EMMA LION SUPREMACY !!!

This was such a beautiful blend of regency Bridgerton vibes x Emily Wilde I loved it so much it was EVERYTHING. These journals are the perfect blend of witty humour and cosy literature, I felt like I was transported to 1800s England and it was honestly just so much fun. I feel like Beth paints such a good picture of the world and surroundings and you really feel like you're set in the 1800s and you feel at home at St. Crispians.

I genuinely cannot wait to read the rest of the volumes and see her relationship with Mr. Pierce develop because BOOK 2 I feel like had some fun foreshadowing of what's to come !

Emma M Lion has my whole heart. This is an easily bingeable historical fiction and Emma our protagonist is a whimsy delight.

She goes against the social grain of the late Victorian era with an independence and wit that makes her so lovable.

There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue this series.

Thankyou Netgalley and Bloomsbury Australia for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion vol 1. This is my honest review and ll opinions are my own.

I loved this book.

When you’re in the mood to disappear into the 1880s without committing to a sprawling 600-page historical saga, these books are exactly what you want. They’re novella length, which makes them dangerously bingeable. I flew through this one and immediately wanted to start the next.

One of my favourite little details was reading it on Kindle, where I could tap on the Victorian expressions and bits of 1883 slang for explanations. It made the language feel authentic without ever becoming inaccessible, adding another layer to an already immersive reading experience.

What really won me over, though, was Beth Brower’s command of voice. Writing an entire novel through journal entries is harder than it looks. Every page has to sound natural while quietly carrying the weight of character development, plot progression and world-building. Emma’s observations do all of that effortlessly. Her wit is dry, intelligent and wonderfully self-aware, and because everything is filtered through her perspective, you don’t just watch her life unfold, you inhabit it. Her frustrations become yours, her small triumphs feel earned, and before long you’re completely invested in this wonderfully eccentric corner of Victorian London.

The supporting cast is another triumph. Each character feels delightfully odd without tipping into caricature. Brower has a knack for introducing someone with only a handful of details before they spring fully to life. It’s economical writing at its best. Every conversation reveals character, every journal entry nudges the story forward, and not a sentence feels wasted.

As someone who adores historical fiction, I also appreciated how much lighter this feels than many books in the genre. It embraces Victorian society with affection rather than suffocating the reader in historical detail. The setting is richly textured, but it never overshadows the characters. The humour cuts through the formality, giving the novel an effortless charm.

For everyone saying this book is “pointless”, hold onto your hats and put the pitchforks away. This isn’t trying to tell a complete story. It’s laying foundations. Think of it as the opening episode of a brilliantly written television series. Its job is to introduce Emma, establish the world and leave you wanting more. It succeeds spectacularly.

And yes, we all know I’m a sucker for a strong woman at the centre of a story. Emma isn’t loud or rebellious in the obvious sense. Her strength comes through her intelligence, resilience and wonderfully sharp observations about the people around her. I already know this series is going to become one of those rare comfort reads I’ll return to again and again.

I’ve been trying to get my hands on physical copies for months because I already know I want the whole collection on my shelves. I can’t get enough of Emma M. Lion, and I have a feeling this series is only going to grow as more readers discover it.

Sometimes the quietest books leave the biggest impression. This one quietly opened the door to a world I have absolutely no intention of leaving.

“An effortlessly immersive historical novel with a voice so authentic you’ll forget you’re reading fiction.”

Here for any hard copies that you would like to provide in exchange for reviews!