Standalone

Something Close to Magic

"With a unique world, characters to root for, and a deftly written plot, this book is highly ­recommended."

School Library Journal, STARRED review!

"This appealingly breezy novel will whet readers’ appetites for magic and adventure."

Kirkus

"Classic fairy-tale settings, compelling mysteries and a charismatic cast of characters make Something Close to Magic an entertaining, fast-paced read, and its ending strikes the perfect balance between satisfaction and the promise of more adventures. Readers will be reminded of The Princess Bride; Something Close to Magic may be a fantastical tale, but it’s also one with relationships that hit close to home."

BookPage

"Something Close to Magic was such a sweet, soft fantasy with a new cast of characters that I adored. I genuinely couldn’t stop smiling and laughing while reading this book, and I need everyone to read it immediately. I can’t recommend Something Close to Magic enough, especially if you like cozy, light-hearted fantasies with a lovable found family and great writing!"

Magical Reads

"The banter and friendship between the characters was so enjoyable to read. I loved watching Auralie come out of her shell and realize she deserved more from her life."

Bookmark Lit

"[A] delightful romp filled with great characters on a quest through a fun setting. It’s clever and light-hearted, a feel-good romantic adventure through and through."

Righter of Words

"[T]his book was such a breath of fresh air."

Story Sanctuary

Lucky Caller

“This lovely book brims with complicated family dynamics, unexpected friendships, and important lessons on learning from mistakes. Mills truly excels at creating vivid characters that will tear at readers’ heartstrings [...] A stunning read filled with wit and wisdom.”

Kirkus, Starred Review

“Veteran romance writer Mills delivers a well-crafted, bittersweet comedy of errors filled with realistically flawed characters and taut, witty dialogue.”

Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“A terrifically appealing venture through the fraught task of connecting with other people.”

Booklist

"A charming romance with nuanced supporting characters and exceptionally good dialogue."

School Library Journal

“Emma Mills delivers a quietly heartwarming story of complicated family dynamics, forgotten friends and first loves in LUCKY CALLER.”

BookPage

Famous in a Small Town

“Mills has written a sweet, witty, and touching story about small-town life and the secrets we share. Delightfully multidimensional characters, an appealing setting, and a deceptively simple plot with some unanticipated twists make this is a novel that transcends the conventional romance genre. Readers will especially enjoy the lively dialogue and the effortless narrative flow. This novel is a fine addition to any collection serving young adults.”

VOYA, Starred Review

“Rife with witticism, like a finely honed sitcom, and brimming with heart.”

Kirkus

“Mills encapsulates small-town life in this eventful romance.”

Publishers Weekly

"Mills layers a familiar rom-com set-up over a deeper story of relationships and the surprising ways that a bond among long-time friends holds true, even when it is sorely tested."

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Only Emma Mills could write such hilarious banter so succinctly to make you laugh, and then bring it up later when you've almost forgotten it to make you laugh again."

Magical Reads

Foolish Hearts

“Mills thoughtfully explores the nuances of all kinds of relationships, both friendly and romantic, via Claudia and her circle of friends […] Through these friendship struggles and romances old and new, Mills evokes the high stakes and vast rewards of trust, intimacy, and honesty.”

Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“The characters are wonderfully fresh and honest [...] The course of true love never did run smooth, but in the case of these two lovers, the journey is worth your while.”

Kirkus

"With the themes of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream woven subtly throughout, Foolish Hearts is a detailed, convincing high school story about opening your heart to all kinds of love, and how to fight to preserve it."

BookPage

"A lighthearted contemporary romance with lovable characters, theater nerds, gamers, boybands, meaningful friendships, and great family dynamics."

The Thoughtful Voice

"4 stars. There is a reason Mills keeps me coming back - or maybe many reasons. Her novels have been wonderful so far. Foolish Hearts is yet another masterpiece that adds to Mills's stellar reputation as a pillar in YA contemporary. I will forever be looking for new books by her, no matter the genre!"

Eater of Books

"FOOLISH HEARTS is a beautiful and honest story about love, friendship, forgiveness and acceptance, along with a clever parallel between the cast of FOOLISH HEARTS and the cast of Shakespearean masterpiece, A Midsummer Night’s Dream."

Bibliophilic Med Student

"[FOOLISH HERTS is] a book about friendship, family, telling yourself and others the truth, facing your fears, and realizing that people are so much more than they seem upon first (or even second or third) impression."

Sadness or Eurphoria

This Adventure Ends

“Mills seamlessly creates art imitating life imitating art while bringing freshness to the familiar romantic conventions she invokes. With taut, realistic dialogue, she expertly crafts blossoming friendships and nascent romances.”

Publishers Weekly

“This tale of privileged teens offers a...satisfying glimpse of an almost alternate universe in which mundane life can be ignored.”

Kirkus

"Immensely enjoyable."

Booklist

“Fans of the author's debut, First & Then, or her YouTube vlogging persona, Elmify, will gravitate toward this title with relatable characters and a satisfying plot.”

School Library Journal

"THIS ADVENTURE ENDS is a heartfelt story about friendship, family, love, and life. It’s funny, honest, and relatable...it will capture your heart and hold onto it long after the last page."

The Young Folks

“A lovely and charming book with great characters and a wonderful focus on the importance of friendship. Emma Mills is definitely [the] go-to author now for fantastically written contemporaries with quirky characters and an engaging plot.”

Across The Words

“THIS ADVENTURE ENDS... celebrates that kind of love – the all-consuming passion of finding the one thing or person you’re meant to be with.”

Mostly YA Lit

“Authentic relationships and unique, lively characters who really brought out the best in each other...Real lessons were learned about love and friendship in THIS ADVENTURE ENDS.”

Reading WIth Style

First & Then

“With sporadic references to Jane Austen’s famous characters and wickedly inventive language, Mills closely observes the social milieu of an American high school obsessed with our favorite sport and makes readers care what happens. A fresh, smart, inventive, and altogether impressive debut.”

Kirkus, Starred Review

“Mills takes inspiration from Jane Austen for both romantic and family dynamics [...] not only fun, but a rewarding portrait of a nontraditional sibling relationship [...] a fresh backdrop to typical Austen themes of social standing and self-awareness. Readers will root both for Foster (as his school’s new varsity kicker) and for Devon and Ezra to discover their worthiness for the other in this satisfying romance.”

Publishers Weekly

"Debut author Emma Mills creates an engaging update to Pride and Prejudice that teen romance fans will enjoy."

Common Sense Media

"FIRST & THEN is really a story centered around the characters and Emma Mills has done a wonderful job creating a cast of characters who are realistic and relatable."

The Young Folks

“Well-written and well-paced...powerful and moving.”

The Eater of Books

"FIRST & THEN is a truly adorable and witty story about family, romance, personal growth, and future endeavors."

Bookmark Your Thoughts

"A simple story about romance, football, and family...The Pride and Prejudice parallels gave the book a fun twist and Jane Austen fans will most certainly want to pick this up!"

Across The Words

“Emma Mills’ debut YA novel plants a Jane Austen-loving high school senior squarely on the playing field with a football jock in this story about growing up, feelings and forgiveness.”

BookPage