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The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion #5
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 5
I took Treasure Island to church with me as a talisman.
“What a lovely bible,” Mrs. Tribly said.
“Isn’t it just?” I replied, hoping she would not ask me to read a favorite verse aloud.
I do not believe the psalmist wrote,
Fifteen men on a dead man’s chest,
Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum. The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighbourhood 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 volumes. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.
Readers have compared Beth Brower's writing to Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, P.G. Wodehouse, and L.M. Montgomery.
“What a lovely bible,” Mrs. Tribly said.
“Isn’t it just?” I replied, hoping she would not ask me to read a favorite verse aloud.
I do not believe the psalmist wrote,
Fifteen men on a dead man’s chest,
Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum. The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighbourhood 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 volumes. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.
Readers have compared Beth Brower's writing to Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, P.G. Wodehouse, and L.M. Montgomery.
261 pages, Hardcover
First published September 21, 2021
About the author
Beth Brower
19 books7,086 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 7,074 reviews
October 15, 2025
Audiobook really took it to a new level for me.
November 30, 2023
I love the ending of this one, just after Christmas. There is a hush to the ending that is so fitting to the quiet stillness of Christmastide and the turn of the new year. Emma has been through a lot of grief and her healing in this book, with the help of a varied group of friends, is so poignant. This volume seemed to have the most depth and profundity to it so far. A lot of that comes from Young Hawkes and from Emma’s own contemplation, especially about what happened at the end of the last volume. We learn just a little more about all the characters and they become ever more endearing. I just adore Agnes! Of course there are hijinks in this too. The scene when Mrs Penury comes to tea is oh so good! I can’t wait to see what delights are ahead.
P.S. I have a theory about The Roman.
P.S. I have a theory about The Roman.
November 28, 2025
besties I fear I have fallen in love with the duke of islington and I cannot get up 😌 I don't even know that I like him best for emma but I like him best for me 😌
Read
February 11, 2025Finished this book in bed this morning while snow fell outside - perfect reading experience!
Edited to add: I've been re-reading the whole series with an eye on Hawkes since so many people told me a re-read made him the dark horse love interest for them and. . . I don't see it.
Edited to add: I've been re-reading the whole series with an eye on Hawkes since so many people told me a re-read made him the dark horse love interest for them and. . . I don't see it.
June 8, 2025
I plan to read these on an endless loop for the rest of my existence. Life is better with Emma🫶🏻
January 9, 2025
"I can almost hear them. Footsteps on the stairs"
January 11, 2026
I love this series so bad
June 28, 2026
Oh how I adore miss Emma
July 25, 2026
It's actually impossible to dislike these books💜
April 25, 2026
emma and her husbands
January 24, 2024
So very lovely...I haven't a clue how this series will end and keep hoping for 2 different ones...I could probably be happy with either.
"And I think that was the moment I began to suspect that the luck Hawkes spoke of might really only be an awareness, an awareness of grace."
"And I think that was the moment I began to suspect that the luck Hawkes spoke of might really only be an awareness, an awareness of grace."
December 10, 2025
I’m actually being so serious when I say… Emma has changed my life 🥹
February 20, 2022
Oh no!!! My heart is drifting/floating towards #teamislington and I can foresee heartbreak in the future for me ...
June 1, 2026
Cannot put this series down. I think Vol. 4 remains my favorite, but this one—set around Christmas—was delightful. Ready for Vol. 6!
January 16, 2022
In order to adequately express my love for this series I would need to go hunt down reams of quotes, so in the interest of laziness I'm going to make a list of notes instead.
Notes
* Brower shares the unique distinction with Phoebe Waller-Bridge of managing to make me attracted to a member of the clergy. The Mighty Nigel Hawkes can hold his own against the Hot Priest from Fleabag.
* I read all five volumes in under 48 hours, didn't sleep, felt like garbage, was a zombified failure at work, and I don't regret it.
* Emma is fabulous. Her self-deprecating humor is fabulous. The Foursome is fabulous.
