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Emmeline
(Vintage Jane Austen #1)
by
What if Jane Austen’s Emma lived in America in the year 1930?
The talk of stock market crashes and depression isn’t going to keep Emmeline Wellington down. Born to wealth and privilege, Emmeline wants nothing more than to help her new friend, Catarina, find a husband. Emmeline sets her sights on one of the town’s most eligible bachelors, but nothing seems to go right. Eve ...more
The talk of stock market crashes and depression isn’t going to keep Emmeline Wellington down. Born to wealth and privilege, Emmeline wants nothing more than to help her new friend, Catarina, find a husband. Emmeline sets her sights on one of the town’s most eligible bachelors, but nothing seems to go right. Eve ...more
Kindle Edition, 227 pages
Published
February 18th 2017
by Sarah Holman
(first published February 2017)
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FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I can’t call myself an Austenite since my only experience of her stories has been a retelling of Persuasion and two movie/miniseries adaptations of Emma. Even so, I was excited to give this version by one of my favorite authors a try since I knew she would do a smashing job. ;)
It was aaaaammmmaaaazzzzing!!!! With just enough of the original (“Men of sense do ...more
I can’t call myself an Austenite since my only experience of her stories has been a retelling of Persuasion and two movie/miniseries adaptations of Emma. Even so, I was excited to give this version by one of my favorite authors a try since I knew she would do a smashing job. ;)
It was aaaaammmmaaaazzzzing!!!! With just enough of the original (“Men of sense do ...more

Having only skimmed through Jane Austen's "Emma", and having seen only the shorter movie, I really wasn't sure what to expect from a re-telling.
Well, it was wonderful! I loved every minute of it. At times Emmeline would get exasperating, but her Knight was always there to talk some sense into her. ;)
Speaking of Mr. Knight, I LOVED Fredrick! He was hands down my favorite character. His banter with Emmeline was priceless, yet, I really enjoyed how he was serious and thoughtful, too.
Sometimes I ...more
Well, it was wonderful! I loved every minute of it. At times Emmeline would get exasperating, but her Knight was always there to talk some sense into her. ;)
Speaking of Mr. Knight, I LOVED Fredrick! He was hands down my favorite character. His banter with Emmeline was priceless, yet, I really enjoyed how he was serious and thoughtful, too.
Sometimes I ...more

I beta-read this book awhile back, and I'm so delighted that it's released to the world now! Seriously, if you like Jane Austen or the book Emma (or films!) at all, you're going to want to try this one out! :)
Emmeline is a retelling of Jane Austen's Emma, set in the 1930s during the Great Depression. This book is the first of a series of such retellings, The Vintage Jane Austen.
Now, as a disclaimer, I'd like to say that I don't read a lot of historical fiction, that I've never (to my knowledge) ...more
Emmeline is a retelling of Jane Austen's Emma, set in the 1930s during the Great Depression. This book is the first of a series of such retellings, The Vintage Jane Austen.
Now, as a disclaimer, I'd like to say that I don't read a lot of historical fiction, that I've never (to my knowledge) ...more

The characters are based on Jane Austen's Emma, which was so much fun. It was exciting and challenging to be working with other authors on the Vintage Jane Austen.
This story was a delight to write, but also reminded me of the cost pride can have. Yet God is always with us, no matter how flawed we are.
This book is dedicated to Hannah, who inspired the whole project and designed the cover. ...more
This story was a delight to write, but also reminded me of the cost pride can have. Yet God is always with us, no matter how flawed we are.
This book is dedicated to Hannah, who inspired the whole project and designed the cover. ...more

3.5 stars.
Emmaline, a retelling of Jane Austen's Emma, was an enjoyable story—interesting, and ultimately so sweet.
The first book to release in a series of Jane Austen inspired fiction set during the vintage era, Emmaline takes us back to the 1930s and the Great Depression while also providing all the memorable moments from the classic Emma.
Emmaline Wellington is busy trying to find a wealthy match for the sweet, German girl she’s become acquainted with. But she also never misses a chance to spa ...more
Emmaline, a retelling of Jane Austen's Emma, was an enjoyable story—interesting, and ultimately so sweet.
The first book to release in a series of Jane Austen inspired fiction set during the vintage era, Emmaline takes us back to the 1930s and the Great Depression while also providing all the memorable moments from the classic Emma.
Emmaline Wellington is busy trying to find a wealthy match for the sweet, German girl she’s become acquainted with. But she also never misses a chance to spa ...more

