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“It all began very innocently. Truly.”

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, which comprise a series of novella-length volumes. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.

Just wrapped up book #4. I have mixed emotions about this series thus far. While Emma’s wit is motivating, and her back-and-forths with her aunt are hysterical, I’m still struggling to adjust my expectations of the books. While the slice-of-life, day-to-day accounts of her life are entertaining, I miss other points of view. I miss the intimacy of experiencing life with the characters. But I do very much enjoy Emma’s cheekiness.

I’m also not entirely sure how I feel about Emma. In some ways she’s a saint (letting her cousin stay with her), but she’s also very immature and self-centered. I want to root for her, but there’s not much to root for–her one goal is to keep her house, and she’s not really doing anything about it.

This is an odd series, but it’s easy to read and the quick remarks are enjoyable. At this point, I’m more curious than engaged, but I’ll keep reading.

Rated PG.

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To see my thoughts on volume three, click here.