Her Lighthearted Diversion Draws Readers

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, August 1, 2026

Beth Brower, an independent author from Utah, has self-published six volumes of "The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion," a Victorian-era series following an orphan in 1883 London, which has garnered over 100,000 Goodreads reviews and a passionate fanbase. The series recently secured a major international publishing deal with Bloomsbury, marking its first self-published acquisition, while Brower remains open but cautious about entering the American traditional market.

On Nov. 5, 2019, Beth Brower introduced readers to "The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion," a series chronicling the life of a spirited orphan navigating Victorian London. The initial two volumes, self-published with minimal promotion, marked a departure from Brower’s usual fantasy novels, instead focusing on the daily escapades of Emma M. Lion, a witty, literary-minded young woman in a fictional 1883 neighborhood called St. Crispian’s.

Despite limited marketing beyond an Instagram announcement, the series gradually gained a devoted following, with fans drawn to Emma’s blend of charm, humor, and relatable struggles. Over seven years and six published volumes, Brower’s creation has amassed significant acclaim, including over 100,000 reviews on Goodreads and a vibrant fan community that actively discusses and theorizes about the series online.

Brower, 43, who resides in Orem, Utah, grew up in a large, creative family that influenced her multidisciplinary approach to storytelling and self-publishing. After facing traditional publishing rejections, she established her own imprint, Rhysdon Press, in 2016. Collaborating closely with family members, she has since self-published 13 novels. Brower’s attention to detail extends to all aspects of production, including cover design and typesetting.

The Emma M. Lion books have attracted the attention of mainstream publishers abroad. Bloomsbury Publishing acquired rights for the UK and 17 other territories, making it their first self-published and first series acquisition. Alexis Kirschbaum, head of Bloomsbury Trade, cited the books’ complex female protagonist and authentic depiction of London’s atmosphere as key factors in the acquisition. However, Brower has yet to enter the American traditional publishing market, having recently declined an offer while remaining open to future possibilities.

The series enjoys a broad and diverse readership, resonating across age groups and demographics. Independent booksellers such as Lady Smith at Snail on the Wall in Huntsville, Alabama, report strong sales, with the first volume becoming one of their best sellers. Readers appreciate the balance of lighthearted Victorian charm with explorations of deeper themes such as grief, loss, and resilience. For some, the series provides solace during difficult personal experiences, offering a sense of companionship in its introspective moments.

Brower describes her writing process as meticulously plotted, akin to a serialized television show, with each book covering approximately two months within Emma’s life. The planned series will extend to 25 volumes, chronicling Emma’s journey through 1887. Despite fan engagement, Brower maintains firm creative boundaries, refraining from participation in fan-led plot discussions or speculation forums.

Before turning to writing full-time, Brower was a professional gardener but stepped back due to chronic illness. Now in improved health, she balances productivity with travel, recently celebrating the launch of the Bloomsbury editions in Britain and France. Brower marked the occasion with book signings in London and shared her personal moment of purchasing her own works in a French bookstore.

Brower acknowledges that while Emma is not autobiographical, the character’s combination of optimism and realism reflects her own outlook. Through this series, she has built a literary world that continues to capture the imagination of a dedicated and expanding audience.

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