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Emily Ever After
A young woman heads to the city for her dream job as New York editor in this contemporary retelling of the story of Esther.When Emily Hinton, a quirky and quick-witted Southern California girl, lands a job at the world-famous publishing house Morrow & Sons, she decides that she is moving to New York to find love and Louis Vuitton, no matter what her friends and family think.Once in the city, however, Emily finds that in the highly secular world of a young Manhattanite, it’s anything but easy to balance her passion for New York’s glitz and glamour with her determination to live out her faith.Eventually, the crisis comes to a head when Emily takes a stand for her faith, risking in the process her beloved job. Readers of CBA fiction, as well as general audience readers of contemporary women’s fiction like Bridget Jones’s Diary, will enjoy watching Emily trade in her Nikes for Prada in this funny and fabulous, modern retelling of the story of Esther.
309 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
14 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
July 24, 2010
This book was not my cup of tea at all. This is Christian chick-lit, which I was unaware of when I started. Once I found out, I opened my mind as I am always looking for a new story to be told. The only problem with this one was the main character. Everything was about being Christian, only in the next sentence she would judge someone and make fun of them, or look down on them as being inferior. Not very "Christ-like"...I cannot stand reading that demeanor for fun. Where the book really lost me was when the main character narrated that she thought life would be easier for her because she "had God on [her:] side." And this belief was held throughout the book. After that, I had to move on.
October 2, 2010
Hmmmm, I had a hard time deciding whether or not I liked this book. As a Christian myself, I thought it was a pretty good read and really did depict the struggles that young Christians have in an era where our morals are constantly challenged. I thought the author did a really good job in incorporating some of the different facets of Christians (including those who say they are Christians because that's what their family has always been but don't actually believe). In the end though, there are a few things that I had issues with...
When Emily says that the book proposal about the death of God and the death of family (aka her BIG MOMENT OF TRUTH), she says that the book is full of false ideas and if published, people might believe them. I believe that people can believe what they want to believe but they certainly have the right to express their own thoughts and most people have the capacity to think for themselves (though you wouldn't know it sometimes). That being said, Helen did mislead her bosses and I'm glad that storyline got tied up.
Emily flips out on Jacob for maybe going a bit too far with another girl when she pushed the boundaries with Bennett? I mean I PERSONALLY think a man and a woman can share a bed and have it remain platonic but that's certainly not what Emily thought or was comfortable with. So I thought it was a little crazy, hypocritical, and judgmental for her to call Jacob out like that.
I feel as if it were a bit of a cop-out seeing her return to her hometown of Jenks. With a promotion and a stronger stance on her faith, she left New York with the impression that Christians can't survive in a city like New York. Basically, she also left New York for a guy. So it was kind of a letdown.
I usually don't read Christian fiction novels because I find they overly preachy but I felt like this one was decent. It has some really good parts and tt was pretty humorous, but I'm not sure I would ever recommend it to any of my Christian or non-Christian friends.
When Emily says that the book proposal about the death of God and the death of family (aka her BIG MOMENT OF TRUTH), she says that the book is full of false ideas and if published, people might believe them. I believe that people can believe what they want to believe but they certainly have the right to express their own thoughts and most people have the capacity to think for themselves (though you wouldn't know it sometimes). That being said, Helen did mislead her bosses and I'm glad that storyline got tied up.
Emily flips out on Jacob for maybe going a bit too far with another girl when she pushed the boundaries with Bennett? I mean I PERSONALLY think a man and a woman can share a bed and have it remain platonic but that's certainly not what Emily thought or was comfortable with. So I thought it was a little crazy, hypocritical, and judgmental for her to call Jacob out like that.
I feel as if it were a bit of a cop-out seeing her return to her hometown of Jenks. With a promotion and a stronger stance on her faith, she left New York with the impression that Christians can't survive in a city like New York. Basically, she also left New York for a guy. So it was kind of a letdown.
I usually don't read Christian fiction novels because I find they overly preachy but I felt like this one was decent. It has some really good parts and tt was pretty humorous, but I'm not sure I would ever recommend it to any of my Christian or non-Christian friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2012
I am so torn on this book! Overall, very cute, fun, clean story. I love Christian Chick Lit. I love fun fluff! This book would have easily gotten 5 stars, but I had trouble with the drinking references and no, not what one might think. I don't have a real problem with characters in Christian fiction socially drinking (and like a previous reviewer stated the one time she did get drunk, she regretted it and it never happened again) but the problem I had was how acceptable and OK it was for them all to make fun of Christians who don't drink at all and the Christians who don't drink were looked down upon. Even by the main character! Who hid she was even a Christian until the very end and then didn't change at all to the point the last few pages she was laughing along with the others when she drank a diet Coke at a bar. Really?? It was the mockery I could do without. It was unnecessary. I don't feel Emily grew or matured in her faith at all and she didn't come across as a very nice person OR smart. Looking back, 4 stars may be generous, but I DID read the book in one day and it WAS overall entertaining except for a couple of parts. I LOVED AND ADORED The Book Of Jane. Highly recommend that one and I am eagerly looking forward to Consider Lily. I love these authors' writing style. I just wished if Emily chose to socially drink she didn't have to mock others for not doing so. Her witness was off.