* I am in love with Islington, and in particular, in love with Emma's interactions with him. I feel like he brings out Emma's wittiest, most fabulous and hilarious self. Brower seemingly effortlessly writes the kind of slightly antagonistic repartee with undercurrents that so many writers of enemies-to-lovers romance can only dream of. I ship them unabashedly.
* I adore the emphasis on friendship that has been building up over the last few volumes. While I can't help developing ships, I find reading about the friendship between the foursome equally rewarding and would not mind Emma not ending up with any of them as long as their friendship stays strong.
* The strange blend of late victorian London with hints of magical realism / magical elements is masterfully done. I love St. Crispian's eccentricities and how well they complement Emma's personality. Items magically wandering, the neighborhood ghost, Young Hawkes' premonitions -- all of it is brilliant.
* The series has a surprising amount of emotional depth to counterbalance the humor and fluff.
* I had actual steam coming out of my ears in the first volume when Emma discovered what Cousin Archibald had done.
* I have no idea what genre this series falls into. It's not historical fiction because of the magical realism, it's too light and funny for Serious Literature, too profound to be classified as fluff. Women's lit, perhaps? Men will miss out if they don't read it because of that.
I recommend!
Notes
* Brower shares the unique distinction with Phoebe Waller-Bridge of managing to make me attracted to a member of the clergy. The Mighty Nigel Hawkes can hold his own against the Hot Priest from Fleabag.
* I read all five volumes in under 48 hours, didn't sleep, felt like garbage, was a zombified failure at work, and I don't regret it.
* Emma is fabulous. Her self-deprecating humor is fabulous. The Foursome is fabulous.
* I am in love with Islington, and in particular, in love with Emma's interactions with him. I feel like he brings out Emma's wittiest, most fabulous and hilarious self. Brower seemingly effortlessly writes the kind of slightly antagonistic repartee with undercurrents that so many writers of enemies-to-lovers romance can only dream of. I ship them unabashedly.
* I adore the emphasis on friendship that has been building up over the last few volumes. While I can't help developing ships, I find reading about the friendship between the foursome equally rewarding and would not mind Emma not ending up with any of them as long as their friendship stays strong.
* The strange blend of late victorian London with hints of magical realism / magical elements is masterfully done. I love St. Crispian's eccentricities and how well they complement Emma's personality. Items magically wandering, the neighborhood ghost, Young Hawkes' premonitions -- all of it is brilliant.
* The series has a surprising amount of emotional depth to counterbalance the humor and fluff.
* I had actual steam coming out of my ears in the first volume when Emma discovered what Cousin Archibald had done.
* I have no idea what genre this series falls into. It's not historical fiction because of the magical realism, it's too light and funny for Serious Literature, too profound to be classified as fluff. Women's lit, perhaps? Men will miss out if they don't read it because of that.
I recommend!
November 14, 2025
I’m now at the point where I am *tearing* through these books cause I can’t get enough, but I’m scared of finishing them all because I love living in this world so much 💕
October 26, 2025
I love you, Emma. And all of the residents of St. Crispian's. Plus Mary. Plus Mary's professor.
August 18, 2026
The best four-way will-they-won’t-they.
Okay, fine not technically as it’s three potential suitors (or rather love interests as no one is admitting to this being anything other than ‘mostly’ proper).
What makes this even more delicious? The four of them are great friends. They all chip away at each other’s masks, so that, around each other, they’re vulnerable, fun, and peaceful.
Per usual, Brower manages to capture a charm, humour, and cheek that encapsulates Emma’s character wonderfully. This is complemented by the amazing audiobook narrator.
I have been doling these out like the last packet of Christmas chocolates since March and I can confidently say, they get better with each instalment.
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Okay, fine not technically as it’s three potential suitors (or rather love interests as no one is admitting to this being anything other than ‘mostly’ proper).
What makes this even more delicious? The four of them are great friends. They all chip away at each other’s masks, so that, around each other, they’re vulnerable, fun, and peaceful.
