This continues the story of Emmy Lake who has worked hard for to prove herself a worthy reporter at Woman's Friend publication. When Henrietta Bird stepped down as editor of the Woman's Friend, Mr. Guy Collins became the new editor. Over time, Mr. Collins allowed Emmy the responsibilities and assignments she desired after accompanying him to the Ministry of Information HQ at Senate. A confidential meeting comprised of many of the prominent journalists trusted with dispersing information to assist the war effort. Emmy becomes empowered with this new opportunity to prove herself as a true journalist. The relationships and marriages form during the war along with tragedy and hardship. These events bring people together to support each other and form their own "family".

In this installment, it is 1943 in London and it's Emmy Lake's 25th birthday. Newly married to Captain Charles Mayhew, she works 2 jobs while he is serving in the war along with most other men. The story continues with its same witty, lively characters which really drive the stories which are an encouraging look at life during WWII. Of course, just as the group at Woman's Friend are relieved to have recovered from some setbacks they have currently increased revenue with their increased sales with the new format which readers have come to depend.

This is all upended when Mrs Porter inherits Woman's Friend from her uncle Lord Overton who owned the magazine for 48 years. It was assumed that it would be passed down to his son along with The Evening Chronicle and rest of the Launceston Press empire. Since the magazine was currently doing well no one expected many changes with the new ownership. Everyone is appalled when the new owner, Mrs. Porter, wants nothing more than to make dramatic changes creating havoc amongst the employees and the readers. She is an uppity, know-it-all who looks down on everyone and eventually decides to sell the magazine without concern about the livelihood of the staff. For the dedicated workers, Woman's Friend has become an integral piece for people to contribute to the war effort. They provided useful information for the everyday person about getting through the difficulties faced by the war. They were especially proud of their ability to help mostly women in need who had no where else to turn for assistance.

With help from Monica Edwards, an old friend of Guy Collins and successful publisher of Woman Today publication, they try to problem solve a way to save the magazine from failure. They know how to run a successful magazine but they lack the funding to purchase the publication themselves. Not to fear, this group of dedicated, loyal folks are determined to make lemonade out of lemons. Again, this is a story which has many likeable characters with budding relationships and connections. I hope that this is not the last we hear about them.

https://bookwormreviewblog.blogspot.com/2024/03/mrs-porter-calling-by-aj-pearce.... ( )

This story provided a much-needed escape from reality. The characters, whether "good" or "bad", were delightful, clever, and insightful. I found myself smiling constantly while reading it, even letting out a few happy chuckles. I have read all three of the Emmy Lake books and cannot wait to see what A. J. Pearce has in store for us in the future. Keep up the excellent work! ( )

Great book. Funny story. Some stereotypes but a good read. Sad. WWII London and bombs ( )

The sequel to Dear Mrs Bird and Yours Cheerfully is set during 1943. Emmy is still living in London with her best friend, Bunty, and writing for Woman’s Friend. The magazine has a new owner, Mrs Porter, and Emmy doesn’t agree with her ideas about taking the magazine in a different direction.

I read this eagerly. Emmy is, as always, delightful company. She cares so much, about her work and about her friends, and she tries to keep a positive attitude -- something which is easier at some times than others. And this is a story about dealing with difficult times, from unwelcome changes at work to being separated from loved ones and the other challenges of wartime. Moreover, it’s about people banding together and supporting each other through those. At times I found it quite moving.

One day, I thought to myself, the idea of talking about borrowing a pair of shoes in the same breath as saying that people had been bombed will seem very strange and more than likely insensitive in the extreme. But it was normal conversation now. Just what we did, even though there was nothing normal about it at all.

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Loved this third in the heartwarming series as much as the first two. While it’s tempting to start with this one, I know you’ll enjoy it more if you begin with “Dear Mrs. Bird” and then “Yours Cheerfully.” Like the first two, this delightful novel takes place in the 1940s during World War II in London.

Against the backdrop of war, best friends Bunty and Emmy continue to “Keep Calm and Carry On” with Emmy doing her part for the war effort as a journalist for the magazine “Women’s Friend.” A glamourous egocentric socialite becomes the magazine’s new publisher, and does away with Emmy’s personal, helpful advice column. Mrs. Porter has a new vision for the entire magazine, which could be the end of the publication. There is much humor in this portion of the story, despite Mrs. Porter’s heartless attitude.

I enjoyed the warm relationships of the magazine’s staff as well as Emmy’s friendships with Bunty and Thelma, another close friend with three young children whose husband is also away fighting for freedom.

The magazine’s drama is juxtaposed with Emmy’s personal life, which demonstrates the hardships of war (volunteering, rationing, bombs) and the strength and perseverance of those fighting the war from the home front – wives waiting for letters from husbands in the thick of battle, children losing parents, families overcoming adversity. Despite the serious topics, this is an uplifting novel, well-researched and warmhearted.

I highly recommend this endearing and poignant historical novel and am looking forward to book four. ( )