Book Review: Emmaline by Sarah Holman

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Title: Emmaline

Author: Sarah Holman

Series: The Vintage Jane Austen #1

Genre: Historical/Retelling

Audience: Young Adult - Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

What if Jane Austen’s Emma lived in America in the year 1930?

The talk of stock market crashes and depression isn’t going to keep Emmeline Wellington down. Born to wealth and privilege, Emmeline wants nothing more than to help her new friend, Catarina, find a husband. Emmeline sets her sights on one of the town’s most eligible bachelors, but nothing seems to go right. Even her friend and neighbor Fredrick Knight seems to question her at every turn. 

Will she help Catarina find the man of her dreams? Why is her father acting so strangely? Will the downturn affect her life, despite her best efforts?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**3.5 stars**

Emmaline, a retelling of Jane Austen's Emma, was an enjoyable story—interesting, and ultimately so sweet.

The first book to release in a series of Jane Austen inspired fiction set during the vintage era, Emmaline takes us back to the 1930s and the Great Depression while also providing all the memorable moments from the classic Emma.

Emmaline Wellington is busy trying to find a wealthy match for the sweet, German girl she’s become acquainted with. But she also never misses a chance to spar with her longtime friend and neighbor, Fredrick Knight. He isn’t so sure about her escapades, while Emmaline is confident of her match-making skills. But things are about to change. The future is unsure for many where finances are concerned … and even more uncertain when it comes to romance.

I did love finding all the familiar “Emma scenes”! Though I don’t actually read much for Jane Austen novels, I love the movies based on the books and have watched three different versions of Emma! I thought Sarah Holman did a great job bringing this classic tale to life in a whole different era. It was a fun retelling, for sure. All the characters came to life in a little different way. I found I was quite fond of Geraldine’s character by the end. ^_^ I also really appreciated the Christian theme and the lessons learned throughout the book.

Though I missed the balls and early 1800s etiquette, all in all it was a unique rendering of the beloved Regency story. I’m excited for the rest of the books from THE VINTAGE JANE AUSTEN series to come out! I believe fans of Jane Austen will certainly enjoy! (By the way, gorgeous covers!)

I received a copy of Emmaline from the author in exchange for my honest review.