As you can imagine, library staff
occasionally often constantly discuss amongst themselves the books they’re reading. At the Sharon Forks Library, we realized many of us were reading (or listening to) the same delightful series,
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower. Then we discovered staff throughout the entire FCPL system were also reading this sudden, unexpected sensation. Read more to find out why we can’t get enough!
This 8-volume (so far) series of epistolary novellas are written as though you’re reading Emma M Lion’s personal journals. Recently orphaned, Emma is a young woman navigating life in Victorian London (1883–1884), balancing social responsibility to disdainful relatives and personal independence with an eclectic set of friends—a brooding photographer, an erudite vicar, and a genteel duke. In constant search of knowledge and belonging, she often finds “the potent freedom of her father against the wise convention of her mother warring” inside of her, resulting in all kinds of whimsical misadventures.
Brower intends to publish 24 volumes of The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion and is currently working on Volume 9. With every entry in her journals, Emma dazzles readers with her brilliance and decorum. Emma enchants readers with her wit and charm. Emma scandalizes readers with her folly and self-deprecation.
I digress. We must now conclude this entry and return to our library duties. If you wish to join us in this unintended obsession, check out Volume 1. We promise it is the most cozy calamity you will add to your library. Your hands might not get tired from writing, but your fingers certainly will from flipping these delightful pages!
But don't just take my word for it. Here's what other FCPL staff members had to say about this series:
Alison, Information Specialist
I love this series. I binged the audiobooks and just finished the 8th book last week. It is such a palate cleanser.
Brooke, Branch Manager
I don’t typically enjoy storylines from the Regency or Victorian era, but Emma is so quirky and endearing, it’s impossible not to be curious about the next “calamity” she’s going to fall into. All I have to say is…her hand MUST be tired! The narrator of the audiobooks is delightful.
Christina, Collection Support Aide
I almost didn’t read The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion because the cover and title didn’t look interesting. Its popularity made me reconsider, and I’m glad I did because it turned out to be a very fun, very cozy book. I can’t wait to continue with the series.
Hailey, Information Specialist
I started reading book 8 this week, and just checked out the audiobook to do a read-along. The precocious Emma and her pantheon of friends have helped me get out of a reading rut (no small feat). I’d move to St. Crispian's in a heartbeat!
Jaime, Youth Specialist
I am loving the book series so far. My only complaint after reading book one is that I don't feel like I read a whole book. I want more, and I don't want to wait for my hold to come in!
Jane Elizabeth, Youth Specialist
I loved this series so much that when I finished all the published books, I started over. I'm looking forward to book 9!
Melissa, Outreach Specialist
I've read the first two books of the series. If you enjoy Jane Austen, you'll like the bustling, vibrant life of St. Crispian's, Emma's neighborhood. If you thrill at Anne Shirley's spunk, you'll get a kick out of Emma's blunt charm. Emma, herself, is a very unique and independent character with a quick wit and a love of literature. And if you like reading books with multiple eligible bachelors ranging from a (not so eligible) rakish conman to a filthy rich Adonis, there is much to anticipate.
“Emma” Morgan, Information Specialist
These books have brought me a lot of joy! The wit and charm are so potent, that I even end up liking the “unlikable” characters (looking at you, Cousin Archibald)! I’ve gotten so many of my friends and coworkers to read this series, and I’m always excited when I see patrons checking it out.
Natalie, Youth Specialist
This series makes me crave sweets like scones, jammie dodgers, cake, and biscuits with clotted cream. Beware!
Sarah, Branch Manager
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion are an absolute delight! Rarely do you encounter a cast of characters who are so alive you wonder what they are up to when you are not engrossed in the pages of their lives. The writing is witty and insightful, and the narration by Genevieve Gaunt brings each word, character, adventure, sorrow, and joy to life. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop, and the wait for Volume 9 is going to be interminable!
Sariah, Outreach Specialist
Loved every minute of my time with Emma M. Lion. Bought every book because I knew I wanted to read it again with my daughters.
Shannon, Information Specialist
I have read the first book and found it a little slow to start, but it definitely caught my interest about halfway. I love her sense of humor and her plucky, positive approach to life. Her situation is so interesting/appalling, and it makes me really want to know what is going to happen next.
It was recently announced that Emma M. Lion was picked up by Penguin Random House, and volume 9 will be published in February 2027!
Brooke Rose
Branch Manager
Sharon Forks Library
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