I do love a modern take on Austen novels and I was keen to read this one because it sounded fun. I was expecting a Clueless type retelling of Emma, and that's what I got - plus some. Sure, some parts were a bit cliche and silly/overdone, but I didn't even care. The writing was good and had enough substance to the story and characters to make it an enjoyable, fun read. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read it.

I received an advanced copy of this for free from @netgalley in exchange for an honest review that I am leaving completely voluntarily.
I was attracted to this one for two main reasons.. 1. The pretty pink cover and 2. The nod to New York so it was a no brainer to want to read this one for me!
In saying this.. I’m glad I went in with that notion alone and otherwise blind because had I known it was loosely inspired by Jane Austen’s original, Emma, I probably would have looked the other way. However, I’ve added Emma to my list to read this month now so there we go! Don’t judge a book and all that jazz!
There is so much to love about this book! The NYC setting, the jovial argumentative banter, the slow burn love interests, the friendships.. I found myself constantly smiling throughout it all. It gives off warm and fuzzies book length long! Once I’d finished I couldn’t help but feel that something was missing.. I’m just not quite sure what that something is. Still a solid 4 star read that I’d highly recommend!
My favourite thing about this one was the quirks and personalities of each of the characters. They were all so bright and a touch extra that it was super fitting for a, the book and b, the setting it’s written in. Each character brings something different and adds another dimension to the storyline. From Mr Woodhouse and his fussing and Knightly and his charm to Nadine’s clumsiness and Emma’s strong will it’s jam packed and at times a lot of butting of heads. In fact I’d say it is a very character driven plot line which isn’t normally my vibe but this time I really enjoyed it. They were described and written well.
I loved the reference to the power of the sisterhood, between Margo and Emma and then Emma and Nadine. The essence of friendship makes up for a lot of this one, especially surrounding influence, both the good and bad kind. It’s a case of monkey see, monkey do and the history that keeps on repeating itself. You can have the very best of intentions but sometimes you need to let things unfold on their own.
Woodhouse and Knightly.. 🥰 The slow burn love story starts from the very first pages and as predictable as it was.. I loved every second! The jabs, the banter, the teasing, the jealousy.. it was the classic trope of.. both hiding how you feel from the other but inside going cray over how crazy you are about the other. In the end it kinda dragged on a touch too long for me but maybe I’m just impatient! I wanted the happy ending!! Loved the touch of heat that ramped up towards the end 🔥 if there was anything that I’d change would be to get there two together sooner.
All in all I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Ending how it started, on a high, full of street party christmas cheer and a house full of love. The romantic in me loved the one liners so I’ll leave you with this.. find that someone who wants you there every morning. This was fun, feel good and easy reading.

4 stars for this largely authentic but incredibly modern "Emma" adaptation. I loved how the Nadine/Harriet character was transformed into a very current, single, Gen-Z woman as well as how some of the other supporting characters were redesigned & updated, even if the main heroine & Mr. Knightly are both quite close to what Austen wrote (although far more spicy). I sincerely hope this writing team tackles P&P next!

I have to confess that I “DNF”’d this book after reading the prologue and first chapter. Some modern retellings are well thought out and a lot of work can go onto translating an old tale into a modern classic, but adding swear words and crass cliches isn’t clever and it isn’t nuance. I find this form of writing lazy, particularly when you’re modernising something as sacred as Jane Austen. So many retellings of Austen have flopped and I guess the proof is in the pudding. If you want a modern adaptation of Emma, my recommendation would be to watch Clueless.

I'm sure you've already seen this book by now so I'm just throwing my two cents in to say, if you love Jane Austen's Emma or are a romcom fan, you'll enjoy it.

This friends to lovers tale was a bit of a slow burn and at times I did wish it moved faster but I admit, when the two did get together at the end, it really was a romantic sigh moment. With a bit more steam than the original Emma, this modern day retelling was simply adorable.

