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The Unselected Journals #1
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 1
“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 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.
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.
119 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2019
4216 people are currently reading
39794 people want to read
About the author
Beth Brower
18 books2,474 followersLike many of my siblings, I would sneak out of bed, slip into the hallway, and pull my favorite books from the book closet. I read my way through the bottom shelf, then the next shelf up, and the shelf above that, until I could climb to the very top shelf, stacked two layers deep and two layers high, and read the titles of the classics. My desire to create stories grew as I was learning to read them.
Subsequently, I spent my time scribbling in notebooks rather than listening to math lectures at school.
I graduated with a degree in literary studies, and have spent several years working on the novels that keep pounding on the doors of my mind, as none of my characters are very patient to wait their turn. I currently live in Orem, Utah, with my wonderful chemist husband, and books in every room of the house.
Subsequently, I spent my time scribbling in notebooks rather than listening to math lectures at school.
I graduated with a degree in literary studies, and have spent several years working on the novels that keep pounding on the doors of my mind, as none of my characters are very patient to wait their turn. I currently live in Orem, Utah, with my wonderful chemist husband, and books in every room of the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,169 reviews
January 22, 2023
I've developed a fierce new loyalty to this series that, a few weeks ago, I'd certainly never heard of. The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion are my favorite things ever. There are always scenes guaranteed to make me laugh until I cry. There are always beautiful passages of writing that grab my heart. And there's a core group of characters that I simply adore! More, please, forever!
Let it be noted, I'm quite conservative in my ratings and reviews... 5 stars from me really means something. So when I say that I'm going back and rating every single one of The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion with 5 stars, just know that, yes, they are THAT good. This series has completely bowled me over. It's side-splittingly funny, it's full of heart, it's full of heart-warming absurdity and escapades and friendships and loyalties and bookishness and SO MUCH GOOD STUFF. I adore the world of Emma M. Lion.
These books deserve all the stars.
This first one is a great intro and sets up what is to come as if it were the first episode of a miniseries. Read at least the first two... that was the point at which I couldn't stop. Well... could. But WOULDN'T!
Original post-reading impression:
The jury's still out, but I am Definitely Intrigued.
Refreshing to have such a short installment and know that there are several more to come. A bit like watching a miniseries.
Let it be noted, I'm quite conservative in my ratings and reviews... 5 stars from me really means something. So when I say that I'm going back and rating every single one of The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion with 5 stars, just know that, yes, they are THAT good. This series has completely bowled me over. It's side-splittingly funny, it's full of heart, it's full of heart-warming absurdity and escapades and friendships and loyalties and bookishness and SO MUCH GOOD STUFF. I adore the world of Emma M. Lion.
These books deserve all the stars.
This first one is a great intro and sets up what is to come as if it were the first episode of a miniseries. Read at least the first two... that was the point at which I couldn't stop. Well... could. But WOULDN'T!
Original post-reading impression:
The jury's still out, but I am Definitely Intrigued.
Refreshing to have such a short installment and know that there are several more to come. A bit like watching a miniseries.
Read
October 23, 2025I started this after a million people raved about it to me over the last year or two and then stalled out maybe 30% of the way through. I finally re-started it and read it in two days. It's definitely a bit on the slow side but everyone promises the rest of the series is worth it! (and they're not that long).
Updated to Add: I read the whole series - took me about 5 books to REALLY be hooked but I ended up loving them so much that I'm now rereading the whole series.
Updated to Add: I read the whole series - took me about 5 books to REALLY be hooked but I ended up loving them so much that I'm now rereading the whole series.
July 24, 2025
Well, sometimes you just need a break and this is the start of a lovely diversion for me.
Books mentioned in this volume: The Tempest and Paradise Lost. Curious how important the books are to the story line.
Books mentioned in this volume: The Tempest and Paradise Lost. Curious how important the books are to the story line.
January 22, 2023
A Delight. (Capitalized, italicized in spirit.)
