What do you think?
Rate this book
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.
121 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2019
About the author
Beth Brower
17 books697 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,047 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
September 22, 2024I 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).
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.
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
November 17, 2023
Off to a great start!!
February 4, 2024
Solid start to the story. Onto book 2!!
January 22, 2023
A Delight. (Capitalized, italicized in spirit.)
October 31, 2022
This short read is a treasure and so is Emma. Love how it’s written and love the characters; except for Archibald.
Emma 6 is now available but I have decided to reread 1-4 before reading 5-6.
It’s such a delightful treat.
Emma 6 is now available but I have decided to reread 1-4 before reading 5-6.
It’s such a delightful treat.
April 21, 2024
Such a fun book! Looking forward to the next in the series!
November 18, 2023
November 2023:
It's been fun to revisit this first book in the series now that I know the characters so well. Looking forward to continuing my reread.
February 2023:
It took me a little while to get into this but once I did I enjoyed it. It's pretty brief and ends rather abruptly, but thankfully the second book picks up right where this one leaves off.
It's been fun to revisit this first book in the series now that I know the characters so well. Looking forward to continuing my reread.
February 2023:
It took me a little while to get into this but once I did I enjoyed it. It's pretty brief and ends rather abruptly, but thankfully the second book picks up right where this one leaves off.
April 29, 2024
Pro: Kind of Austen-ish, some mystery, characters to love and hate, leaves you wanting more.
Con: Too short, leaves you wanting more.
There are 7 separate installments of Emma's diary. Why not one big volume?
Genius marketing? I guess so since I want to read all 7 plus other works from this author!
Con: Too short, leaves you wanting more.
There are 7 separate installments of Emma's diary. Why not one big volume?
Genius marketing? I guess so since I want to read all 7 plus other works from this author!
October 7, 2022
I absolutely adored this novella. The writing is delightful, and I fell in love with the heroine. I can't wait to read the second one in the series.
Read
October 7, 2024Finally getting around to reading these.
This is going to be fun!!
This is going to be fun!!
June 30, 2024
Such a fun read. Love this time period. Even a few laugh out loud moments. Already grabbed Vol. 2 and can't wait to begin.
February 5, 2020
I've been a fan of Ms. Brower's for some time now, but this new series truly solidifies my awe at her skill with a pen. She is incredibly talented at writing in so many different genres. This (not nearly long enough) little book was wonderful from start to finish. I was relieved, however, when I neared the end and realized there was at least one more book waiting because my investment in Emma's life needed many more pages and chapters than would fit in this one single volume. Emma's adventures in St. Crispian's and the intriguing folk who inhabit it were a lot of fun to discover. I don't quite know how to describe the pure delight found within these pages, so I will tell you this one thing: read it for yourself! I find Emma very much worth getting to know, see if you might feel the same. :)
January 12, 2024
3.5 First book set things up nicely... already reading bk 2...
April 13, 2023
With the wit of Pride and Prejudice and the charm of Anne of Green Gables, how could I not fall in love?
May 5, 2024
“I have no illusions of a grand amount. I simply wish to keep myself in London, in Lapis Lazuli House, and buy books. I have considered owning a cat, but I believe that expense won’t put me out in the streets just yet.” I smiled then, foolishly, ignorantly. Mr. Penury had the good grace to chuckle, but it was restrained. “A humble but lovely dream, Miss Lion.”
—————-
These journals have been floating around Bookstagram for a while now—I found myself ordering Volume 1 almost out of duty! 🤣🤣
However to all of you who wholeheartedly recommended this series- thank you! What a delight Emma is!
Emma is a young, British woman who has just returned to London to claim her inheritance— The Lapis Lazuli House in the quaint neighborhood of St. Crispian’s and a small amount of money. However, she finds herself pitted against her conniving cousin Archibald, who has single handily squandered away all her security! 😠
But, that’s not all- you’ll meet a wide array of other colorful characters from St. Crispian’s and see what other predicaments Emma finds herself in. 🐁
Emma is hilarious- her inner monologue, candid thoughts and spunkiness make her the perfect character to root for and I have no doubt you will fall in love with her, too.