Per usual, Brower manages to capture a charm, humour, and cheek that encapsulates Emma’s character wonderfully. This is complemented by the amazing audiobook narrator.
I have been doling these out like the last packet of Christmas chocolates since March and I can confidently say, they get better with each instalment.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
July 3, 2026
4.5 stars
March 25, 2026
Healing from grief. Hope for the future. Living in grace. Lots of A Midsummer Night's Dream undertones. And I love the air of magic and mystery surrounding Hawkes.
August 24, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
they feel like my friends
they feel like my friends
August 20, 2026
This might be my favorite installment so far
August 12, 2026
What am I going to do when this series ends?? Loving every second of it.
April 26, 2026
Ok Beth Brower, I yield and give you that final extra star for Vol. 5. Not because it was so much better than the others, but I’ve arrived at that stage in the series where I’m finally ready to openly embrace how emotionally invested I’ve become. How much fun I’m having and how much each audiobook is contributing to me having a good day.
This volume had some of my favourite scenes in the series so far - the one with a certain portrait and the one in the carriage. The former actually got me in trouble with my partner because I couldn't contain my laughter and woke him up.
Other thoughts:
- I can't be the only one that, when Islington goes “Aaah”, thinks about this:
- As a Portuguese I wish Emma’s Portuguese roots would be more visible. I even have some suggestions: she has a pair of filigree earrings or a Viana Heart Tablecloth that belonged to her grandmother, or a recipe for a conventual sweet passed on through generations. However, was that cod that Agnes served at Christmas? Surely a nod to our Portuguese traditions!
- I love the narrator, but I wish her voice for Arabella was just a bit less Bored English Aristocract. It takes away from some of the seriouness of what she says, and in this book she has some of the most meaningful lines.
This volume had some of my favourite scenes in the series so far - the one with a certain portrait and the one in the carriage. The former actually got me in trouble with my partner because I couldn't contain my laughter and woke him up.
Other thoughts:
- I can't be the only one that, when Islington goes “Aaah”, thinks about this:
- As a Portuguese I wish Emma’s Portuguese roots would be more visible. I even have some suggestions: she has a pair of filigree earrings or a Viana Heart Tablecloth that belonged to her grandmother, or a recipe for a conventual sweet passed on through generations. However, was that cod that Agnes served at Christmas? Surely a nod to our Portuguese traditions!
- I love the narrator, but I wish her voice for Arabella was just a bit less Bored English Aristocract. It takes away from some of the seriouness of what she says, and in this book she has some of the most meaningful lines.
April 24, 2026
"The year is fresh and unworn, and I’ve not wanted to look ahead, truly ahead, for so long now that I’m determined to keep hold of the courage to do it."
The fifth volume of The Unselected Journals series, and it was greatly enjoyable for the most part. I'm really glad I decided to stick with the series, or at least I'm glad so far, and look forward to the next volume.
The fifth volume of The Unselected Journals series, and it was greatly enjoyable for the most part. I'm really glad I decided to stick with the series, or at least I'm glad so far, and look forward to the next volume.
May 5, 2025
Whimsy, wit, wonder.... all the things I love in a delightfully quirky package!
oh, and some very quotable quotes! ❤️
oh, and some very quotable quotes! ❤️
March 12, 2026
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗘𝗠𝗠𝗔 𝗠. 𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡: 𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗦. 𝟰-𝟲 by Beth Brower
Emma, Emma, Emma!
I’m unabashedly addicted to your daily diary entries. Never could I have imagined myself so deeply enthralled with the life of a young English woman living back in 1883/1884. What a fool I was! You’ve proven me wrong with your fascinating life and it truly was a stroke of genius having Genevieve Gaunt narrate your entires. She so beautifully brings your words to life.
Your day-to-day struggles, challenges, and adventures always have me rooting for you and render me truly unable to cease hanging on your every word. You’re so generous to everyone you meet, and I must add that your relationship with your cook, Agnes, is just plain sweet, and amusing to boot. (I love her!) Your kindness shines even on those who seem quite undeserving.
