The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 8

The Unselected Journals #8

by Beth Brower

"Strange, considering it all now after a night's sleep, that I'd had no premonition of what awaited. That seems to be the nature of life, however. Things that ought to come with warnings rarely do. "

The Year is 1884 and Emma M. Lion has, at long last, gained her majority. Entering a golden age of friendship with Pierce, Islington, and Hawkes, Emma is confident she will manage whatever comes her way. It is The Season she must help Arabella secure a husband, while navigating the threat of Aunt Eugenia, the unflagging adoration of Charles Goddard, and the amusing unpredictability of St. Crispian's. But the secrets of her trusted friends are what might very well bring about disaster.

Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.

Readers have compared The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion to Jane Austen, P.G. Wodehouse, L. M. Montgomery, and Jean Webster.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Historical, Humor, Victorian

356 pages, Paperback

Published November 27, 2024

About the author

Like many of my siblings, I would sneak out of bed, slip into the hallway, and pull my favorite books from the book closet. I read my way through the bottom shelf, then the next shelf up, and the shelf above that, until I could climb to the very top shelf, stacked two layers deep and two layers high, and read the titles of the classics. My desire to create stories grew as I was learning to read them.

Subsequently, I spent my time scribbling in notebooks rather than listening to math lectures at school.

I graduated with a degree in literary studies, and have spent several years working on the novels that keep pounding on the doors of my mind, as none of my characters are very patient to wait their turn. I currently live in Orem, Utah, with my wonderful chemist husband, and books in every room of the house.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was everything I wanted and more. Now to suffer until the next installment comes out...

[Christina Baehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever-increasing depth

Beautiful work from Brower, an uncommon alchemical mixture of hidden bruises unexpectedly revealed, sun-sparkle and birdcall and endless verbal jousts. These journals are a maddening, perplexing, delightful journey that continue to reward investment.

[Janssen]

Some people don't seem to like this one as much, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Also, I'm team Pierce to the core and I will legit be devastated if they don't end up together (I haven't felt this invested in a series since probably To All The Boys I've Loved Before and frankly, I don't think I like it. I don't WANT to care this much but if I get one more message saying she HAS to end up with Islington and that Pierce is just an experience she has to go through, I might die).

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t get enough of these books!

[Shawn Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic on a wind surely sent by Hawkes brought this book a week early. Bless him (and Beth Brower) for giving such balm to the soul when it's needed most.

[Hannah Landeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more Hawkes. That’s my only note.

[Ashley Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stonecrop, I need you.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up. I want to start by saying that I love this series. I love the characters, setting, and clever writing style. However, this volume didn’t meet my expectations as the others have. I’ve rated all the previous books five stars. I read them all so fast that it was hard to distinguish where one book ended and the other began. Since I read this one by itself, it was easier to notice its shortcomings.

There was a lot that could have happened in this book. The earlier volumes set up many events and discoveries, yet nothing was resolved here; only more problems and questions emerged.

I’ve seen that the author has stated that she intends to write close to twenty books in this series. But after reading this volume, I’d rather have fewer books in the series with more substance than many books with an overabundance of fluff and filler.

I’m particularly disappointed with how things are going in the romance department. I have loved the build-up to the relationship between Pierce and Emma, but in this book, we don’t see more romance development after they previously decided they were courting. A kiss here and there. Nothing satisfactory. Instead, we get a scene implying that this relationship is ill-fated before it ever gets a chance to begin. I love Pierce’s character. He’s my favorite man in the series, and I’m rooting for him and his mysterious broodiness. However, this book made me concerned that it is not meant to be. I guess we’ll see, though. I appreciate how unpredictable this series is. I have no idea how it will all work out in the end, although I have my predictions and opinions.

I love the series and its characters, so I gave it a high rating, even though this installment is my least favorite so far.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second read through: January 6, 2025

I have amended my initial rating from 3⭐️ to 4⭐️.

I think it is because I went in with much lower expectations, but also because I was searching for answers to my frustrations.

