Emmalee

The Jane Austen Diaries #4

by Jenni James

Sometimes love is blind.

Emmalee Bradford thinks she’s an expert at matchmaking, and she won’t rest until all her friends are as happy as she is. Especially Hannah, the girl she’s decided to make popular. Everyone loves Emmalee's advice--everyone, that is, except her annoying neighbor Chase Anderson, who has taken it upon himself to "fix" her.

This modern version of Jane Austen’s Emma is the hilarious journey of a girl who believes she knows all about love. But when it comes to recognizing the perfect guy for her, Emmalee is absolutely clueless.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Retellings, Chick Lit, Fiction, Clean Romance

230 pages, Paperback

First published December 18, 2012

About the author

CLEAN ROMANCE FOR TEENS:

*The Jane Austen Diaries*
Pride & Popularity (Aug 2011)
Persuaded (Aug. 2012)
Emmalee (Jan 2013)
Mansfield Ranch (Dec 2013)
Northanger Alibi (Feb. 2012)
Sensible & Sensational (July 2015)
Sand & Sun (2016)
The Wilsons
Queen Sydney

*Jenni James Faerie Tale Collection*
Beauty and the Beast
Sleeping Beauty
Rumplestiltskin
Cinderella
Hansel and Gretel
Jack and the Beanstalk
Snow White
The Frog Prince
Twelve Dancing Princesses
Rapunzel
The Little Mermaid
Peter Pan
Return to Neverland
The Forgotten Princess
The Princess With the Golden Touch
Little Red Riding Hood
(and more...)

MIDDLE GRADE READERS:
Prince Tennyson (May 2012)

EARLY READERS:

*Andy & Annie Collection*
A Ghost Story
Greeny Meany

WOMEN'S FICTION:

*Revitalizing Jane Series*
Drowning
Swimming
Crawling
Walking
Running
Soaring


CLEAN ROMANCE FOR ADULTS:

*Eternal Realm Series*
Eternity
Destiny
Divinity

Reviews

[Jenni James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is so adorable. I love Chase! Love him! :)

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! I enjoyed reading and seeing this teenage girl learn and grow and move beyond herself. We all have moments of learning and growing through change in our lives and deciding how best to handle it.

Thank you Jenni for yet another great take on Jane Austen's novels!

[Kathy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heavens to Betsy Batman!! Where in the world do I start?! Oh! I know... stop reading my review and go buy this book RIGHT NOW!!!! I'm serious... DO IT!!! ;o) Jenni James has knocked it out of the park AGAIN!!

Ok... you bought it?! FANTABULOUS!! Now on to the review!!

Emmalee is a laugh out loud... grab your kleenex... deep sighing kind of a book... the kind of book any girl like me LOVES reading!!

Emma thinks that she is an expert matchmaker and is bound and determined to see all her friends as happy as she is. Little does she know... she has no clue what love really is! She befriends Hannah and decides that not only is she going to make her popular but she is going to help find her love as well! After all... she wants to see Hannah as happy as she is... or as happy as she THINKS she is! As she embarks on this journey we call life, with the help of her neighbor and friend, Chase, she truly gets to take a look at herself and see the person she has become and see the changes that she desperately needs to make!

There were times while reading this book that I literally wanted to shake some sense into Emma! And then there were times that I absolutely adored her! You could tell that deep down she had a good heart however she had a hard time judging people by their outward appearance. She would think that she was better than them and not really take the chance to get to know the person for who they really are.