It is difficult to believe that this is a debut novel, as it so cleverly picks up on all aspects of Jane Austen’s Emma, with subtle and elegant ease. Set in the Upper East Side neighbourhood in Manhattan, Emma Woodhouse is feeling at a loss since her sister Margo married the next-door neighbour, Ben. When Emma meats Nadine from Ohio, she quickly embraces her as a new friend as well as a project. She organises Nadine to have her new hair colour and clothes, so that she fits into new life. Yet Ben’s brother, George Knightley is quick to point out that Emma is treating Nadine like a hobby. Whilst they are at loggerheads, George soon realises that Emma is no longer the girl next door but a woman, who is maddeningly intoxicating. She is consuming his every thought but is unsure of whether Emma feels the same way about him. George decides that he either has to face his fears and confront Emma or disappear from her life. Meanwhile, Emma is questioning her feelings for George and what she must do to live up to his expectations.
I was utterly captivated by this story and whilst I knew inevitably what would happen, I still questioned if Emma and George would have their HEA. The twists and turns to this modern-day story of Emma and Knightly, had me racing to the end, just so that I could start the book all over again. 5+ stars!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you have read Jane Austen's Emma, then you know the premise of this book. You may be thinking that adaptations can be terrible and appalling to read. Well, I can tell you that this one is not terrible. It is not appalling. It is amazing and let me tell you why!

Yes, Emma is young and spirited. Meddling in everything that she really shouldn't be. She says that she is a matchmaker but as this story unfolds, we find that she is the worst matchmaker. Where this differs is that this version is set in modern day New York and covers modern day issues, such as pretentiousness, social arrogance, and relationship difficulties.

The other difference is that this includes Knightly's point of view. This is refreshing. Refreshing because this allows you to feel the angst and the way the relationship changes between Emma and Knightly differently to Jane Austen's book.

I loved this book. I cried and I laughed. I squealed with excitement when I read the Jane Austen easter egg at the end. I sure hope this duo of authors adapts more of Jane Austen's novels. Bravo!

Big thanks to Netgalley, Simon and Schuster Australia, and Audrey Belleza and Emily Harding.

A playful modern remake of Jane Austen’s “Emma”, this story is light and sunny and has been a delight to read. The characters are just fabulous! Emma is clearly very wealthy and spoiled by her overly protective father, yet she’s also a caring and genuine human being. George Knightley is, of course, to die for. He’s handsome, also wealthy and successful in his business but still down to earth and sincere. I adored the banter between these two. Emma’s father was another beautifully crafted character, worried about people catching their death of a cold, fretting about diet, and my goodness he came up with some revolting health foods with which to ply his family! I also loved the setting, mostly in the Woodhouse home, which in Knightley’s eyes was “defined by its warmth and love and affection. It was everything the Knightley home wasn’t.” That was such a telling description and gave me a huge insight into Knightley’s backstory. Overall, this story flowed effortlessly until its eventual, very satisfying conclusion. I hope these two authors get together to write again because this story really has been a joy.

I can only rate for as far as a got in this ARC because the book has not been formatted correctly for Kindle at the time I downloaded and it got to the point where I simply couldn't read anymore.

3.5stars. I liked the characters, the banter, and the premise. I will be ordering a physical copy because I want to finish this book

A modernised steamy, fun and flirty take on a classic.

I studied "Emma" in Year 11 English Lit 2.5 decades ago, so I loved reading this novel with the original storyline whispering through my thoughts.

Firstly, well done to the authors for keeping the familiar elements of Jane Austen's story in the forefront, with Emma and Knightley still how they were "back then" mingled with the contemporary era of women studying/working/dating. I also loved how the main elements of characters were still seen, such as Mr Woodhouse stressing about everything, Mrs Pawloski (aka Mrs Bates) overtalking, and Nadine (aka Harriet) oozing innocence etc.

That being said, this book is not a "modernised remake" of the 1816 classic and shouldn't be judged as such. This story has several fun changes which I enjoyed reading, along with all things NYC. Plus open-door sex and f-bombs... so this book isn't for younger readers.

The authors' voices shone through from the first chapter to the last, their talent with words and dialogue drawing me in. A joy to read... and I hope, the first book of several Austen-inspired books. 😉

Thanks, NetGalley, for the advanced copy. I enjoyed it immensely!

I love Jane Austen's stories, so reading this retelling of Emma was a no brainer for me.

Now, I will say that Emma Woodhouse, in every single telling of the story from Austen to today, has annoyed me. She is so self righteous and sanctimonious with the way she treats people that I can't help disliking her for a lot of the story, and that was the same with Emma of 83rd Street.

But as always she redeems herself in my eyes and we can see past her spoiled rich girl persona to the girl underneath it all.

I enjoyed the modern setting - who doesn't love NYC? - and how even now 200 years after Austen's original, that class and social difference are as prevalent and as noticeable as ever - there is probably more definition between the haves and have nots now.

I love modern George, and enjoyed the best friends finding their way to be much more.