I am still unhappy that the mysteries of Islington are help so close. I think it inevitable that Lion and Islington will end up together. This slow burn, however, must, apparently, be dragged out over 20 volumes.

As for my frustrations with Stonecrop: Islington alluded to a "different Hawkes". I still do not believe he appeared. A different Islington? Certainly. Knowing that going in soothed some of my annoyance.

Also--I feel that the essential scenes with Pierce overshadowed anything else with Stonecrop, so perhaps that is why I felt the way I did. The other 3 had to hold him up, which I think was beautiful and necessary to their Alchemy. So I'm giving more grace.

I missed laughing out loud. Which I did many times in the other volumes, not once in this.





First read: December 7, 2024

Yes, only 3⭐️. I will explain with no spoilers.

Beth is taking advantage of our love for the Alchemy. Too many questions left unanswered for too long. As a writer myself, I support and love cliff hangers. Mysteries are essential. But they must also be addressed in a timely manner.

So much of this book (the longest yet) was of little substance. I think that is the problem. Beth is a better writer when she has constraints. When she limits her pages.

Some very important and beautiful scenes took place in this book. And so many other pieces should have been diced to develop a few that left me, as a reader, unsatisfied.

Keep me reading. Keep me interested. But do not leave me scrambling after so many loose threads.

Pierce's story had a vicious and beautiful explanation. Perhaps the idea was that it would make up for so many others being left hanging and, even poorly written.


I give the 3 stars because I adore the characters. Absolutely love every one of them. But this volume, for all its length, was a let down.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd reading:
I loved this one even more with the second reading. I was able to take my time with it, focus on all of the tiny details, and look for symbolism, instead of feeling like I had to rush through it to see what would happen.

I am eagerly waiting for the next installment to be released!

Original 2024 review:
The very minute that I learned this was available early through Kindle Unlimited, I signed up for a subscription and downloaded the book. It was, once again, perfection. This volume was not quite what I was expecting it to be, but, somehow, it was even better. I don't want to give spoilers, so I won't say any more than that.

I so fervently adore this series that all eight volumes will be my top eight reads of the year. Now I will have to read them all again while waiting for volume 9.

[Hallie (thecommonroomshop) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god😭😭😭 this book😭😭😭 Beth Brower really contrasts the monotony of day to day life with the freedom of traveling in this story and she does it SO WELL. I spent the first half of the book feeling stressed and overwhelmed and I felt like the second half healed a part of my soul. This is the first Emma book that made me cry multiple times. MY HEART BLEEDS FOR THESE CHARACTERS!!!!!!

Another infinity star Emma book!!♾️⭐️ I genuinely don’t know how I’m going to be patient enough to wait for volume 9, but at least I am so happy to have the audiobooks coming in August!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

If anyone asks me which literary character I want to invite to a dinner party, I've found my answer: her name is Emma M. Lion and she's an unmitigated delight. Sure, where she goes delightful mischief tends to happen, but she possess an indomitable charm so that every situation simply becomes fodder for her evening journal recollections.

In book 1, we meet an orphaned girl about to step into her inheritance. But nothing is ever simple or straightforward for Emma. Even though these stories are told in a series of personal journal entries, Emma M. Lion is never whiny or self-indulgent. She sorts everything out in her journal and then heads into tomorrow's challenges, armed with good humor and optimistic confidence. And yet, as the pages keep flipping, what seemed a rather light story gently probes into the hurts and heartaches of all our beloved characters.

At the heart of the book are four friends who find what they call "alchemy" in being together. Pierce (the photographer) is wounded with a permanent limp; Hawkes (the vicar) has a mysterious talent for poetry and appearing or disappearing at just the right moment; Islington (the Duke of) possesses elegance and a touch superiority, but also an unexpected tenderness at times. Each is protective of the others, and out of this care grows a friendship unmatched in any literature that I'm aware of.

But these aren't the only wonderful characters. There's her banker's wife Mrs. Penury and her selfish cousin Archibald and her self-absorbed meddling Aunt Eugenia, along with sympathetic Mary and so many more. And I haven't even begun to describe St. Crispian's, the subtly magical corner of London where she resides. It's all too much of a delight to be interrupted.

