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⭐️⭐️💫 I found this audiobook kind of annoying. I don‘t remember Emma very well, so I don‘t know if the back and forth of two people liking each other but not having a grown up conversation and instead assuming they know what the other is thinking, causing grief is from the original or the adaptation. Both narrators had annoying voices for the women in particular. The sex scenes were overdone and I sort of wished they‘d hurry up. Meh. 🤷‍♀️

My book haul from today! #readindie

Weekend plan? Nap + reading in bed.

This was a pick for me!!! Although I stink at keeping up with anything I was determined to read this #janeadjacent #pemberlittens selection- and I‘m so glad I did. I really enjoyed the story and will def read the next book.

Enjoyed this. I think it did a good job modernizing the story. It did drag on a bit with the he/she doesn't like me like I like them, Emma/Knightley angst. Definitely reading the next one.

#JaneAdjacent
#Pemberlittens
@StayCurious

#ReadAway2024 #MarvelousMarch #readathon #SeriesLove2024

Read with #Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Overall, I enjoyed this modern Emma retelling. I went from the audiobook to print & then back-&-forth between the two. I wasn‘t a big fan of the female narrator‘s voice but it was easier to listen to it most days. I liked both Emma & Knightly‘s characters & that they each grew throughout the story. I‘m not sure the (quite) spicy scenes were needed ⬇️

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent #retelling I really enjoyed this Emma retelling. Emma was flawed but really likeable and I commiserated with her more often than not. The writing was very well done and I really fell for the romance between Knightley and Emma. It was believable and sweet. I will definitely pick up Darcy‘s book when it comes out.

I really enjoyed reading this with #PemberLittens #JaneAdjacent #BuddyRead with @StayCurious it was great to see the two main characters grow. I found one spot for each #ISpyBingo month of Jan Feb and Mar. #ReadAway2024 #MarvelousMarchReadathon @Clwojick @TheAromaofBooks @Andrew65 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES

Overall, I enjoyed this retelling of Emma. The ending to me seemed to be a very different tone from the rest of the book, which disappointed me a bit, but this is still a pick. I loved seeing Emma‘s passion for art shine throughout the novel and her convictions to stand on her own in certain situations - lots of growth. It was cute and light…great choice for #PemberLittens ! #JaneAdjacent

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Ch. 34-35: yay Emma! You finally stood up to Margo and gently told her to butt out. Good for you! And I‘m so glad that the “strings” conversation was had with Knightley. Finally, progress. Happy vibes ❤️💜

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent 32-33: hmmm keeping secrets is never a good thing. Why is Emma so nervous about everyone knowing? Oh I‘m so glad things got cleared up with Nadine! That was a frustrating scene haha! Things are looking up. But wait…there‘s still the matter of them actually TalkIng and defining their relationship. And telling their family…this Sunday dinner is gonna be one for the books.

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent 30-31: Well, even though I‘m sure a complicated conversation needs to be had, I‘m glad they finally admitted that they want each other. There were no declarations of love - yet. I‘m sure those are forthcoming. Things are going to change now no matter what.

I intended to get caught up on a few chapters for the #PemberLittens on today's solo cafe date, but I got so sucked in that I finished the book completely. This has to be one of my favorite Austen adaptations. I love that this Emma fights back when Knightley lectures, and I love the career trajectory the authors set her on. The epilogue sets up the sequel (or companion?) novel really nicely, too, so I'm definitely going to have to check that out.

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Ch. 28-29:
Knightley is finally done running away (although I feel bad for his new secretary-is she out of a job?) and Emma is full of self discovery. Mainly: she loves Knightley. He‘s her person - the one in her life who truly knows her. Now what to do about that discovery? I think it‘s great she turned down the offered internship. Her path lies elsewhere where she can stand on her own.

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Ch.26-27
And one more person leaves Emma behind. This poor girl - no wonder she‘s sad all the time. It was good of her to spend time with Mrs pawloski. I bet that lady‘s lonely too. No surprise about Montgomery and davina. He‘s flaky and she seemed a bit sly maybe. I mean who hooks up at a party when your date‘s downstairs!

#pemberlittens #janeadjacent I had to finish this. Jane Austen retells are my comfort reads ( and cozy mysteries) and this is a lovely modernization of Emma. I really enjoyed it, it does get 🌶️🌶️🌶️ at the end which is okay but I think it could still be modern and not a romance formula ending. ( I think I‘ve read enough of these to see a pattern )

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Ch.24-25: I felt bad for Emma during the birthday brunch scene. I mean, we‘ve all been there - frustrated and feeling like everything and everyone is working against you. True, her comment was cruel but Knightley didn‘t have to immediately be her judge and jury.

At least he finally realizes his feelings for her - even if he plans to run away again.

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Ch.22-23: I‘m not crying. You‘re crying. Man, these authors know how to tug at the heartstrings. I‘ve got so many feels when it comes to this couple.

