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The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion #6

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 6

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There is bedlam, and there is delightful bedlam.
This afternoon touched on the second, much to my pleasure.

The Year is 1884 and Emma M. Lion has, at long last, gained her majority. Entering a golden age of friendship with Pierce, Islington, and Hawkes, Emma is confident she will manage whatever comes her way. It is The Season she must help Arabella secure a husband, while navigating the threat of Aunt Eugenia, the unflagging adoration of Charles Goddard, and the amusing unpredictability of St. Crispian’s. But the secrets of her trusted friends are what might very well bring about disaster.

Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.

Readers have compared The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion to Jane Austen, P.G. Wodehouse, L. M. Montgomery, and Jean Webster.

247 pages, Paperback

First published October 18, 2022

858 people are currently reading
3551 people want to read

About the author

Beth Brower

18 books2,511 followers
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.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,951 reviews
Profile Image for Abby.
482 reviews8 followers
December 4, 2022
Personally rooting for The Roman.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,578 reviews5 followers
January 22, 2023
I am furious. If Emma ends up with Pierce I will throw a small tantrum. I'm grudgingly still giving this 4 stars because of all of the other delightful things that happened in this book and I'm going to try to expunge all mentions of their chemistry from my brain... until the next volume which I will approach with trepidation. I never thought I'd say this but I'm glad for a break so that I can come to terms with my feelings about the ending of this installment. Of course, I'll still be snapping the next one up as soon as it appears.
Profile Image for Hannah Landeen.
148 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2024
I finished this book screaming silently like a muffled tea kettle.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,583 reviews178 followers
December 6, 2023
Well well well. I knew this ended with a bang and boy does it! 👀 That’s all I have to say right now because I have Vol 7 right next to me. 😂

I did actually want to write a bit more about this one because so much happens! First, the whole Twelfth Night ball! Who organizes it? What does it all mean? Who is Oberon? What is the meaning of the crown and Emma's exchange with Oberon? Is Oberon Hawkes since Emma sees him and then doesn't see him?

The Reprobates Ten (or Nine) were so fun in this volume. They felt even more Wodehousian here than in previous volumes. The whole duel thing was...weird. And what's the actual connection between them and Hawkes?

Mary and her Very Masculine Professor are so adorable. I'm rooting for them.

The gift Emma gets from P, H, and I is so sweet! Aunt Eugenia is terrifying, lol Emma's whole employment situation is so funny (except for the groping by the HORRID Argus Fard). I love that Argus (Tad) Jr. comes to her rescue after she took the heat for him before. But I don't know that Emma is cut out for normal work, lol The scene with Jack-as-Catholic-priest is so funny.

It appears that Hawkes and Islington both have (possibly?) tragic back stories too. I am so longing to know more about them. Islington's appears to be about a woman who was stolen away from him somehow. A sister? A lover? Death? Betrayal? "He cares deeply but for a very small number of people--smaller now due to all that unpleasant business" (121). Totally guessing on that! I love Hawkes and Islington so much. The conversation Emma overhears between Hawkes and Islington is fascinating.

And Pierce, swoon! This moment has been a long time coming, but somehow it was perfect just when it came. Except that I'm kinda half rooting for Islington now, so I feel torn. I love Brower's weather imagery for Pierce. It's so perfect. He's definitely the Bronte hero of the bunch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for SM.
39 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2023
I am immediately going back to reread these and annotate in the margins, as I know Emma herself would approve.

But Ms.Brower, the deepest recesses of my heart need Islington to be endgame. I know we have many, many more adventures with Emma, Pierce, Islington, and Hawkes, and I eagerly, eagerly await the next installment.
Profile Image for Jessica.
Author 26 books5,913 followers
October 26, 2025
I can't believe she dove into a fountain with Young Hawkes. (I mean, I can, I just . . . can't believe it.) And while i value friendships and think that it's really great that Emma and Pierce and Islington and Hawkes are all friends . . . I also kind of want some romance to develop here. And honestly? My choice is the Unlikely Vicar.
Profile Image for Sasha.
572 reviews43 followers
February 11, 2025
Predictably excellent. Emma is back in Volume 6 with her usual hilarious hijinks.