I recommend these books to EVERYONE. Your teenager will enjoy them as much as your mother-in-law. They are absolutely without offense, which makes them even more charming. The whole thing relies on story and characters. It felt like reading Little Women or Pride and Prejudice.

The irony is that Emma spent time every night to write about her day, but I couldn't be bothered between books to write even a note or two about I loved in each book. I just plowed right into the next book without stopping. As long as there was more Emma M. Lion to consume, I just kept reading. And now I find myself wishing I'd paused a bit to review each book along the way. It's too late. I couldn't stop myself. Now when does Book 9 come out?

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

DID I SURVIVE?

BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK

Because I’m pretty sure this book finished me. Oh my gosh I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH. PLEASE READ IT. It is clever and humorous and deeply felt through every emotion. The friendships are something I can’t even describe. One of the best representations of found family I have, and will ever, read.

I adore Emma so much. I love that seeing the subtle changes to her character as this series goes on. And don’t even get me started on Pierce, Islington and Hawkes. Of which I would deep dive into every single one of them if this wasn’t a review for book eight and I refuse to ruin anything for anyone. Let’s just say I have thoughts and bless anyone who listens to my marco polo’s at this point.

THE WAY I NEED VOLUME 9.

Overall audience notes:
- Historical fiction
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: mild
- Content Warnings: mentions of child abuse and attempted murder (recounted), physical altercations

[Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

January 9
It’s cold in the north. Days are short, dreary.
And yet, I find welcome warmth within another Volume of dear Emma’s journals. She tells of the summer months May & June spent at Stonecrop: days spent among lush green forests, skin turning shamefully brown, and the sun lasting well-past supper. I look out my window and see gray, clouds, barren. I look within Volume 8’s page and see color, blue skies, life.

I started to wonder about the place of Stonecrop and what it means to Emma: a respite. a source of joy in the droll-drums of life. a world of “absolute and sustained” freedom.
Is that what her journals are for her readers? I do believe they are.
So thank you, Emma. For giving us a little bit of your lovely Stonecrop by the tip of your pen.

I assume that, this being Volume 8, it is only well-acquainted readers of Emma who join me in experiencing it. For those readers, this volume holds some more heavy topics than earlier volumes. Pierce’s continued and intensifying drinking does not help matters. There’s also a bit of mystic palm-reading that caught me by surprise.
But I am pleased to report that her quick wit, so much in the style of Beloved Beatrix Potter and Admired A.A. Milne, is there to be enjoyed.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know how to rate this—and I hate to rate any of these with less than four stars because as a series I love it dearly. In this iteration, there were elements I loved, and the characters are some of my favorite to spend time with.

But some scenes, I didn’t need so MUCH of, and the book could have been pared down significantly without much loss. Sometimes I’d come across lines that were repeated some paragraphs later, in what felt like sloppy editing.

We get answers to some mysteries, and some new mysteries, but we’ve been waiting for answers a long time now, and I worry that some of them might get lost to the threads of time as we get further into the series. I want fewer new mysteries before we get old ones answered.

Stonecrop was a delight, though I did not need quite so many lengthy descriptions in order to love it. Everything that happened and the character development we get there saved this.

I also learned a new term from a friend reading this at the same time: pathetic fallacy. There’s an excellent example in this book that is absolutely divine.

Also, I am fully team Islington.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was something else! Must ponder…

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook: Genevieve Gaunt does an amazing job of narrating! I'm so thrilled! Aunt Eugenia's voice is probably my favorite. Arabella sounds like a stuck-up snob and makes me even more befuddled about why Emma seeks out a friendship with her.

It took me 2 months to read this book! I wish I could say I was savoring every word, but in actuality, reading any hard copy of a book puts me to sleep in 5 to 10 minutes. Ha!

