The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion

Volume 6

by Beth Brower

Review posted October 14, 2024.
Rhydon Press, 2022. 235 pages.
Review written August 21, 2024, from my own copy, purchased via amazon.com.
Starred Review

I am so hooked on these books! I had made plans to try to pace myself, but when I finished this book, which ended on a dramatic note, I picked up the next book immediately to see how that situation resolved - only to learn they didn't discuss it the very next day, as planned. I am going to go into withdrawal when I finish the seventh volume - the last one currently published. But then I'll be able to binge as each new volume comes out.

So - because this is an ongoing series and you really should start at the beginning, I'll try to tell what's so much fun about this volume without giving away spoilers. Our heroine, Emma M. Lion comes of age (21) in Volume 6, so she now officially owns Lapis Lazuli House. But because of her nefarious cousin spending her money, she needs to find work. She tries a personal secretary position in this volume (January through February 1884) - with hilariously disastrous results, such as could only happen to Emma Lion.

She does continue the inspiring, enlightening, and cordial friendship with three very different gentlemen - and at last we get rumblings of romance where I had most expected it. Will this change things? That's why I'm reading on. All three men are men of mystery, with fascinating revelations about each one slowly coming to light.

Meanwhile, her friend Pierce is expected to contribute more to the St. Crispian's neighborhood, her friendship with Islington wins her some social points, Young Hawkes continues to materialize where he is most needed, her friend Mary is showing signs of falling in love, and she has interesting conversations with the artist Saffronia and even with Mrs. Penury, who never says a word. It's all quirky and fun and I am definitely hooked.