The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion

I’ve got a lovely series of eight books to recommend to you, written as journal entries by the plucky young heroine, Emma M. Lion who is not quite of age, moving into the house she inherited, dodging her horrible elderly cousin Archibald, being at the whims of a demanding aunt, acquiring books, and making friends, all with boldness and humor.

The series takes place in the late 1800’s in St. Crispians, London which has its own set of peculiarities, such as items that disappear and show up in other households, as well as an elusive neighbourhood ghost.

Beth Brower’s writing is full of wit and banter and the story moves at a reasonable clip. I think each book improves on the last one. Emma is a favourite character of mine, so I am glad there will be further books in the series.