November 29, 2008
Had no idea this was a "Christian" novel considering the description on the book jacket made no mention of it, however after the first chapter I knew there was something different about the book. I continued reading, deciding to give it a chance. It was definitely an easy, light-hearted read. As a New Yorker, I enjoyed the various references to the City and as a 20-something female, related to the main character. But as someone who is not Christian, the religious references definitely threw me for a loop and I was afraid the novel would get too preachy (which it did not). I was a little put off how the main character felt that New Yorkers did not accept Christians considering that nearly 80% of the US is Christian and that diversity and acceptance is a cornerstone of NYC. The story also tended to get a bit saccharine, borderline teen drama. However, since the religious nature of the book was different from what I'm used to, I decided to keep reading and can say that I am not regretful I did.
December 20, 2025
Emily Ever After didn’t quite work for me overall. I struggled with an unlikable main character whose poor, often frustrating decisions made it hard to stay invested, especially as the plot unfolded in a fairly predictable way. The narrative also felt rambling at times. That said, one thing the book does handle well is its depiction of the experience of trying to find your place among like-minded Christians.
August 26, 2007
Okay, let me first make a disclaimer. I am not a reader of chick-lit. I don't have a problem with those who are, but it's not really my genre. Why, then, did I read this book? Excellent question. I got it for a dollar at the library near where I work. In a moment of boredom I decided that it might be funny to read a book about a girl with my name working in Manhattan. Mostly I wanted the book for the cover, which I thought would be cute on my wall. I mean, I look like this girl, minus the emaciated figure and ugly ankle boots!
This book was what you'd expect: not very well written, funny in moments but overall boring, and all about making women look a bit dumb when it's supposed to make us look cool. Why do I care about a girl who is desperately in search of a good Christian boy in the un-religious city? What happened to in search of spiritual enlightenment? The book reads like the journal of a middle schooler, not like the life of a woman who moves to Manhattan to work for a publishing firm after college. How dare she have my name and be so lame! I think this book is even bleh for chick-lit. Readers of the genre beware!
This book was what you'd expect: not very well written, funny in moments but overall boring, and all about making women look a bit dumb when it's supposed to make us look cool. Why do I care about a girl who is desperately in search of a good Christian boy in the un-religious city? What happened to in search of spiritual enlightenment? The book reads like the journal of a middle schooler, not like the life of a woman who moves to Manhattan to work for a publishing firm after college. How dare she have my name and be so lame! I think this book is even bleh for chick-lit. Readers of the genre beware!
October 1, 2018
This is absolutely an amazing book. Emily gets a dream job she's always wanted and when she actually gets the job, she's dying. She quickly heads to New York in no time. She quickly becomes close with a few girls that are already working there. She meets Bennett who she finds, very attractive. They go to church together and they suddenly get close. Emily is not really sure if she wants to be with Bennett. Bennett's ex-girlfriend Skylar has been extremely pushing Emily's button. She soon hears different rumors which get her thinking like 'Is Bennett worth it?' Then her friend emails Emily and says that she has met a boy that Emily has been friends with since childhood. Emily later finds out that Bennett was with her because he was trying to forget Skylar. She quickly dumps him and she meets her friends from the old times. His name is Jacob Keller, and they have been friends for years. They get closer and they both end up loving each other. Such a plot twist and everything turns out the way you can’t even imagine!
May 1, 2022
Weird, slightly confusing, and just kinda dumb
July 7, 2011
Emily has wanted to live in New York her whole life. The hustle and bustle of city, the glitz and glam, and of course the big editing jobs. But they’ve not really been attainable considering Emily lives in Jenks, California. Yeah, I hadn’t heard of it either, but apparently it’s about the size of my hometown, bite size.
Emily doesn’t get to follow her dream to New York in college, the money just isn’t there, but she bides her time and finally gets the opportunity as an assistant to a neurotic editor, thanks to her once rich and powerful, now food shelter organizer uncle.
As always when you move to a new, big place, Emily feels lonely and out of the loop. But things quickly change when she makes some girlfriends at work and finds the only other Christian, it seems, in her workplace.
But things don’t stay on cloud nine forever. This new hunk of burning may not have the same ideals as Emily does when it comes to a relationship, her roommate is not as friendly as she had hoped, and there’s a new book being pitched at work that goes completely against everything she believes. And now, she’s not so sure New York was really the right place for her.
There is a patch of blue in the cloudy sky though, in the form of her 1st grade boyfriend, whom she actually never broke up with. Jacbo becomes Emily’s go-to and they spark an email relationship that may end up igniting a major fire.
Let me preface this review with if you give me a book that is about books, I’m almost in love already. I really loved this book for a number of reasons. Maybe not all of us, but most of us from a small town, at one time or another, have the dream of ditching the small town and heading to the big city, most with the Big Apple in mind. That may never become a reality, but living through someone else’s that may just do the trick. And when they snatch an editing job, even if it is as an assistant, I am frothing at the mouth. I love my job as a journalist, but I think reading and editing as a career, wow, how can you beat it?
I like that Emily really learns about herself through this move to New York. She has always been a Christian but kind of hides that when she gets to the big city. She goes out a little more, drinks a little more and tells people her “secret” a little less. I am a Christian and not afraid to admit it, but I’m not really a fan of books with major religious plots. This is nothing that I haven’t blogged about before, and I will probably turn down the book if I know beforehand religion is a major role, but if it’s woven through, it doesn’t really bother me. In this book, I think it worked very well, just because it showed the Emily had something she felt strongly about and it ended up being a big game changer in her life. The passion for religion and her beliefs at the end of the book is one that made me want to be passionate about something. It really worked in this story.
The characters, other than Emily’s roomate, were all pretty likeable in this book. The thing I liked most about Emily though was the girl she became in emails. When we first meet her, she’s a little timid, small mouse in a big city. As the story goes along, she lightens up a bit. But when she emails Jacob, she just comes to life. I think a lot of people are this way. I know I can say a lot more to people through email than I can in person. My problem comes with my emotions. Every time I need to confront someone in person, I cry. Through email, I can say what I want and be fine. The voice in the emails was one of my favorite things in the book.
I really liked this book and give it 5 bookmarks
Emily doesn’t get to follow her dream to New York in college, the money just isn’t there, but she bides her time and finally gets the opportunity as an assistant to a neurotic editor, thanks to her once rich and powerful, now food shelter organizer uncle.
As always when you move to a new, big place, Emily feels lonely and out of the loop. But things quickly change when she makes some girlfriends at work and finds the only other Christian, it seems, in her workplace.
But things don’t stay on cloud nine forever. This new hunk of burning may not have the same ideals as Emily does when it comes to a relationship, her roommate is not as friendly as she had hoped, and there’s a new book being pitched at work that goes completely against everything she believes. And now, she’s not so sure New York was really the right place for her.
There is a patch of blue in the cloudy sky though, in the form of her 1st grade boyfriend, whom she actually never broke up with. Jacbo becomes Emily’s go-to and they spark an email relationship that may end up igniting a major fire.
Let me preface this review with if you give me a book that is about books, I’m almost in love already. I really loved this book for a number of reasons. Maybe not all of us, but most of us from a small town, at one time or another, have the dream of ditching the small town and heading to the big city, most with the Big Apple in mind. That may never become a reality, but living through someone else’s that may just do the trick. And when they snatch an editing job, even if it is as an assistant, I am frothing at the mouth. I love my job as a journalist, but I think reading and editing as a career, wow, how can you beat it?
I like that Emily really learns about herself through this move to New York. She has always been a Christian but kind of hides that when she gets to the big city. She goes out a little more, drinks a little more and tells people her “secret” a little less. I am a Christian and not afraid to admit it, but I’m not really a fan of books with major religious plots. This is nothing that I haven’t blogged about before, and I will probably turn down the book if I know beforehand religion is a major role, but if it’s woven through, it doesn’t really bother me. In this book, I think it worked very well, just because it showed the Emily had something she felt strongly about and it ended up being a big game changer in her life. The passion for religion and her beliefs at the end of the book is one that made me want to be passionate about something. It really worked in this story.
The characters, other than Emily’s roomate, were all pretty likeable in this book. The thing I liked most about Emily though was the girl she became in emails. When we first meet her, she’s a little timid, small mouse in a big city. As the story goes along, she lightens up a bit. But when she emails Jacob, she just comes to life. I think a lot of people are this way. I know I can say a lot more to people through email than I can in person. My problem comes with my emotions. Every time I need to confront someone in person, I cry. Through email, I can say what I want and be fine. The voice in the emails was one of my favorite things in the book.
I really liked this book and give it 5 bookmarks
August 16, 2018
I wasn’t a huge fan of this book. The story itself seemed fun. Girl with a deep Christian faith has always dreamed of living in New York finally gets her chance to do so. She lucks into a job with a book publisher, a decent (though small) apartment, and her lovable, caring uncle lives nearby. I even was entertained by her family in the opening chapter as they embarrassed her with their lack of city wise behaviour.
I have to admit, I’m not Christian. My family is catholic and I was raised to decide my own beliefs. As a teenager I would snub the very idea of Christian fiction. Now though, as an adult and a librarian, I’m willing to give any book a chance. Many of our patrons only read Christian fiction so I actually picked up this book to test it out before recommending it to them. So I can genuinely say, the religious aspect of this book was just fine.