Some highlights in this volume: eccentric aunts of the pleasant and unpleasant variety, petty St. Crispian committees, fountain traditions, Emma's gainful employment, Emma being a Badass, notarized lists of faults, masquerades, and much much more.

One of my favorite things about Emma is her nobility of spirit, which is displayed whenever she tries to protect her friends or help random people at significant cost to herself. In this installment, it comes out with the general's maid and Tad Whitaker. A true lion.

For those invested in ships -- there are enough Emma/Pierce, Emma/Islington, and Emma/Hawkes moments to make everyone happy. It's almost as if Brower is playing hot potato with these ships and each scene casts a little bit of doubt on who will be holding the potato in the end. Still, this volume will make one ship happier than the rest.



Some favorite quotes:

March: Begin Plutarch’s Lives of Illustrious Men. Remind Islington that he has yet to be included in their number.


As a less than average Christian, I do my best to keep my feelings in the realm of extravagant dislike with a hefty dose of disdain.


“Emma, darling,” she said, “would you like a sandwich, a pear pastry, or a slice of currant bread?”
“Oh, one of each, I should think. Thank you.”
Lady Clifford cleared her throat, and three sets of eyes widened at one another.
In my defence, I was very hungry.
Also in my defence, I was acting on the counsel of my banker.
One’s needs must be met. With the purse of others, if possible.


“Oh,” he paused, half turning back, “I’ve just heard from Islington. He sends his regards and said you’re welcome to steal the direction, if you’d like. The letter is in my studio.”
I brightened. “Wonderful! This allows me to reprimand him by post before I strangle him in person.”


Even Agnes asked why he was so morose.
As remedy, I brought down my own authenticated character assassination and said he should read it over a cup of tea in the kitchen.


“Choose your own chaperone? The idea. You can’t even select proper colours for a drawing room. This place is an abomination before the Lord!”
I gave a half-blank expression as I’d thought we’d progressed from poor taste to abomination _very quickly_.


Islington’s annoyance was giving way to his amusement once again. “You’ve been wanting to add books of substance to your library.”
Turncoat.
“I have, Islington. And when I’m finished, I’ll lend it to you. If I recall correctly, you’ve been wanting to add substance to your character.”


“You most certainly will not lend it out, duke or no duke. This, Emma, is to become your bible.”
“But don’t I have an actual Bible for that?”
“Honestly, Emma. I despair of you. The Bible is good for a great many things, but one can hardly expect to maneuver effectively in high society by taking any of its advice.”
“I’ve always felt the story of Jael nailing that man’s head to the ground to be very instructive.”


“We hated one another for a good many years—as solid a foundation for any friendship, I suppose.”


“Who were you with?”
Hawkes closed his eyes, smiled, then opened one eye at me. “No one masquerading as a priest.”
“Yes, well, sometimes having questionable friends is doing the work of the Lord.”


Cousin Archibald has got hold of a tambourine.
(Where in heaven’s name did he find it?)
Parian, Agnes, and I have formed a pact. The first to find said tambourine unattended is to bury it in the garden.


“Your hands are pink.”
“They are.”
“Dare I ask?” he said, half his attention given to opening his letter.
“I murdered a beloved, albeit already deceased, family pet.”
Pierce nodded absently, then paused. His gaze flicked to my face. “That sentence is problematic in more than one place.”


It can be difficult to truly love February. Out of all the months of the year, it pulled the shortest straw in weather, beauty, and general temperament.


He would develop a head cold.
I would attempt to nurse Hawkes back to health.
Unable to recover, and having been additionally diagnosed as an absolute lunatic, Hawkes would suffer an untimely death.


Pierce was suspect. “Should I ask if you even play on the Sabbath?”
“Religiously,” Hawkes said.
I laughed.


“How is being an adult treating you today, Lion? Have you been managing to act like one?”
“I’ve fashioned a few mature qualities that I carry about, yes. Unfortunately, I’ve left them home this afternoon so as to come down to your level. Snobbery loves company.”


These are just part of my highlights. Half the book is quotable.

Can't wait for Volume 7!!

Reread 2/10/25

January 15th had me crying with laughter. I couldn’t breathe and nearly died. The intersection of Emma, Aunt Eugenia, Islington, Hawkes, and Parian was an absolute masterpiece. When Eugenia mistook Parian for Pierce….

