Reader Reviews
Loved it!
Jane Austen in the 21st Century this certainly is.
I loved this book. I read it really quickly for me.
I love the fact that we get to know Mark’s (Mr Knightley. In a interview I read the author changed his name so that it flowed better which I like) feelings as well as Emma’s.
Emma’s witty, clever, sexy, young and knows what she wants.
Mark’s charming, romantic, and brotherly who cares for Emma.
Ms Archer has really modernised the book with: the creation of the rival businesses, the fact that Mark has been away in India for years, John and Isabella are still as funny as ever and Gusty (Mrs Elton), Philip (Mr Elton), Harriet, Batty (Miss Bates) and Henry (Mr Woodhouse)are completely ridiculous. With the more gentle characters of Tom and Kate Weston (Mr Weston and Mrs Anne Weston nee Taylor) and Jane Fairfax seeping through.
But really it’s all about Emma and Mark. I won’t give too much away but he’s a mentor with a slightly different agenda, two hot and steamy nights in hotel rooms and a really romantic declaration of love at the end. Who doesn’t think that rain is romantic?
I love that all the chapters are named after recipes like ‘Gentleman’s Relish, Pure Honey, Stuffing, Hot Cross Buns, Summer Pudding and Cold Turkey’
The ‘Digestif’ is a beautiful way to finish of the novel, it rounds it all up and mentions the famous ‘Highbury Humper’.
The book is Emma but it doesn’t feel like Emma - it feels as though it’s a standalone novel which I love.
Ms Archer - Miss Austen would be proud!
I can’t wait for Persuade Me.
Ms LH Russell, East Yorkshire
Wonderful update of a classic
I usually enjoy an updated classic and this was no exception. Emma is not one of my favourite novels by the great Jane Austen but this was wonderful. It’s funny, romantic and very cleverly done. Can’t wait for the writer’s next book.
Heidi, England
Pure bliss!
Archer’s ‘The Importance of Being Emma’ has been a delightful read! With its wittiness, wonderful vivacity and compelling angst between the two protagonists, Archer has beautifully re-captured, in wonderful style, the spirit of Austen in modern day context - certainly no easy feat. The humour coming through is priceless (rest assured if you read this on a train, you may be liable to disgruntle passengers with your outbursts of laughter); this, along with the feistiness of Emma and unrivalled charm of Mr Knightley, will have you swept up in a world of indulgence within minutes. Having read it at the speed of light, I can now indulge myself by reading it all over again … until the next one is out. Highly recommended!!!
H.S. Goldup, Herts
Move over, Darcy
I’ve been in love with Mr Darcy since our first introduction to ‘Pride & Prejudice’. It’s always been Mr Darcy. He shines off the page in such a manner that makes you hold such a high standard for any other man to creep up and steal his place. I recently read your masterpiece ‘The Importance of Being Emma’ and against my own better judgement found a place in my heart for Mr Knightley!
Brontë, Lancs
The quickest I have ever chosen a book
I have just finished reading your book ‘The Importance of Being Emma’ and I have to say that this is the best book I have read in a long long time. It had me gripped until the very last page. I am an avid reader of ‘Chick-Lit’ and I have read many many books by Freya North and Jill Mansell and Lisa Jewell but I have never read a book which has had me gripped as much as yours did.
I felt like I could really relate to the characters and i felt like i knew them.
I got your book from the book signing at Borders, Preston, I was with my boyfriend (who quickly disappeared to the DIY section as he knows how long I take to choose books!!!) But as soon as I read the back of your book i knew it was the one for me!!! He said it was the quickest I have ever chosen a book.
I’m sad that the book has finished, that it had to end because I enjoyed it so much and now I have to wait for the next installment for gosh knows how long.
I hope you do well in the Melissa Nathan book awards, you certainly deserve it, you are truly a fantastic writer!!
Charlotte, Preston
Something Jane can be proud of!
The book is amazing…I was totally enraptured by the way you write and express Emma and Mark. Not only that, you’ve given life to Phillip and all the others too…although Kate could have a few more scenes, but that’s just my own opinion! Isabelle and Knightley are hilarious!! 
I only wish that you could have written more scenes, more flashbacks given more of everything so I didn’t have to finish it so soon…The book is a lovely read and something Jane can be proud of!
Trish, UK
Can’t wait for Juliet’s next book
What a great read it’s all what I expected and more. I couldn’t put the book down and was sad when it ended. I could of carried on reading if there had of been more that is. I can’t wait for Juliet’s next book - I will be buying it. Thank you for such an enjoyable read…….
Emma, Stockport
Did not want to put it down!
Loved it! Never read the original so had no expectations. I was drawn into the book and characters immediately and did not want to put it down! I really wanted to throttle them at times because you get so involved. Great read, can’t wait for the next one.
SBA, Welwyn Garden City
Fantastic Mother’s Day present
I was given this book for Mother’s Day what a fantastic present it turned out to be - loved it! The Importance of Being Emma is a fantastic updating of the great JA’s Emma. All Jane Austen fans will love this version. I’m only disappointed that your next book is not out yet. Please let me know when it’s available.
Liz, Stanwell
I really enjoyed this book
I really enjoyed this book. It was given to me by a friend and I loved it. Look forward to reading Persuade Me.
Judy, Weybridge
Amusing, witty, modern, sexy, romantic and sassy
I read your book. I just loved it. It is amusing, witty, modern, sexy, romantic and sassy. It is exactly the way I imagined a modern version of Emma, which is my preferred Jane Austen book.
I reread it several times and I’m amazed how you were able to convert nearly every important passage in the original book in a modern and credible way.
I am really looking forward to your next project, since Persuasion is my second preferred Jane Austen book !