As with the last few books in this series, I feel like the beginning has a tendency to drag as Brower gets into the story again. I was very much looking forward to Stonecrop--Brower had some high anticipation to live up to! She did live up to it, though all it did was keep my hopes very much alive that Emma and Islington will end up together. (Please, oh please, oh please???) While we understand Pierce much better in this book, I still can't get behind their relationship with his troubled past and drinking. It's uncomfortable that Hawkes suspects at the beginning of the book and Islington confirms at the end of the book that Pierce and Emma are in a relationship. I think that will affect their alchemy.

With so much of the book spent at Stonecrop, I did miss the antics of Cousin Archibald and Aunt Eugenia. There also was no laughing out loud in this book like I have done in others.

I still think Emma and Arabella's friendship needs to be written better. Arabella is a character I don't feel connected to through Brower's writing.

I am very impressed with how well-versed Brower is in the literature of the time through Hawkes' character mostly (Tennyson, Wordsworth, Coleridge, etc.). I also learned a few new vocabulary words: limn, chuffed, and scupper.

-----
Favorite quotes that truly demonstrate Brower's writing skill:
"Forgive yourself for having let yourself down, even while you were holding others up."
"Grief understands grief."
"The rain itself an impatience, like it has rushed for miles and miles only to come crashing at the door."
"I've never considered the cello as companion for dawn. One would think to pair it with falling evening, with deepest night. But the instrument did seem to understand the dream state just before waking."
"Sunshine splashing over the room like a merry fountain."
"The pages are well-broken, like a team of thoroughbred horses."
"He played as if he dared not allow the looseness of the June woodland to steal the notes before he claimed them his own."
"In all that sunshine, Pierce was waiting like a destroying angel warring against his past."
"But the silence was given too much space."
"How palpable the reality of life that something might crash through and change everything forever."
"I swung my gaze like a scythe to where they both stood."
"...the smell of dark, wise water speaking philosophy with the trees."
"One should go away long enough to know the cotton-soft contentment of coming home."

-----
Brower's humor:
"Aunt Eugenia stared at me for a full half minute. 'We are all sent trials in this life, Emma. I've yet to understand why God placed so many of mine in your singular person.' Not knowing what one ought to say, I answered, 'I aim to be singular.'"

"After the meal, in the drawing room, I was ordered to stand between Arabella and a 'ghastly lamp which makes all women appear plain and sickly. It should have no great effect on your features, Emma.'"

"'Heavens, do you have the entire thing memorized?' Her face fell a fraction. 'Almost, Miss Lion. But there is a tricky bit in the chapter on Managing the Unmanageable that I've still to commit to memory.' 'Onward and upward, my dear Agnes. I shall do my best to let you practice the proficiencies outlined in said chapter.' She brightened. 'Oh Miss, you already do that so well!'"

"We must remember Stonecrop." " I can't, as I've not yet been, but I will remember the Alamo."

"If needs be, bury the man alive in a coffin and find an obliging churchyard. I would offer up St. Crispian's only I believe the knowledge that I'd helped you bury a man alive not one hundred yards from where I sit in church might interfere with my worship."

"All said and done, I've had many a more comfortable tea."

"That was your poorest shot of the day." "Oh, I've still plenty of room to disappoint."

"We would not have done it on the Sabbath, Miss, except Mr. Stanley says removing stains is the work of the Lord."

-----
Famous last words?
"I'm not eloping with anyone, least of all Islington. In very fact, should the day ever come when we were to become engaged--secretly or otherwise--I would visit this office and eat my hat. Before your very eyes, Mr. Penury."