My big issue with this book was the main character, Emily. First, she’s a total brat. Her supposed best friend is “hopeless about fashion”. Her uncle who gave up his high life career to devote himself to a homeless shelter and soup kitchen he built is also in need of a fashion intervention. She thinks the girls she works with have poor morals, yet she gives up her beliefs at the first available opportunity simply to fit in. Lastly, she continues with a relationship that makes her uncomfortable, even after being told by different people that the boy she’s dating isn’t quite the good “Christian boy” he makes himself out to be. And when anyone else in her life, including non-christians who haven’t made the choice to devote themselves as she has slip up, she’s the first to mock or judge.
I also have trouble believing that she simply can’t find any Christian’s in New York. There’s almost 1.7 million people in the city but 0% with faith I guess. Yet somehow even her local laundry service is owned by Christians. And since her main concern is dating a Christian boy, the religious dating apps like Christian mingle and such don’t exist. Nope. Can’t find a perfect man in the first couple places I look so they must not exist. I know she’s from California, but don’t certain churches have national connections where people who are new somewhere can be welcomed into a new city? Possibly even through her uncle who already lives in New York?
I understand this book is supposed to be about faith being tested and persevering over our doubts and fears to be true to our heart. My trouble is other than a half page, about six pages from the end of this book, Emily does nothing to stand up for herself as good Christian. Even her inner monologue is over the top judgemental. If this book were based on high school or even college, I would be more inclined to forgive her behaviour.
Lastly her big DEFINING moment where she stands up for herself and outs herself as a Christian, is slightly anticlimactic. First it’s within the last ten pages of the book, leaving no time for a real conclusion. Secondly, she basically doesn’t want a book published because it’s not in line with her beliefs. She worries people will read it and it may sway their faith. Yet she herself had read some and realized it was mostly nonsensical religion bashing.
If this book could take out 59% of Emily’s judgement, half her relationship with Bennet, and make a way for her to tough it out in New York with Jacob it would have been 100% better.
I have to admit, I’m not Christian. My family is catholic and I was raised to decide my own beliefs. As a teenager I would snub the very idea of Christian fiction. Now though, as an adult and a librarian, I’m willing to give any book a chance. Many of our patrons only read Christian fiction so I actually picked up this book to test it out before recommending it to them. So I can genuinely say, the religious aspect of this book was just fine.
My big issue with this book was the main character, Emily. First, she’s a total brat. Her supposed best friend is “hopeless about fashion”. Her uncle who gave up his high life career to devote himself to a homeless shelter and soup kitchen he built is also in need of a fashion intervention. She thinks the girls she works with have poor morals, yet she gives up her beliefs at the first available opportunity simply to fit in. Lastly, she continues with a relationship that makes her uncomfortable, even after being told by different people that the boy she’s dating isn’t quite the good “Christian boy” he makes himself out to be. And when anyone else in her life, including non-christians who haven’t made the choice to devote themselves as she has slip up, she’s the first to mock or judge.
I also have trouble believing that she simply can’t find any Christian’s in New York. There’s almost 1.7 million people in the city but 0% with faith I guess. Yet somehow even her local laundry service is owned by Christians. And since her main concern is dating a Christian boy, the religious dating apps like Christian mingle and such don’t exist. Nope. Can’t find a perfect man in the first couple places I look so they must not exist. I know she’s from California, but don’t certain churches have national connections where people who are new somewhere can be welcomed into a new city? Possibly even through her uncle who already lives in New York?
I understand this book is supposed to be about faith being tested and persevering over our doubts and fears to be true to our heart. My trouble is other than a half page, about six pages from the end of this book, Emily does nothing to stand up for herself as good Christian. Even her inner monologue is over the top judgemental. If this book were based on high school or even college, I would be more inclined to forgive her behaviour.
Lastly her big DEFINING moment where she stands up for herself and outs herself as a Christian, is slightly anticlimactic. First it’s within the last ten pages of the book, leaving no time for a real conclusion. Secondly, she basically doesn’t want a book published because it’s not in line with her beliefs. She worries people will read it and it may sway their faith. Yet she herself had read some and realized it was mostly nonsensical religion bashing.
If this book could take out 59% of Emily’s judgement, half her relationship with Bennet, and make a way for her to tough it out in New York with Jacob it would have been 100% better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2012
I really loved the Book of Jane by this author, so was excited to read Emily Ever After. Sadly, I was really disappointed with this book.
There were a lot of things that I just didn't like about this book. First, they made Emily sound like a backwoods hick, and anyone NOT from New York a backwoods hick. Now granted, I know New York is a whole different world...but come on, just because we don't hail from the east coast doesn't mean that we are naive to the rest of the world.
Second, for someone who had such great convictions, Emily was sure quick to throw them out the window at the first opportunity. She lacked maturity and was a bit high-schoolish in her behavior. Granted she was just out of college...but it just didn't work for me.
I did like the story between her and Jacob, and felt that was something that could have been expounded upon rather than wasting so much time on other things...also, her relationship with her uncle.
I'm looking forward to reading Consider Lily...I'm hoping that it is of the same caliber as Book of Jane.
