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I discovered The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion late last year and was hooked!
If you have never heard of this book series before, you are in for a treat.
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion at a Glance
- Author: Beth Brower
- Setting: Victorian London beginning in 1883
- Format: Emma’s personal journal entries
- Volumes available: 8
- Next volume: Volume 9, scheduled for February 23, 2027
- Perfect for readers who enjoy: witty heroines, quirky characters, historical fiction, friendship, slow-building storylines, and cozy reads
What Is The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion About?
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower are the journals of a young woman living in London, England, in 1883. She has just moved back into her family home, Lapis Lazuli House, and has plans for a quiet yet studious life. However, things don’t go as planned due to her eccentric cousin Archibald, money issues, social obligations, and run-ins with the quirky people in her fictional neighborhood of St. Crispian’s.
So far, 8 volumes are out, with the 9th, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, coming out February 23, 2027! Volumes 1–8 are scheduled to be released as Penguin trade paperbacks on November 24, 2026. And the author has said she wants to write 25 of them!
Emma M. Lion Is Such a Fun Character to Follow
When you hear that this series follows a young woman living in Victorian London, you might assume it will be serious or stuffy. But Emma is quite a woman and is always finding herself in different, interesting situations or predicaments. You fall right in love with her and want to hear more of her story. She is quite an interesting character!
The Journal Format Makes the Series Different
You also need to know that The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion are just that: written in journal form. Each one covers two months, and as the series goes on, they seem to get longer and longer. The first one is only 100 pages. This also means you might get 2-3 pages for one day and 2-3 lines the next. It really feels like you are reading someone’s journal!
Beth Brower has said she approached Emma’s story almost like a television series. Each volume has its own story arc, while larger storylines continue across multiple volumes. Pretty cool!
The Characters and Friendships Are Part of the Charm
There are quite a few recurring characters in these books, and occasionally I need a refresher on who is who. However, the author has put a guide in the front so you can get caught up before you start a new book. But these characters? They are a part of the charm of The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion.
Who Should Read The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion?
Okay, I’ll be honest: I love these books, but I also know they won’t be for everyone. What I suggest is reading the first one. It is 100 pages. And if you don’t feel like you need the second one ASAP, it might not be the series for you.
Which Format Is Best: Print, Kindle, or Audiobook
So this is where I will say it depends. I am reading them in paper form, and I prefer that. I did start the audio for book two, but in the end I didn’t want to read them that way. Kindle is always an option too.
Why The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Belong on Your TBR
Whether you are getting ready for cozy season, want a new read from another century, or just curious what the deal is with these books? Add The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion to your TBR. You will be glad you did…I hope!
You Might Love Emma M. Lion If…
- You love character-driven books more than fast-paced plots.
- You enjoy witty, independent female characters.
- You like historical fiction without needing a huge historical event driving the story.
- You love books about friendship, everyday life, and quirky communities.
- You enjoy journal or epistolary-style novels.
- You want a series you can settle into for more than one book.
Who Writes The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion?
Beth Brower is the author of The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. She has a degree in literary studies and has also written The Q, The Beast of Ten, and the Books of Imirillia trilogy: The Queen’s Gambit, The Ruby Prince, and The Wanderer’s Mark.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion
What are The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion about?
The series follows Emma M. Lion, a young woman living in Victorian London beginning in 1883. Told through Emma’s journal entries, the books follow her friendships, family problems, financial concerns, social obligations, and the quirky residents of St. Crispian’s.
How many Emma M. Lion books are there?
Eight volumes of The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion are currently available. Volume 9 is scheduled to be released on February 23, 2027.
Do you need to read the Emma M. Lion books in order?
Yes, I recommend reading the volumes in order. The characters, friendships, mysteries, and larger storylines develop throughout Emma’s journals.
Are The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion cozy books?
I would describe them as cozy, character-driven historical fiction with humor, friendships, quirky characters, and ongoing mysteries and storylines. They aren’t traditional cozy mysteries, but they definitely have that comforting, curl-up-with-a-book feeling.
Who writes The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion?
The series is written by Beth Brower, who is also the author of The Q, The Beast of Ten, and the Books of Imirillia trilogy.
Where Can You Buy the Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion?
I like to buy mine on Amazon, but you can also find them at places like Books-A-Million and Barnes and Noble. I haven’t yet seen one at an actual bookstore myself, but it never hurts to ask when you visit your local independent bookstores. You can also buy them at Bookshop.org.
If looking for the audio, check Libby through your library or use your Spotify or Audible subscription.
They are also available through Kindle Unlimited at the moment. However, since Viking Penguin just acquired the rights, that could change.