Enter from stage left... CHASE!! *swoon* Holy crow Batman!! I absolutely LOVE Chase!! He is her knight in shining armor... always there to save and help her when she needs it the most!! Words cannot describe how much I LOVE him!! If anyone was to ask me who my dream guy would be I would tell them to read Emmalee and find out!! I never... ever... EVER thought that I would say this because I absolutely adore Greg from Jenni's book Persuaded but... Move over Greg!! There's a NEW man in town and his name is Chase!! *sigh* I can officially say that I am in love with a fictional character!! ;o)

Just a side note... I adored Claire in this book!! She was crackin me up right and left!! There was an incident between her and Emma that literally broke my heart!! Poor Claire!! She apologizes over and over for something that wasn't her fault and when Emma steps up and takes all the blame for it... Claire instantly forgives her!! Wow!! All I can say is that we all could probably learn a lesson from Claire on forgiveness! She rocks!! :o)

Jenni... you never cease to amaze me with your books!! I've stated before and I'll state it again... I am totally HOOKED on your books!! Keep 'em coming!! I cannot WAIT to see what you have in store for us next!! ;o)

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved this series at first but I find myself liking it less and less as time goes on. :( I feel like the writing was rushed and unorganized, like she published her first draft or something. Not nearly as polished as, say, Northanger Alibi. And I am starting to lose track of all the kids and their stories and personalities. Sometimes they are annoying, sometimes wicked, sometimes amazing, just depending on what book they are in. Just too many characters with shifting goals and prerogatives, I forget who is who. Also I think Emma is my least favorite Austen book, and Emma herself a hard character to write because you have to make her annoying and likeable at the same time. I think the only version of Emma who pulls off the like-ability factor is Alicia Silverstone in Clueless. This Emmalee character, to me, was far more annoying than likeable. I also have a love/hate relationship with the honey-coated reality that all the Jane Austen Diaries characters live in. Overall this book made me roll my eyes a lot, but for some reason I still couldn't put it down...there is still something about this series that has a hold on me and I'm sure I will read the rest of the series, even if I stab my eyeballs out in the process.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several months ago I had the opportunity to read Persuaded by Jenni James, a modern YA (young adult) adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. I was really impressed with James’ ability to keep the depth of Austen’s works when translating them into the modern world, and make them appealing to the YA crowd. When offered the chance to review her adaptation of Emma, I jumped and said yes! I’ve always found that Emma Woodhouse is a difficult character to relate to. (At least to me) The film Clueless did an excellent job showcasing her naivety while also reflecting that deep down inside she was a good person with good intentions. I was interested in seeing if James could also reflect this naïve nature while still making Emma appealing to teens.

Emmalee Bradford, the modern day equivalent to Emma, lives a very satisfied life. She believes that she is an expert matchmaker, and never misses and opportunity to set her friends up on dates. She takes special interest in Hannah, whom she decides to devote all her energy towards in order to make her popular. What she doesn’t realize, however, is all this energy expended on others leaves her alone and partner-less. Will she be able to find a match for herself despite being so adept at finding matches for others?

As I said before, Jane Austen’s Emma is a difficult character to relate to. Emmalee, on the other hand, is surprisingly refreshing. This may be because of her age. We’ve all had those awkward teen years dealing with growing up, moving on, difficult parents, friendship/relationship woes, and all the other difficulties being a teen brings. On the surface Emmalee seems like a spoiled rich kid, but when you get in her head, she genuinely thinks that what she does and says is completely unselfish. By the end of the novel, we see her begin to look at her actions from a different perspective and take responsibility for them. This highlights an emotional growth that was missing in Emmalee in the beginning, and is now beginning to transform her into a much more mature person. James weaves this into the plot perfectly, much like Austen made Emma transform from a slightly superficial matchmaker to a woman who has finally found true fulfillment in her own life. It is this transformation that makes Emmalee such a great read (and of course Emma too by extension!)

This book is filled with all the things that teen girls love: trips to the mall, cute boys, crushes, first kisses, Edward Cullen v. Jacob Black of Twilight discussions, puppies, fashion, texting, etc. James does an exquisite job in making her works appeal to her audience. Parents too will love these books for their clean nature, fun-loving prose, and moral lessons. If you know a young adult who has yet to give Austen’s classics a try, I recommend you have them read The Jane Austen Diaries series by Jenni James as encouragement.

Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted: http://wp.me/p18lIL-1E8

[Kathryn Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

reviewed on Clean Teen Fiction

I have to admit that Emma is not one of my favorite characters in the Jane Austen version, but I loved Emmalee in this book! She was so great. Funny when she didn't even mean to be. Emma had a lot to learn and came across a bit shallow at times, but she really was thoughtful and a loving friend.