There were a lot of things that I just didn't like about this book. First, they made Emily sound like a backwoods hick, and anyone NOT from New York a backwoods hick. Now granted, I know New York is a whole different world...but come on, just because we don't hail from the east coast doesn't mean that we are naive to the rest of the world.
Second, for someone who had such great convictions, Emily was sure quick to throw them out the window at the first opportunity. She lacked maturity and was a bit high-schoolish in her behavior. Granted she was just out of college...but it just didn't work for me.
I did like the story between her and Jacob, and felt that was something that could have been expounded upon rather than wasting so much time on other things...also, her relationship with her uncle.
I'm looking forward to reading Consider Lily...I'm hoping that it is of the same caliber as Book of Jane.
June 23, 2011
Though written as a "Christian" book, this story would appeal to any chick lit fan. It's kind of like a "Sex in the City" book without all the sex, drinking, and bad behavior. Okay, there is a little drinking. But these two authors make a great team and should be writing more!
Read more of my review at Examiner.com where I write about Christian fiction.
http://www.examiner.com/christian-fic...
Read more of my review at Examiner.com where I write about Christian fiction.
http://www.examiner.com/christian-fic...
March 9, 2010
Really liked the "Book of Jane", but "Emily Ever After" fell a little short. It had a really quick (read: unbelievable) romance, and I ended up being a little disappointed. Still had an pretty-enjoyable storyline, and was an easy read.
September 12, 2014
Realistic Christian chick lit about a girl who moves to NYC from a small town and gets a job in publishing.
March 11, 2021
This book is a shining example of human hypocrisy. I actually find this book pretty educational to understand the contradictory thinking of those who consider themselves educated and tolerant while actually contributing to and continuing cycles of intolerance and hate. The main character Emily judges EVERYONE in this book. She considers herself to be morally superior to her non-Christian friends (who by the way she never actually discusses religion with and just assumes they are amoral) and thinks she’s too cool for the conservative Christians she meets. Here’s a perfect example of her hypocritical thinking:
“I don’t judge you for it or anything. You’re welcome to do what you like. But, well, I don’t necessarily think it’s the best way...”
It’s also implied, but never outright stated, that she thinks it’s a sin to have sex before marriage yet she never actually discusses this with the guy she’s dating and just assumes because he says he’s Christian that he holds this same line. The implicit judgement here of course being that you’re not really Christian if you have sex before marriage.
Her huge conflict is whether or not to speak up about a book she finds morally objectionable because it dares to question whether the nuclear family is the backbone of society using her traditional, nuclear, white, middle-class family as her justification completely ignoring and dismissing the incredible diversity and beauty of families in the real world. This “protagonist” chooses to move to a city whose true beauty stems from the vast diversity of its residents, but she never recognizes this.
One of the most blatant examples of her unjustified judgement, when I actually considered throwing this book across the room, happens when a guy she’s interested in but will not date starts dating a bartender. She finds this inconceivable that a good Christian boy would stoop to date a bartender. What exactly is wrong with bartenders? How does this chosen profession say anything about this girl’s character besides the fact that she’s working for a living?
I kept reading because I really wanted Emily to learn some kind of lesson. Instead this book was a huge waste of time. Emily learns nothing over the course of the book instead ending with a hope that she left New York a better place. I would argue that yes, her leaving New York made it a better place. At least I bought it for a dollar from a thrift store, so my money itself went towards a good cause instead of encouraging more books like this to make it onto our shelves.
“I don’t judge you for it or anything. You’re welcome to do what you like. But, well, I don’t necessarily think it’s the best way...”
It’s also implied, but never outright stated, that she thinks it’s a sin to have sex before marriage yet she never actually discusses this with the guy she’s dating and just assumes because he says he’s Christian that he holds this same line. The implicit judgement here of course being that you’re not really Christian if you have sex before marriage.
Her huge conflict is whether or not to speak up about a book she finds morally objectionable because it dares to question whether the nuclear family is the backbone of society using her traditional, nuclear, white, middle-class family as her justification completely ignoring and dismissing the incredible diversity and beauty of families in the real world. This “protagonist” chooses to move to a city whose true beauty stems from the vast diversity of its residents, but she never recognizes this.
One of the most blatant examples of her unjustified judgement, when I actually considered throwing this book across the room, happens when a guy she’s interested in but will not date starts dating a bartender. She finds this inconceivable that a good Christian boy would stoop to date a bartender. What exactly is wrong with bartenders? How does this chosen profession say anything about this girl’s character besides the fact that she’s working for a living?
I kept reading because I really wanted Emily to learn some kind of lesson. Instead this book was a huge waste of time. Emily learns nothing over the course of the book instead ending with a hope that she left New York a better place. I would argue that yes, her leaving New York made it a better place. At least I bought it for a dollar from a thrift store, so my money itself went towards a good cause instead of encouraging more books like this to make it onto our shelves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2024
Review is given as my second read:
Maybe I don’t read enough coming-of-age novels, but I definitely think this could’ve been better. I know why I couldn’t remember most of the story now - there wasn’t anything worth remembering besides the red flag guy, whom I remember noticing right away as a 10/11-year old reading this book.