Caroline, Switzerland
Brilliant modernisation
I started reading this book with scepticism, could anyone live up to the great Jane Austen? Yet I found myself unable to stop reading. The modernisation is brilliant, changing the setting and time yet still identifying Austen’s unique character with those in the 21st century. Archer captures the audiences attention and has them doting over Mark within the first few chapters. Emma is portrayed very well, I was unsure if I liked her but Archer was able to show her as Austen did, flawed and human, and I appreciated the realness of the character and grew to love her! Overall, a great read and I although I’m not normally one to review, I couldn’t not share the laughter and romance I have read with everyone! BUY IT!
Samantha, 19, London
Really enjoyed this book
A good girlie read excellent for when you have a couple of days free just to read ( ie on holiday). Juliet Archer has got it just right and you get the feel of A Jane Austen novel but its set in 21st Century. Can’t wait for the next one
Caroline, Essex
Make it into a film, please!
Jane Austen’s original ‘Emma’ has inspired several films and TV series - so will someone please do the same for this book? And can I choose who’s playing the hero? (Only Richard Armitage or Clive Owen need apply.)
This wonderful story has been cleverly updated - but you don’t need to have read the original at all. This version made me laugh out loud and in true Austen fashion there are darker moments as well.
Bravo, Juliet! (Wasn’t that a TV series too?!)
Genevieve, Herts
Jane Austen in modern dress
Jane Austen’s Emma is one of the most popular of her novels and this is a worthy successor. Juliet Archer has taken the basic story, brought it up to date and imagined what would happen to the same people in a modern setting. The result - whether you like Austen or not - is worth reading in its own right. The dialogue sparkles and all the famous incidents are there in essence. If you’ve never read Emma then this may prompt you to try it and you will find the characters remarkably familiar if you do. I found it entertaining and well written. My only - minor - complaint is it is narrated by Emma herself and Mark Knightley and I found the constant change of narrator - sometimes both on the same page - a little irritating. I did get used to it though and ultimately it didn’t spoil my enjoyment.
Damaskcat, UK
Perfect escapist reading - don’t miss it!
This is a thoroughly enjoyable story which had me hooked from the start. Mark Knightley is the TDH hero who Emma Woodhouse has known all her life. The story begins with a scene between Mark and a teenage Emma, then skips ahead to find them meeting again after several years. Austen fans will love some very clever updating to the original, though I’m sure it will appeal equally to anyone who doesn’t already know the story. Add to that a pacy plot with a host of brilliantly written secondary characters, who bring the story beautifully to life. A real page turner, I zipped through it in no time.
More soon please, Ms Archer!
Sal, Herts
Witty and charming read
This is a charming and witty update of Jane Austen’s Emma (fairly obviously), which is really very well done. And that front cover is stunning. It’s a fun read for a winter evening.
Anne, Godalming
Juliet Archer brings Emma into today’s society with terrific gusto.
Emma like her 19th century predecessor blunders her forceful way through Highbury, organising (or more correctly mis-organising)other peoples lives and loves and causing mayhem.
The book is a delight, and it very successfully transfers the original plot into todays very different culture.
As a reader we see and flinch at Emma’s mistakes, we know they’ll be resolved but the delight is finding out how.
A great read.
afg, London
Utterly delicious original take on a classic
A real 21st century dilemma, get supper ready or carry on reading this delightful, witty version of Jane Austen’s Emma? Thank goodness for ready meals which allowed me to gobble up this surprisingly modern love story. Juliet Archer skillfully manages to build suspension, whipping the Austen basics into a light confection which is not without its darker moments. A complete treat - when is the next in the series published?
Keen Reader, London
Calling All Jane Austen Enthusiasts!
A new author, Juliet Archer, has written a delightful book called “The Importance Of Being Emma”, bringing Jane Austen’s “EMMA”into the 21st century. Skilfully creating a first-rate novel involving present day characters, where ambitions, hopes, desires and misfortunes are played out in an entertaining, modern setting.
Everyone will enjoy this book, from Jane Austen fans to those who simply read for fun. Highly recommended!!
DJE, Hertfordshire
Very enjoyable Christmas present
I was given this book as a Christmas present and what a thoroughly enjoyable, delightful read it was for me over the holidays. Never having read Jane Austin’s “Emma”, I valued it on its own merit.
A super book to sit and read curled up by a roaring log fire,or to take on your holiday. A really delicious read!! Very well done Juliet Archer!!
Melanie, Hitchin
Brilliant - I couldn’t put it down!
I enjoyed this book immensely. I’m not a great fan of romantic fiction but this book was recommended to me by a friend. I was intrigued by the front cover (wish I had her legs!) and by the style of writing (intelligent and witty).
The characters are superb, really believable. Juliet Archer has a real talent for making her characters in her mind to truthful, charismatic, genuine people on paper (especially her hero Mark Knightley). Obviously the ending is predictable, as is most romantic fiction but the writing is so intelligibly written that it keeps you hooked. I can’t wait for JA’s next book.
Bookworm, Surrey
CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOUR BOOK IS BRILLIANT!!!
I was so curious, I simply had to speed through my first reading, just to discover how you had re-created the complexities of “Emma”; but right from the beginning, when you had ingeniously incorporated the names of Jane Austen’s characters, I thought “Wow! - she’s done it!” Through the 398 pages, carefully crafted to follow a sequence of events, thoughts and conversations appropriate to modern day life, the story of Emma is imaginatively unfurled and I loved it.
Now on my second reading, I can appreciate the impressive literary quality you have embodied in this extraordinary achievement.
Doreen, Hitchin
This clever retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma makes a delightfully witty read and I marvelled at the transition to modern life, the social hierarchy of the Regency period very well translated into the structure of local firms and businesses. Combined with puns and word games that distinguish Emma from other novels this updated version is a classic romantic comedy.
Jacqueline, Abergele<-->