And how could you not fall in love with Knightly in the Jane Austen version? Well Chase was just as wonderful in this book, even better. Chase was so charming, cute, thoughtful, and romantic! He was Emma's knight in shining armor . . . literally. ;)

It was so easy to enjoy reading Emmalee with great characters like Emmalee and Chase. Their chemistry was won-der-full! I loved it!

Content Ratings:
sexual: very mild
language: none
violence: none

*I received this book from Inkberry Press. Thank you! I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.*

[Leya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting take on the classic. Though it missed the main act of Emma match making her governess which starts Emma on her persuit of match making. So when Emmalee was match making her good friend Harriete it really didnt make sense, as it didnt have that back story to the why she thought she was such a good match maker.
There where times it felt like Clueless the old 90s movie, but not so clever in the way that story was executed.
Otherwise it is a good read.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the series so far! Not surprising though because Emma is my favorite movie next to P&P of the Austen films.

This was a fun adaptation of it. Loved how Emmalee grew, wished she would've grew quicker earlier on in the book, but that was her in the original as well. Well meaning but also a little self-centered. Chase was great, although his set downs to Emma were hard to read (as needed as they were), it made him human, and of course we don't want human men in novels, we want big, buff, handsome as gods, studmuffins...alas, they must be mortal...darn it.

This series is so fun especially when you know the original movies or novels well so you can say, oh that character is Austen's _____ one. But again, this is my favorite so far.

Moral Note: Clean, can't think of anything.

***If you haven't read these yet DO NOT read them in release order. Ms. James said they need to be read like this: Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion, Emmalee, Mansfield Ranch, Northanger Alibi, and Sensible & Sensational***

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmalee decides when her best friend graduates and goes off to college that she'll find a deserving girl to become her new best friend. I mean, who wouldn't want to?? She finds the girl in one of her classes and gets the senior class president to introduce them. Surprisingly, they have a lot in common and do indeed become BFF's. Now for phase 2--to get Hannah a boyfriend.

Hannah helps Emma realize that people don't see her as she thinks she should be seen. Most people see her as a pretty, popular, stuck up face and Emma is shocked to discover that.

Her neighbor, Chase, is a few years older and also tries to help Emma see how spoiled she can be at times. Chase, LOVE him!!! He is a sweet, all-round great guy.

I love how characters from the other books show up in this story and I love finding new things out about them. I also love how a lot of Emma's thought are included in the story, a lot of times right when she's in the middle of talking.

Content: cute, clean story!! Loved it!!

[Valerie Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

It makes me sad to only give this book 3 stars cuz I really enjoyed most of it. However Emma drove me crazy!!!! She was such a snob and didn't even know it!! Chase was amazing but way too good for her. I really liked Emma less and less the more I read. Her friend Hannah was awesome. She was so quick to forgive. Clair was annoying but geez Emma was so mean! I hated what happened to Cassadie's character. She became so mousy! She was a shell of a person. So weird how that ended up. Chase was so amazing. Oh, did I say that already?!?! I would have skipped ahead if I could just to read parts he was in. He made the book bearable for me.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I have any more words to say how much I love the author Jenni James! She just knows how to write a fun, charming story that keeps me turning pages. This was yet another one in her amazing Jane Austen series. I am always on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one to come out! They are just so fun and such a great escape.

[Daphne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't think I've read a book this bad in a while. I'm shocked by all the great ratings! This book was such trash. I was expecting it to be trashy fluff (in fact, that's part of the reason that I picked it up) but this was just bad. I wasn't expecting fully-developed characters or amazing writing, but I was expecting this to be fun. I didn't connect with any of the characters and I didn't care what happened to them. Even worse, all the relationships felt fake. There was negative chemistry between the main couples and I couldn't care less if they ended up together. Since this is primarily a romance book, that was kind of a big issue.

Maybe I'm too old for this type of book, but I think even 12 year-old Daphne would have higher standards than this. I think I need to go watch Clueless to cleanse myself of this absolutely horrid book.