-----
Plot points from book 8 (Notes to myself):
-Mariana is pregnant with her 6th child
-Hawkes' and his fighting abilities - I love that he handed his book to Emma during the May Day fight for safe-keeping
-Emma taking his book hostage
-Palm reading- reference of a burned tree hit by lightning in a storm, two paths leading to love (pick Islington!)
-Saffronia as the painter of "The portrait in the kitchen"- that still makes me laugh!
-Tad Whitaker sending the spoiled carpet with the red ink stain- "It looks like something has been murdered." "In a way, something was."
-Will anything come of the young family that moved in Whereabouts Lane number 34?
-Pierce and the 70% loss of his finances (another reason to pick Islington 😬)
-Pierce's plan to grow a closer relationship with Archibald to help hide his and Emma's relationship
-The baptism of the fern Parian brings home named Fitz
-Emma writing an article for the Gazette about Hawkes' fight
-Pierce and Emma helping Victoria Braithwaite escape from The Reed and Rite
-Learning from Victoria that Hawkes holds an Evensong service each week
-Emma dismissing Charles Goddard at the door - "Miss Lion, I must confess--" "Confess nothing," I said as if we were in a play, "for it will only cause you pain."
-Emma's mother's birthday is May 19
-Emma seeing Hawkes' room and him finding her there --Where had Hawkes been? "I was a guest of the family of the one whose letter you so gallantly saved."
-Emma and Mary traveling to Oxford for Professor Fletcher's speech and meeting the actress Jack hired to play Agnes Dowd
-Meeting and dancing with Mr. Hazel - Will he appear in future books?
-Tybalt's owner, Jane Stone, finally coming to collect him
-Meeting the evil Lord Croixton
-Purchasing and wearing the pith helmet 🤣 - "'Are you,' he said taking great care to keep his voice steady, 'planning to hunt a zebra while in Derbyshire?'"
-Learning Islington plays the cello❤️ - "Every morning should begin with a cello."
-Stonecrop - "Solitude of the deepest kind. Independence of soul not simply of choice, a natural line of beauty, serendipity."
-Emma joining in on the bowling game
-Learning Islington's dog is named Emma.
-Learning Pierce doesn't want to have children (Pick Islington!)
-Learning how much Hawkes loves to swim
-Learning Islington had a twin sister name Hannah and a close friend who both died
-Islington's weird greeting with Sean Kennedy - what will we uncover about this character?
-Islington's birthday is July 15th - next book!
-Learning Pierce's father almost drowned him to death
-Henry and Mariana's conversation in the garden about protecting Emma's character
-Meeting Maggie and Jonathan - I'm not a fan of Maggie mostly because of the way she treats her brother, "Fire steals away oxygen, and Maggie Devereaux Revel is an unapologetic torch."
-Meeting Lady Eloise Silver - there seems to be a lot of fanfare surrounding her character, I wonder what she will add to the story
-Agnes getting the stain out of the carpet with the SSCSS
-The book ends with the tree that the palm reading mentions - "an unexpected show of green" "The tree split in two was determined to live."
-Emma is invited to play in the Julius Caesar play

[Cindy Rollins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the hardest time powering through the first 3/4 of this.but the last 4th picked up a bit.

[Amanda (The Little Book Spot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Tell me,” he began… “How is it that the moment Emma Lion becomes part of an equation—almost any equation—every ridiculous prospect becomes reality?”

📖 Synopsis:

It’s the summer of 1884, and Emma M. Lion returns to chronicle another season of lively misadventures. As life at Lapis Lazuli House unfolds, Emma juggles meddlesome relatives, matchmaking dilemmas, and the unpredictable events of St. Crispian’s.

💭 My Thoughts:

You know the characters that feel like old friends? Emma M. Lion is certainly one of mine!

I’ve been hooked on Emma’s journals from the very beginning, and this volume is no exception. With every entry, I’m reminded why I love her so much—she’s hilarious, wise, and has a unique perspective on the world. She’s one of those characters that makes you wish she were real. In summary: Emma is a treasure!

Without giving too much away, let me say that I thoroughly enjoyed this volume. It unfolds at a more leisurely pace, but once the action picks up toward the end, you’ll be hanging on the edge of your seat and feeling every emotion! How does Beth Brower create characters that make us feel so deeply and desperately?

I digress…

I was also pleased to remember that today, January 13, is Emma’s birthday! I’m beyond thankful for this delightful book series! Every time I read, it feels very real and comforting to me. Happy Birthday, Emma!

Here’s to many more volumes of Emma’s unforgettable adventures!

Content: This book contains 12 mild swears. For additional content warnings that might contain spoilers, feel free to DM me. This volume deals with some heavy themes and could possibly be disturbing to some.