April 27, 2024
A very sweet, quirky, and clever story about a girl named Emma in London. Emma is a young lady, an orphan, and she has to find a way to keep her inheritance. Her journals describe her daily life, encounters with strangers, and curious thoughts. The first book feels like it is just setting up the story, and I'm curious to see where things will go.
Cleanliness: 5/5 Some mentions of the word b-tard but not in a particularly vulgar way.
Cleanliness: 5/5 Some mentions of the word b-tard but not in a particularly vulgar way.
June 26, 2025
You should know I’m an impatient romance reader who starts getting antsy if there’s not a meet-cute by 15% of a story and a complete HEA tied with a bow by the end. Suffice it to stay, I usually don’t have the staying power for this kind of genre/format. I took a peek into this because women in my life were about to stage an intervention if I didn’t get out of my own way and tried this series. Also so bookish friends could have the distinct pleasure of dancing an “I told you so” jig. Stretch those ankles, ladies.
Fix me up a cot by Agnes, I’m here to stay. You see, Miss Lion and I are kindred spirits. She’s the Elizabeth to my Charlotte, the Lorelei to my Sookie, the Laverne to my Shirley. Such, such promise in this singular little volume. Hands are rubbing at the antics our Emma will have. We are charmed, we are invested, we are enraged (I’ve read few things as ironically tragic as The Great Burning of 1882 and, even worse, what I refer to as, The Fortitude Compromise) we are cheering to see Emma go from garret mouse to avenging angel boss babe.
I need a diagram to keep all these characters straight, but you can be sure I’m quick enough to grasp the crisp wit and the visceral depth. Also hurrah for short, insightful entries, ones that prick, ones that soothe, ones that intrigue, ones that ache, ones that delight and let a snort escape. I’m wary of fandoms, but for this, I can safely say I GET IT NOW.
Fix me up a cot by Agnes, I’m here to stay. You see, Miss Lion and I are kindred spirits. She’s the Elizabeth to my Charlotte, the Lorelei to my Sookie, the Laverne to my Shirley. Such, such promise in this singular little volume. Hands are rubbing at the antics our Emma will have. We are charmed, we are invested, we are enraged (I’ve read few things as ironically tragic as The Great Burning of 1882 and, even worse, what I refer to as, The Fortitude Compromise) we are cheering to see Emma go from garret mouse to avenging angel boss babe.
I need a diagram to keep all these characters straight, but you can be sure I’m quick enough to grasp the crisp wit and the visceral depth. Also hurrah for short, insightful entries, ones that prick, ones that soothe, ones that intrigue, ones that ache, ones that delight and let a snort escape. I’m wary of fandoms, but for this, I can safely say I GET IT NOW.
August 14, 2025
August 2025 reread:
I just finished the audiobook and IT. WAS. IMPECCABLE. I am in awe. This series means more to me with every passing second😭
April 2025:
I LOVED THIS!!!! SO MUCH! Reading Emma’s journal entries had me experiencing the same whimsical feelings that I had while reading Anne of Green Gables, Little Women or Emma (Jane Austen’s version) for the first time. I cannot believe there is so much more to look forward to.
I cannot recommend this enough if you love an eccentric girl who is coming of age in the victorian era. HEAVEN!!!!!!
I just finished the audiobook and IT. WAS. IMPECCABLE. I am in awe. This series means more to me with every passing second😭
April 2025:
I LOVED THIS!!!! SO MUCH! Reading Emma’s journal entries had me experiencing the same whimsical feelings that I had while reading Anne of Green Gables, Little Women or Emma (Jane Austen’s version) for the first time. I cannot believe there is so much more to look forward to.
I cannot recommend this enough if you love an eccentric girl who is coming of age in the victorian era. HEAVEN!!!!!!
November 19, 2025
Updates: changing my rating to a 5 star because this truly is a 5 star series and I love every single character with my whole heart
For the Jane Austen, Little Women, Anne of Green Gables girlies 🫶🏼✨
For the Jane Austen, Little Women, Anne of Green Gables girlies 🫶🏼✨
December 29, 2025
I needed something different for my reading. this was a super fun short book that was exactly what I needed for a change in pace for books. I love Emma’s sense of humor. Will be continuing!
