The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower

 

Title: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion

Author: Beth Brower

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: "The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighborhood 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. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House." -Back Cover

My Thoughts

This cute little novella was given to me as a gift for Christmas. Emma's journal contains honest and charming descriptions of her life and the people in it. Many plotlines are started in this book, which leaves the reader curious and wanting more! Unfortunately, almost none of them are resolved at the end of volume one, creating a necessity to continue further into the series to find out what happens next. Having a book reach its climax at the very end without resolution is not my favorite style, but I'd like to read the next volume to see if that is the style of the entire series.

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The Roaring Days of Zora Lily by Noelle Salazar

 Title: The Roaring Days of Zora Lily

Author: Noelle Salazar

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: "2023, The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History: A costume conservator is preparing an exhibition featuring movie costumes from the 1920s to present day. As she gingerly places a gown once worn by Greta Garbo on a mannequin, she discovers another name hidden beneath the designer's label, leaving her to wonder—who is Zora Lily?

1924, Seattle: Poverty-stricken Zora Hough spends her days looking after her younger siblings while sewing up holes and fixing hems for clients to bring in extra money, working her fingers to the bone just to survive. But at night, as she lies in the bed she shares with one of her three sisters, she secretly dreams of becoming a designer like Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin.

When her best friend gets a job dancing in a club downtown, Zora is lured in by her stories of music, glittering dresses and boys. She follows her friend to the underground speakeasies that are at once exciting and frightening—with smoke hanging in the air, alcohol flowing despite Prohibition, couples dancing in a way that makes Zora blush and a handsome businessman named Harley. It’s a world she has only ever imagined, and one with connections that could lead her to the life she's always dreamed of. But as Zora's ambition is challenged by tragedy and duty to her family, she'll learn that dreams come with a cost."

 -Back Cover

My Thoughts

Reading this novel, which I received as a Christmas gift, was so fun! It encompassed Zora's life without ever feeling slow or boring. Zora's friendships and familial relationships are relatable and realistic. She follows the societal expectations of the period while still pushing the boundaries of what women of the time could accomplish. While the events of the story may be exciting and dramatic, they're tempered enough to give a natural and believable feel. 

I struggled at first with how the brief introduction in 2023 would fit in with the rest of the story. It doesn't come back into play until the very end, but it provided a beautiful full-circle ending that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Comment below if you have read this book or have suggestions for others like it!

To buy this book from Amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from the author, visit the website linked above