Also, the end of this entry!

Walking closer, I pulled the chain from beneath my collar and held the pendant towards him.
“My lion,” I said.
Gaze flicking over the gold pendant held by my fingers, he half smiled. “It suits,” he said, looking back up at me. “Meant to find you, I should think.”
“Yes. Strange to think, lost to someone else, but found for me.”
Islington looked away, towards the window. “As happens in life.”
I can’t say it for certain, but I thought his words sounded like a minor chord, a trace of melancholy beneath them.


The subtext is KILLING ME. KILLING ME.
Profile Image for Jen.
344 reviews24 followers
December 5, 2024
I advise anyone who wants to read this to wait for vol. 7. I am furious with the ending. Not because of what happened, but because it occurred on the last page.

With that in mind, as a writer myself, I respect this.

I am also seething. If I hadn't been reading a library copy I would have thrown it.

I can't think of a higher compliment.
Profile Image for Alisha.
1,234 reviews137 followers
October 16, 2025
This is my favorite one so far. The character development 💕

Ought one, when entering the realm of Legal Adulthood, put one’s best foot forward? Or is a mediocre foot a wiser mark?
——————————
My own smile was rather fixed by the time I served Hawkes. “Thank you,” he said quietly. We shared a look, one honest, bare moment of joint determination—to survive the vicissitudes mortal life affords. Namely, other people. He improved upon his expression by tilting his head just so and letting his smile do the same. Bless Hawkes.
——————————
“This, Emma, is to become your bible.”
“But don’t I have an actual Bible for that?”
“Honestly, Emma. I despair of you. The Bible is good for a great many things, but one can hardly expect to maneuver effectively in high society by taking any of its advice.”
“I’ve always felt the story of Jael nailing that man’s head to the ground to be very instructive.”
Aunt Eugenia physically recoiled, and Islington coughed.
“I can see,” she said, once she recovered, “you have much further to go than even I imagined. Open the book.”
“Now?”
“Yes, now. And don’t you be getting any ideas that you will quit the room.” This was said to Islington.
“I wouldn’t dream of depriving myself of this moment,” Islington answered.

Profile Image for Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders).
533 reviews274 followers
July 26, 2025
July 24, 2025
Now, this is a surprise to me, but I find that I am less and less endeared to the particular man Emma has begun to entwine herself with. This second reading is making me wonder if their connection is based on just shared experience, convenience, and infatuation, instead of something deeper. I suppose we shall see…
The rest of Emma’s amusing absurdities (ARGUS FARD) prove to remain just as entertaining, if not more so.

August 12, 2024
I find myself wandering once again into the neighborhoods of St. Crispian’s through the pages of Emma’s Journals. What more can I say other than there is bedlam (Aunt Eugenia, Cousin Archibald, Argus), there is spectacle (The Professor, The Reprobates Ten, Valentine’s Day Fountain), there is delight (in a word, Emma herself).
And there is a comfort & a feeling of home found in the Value placed upon and Necessity of Friends, Tea, & Books.
I am wholly indebted to Miss Lion for taking the time to record it all for our enjoyment, at her own expense at times.

Now in Emma’s words, “There is no feeling quite like finishing a book that you’ve loved.”
I do believe I’ll begin another…
Profile Image for Gina House.
Author 3 books124 followers
October 26, 2025
It's amazing how Beth Brower can consistently create such wonderful, sparkling, hilarious and touching journals of the unforgettable Emma M. Lion! The more volumes I read, the more I love Emma and wish that I lived in her world. (How is it even possible??)

The best thing about Emma is that she is so real...she's not perfect, but she has a lovely balance in her character. I wish Emma was my best friend! I'm so anxious to read more and extremely excited that there are at least 10 in the series in progress. I don't know what I'll do when these journals come to an end! I guess I'll have to start all over again!

Emma M. Lion's journals have been the primary source of joy for me in this year. I'm so grateful to Beth for inventing such a lovable and inspiring character! Yay!
Profile Image for Hallie (thecommonroomshop).
280 reviews773 followers
June 8, 2025
“He speaks words the way they pound in my chest. And it feels like a miracle, finding such a dead part of oneself walking around in someone else’s body.”

“I was wrapped with a remarkable sense of self, as if it were the first time I’d truly heard the pounding of my own heart. Ethereal yet corporeal, blood and bone and every thought that binds the two together.”

“He turned his head to look at me, his eyes catching the reflection of the fire the same way a silver stretch of clouds crossed the burning, gold coin of sunset.”

How can writing be this beautiful? I feel like my soul is glowing. Infinity stars💗✨♾️💗✨♾️
Profile Image for Stefani Murdock.
185 reviews891 followers
October 21, 2025
I think 4.5 for this one. Perhaps a 5? Good heavens!!!!! How will this affect The Alchemy?!
Profile Image for Jace.
124 reviews1,018 followers
December 7, 2025
Ahhhhhhhehehehehe 🤭🤭🤭
Profile Image for Christina Baehr.
Author 8 books689 followers
December 26, 2023
THAT ENDING

Ahem. Well, somebody’s ship seems to be sailing in a strong wind. Rushing to get Vol 7 at 11.30 pm.
Profile Image for Shea.
215 reviews52 followers
September 20, 2024
How dare she end the book that way???

This was one of my favorite volumes of Emma so far (do I say that every time??) but now my dilemma is should I start the 7th one or save it?!
Profile Image for Morgan Giesbrecht.
Author 2 books186 followers
November 2, 2025
I’m not sure if I’ve ever swooned so hard in all my life as how I swooned over February 28, 1884. 😭🫠 And for the record, I’m not a swooner. But that kiss??? I’ve only been waiting 6 books for it, so it’s fine. 🥹

This instalment was truly golden. Enchanting. Obviously humorous. And very swoony.

Spoiler: I am Team Pierce. I have been Team Pierce from Day 1. And I am aching for them to be end game. But I am also terrified because THERE ARE OTHER ROMANTIC POTENTIALS. And that scares me because, I want this ship to sail SO BAD.

Anyways, St. Crispian’s has my heart. And all my Spotify minutes. Is it great for insomnia? No, but it does make it more bearable. 💛
Profile Image for Krisette Spangler.
1,347 reviews38 followers
October 21, 2022
Emma is back, and she's as delightful as ever. More mysteries about our three gentlemen are revealed, and some mysteries are still out there begging to be told. I feel a little bereft now that I've finished reading this installment. Thankfully, I can go back, start at the beginning, and savor them all again.
Profile Image for Paris (parismaereads).
261 reviews833 followers
March 20, 2025
The endings of these books are the best scenes and then I just want to jump into the next one.

My Quick Takes:
- 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Language 🤐 mild
- Spice ❤️‍🔥 none (one kiss)
- Content 🤔 grief

Sinking deeper and deeper into Emma M Lion and I just love it more and more. I really appreciated the little bit of added depth to Hawkes and Islington’s characters in this one.
Profile Image for Sam Lofgran.
179 reviews11 followers
August 16, 2025
my review of this book is best expressed as a mildly embarrassing mixture of delighted giggling and excited shrieks
Profile Image for Amber McFarland.
58 reviews
July 14, 2025
I just consume these books. I am deeply invested in all the characters. I need to know more about Islington’s and Hawke’s past. What haunts them?

That cliffhanger! I digress.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,133 reviews155 followers
September 9, 2025
Oh dear. I can't stop smiling. This may have overtaken book 4 as my favorite.
Profile Image for Emily M.
885 reviews21 followers
June 19, 2024
2024:
More delightful up on rereading!


2023:
This series. I inhaled it this week, during an angsty period of family and homeschool upheaval. Some of the stuff I've been previewing for my kids has been dark and hopeless, but the irrepressible Miss Emma Lion and her companions inhabit a world where Truth, Beauty, and Goodness are real, where friendship and hopefulness prevail. My family and our world need more of these sorts of books.

The only complaint I have is how long I will have to wait for volume 7.
Profile Image for Paige.
409 reviews
December 26, 2025
12/25 reread

It's been a long time since I read a series that brought me so much pure, delighted pleasure. It's not deep, but oh my it's engrossingly fantastic.
Profile Image for Carianne Feller.
150 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2025
Gah!!! That ending!!!!!! ☺️☺️☺️☺️ I can't wait to start the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,951 reviews

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