First of all, the plot is poor. It’s a struggle with the mind and faith and environment around the main character, but that’s not what makes it weak. It’s the ending. As much as the authors try to make it flow, everything happens way too quickly. I mean, the dark night of the soul (the oh-no-we’ve-hit-rock-bottom part of the story) happens only about 10-20 pages from the end of the book.
And because the plot isn’t strong enough to hold up, our characters are affected. I think we had a good mix of our mc Emily, Jenna (favorite character who deserved more time in the book), Lane (definitely my second favorite) and even Uncle Matthew and her boss Xavier, but all the other characters needed more screen time (book time?) for character development. Take Bennett for example: I would’ve loved to see what happened to him by the end of the book. Or her roommate Brittany: what’s her story? And Skylar? She had a rough upbringing, and there could’ve been room to use that in growing Emily as a person.
I will end on a good note though: I love the change in Emily’s character at the end. It was strangely both gradual and sudden. Great to know she figured herself out, even though she technically starts a new adventure.
However, I wouldn’t recommend this book. There are better ones out there. But if you’re a determined reader like me, by all means.
Maybe I don’t read enough coming-of-age novels, but I definitely think this could’ve been better. I know why I couldn’t remember most of the story now - there wasn’t anything worth remembering besides the red flag guy, whom I remember noticing right away as a 10/11-year old reading this book.
First of all, the plot is poor. It’s a struggle with the mind and faith and environment around the main character, but that’s not what makes it weak. It’s the ending. As much as the authors try to make it flow, everything happens way too quickly. I mean, the dark night of the soul (the oh-no-we’ve-hit-rock-bottom part of the story) happens only about 10-20 pages from the end of the book.
And because the plot isn’t strong enough to hold up, our characters are affected. I think we had a good mix of our mc Emily, Jenna (favorite character who deserved more time in the book), Lane (definitely my second favorite) and even Uncle Matthew and her boss Xavier, but all the other characters needed more screen time (book time?) for character development. Take Bennett for example: I would’ve loved to see what happened to him by the end of the book. Or her roommate Brittany: what’s her story? And Skylar? She had a rough upbringing, and there could’ve been room to use that in growing Emily as a person.
I will end on a good note though: I love the change in Emily’s character at the end. It was strangely both gradual and sudden. Great to know she figured herself out, even though she technically starts a new adventure.
However, I wouldn’t recommend this book. There are better ones out there. But if you’re a determined reader like me, by all means.
May 26, 2023
It was funny, the library had a display of books with cute covers - cute chick-lit stuff. I was missing easy, fun fiction and grabbed two, and this was one.
First off, there were numerous editing errors in the book - extra words in sentences, etc, which was extra-irritating as the protagonist works as an editorial assistant at a publishing house. And the book has two authors, both of whom work in editorial at a “major New York publishing house.”
When I chose the book, I did not realize this book was Christian fiction. This is the second time I have stumbled upon this genre by accident, and this book was much more conspicuously so. It was interesting to me that the protagonist seemed basically afraid that people would find out she was Christian. She also was very worried about what secular people would think of her choices and behaviors. I’m not a 20-something in Manhattan in 2005, but it seemed weird to me that she was so insecure about what people might think about how much or how little she drank, etc. She also blindly assumes that a guy is a good guy if he and others say he is a Christian. Sure, she’s a small town girl in the big city for the first time but she was so green. Maybe if I had read this when I was also in my 20s I would’ve had more patience with her.
First off, there were numerous editing errors in the book - extra words in sentences, etc, which was extra-irritating as the protagonist works as an editorial assistant at a publishing house. And the book has two authors, both of whom work in editorial at a “major New York publishing house.”
When I chose the book, I did not realize this book was Christian fiction. This is the second time I have stumbled upon this genre by accident, and this book was much more conspicuously so. It was interesting to me that the protagonist seemed basically afraid that people would find out she was Christian. She also was very worried about what secular people would think of her choices and behaviors. I’m not a 20-something in Manhattan in 2005, but it seemed weird to me that she was so insecure about what people might think about how much or how little she drank, etc. She also blindly assumes that a guy is a good guy if he and others say he is a Christian. Sure, she’s a small town girl in the big city for the first time but she was so green. Maybe if I had read this when I was also in my 20s I would’ve had more patience with her.
April 11, 2023
I had no idea this was a Christian book so that was a pleasant surprise. In general, it was a cute and fun to read, light book. However, there was just some character growth that was really lacking. Emily tries to fit in by drinking, maxing out credit cards and hiding her faith. Eventually she is bold about her faith, but there’s never any growth as far as her finances or drinking really. She does quit drinking heavily after one bad night, but she never learns that one does not HAVE to drink…or eat out for every meal…or buy clothes one can’t afford…nor is there anything mentioned about the trouble that causes later in the book.
