It was one of the hardest periods of all our lives, and I’m grateful that I have this book as a positive memory of those early days of the pandemic. I always say that I couldn’t be a writer without my family supporting me—my husband, Tony, and my kids, Khalil and Anissa—but they were even more instrumental for this book. I’m grateful for their patience, their understanding, and for always being around (especially lately) to inspire me, to motivate me, and to make me laugh. They are my everything.

Discover More

Discover Your Next Great Read

Get sneak peeks, book recommendations, and news about your favorite authors.

Tap here to learn more.

Author’s Note

Jane Austen famously said about her book Emma while writing it, “I’m going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like.” But of course, Jane was completely wrong about Emma. So many people loved the character when the book was released. And the popularity of Emma has only grown in the years since then. Pride and Prejudice may be my favorite Austen novel, but Emma has always been my favorite character.

Like so many romance readers and romance writers, I’ve been an Austen fan forever. I still have my first copy of Pride and Prejudice that my mother gave me when I was thirteen, and I completely wore out the VHS tapes of the 1995 Pride and Prejudice miniseries. And I wore out another VHS tape, too—the 1996 BBC production of Emma, with Kate Beckinsale in the titular role and the charming Mark Strong as Mr. Knightley. To this day, that is my favorite Emma adaptation (followed very closely behind by the modern, teen adaptation of Emma, Clueless, mostly for the clothes and Paul Rudd).

When I started writing romance, it was inevitable that I would eventually tackle an Austen retelling. I chose Emma because of, well…Emma. Headstrong and fiercely loving of her friends and family, Emma always wanted everyone around her to be as happy as she was. And she was always up for a party. True, she was a touch clueless, and maybe a bit self-satisfied, but Emma had the biggest heart under all that extra-ness. And Mr. Knightley…sigh. Wise, respectable, powerful. And quietly loving Emma, despite all her faults. I loved bringing my interpretation of one of my favorite literary couples to life. With her touch of Bollywood flair, and her enviable social calendar, I hope you will love my Kamila as much as the beloved Emma.

About the Author