Margo is so clueless when it comes to everything lol. Montgomery, Knightley, Davina, Nadine - Yeesh. Won‘t she be surprised when Emma is actually honest with her.

#pemberlittens #janeadjacent I read today‘s chapters 24/25 and hated how they ended with Emma so unhappy so I read ahead and now I‘m crying #bloodyhell

Tonight's chapters show us one of my very favorite moments in Emma- her dance with Knightley. It's a beautiful moment in Austen's prose, and I absolutely die for it in the 2009 mini-series (the version to beat all versions, 2020 adaptation GTFO). But it's very sweet here, too, with Emma dancing barefoot and Knightley internally acknowledging his undeniable feelings. A little over halfway through this book and I am fully bought in! #PemberLittens

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Ch. 20-21: poor Emma. Thinking that Knightley doesn‘t want her when he really does. These two need to sit, talk and air out their feelings. Of course that‘s difficult when they‘re both confused about what they are feeling.

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Ch.18-19: what an awkward party - poor Emma. I feel sad that she feels small. We can‘t all be saving the world. I think she should be proud of her accomplishments. Unfortunately she needs Knightley to feel proud and he‘s too busy putting her down in an effort to downplay his feelings for her.

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Ch.16-17: wow. Knox is so lame - I‘m glad Emma sees it. He‘s not the one for her. She needs someone more mature and more in tune with her. I mean, a self portrait above the bed? That‘s so…ick. (Apologies to anyone reading who has a self portrait above their bed.)

Today we meet our Frank Churchill stand-in, the improbably named Montgomery Knox. He rolls into town like 2024's version of Christopher Hayden, all charming unreliability and aggressive flirtation, and - of course - with a motorcycle. Emma wants to know him better, but she abruptly stops their after-dinner makeout session at the thought of Knightley. I WONDER WHY, EMMA! #JaneAdjacent #PemberLittens

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Ch.14-15: Well, we finally meet the elusive Montgomery Knox and he‘s everything Emma should want. Yet she is worried about what Knightley thinks and doesn‘t go further with Knox when the opportunity arises. And Knightley definitely doesn‘t like Knox. Perhaps he worries that he‘ll flake on his brother‘s restaurant. I definitely think he‘ll flake on Emma. I doubt he‘s interested in a relationship that would tie him down.

#Pemberlittens #JaneeAdjacent Ch.12-13: seriously, I can‘t believe Nadine feels bad seeing Zane after what Emma told her about him. She should just write him off as a scumbag! At least he didn‘t see them. That would have been a scene. ⬇️

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Ch.10-11:
Wow what an intense conversation the likes of which have opened up things that both would have preferred stayed closed. When and how will they admit their feelings for each other?

Poor Knightley, he can‘t get Emma out of his head. I appreciate what he did with Zane - that had “my hero” written all over it. Yes, Emma defended herself but that doesn‘t mean Knightley can‘t defend her as well. Zane=douchecanoe.

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Ch.8: Emma plays matchmaker with Nadine and her barista who is kind of a creeper IMO. Or maybe just a struggling artist who is meant to annoy Emma haha. Meanwhile, things grow more complex. Emma & Knightley are angry with each other but this also opens up Emma‘s own complex feelings for him. She doesn‘t understand why she‘s feeling what she‘s feeling. This is Knightley after all-nothing has changed-Except that it has⬇️

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Ch.6: ooh big fight. Isn‘t he right though? Or is he not giving Emma enough credit?

Ch.7: Now who‘s playing matchmaker? Margo wants Emma to meet the mysterious Montgomery Knox. We‘ll see how Knightley likes that plan.

Cue "Supermodel"! Emma properly meets Nadine, and after swiftly judging her clothes, boyfriend, and prospective job, drags her around NYC for expensive haircuts, Loewe boots, and a dinner with Emma's loved ones. Knightley turns on the charm for Nadine, much to Emma's disbelief, and is dismissive of her work "transforming" Nadine. Still, he and Emma settle in for a cozy movie together at the end of the night- feelings are growing! #PemberLittens

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Ch.4: We see a bit more of Emma‘s snobbery - she means well, but her inner thoughts about Nadine and Mrs. Pawloski are badly done. Of course, they also make her a realistically flawed character. She‘s found a project in Nadine, and once Emma‘s found a project she doesn‘t let up until she gets the results she wants. ⬇️

We get some real My Best Friend's Wedding vibes in today's first chapter, with Emma taking the stage to belt out a terrible (drunken) number in front of a crowd. And much like Dermot Mulroney in the movie, Knightley is sold on the woman brashly owning her subpar performance. Their coffee not-date in the following chapter shows us some solid banter and the beginning of real sparks. And by the chapter's end? Enter Harriet! Or in this story, Nadine.

Finally a light hearted buddy read 🤣❤️ ( The Bros and The Golden Notebook are both serious chunksters ) #janeadjacent I‘m all caught up now for the 2 chapters a day

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Ch.2: Oh, Knightley is starting to maybe have feelings for his childhood friend - despite himself. He‘s pushing them down but they‘re there.

Ch.3: One: Knightley makes a lousy coffee date. Two: it looks like Emma is about to find herself a project. So much for being lazy haha.

#PemberLittens #JaneAdjacent #ReadAway2024 #SeriesLove2024 When I read the introduction I wasn‘t sure I was going to like the 21st Century Emma. Somehow a spoiled rich girl living in Regency England was easier to like than one living on the Upper East Side in modern-day Manhattan. But I set aside my prejudices and by the time I was very far into the first chapter I loved Emma at NYU befriending Nadine. A wonderful story of family, (cont)⬇️

#Naturalitsy #HyggeHourReadathon #Hygge

My #HyggeHour is working on my #NaturalitsyCardSwapSpring cards while listening to the first chapters of the tagged book for #JaneAdjacent with the #PemberLittens & My Monticello which is one of my #AuldLangSpine titles.

I meant to have the cards out earlier but work life got in the way. I‘m going to Kona all day tomorrow, so my new goals is mailing them all out by Tuesday.

I was excited to start this today! It's been a couple of years since I've read an Austen adaptation and this one seems really cute. I have a notoriously hard time with Emma's self-centered snobbery, but I'm attempting to suspend all of my judgement and just enjoy this new version. It's off to a good start so far- I like the amalgamation of Isabella and Mrs. Weston, and Knightley has already caught my interest! #PemberLittens #JaneAdjacent

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent Prologue: we catch glimpses of both Emma and knightley‘s characters and their history with each other. Emma definitely seems more fun - and more in tune with what‘s going on with their siblings than Knightley. I‘m looking forward to seeing how their own romance will come to pass.

Ch.1: the battle between Emma and Knightley commences! And it‘s fun to read. ⬇️

Hey #Pemberlittens, just a reminder we‘re starting our read of this contemporary retelling of Emma today - I will be posting tonight to give people a chance to read the prologue and chapter one. Looking forward to getting started! #JaneAdjacent

#Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent The winner has been chosen (and it was close!) We‘ll be starting this one March 10 with 2 chapters a day. I found my copy on Everand if anyone has access to that. Please let me know if you want to be tagged in my daily posts. Looking forward to reading with you!

Didn‘t want this book to end! I loved how visual these authors were; I felt myself in the snowy, NYC streets and parties. Some plot points became irrelevant overtime and I wish it were longer and actually developed their complexity (Emma‘s chronic loneliness and desire to “fix” Nadine, Emma being considered childish, the grief around George‘s dad + Emma‘s mom, etc) there seemed to be so much more there. All in all, loved this story!

⭐️⭐️💫

I was surprised to win this book through a Goodreads giveaway! Thank you to Gallery Books for the opportunity to review this book.

Since I haven‘t read Jane Austen‘s “Emma”, I‘m probably missing things in this retelling that Austen fans would appreciate more. I found this Emma, with her meddling and makeovers, to be tiring and immature. The romance didn‘t make me swoon. It seems like a lot of other people have enjoyed it, though!

This was a great #retelling! Kept to the spirit of Emma without trying to exactly match each plot point from 1815 to 2023. Only one of the beats felt overblown to me, but it was easily forgiven, and I just LOVED their Emma and Knightley. Please tell me P&P is next! #contemporaryromance

Enthralling. Captivating. Hard to put down. All of these describe the charm that is captured in Emma on 83rd Street. Whether you are a fan of Jane Austen‘s Emma or one of the many cinematic captures of Jane‘s classic tale (i.e. Clueless. If you didn‘t know that was based on Emma – now you do and you are welcome), this modern day twist takes us into the heart of New York where the Woodhouse and Knightly clan take on nuisances of the 21st century.

Really enjoyed this reimagining of Emma! I like that they‘ve softened some of the harsher aspects and that they didn‘t turn anyone into a joke. I really loved the character of Nadine and also that of our now down on her luck neighbour. But, my favourite part might be when she realised that her family doesn‘t call her out on her rude behaviour. Granted, I didn‘t think it was terribly rude, but I‘m glad she took it upon herself to apologise.

After my allergist appointment, I stopped in at Barnes & Noble & treated myself with 2 books & a snack. Beautiful day, in 60‘s with a gentle breeze. #contentment #coffeeandbooks

I‘m so surprised, what a fun treat! I haven‘t won a book from Goodreads in forever. Has anyone read this one yet? 😊

This was a modern friends/lovers spin on Austen‘s Emma and reminded me a lot of the movie version as well as the Clueless version. Emma Woodhouse and her sister Margo grew up and were bffs with their backyard neighbors George and Ben Knightley. When Ben and Margo marry, Emma “adopts” Nadine from her college class to “makeover” and occupy herself. As she and George continue bickering (on Nadine‘s makeover and on every other subject), they 🔻