The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion

“These books are everywhere for good reason: they’re so well-written, cozy, tender, funny, and moving. I’m reading Vol. 8 right now and will be waiting with bated breath for Vol. 9 to hit the shelves.”

“I read all 8 volumes this summer and I’m waiting with bated breath for the next one. This is such a heartwarming, whimsical series. The author is writing and releasing the fictional journals in the fashion of 19th century British periodicals. Emma now narrates my inner monologue.”

“This series is simply delightful in every way! Set in  the St. Crispian neighborhood of London in the late 1800s this series revolves around our heroine Emma  but features a reoccurring cast of well-developed and quirky supporting characters. The antics, the humor and the writing stole my heart! If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls, Jo March, Bridgestone and Jane Austen, this is the series for you. Bonus, there are already 8 books out with more to be written! I also think listening to at least the first book on audio is a game changer! The narrator voices each character perfectly.”

“Sweet but not cloying, cozy but not suffocating, just enough to give you something to think about without overtaxing.”

“My most recent favorite way to slip into another world”

“Fastest 8-book series I’ve ever torn through with no less enthusiasm for the forthcoming additions”

“My highest complements to a book series are as follows: 1. I text my sisters that it’s required reading and 2. If I’m reading on Kindle, I order physical copies immediately. I did both as I was reading The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. My party line about this series is that it’s a grown up Junie B. Jones (but British and set in the 1800s). I say this because Emma is clever and charming, and finds herself in all sorts of precarious situations. Each volume contains two months of Emma’s diaries. We meet Emma upon her 1883 return to St. Crispian’s, a quirky fictional neighborhood in London. She’s an orphan returning home to claim her birthright: Lapis Lazuli House. Upon her return she finds that her abhorrent cousin who resides at Lapis Lazuli has put them in dire financial straights. No matter—Emma is our plucky heroine, made of stronger stuff. She turns the garret (where she’s been banished by said cousin) into her lovely little home, starts straightening out their household finances, and settles back into life in St. Crispian’s, where there’s Roman ghosts, handsome and mysterious vicars, sweet and naive cooks, surprising Dukes, infuriating aunts, disappearing (and re-appearing) items, and a tenant who swirls into Emma’s life like a summer storm. I was SO sad to leave the world of St. Crispian’s when I finished Vol 8, but Vol 9 is on the way for 2026, and apparently there’s over 20 volumes planned. I can’t wait.”

“An absolute tonic”

“Is the series finished? Nope. Is it painful to wait for the new books? Yes. Did I put it off because of the self-published book covers? Also, yes. Is it one of the best series I've ever read? Absolutely yes. Poetry, slow-burn, friends that will walk through grief and fire with you, literally laugh-out-loud humor and snark. 10/10. I swear this series has healed me more than therapy ever has. Get on the train.”

“The sweetest light, but not shallow, joyful hilarious series I’ve read in a long time. The books are great, audio is amazing.”

“Took me a minute to get into but now my favorite comfort read/listen”

“Fiiiinally reading these and I regret not starting sooner!”

“Most delightful book series! I am slightly obsessed.”