July 4, 2025
LOVED. Onto the next!
December 30, 2025
I love Emma already
October 2, 2025
Slow Start, But Enjoyable Read
I have heard so many amazing things about these stories, so I grabbed a copy of volume 1. It took me four tries to read this story, because the beginning was very slow for me. However, with so many positive reviews, I tried again and ended up very invested by the end. I purchased volume 2 and am excited to follow Emma on the next leg of her journey.
I have heard so many amazing things about these stories, so I grabbed a copy of volume 1. It took me four tries to read this story, because the beginning was very slow for me. However, with so many positive reviews, I tried again and ended up very invested by the end. I purchased volume 2 and am excited to follow Emma on the next leg of her journey.
September 22, 2025
My sister has been raving about these, and so we listened to this on the drive from Idaho back to Salt Lake.
I. Am. Hooked.
I adore Emma! I adore the vicar! I adore her cute little maid/cook/everything!
I had her relatives SO MUCH! I must know more! I must see justice for her! I have many questions for the Roman ghost!
I. Am. Hooked.
I adore Emma! I adore the vicar! I adore her cute little maid/cook/everything!
I had her relatives SO MUCH! I must know more! I must see justice for her! I have many questions for the Roman ghost!
January 11, 2025
Recommend for Jane Austen fans.
September 9, 2025
Totally delightful! I got “Anne of Green Gables” and “Austen” vibes. Note to self: must read these with my eyes to get maximum enjoyment and savor the delicious witticisms. I’m so excited to continue the series.
⚠️Content: PG rating. Examples of the content: mention of someone being drunk; mention of a ghost; the words “he’ll” and “da*n” are used; vague reference to a pimp and prostitutes; a person is called a “bastard”
because they are a fatherless child.
⚠️TW: past child abuse; mention of insanity
⚠️Content: PG rating. Examples of the content: mention of someone being drunk; mention of a ghost; the words “he’ll” and “da*n” are used; vague reference to a pimp and prostitutes; a person is called a “bastard”
because they are a fatherless child.
⚠️TW: past child abuse; mention of insanity
February 4, 2024
Solid start to the story. Onto book 2!!
August 19, 2025
Listened to the audio and loved it!
Off to a great start!!
Off to a great start!!
January 10, 2025
okay yeah ☺️ I'm in ☺️
December 31, 2025
3 stars, personally ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Historical Fiction
Listened to the audiobook of this one with my mom on a flight and while we’re both curious what will happen next, this book was a little slow. Not a lot happens and it’s mainly introducing Emma and those in her life to the reader. Fun vocabulary and whatnot, though. I can’t say I personally see the hype yet, but I do plan to continue the series when I can.
Main Content-
Emma attends church services and there’s mentions of/comments about the vicar (who is known to give engaging sermons that will include poetry and also scenes from ‘Hamlet’, not just Scriptures); Emma recalls being given Bible studies at her school, but her and the other girls were never allowed to read it for themselves as there were “texts considered inappropriate” for them.
Mentions of God; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of church going, services, sermons, & vicars; Mentions of monks, nuns, & Catholics; A few mentions of Easter & Good Friday.
Emma recalls asking a friend what he think the afterlife will be like and he replied “Well, Lion, I can’t rightly say, but I do hope I’ll know better what to do with that one than I do with the one I’ve got at present.”; Emma refers to her cousin as a “goddess” due to her beauty; Emma asks in a letter to a deceased friend to send her a “cosmic sign”; Rumors about a ghost & others seeing him; A few mentions of luck; A couple mentions of Darwin; A mention of Emma almost suggesting to hold a séance (mostly teasing); A mention of a wicked grin that made Emma “believe almost anything” from the man.