[Kirstina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oof finally done. This book was exhausting. Ya know that one part in despicable me when Gru is reading a bedtime story and he asks “this is literature?” That’s how I felt reading this. The writing was just so bland and boring and repetitive. She used the same description for every character until they all blurred together in my brain.
I would call this a book Cheeto. It’s not good for you and it stains your fingers and leaves you feeling yucky and unhealthy inside. Yep. That’s how this book made me feel.
I give it two stars because the actual plot was pretty good, but I guess we can credit that to Ms. Jane Austen, so oop.

[Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another in the Jane Austen Diaries by Jenni James. I enjoyed it much more than #2 in the series, Northanger Alibi", but can still only give 3.5 ☆s to it.
I like her growth & the downfalls that lead to it, but would appreciate a more long-term development, but that would make it a different book altogether. This is probably more to the same development as Austen's "Emma" as I recall it, and is still a good read.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the author's fault, but Emma is my least favorite Austen book/heroine. She is so selfish and supposedly learns her lesson, but who really knows. She always ends up getting what she wants anyway. So, I mostly skimmed this book. Ugh! Emma. What a selfish, snob. This book was a good adaptation so that was part of the problem. But, for fans, enjoy.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmalee by Jenni James

Each one of these becomes my favorite in this series. Jenni James has mastered a fantastic cast of characters and I love how all of their stories are intertwined. I also love the progression and growth in each of the characters.

[Fire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great continuation

I really enjoyed this book, started a little slow but ended perfect, only thing I wish I would have known is the book order is not chronological, other than that I love the series so far .

[Melinda Fierro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simplistic but Enjoyable

I liked this one better than the previous three. Still written in a juvenile tone- perhaps on purpose as it’s really designed for teenagers, but the storyline was solid and followed Emma fairly closely.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books by Jenni James have been a delight to read. She is very true to the Austin version in very clever ways. I really felt sorry for Emmalee throughout most of the book. It was a very fun light book. Probably geared to a younger audience than myself, but I still enjoyed it.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute teen book

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute cheesiness. Jenni James is my go to for a quick read and smile. Emmalee is quite annoying and clueless but she gets it eventually.

[Kelli Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Becky S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sappy and I don’t think I was convinced the main gal changed at all, she seems just as stuck up as always.

[Myra Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite to the Jane Austin Diaries Series, but a good book nonetheless! True to the Emma I've known since a child as well.

[Valentina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually 3.5

[Eden Linford · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Jane Austen fan, I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it can be cheesy at times, and the writing isn't the best, but I still love it!

[Lauren DiLoreto · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not great but im a sucker for classic books turned into modern storylines

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sage Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love love this book!! I just love the character of Chase and how sweet and funny he is! I found this book a great retelling of Emma and somehow, better than Jane Austen's book itself! The book was full of humor and sweetness also, the author has a sense of humor and expresses it very well in her books. I loved the relationship between Emma and Chase, they are amazingly cute together even as friends; Chase is an unselfish man who always puts others before himself and he is much more level headed than the protagonist who's an airhead who always tries to matchmake good people with some real losers who are not even worth shooting. Seriously, Emma, find a job.
Chase's little sister is incredibly cute and innocent and the book portrayed very well the big brother-little sister relationship, I also thought it cute that Pomeranian puppies were part of the book too. I love Pomeranians, LOL!
I was happy when Emmalee fixed Elton's wagon by punching him in the eye! Hip hip hurray for Emmalee Bradford! I have to say, I liked her character regardless of her being a dingbat and a disaster in match-making.
I've read other books from Jenni James and I've found the same style of writing that she uses in this one. Love your books, Mrs. James.
EEEEEH! I am so fangirling over Chase!!

[Stacey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting through this book. Maybe it was the fact that I read these books in the order they were released, so all the reveals were obvious, and the story didn't have much to move the plot along. It was more of a torture than a joy to read this one. I do commend the author for trying to take a small town and be able to tell all the Jane Austin stories with the same small cast of characters, but that also limits what can be done with a retelling.... It just didn't really work for me.