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The journal entries in this volume of Emma M. Lion’s continuing witty and wry observations of life in her corner of London span all of September and October, picking right up from Volume 3. She is really making friends now with Pierce, the Tenant; the Duke of Islington; and even the unusual young vicar, Hawkes. It’s really a joy to see them becoming a friend group.
Emma has to perform one of the favors she owes to the rascal Jack, and that turns out to be quite an adventure indeed. She has zero interest in having to do what she’s asked, but she owes the favor and that’s that. And I simply can’t spoil it if you haven’t read it yet.
Emma makes another new friend in the form of her banker’s wife, and of course while the lady is kind and thoughtful, she has one very unusual quirk. Even so, Emma is building out quite a community of supporters, and it’s all lovely.
The most impactful part of this book comes at the end, when Emma must face the burial back in England of Maxwell, the young man she had hoped to marry but who was killed in war. The whole story arc is really sweet and poignant and handled so deftly. Brower has a skill for humor and quirkiness, of course, but she uses her light hand so skillfully to explore Emma’s emotions at this time of grief. Brava to Brower.
Rated: Mild. Profanity includes occasional mild language and several uses of British (bl-) profanity.
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