Badly Done, Emma Lee
Emma Lee Maxwell has lived a life entrenched in luxury, being the epitome of a spoiled, stylish socialite. She spends her days attending debutante balls, organizing sorority events, and reigning as Charleston’s Gossip Queen. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when her family’s fortune disappears, and she realizes her days as a pampered Lowcountry Princess are coming to an end.
Facing her new reality, Emma Lee discovers she has inherited her aunt’s cottage in the picturesque Cotswolds. Dreaming of a posh English lifestyle complete with polo matches and trips to London, she heads to England. She plans to put her social skills to good use, aiming to become the village matchmaker, starting with three local brothers. However, the oldest brother, Knightley, sets his sights on Emma Lee and insists she focus on finding a match for herself—with him.
Southern Flair Meets Jane Austen
This modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma by Leah Marie Brown infuses Southern charm and wit into the classic story. The book is filled with humor and a romantic flair, blending modern elements while keeping the essence of the original. Familiar characters like Harriet Smith, Jane Fairfax, and Mr. Woodhouse make their appearances, along with new and engaging characters like Knightley’s brother Bingley, who brings a lot of fun to the story.
Emma Lee’s Journey
Emma Lee is a blend of both new and familiar qualities. Although spoiled and pampered by her father after her mother’s death, she is kind and aware of her flaws, often candid about them. Instead of the usual romantic-comedy trope of a character maintaining a lie, the story focuses on Emma Lee’s honesty, particularly her admission of never having read a Jane Austen novel. This honesty enhances the narrative, especially as Emma Lee starts to fall for Knightley and reevaluates her stance on love.
Enter Knightley
Knightley is a dream leading man whose charm is undeniable. The chemistry between him and Emma Lee is palpable, filled with light flirtation and innuendo. Their initial meeting marks the beginning of an exciting and fresh romance, making readers swoon with every interaction.
Adaptation Imagination
Badly Done, Emma Lee is perfect for a romantic-comedy adaptation. Characters like Emma Thompson as Knightley’s mother and actors like Kit Harrington or Theo James in leading roles come to mind. The possibilities for casting are endless and exciting.
Final Thoughts
While Emma Lee’s journey of opening her heart is the central theme, the story could delve deeper into her reluctance to love. More exploration of her relationship with her sisters would have also enriched the story. Despite these minor gripes and a couple of poor-taste jokes, Badly Done, Emma Lee is a delightful read. It’s heartwarming, fun, and perfect for fans of Bridget Jones’s Diary looking for a fresh take on a Jane Austen classic. Badly Done, Emma Lee will be available in bookstores on October 30, 2018. Don’t miss out on this charming read!
Do you enjoy modern retellings of Jane Austen novels? What’s your favorite adaptation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
