Tag: beth brower

Book Review: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 8 (The Unselected Journals #8) by Beth Brower

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Fiction
Length: 339 pages
Author: Beth Brower
Publisher: Rhysdon Press
Release Date: December 3rd, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

“Strange, considering it all now after a night’s sleep, that I’d had no premonition of what awaited. That seems to be the nature of life, however. Things that ought to come with warnings rarely do.”

The Year is 1884 and Emma M. Lion has, at long last, gained her majority. Entering a golden age of friendship with Pierce, Islington, and Hawkes, Emma is confident she will manage whatever comes her way. It is The Season she must help Arabella secure a husband, while navigating the threat of Aunt Eugenia, the unflagging adoration of Charles Goddard, and the amusing unpredictability of St. Crispian’s. But the secrets of her trusted friends are what might very well bring about disaster.

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 The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion to Jane Austen, P.G. Wodehouse, L. M. Montgomery, and Jean Webster.

DID I SURVIVE?

Because I’m pretty sure this book finished me. Oh my gosh I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH. PLEASE READ IT. It is clever and humorous and deeply felt through every emotion. The friendships are something I can’t even describe. One of the best representations of found family I have, and will ever, read.

I adore Emma so much. I love that seeing the subtle changes to her character as this series goes on. And don’t even get me started on Pierce, Islington and Hawkes. Of which I would deep dive into every single one of them if this wasn’t a review for book eight and I refuse to ruin anything for anyone. Let’s just say I have thoughts and bless anyone who listens to my marco polo’s at this point.

THE WAY I NEED VOLUME 9.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical fiction
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: mild
  • Content Warnings: mentions of child abuse and attempted murder (recounted), physical altercations

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

Book Review: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 5 (The Unselected Journals #5) by Beth Brower

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Fiction
Length: 261 pages
Author: Beth Brower
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: November 24th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

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.

CHARMING AS ALWAYS.

I love this series and how every time I’m cranky about a book slump (or a string of bad reads) this series cures me every time. These book are a delight. I love how quick they are to read but how the time moves slowly as you watch Emma grow and learn.

This had some beautiful themes of working through grief and strong friendships. I love all of these characters and look forward to continuing this series.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Fiction
  • Language: none
  • Romance: flirting
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a loved one (recounted), depictions of grief

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

Book Review: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 4 (The Unselected Journals #4) by Beth Brower

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Fiction
Length: 208 pages
Author: Beth Brower
Publisher: Rhysdon Press
Release Date: January 3rd, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

“It all began very innocently. Truly.”

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.

WHAT A DELIGHT.

Geez, I love these books. They are so fun!! I love Emma’s voice and I found myself laughing so many times at the dry wit and comical antics that she found herself involved in. Not to mention all of the swoony men in her life?? This is the slowest of slow burn, sub plot romances and I was attached to them all.

I love Emma’s strength of character and ability to make the best of whatever situation has found her. This was another fantastic installment in the series and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Overall audience notes:

  • HIstorical Fiction
  • Language: none
  • Romance: maybe some subtle flirting?
  • Violence: low
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: grief depiction

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

Book Review: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 7 (The Unselected Journals #7) by Beth Brower

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 313 pages
Author: Beth Brower
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: August 27th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The Year is 1884 and Emma M. Lion has, at long last, gained her majority. Entering a golden age of friendship with Pierce, Islington, and Hawkes, Emma is confident she will manage whatever comes her way. It is The Season she must help Arabella secure a husband, while navigating the threat of Aunt Eugenia, the unflagging adoration of Charles Goddard, and the amusing unpredictability of St. Crispian’s. But the secrets of her trusted friends are what might very well bring about disaster. 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 The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion to Jane Austen, P.G. Wodehouse, L. M. Montgomery, and Jean Webster.

UNHINGED.

Y’all. I love this series with my whole heart and am so grateful it was put on my radar from bookstagram friends. These are GEMS. Every dang one of them. This is my favorite of the series (so far, I am saddened I’m now caught up).

I adore Emma. I love how much these make me laugh and smile. I love how much my heart feels squeezed and feet kicking giddy. There’s such incredible subtlety to every move made in the plot and I love watching it all slowly take place and seeing Emma grow.

I love the entire cast. Seriously, not one poorly crafted character. I am charmed, I am giddy and I beg of you to pick up these books.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: low

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph