I read both books this past week--my first fiction reads of 2025--and they are utterly delightful. The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion take place in 1883 in London. As Vol. 1 begins, Emma is twenty, an orphan, and just returning to her family home, Lapis Lazuli, in the heart of St. Crispian's, after several years of being her Cousin Matilde's (unpaid) companion. She's spunky, a little quirky, and honest about her shortcomings. And she loves to read. She's also poor, but hopeful of gaining her home and her independence when she turns twenty-one, despite her Cousin Archibald's stealing and interference. I was completely charmed by her and her journal entries. These books are not very long--only 120 pages or so--they read fast, and are quite entertaining. And I can't wait to read the next six volumes. Luckily, I know my co-worker will happily let me borrow them whenever I want. I really owe her for telling me about these fun books!
Happy Reading!
I did read volume one of Emma Lion's Journal and I enjoyed it and meant to go on to volume two and thanks for your review because now I will continue.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to checking out Vol. 3. They're just such delightful books. :D
DeleteI also meant to continue with the series, but my libraries unfortunately don't have the books, so that means signing on for Kindle Unlimited.
ReplyDeleteIt's always disappointing when you can't get the book you want to read from the library! Especially such fun books like these.
DeleteHappy reading. Love you friend.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Hi, Regine! Always good to hear from you. :D
DeleteI haven't heard of this series, but I'm definitely grabbing them from the library when I finally get myself shoveled out of the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteGot lots of snow where you are?
DeleteLark, this sounds utterly delightful - I'm ordering a copy ASAP! And, what a lovely co-worker :) Wishing you a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nadia! And I think you will love these books. :D
DeleteThis sounds wonderful! I saw an author talking about this series recently too. I'm eager to read it! Hope you have a fantastic weekend, Lark! :D
ReplyDeleteHi, Ashley! These are such cute books. I think you'd really like them, too. :D
DeleteEmma sounds delightful! How nice that your co-worker lent you the first few copies! :)
ReplyDeleteCan't complain about co-workers willing to recommend and then lend you their favorite reads! :D
DeleteI think I will add this book to my TBR Novellas list for November. I know that is a long way off, but at least if I do that I will remember come that month. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHow about a little fun with our 2024 end of year book lists? Join me for the My Year in Reading , which is little like Mad Libs but with book titles. Check it out: My Year in Reading
It's a good idea. And I can't wait to check out your Year in Reading post. :D
DeleteYou are not good for my TBR! I haven't come across this book before but now clearly need to add this to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteIt's delightful! And you're always adding to my TBR list, so turn about is fair play. :D
DeleteThis sounds fascinating - yet another literary gem that I had never heard of. I wonder how many others I've missed.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many books out there it's impossible to find and read all the good ones...but we keep trying! ;D
DeleteWell that was awful nice of your coworker.
ReplyDeleteWasn't it? Gotta love working with someone who loves to read, too. :D
DeleteThese do sound delightful, Lark! And a great way to start off the year. I am so glad your coworker was able to loan you her copies. :-)
ReplyDeleteI am, too! :D
DeleteI have heard about these and plan to read them. I am pretty sure they are in my book club rotation, so I have to wait until they come up before reading them.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll like them; they're just so fun.
DeleteThat's good to know!
DeleteThis sounds really fun. Is there a spoof on the name Emmeline?
ReplyDeleteI don't think so. But she does play off of the character's last name a lot in these books, which is fun.
DeleteI've been curious about these books as well, especially since the covers are so...ugh. I've heard really good things about them, though, so we've decided to give them a go for book club in a couple of months. It will be interesting to see what we all think. I'm glad you've been enjoying the series!
ReplyDeleteI probably never would have tried them either if my co-worker hadn't kept saying how much she loves them. They have a little Jane Austen flavor to them, but they're shorter novels and read pretty fast. And they're just delightful. I'm really enjoying them! :D
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