In your latest volumes, your friendships with Hawkes, Islington, and Pierce have been a delight to be privy to. I’m so happy that they’ve made you a part of their sort of “boys’ club.” With only two volumes to go, I’m on the edge of my seat wondering if one of these men may turn out to be a love interest for you? My guesses vary from day to day.
Now for a bit of bad news: you’re taking up way too much of my reading time! Just kidding, but as a devoted reader yourself, I know you understand. I’m looking forward to Vols. 7 & 8, and I recently heard rumor you’re giving us a 9th volume sometime this year? In any case, thank you for sharing your life in such entertaining prose. You’ve truly been an unexpected pleasure.
Fondly,
Susie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emma, Emma, Emma!
I’m unabashedly addicted to your daily diary entries. Never could I have imagined myself so deeply enthralled with the life of a young English woman living back in 1883/1884. What a fool I was! You’ve proven me wrong with your fascinating life and it truly was a stroke of genius having Genevieve Gaunt narrate your entires. She so beautifully brings your words to life.
Your day-to-day struggles, challenges, and adventures always have me rooting for you and render me truly unable to cease hanging on your every word. You’re so generous to everyone you meet, and I must add that your relationship with your cook, Agnes, is just plain sweet, and amusing to boot. (I love her!) Your kindness shines even on those who seem quite undeserving.
In your latest volumes, your friendships with Hawkes, Islington, and Pierce have been a delight to be privy to. I’m so happy that they’ve made you a part of their sort of “boys’ club.” With only two volumes to go, I’m on the edge of my seat wondering if one of these men may turn out to be a love interest for you? My guesses vary from day to day.
Now for a bit of bad news: you’re taking up way too much of my reading time! Just kidding, but as a devoted reader yourself, I know you understand. I’m looking forward to Vols. 7 & 8, and I recently heard rumor you’re giving us a 9th volume sometime this year? In any case, thank you for sharing your life in such entertaining prose. You’ve truly been an unexpected pleasure.
Fondly,
Susie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 21, 2025
July 20, 2025
I forgot how much goodness this volume holds: the charming & bumbling Professor Fletcher, the unconventional sweet-pea memorial, the early stages of The Pirate, the alchemy-filled Christmas, & the 'footsteps on the stairs' of NYE...Well-done, Emma. You've sent off 1883 with a quiet, but meaningful, hurrah to all that's still ahead.
August 5, 2024
Here we are.
I am five volumes deep into the ‘peeling back of the curtains’ that are the journals of one Emma M. Lion…and my only regret so far is that Emma lives in a time and place so removed from mine that it is quite impossible that we become friends.
This proves to be a regret for I should dearly love to sit with her over a cup of tea, trading clever quips and eccentric stories. From her, would come many of these. From me, far too few.
So for the time being, I will be content to continue my time within the pages of her journals, getting to know the vast array of eclectic characters, admiring her pluck and positivity, and slowly selecting which gentleman will be her Intended…if any of them.
I forgot how much goodness this volume holds: the charming & bumbling Professor Fletcher, the unconventional sweet-pea memorial, the early stages of The Pirate, the alchemy-filled Christmas, & the 'footsteps on the stairs' of NYE...Well-done, Emma. You've sent off 1883 with a quiet, but meaningful, hurrah to all that's still ahead.
August 5, 2024
Here we are.
I am five volumes deep into the ‘peeling back of the curtains’ that are the journals of one Emma M. Lion…and my only regret so far is that Emma lives in a time and place so removed from mine that it is quite impossible that we become friends.
This proves to be a regret for I should dearly love to sit with her over a cup of tea, trading clever quips and eccentric stories. From her, would come many of these. From me, far too few.
So for the time being, I will be content to continue my time within the pages of her journals, getting to know the vast array of eclectic characters, admiring her pluck and positivity, and slowly selecting which gentleman will be her Intended…if any of them.
August 17, 2026
This series is still going strong for me! I just adore Emma Lion and her antics. How am I to wait 9 weeks for Libby to give up Vol 6?!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,074 reviews