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

I truly don't know how to wait for the next book. At first I thought this one was Hawke's book alone, the May Day Fair and his boxing match, his unbridled enthusiasm for Stonecrop, etc. but each person had their time to shine. We learn about Piece's mysterious and heartbreaking childhood. We see Islington relax into his true self in his home, cello and all! We also get a glimpse at his past as we meet both of his sisters and learn about him through an intriguing portrait. Even Emma finds her wildest self in that magical place. There wasn't a second in this book that I didn't love.

“Forgive yourself for having let yourself down, even while you were holding others up.”

As someone who can tend to be a bit wary of trends, I was curious when I first heard about Emma M. Lion, but it took a while before I picked up the first one. After that, I was hooked, and I ended up listening to all eight volumes this year.

There’s so much to love in this story. The vibrant characters, the whimsical setting, Emma’s love of all things books and people and beauty, the very present humor (usually self-deprecating), the romance, the secrets…and somehow, even though each book is set (more or less) at the same place, with the same people, it always feels fresh and new and interesting.

One thing I noticed with this story—more than with some of the previous books in the series—is how much it felt like I was watching a show more period drama as I read. Except, this was even better, because we got all of Emma’s internal thoughts as well as all the action happening on the page.

And yes, some of this book left me with more questions than answers, but I loved getting to see deeper layers of several characters’ pasts! Things are revealed slowly, but they are revealed, and I love that.

I’m grieving not being able to continue with volume nine right away, even though I know the wait will be worth it. Emma is a true friend, a “kindred spirit” in Anne-speak, and I’m delighted to have been able to read her stories. show less

review for the whole published series: (5/5)

Emma M. Lion was a surprise to be sure, and one that I am ever so thankful for.

From witty and ridiculous shenanigans, to swoon-worthy romantic tension, to gripping mysteries and cleverly hidden (and even more cleverly found, if I do say so myself) Easter eggs. Emma M. Lion will have you laughing and crying and plotting by turns, all the while staring at the unopened journal on your shelf, just waiting for you to find it wit and whimsy in your own life.

I have ranted and rallied over this series and its magnificent characters and their relationships. While this series is long, it is easy to get through, and certainly worthy of your time. If you read it, I think, you will find that eight books show more can be far from enough when written as flawlessly as these.

Congrats, The Magnificent Beth Brower, you have made it to my List of The Best Series of All Time. show less

May Day brings adventure for Emma M. Lion and her friends, Niall Pierce, the Duke of Islington, and the vicar Young Hawkes. Emma discovers that Hawkes has a talent for boxing, which he seems embarrassed about. And all four look forward to June, where they can go to Islington's home of Stonecrop and rest from the demands of London.

The 8th volume of Emma's adventures continues unraveling the mysteries of her friends, as we get more of Niall and Islington's back stories. While there is still humor and laugh-out-loud situations, this one delves more deeply into some serious issues. Emma learns more about each of her friends, and needs to decide how she's going to handle these confidences. This may be my favorite so far, and I'm sad I have show more to wait now for the 9th volume to come out. show less

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.25/5 Stars

I fell in love with these characters while reading these books and want all 20 volumes now! I didn’t love the first book, but by the second I was totally hooked on Emma’s hijinks and all of the characters of St. Crispian's. Such a great, comforting read.

The saga continues with a very busy spring at Lapis Lazuli house and ends with the trip to Stonecrop. The bonds between Emma, Pierce, Hawk, and the Duke of Islington remain strong. But Emma begins to see the issues with Pierce's drinking. Also the mystery of Pierce's history is revealed when the group inadvertantly visit his childhood home while at Stonecrop.

Mysteries solved. Nature explored. Freedom felt. Eavesdropping exceeded. I barely remember what happened in May because Emma's trip to Stonecrop in June was filled with answers. This series is a perfect escape and I hope I remember to read the next one (historically, I forget to continue a series if there's a long gap).