Also, why does she have to hate on certain denominations so much? Bashing traditional Protestant services…Christians who don’t drink?
I think I would have absolutely loved this book in high school-young adult years. Now I’m old and somethings seemed just foolish and childish.
But I would read these authors again for sure. I enjoyed the style and the book overall.
Also, why does she have to hate on certain denominations so much? Bashing traditional Protestant services…Christians who don’t drink?
I think I would have absolutely loved this book in high school-young adult years. Now I’m old and somethings seemed just foolish and childish.
But I would read these authors again for sure. I enjoyed the style and the book overall.
May 10, 2022
This is a Christian Fiction novel that will appeal to high school girls. It was also just chosen as a 2007 Popular Paperback for young adults in the "Religion: Relationship with the Devine" category. It follows Emily as she moves from small town California to land her dream job at a publishing company in New York City. Although naive, she soon becomes friends with some other girls at the company and learns her way around Manhattan. She even begins dating Bennett, who is known to only date Christian girls. This is fine with Emily since she is also Christian and she wants to live her morals. Who better to date than a nice Christian guy who also lives that way? Or does he? Emily is getting mixed signals from Bennett and must deal with her uncertain feelings about sex. She also is beginning to become homesick and has been in contact with a boy from her childhood. As well, there is a rumor that her boss is having an affair and Emily is not sure she can continue to respect him if he is. And to top it all off, an editor at work is becoming a problem when she lies about a book she is desperate to publish that Emily knows she cannot support. Teens will identify with Emily as she struggles to fit in while still trying to remain true to herself. This is an easy one to read due to the fast action and catchy dialogue. It wasn't chosen as a Popular Paperback for nothing!
August 22, 2017
I liked that it wasn't over the top, in your face preachy in the fact that it is Christian fiction, however, I felt like it didn't go far enough if it's going to be labeled as such. I liked the locations....NYC and San Diego. Emily is what I would refer to as a carnal christian...when you fit into the world around you without taking a stand for what you believe in. Of course, at the end she did, so it wasn't a total loss. I felt like the authors tried to walk a tightrope between two worlds and didn't really satisfy either one.
Read
August 17, 2020Read this a long time ago. It wasn't the over the top sweetness of most Christian romance novels but some of the things were a little wierd. Like everyone in NYC reacts to her hometown of San Diego as a little hick town. It's not New York City, but I don't know why they would act like it was the middle of nowhere. Some of the issues with drinking and sex seemed more believable than most Christian fiction, but it was written more as "look how edgy we are" rather than as believable choices.
January 26, 2021
I don't think the main character had any real growth or change or development. Emily was in the beginning, Emily did a bunch of stuff, made decisions, cried a little because she was minorly embarrassed in a social situation, then Emily still was in the end. I did like the bit where she got herself out of a toxic relationship, but it took her too long to do it and the actual toxicity of the man was never fully addressed or articulated by Emily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2021
I read this after reading another by them and this just felt like brand new authors getting their feet wet. Very juvenile and disappointing. Did she really have no clue about guys? Also felt they left a lot dangling that you can only guess. Won’t be reading the next one in the series.
January 30, 2019
Obviously dated, but the story is timeless.
March 16, 2019
this book was a very good read. Emily's faith and belives were really tested.
July 5, 2023
Meh. Very milk toast
January 25, 2024
Not as charming as I'd hoped. I saw a lot of myself in Emily but some of her reactions were rather cringey.
June 1, 2024
Fun book. Pretty accurate on life in NYC, but some things are ridiculous!
October 17, 2025
nostalgic read / this book introduced my love for NYC
March 18, 2012
Emily Hinton loves books and wants nothing more than to work with books and people who love them as much as she does. Her goal was to get out of her small California town and make her dream a reality someday. Finally, with the same fearsome drive of any college graduate, she packs up her things and trots off to New York, the book publishing capital of the world. You can’t help but love her determination.
In the beginning, it was easy to relate to Emily’s new-girl-in-the-city routine illustrated by her clumsy, wide-eyed, naïve manner. It practically brings you back to the early school days, being the new kid in class with all the other students staring at you like you were a 3-headed alien from outer space. And, of course, nobody wants to be the funny-looking kid that the others make fun of. You would pretty much do anything to avoid taking on that role, which was precisely the thought of our dear Emily. She wanted to fit in so badly with her fancy colleagues at any risk—even if it meant losing herself.
One thing I liked that was definitely different from many of the main heroines I’ve read about was that Emily was a “good girl,” which probably came from her traditional upbringing as a faithful Christian. The fact that she had little experience with boys made her all the more easy to relate to. I also suspected that Emily might have been born a Virgo because she had the tendency to be overly-critical of herself (who isn’t, right?)
I must say that Emily was too gullible about Bennett. One date with the guy and she was already planning the wedding and thinking up names for their children. Oh, please! Even for a school girl crush, it was still pathetic. And Bennett—he was way too perfect. What’s wrong with him? Every time I read something that made him sound like Prince Charming, I had to wonder what was wrong with him. He was really a frog, right? C’mon, nobody is that perfect.