Words like ‘bastard’, ‘damned’, and ‘hell’ are used up to thrice each in their historical sense (bastard being an illegitimate child or awful person, damned being condemned, and hell as in a place); Other phrases like ‘dash it all”, “screw your courage”, and “godforsaken place”; A couple mentions of curses (said, not written).
A couple comments from an elderly woman about women bearing children with a boy first and her displeasure at young women’s actions; A friend of Emma’s tells her how she went to a party dressed as a man.
Emma is grieving the loss of her parents and dear friend (she lights a candle for her father a couple times); Emma is given the idea on how to smash a mouse that’s in her room by a maid (which is called barbaric).
Mentions of deaths & grief (for parents and a dear friend); Mentions of thieves, stealing, & stolen items; Mentions of drunks & pubs; Mentions of gossip/rumors; A few mentions of wars; A few mentions of ideas on how to murder someone (duel, poison, & shooting someone resulting in a hanging); A few mentions of gambling & betting on horse racing; A few mentions of lies & lying; A mention of cannibalism.
Quotes from classic literature & mentions of books and authors (including Shakespeare).
Mentions of chaperones; A few mentions of Ladies of the Night (prostitutes) A mention of virgins.
Listened to the audiobook of this one with my mom on a flight and while we’re both curious what will happen next, this book was a little slow. Not a lot happens and it’s mainly introducing Emma and those in her life to the reader. Fun vocabulary and whatnot, though. I can’t say I personally see the hype yet, but I do plan to continue the series when I can.
Main Content-
Emma attends church services and there’s mentions of/comments about the vicar (who is known to give engaging sermons that will include poetry and also scenes from ‘Hamlet’, not just Scriptures); Emma recalls being given Bible studies at her school, but her and the other girls were never allowed to read it for themselves as there were “texts considered inappropriate” for them.
Mentions of God; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of church going, services, sermons, & vicars; Mentions of monks, nuns, & Catholics; A few mentions of Easter & Good Friday.
Emma recalls asking a friend what he think the afterlife will be like and he replied “Well, Lion, I can’t rightly say, but I do hope I’ll know better what to do with that one than I do with the one I’ve got at present.”; Emma refers to her cousin as a “goddess” due to her beauty; Emma asks in a letter to a deceased friend to send her a “cosmic sign”; Rumors about a ghost & others seeing him; A few mentions of luck; A couple mentions of Darwin; A mention of Emma almost suggesting to hold a séance (mostly teasing); A mention of a wicked grin that made Emma “believe almost anything” from the man.
Words like ‘bastard’, ‘damned’, and ‘hell’ are used up to thrice each in their historical sense (bastard being an illegitimate child or awful person, damned being condemned, and hell as in a place); Other phrases like ‘dash it all”, “screw your courage”, and “godforsaken place”; A couple mentions of curses (said, not written).
A couple comments from an elderly woman about women bearing children with a boy first and her displeasure at young women’s actions; A friend of Emma’s tells her how she went to a party dressed as a man.
Emma is grieving the loss of her parents and dear friend (she lights a candle for her father a couple times); Emma is given the idea on how to smash a mouse that’s in her room by a maid (which is called barbaric).
Mentions of deaths & grief (for parents and a dear friend); Mentions of thieves, stealing, & stolen items; Mentions of drunks & pubs; Mentions of gossip/rumors; A few mentions of wars; A few mentions of ideas on how to murder someone (duel, poison, & shooting someone resulting in a hanging); A few mentions of gambling & betting on horse racing; A few mentions of lies & lying; A mention of cannibalism.
Quotes from classic literature & mentions of books and authors (including Shakespeare).
Mentions of chaperones; A few mentions of Ladies of the Night (prostitutes) A mention of virgins.
April 25, 2025
My dear friend, Marjorie (@marjoriepaper on IG) was SO right! She recommended these books to me months ago and I'm finally getting around to reading the first one.
