The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, vol. 2: 'Bridget Jones meets every classic novel you've

'I hoovered up these books in a matter of days. I am obsessed' JENNIE GODFREY, author of The List of Suspicious Things

'Bridget Jones meets every classic novel you've ever loved ... This is like finding an unearthed Jane Austen book you never knew about' STYLIST

'I was sitting at my desk reading, with a cup of tea, my windows flung open, when I heard The Tenant enter his garret, just on the other side of the wall from myself.'

The year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighbourhood of St. Crispian's. But Emma's plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian's.

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

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 Salt Lake City with my wonderful chemist husband, and books in every room of the house.

The uniqueness makes it fresh and utterly charming. Emma is a sprightly, winning and witty protagonist who you root for from the off as she spars with Archibald and Matilde, the loathsome cousins she is forced to move in with. There are thrilling scrapes, escapades and mysteries to solve, but for all the fun and fizz there is a weight, too ― BOOKSELLER

I hoovered up these books in a matter of days. I am obsessed -- JENNIE GODFREY, author of The List of Suspicious Things

Satisfied my craving for a relatable heroine after enjoying the TV adaptation of The Other Bennet Sister ― RED MAGAZINE

Bridget Jones meets every classic novel you've ever loved ...With a feisty heroine navigating society on her own terms, this is like finding an unearthed Jane Austen book you never knew about ― STYLIST

Fresh, cheerful and fizzing with fun ― DAILY MAIL

Each new diary-day brings delights, grief, vengeance, odd social interactions - with a hot vicar, the shadowy neighbour, her vile cousin and outrageous friends ― SAINSBURY'S MAGAZINE

Loved the BBC's The Other Bennet Sister? May we introduce Emma M Lion, a period heroine with gumption ― GRAZIA

Emma might share the sunny wonder of Anne Shirley, but her wit and modernity are pure Elizabeth Bennett ... Brower plots the books like a long-running television show ... Think Gilmore Girls in Victorian England ― NEW YORK TIMES

If Austen and Bronte had a baby with Bridget Jones, she'd be Emma M. Lion. Super charming, super moreish, super short - ~150 pages each - this series has garnered a mega following for a reason ― MAMAMIA

Written with the lightest of touches and keen wit ― NEW ZEALAND LISTENER

A delightfully witty and charming historical novel, this story sparkles with memorable characters and an irresistibly quirky heroine. Emma's sharp observations and self-deprecating journal entries make every page entertaining, while the eccentric residents of St Crispian's add warmth and whimsy. Fans of Sybil from The Correspondent will be thrilled to spend time in this wonderfully imagined world. A laugh-out-loud read with plenty of heart ― WOMAN'S OWN

Every now and then, a novel comes along and is completely addictive ... I found myself becoming more than a little obsessed with Emma M. Lion and her small but quirky world ... Lovely, escapist fiction that will appeal to young and old ― NEW ZEALAND WOMEN'S WEEKLY