The problem with Emily was the she believed everything she heard. I mean, if she heard that fish could fly and birds could swim, would she believe that too? Also, she was so bent on being a good Christian that I didn’t see this thing with Bennett—a guy always claiming to be a good Christian—working out. I must also admit that I skipped a lot of the religious stuff as it was all pretty dull.
At one point during the story, I wondered if the authors were British, only because this novel was classified as “Humorous Fiction,” and it didn’t make me laugh once. I thought perhaps it could’ve incorporated that dry, British humor no one ever gets, in which case, I definitely did not get my money’s worth. The only part that gave me a chuckle was when Emily’s roommate accused her of stealing her underwear. Oh, my god, that’s so outrageous when you think about it.
Even though the time correlated to the current season, I still had to skip all the holiday hoopla in the story (Emily having Thanksgiving with Bennett’s family and her flying home for Christmas) mostly because I get too much of it already from the media shoving all this jolly crap down my throat—it kind’ve makes you want to hate it all. I think Bennett said it best—“It’s just a holiday that Hallmark took advantage of. There’s nothing to do but sit around and watch It’s a Wonderful Life again and again and again and eat too much.” You said it, brother. (pg. 195)
The story didn’t really pick up until Jacob entered the scene about half way through the book. He was basically an old school friend that re-enters Emily’s life and refreshes her with a comforting past and youthful humor.
Overall, I felt this story was much too passive—no action whatsoever. I felt like I was being told the story, not shown it. Also, I really didn’t care for any of the characters, not even Emily, as they we were too flat and unrealistic. And, finally, there were some editing issues that got a little annoying. For example, “But,’ I say, pausing”—you can’t say something and pause at the same time.
The title was all wrong. It shouldn’t have been called “Emily Ever After;” it should’ve been “Emily Finally Over…Thank God.”
In the beginning, it was easy to relate to Emily’s new-girl-in-the-city routine illustrated by her clumsy, wide-eyed, naïve manner. It practically brings you back to the early school days, being the new kid in class with all the other students staring at you like you were a 3-headed alien from outer space. And, of course, nobody wants to be the funny-looking kid that the others make fun of. You would pretty much do anything to avoid taking on that role, which was precisely the thought of our dear Emily. She wanted to fit in so badly with her fancy colleagues at any risk—even if it meant losing herself.
One thing I liked that was definitely different from many of the main heroines I’ve read about was that Emily was a “good girl,” which probably came from her traditional upbringing as a faithful Christian. The fact that she had little experience with boys made her all the more easy to relate to. I also suspected that Emily might have been born a Virgo because she had the tendency to be overly-critical of herself (who isn’t, right?)
I must say that Emily was too gullible about Bennett. One date with the guy and she was already planning the wedding and thinking up names for their children. Oh, please! Even for a school girl crush, it was still pathetic. And Bennett—he was way too perfect. What’s wrong with him? Every time I read something that made him sound like Prince Charming, I had to wonder what was wrong with him. He was really a frog, right? C’mon, nobody is that perfect.
The problem with Emily was the she believed everything she heard. I mean, if she heard that fish could fly and birds could swim, would she believe that too? Also, she was so bent on being a good Christian that I didn’t see this thing with Bennett—a guy always claiming to be a good Christian—working out. I must also admit that I skipped a lot of the religious stuff as it was all pretty dull.
At one point during the story, I wondered if the authors were British, only because this novel was classified as “Humorous Fiction,” and it didn’t make me laugh once. I thought perhaps it could’ve incorporated that dry, British humor no one ever gets, in which case, I definitely did not get my money’s worth. The only part that gave me a chuckle was when Emily’s roommate accused her of stealing her underwear. Oh, my god, that’s so outrageous when you think about it.
Even though the time correlated to the current season, I still had to skip all the holiday hoopla in the story (Emily having Thanksgiving with Bennett’s family and her flying home for Christmas) mostly because I get too much of it already from the media shoving all this jolly crap down my throat—it kind’ve makes you want to hate it all. I think Bennett said it best—“It’s just a holiday that Hallmark took advantage of. There’s nothing to do but sit around and watch It’s a Wonderful Life again and again and again and eat too much.” You said it, brother. (pg. 195)
The story didn’t really pick up until Jacob entered the scene about half way through the book. He was basically an old school friend that re-enters Emily’s life and refreshes her with a comforting past and youthful humor.
Overall, I felt this story was much too passive—no action whatsoever. I felt like I was being told the story, not shown it. Also, I really didn’t care for any of the characters, not even Emily, as they we were too flat and unrealistic. And, finally, there were some editing issues that got a little annoying. For example, “But,’ I say, pausing”—you can’t say something and pause at the same time.
The title was all wrong. It shouldn’t have been called “Emily Ever After;” it should’ve been “Emily Finally Over…Thank God.”
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