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Austen #2
Emma the Matchmaker
Emma Woodhouse is happily single, though that’s never stopped her from making matches for others. Her best friend, George Knightley, thinks it’s a sure way to trouble, but what’s wrong with giving romance a little nudge?
George has been fighting his feelings for Emma for years, but with families so closely intertwined, rocking the friendship boat would complicate more than just their relationship. He won’t do that to her, or ask why she keeps cuddling up next to him on the couch to watch their favorite show at night.
When a matchmaking scheme gone wrong drives a wedge between them, the last thing they want is to face each other. But when Emma’s sister goes into labor and they’re the babysitters for the weekend, they’ll have to set aside their pride and undeniable chemistry to tackle diaper duty together.
A modern take on Jane Austen's Emma with all the characters you know and love.
George has been fighting his feelings for Emma for years, but with families so closely intertwined, rocking the friendship boat would complicate more than just their relationship. He won’t do that to her, or ask why she keeps cuddling up next to him on the couch to watch their favorite show at night.
When a matchmaking scheme gone wrong drives a wedge between them, the last thing they want is to face each other. But when Emma’s sister goes into labor and they’re the babysitters for the weekend, they’ll have to set aside their pride and undeniable chemistry to tackle diaper duty together.
A modern take on Jane Austen's Emma with all the characters you know and love.
155 pages, ebook
Published April 23, 2019
301 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Rachel John
52 books517 followersRachel John is the author of books filled with awkward humor and sigh-inducing romance. When not burning dinner or chasing kids, Rachel can be found working on family history, writing, reading, or putting off writing by staring at Facebook. She lives in Arizona with her husband, four crazy kids, and her desert tortoise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
August 24, 2021
I enjoyed this one but taking a star off for the writing cause it was a bit confusing and the ending was a bit rushed. I wanted Harriet to have her HEA fully flushed out.
May 12, 2019
I know some people don't like modernizations, but this rendering of Jane Austen's Emma shouldn't be dismissed. The parallels are unmistakable, the alterations make sense in a contemporary rom-com, and there's enough variation to keep the reader wondering exactly how the plot will unfold.
Emma Woodhouse is a fashion consultant who lives with her beloved but demanding elderly grandfather. George Knightley is a close longtime family friend whose brother John is married to Emma's sister Isabella. Emma and George are each aware of their attraction to each other but neither will pursue it or even mention it to the other for fear of destroying the warm, comfortable relationship they currently have.
The story begins with the wedding of Mr. Woodhouse's nurse, Taylor. Emma gives herself the credit for having gotten Taylor and her new husband West together and therefore decides she's going to look for more matchmaking opportunities. She hires Harriet Smith to replace Taylor as her graddad's nurse. Emma prods her to examine her relationship with her long-distance boyfriend Martin and, once Harriet breaks up with him, does her best to instigate a romantic relationship between Harriet and Elton, a neighbor.
George works as a physician assistant at a retirement community where Betty Bates and her mother live. Betty's niece Jane moves in with them and ends up working in George's office as a receptionist. A friend of Jane's, Finn Churchill, shows up shortly afterward to visit his father in the area for two weeks.
There are so many sweet scenes here. Love Emma and George watching reality TV together, and later in the book babysitting for their small whirlwind of a nephew, Johnny. Also love the setup for a murder mystery dinner party Emma decides to host.
Ms. John demonstrates a mastery of writing natural-sounding dialogue and creating believable characters here. Betty Bates' characterization is especially wonderful, and I actually found this Emma more likable than Jane Austen's.
Content is clean. Highly recommend!
Emma Woodhouse is a fashion consultant who lives with her beloved but demanding elderly grandfather. George Knightley is a close longtime family friend whose brother John is married to Emma's sister Isabella. Emma and George are each aware of their attraction to each other but neither will pursue it or even mention it to the other for fear of destroying the warm, comfortable relationship they currently have.
The story begins with the wedding of Mr. Woodhouse's nurse, Taylor. Emma gives herself the credit for having gotten Taylor and her new husband West together and therefore decides she's going to look for more matchmaking opportunities. She hires Harriet Smith to replace Taylor as her graddad's nurse. Emma prods her to examine her relationship with her long-distance boyfriend Martin and, once Harriet breaks up with him, does her best to instigate a romantic relationship between Harriet and Elton, a neighbor.
George works as a physician assistant at a retirement community where Betty Bates and her mother live. Betty's niece Jane moves in with them and ends up working in George's office as a receptionist. A friend of Jane's, Finn Churchill, shows up shortly afterward to visit his father in the area for two weeks.
There are so many sweet scenes here. Love Emma and George watching reality TV together, and later in the book babysitting for their small whirlwind of a nephew, Johnny. Also love the setup for a murder mystery dinner party Emma decides to host.
Ms. John demonstrates a mastery of writing natural-sounding dialogue and creating believable characters here. Betty Bates' characterization is especially wonderful, and I actually found this Emma more likable than Jane Austen's.
Content is clean. Highly recommend!
June 7, 2021
Adorable contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma.
Emma the Matchmaker by Rachel John, Rachel Dulude (Narrator) is a 2019 Audible Audio publication. This is book 2 in An Austen Inspired Romantic Comedy Series. Rachel Dulude’s narration was well-voiced for all characters and quite enjoyable!
I should confess that I’ve not actually read Emma, though I am planning on it soon. To help myself become familiar with the characters of Emma, I watched the 2020 film version of the book; it was perfectly cast, and it will be a film that I revisit. So, when I noticed this modern retelling, I thought, why not?
Emma the Matchmaker was fresh and charming, and I loved how the author reinvented the story all the while keeping the essence of the original Emma. It was such fun to learn what these modern characters did for work and fun. And the theme of the party Emma hosted could not have been more appropriate for the story. I am glad I allowed these details to unfold while reading, rather than from detailed reviews beforehand.
This was a gently-paced story with sweet moments between Emma and George. Feelings of longing, jealously, and regret come through in the writing as these characters moved from a friends to more-than-friends relationship. This was a clean romance read.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys light-hearted romance with a HEA ending. I don’t think you need to be an Austen fan to appreciate this charming book.
Emma the Matchmaker by Rachel John, Rachel Dulude (Narrator) is a 2019 Audible Audio publication. This is book 2 in An Austen Inspired Romantic Comedy Series. Rachel Dulude’s narration was well-voiced for all characters and quite enjoyable!
I should confess that I’ve not actually read Emma, though I am planning on it soon. To help myself become familiar with the characters of Emma, I watched the 2020 film version of the book; it was perfectly cast, and it will be a film that I revisit. So, when I noticed this modern retelling, I thought, why not?
Emma the Matchmaker was fresh and charming, and I loved how the author reinvented the story all the while keeping the essence of the original Emma. It was such fun to learn what these modern characters did for work and fun. And the theme of the party Emma hosted could not have been more appropriate for the story. I am glad I allowed these details to unfold while reading, rather than from detailed reviews beforehand.
This was a gently-paced story with sweet moments between Emma and George. Feelings of longing, jealously, and regret come through in the writing as these characters moved from a friends to more-than-friends relationship. This was a clean romance read.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys light-hearted romance with a HEA ending. I don’t think you need to be an Austen fan to appreciate this charming book.
April 24, 2019
Jane Austen knew no one would like Emma when they started to read her book. She knew it. But she wrote Emma anyway. For two-hundred years Emma has been a difficult character for people to love, no matter what her retelling. But Rachel John has done something amazing - I loved Emma from the first page! She did a fantastic job of transposing the 19th century story into the 21st century. Emma is confident, strong, kind, if slightly misguided. And the Knightly character is wonderful! Their chemistry is perfect, too. I loved this story!
May 13, 2019
This was super duper cute! I read it in almost as quickly as I could. Loved all the characters and how it tied into Emma by Jane Austen...very entertaining.
Moral Note: Clean
Moral Note: Clean
July 5, 2019
A light, romantic comedy can be just the thing on a hot, sultry day and I was eager to pick up this author's latest Austen-inspired modern retelling of Emma. Austen fans will recognize a favorite tale and those new to Austen will have a quick, entertaining story of a woman's (mis)adventures into matchmaking.
Emma the Matchmaker is a standalone piece that begins at the moment when her good friend Taylor has married leaving Emma a bit at loose ends. Taylor wasn't just her friend, but the long-time live in nurse for Emma's aged, fussy grandfather. Now, Taylor has taken a job in a new city and Emma must find a new nurse for her grandfather. Meanwhile, she enjoys torturing her friend George Knightley, her sister's brother in law, with her declaration that she is going to take up matchmaking as a hobby since she's so good at it- Exhibit A Taylor and West. As can be expected, George rises to this taunt and warns her on no uncertain terms not to start playing with people's lives.
George started out as friends with Emma after their siblings tied the knot, but it has gradually become something more. He doesn't want to ruin the close camaraderie they share when she has given no hint that she feels the same way about him. Now, she's trying to fix up her granddad's new nurse Harriet with her next door neighbor, Elton. George can see where Elton's interest lies and it isn't bubbly Harriet who is getting over a break-up with her boyfriend. But, Emma likes arranging people's lives and won't believe that she might just have this one wrong. It may mean their friendship and more, but he can't just say nothing.
