Sucked into a Series
First, I enjoy writing series. Most of my series have had three books in them. My shortest series has two books in it, and my longest series (and most recent) has six books in it. It should be noted that all of my series books stand alone. You don’t need to read book 1 in order to enjoy book 4.
Now a confession: When I started hearing about The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (there are 8 volumes so far, and I’ve read that the author plans 24 or 25 total!), I was totally resistant. There are so many great books out there. Did I want to begin a series with so many books already and so many more to come?
My resistance increased when several volumes became my book club’s reading choice. Thus, when I began listening to the Volume 1 audiobook, I was prepared to say, “Not for me. I’ll skip the rest.”
Ha! I was completely sucked into Emma M. Lion’s journal entries (setting: 1880s London). Like thousands and thousands of other readers, I’m totally invested in this story world. Each book so far has left me wanting more, while satisfied at the same time. Emma is witty and funny and determined and charming. And sometimes just a little bit crazy.
Will I live long enough to find out if Emma finds love with Young Hawkes (the vicar) or the Duke of Islington or perhaps Pierce, the brooding tenant/photographer? I hope I will. [Please note: I have not begun rooting for one of these particular men yet; so far I really like them all.]
Is it possible that I will lose interest when I have to wait for another entry? Could be, although it would surprise me. However, I never completed the Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery series (17 books) despite enjoying the first several books. That’s just one instance from long ago.
Can an author actually do a slow burn romance over 20 or more volumes? It will be impressive if she can.
So I’ve got a few questions for you (answer any or all):
- Have you read any or all of The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion?
- What’s the longest series you’ve ever finished reading?
- What’s your favorite series (no matter how short or long)?
~robin
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Emma M. Lion is becoming epically popular!!! She is showing up everywhere!! My daughter introduced me to her and I LOVE her and her friends!! There is something so heartwarming in their friendship! I have read all eight volumes and am eagerly awaiting v. 9 in February. Notice all the exclamation points, hahaha.
Traci, I am loving the series, Emma, her friends, even her enemies. I listen to the audiobooks, and the narrator is fabulous. She is SO Emma. And when she voices Agnes, I can see that Irish maid so clearly. I’ll join you in the exclamation points!! But will I live long enough to listen to them all? I sure hope so!!
Oh! I just read that you enjoyed Trixie Belden!! I did, too but I did not know that there were so many in the series. Maybe I’ll look for the rest.
I haven’t yet started this series, Robin, but I bought V 1-5 the other day when alerted to the audio sale on a writers loop. I’ve heard so much about these books, and the sample I heard of the narrator was wonderful. So…CLICK…purchased! I, too, am a series lover. 🤍
I’d already bought all eight of the series before that sale came out. Bummer! But I won’t complain as I am loving the books so much.
Oh, yes. I am currently reading Volume 6 of the EML series. It is delightful even with Archibald and Eugenia. Don’t you just want to pinch them? 😉
I am keeping up with Alexander McCall Smith’s No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Book 27 just released.
I just purchased The British Are Coming audiobooks yesterday. I am looking forward to some good listening!! 🥰
Oh, I hope you will love The British Are Coming series. I love the narrator of these books. Thanks. And yes, I would love to pinch anyone who is unkind to Emma M. Lion!!
Mary Daheim’s Alpine Advocate series lasted 28 volumes (ending with the passing of the author), and held my attention the entire way!
Thanks for the recommendation. I will check out the series.
I just started the first Emma Lion journal and am enjoying it. I think probably the longest series I’ve read was Jerry Jenkin’s and Tim LaHaye’s Left Behind series. Or maybe Jan Karon’s Mitford series–probably the most beloved series I’ve read.
Gilbert Morris had a long series American historical fiction series, and Karen Kingsbury the Baxter family series. But somehow I got off track with each of them and never got back on.
I think three is a good number for a series. Longer ones can be fun, but they are also a little daunting.
I do appreciate when authors clearly designate what books are in a series and what number the book is in the series. I’ve seen some where they have three sets of three books each that are their own series but also part of an overarching series. That gets confusing.
Barbara, I’d forgotten the Left Behind series. That was a long one. And I adored the Mitford series.
I am in the middle of more than one series ☺️. Just finished Anna Lee Huber’s series ‘Verity Kent’ and in the middle of her Lady Darby series. Also in the middle of Alyssa Maxwell’s Gilded Newport Mysteries. Patiently waiting for #10 in the Wrexford & Sloane series by Andrea Penrose. To name just a few! I have not yet read any of the Emma M Lion books but the first one is on my hold list at the library. Robin’s latest series is sitting in my kindle patiently waiting for me to read! So many books and so little time!
Yvonne, I hope you’ll enjoy The British Are Coming series. It is obvious from your comment that you love series and are patient as the next books come out. Enjoy the journals of Emma. They are delightful.
Emma M Lion is a great series. Delightful characters. Books you have a hard time putting down once you start. I’m excited to hear more books are coming. My favorite series is The Mitford series by Jan Karon. I’ve read it and listened to it several times. Her characters feel like family.
I loved the Mitford series too. When I tried to read the first book, I didn’t finish it. I think it was a “mood thing.” The next time, I listened to the audiobook, and I was absolutely sucked into that series too.
I had resisted–because everyone was reading it. But a couple of weeks ago I read vol. 1. When I finished it, I immediately bought v. 2. (About to start it!) And then when the audiobooks went on sale on Chrip, I bought v. 3-5! I guess I’m in!
LOL, D’Ann. I resisted too. But a little nibble was all it took for me.
I’m in the middle of Vol. 3 of the journals. Reading print and loving them, though it took a bit to get into the first one.
The longest series I think I’ve read is Jan Karon’s Mitford novels. I think there’s one I haven’t read yet, but all the rest (maybe 9 or 10?) I’ve read and loved.
AND I’ve read and loved every one of your new series and loved each one! Big congrats on each of the awards they’ve finaled for or won! SO well-deserved!
Thanks, Deb. I’m sure I would enjoy these books in print, but I confess that the audiobook narrator really brings Emma’s stories to life. And I loved the Mitford series.
I just finished the 7th volume of Emma M. Lion and I love the series so much! I will read about Emma and the whole band for as long as Beth Brower decides to tell her story.
When I was younger I read the whole Mandie series by Lois Gladys Leppard and there are 40 books in the series.
It’s hard to pick a favorite series, but 2 of my favorites are the Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series by Laurie R King, I’ve read (and reread) all books that are currently published, book 19 came out last year. I also love the Lady Hardcastle series by T. E. Kinsey, I’ve read (and reread) all books that are currently published, book 13 came out earlier this year.
I just love that you even re-read the long series, Katie. And I hadn’t even thought about the series of books I read as a girl. I was a Trixie Belden fan. There were 39 of them. Did I read them all? I suspect I did.