3.5 stars
This was one of those books that, when I put it down, I looked forward to when I could pick it up again. I'll confess, I have not read Emma, but the movies are my favorite of Austen's stories. So I was intrigued to read a retelling.
Part of me loved this. However, part of me likes a little more originality. Some portions of the book were almost identical to movie quotes. Part of me loved the free flow of the story, full of conversation. It is the absolute perfect book to read when I just ...more
This was one of those books that, when I put it down, I looked forward to when I could pick it up again. I'll confess, I have not read Emma, but the movies are my favorite of Austen's stories. So I was intrigued to read a retelling.
Part of me loved this. However, part of me likes a little more originality. Some portions of the book were almost identical to movie quotes. Part of me loved the free flow of the story, full of conversation. It is the absolute perfect book to read when I just ...more

Having never read a book by Jane Austin (though I have seen three movies which I'm sure are different than the books) I was intrigued at the thought of one of Jane Austin's stories taking place in America at the beginning of the 1930's. Not quite sure what to expect, as I couldn't remember what happened in "Emma," I began reading. Some of the characters drove me crazy! But I think they were supposed to do that. Others I liked and wanted to step into the story and help. And Emmeline . . . Oh, Emm
...more

"The heart is a strange thing," Evelyn said, staring off into space. "It can be broken easily and takes a long time to mend, yet it can also withstand so much."
"Hearts are harder to mend than shattered glass" - Page 167 Chapter 31
This idea of a Jane Austen retelling collection is brilliant, and so when the chance to read/review "Emmeline" (Sarah Holman's retelling) came up, I jumped! Back when Miss Holman opened up the writing contest for this collection I had planned on entering myself, and had ...more
"Hearts are harder to mend than shattered glass" - Page 167 Chapter 31
This idea of a Jane Austen retelling collection is brilliant, and so when the chance to read/review "Emmeline" (Sarah Holman's retelling) came up, I jumped! Back when Miss Holman opened up the writing contest for this collection I had planned on entering myself, and had ...more

Warning: the following review may contain spoilers.
Emma is one of my favorite Jane Austen books, so I was thrilled to be able to read this re-telling in exchange for an honest review. I knew from the moment I set eyes on the cover I would love it. And I did!
There are so many similarities with the original book, but at the same time it’s not completely identical, although at times I felt that Emmeline was based more on the 2009 film adaption of Emma rather than the actual book. But I loved it all ...more
Emma is one of my favorite Jane Austen books, so I was thrilled to be able to read this re-telling in exchange for an honest review. I knew from the moment I set eyes on the cover I would love it. And I did!
There are so many similarities with the original book, but at the same time it’s not completely identical, although at times I felt that Emmeline was based more on the 2009 film adaption of Emma rather than the actual book. But I loved it all ...more

Wow, what a story! There were many things I enjoyed about it. I thought that the similarity was close to Jane Austen's Emma, but not too close.
First, the characters. Emmeline was lovable, and she had faults, but not too many faults. Fredrick was the most sensible, lovable, and honorable man in this little book. Morgan and Jack were perfectly despicable, but I wasn't sure why Morgan got to be so antagonistic. I felt there wasn't enough backstory to explain it. I also was beginning to like Evely ...more
First, the characters. Emmeline was lovable, and she had faults, but not too many faults. Fredrick was the most sensible, lovable, and honorable man in this little book. Morgan and Jack were perfectly despicable, but I wasn't sure why Morgan got to be so antagonistic. I felt there wasn't enough backstory to explain it. I also was beginning to like Evely ...more

I highly enjoyed this remarkable retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma. Ms. Holman did a wonderful job of transferring the story to 1930 America, when the differences between social classes still mattered so much. The Great Depression setting added a special tension to the story that’s not in the original, but combined with the original’s entertaining, character-driven plot to create an un-put-down-able novel. The cast were delightful; Ms. Holman’s appreciation for Jane Austen’s characters really shin
...more

