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
I have not read the Emma M. Lion series but now I’m interested.
Probably the longest series I’ve read were the Little House books. I listened to them on audio and enjoyed them as an adult ( I didn’t like reading as a child).
My favorite series was James Herriot’s All Creatures series. I found them interesting and quite funny.
Neither of these were romance. I’ve read a lot of romance but started enjoying other reads lately.
Jennifer, I adored the James Herriot series. I re-read the first volume last year, and it was just as good the second time around.
I, too, adored the Emma M. Lion journey (so far). They are fabulous in audio form. I willfully suspend my disbelief (Emma, in true Victorian society, would not have the freedom or independence she enjoys) because her relationships with these possible suitors are delightful. Plus, her stream-of-consciousness journaling is fun. I had no idea the author’s plans were so extensive (many readers will be pleased), but I think she can pull it off.
My most frustrating series experience was listening to Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen culinary mysteries. I abandoned it after seven or eight. As you said, it must be difficult to draw out romantic tension book after book. Those books felt like fluff books I only resorted to when needing to kill time on my treadmill.
My favorite series experience was listening to Alexander McCall Smith’s No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency books. I was enthralled with Mma Ramotswe, Botswana, and her clever mystery-solving. However, I abandoned that before completion, as well. Those books demand the audio experience for Lisette Lecat’s outstanding narration (how else would I know how to pronounce the names and words). My library stopped securing the audio versions. I believe I made it through the 14th installment.
I think the key to a great series is tremendous skill for world-building, flawed but endearing characters, and tension that can be maintained indefinitely. I have never attempted to write a series. However, I did end a YA title with two girls going on a London/Paris/Rome trip. Several years later, I snatched a Groupon deal for a trip, but could not find a girlfriend to join me on such late notice, so I went alone. I never worked up the sequel. Oh, well. There’s always tomorrow.
Wendy, the narrator of the Emma M. Lion books is truly wonderful. And thanks for the reminder of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. I listened to the first book, and then never returned. But I see my library has all of those audiobooks. Yea!
I’m listening to Emma’s journals now and really enjoying the series. I’m on number 7. The longest series I’ve read is probably Jan Karon’s Mitford Series. I love those too!
I adored the Mitford series, Carrie, and I think I read them all.
I really enjoyed the O’Malley series by Dee Henderson.
Thanks for that reminder, Becky!
I have not and probably will not read the series you were talking about. I have read series with 5-6 books. But the biggest series was the Baxter’s by Karen Kingsbury, 17-20 books. My daughter got me started on those out of our church library. The hardest part was when Elizabeth Baxter was dying of breast cancer and I had just found out I had breast cancer. I’m a 15 year survivor!
Hey, Gail. I am a 16 year (this December) survivor of breast cancer. We can celebrate together.
Yes!!🙌🏻
I’ve read the first Emma Lion. I didn’t like the unfinished feeling of the first book so I haven’t read on. The longest series I’ve read is the Montclair Brides by Jane Peart. I read them when you had to wait for the next one! The most painful wait in a series for me was Mark of the Lion by Francine Rivers.
Kristin, I normally don’t like a book that doesn’t feel finished. In fact, I have dropped series because of it. So I understand. But for some reason, perhaps because these are told in journal format, I didn’t mind it this time. I am hooked. And I totally agree about waiting for the next books (particularly book #2) of the Mark of the Lion series.
Clearly, you’re not the only one and I would have read on with Emma if the Kindle books were more affordable. They were on KU, but they aren’t any longer. I’m so careful with my book budget these days! $6.99 for such a short book is like DoorDash for me, I can’t justify it. : )
Kristin, check your library. These books are so popular that most libraries are offering them. If I was willing to wait, I could get either ebook or audiobook on Libby app.
Over the years I’ve read Piers Anthony’s Xanth series (wonderful if you love puns!), Diane Mott Davidson’s Goldy Bear mysteries, Anne McCaffrey’s Pern Series, Edgar Rice Burroughs’s Mars series–I’m old, can you tell?
Ah, someone else who loved the Diane Mott Davidson series! I really enjoyed those books and am not sure why I drifted away other than other books got my attention first.
I have not read any of the books by Emma M. Lion. The longest series I’ve ever read is the Cape Light series by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer. That’s probably my favorite series although I have many other favorite series as well.
Joyce, I haven’t read any of those. Thanks for sharing.
I read every book in the Chronicles of Narnia. I read most of the Left Behind series, but it got too unrealistic for me and I stopped. I read some of the Outlander series, but grew bored with it. Loved all the Harry Potter stories and read each one. Same with Stephen King’s Dark Tower series.
Oh, the Chronicles of Narnia. I’ve read the whole series multiple times. Such great books. Someone I know reads that series every December.