Biblical Considerations: While this is not Christian fiction, Christianity plays a role in the story as Emma goes to church. However, the Christian message is not presented in the most Biblical way. Fortune telling is also included.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

|| Volume 8 + Series 💭 ||

I always enjoy my time in St. Crispian’s and this time was no exception, but it seemed for a good part of the story to not be going anywhere. Until it did, and then it was heartbreaking 💔 I do look forward to reading Volume 9, but my enthusiasm has waned as it seems this is potentially a 24 book series 😳

I also have some concerns that I’ve not shared and I want to do that now. It is my understanding this is not a Christian series, but it still bothers me that the sermons prioritize poetry over scripture. Poetry is wonderful, beautiful, but is it right to portray it as ministering like the Word of God? Also, Emma’s behavior becomes increasingly deceptive as the series progresses. I miss her integrity of character. Where did it go? And there are times when the boundaries of propriety for the time period are really pushed between the main characters.

I’ve tried to brush away these concerns and others as creative license and humor, but they keep resurfacing as I’ve read each book.

I do enjoy the series, but because I strive to write reviews from a biblical worldview, I think it is important to bring awareness to the fact that the representation of the Christian faith is muddled at best.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I just stay up until 5:30 am to finish this book? Yes, yes I did. I love these books so much. I just could not put it down.

The cadence and tone of this book feels slightly different since much of the story takes places at Stonecrop or Oxford. (Which I didn’t mind, but the longer chapters did made it harder to put the book down.) Though we don’t see as much of some of our St. Crispian’s favorites, like Agnes or Parian, it still held true to the EML standard. This is to say, it was a delight. I just wish I could escape to my own restorative fortress like Stonecrop!

As always, I am overjoyed at a new Emma Lion book. I am already anxiously awaiting the next!

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

With each new installment in this series, I find myself fascinated, surprised, and delighted by turns. It is a beautiful discovery for the reader. One moment you're laughing, the next you feel introspective, and the next you feel that deep ache in your heart when some grief is described in a way that rings resoundingly true. The story, the people, the places...there is nothing of the predictable here. There are so many new layers added to each character in this volume. I'm settled securely on the edge of my seat. Keep it coming.

[chey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a well written book. My issue is in all of these books nothing happens, so if you like that then this is for you. There is the “concept of a plan” regarding romance, but it just felt like a bit of a waste of time to read this because nearly nothing happened. I also don’t like who she is with at this point in time so that’s making it less enjoyable for me.

TLDR, pacing is getting to be a bit much even for me. Little romance. Don’t like who she’s “with” currently (they aren’t even officially together).

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books you judge with your heart. Five stars.

[Beth Putnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect cozy holiday read. Wishing that Stonecrop was a place I could escape to…

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mighty Nigel Hawkes!

Several characters in this book are extremely trying to me, and attempts to make them seem complicated and deep are just making me want to smack them more.

Not you, Islington.

Or you, Hawkes the Fox, you precious thing!

Agnes and S.S.S.C. came through pretty clutch as well, and I am not surprised.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

“One should go away long enough to know the cotton-soft contentment of coming home.”

In one way, I'm sad it is over until the next volume's release.

In another, I'm relieved because the magic seemed to be fading as the pacing echoed the first volume in the series.

There were parts of this book that gave me 4 stars tingles, but the pacing and fillers stayed my hand from giving The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 8 4 stars. The revelation of Pierce's family background was tense, and I appreciate getting more insight into his past, but I have to say it was disappointing how the alchemy (the friendship) was told more than shown.

[Emily M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this was a delight in every way. I told my girls I feel that the first seven volumes exist mainly to get us to this point, which was sublime. I was enraptured by the revelations of this volume and have so many predictions moving forward. I'm partly annoyed at the slow reveal of important facts (yes, we got much about Pierce and Islington, but there's so much I still want to know about Pierce!), but I'm also so glad that we have many forthcoming volumes left in which more will be revealed. I can't wait to discuss this with all my fellow Emma lovers!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful. Thoughtful. Devastating. Inspiring. Hilarious.

... and I can't wait for more.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I spent June at Stonecrop