I was somewhat skeptical of how good this book would be. It’s based on a well-renowned classic, after all, and everyone knows that abridgments or any other similar tinkering with the original goodie normally doesn’t turn out that well. This book, however, was very impressive and very enjoyable! I loved the story, the characters, and the setting.
Emmeline, the heroine, is sure she’s found the perfect girl for the local banker’s son Jack. When her good friend Fredrick cautions her about how her pla ...more
Emmeline, the heroine, is sure she’s found the perfect girl for the local banker’s son Jack. When her good friend Fredrick cautions her about how her pla ...more

Full review on my blog: https://novelsdragonsandwardrobedoors...
Thank you so much to Stellae Books for letting me read this sweet story! Definitely check them out if you read indie books! https://stellaebooks.wordpress.com/
Emma is one of my favorite Jane Austen stories. Granted, I've only really experienced two of them, Emma and P&P... and I still haven't read the book... but still! I really enjoy the misadventures of Emma Woodhouse, or in this case, Emmeline Wellington. The romance between her ...more
Thank you so much to Stellae Books for letting me read this sweet story! Definitely check them out if you read indie books! https://stellaebooks.wordpress.com/
Emma is one of my favorite Jane Austen stories. Granted, I've only really experienced two of them, Emma and P&P... and I still haven't read the book... but still! I really enjoy the misadventures of Emma Woodhouse, or in this case, Emmeline Wellington. The romance between her ...more

Simply delightful. From the setting to the characters, you get an immediate feel of "Emma." I applaud the author for tackling such a task of re-telling the Emma story. While I do prefer the real Emma better, I liked this one as it was quicker to read and less wordy :)
Sometimes I found Emmeline to be just a little dramatic and that kept me from truly liking her as much, although her character does line up well with Emma. But Frederick Knight (aka. George Knightly) was superb. Morgan's character w ...more
Sometimes I found Emmeline to be just a little dramatic and that kept me from truly liking her as much, although her character does line up well with Emma. But Frederick Knight (aka. George Knightly) was superb. Morgan's character w ...more

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I have long been a big Jane Austen and have read nearly all of her novels at this point, but I wasn't sure if I'd like a retelling of one of her books. Well, I'm glad to say that I did. This retelling is set in America in 1930, during the Great Depression. This is a very different setting than Regency Era England, and yet it works. It works r ...more
I have long been a big Jane Austen and have read nearly all of her novels at this point, but I wasn't sure if I'd like a retelling of one of her books. Well, I'm glad to say that I did. This retelling is set in America in 1930, during the Great Depression. This is a very different setting than Regency Era England, and yet it works. It works r ...more

Emmeline was a delightful read. I haven't read Emma, though I am interested in reading it- even though I suspect I may be able to figure out Emma's plot quickly now that I've read Emmeline. I do admit that I may have enjoyed Emmeline even more had I read the story it was based on first, but that isn't necessary to enjoy this book.
The writing and characters seemed a bit simplistic. Perhaps some of this was intentional - at least Jane Austen is known for stereotyping and simplifying characters to ...more
The writing and characters seemed a bit simplistic. Perhaps some of this was intentional - at least Jane Austen is known for stereotyping and simplifying characters to ...more

Originally Posted on Reveries Reviews
I am a hard-core Austenite. However, as always with Jane Austen retellings, I forced myself to get into the mind-set of Emmeline being its own book before reading it. Otherwise, I'd be continually comparing the author to Austen, which just isn't fair.
With this one, though ... I let myself get a wee bit disappointed with the way the characters were portrayed. I put this book aside for a while and forced myself to look at it as not a retelling of my precious Em ...more
I am a hard-core Austenite. However, as always with Jane Austen retellings, I forced myself to get into the mind-set of Emmeline being its own book before reading it. Otherwise, I'd be continually comparing the author to Austen, which just isn't fair.
With this one, though ... I let myself get a wee bit disappointed with the way the characters were portrayed. I put this book aside for a while and forced myself to look at it as not a retelling of my precious Em ...more

Rating: 4 stars
This book. I really liked it! It wasn't necessarily something I would read over and over again, but I still really enjoyed it! The characters were quite good and well rounded. My favorite was definitely Frederick. I could really relate a lot to him. Emmeline was also a very good character; I loved her desire to please and honor her father, and I also loved the way she took care of him.
The writing was quite good; very few flaws in grammar, punctuation or formatting. Overall, quite ...more
This book. I really liked it! It wasn't necessarily something I would read over and over again, but I still really enjoyed it! The characters were quite good and well rounded. My favorite was definitely Frederick. I could really relate a lot to him. Emmeline was also a very good character; I loved her desire to please and honor her father, and I also loved the way she took care of him.
The writing was quite good; very few flaws in grammar, punctuation or formatting. Overall, quite ...more

