, but I count this as one. My existence of the last three years has been nothing but incident.”

The year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighbourhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric cousin Archibald, her formidable aunt Eugenia and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian’s.

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.

Genres: Historical Fiction

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 1, 2026

About the author

Like 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.

Reviews

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a rare kind of magic in finding a narrator whose company is every bit as compelling as the story itself. Emma M. Lion is one of them.

Set in the delightfully eccentric neighbourhood of St Crispian's, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower captures the comforting charm of a classic novel with the social wit of Austen, then seasons it with a generous helping of whimsy and a heroine with a splash of independence just modern enough to make her endlessly engaging.

The journal style suits Emma's voice perfectly. Witty, perceptive and possessed of a wonderfully inquisitive mind, she notices the little things others overlook, turning everyday encounters into something hilarious. Reading her entries feels like settling in for tea with a dear friend who has all the neighbourhood gossip, complete with deliciously candid asides about the people around her.

Emma is matched by an unforgettable cast. St Crispian's is filled with eccentric personalities, each so delightful that you'll soon have favourites and be hoping they appear in the next entry. Even the neighbourhood itself feels like a character. Its winding streets, peculiar traditions and gentle air of almost magic create a wonderfully cosy atmosphere that makes me wish I had a train ticket and was heading there myself.

I'm especially glad I experienced this as the combined edition of Vol 1 and 2. Vol 1 is largely setup, acquainting readers with Emma, the residents of St Crispian's and the rhythms of their neighbourhood. Delightful though Emma's voice is, alone it's not quite enough. In Vol 2 relationships deepen, mysteries begin to emerge, hints of romance flicker and conflicts brew. It lays a foundation that promises more yet the true heart of the story remains Emma - her sparkling wit, neighbours and warm hearted humour in the face of possible disaster. It's impossible to not feel utterly charmed.

For readers willing to trade relentless action for sparkling conversation, memorable characters and the simple pleasure of spending time in excellent company, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion offers exactly that with a laugh and a sideways wink.

My thanks to Bloomsbury ANZ for the arc

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (volúmenes I y II) de Beth Brower nos sitúa en 1883, cuando Emma regresa a Lapis Lazuli, su hogar en St. Crispian’s, Londres. A través de sus diarios vamos descubriendo una vida llena de cambios inesperados, secretos familiares, amistades peculiares y situaciones de lo más extravagantes, todo contado desde su particular punto de vista.

Hacía muchísimo tiempo que no leía una novela en formato diario y no recordaba lo mucho que podía disfrutarlo. La voz de Emma es, sin duda, lo mejor de la historia: ingeniosa, observadora y con un humor británico que me ha sacado más de una carcajada. Sus comentarios, ocurrencias y pequeñas desgracias cotidianas tienen un encanto especial, y es imposible no acabar cogiéndole cariño.

Además, la forma en que está escrita la novela hace que las páginas vuelen. Es una lectura acogedora, divertida y muy fácil de disfrutar, especialmente si os gustan los personajes con personalidad propia y las historias narradas de una manera diferente.

Me quedo con muchas ganas de continuar con los siguientes volúmenes y seguir acompañando a Emma en sus aventuras.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book(s). I read the compendium of books one and two. Whilst book one started slowly I was soon engrossed and by the end of book 2 I was just begging for more. These are the first two in the journals of Emma M. Lion (there are eight) starting when she returns to the neighbourhood of St. Crispian’s, London after her father’s death. Well written and very entertaining almost from the start.

Briefly, it is 1883 when Emma returns to Lapis Lazuli House, which will be hers when she comes of age. In the meantime, her cousin Archibald is in charge of the house and her finances, and she is shocked and disappointed to find that she has been relegated to the garret on the fifth floor and not to her old rooms.

This is a joyful mix of Jane Austen, Little Women and Bridget Jones with an enthralling cast of characters, not least Emma herself. She is witty, smart and stoic in the face of adversity. I was very engaged in her manner of dealing with the odious Archibald. Not at all my usual read but this is such a heartwarming and delightful book it’s up there with one of my favourites this year.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this only covers part 1 and 2, I’m only part way through the series but I can already feel this will go nicely on my comfort reads shelf, alongside Little Women, and Bridget Jones Diary.

Emma is so charming and witty she jumps right off the page. The series is broken into parts which gives it the delightful feel of an old time radio series. I love the way readers are centred in Emma’s world, privy to her thoughts and perspectives but also to a vast cast of characters and intriguing situations.

The main storyline is interspersed with all sorts of fun sidebars - I loved Emma’s thoughts on her friend who had taken up the new profession of ‘typing’. I found myself most invested when starting part two, and highly recommend taking the time to acclimate to Emma’s world.

The is a heartwarming, amusing and cosy read, which I think will appeal to a broad audience. Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Astrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book it was such an amazing read! The character, Emma, is so loveable and I absolutely was hooked on her narration of her world. The problems she faces and how she deals with them keep you absolutely hooked. I am absolutely obsessed with this series. The plot is medium paced and has a bridgerton/jane Austen vibes to it. I really loved the writing style as I’ve never read one from this perspective before!

[Kellie Spellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun and heartfelt. Love Emma M. Lion and the full cast of characters.

[Ann Dewar · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy! Told through her journal entries, Emma is a gorgeous invention, full of pluck, humour and determination. The tone of voice reminded me of Alan Bradley’s Flavia de Luce novels which I also enjoyed.

An orphan, effectively cheated out of her inheritance, Emma still manages to find reasons to celebrate and her cast of friends and aunts offer delicious opportunities for future volumes that I intend to go off and read.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.