This was a gently-paced 'comedy of errors' piece. Friends to lovers was the romance element at the center with both Emma and George alternating narration time. George is a little older than Emma, serious, and somewhat introverted, but he's a true blue guy that really cares about the seniors at his job and helping out with Mr. Woodhouse and the house needs that an old man or Emma can't do as well as hanging out with Emma after work on the couch watching reality TV with popcorn.
Emma appreciates this, but takes it for granted until she nearly loses him when she gets hung up on her own brilliance at solving her need to have a good person with her grandfather by convincing Harriet to break up with her boyfriend to fix her up with Elton the neighbor all under George's disapproving eyes. Oh, yes, you can imagine the mischief this causes and the soul searching that comes after.
I have to give the author credit. It could have been loaded with drama and angst and it did have some, but it didn't wallow in it. So, if you're looking for intense emotions and complex character and plot development, its not to be found here. Though not boring, there is a lightness that breezes over the surface rather than plunging deep.
The author presented the classic story at the heart, but it was also original so that each character and situation was up to date and suited the time. I enjoyed the Emma is a personal shopper and fashion advisor for her career, George is a physician's assistant at a senior center where he knows the Bates' family as they are in his case load and Jane becomes his secretary, Harriet is Mr. Woodhouse's nurse, and Mr. Woodhouse is in his nineties and is a fuss-budget, but also has real ailments. George's brother is a strong side character, but the focus is mostly on Emma and George's friendship as both become it is something more when they stand to lose the other to other people.
The author also abbreviated the original so this one paced out quickly in comparison. I know the original well so I felt the cuts of some characters and some big moments that were combined in this one, but I also felt that this still left a light-hearted story that didn't seem to miss the essentials to make it a good modern romcom romp. That said, I have one niggle. There is a storyline about Jane coming to stay with her Aunt Betty to get over an ex boyfriend who ends up pursuing her. They are in a few scenes, melting away into the shadows like they arrived. It was just there and poking out with no real need to be included at all the way the rest of the story was written. I think it was supposed that an Emma retelling must have her old rival Jane and the smarmy Frank there to stir things up. I guess they did that, but it didn't feel more than a distraction at best.
All in all, it turned out to be a moderately engaging, sweet and fun version of Austen's Emma that I can recommend to old time Austen fans or those just looking for something quick, sweet, and light.
COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt Clue- cover with a clothed couple on it 2pts.
Emma the Matchmaker is a standalone piece that begins at the moment when her good friend Taylor has married leaving Emma a bit at loose ends. Taylor wasn't just her friend, but the long-time live in nurse for Emma's aged, fussy grandfather. Now, Taylor has taken a job in a new city and Emma must find a new nurse for her grandfather. Meanwhile, she enjoys torturing her friend George Knightley, her sister's brother in law, with her declaration that she is going to take up matchmaking as a hobby since she's so good at it- Exhibit A Taylor and West. As can be expected, George rises to this taunt and warns her on no uncertain terms not to start playing with people's lives.
George started out as friends with Emma after their siblings tied the knot, but it has gradually become something more. He doesn't want to ruin the close camaraderie they share when she has given no hint that she feels the same way about him. Now, she's trying to fix up her granddad's new nurse Harriet with her next door neighbor, Elton. George can see where Elton's interest lies and it isn't bubbly Harriet who is getting over a break-up with her boyfriend. But, Emma likes arranging people's lives and won't believe that she might just have this one wrong. It may mean their friendship and more, but he can't just say nothing.
This was a gently-paced 'comedy of errors' piece. Friends to lovers was the romance element at the center with both Emma and George alternating narration time. George is a little older than Emma, serious, and somewhat introverted, but he's a true blue guy that really cares about the seniors at his job and helping out with Mr. Woodhouse and the house needs that an old man or Emma can't do as well as hanging out with Emma after work on the couch watching reality TV with popcorn.
Emma appreciates this, but takes it for granted until she nearly loses him when she gets hung up on her own brilliance at solving her need to have a good person with her grandfather by convincing Harriet to break up with her boyfriend to fix her up with Elton the neighbor all under George's disapproving eyes. Oh, yes, you can imagine the mischief this causes and the soul searching that comes after.
I have to give the author credit. It could have been loaded with drama and angst and it did have some, but it didn't wallow in it. So, if you're looking for intense emotions and complex character and plot development, its not to be found here. Though not boring, there is a lightness that breezes over the surface rather than plunging deep.
The author presented the classic story at the heart, but it was also original so that each character and situation was up to date and suited the time. I enjoyed the Emma is a personal shopper and fashion advisor for her career, George is a physician's assistant at a senior center where he knows the Bates' family as they are in his case load and Jane becomes his secretary, Harriet is Mr. Woodhouse's nurse, and Mr. Woodhouse is in his nineties and is a fuss-budget, but also has real ailments. George's brother is a strong side character, but the focus is mostly on Emma and George's friendship as both become it is something more when they stand to lose the other to other people.