Just recently I declared in a review 0f a book I found disappointing that I was not going to read any more books based on the Jane Austen novels. However I already had Emma of 83rd Street on my bookshelf so I decided I would give it a chance. I am glad I did, because I enjoyed it, maybe because it was a retelling of the actual original book and not a make believe story about what happened to Austen's characters after she wrote about them.

The authors moved Emma Woodhouse, George Knightley, Mr. Woodhouse et al to modern day New York. They included a couple of brothers and sisters, an annoying older lady and Harriet renamed as Nadine. Then they translated the entire story into modern terms and they did it very well. Or maybe they were riding on the excellence of the original story. Whichever, it was great fun and very readable.

My conclusion - that although I wish authors would create their own characters this particular book was done well and was a very easy and entertaining read and well worth four stars.

Best modern Austen retelling that I've ever read I think.
The characters were so vivid, and she absolutely NAILED Knightley—the addition of ML POV chapters was such a treat! Honestly one of the giddiest, swoon-worthy romances I've read in a while, and it was a pleasure to be along for the ride.
I think one of the benchmarks in evaluating how good of a previous novel retelling something is, is reception and feedback from fans of the original and new fans alike, and from what I've seen and heard this is resoundingly a success. As a fan of Austen myself I absolutely adored this (definitely felt the essence of the story but it wasn't a carbon copy, it had it's own unique charm), and I think it still holds up as a stand-alone story even for those who have never touched Austen's work.
Loved it!

I am a sucker for a Jane Austen inspired book or movie and 'Emma of 83rd Street' didn't disappoint. I gobbled up this book, the banter and chemistry between Emma and Knightly was pitch perfect. Having the book set in the rich parts of New York City was spot-on, along with addressing the privileged world Emma inhabits. I also like that the age gap is shortened to a less cringy one as per the original book. The ultimate Emma modern setting, Clueless, the Amy Heckerling movie, has set the bar high when it comes to taking on the spirit of the book, and this book rises to the occasion.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC.

I loved this!! It made me want to re-watch the new version of Emma.

Who doesn't love a good friends to lovers book.

This is my first time trying either of these authors but definitely want more from them.

Who doesn't love a retelling. Emma of 83rd street is a modern retelling of Jane Austen's 'Emma' and it was sublime!

-slow burn
-forced proximity
-friends to lovers

Emma, in her final year in grad school and wants to prove that she doesn't need her family name to make it out on her own. After her sister gets married, she is bored and decides to make her friend Nadine who she ran into her new "project" with a new makeover and her match making skills. Meanwhile, her childhood friend and neighbor is realizing that Emma is no longer "the spoiled rich girl" and is growing up.

Emma and Knightly's chemistry and tension was amazing. Their love was so strong.

I adored the little hint of the next book.

Let’s start by saying I have never read Jane Austen’s Emma. Thus, no expectations. I liked the cover and the description and was looking for some light fun warm and fuzzy reading as a distraction from work stresses.

I honestly thought I wouldn’t get through this book. Emma is an unlikeable meddling brat. The first 100 pages or so were excruciating. I’m not a quitter, I considered giving up, but then read everyone’s reviews and persevered.

I’m glad I did - I loved the second half of this book. If you’re in to rom-coms, NY life and fashion, this novel is for you. Easy to read and enjoyable. Escapism at its best.

Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC in return for my honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The story was cute but tended to drag on for too long. The main characters took quite long to get together that the romance was almost non-existent until close to the end.

Overall a good story.

I could not get enough of this ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read of the 2023 version of Jane Austen’s Emma re-vamped into the modern era.
So many times, I read into the early hours of the morning, the underlying current fizzing between Emma and Knightly was electric.
I loved all the characters, Emma not able to help herself and meddling in Nadine’s love life, the successful pairing of Emma’s sister Margo (thanks to a little help from Emma) Mr Woodhouse, Mrs Pawloski and of course Fran and her delectable Sunday night dinners.
I admired that Emma was adamant about wanting to secure her dream job on her own merit, not riding on her father’s coat tails.
My least favourite individual in the whole story was the debonair cad disguised as Mr Knox, he was way too smooth for my liking.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for my ARC, I loved the collaboration of Audrey and Emily’s debut novel and I am super keen to read what ever they collaborate on next, thank goodness for late night boozy texts, keep those crazy idea’s coming girls, you are on a winning formula.

In bookclub we've just finished reading our way through Jane Austen's back catalogue, finishing with Emma. Perhaps that's why I struggled just a tad at the beginning of this modern retelling. Once I put that aside I did, however, end up enjoying this sparkly romp set in New York.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the advance review copy.