This was a quick read, think novella length and you can find these on kindle unlimited if you have a subscription! I highly recommend to all who are looking to read something a little different and lighthearted, for fans of historical fiction with a Jane Austen twist, and to those who need a laugh!
June 27, 2024
Stop what you are doing and READ THIS BOOK.
It will charm you and you’ll fall in love with Emma and her thoughts. I accidentally cast Maya Hawke as Emma, and it’s made it even better.
This book had me laughing out loud many times and people say it just gets better! I’m so excited to keep reading.
It will charm you and you’ll fall in love with Emma and her thoughts. I accidentally cast Maya Hawke as Emma, and it’s made it even better.
This book had me laughing out loud many times and people say it just gets better! I’m so excited to keep reading.
April 23, 2024
Oooh, it was hard to decide on a star rating. I thoroughly - THOROUGHLY - enjoyed this first volume and am eagerly ready to dive into the next one. We'll keep it at that for now, shall we?! (Bet I'll regret not giving it 5 stars later... lol.)
February 23, 2024
I get the hype on this one! It seems this book series is everywhere I look and I LOVE their classic covers in macaron colors.
What’s so special about them, you may ask? I’ve only read this one so far, but Emma’s journals are witty, smart, and as unhinged as a girl in 1883 London could be. She’s unique! And so are all her friends and enemies and her house and especially her town! (Is there some magical realism going on in this book?)
The book is super short and it’s clearly just a set up— it’s as if we are reading Emma’s journal as she writes it. I’m seeing so many fun possibilities of romance and adventure.
I would say it’s a feistier Downton Abbey, though obviously not the same time setting. I honestly can’t think of any other historical fiction with a bit of whimsical eccentricity and maybe that’s why this one is so fun! No mature content.
I will order the second one soon. Delightful.
#bethbrower #historicalfiction #readfineprintreviews #theunselectedjournalsofemmamlion #prettybooks #booksbooksbooks
What’s so special about them, you may ask? I’ve only read this one so far, but Emma’s journals are witty, smart, and as unhinged as a girl in 1883 London could be. She’s unique! And so are all her friends and enemies and her house and especially her town! (Is there some magical realism going on in this book?)
The book is super short and it’s clearly just a set up— it’s as if we are reading Emma’s journal as she writes it. I’m seeing so many fun possibilities of romance and adventure.
I would say it’s a feistier Downton Abbey, though obviously not the same time setting. I honestly can’t think of any other historical fiction with a bit of whimsical eccentricity and maybe that’s why this one is so fun! No mature content.
I will order the second one soon. Delightful.
#bethbrower #historicalfiction #readfineprintreviews #theunselectedjournalsofemmamlion #prettybooks #booksbooksbooks
June 30, 2024
Reread June '24: Of course I enjoyed this more the 2nd time through. Brower's introduction of Hawkes' character reminded me why I enjoyed him most in series so far (only read up through book 7 as of now). 🥰
September 9, 2024
Well, that was fun. Now on to Vol. 2.
I kept hearing and seeing Milly Bobby Brown in her Enola Holmes role as Emma.
Alison’s Summer Reading 2024 27/33
I kept hearing and seeing Milly Bobby Brown in her Enola Holmes role as Emma.
Alison’s Summer Reading 2024 27/33
July 20, 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💕
January 18, 2024
4.5. Delightful, quick read.. excited for the next one!
June 4, 2023
Overall, there are so many good things about this book!! The author is very skilled at using vocabulary that immerses you in the time period. It feels like you are reading a diary from back in time!!