The author also abbreviated the original so this one paced out quickly in comparison. I know the original well so I felt the cuts of some characters and some big moments that were combined in this one, but I also felt that this still left a light-hearted story that didn't seem to miss the essentials to make it a good modern romcom romp. That said, I have one niggle. There is a storyline about Jane coming to stay with her Aunt Betty to get over an ex boyfriend who ends up pursuing her. They are in a few scenes, melting away into the shadows like they arrived. It was just there and poking out with no real need to be included at all the way the rest of the story was written. I think it was supposed that an Emma retelling must have her old rival Jane and the smarmy Frank there to stir things up. I guess they did that, but it didn't feel more than a distraction at best.
All in all, it turned out to be a moderately engaging, sweet and fun version of Austen's Emma that I can recommend to old time Austen fans or those just looking for something quick, sweet, and light.
COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt Clue- cover with a clothed couple on it 2pts.
January 28, 2022
someday i'll be that person that reads Jane Austen and gets shocked when someone says that they don't like Jane Austen, but until this day I'll just read books inspired by her.
October 8, 2021
I loved this twist on Emma, which is saying something since the original Emma is dead last in my Jane Austen affections.
May 26, 2021
It was a hard task: to re-make Jane Austen's book, to re-make Emma, which is probably the best by Austen, or at least the second-best, to do it as a modern (young adult) version, in around 150 pages. And you know what? Rachel John did it charmingly (I liked her P&P version too). I have no idea how she got the idea for the setting and new-old characters, but she found a way to take from the original "Emma" many components that made it such a great novel. I don't have a clue how someone who doesn't know the original would enjoy "Emma the Matchmaker", but I have had a wonderful time.
November 9, 2022
A lovely modern retelling of Austen's Emma. Very enjoyable and surprising at times. I am looking forward the next part in the series.
MTA: Just as lovely the second time around. It is kind of short, but very well done. I listened to an audiobook version, narrated by Rachel Dulude (who did a very good job indeed). Highly recommended if you need something Austen-inspired and uplifting.
MTA: Just as lovely the second time around. It is kind of short, but very well done. I listened to an audiobook version, narrated by Rachel Dulude (who did a very good job indeed). Highly recommended if you need something Austen-inspired and uplifting.
August 4, 2022
Emma retellings are always tough because of well, Emma! She is not the most likable Austen character and it can be tricky to make her likable enough that readers enjoy the book while still being true to the Emma that Jane wrote. I thought this was a cute retelling and the author did a good job with that! You sensed Emma's acknowledgement and frustration with her mistakes. The pacing felt a little rushed toward the end but I definitely enjoyed this cute romance and recommend the entire series!
August 3, 2019
Friend to lover story Jane Austin style
This was a cute, fun, sweet story. The characters were not perfect which make them more realistic and relatable that way.
This was a cute, fun, sweet story. The characters were not perfect which make them more realistic and relatable that way.
November 11, 2019
Cute retelling or Jane Austen’s Emma. Follows along with a contemporary case and setting. I liked it.
Content: Clean romance, no language or violence
Rating: PG
Content: Clean romance, no language or violence
Rating: PG
May 18, 2025
Great rom-com
Another great Austen inspired rom-com :)
I enjoyed Emma and George's story with a modern twist. I also love the title of each chapter! A sweet, clean romance that i highly recommend!
Another great Austen inspired rom-com :)
I enjoyed Emma and George's story with a modern twist. I also love the title of each chapter! A sweet, clean romance that i highly recommend!
July 13, 2021
Here, again, I sit in kind of an awed state where I would normally be a little reasonable and iffy about an adaptation of EMMA, and even more-so when it is a Modernization--sorry, nothing is better than "Clueless"--I tend to walk in with a modicum of tension, squinting my eyes but peeking.
My expectations set low-bar. I like that space because it allows for so much more to impress me, when not only does the new text follow a certain formula, but then the new spins or twists make it even better. It shows that the Author was not taking this writing task as a whim, just because everyone wants to do an Austen adaptation. But what I am finding with these books is that there is some care and compassion, some respect and deep love for Austen where we're not gunking up the pathways with pointless nonsense.
I think I have made it clear... EMMA is not my fave and never will be. But I have certain bonds with it that make it sentimentally super-sweet for me. I love when an adaptation can give me great, yet new vibes off some "original" or unique twists I was not expecting.
Emma here, in this one, is an extremely centered mature 20-something, which I loved. She is also highly enmeshed in her own career...wonderfully sculpted to be, kind of like a Marie Kondo about clothes and clothing styles--going into people's homes, and into their personal closets and shedding them of excess and bringing them into a new light.
Emma Woodhouse has been raised by GrandPa Woodhouse...and I don't know why so many others who have taken the mantel to write a Modernized Emma has not thought of this as an outlet. This makes so much more sense as Pop Woodhouse tends to be often ancient and Rheumy, like a sweet old curmudgeon, often cold and worried about drafts in the houses. It also explains away his anxiousness that can often be waved off by just having an eccentric Regency father.
I loved that Emma matchmade her GrandPa's visiting nurse...and then had to hire a perfect replacement. It explains the situation with Austen's Emma's Nanny-angle [that is often tough to duplicate] and then why Emma would be best fiends with someone who is unrelated to her. Also, the replacement Emma hires is Harriet, which once-again...helps bring in another central Austen character so much more easily.
George Knightley was a sweet, heartfelt revelation...because not only did I love that he worked at a senior citizen/retirement community...but he seemed to be a compassionate doctor, yet still worked at a Physician's Assistant level. He LOVED working for his elderly clients/patients. And especially enjoyed keeping a close-eye on them to make sure they were thriving and not being neglected.
But what I am most impressed with is that EMMA's big guffaw/mistake, which is so often much harder to modernize if one does not copy the whole cast of characters and their roles inside of Emma & Knightley's world...you cannot easily explain away why George would suddenly turn on Emma and explode on her for being disrespectful to Miss Bates.
The role which is typically reserved for a spinster old friend of Emma's who lives with her mother, often talking about her niece Jane Fairfax. In this one, Betty Bates is more connected through Knightley's role; she is the older daughter of one of George's patients who never left home [too anxious about her mom] so she lives with her Mom at the retirement community.
And when he plans to introduce Emma and Betty, it is the first time they meet; they are not lifelong friends. It still manages to be stressful for BOTH women...and also ends up being a horrible thoughtless moment for Emma to pull a messy word-vomit that Betty overhears. It is not made too public, but more of a when you creep around corners, one never hears good news about oneself. Betty went in search of George, finding him in a small, yet quiet shouting match with Emma, and then BLAMMO!
What was amazing was how the story still managed to make it have the same compelling impact, because George feels like Emma is no longer HIS EMMA anymore. And Emma feels as if she let down George and made the awkward moment more terrifying by being so disrespectful.
No we did not have a BADLY DONE, EMMA! Knightley piece of dialogue, but there was a solid couple of chapters where Emma knew exactly where she needed to repair what she had unintentionally broken. At the time, Harriet was into her "reguard/misplaced feelings" for George, after being dumped by her long-distance boyfriend...but Emma had some maturity and personal wherewithal to not need anyone prodding her nor cajoling her to MAKE AMENDS.
It was interesting because Emma & Knightley's ending was still much the same, except it was spurned on by Betty...because she could tell these two had feelings and emotions for one another they had not proclaimed yet, especially to their faces...
Now I cannot wait to read the next in this series as each book has been a great, sweet, positive read on a Modern-adaption of popular Austen works. And, yeah, they are certainly Romantic Comedies. Maybe not LOL-on every page but I do find myself giggling and sometimes secretly smiling to myself with certain replicated scenes. Here we had some new adorable moments placed in a modern-setting between Emma & George that bode well for their future together...
Let me just say... I LOVE the reality TV cooking show Emma strong arms George to watch with her. I would also like it TO BE REAL in 2021---get on that NETFLIX!! What I adored the most was how those particular scenes got them, Emma & George, to talk about romantic couples having chemistry or NOT...or being worthy of sticking around on the dating/cooking show, COOKING WITH STRANGERS-->>basically couples get "matched" but don't know they are really on a COOKING show...it is still a Dating show, but yeah, the competition events happen if the competing couples can COOK WELL in the kitchen as a pair...superb addition...
My expectations set low-bar. I like that space because it allows for so much more to impress me, when not only does the new text follow a certain formula, but then the new spins or twists make it even better. It shows that the Author was not taking this writing task as a whim, just because everyone wants to do an Austen adaptation. But what I am finding with these books is that there is some care and compassion, some respect and deep love for Austen where we're not gunking up the pathways with pointless nonsense.
I think I have made it clear... EMMA is not my fave and never will be. But I have certain bonds with it that make it sentimentally super-sweet for me. I love when an adaptation can give me great, yet new vibes off some "original" or unique twists I was not expecting.
Emma here, in this one, is an extremely centered mature 20-something, which I loved. She is also highly enmeshed in her own career...wonderfully sculpted to be, kind of like a Marie Kondo about clothes and clothing styles--going into people's homes, and into their personal closets and shedding them of excess and bringing them into a new light.
Emma Woodhouse has been raised by GrandPa Woodhouse...and I don't know why so many others who have taken the mantel to write a Modernized Emma has not thought of this as an outlet. This makes so much more sense as Pop Woodhouse tends to be often ancient and Rheumy, like a sweet old curmudgeon, often cold and worried about drafts in the houses. It also explains away his anxiousness that can often be waved off by just having an eccentric Regency father.
I loved that Emma matchmade her GrandPa's visiting nurse...and then had to hire a perfect replacement. It explains the situation with Austen's Emma's Nanny-angle [that is often tough to duplicate] and then why Emma would be best fiends with someone who is unrelated to her. Also, the replacement Emma hires is Harriet, which once-again...helps bring in another central Austen character so much more easily.
George Knightley was a sweet, heartfelt revelation...because not only did I love that he worked at a senior citizen/retirement community...but he seemed to be a compassionate doctor, yet still worked at a Physician's Assistant level. He LOVED working for his elderly clients/patients. And especially enjoyed keeping a close-eye on them to make sure they were thriving and not being neglected.
But what I am most impressed with is that EMMA's big guffaw/mistake, which is so often much harder to modernize if one does not copy the whole cast of characters and their roles inside of Emma & Knightley's world...you cannot easily explain away why George would suddenly turn on Emma and explode on her for being disrespectful to Miss Bates.
The role which is typically reserved for a spinster old friend of Emma's who lives with her mother, often talking about her niece Jane Fairfax. In this one, Betty Bates is more connected through Knightley's role; she is the older daughter of one of George's patients who never left home [too anxious about her mom] so she lives with her Mom at the retirement community.
And when he plans to introduce Emma and Betty, it is the first time they meet; they are not lifelong friends. It still manages to be stressful for BOTH women...and also ends up being a horrible thoughtless moment for Emma to pull a messy word-vomit that Betty overhears. It is not made too public, but more of a when you creep around corners, one never hears good news about oneself. Betty went in search of George, finding him in a small, yet quiet shouting match with Emma, and then BLAMMO!
What was amazing was how the story still managed to make it have the same compelling impact, because George feels like Emma is no longer HIS EMMA anymore. And Emma feels as if she let down George and made the awkward moment more terrifying by being so disrespectful.
No we did not have a BADLY DONE, EMMA! Knightley piece of dialogue, but there was a solid couple of chapters where Emma knew exactly where she needed to repair what she had unintentionally broken. At the time, Harriet was into her "reguard/misplaced feelings" for George, after being dumped by her long-distance boyfriend...but Emma had some maturity and personal wherewithal to not need anyone prodding her nor cajoling her to MAKE AMENDS.
It was interesting because Emma & Knightley's ending was still much the same, except it was spurned on by Betty...because she could tell these two had feelings and emotions for one another they had not proclaimed yet, especially to their faces...
Now I cannot wait to read the next in this series as each book has been a great, sweet, positive read on a Modern-adaption of popular Austen works. And, yeah, they are certainly Romantic Comedies. Maybe not LOL-on every page but I do find myself giggling and sometimes secretly smiling to myself with certain replicated scenes. Here we had some new adorable moments placed in a modern-setting between Emma & George that bode well for their future together...
Let me just say... I LOVE the reality TV cooking show Emma strong arms George to watch with her. I would also like it TO BE REAL in 2021---get on that NETFLIX!! What I adored the most was how those particular scenes got them, Emma & George, to talk about romantic couples having chemistry or NOT...or being worthy of sticking around on the dating/cooking show, COOKING WITH STRANGERS-->>basically couples get "matched" but don't know they are really on a COOKING show...it is still a Dating show, but yeah, the competition events happen if the competing couples can COOK WELL in the kitchen as a pair...superb addition...
October 28, 2025
An excellent modern Emma variation
This is another excellent modern variation from Rachel John. This Emma, whilst remaining true to Austen's heroine, is a little softer and more willing to see her imperfections of character and to seek to rectify them. I particularly liked the character of Betty Bates - this really was an excellent update of the character of Miss Bates. Positively inspired.
My only slight reservation was the Jane Fairfax character and "Finn" Churchill. They seemed superfluous to the plot and perhaps this variation could have done without them.
This is an excellent variation which I recommend to all fans of the genre.
This is another excellent modern variation from Rachel John. This Emma, whilst remaining true to Austen's heroine, is a little softer and more willing to see her imperfections of character and to seek to rectify them. I particularly liked the character of Betty Bates - this really was an excellent update of the character of Miss Bates. Positively inspired.
My only slight reservation was the Jane Fairfax character and "Finn" Churchill. They seemed superfluous to the plot and perhaps this variation could have done without them.
This is an excellent variation which I recommend to all fans of the genre.
November 13, 2019
I don’t think I’ve read any of Rachel John’s books before. But after reading this one, I’ll for sure be reading more. I loved the light, happy, romantic feel of this one!
Emma is such a great character. I loved the way she cares for her grandpa, every day. She lives with him. But Emma has some flaws, things like not being able to cook and constantly wanting to set everyone around her up. I loved the way she kind of discovered herself as this book went along. She was able to work on some of her weaknesses and be just a bit better by the end of the book.
I loved George too! It’s always my favorite when the reader is able to see the situation from multiple points of view. That just makes it a more complete picture. Reading George’s point of view was always fun. I loved how he always looked out for Emma. Sure it might have been under the guise of being her sister’s brother-in-law, but it was obvious that he cared for her. I also loved the way he cared for the residents of the nursing home where he worked. And the way he didn’t know quite as much about Emma as he thought he did.
The plot of this one is cute. It’s a quick read that you won’t want to put down. Perfect for a fall afternoon!
Emma is such a great character. I loved the way she cares for her grandpa, every day. She lives with him. But Emma has some flaws, things like not being able to cook and constantly wanting to set everyone around her up. I loved the way she kind of discovered herself as this book went along. She was able to work on some of her weaknesses and be just a bit better by the end of the book.
I loved George too! It’s always my favorite when the reader is able to see the situation from multiple points of view. That just makes it a more complete picture. Reading George’s point of view was always fun. I loved how he always looked out for Emma. Sure it might have been under the guise of being her sister’s brother-in-law, but it was obvious that he cared for her. I also loved the way he cared for the residents of the nursing home where he worked. And the way he didn’t know quite as much about Emma as he thought he did.
The plot of this one is cute. It’s a quick read that you won’t want to put down. Perfect for a fall afternoon!
September 11, 2020
Do you ever feel sad as you finish your book, wishing that it would just continue on and on? This is exactly how I felt as this book came to a close. I felt impatient through the whole book for Mr. Knightley and Emma to finally come together, but I just hated to see their story end.
This was probably the best Emma adaptation that I have ever read. Definitely one of the best Austin adaptations! It fits so perfectly with modern times, yet still kept true to the heart of the original story. Well done!
I have the e-book through Amazon, and I also received an audiobook review copy of this book through audiobooks.com and really enjoyed how the narrator portrayed this book.
This was probably the best Emma adaptation that I have ever read. Definitely one of the best Austin adaptations! It fits so perfectly with modern times, yet still kept true to the heart of the original story. Well done!
I have the e-book through Amazon, and I also received an audiobook review copy of this book through audiobooks.com and really enjoyed how the narrator portrayed this book.
October 11, 2022
Apparently I'm on a 4-star kick.
Modern retelling
Clean romance
Seriously is there anyone less likable than Emma? The answer is no. Good Lord she is nearly insufferable. George is a friggin Saint.
The writing is top notch, definitely 5 out of 5 on that.
Emma fancies herself a matchmaker. She is NOT any good at this but she does give it her all so I guess that's something. Poor everyone around her getting swept up into it. Besides George I think Betty is my favorite, she's such a kind and understanding woman.
Modern retelling
Clean romance
Seriously is there anyone less likable than Emma? The answer is no. Good Lord she is nearly insufferable. George is a friggin Saint.
The writing is top notch, definitely 5 out of 5 on that.
Emma fancies herself a matchmaker. She is NOT any good at this but she does give it her all so I guess that's something. Poor everyone around her getting swept up into it. Besides George I think Betty is my favorite, she's such a kind and understanding woman.
July 15, 2019
Fun Bit of Austen Inspired Romance
I needed a bit of light hearted reading today and this for perfectly. I liked Emma and George together, they have the witty, yet somewhat sarcastic, banter that I loved in the Austen classic. Betty was a fun character too.
This was a fun story to read!
I needed a bit of light hearted reading today and this for perfectly. I liked Emma and George together, they have the witty, yet somewhat sarcastic, banter that I loved in the Austen classic. Betty was a fun character too.
This was a fun story to read!
May 19, 2021
This was adorable! A quick read with a sweet romance and humor that actually made me laugh aloud.
There seem to be a countless number of books that retell Pride and Prejudice in any time or place you might want, either a direct lift of the story or just lightly inspired by, but I was hard pressed to find the same for Emma. I was happy to find this short read to get another "fix" of my favorite Austen (thus far-my Austen read through still has two to go).
Please share if you've read any other Emma-inspired books that are worth the time.