OMG, this book was freaking amazing!! I read it in less than 24 hours (I mean, it is a very slim book...) and I could not put it down. I'm now seriously hooked and, just a few minutes ago, I ordered the next one. But, I truly need them alllllll!
There's so much to love about these 100 pages of perfection:
💚 Short chapters (which I adore)
💚 Epistolary/journal format
💚 Informal and chatty
💚 Absolutely hilarious
💚 Excellent characters
💚 Quick to read, but not lacking in quality of writing
This is a short review because I want to run over to the mailbox and wait impatiently for my next book to arrive. It's THAT good. The perfect series to read at the beach or on a trip...but, BE WARNED, you'll want to buy them all to take with you (or purchase them all on your Kindle before you leave the house). Highly, highly recommended!!!
OMG, this book was freaking amazing!! I read it in less than 24 hours (I mean, it is a very slim book...) and I could not put it down. I'm now seriously hooked and, just a few minutes ago, I ordered the next one. But, I truly need them alllllll!
There's so much to love about these 100 pages of perfection:
💚 Short chapters (which I adore)
💚 Epistolary/journal format
💚 Informal and chatty
💚 Absolutely hilarious
💚 Excellent characters
💚 Quick to read, but not lacking in quality of writing
This is a short review because I want to run over to the mailbox and wait impatiently for my next book to arrive. It's THAT good. The perfect series to read at the beach or on a trip...but, BE WARNED, you'll want to buy them all to take with you (or purchase them all on your Kindle before you leave the house). Highly, highly recommended!!!
April 5, 2025
I was stuck on a plane yesterday, so decided to read this much touted novella. At the end of 2024, it made many top 10 lists, so it really piqued my interest. But, alas, the magic did not rub off on me. To be honest, I found it to be repetitive and not especially engaging. I realize I am at outlier, but what can I say, it happens.
The premise sounded great to me- Emma M.Lion returns to St. Crispian’s, London, after a 3 year absence. This is her journal from the day she arrives and for the next few months. She describes her beloved home, her family encumbrances, her daily walks. We get to see her day to day life. It took to the last 30% for me to feel taken in at all. There are, so far, 8 books in this series. I don’t plan to continue, despite many reviewers saying they get better. So an Ok way to kill time on a plane, but otherwise a pass for me.
Published: 2019
The premise sounded great to me- Emma M.Lion returns to St. Crispian’s, London, after a 3 year absence. This is her journal from the day she arrives and for the next few months. She describes her beloved home, her family encumbrances, her daily walks. We get to see her day to day life. It took to the last 30% for me to feel taken in at all. There are, so far, 8 books in this series. I don’t plan to continue, despite many reviewers saying they get better. So an Ok way to kill time on a plane, but otherwise a pass for me.
Published: 2019
August 27, 2025
I have to admit, I was pretty nervous to start this one...there's been sooo much hype for this series, I was so worried it was going to get my hopes up, and then I wouldn't really like it.
But now I understand WHY it's talked up so much.
It has such a comforting feel to it, like you can easily just forget life and be pulled into a whole different world, a world where you just feel with Emma, laugh at different antics, and wonder what will be next.
Which is why I will be right away starting the next one, because I've also learned why everyone immediately buys the next one..🤫
✨ A big thank you to @faerytalesarereal for the gifted copy!! 🥰🤗🩷
But now I understand WHY it's talked up so much.
It has such a comforting feel to it, like you can easily just forget life and be pulled into a whole different world, a world where you just feel with Emma, laugh at different antics, and wonder what will be next.
Which is why I will be right away starting the next one, because I've also learned why everyone immediately buys the next one..🤫
✨ A big thank you to @faerytalesarereal for the gifted copy!! 🥰🤗🩷
February 25, 2024
I AM INTRIGUED.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
At the behest of many friends I finally picked this one up! It’s biggest hurdle is the unique writing style, but once I got the hang of it, I adored this y’all.
Emma is FUNNY. I laughed out loud multiple times and the succinct way she expresses herself is perfectly written. This is a very fast paced book (120ish pages) and offers up a lot of good beginning things to further the story as the journals go along.
I really look forward to seeing more romance, how Emma is able to take control of her situation and more. Regency fans, don’t skip this one if you’re looking for something to mix it up with.
Overall audience notes:
- Regency/Historical
- Language: none
- Romance: none
- Violence: none
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a loved one
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
At the behest of many friends I finally picked this one up! It’s biggest hurdle is the unique writing style, but once I got the hang of it, I adored this y’all.
Emma is FUNNY. I laughed out loud multiple times and the succinct way she expresses herself is perfectly written. This is a very fast paced book (120ish pages) and offers up a lot of good beginning things to further the story as the journals go along.
I really look forward to seeing more romance, how Emma is able to take control of her situation and more. Regency fans, don’t skip this one if you’re looking for something to mix it up with.
Overall audience notes:
- Regency/Historical
- Language: none
- Romance: none
- Violence: none
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a loved one
January 15, 2025
Well that was lovely.
My Quick Takes:
- 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️🔥 none
- Content 🤔 past death of parents/friends
I always welcome an afternoon spent in London and that is exactly what Volume 1 of the Emma M. Lion series afforded. A quick, 100 page novella that introduces the humorous and witty Emma M. Lion and company. Very excited for what’s to come.
My Quick Takes:
- 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️🔥 none
- Content 🤔 past death of parents/friends
I always welcome an afternoon spent in London and that is exactly what Volume 1 of the Emma M. Lion series afforded. A quick, 100 page novella that introduces the humorous and witty Emma M. Lion and company. Very excited for what’s to come.
September 9, 2025
It’s official. I’ve fallen for the hype. 😂
Despite my serious series commitment issues, it felt like the time to *finally* give this one a shot. Emma is a hilarious narrator, and her viewpoint of the world is certainly entertaining.
I’m deeply invested given that this was a super short instalment I devoured in just over an hour. 🤭 The cast is vast—loveable and enraging by turns.
I’ll shall be returning to St. Crispian’s post haste. 🫡
Despite my serious series commitment issues, it felt like the time to *finally* give this one a shot. Emma is a hilarious narrator, and her viewpoint of the world is certainly entertaining.
I’m deeply invested given that this was a super short instalment I devoured in just over an hour. 🤭 The cast is vast—loveable and enraging by turns.
I’ll shall be returning to St. Crispian’s post haste. 🫡
December 2, 2025
Re-read Dec 2025
I wanted to listen to this series via audio, and the narrator is fantastic! I highly recommend it if you've wanted to read this series. I may end up listening to the entire series this month!
July 2024
This was a very cute, quick, and fun read! It took me a little bit to get into the writing style, but I found Emma to be hilarious, and I laughed multiple times. I look forward to reading more in this series💕
I wanted to listen to this series via audio, and the narrator is fantastic! I highly recommend it if you've wanted to read this series. I may end up listening to the entire series this month!
July 2024
This was a very cute, quick, and fun read! It took me a little bit to get into the writing style, but I found Emma to be hilarious, and I laughed multiple times. I look forward to reading more in this series💕
March 9, 2025
I didn’t know what to think of this series but many instagram friends recommended it. I am having a hard time putting it into a genre. A bit fantasy, magical realism, historical fiction, romance, comedy?!
Anyway I can’t stop reading. I’m hooked. Each book is a short read. 4 hours at most, so far. I am having a blast.
Anyway I can’t stop reading. I’m hooked. Each book is a short read. 4 hours at most, so far. I am having a blast.
October 26, 2025
Just did the audio- it's fantastic!! So fun to reread with what I know now!
Read
August 24, 20258/25: reread ~ I’m loving this on audio!
10/24 Finally getting around to reading these.
This is going to be fun!!
10/24 Finally getting around to reading these.
This is going to be fun!!
July 18, 2025
This was a short, charming book that took me way longer than expected to enjoy or understand… but by the end, I loved it and look forward to the next volume!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,169 reviews