The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol 1 & 2

Title: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol 1 & 2

Series: The Unselected Journals #1 & 2

Author: Beth Brower

Publisher: Rhysdon Press

Genre: Historical Fiction, Regency

Source: Kindle Unlimited

My Review:

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion is the first book I have read by Beth Brower. With it being journal entries, the entire novella is epistolary.

Poor Emma has a lot on her plate, and things have not gone as planned. Her Uncle Archibald and her other relatives are pretty horrid. She is basically treated like a slave. 

The story has subtle hints of humor. While this novella seems slow at times, it is necessary to set up book two. I was intrigued enough to move straight into book two.

★★★/4

VOLUME 2

This story picks up immediately after book one ends. We have a new character, "The Tenant." He is a wonderful addition to the characters from book one. There is more humor in book two, and I am intrigued enough to want to continue the series. I am curious if Emma ends up with a love interest, and if so, who. I enjoyed this installment more than the first.

The only reason I have not already gone on to book three is that these two picks are our book club selections for this month, and we will be discussing them on Thursday. I don't want to read ahead and risk giving spoilers to the group, LOL.

★★★★/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):  

VOLUME 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.

VOLUME 2 “I was sitting at my desk reading, with a cup of tea, my windows flung open, when I heard The Tenant enter his garret, just on the other side of the wall from myself.”

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 novella-length volumes. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.