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The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion #1-2
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Vols. 1 & 2
“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.
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.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2026
About the author
Beth Brower
24 books7,871 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 3, 2026
Where to begin? This book was an absolute delight from start to finish. The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion has a subtle humour that I found to be uproariously hilarious. My face hurts from laughing and the permanent smile that was on my face as I read. Mystery, social intrigue, repugnant relatives, great expectations, potential romantic relationships that develop at a glacial pace, and ghosts! Everything a young Mark wanted out of Wuthering Heights... and didn't get! (please forgive me if your opinion on that book diverges from mine)
I purchased a physical copy of this book, but upon completion immediately bought the ebook so I could carry it with me everywhere. Simply carrying it in my heart was incredibly inadequate reward for the immeasurable pleasure reading this book brought me. I was highly dismayed to discover that I cannot immediately procure the other volumes in this series where I live. I fear that I may shuffle off this mortal coil before I can read them. Someone fetch me a tincture so I do not succumb to consumption prior to finishing the remaining volumes!
I purchased a physical copy of this book, but upon completion immediately bought the ebook so I could carry it with me everywhere. Simply carrying it in my heart was incredibly inadequate reward for the immeasurable pleasure reading this book brought me. I was highly dismayed to discover that I cannot immediately procure the other volumes in this series where I live. I fear that I may shuffle off this mortal coil before I can read them. Someone fetch me a tincture so I do not succumb to consumption prior to finishing the remaining volumes!
September 8, 2026
I saw this book on Bookstagram and my interest was immediately piqued. When one of my fellow bookstagrammers gave it a glowing review, I knew I had to read it.
This is a delightful, charming series centered around Emma, a wonderful, feisty, funny young woman in 1883 in London. The novels are written as journals as Emma shares her thoughts on daily events and happenings in her neighbourhood, with her friends, and other residents of the town. There are references to her sad past which I hope we get to know more about as the series progresses. There are several quirky characters, a lovable cat, several prospective suitors, and Emma’s humorous wit. I really fell in love with her character!
I cannot wait for Volume 3 which is being rereleased in January.
Highly recommend this captivating, engaging series!
This is a delightful, charming series centered around Emma, a wonderful, feisty, funny young woman in 1883 in London. The novels are written as journals as Emma shares her thoughts on daily events and happenings in her neighbourhood, with her friends, and other residents of the town. There are references to her sad past which I hope we get to know more about as the series progresses. There are several quirky characters, a lovable cat, several prospective suitors, and Emma’s humorous wit. I really fell in love with her character!
I cannot wait for Volume 3 which is being rereleased in January.
Highly recommend this captivating, engaging series!
August 30, 2026
Thank you HarperCollins Canada for the ARC.
What a delightfully charming read! I read this at a cottage and had a splendid time with it. I cannot wait to read the next one in January!
Emma, you are such a wonderful lead!
What a delightfully charming read! I read this at a cottage and had a splendid time with it. I cannot wait to read the next one in January!
Emma, you are such a wonderful lead!
September 6, 2026
So charming!! Emma is hilarious and I can't wait to read more.
September 13, 2026
I read parts of this while also listening to the audiobook and this is probably my new favourite series of 2026. I love Emma as a character. She’s funny, sarcastic, speaks her mind and is just so very lovable. Highly recommend! Can’t wait to continue the series
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a lovely time I had with young Emma M. Lion!
Taken back to the 1880's into a little town that seems to have a little magic in the air.
Poor Emma, her life is thrown into chaos upon her return to St Crispians and her home - Lapis Lazuli House.
Her brattish older Cousin Archibald has relegated her to the garret on the 5th floor....the 5th floor!
All those stairs 🤨🙄
As Emma goes about tidying her room (if that is what we are calling it), and starting her diary entries again, we come to learn all about Emma,
St Crispians, the town ghost, and the odds and sods that one minute are missing, and the next found (somewhere entirely different than the originating place I might add!), and the carefree and bitter spending of Cousin Archibald. (He who has an abundance of morning coats mind you!).
Her entries are funny, witty, cheeky, and entirely charming, and guarantees the reader a wonderful cosy comfort read.
And seeing as there is an extremely slooooooow burn romance starting, I must now run and secure a copy of Vol 3 & 4 to find out who wins over Emma and what happens to horrid Cousin Archibald!
Overall, an extremely delightful read for every reader who picks this up.
Big love to the wonderful team @bloomsbury for sending this book for my honest thoughts and review.
Taken back to the 1880's into a little town that seems to have a little magic in the air.
