I was looking for a book…then I saw this book recommended, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, by Beth Brower. The recommendation said the books were reminiscent of the Annie of Green Gables books. Well, I was all about that!! I put my name on the waitlist and waited for my turn.
Finally, the book came up for me, and I quickly started listening.
There are 8 books in the series. I only read book one. From what I can tell, the story really wasn’t a stand-alone, as the book doesn’t have an ending. I wasn’t a fan of that. Also, the books are short…only 119 pages. If you are getting them from an online library as I am, this is completely tedious. As such, once I get the first book, I go on the waitlist for the second book…only to find I have to wait weeks in between books. For me, that was a huge turn-off, no matter how good a book is. Also, with those few pages, once you get into the book, it’s done.
Here is what Amazon had to say:
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. 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.
Amazon gave the book 4.2 stars. I guess I’m going to agree. The shortness and availability of the books really brought my rating down. I do not recommend getting them through a library if there is a long waitlist in between books.
You can find the book HERE if you are interested.
The books would be good to get as a set for my kindle. I will check availability.
If you enjoyed “Green Gables”, you may enjoy “The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate”. It is YA and just a good period piece.
would it be kosher to within a day or two go on the list for the next book , wait another day or two and request no 3 ETC ???? Not having chosen books this way I am probably treading on something NON kosher. just a thought
I like this series. I finished #3 and am waiting to get #4. I think it’s fairly popular. The reader’s voice is nice and the characters definitely have personality,
agreed! i absolutely adore the series. simple, fun, and quirky.
if you have not yet tried the audible version, i would highly suggest.
yes, they do need to be read in order
I am reading book 3 of Emma Lion’s journal…..that is what the books are……her journal of day to day happenings in her life. They have a charming way about them. My library has all 8 books in paperback, probably because I requested book 1. I guess they are not being read heavily because I can renew them if I’ve not gotten through the book when my time is up. I am usually reading 2 or 3 other books at the same time. Emma’s book can be picked up and read for a few days’ notes and put down for later. I have not read one from cover to cover in a day or two.
I just finished a “feel good” book about a family getting through some difficult decisions. All turns out in the end ‘One Snowy Day’ By Shari Low Easy read, fun, and happy endings what else could one want?