The main difficulty I had with the novella involved pacing. The first 60 pages felt pretty uneventful; no progress was being made towards the end goal and there was little development of other plot lines. 60 pages might not be bad if this was part of a 300 page novel, but—considering the reader is over halfway through the book at that point—it’s a bit slow. I have heard that the author intended this to be written in many parts, almost like a TV series. If this is the case, focus on mundane day-to-day living and fewer events occurring within the book makes sense. This pacing, along with the fact the text is written in journal-entry form (not to mention in more difficult language), made it a bit difficult for me to get through.
That being said, I quite thoroughly enjoyed the last 40 or so pages!! A new character was introduced (yay development!), and mysteries unfurled. Because of the cliffhangers and sudden changes in the story, I might consider reading the next book in the series!!
The main difficulty I had with the novella involved pacing. The first 60 pages felt pretty uneventful; no progress was being made towards the end goal and there was little development of other plot lines. 60 pages might not be bad if this was part of a 300 page novel, but—considering the reader is over halfway through the book at that point—it’s a bit slow. I have heard that the author intended this to be written in many parts, almost like a TV series. If this is the case, focus on mundane day-to-day living and fewer events occurring within the book makes sense. This pacing, along with the fact the text is written in journal-entry form (not to mention in more difficult language), made it a bit difficult for me to get through.
That being said, I quite thoroughly enjoyed the last 40 or so pages!! A new character was introduced (yay development!), and mysteries unfurled. Because of the cliffhangers and sudden changes in the story, I might consider reading the next book in the series!!
January 6, 2024
A delightful introduction to a new-to-me series! I can't wait to follow Emma and crew around London this year.
December 26, 2023
December 25th, First Reread: Oh Emma how I love you! Sister in humor and wit, I loved revisiting you my friend. I look forward to coming back to St. Crispians AGAIN AND AGAIN!
Original Review: Delightful, witty, charming, eccentric, hysterical, sarcastic (in the best sense), spunky, and blessedly period appropriate! These are just my first random thoughts put into a few words about the gloriously divine Emma M Lion. Long may she make me laugh out loud and stay up later than I should devouring her words like my grandmas chocolate cake! Putting this into context through a synopsis would be an injustice to the writer and the reader so I won’t even attempt it. I will say it is written as a journal, so if that doesn’t appeal to you…I’m sorry but you have no idea what you are missing. For anyone who grew up reading the “Royal Diaries” series, the “Amelias Notebook” series, and the Jolly Postman books, this book is for adult us. Yes, dreams do come true, someone really did write a journal style book for adults. And it is INCREDIBLE!
Original Review: Delightful, witty, charming, eccentric, hysterical, sarcastic (in the best sense), spunky, and blessedly period appropriate! These are just my first random thoughts put into a few words about the gloriously divine Emma M Lion. Long may she make me laugh out loud and stay up later than I should devouring her words like my grandmas chocolate cake! Putting this into context through a synopsis would be an injustice to the writer and the reader so I won’t even attempt it. I will say it is written as a journal, so if that doesn’t appeal to you…I’m sorry but you have no idea what you are missing. For anyone who grew up reading the “Royal Diaries” series, the “Amelias Notebook” series, and the Jolly Postman books, this book is for adult us. Yes, dreams do come true, someone really did write a journal style book for adults. And it is INCREDIBLE!
April 7, 2023
This book is charming and enjoyable, and I'm so glad my sister alerted me to its existence (thank you!). Many of my friends here on Goodreads would enjoy this. If you enjoy historical fiction with spunky heroines, plenty of character, and perhaps an idiosyncrasy or two as to what women could get away with, you will love this.
Read-alike: Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia C. Wrede; also has decent Georgette Heyer vibes, although this book is set later than both their work.
Waiting not-so-patiently for the next installment to come in on hold at the library!
Read-alike: Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia C. Wrede; also has decent Georgette Heyer vibes, although this book is set later than both their work.
Waiting not-so-patiently for the next installment to come in on hold at the library!
February 21, 2022
Absolutely delightful from beginning to end. I giggled my way through and smoothed my hand over the cover when I finished. Easily devoured in one sitting; be prepared to let all else go by the wayside while you indulge in this treat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,047 reviews