Poor Emma, her life is thrown into chaos upon her return to St Crispians and her home - Lapis Lazuli House.
Her brattish older Cousin Archibald has relegated her to the garret on the 5th floor....the 5th floor!
All those stairs 🤨🙄
As Emma goes about tidying her room (if that is what we are calling it), and starting her diary entries again, we come to learn all about Emma,
St Crispians, the town ghost, and the odds and sods that one minute are missing, and the next found (somewhere entirely different than the originating place I might add!), and the carefree and bitter spending of Cousin Archibald. (He who has an abundance of morning coats mind you!).
Her entries are funny, witty, cheeky, and entirely charming, and guarantees the reader a wonderful cosy comfort read.
And seeing as there is an extremely slooooooow burn romance starting, I must now run and secure a copy of Vol 3 & 4 to find out who wins over Emma and what happens to horrid Cousin Archibald!
Overall, an extremely delightful read for every reader who picks this up.
Big love to the wonderful team @bloomsbury for sending this book for my honest thoughts and review.
June 21, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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!
August 9, 2026
*Thank you to Bloomsbury ANZ for providing a digital copy to review via NetGalley*
Words are not enough to express how much I loved this.
I just adored how the story is told through journal entries. It's such an amazing way for us to get to know Emma and see her unfiltered thoughts.
With every new entry, we learn about her family, her home of Lapis Lazuli and St Crispians, her friends, and the things she gets up to. I loved discovering new aspects of her life, and it just made Emma an amazing character. I absolutely adore her sense of humour and how she just tells it like it is.
If you love Jane Austen and My Lady Jane, you will love this as well. I was so sad when I finished volume two as I didn’t want to leave Emma and the enchanting neighbourhood that is St Crispians.
I need to get my hands on the other volumes immediately, and I hope they continue forever.
Words are not enough to express how much I loved this.
I just adored how the story is told through journal entries. It's such an amazing way for us to get to know Emma and see her unfiltered thoughts.
With every new entry, we learn about her family, her home of Lapis Lazuli and St Crispians, her friends, and the things she gets up to. I loved discovering new aspects of her life, and it just made Emma an amazing character. I absolutely adore her sense of humour and how she just tells it like it is.
If you love Jane Austen and My Lady Jane, you will love this as well. I was so sad when I finished volume two as I didn’t want to leave Emma and the enchanting neighbourhood that is St Crispians.
I need to get my hands on the other volumes immediately, and I hope they continue forever.
September 16, 2026
I can’t believe I waited this long to pick up these books! They’re so charming and cozy while also still having a good deal of plot to keep the reader engaged. I can’t wait to see where Emma’s story goes in the future.
September 21, 2026
I so badly wanted to love this series, but after reading books 1 and 2 I won't continue. I can't get into the fantastical YA plot where there's the odd ghost and objects go missing and characters are too one dimensional (we get it, the cousin likes morning coats...)
Review of advance copy
So fun and heartfelt. Love Emma M. Lion and the full cast of characters.
Read
August 29, 2026Emma is a delight.
September 1, 2026
I love this book series!
September 2, 2026
Such a delight. Can't wait to read the rest!
September 6, 2026
Delightful.
September 13, 2026
Cozy, delightful, witty.
September 13, 2026
Very entertaining
September 18, 2026
I love the Emma M Lion series! I started at the beginning to reread/ listen to all 8 volumes in time for Vol 9 to be released this fall.
September 22, 2026
A short and simple read - I kept waiting for more of a story, something a bit more compelling. But it was soon over and unlamented
September 8, 2026
An absolute delight. Comforting, charming, interesting and humorous. The audiobook has an excellent narrator who brings it to life. Can't wait to continue the journey.
It is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighborhood of St. Crispian’s to claim her inheritance of the family home, Lapis Lazuli. But her plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric scoundrel of a cousin Archibald, her formidable aunt Eugenia and the wonderfully odd residents of St. Crispian’s including a ghost. Her days are equally brightened by a wonderful group of friends, old and new including, Mary, Arabella, Nile Pierce, Islington and Roland.
So much to fall in love with here.
It is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighborhood of St. Crispian’s to claim her inheritance of the family home, Lapis Lazuli. But her plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric scoundrel of a cousin Archibald, her formidable aunt Eugenia and the wonderfully odd residents of St. Crispian’s including a ghost. Her days are equally brightened by a wonderful group of friends, old and new including, Mary, Arabella, Nile Pierce, Islington and Roland.
So much to fall in love with here.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews