The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 4

The Unselected Journals #4

by Beth Brower

"It all began very innocently. Truly."

The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighborhood 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, which comprise a series of novella-length volumes. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Romance, Historical, Humor, Victorian

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 21, 2021

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

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

May these journals never end!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was so brilliant; I want to laugh and cry at the same time. This was my favorite volume so far. I love the friendships that are developing and coalescing. I love the comic bits with the Reprobates Ten and The Drunken Duck. I laughed sooo hard at a Certain Scene. It reminded me of listening to the audiobook of PG Wodehouse’s “Something Fresh” years ago where there was a comic scene that kept me howling with laughter. I love the tragic bits with the deep griefs in the characters’ lives and how beautifully they support each other (even to fisticuffs…what did Evelyn say??). I love the minor characters who add such color and mystery and amusement to the story (Mrs Penury anyone?). I love Emma’s ongoing battle to be her own person…to be learned, to be good, to be free to live fully and well despite many obstacles. Just all around loved. (This review pathetically fails to convey how lovely this series is. Would that I had the Duke’s skill with a pen!)

Omg!! I’m re-reading this already in Dec 2024. Since I last read it a month ago (ha!), I’ve been reading Little Dorrit, and I had noticed some echoes of that story in this one. Sure enough, there’s a reference to Little Dorrit on page 8!

[Janssen]

I think this is the one that really made me fall in love with this series: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAkHaoOt_ZE/

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

And at some in-between moment, a key fit a lock, a door opened. As if the four of us created a room not having previously been in existence before. Which sounds mad.

This is the volume where a very beautiful little friendship circle starts to take shape: Emma and her tenant and a vicar and a duke… all enigmatic and all wonderful. I loved re-reading it and recognizing those early moments as they recognize the alchemy that’s taking place whenever they get together. Reading it is like being granted access to a delightful secret garden.

Oh yes, and there are also the antics at The Drunken Duck… and Hawkes’ sermon the next day…ah, this series!

[Cindy Rollins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting longer and better. Seeing some interesting threads. But I do so hate Emerson.

[Hallie (thecommonroomshop) · Rating 5 out of 5]

INFINITY STARS!!!! ♾️💗✨💗!!!! The found family is officially locked in and it may be one of my favorite found families to ever exist. This series feels so LIFELIKE. It’s heartwarming, mystical, hilarious, devastating and full of the slowest and most authentic yearning.

I actually started tearing up just writing that🥹 I feel so lucky to have found these books. They are one of my greatest treasures of 2025!

[Christina Baehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, we get a some flesh on Maxwell and Emma’s backstory. It’s very elegantly done, and a lot is only implied, but it’s exactly right and I shed a tear. I’ve been a bit bewildered at Emma’s growing collection of male friends, but this book has an “avengers, assemble” kind of moment where it feels like the collection is complete and a core group has been formed. To what purpose I’m not sure. But I’ll keep reading to find out!

I was a little irked at first at Hawkes’ telling of the story of Thermopylae (a story that every British schoolboy knew backwards), but by the end it had won me over. Leonidas = Lion, and Emma also fights in the shade. When I started this series, I was a bit taken aback by some of the things Emma has been through and insists on making light of, but now I see that this is part of her character. The sparkle isn’t cheap tinsel - it’s the sparkle of sunlight on swords in battle.

[Anne (In Search of Wonder) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always unexpected, always a tad unlikely, always highly whimsical, always insightful, often humorous, occasionally emotional... this series continues steadfastly in all the things that make it wonderful!

[Charlie Holmberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have tissues handy.

[Miriam Simut · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We will fight in the shade." 😌

[Ellery Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This installment was a little on the glum side. I realize the reader needed to peek inside Emma's first and only romance and that she needed closer before she could entertain a real relationship with one of her many possible suitors, but I missed the levity of the previous journals. Also, I am still struggling with her boundless impropriety and how no one but her cook seems to notice that she spends most of her free time with unmarried gentlemen. Her behavior would be the talk of the town! It's great fun to accompany her on her escapades, but I wish they stayed closer to the realm of the believable.

[kenzie ❀ (peeta mellark’s version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not expecting to cry over the book my grandma recommended to me 💀

but seriously. this series is a hidden treasure.

[Stefani Murdock · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite so far. I laughed and sobbed. Apologies to all those who begged me to read this series sooner 🫣

[Keri Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma M. Lion continues to delight in this 4th volume. She tries to endure some family obligations, as she continues to enjoy her friendship with her tenant. Others continue to gather around her to entertain, frustrate, and support her. In this one she faces a difficult situation, but with the help of friends. These books are gentle, endearing and entertaining.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My friends do not go to war alone."

Congratulations, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 4, for being the first in the series to make me cry.

Oh man, I wondered what it was that made someone I follow here on Goodreads cry, and I should have seen it coming because Emma had written about it in a previous entry, but the revelation hit me almost as bad as it did Emma when she discovered the news. When that happened, I did not think I would cry, but alas I did.

The further in I go, the more I adore Emma and all of her friends, and the support they give her. Niall Pierce, especially, really shined when it came to that situation.
 
Favorite Moments
Pierce decking Evelyn.

Emma: "I see why you have so many friends."
Pierce: "Oh?"
Emma: "You are loyal, Pierce. True friendship, and all that."
Pierce: "If anything, it's self-serving. I like good people. They remind me of what I used to be myself."

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did and do still want to read Christmas books, but, ahem, I did not stop after book 3. 🤣🙈🤷‍♀️👏🏻

[Krisette Spangler · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no better company for a quiet afternoon on a comfortable sofa than Miss Emma M. Lion. The fourth installment in the series was beautifully done. We get to see more into the heart of Emma and her noble admirers, and we are still found wanting more about them. Ms. Brower's book is my favorite discovery in years. May she be granted with a fast pen and good health to complete more of the journals we are anxiously waiting to read.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am officially a part of the Emma Lion fan club. I liked the books before this... loved them a bit too. But now? Now I am all in. They have all been cute so far, but this one was next level. I can't count the number of times that I laughed out loud and I can't believe how emotional I got...many times. The ending of this book was so so good.

Gosh I'm happy about this.

[Bess Brinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A DELIGHT.

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Geez, I love these books. They are so fun!! I love Emma’s voice and I found myself laughing so many times at the dry wit and comical antics that she found herself involved in. Not to mention all of the swoony men in her life?? This is the slowest of slow burn, sub plot romances and I was attached to them all.

I love Emma’s strength of character and ability to make the best of whatever situation has found her. This was another fantastic installment in the series and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Overall audience notes:
- Historical Fiction
- Language: none
- Romance: maybe some subtle flirting?
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: grief depiction

[Paris (parismaereads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Brower is simultaneously breaking my heart and mending it back together

My Quick Takes:
- 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Language 🤐 mild - a few period appropriate instances
- Spice ❤️‍🔥 none
- Content: Grief, themes of war

It’s getting harder and harder to review these as I’m becoming more and more at a loss for words. The raw grief and budding, yet familiar, found family are two sides of a coin that Brower has reader’s holding onto for dear life.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Emma. I love this series. I’m so intrigued with where it is going to go. I would write more but I need to pick up the next volume and continue on!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's All Hallows' Eve in St. Crispian's, and Emma is equal to the challenge, alongside her newfound friend circle: The Tenant, The Duke, and The Vicar.

[Rachel {bibliopals} · Rating 5 out of 5]

3rd read: September '25. Audiobook

Reread October 24: it's decided. I'm making an Alchemy shirt. 🥰

First read:
I love the 4 friend combo. Alchemy 💛

[Joanne | wellreadcoffeeaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite Emma yet. I expected the laughs. I did not expect to cry.

[Gina House · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there anything about the Emma M. Lion books not to love?? Not likely!! The more volumes I read, the more addicted I am—the urge to read the next one immediately is strong! I own all of the books (8 - so far in the series) and I read the ones before this one with my eyes. For number 4, I gave the audio book version a try. OMG...I'm even MORE in love! (Is that even possible??) The narrator, Genevieve Gaunt, is absolutely amazing at the voice of Emma M. Lion.

I don't know how I possibly timed the reading of this book to match the setting...but I'm VERY thankful. Volume 4 starts in early September and ends at the end of October. Although I'm tempted not to start the next one until November 1st...I'm not sure I can hold out that long. We'll see....

It's so satisfying how the people/situations/mysteries in the life of Emma M. Lion are all coming together more and more as the story progresses. I just cannot stop reading these books!!

I think I say this every time...but...IF ONLY the publishers would offer a limited edition set that is around the same size as and style as the Macmillan Collector's Library with foil accents and gilded pages. I think Emma M. Lion would heartily approve of such a decorative and compact edition that would fit into one's purse or reticule.

If you haven't started reading this series yet...what are you waiting for?? I wish I had read them sooner. Please, please start NOW! You won't regret it! :D

[Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best volume yet!

Volume 4 was filled with beautiful friendships, wit, and depth of character. I laughed, grieved, and cheered with Emma. Emma is endearing and charming and charismatic, but she is also broken and splintered. Light shines through in all her broken places, and I love the circle of friends she is making. She has moments of such clarity and warmth, and her journals are a joy to read. I want them to never end.

Content: one or two instances of bloody, d-n

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread: Alchemy! I’m noticing more and more scenarios where Emma borders on inappropriateness for a lady during her time. And Hawkers preaches poetry a lot!

Getting deeper and the pot thickens.

Such wit...

💬 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Onto book 5!

[Linda Ott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do not listen to this book while driving if you are the emotional type and tend to cry at sad parts. Tears make it so hard to see the road.