Sophia Rose is here with the second volume of the Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower. Come check out her thoughts and see why she is enjoying the witty adventures of Emma, narrated by Genevieve Grant.
by Beth Brower
Narrator: Genevieve Gaunt
Length: 4 hours and 31 minutes
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Library
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm *affiliate
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 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 volumes. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.
Listeners have compared Beth Brower's writing to Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, P.G. Wodehouse, and L. M. Montgomery.
Sophia Rose’s Review
After winning – and losing, the first skirmish of her war over Lapis Lazuli House and her independence, Emma Lion is settled in her half of the garret with ‘The Tenant’ occupying the other. Beth Brower’s sparkling, witty Emma and her adventures are still being chronicled in her journal-style writing to fabulous results.
In Volume Two, Emma faces the precarious financial situation Cousin Archibald has left them all in, the London Season under the dictatorship of her Aunt Eugenia, curiosity over the required new tenant (which the Roman ghost stirred himself to give warning over, and the crisis of ‘the Jane Eyres’.
Emma is growing up. She is still impulsive in word and deed, but has moments of pause and reflection as well as cleverness to see her through each time she’s in a pickle. I loved learning some more about ‘The Tenant’, an escapade involving her friends and old school, and seeing how Emma and Society took to one another.
There are ongoing plot threads that stretch beyond Volume Two and I can’t wait to see what comes next for Emma.
Genevieve Gaunt is Emma’s voice in my head and love all the familiar character voices from the maid’s chippy Scottish to the duke’s slow aristocratic drawl. Very gifted with voices and ability to interpret the tone and pace of the story.
This second outing with the series was even stronger after all the intros in the first and I can only anticipate each new installment. I’m setting this as a historical fiction, but there are hints that romance might be a growing element as the volumes progress. Definitely recommend!
*kindleunlimited
About Beth Brower
Beth Bower graduated with a degree in literary studies, and is working on the novels that keep pounding on the doors of her mind and none of her characters are very patient to wait their turn. She lives with her wonderful chemist husband and has books in every room of their house.
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About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Sara
I have a friend who loves this series. I’ll have to check it out. Great review!
Sophia Rose
I kept seeing it mentioned all over social media. It was definitely up to the hype though book one took a bit to hook me.
hena
You know what.. I saw this one recommended by someone on my socials the other day and the cover made me unsure.. but after your rave review I’ll add it to my TBR.
Sophia Rose
Yay! Glad it could tempt you, Hena! 🙂
Mary Kirkland
I’m glad you’re enjoying the series.
Sophia Rose
Oh yes, Mary! This was a happy find, for sure.
Silvia
It sounds like my cup of tea! I’m glad you found this second instalment even stronger than the first, but you’ve piqued my interest so much that I went back to read your previous review and decided to add them both to my list 😊
Sophia Rose
Now, that is news that makes me happy. Hopefully you are entertained by Emma, too.