Have you met Emma M. Lion?

 

I first heard about The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower last year when one of my co-workers mentioned that they were her favorite novels. But at the time, my TBR list was really long, and I had a stack of library books I needed to read, so I soon forgot about them. Then, last month, my co-worker brought them up again; she'd pre-ordered Vol. 8 and was eagerly awaiting its arrival. So I decided to check one of them out. Only there were over 40 library holds on Vol. 1, and I figured it would take months before I'd get my hands on a copy. When I mentioned this to my co-worker, she not only brought me her copy of Vol. 1 the next day, but Vol. 2 as well. 

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!