This was a very, very well done retelling! It kept all the essential parts that made it Emma, but it was absolutely its own story, too. The setting wasn't just a new backdrop thrown over the old set; it was woven into the plot and the characters in a way that made it really integral to the story. The plot took most of the expected turns but several unexpected ones also, and the new and old plot points were integrated so well that it would have been hard to separate them. And while the characters
...more

I relistened to this because someone made a reference to a conversation and I had to read my own book to find out exactly what they were talking about. Grace's voice is still amazing.
...more

4.5 stars. A charming retelling of Jane Austen's Emma.
Not having read the original but knowing the general storyline, I could really appreciate the author's adaptation of the plot to the 1930s setting. I enjoyed the way she took the moral lessons of Emma and made them naturally clearer, bringing them back to the true source of all morals without that feeling contrived. The characters were great and their interactions well done.
(Spoiler) The story of Emma without dancing? I couldn't have imagined ...more
Not having read the original but knowing the general storyline, I could really appreciate the author's adaptation of the plot to the 1930s setting. I enjoyed the way she took the moral lessons of Emma and made them naturally clearer, bringing them back to the true source of all morals without that feeling contrived. The characters were great and their interactions well done.
(Spoiler) The story of Emma without dancing? I couldn't have imagined ...more

In the year 1930, Emmeline Wellington knows of the rumors of the Great Depression, yet she refuses to believe that it is actually happening. The daughter of a car dealership owner, money has never been an issue in her life. She leads a comfortable life in high society. When she meets a young German woman named Catarina, whom works at the canning factory owned by Emmeline’s neighbor Mr. Knight, Emmeline sets out to help the young woman adapt to life in high society. Through lessons on speech and
...more

Aug 03, 2018
Faith
added it
Title: Emmeline
Written By: Sarah Holman
Narrated by: J. Grace Pennington
Genre: Vintage Christian Fiction
Recommended Ages: Any
Introduction:
Though Emma isn't my absolute favorite Jane Austen book, it is one of them and I was excited to listen to this retelling.
Characters: 1/1
The characters were great! I loved how each of them was similar to Jane Austen's, but still had some differences. I loved how Sarah wrote them and then J. Grace did an excellent job with reading them.
Dialogue: 1/1
The dialogue f ...more
Written By: Sarah Holman
Narrated by: J. Grace Pennington
Genre: Vintage Christian Fiction
Recommended Ages: Any
Introduction:
Though Emma isn't my absolute favorite Jane Austen book, it is one of them and I was excited to listen to this retelling.
Characters: 1/1
The characters were great! I loved how each of them was similar to Jane Austen's, but still had some differences. I loved how Sarah wrote them and then J. Grace did an excellent job with reading them.
Dialogue: 1/1
The dialogue f ...more

'Emmeline' is a retelling of Jane Austen's, 'Emma' set in the Great Depression. I've never read Emma but I saw the movie starring Kate Beckinsale recently so I knew the story.
Sarah Holman did well retelling this story in a different time period and adding a Christian message to it. I enjoyed this story even more than I enjoyed the 'Emma' movie. I've read a few other Sarah Holman books and I think this is the best one so far. It was written beautifully, had a great message and it was entertainin ...more
Sarah Holman did well retelling this story in a different time period and adding a Christian message to it. I enjoyed this story even more than I enjoyed the 'Emma' movie. I've read a few other Sarah Holman books and I think this is the best one so far. It was written beautifully, had a great message and it was entertainin ...more

This was a delightful story by Sarah Holman. I haven't read Emma, but I've enjoyed the "Emma" movie series and it's one of my favorites of the Jane Austen movies I've seen. I thought it was a very interesting idea of this author to write a vintage "Emma".
What I Liked: One of the things I was looking forward to in this book was the solid Christian message. This author has always done an excellent job of getting her message across to her readers. I really liked how she dealt with the sin of gossip ...more
What I Liked: One of the things I was looking forward to in this book was the solid Christian message. This author has always done an excellent job of getting her message across to her readers. I really liked how she dealt with the sin of gossip ...more