There seem to be a countless number of books that retell Pride and Prejudice in any time or place you might want, either a direct lift of the story or just lightly inspired by, but I was hard pressed to find the same for Emma. I was happy to find this short read to get another "fix" of my favorite Austen (thus far-my Austen read through still has two to go).
Please share if you've read any other Emma-inspired books that are worth the time.
July 25, 2019
This was short and sweet. A contemporary retelling of Emma. Cute and clean.
December 7, 2019
*****What I Loved About This Book*****
I LOVE Austen’s Emma, so this was a lot of fun! I enjoyed constantly comparing this contemporary version with the original.
Some of the contemporary adjustments were amusing, like Knightley’s Dr. Pepper addiciton.
The reality TV show was a fun addition!
One of the changes that I absolutely loved is getting Knightley’s POV. This was especially amusing when Elton was around!
I like the way John captured Emma’s grandfather’s personality in a contemporary setting, though it was her father in the original.
I love how Knightley is so intuitive!
I really enjoyed the slight change in relationship between Jane’s aunt, Betty, and Emma. Betty really added to this story!
It’s a sweet romance!!
***What I Didn’t Like***
There were a couple liberties taken with the character’s personalities where I preferred the original. But there weren’t any that detracted from my overall enjoyment.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this, I can’t say that I would have enjoyed it as much if I hadn’t already read and loved the original. I’m just not sure. Emma’s behavior would have been even harder to swallow in a contemporary setting if I hadn’t been making comparisons. That being said, she still thoroughly made up for her indiscretions. 4 strong stars!
I LOVE Austen’s Emma, so this was a lot of fun! I enjoyed constantly comparing this contemporary version with the original.
Some of the contemporary adjustments were amusing, like Knightley’s Dr. Pepper addiciton.
The reality TV show was a fun addition!
One of the changes that I absolutely loved is getting Knightley’s POV. This was especially amusing when Elton was around!
I like the way John captured Emma’s grandfather’s personality in a contemporary setting, though it was her father in the original.
I love how Knightley is so intuitive!
I really enjoyed the slight change in relationship between Jane’s aunt, Betty, and Emma. Betty really added to this story!
It’s a sweet romance!!
***What I Didn’t Like***
There were a couple liberties taken with the character’s personalities where I preferred the original. But there weren’t any that detracted from my overall enjoyment.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this, I can’t say that I would have enjoyed it as much if I hadn’t already read and loved the original. I’m just not sure. Emma’s behavior would have been even harder to swallow in a contemporary setting if I hadn’t been making comparisons. That being said, she still thoroughly made up for her indiscretions. 4 strong stars!
December 26, 2020
Its nice. nothing Earth shattering. Basic story and decent characters.
September 27, 2021
3.5 stars. I actually like Emma in this adaption.
June 17, 2024
*3.5 stars really cute!
November 22, 2025
3.75 stars.
This was sweet but too angsty for my liking. I appreciated the clean content, the non-manho hero, and the lack of real OP drama.
This was sweet but too angsty for my liking. I appreciated the clean content, the non-manho hero, and the lack of real OP drama.
May 3, 2019
This was a super cute read. I don't normally read romance (like ever. *cough*), but I was in the mood for something really light and sweet and humorous, and this was PERFECT. The book is relatively true to the original storyline of Emma, which I loved, but it definitely has its own little twists and turns that were super fun to read, as well. Unfortunately, reading this book now has me on a Jane Austen retelling kick, and I'm really not sure when it's going to end...
August 2, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this modern version of Emma. I love Austen book remakes, especially when they're good. Anyway, It was the same and different and just as yummy.
May 1, 2019
Modern variation of Jane Austen's "Emma".
I absolutely loved it!
A sweet and romantic rom-com with a lot of warmth.
Rated: Chaste
I particularly liked how John had adapted Emma into the modern world, plausible and well done.
Emma Woodhouse was living with her aging grandfather and his live-in nurse had just gotten married. The bubbly Harriette applied for the job but Emma worried that her long distance relationship with Martin would take her away. Being so successful with matchmaking her sister and Taylor, Emma decided to try her luck with Harriette, hoping that an affair of the heart would make her stay permanent. What could possibly go wrong? Well, as it turned out, everything...
Heartily recommend this book!
I absolutely loved it!
A sweet and romantic rom-com with a lot of warmth.
Rated: Chaste
I particularly liked how John had adapted Emma into the modern world, plausible and well done.
Emma Woodhouse was living with her aging grandfather and his live-in nurse had just gotten married. The bubbly Harriette applied for the job but Emma worried that her long distance relationship with Martin would take her away. Being so successful with matchmaking her sister and Taylor, Emma decided to try her luck with Harriette, hoping that an affair of the heart would make her stay permanent. What could possibly go wrong? Well, as it turned out, everything...
Heartily recommend this book!
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