Summer with Emma

Welcome to The Primrose Tales Literary Club’s seasonal at-home retreats, celebrating our shared love for classic works and the authors who penned them. As this year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birthday, we have an exciting lineup of cozy self-guided retreats featuring some of her most beloved novels.

Complete with themed giveaways, printable bookish retreat kits, suggestions for tea pairings, journal prompts, and period inspired crafts, these retreats are curated experiences that allow you to experience the atmosphere of a bookish retreat from the comfort of your home, blending reading with relaxation, creativity, and connection.

At the end of each retreat, grab your favorite hot beverage, cozy up in your reading spot, and invite your friends to join you for a virtual or in person tea party as you discuss the featured book and author. (Party invitations included with the free download.)

As a participant in any of our seasonal self-guided bookish retreats, you’re automatically entered to win the seasonal giveaways, and eligible for any other surprises that may come along the way.

This summer, we celebrate love, friendship, and personal growth with Emma Woodhouse. Our Jane Austen inspired self-guided Summer with Emma retreat is the perfect escape, whether or not you’re a reader. We’ll visit Highbury and the cast of one of Jane’s most popular stories as they get into gossip and mischief. Happy reading and thank you for stopping by!

Summer with Emma Retreat Schedule

During this three day Summer with Emma retreat we will read the book, watch the movies, have tea and treats, picnic, journal, and create lovely Regency inspired calling cards. Below are helpful links and recommendations to enhance your experience. For the complete itinerary, a welcome letter, and more, download your complimentary copy of the retreat kit found on the bottom of this page.

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Day 1

Read the first chapters of Emma. Watch the 2020 adaptation of the novel, or both. The latest adaptation and a favorite for many, this motion picture features Anya Taylor-Joy as Emma Woodhouse, Johnny Flynn as Mr. Knightley, and Mia Goth as Miss Harriet Smith, to name a few.

Have your first tea and treat pairing: Emma’s Garden Blend tea and Lavender Biscuits .

Answer the journal prompt included in your kit and take a quiet summer walk or sit on the porch for a breath of fresh air.

Day 2

Read chapters 19-42 and watch the 1996 adaptation of the novel featuring Kate Beckinsale, or both.

Create a summer vision board and have your second tea and treat pairing. This time, enjoy Knightley’s Earl Grey & Lemon tea blend with Honey Scones. Garnish with a fresh lemon slice and if you like it sweetened try honey instead of sugar.

Enjoy outside on a picnic blanket while you journal and reflect.

Day 3

Finish the book and/or watch the 1996 adaptation of Emma featuring Gwyneth Paltrow.

Enjoy your read and movie with the third tea and treat pairing: Miss Smith’s Summer Afternoon Delight tea and a Charcuterie board complete with assorted soft cheeses and fresh fruit. Pair those a sunset reading or gazing session.

For an optional Regency period pastime activity, make your very own Regency inspired calling cards while you listen to soft piano or classical music.

In closing…

Thank you for spending your summer in the company of Emma, kindness, and a little mischief. As your retreat concludes, take a moment to reflect on this experience and what it meant to you. Whether you journaled every day or simply read quietly with tea in hand, even if just a few minutes, I hope this retreat has brought you a few moments of joy and it has been uplifting and inspirational.

Whether you are a lifelong fan of Jane Austen’s work, or this is the first time you are reading about her, you are welcome to join us during the end of season virtual retreat for an intimate discussion with like-minded friends and a guest to be announced soon. The Primrose Tales Literary Club is meant to inspire, empower, and uplift, as are these self-guided and virtual retreats?

Reading the book is optional, as is participation in the discussion, and you will be entered in the seasonal giveaway automatically when you opt to download the retreat kit. Sponsored by The Primrose Tales Literary Club, this giveaway is a chance for you to win a free copy of this gorgeous collectable edition of Emma. I fell in love with the Marjolein Bastin Classics Series, which go beyond bringing these stories to life, as Bastin’s series adds elaborately designed ephemera, such as letters, invitations, and more. Giveaway closes on August 31st. No purchase necessary and winner will be announced on this page and my Instagram account.