I loved this book!
Emma is my favorite Jane Austen novel and I was a little nervous as to whether Sarah Holman could pull off a retelling of the book...set in the 1930's, no less! But Emmeline did what every good retelling should do - pay homage to the original while still being its own story and make you want to revisit the original. I was gripped from almost the first page and I read the entire book in one sitting.
Important plot elements from Emma translated surprisingly well into the 1930's. I ...more
Emma is my favorite Jane Austen novel and I was a little nervous as to whether Sarah Holman could pull off a retelling of the book...set in the 1930's, no less! But Emmeline did what every good retelling should do - pay homage to the original while still being its own story and make you want to revisit the original. I was gripped from almost the first page and I read the entire book in one sitting.
Important plot elements from Emma translated surprisingly well into the 1930's. I ...more

First of all - I wanted to say I love how intentional the author was to weave Christianity into the fabric of this story.
So many times I am disappointed when "Faith-Based" fiction fails to be just that.
This book most definitely did not disappoint in that aspect, so Sarah Holman, I applaud you for that.
Overall, it was a good read and I really enjoyed it. For the most part, the characters were well-written and the storyline engaging.
There were a few moments where the story was a tad hard to engage ...more
So many times I am disappointed when "Faith-Based" fiction fails to be just that.
This book most definitely did not disappoint in that aspect, so Sarah Holman, I applaud you for that.
Overall, it was a good read and I really enjoyed it. For the most part, the characters were well-written and the storyline engaging.
There were a few moments where the story was a tad hard to engage ...more

"Emmeline" is a great historical twist on a Jane Austen classic, and is well-written. It certainly kept my interest piquéd from the first page to the last!
I'm actually not even an Austen reader (yet!), but this book is certainly nudging me to start reading some of her books. (Like, right now.) Similar to how fairy tale retellings are all the craze right now, this series is something new. It's a retelling of classic literature, set in a different time period than the original, and with some of th ...more
I'm actually not even an Austen reader (yet!), but this book is certainly nudging me to start reading some of her books. (Like, right now.) Similar to how fairy tale retellings are all the craze right now, this series is something new. It's a retelling of classic literature, set in a different time period than the original, and with some of th ...more

Genre: Vintage Fiction
Rating: 5 Stars
Recommendation: Anyone.
Emmeline is one of the few Vintage Fiction books that I have follow read; I don't normally like that time era.
Emmeline is one of my favorite Jane Austen remakes. I have not read Emma through I do have it on my Kindle and will try to read it soon.
My favorite character is Frederick Knight who is a real knight, he is loyal, faithful to God in his actions, and does not follow the majority when they are making fun of others. Showing his true ...more
Rating: 5 Stars
Recommendation: Anyone.
Emmeline is one of the few Vintage Fiction books that I have follow read; I don't normally like that time era.
Emmeline is one of my favorite Jane Austen remakes. I have not read Emma through I do have it on my Kindle and will try to read it soon.
My favorite character is Frederick Knight who is a real knight, he is loyal, faithful to God in his actions, and does not follow the majority when they are making fun of others. Showing his true ...more

** I am reviewing the audio version of this book**
I really enjoyed this story.
It has been a long time since I’ve read the original Emma. From what I can remember though, this was true to the story. It was also original and very charming.
It was wonderful to watch Emmeline learn and grow in her faith and as a person. Even though at times I wanted to shake her.
Frederick was also a great illustration of unconditional love.
The Narration was wonderful. The Narrator’s voice was perfect for Emmeline, bu ...more
I really enjoyed this story.
It has been a long time since I’ve read the original Emma. From what I can remember though, this was true to the story. It was also original and very charming.
It was wonderful to watch Emmeline learn and grow in her faith and as a person. Even though at times I wanted to shake her.
Frederick was also a great illustration of unconditional love.
The Narration was wonderful. The Narrator’s voice was perfect for Emmeline, bu ...more
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Sarah Holman lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, Scott. When not working on her next novel, she can usually be found hanging out with her family, reading, or hiking at state parks with her husband. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it’s because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined. You can find out more about her at her website, www.the
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“After all, she understood people so well, as well as Fredrick understood his library.”
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“The heart is a strange thing," Evelyn said, staring off into space. "It can be broken easily and takes a long time to mend, yet it can also withstand so much.”
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