The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion - Volume 5 - by Beth Brower

 Oh, my, the fun continues!

I was really trying hard to stay focused on my lesson prep (Genesis) for Gospel Doctrine, AND I was excited to read this when it finally got to me from the library. Thank Heaven, I was able to discipline myself, prepare a really different kind of Gospel Doctrine Lesson (two little plays portraying Sarah, Jehovah, and Abraham) AND enjoy this book, but not overly so. It was delightful this afternoon to have my lesson go well, and to be able to enjoy the sweet Christmas and New Year's ending of this book.

In this volume, Emma attempts to track the Roman's movements by culling sightings from the citizens of the neighborhood. She begins to recover from Maxwell's burial, and there are some especially poignant thoughts about grieving. Especially at the end, when Hawkes invites her to confession and she tells him about the beginnings of her recovery. 

Another riveting scene is when Jack calls in his favor and takes Emma to see his dying mother. It's an almost violent scene and heart-breaking. But Emma endures it well, and becomes a confidante to Jack at the end. 

There are sweet moments with Agnes and Parian and Pierce, but he's definitely drinking to excess these days, and Emma notices. Will she become his rescue as he was for her? And there's a deepening entertaining relationship between Emma and Islington which is pure delightful banter. So good!

The Q by Beth Brower

 I am so entranced by Brower's series (The Unsolicited Journals of Emma M. Lion), and yet have to wait so long to get them from the library, I decided to try one of her other books. This one also has rave reviews on Amazon; it wasn't expensive, and I could get it in a few days. DONE! I took a chance and bought it.

Whoa, it's SOOOOOO good! I love it so much. Brower does an amazing job of hitting me in the gut in such a good way. Her characters are so interesting and so human AND so altruistic and highly principled...not all, but there are such beautiful moments of high and holy thinking. Wow. 

Quincy, as a main character, is interesting to watch. She seems autistic, even, but her social retardation may just be the result of being a foundling. She develops slowly and believably across the arc of the story. Her solicitor, Arch, is an amazingly supportive friend, and his father's kindness to Quincy brought me to tears more than once. Such sensitivity! It's remarkable how Brower captures this.

And there is also the arresting wit and humor which I also appreciate about this author. This is such an enjoyable and satisfying book that I'm reluctant to recommend it and lend it out until I can read it again just one more time. Probably more than once, but once again SOON!

I have such a satisfying life in St. George, but I'm occasionally restless and wonder if I'm doing all I can to do good in the world. Being able to drift away into Brower's world is one I lovely habit I would hate to give up if I get more ambitious anytime soon...